Breaking the Recipe Rut
Friday, March 15, 2024
Sick Soup
This is not a recipe - but as my kids are all capable of cooking themselves - I was asked to share my tricks for this boxed soup I make every time we get sick.
I'm not sure when I started eating this - sometime in my childhood because my younger brother does the same thing when he is sick - AND we both call it Sick Soup...
Lipton Noodle Soup
Chicken Stock
Cholula Sweet Habanero to taste*
Salt and Pepper to taste
I always make it in the microwave - because I'm either the one that is sick - or I'm the one making it for the sick kid in between doing everything else for them! Cook per directions on box. I always add chicken stock, salt and pepper before I microwave it.
*After it comes out of the microwave, I add Cholula - usually if it's a cold - not if it's the flu.
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Chocolate Chip Pie
Chocolate Chip Pie
1 unbaked 9-inch deep dish pie pastry
2 large eggs OR 1/2 c applesauce
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup Nestle semi-sweet chocolate chips
Beat eggs in large mixer bowl on high speed until foamy and pale in color. If using applesauce, you don't have to beat it. Beat in flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla. Beat in butter until combined.
Stir in morsels and nuts. Spoon into pie shell. The mixture will be thick.
Bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until knife inserted halfway between edge and center comes out clean. You may want to make a foil tent over the pie towards the end so the crust doesn't brown too much. Cool on wire rack. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Monday, March 11, 2024
Asian Cucumber Salad
1/2 c Rice Vinegar
2 T sesame oil
1/4 c sugar
1 T ginger
1 T garlic
1 T sesame seeds
Thinly slice cucumbers. put them in a colander over a bowl and salt them to help them release some of their water. This makes them extra crispy. Let them sit while you prepare the dressing.
Friday, March 8, 2024
Cornbread Waffles & Chili
The first picture is how my son made it - waffle on bottom, chili on top. The second picture is how I made it - chili in a bowl with waffle "chips" on the side.
Cornbread Waffles
1 1/4 cups yellow cornmeal
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk
3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
2 large eggs *1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
5 cups (1 per serving) homemade chili**
In a large bowl combine the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
Add milk, oil, and applesauce and stir until incorporated, but don’t over-mix. Leave it a little lumpy.
Spray waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray. Pour batter onto hot waffle iron and bake in batches.
Serve with chili over top and garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado and chopped green onion.
*I substitute applesauce for the eggs because of Jack's egg allergy
**See my AWARD WINNING Runnin' Utes Tailgate Chili HERE
Saturday, March 2, 2024
Homemade Hot Chocolate
6 cups milk
12 oz can sweetened evaporated milk
1/4 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup cocoa powder
In a medium sized bowl whisk together sugar and cocoa. Slowly whisk in evaporated milk - get it as incorporated as you can.
In a large saucepan, heat milk and heavy cream over medium heat, stirring often. When it starts to bubble around the edges, slowly add cocoa mixture about 1/3 at a time whisking to combine. Stir constantly to prevent scorching until mixture is hot and slightly thickened. Serve with whipping cream
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Egg Roll In A Bowl
This is so fast and easy it's ridiculous. Dinner ready in 15 minutes - no joke. I usually serve it with wonton chips - but tonight we only had Chow Mein Noodles (the crunchy kind)
Egg Roll In A Bowl
1 tsp minced garlic
14 oz shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
1/4 c soy sauce
1 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp sriracha
1 whole egg
1 T sesame oil
2 T sliced green onions
In a large skillet, brown the pork or beef until no longer pink. Add the garlic and sautee for 30 seconds. Add the cabbage/coleslaw, soy sauce, ginger, and sautee until desired tenderness. You can add a little water if you need more liquid to sautee the coleslaw down.
Stir in sriracha. Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with green onions. Add additional soy sauce and sriracha if desired.
Microwave Poached Eggs
Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high for 75 seconds. Every microwave is different, so start checking at 45 seconds for doneness. Add more time as needed. You will know the egg is done when the yolk is no longer exposed but is still soft to the touch.
Monday, February 26, 2024
Italian Hoagie Dip
Italian Hoagie Dip1/2 red onion, diced
4 pickled pepperoncini peppers drained and diced, (reserve some pepperoncini juice for the sauce)
1/2 head iceberg lettuce chopped about the size of nickels
1 large tomato, halved, seeded, and diced
1/4 pound deli-sliced Genoa salami, sliced and diced
1/4 pound deli-sliced ham, sliced and diced
1/4 pound deli-sliced prosciutto, sliced and diced
1/4 pound deli-sliced roast turkey, diced
1/4 pound deli-sliced provolone cheese, sliced and diced
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 Tablespoon pepperoncini juice
1 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1 10- to-12- inch round loaf of choice, hollowed out
1 sliced baguette
Combine the chopped vegetables, meats and cheese in a large bowl.
Friday, February 9, 2024
Meatballs & Rice
Easy weeknight dinner! I've made this a lot but always forget the recipe - finally going to write it down.
Grape Jelly
Chili sauce
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Southern Creamed Corn
My kids have ALWAYS loved corn. Always. In all forms. Even when my kids had braces - they loved corn - if we had it on the cob, I would cut it off the cob for them.
8 ears corn, husked *or 4 cans corn, drained
2+ tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup cold water
2 tablespoons butter
Sugar to taste - I added a sugar spoonful
In a large bowl, cut the tip off cob. Cut the kernels from cob with a small paring knife. Using the back of the blade, scrape against the cob to press out the milky liquid.
Whisk together sugar, flour, and salt and pepper, to taste. Combine with corn. Add the heavy cream and water. Mix.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat butter. Add corn mixture and turn heat down to medium-low, stirring until it becomes creamy, about 30 minutes.
Add the 2nd helping of sugar 5 minutes before serving.
Saturday, January 20, 2024
Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Got this from Maisie - I'll do anything to make my kids happy!!
Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Mix together
Friday, January 19, 2024
Breakfast Egg Bites
Breakfast Egg Bites
12 eggs
Shredded cheese
Salsa
Salt and pepper
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs. Add in remaining ingredients and mix together.
*You can use anything you want really. The first time I made them I made them with ham, spinach and cheese. The next time I used crumbled up bacon, cheese and salsa - YUM!!
Monday, January 15, 2024
Pad Thai Peanut Bowl
2 x 12 oz. noodles *I used spaghetti
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 bottles of Sky Valley Organic Thai Peanut Sauce
Add in the noodles, peanuts and sauce then toss to combine. Stir in the scallions, squeeze with fresh lime juice and serve.
Saturday, January 13, 2024
Disneyland's Loaded Potato Soup
Disneyland's Loaded Potato Soup
1 pound bacon roughly chopped
1 medium yellow onion diced
1 large carrot peeled and diced
¾ cup diced celery
2 bags frozen cubed hashbrowns
3-4 cups chicken stock
salt and pepper to taste
4 cups heavy cream
1 can corn drained
Optional garnishes chopped chives, bacon bits, sour cream, shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese
In a 6- to 8-quart stockpot over medium heat, fry bacon until crisp.
Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, reserving half for garnish. In bacon fat, cook onions, carrots, and celery until the onions are translucent. Add potatoes and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Whisk in flour and stir constantly over low heat until the flour is cooked and the mixture has thickened slightly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add chicken stock and half of the bacon. Season with salt and pepper.
Over medium-high heat, bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 25 minutes or until the potatoes are soft. Mash some of the potatoes for thicker, creamier texture. Add whipping cream and corn and simmer for 5 minutes.
Adjust thickness by adding water or stock. Soup should have a creamy consistency.
Season to taste, and garnish with toppings.
Sunday, December 31, 2023
The Best Bean Dip Ever
The Best Bean Dip Ever
1 cup chunky salsa
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, (4 ounces)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, (4 ounces)
3/4 cup sour cream
1 (3 ounces) package cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin, (or more to taste)
tortilla chips
In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients; transfer to a small (1-1/2-qt) slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours or until heated through, stirring intermittently. Serve with tortilla chips and salsa.
For the Oven: Bake dip at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave safe bowl for 5-8 minutes or until cheese is melted and smooth. Stir every couple of minutes.
Saturday, December 30, 2023
8 Layer Salad
8 LAYER SALAD
1 cup cooked orzo
1 container drained bruschetta
1 can drained corn
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup quattro formaggi cheese
1 cup roasted pumpkin seeds
Buttermilk ranch dressing
Monday, December 25, 2023
Christmas Scalloped Potatoes
This is REALLY GENIUS - not to brag. We have had Costco's Main Street Bistro's scalloped potatoes before - quite a bit. My kids really love them. They are delicious and can be made in 8 minutes in the microwave - how can you go wrong?
A couple of the kids asked to have them for Christmas dinner but since Christmas dinner is a special occasion I wanted to do something to kick them up - and it was SO EASY!! These potatoes are getting a permanent spot on our Christmas dinner plate from now on!
This year we did 4 trays - but we definitely could get away with just doing 2 next year. To make sure they are warmed all the way through, we followed the package directions and microwaved them for 8 minutes. When they were done warming through, we put them in a nice 9 x 13 casserole dish. You have to manipulate them to lay in an even layer. Do as many trays as needed and add them to the dish once warmed.
The KICK IT UP part? We shredded gruyere cheese and sprinkled it in an even layer over the top. I put it in a 400 degree oven with the carrots for about 30 minutes and they were heated through and had that golden cheese moment on top! Seriously so good!!
Saturday, December 23, 2023
Classic Cheese Fondue
Classic Cheese Fondue
1 garlic clove, halved1 pound Harmon's Mountain Fondue Blend
1 cup chicken stock
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Freshly ground black pepper
Freshly grated nutmeg
In a large bowl, gently mix the cheese with the cornstarch. Rub the garlic clove all over the inside of the fondue pot. Heat the chicken stock and lemon juice to a slow simmer. Gradually add the cheese, gently melting each addition before adding more to help ensure a smooth fondue. Once creamy and delicious, either consume it immediately, stirring occasionally to keep it clump free. Serve with crusty bread, sausage, carrots, broccoli, apples, etc. Anything that goes well with cheese should be dipped into this fondue.
Chocolate Fondue Ganache
2 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
12 ounces excellent chocolate chips
Heat up the heavy cream in a fondue pot just until it boils. Watch this extremely closely. Pour the heated heavy cream directly over the high quality chocolate chips and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Starbucks Medicine Ball
If you have a sore throat, cough, cold or are just feeling yucky, this is a comforting drink to have.
Starbucks Medicine Ball
1 cup Lemonade
1 cup hot water
Mint tea bag
Peach tea bag
Add the lemonade and water together and heat up in the microwave for 2- 3 minutes. Steep the mint and peach tea bags for a few minutes. Remove the tea bags and drizzle with honey.
Saturday, December 9, 2023
Christmas Cereal Mix
4 cups Rice Chex cereal
8 cups Honey bunches of Oats with Almonds
1 1/2 cups shredded sweetened coconut (blitzed in the cuisinart)
1 1/4 cup sliced almonds
1 cup butter
1 cup white sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon baking soda
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
Thanksgiving 2023
Maisie was hospitalized the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, so we had to come up with a different schedule in order to get everything accomplished.
Wednesday Day: Jack sauteed all the veg and sausage for his new stuffing as well as the sausage for the sausage bread. Put each in tupperwares and in the fridge. Patrick made the brine and thawed the turkey.
Wednesday night: I made cranberry sauce (now pureed per Maisie and Biz request), boiled the sweet potatoes, blanched the brussels sprouts, put out the Rhodes loaves for the sausage bread in the morning, Patrick cleaned out the turkey and put the turkey in the brine, Piper made the chocolate pie and Biz made the new version of pumpkin pie.
Thursday Patrick made the sausage bread and started the turkey before heading out to visit Maisie at the hospital. I got the kids up and going on their dishes. Biz did mashed potatoes in the crock pot, Piper layered the sweet potatoes, I did the first part of the focaccia bread for the stuffing bc Jack was at work. I also started the rolls (usually Maisie's job).
When Jack came home, he finished up the focaccia bread and cooked it in the oven. When the turkey was close, I put the brussels sprouts and the rolls in the oven. We ALMOST forget the gravy every year!! This year was no exception. But - at the last minute I pulled it off.
*Cooking the sweet potatoes and blanching the brussels sprouts the night before was genius!! Don't forget to do that every year from now on!
Saturday, November 18, 2023
Thanksgiving Stuffing Focaccia
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 stalks celery, finely diced *we use Bok Choy bc of allergies
1 onion, finely diced
1/4 cup fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
2 chicken bouillon cubes, crushed (see Cook’s Note)
Coarsely ground black pepper
6 cups all-purpose flour
One 1/4-ounce package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
2 teaspoons sugar
2 1/2 cups warm water
1/2 cup plus 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
1 cup fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
1 pound sweet Italian sausage, removed from casing
Kosher salt
Nonstick cooking spray, for the plastic wrap, optional
Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Rub 2 tablespoons olive oil around the bottom and sides of a large mixing bowl (big enough to hold at least double the volume of the dough). Using a scraper or spatula, transfer the dough to the bowl, flipping once to coat completely with oil. Cover with a plate and let sit until doubled in size, about 2 hours.
Uncover the dough and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Bake, rotating the baking sheet once halfway through, until the focaccia is deep golden brown on the top and bottom, 30 to 35 minutes. Drizzle with the olive oil and let sit for 5 minutes. Use a spatula to remove the focaccia to a wire rack to cool completely.
You can use bouillon cubes, powder or paste here. The important part is to use the amount of bouillon needed for 2 cups of water, based on the package directions. Cubes often vary in size and powder and paste have different concentrations. When measuring flour, we spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level off excess. (Scooping directly from the bag compacts the flour, resulting in dry baked goods.)
Monday, November 6, 2023
Roast Beef Sandwich
Roast Beef Sandwich
3 slices Boars Head Roast Beef - sandwich thin1/2 Tbsp Boars Head Horseradish
1 Tbsp Mayonnaise
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
Hoagie Roll
Butter
Mix horseradish, mayo, seasoning and garlic in a bowl. Add roast beef and coat - but don't over work. Let sit while you do the next step. Spread butter on hoagie and broil until butter is melted and hoagie is just toasty. When the bun is done - add roast beef mixture and chow down!!
Tuesday, October 3, 2023
Fall Trail Mix
1 c white chocolate harvest pretzels
1 c chocolate covered almonds
1 c peanuts
1 package mallow creme autumn mix
1 c harvest cadbury chocolate balls
*I found everything at Harmons!
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Butter Pasta for a Crowd
We made dinner for 25 to 30 people. Butter pasta, GF pasta, meatballs, marinara, alfredo, garlic bread and macarons and madeleines for dessert.
I made 6 pounds of elbow macaroni and used 32 ounces of Kerry Gold Butter for it. We had about 2 1/2 lbs left over. 2 boxes of madeleines from Costco - had an entire box left over. Biz said the butter pasta was TOO buttery - so probably 16 - 24oz butter for 5 lbs pasta
My canning stove pot in 14 Quarts if you fill it to the "fill line". It took about 40 minutes for the water to come to a boil and then even though the package says to boil for 7-8 minutes, I cooked it for 10 minutes just to make sure it was cooked to my liking. I cooked 4 lbs of noodles in that 14 quarts of water. I cooked another 2 lbs of pasta in my red stove pot. Next time I think I will only cook 5 lbs and just do it all in my canning stove pot. I borrowed a large chafing dish from Carmie and that fit 4 lbs of pasta - with the extra 2 lbs in the red pot in the cooler.
Delese made spaghetti noodles and GF noodles - both Cadence and Kenz had them (I think one box GF) she also brought GF meatballs and Alfredo. 6 jars of 15 oz Alfredo (Bertolli). Mini crock pot for the meatballs and larger crock pot for the alfredo, her chafing dish for the spaghetti and she brought extra in a cooler. 2 packages of 36 macarons - up that to 3 next year - they were gone fast!!
Corinne did 4 jars of sauce plain and kept it in a large drink cooler until it was time for service. She did a bag and a half meatballs with 3 jars of sauce but she thinks she would do 2 full bags next time. She also brought 5 loaves of garlic bread but thinks 6 -7 loaves next time! Crock pot for the meatballs and sauce.
Next year:
Jen: 5 lbs elbow macaroni (Barilla), 16-24 oz Kerry Gold Butter, Salt butter pasta, 2 packs macarons
Delese: 1 package GF pasta, 6 jars (15 oz) Bertolli Alfredo, 2 packs macarons
Corinne: 8 jars marinara, split half with meatballs, half without, 2 bags meatballs, 7 loaves garlic bread
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Loaded Cowboy Salad
15 oz black beans, drained
15 oz Black Eyed peas, drained
1 can Corn
6 Slices bacon, Cooked and chopped
2 c grape tomatoes
1 c Cheddar, shredded
1 Avocado, Chopped
1 Bell Pepper, chopped
1 Jalapeno, seeded and minced
1/2 Onion, red, diced
Dressing
1/2 Cup Smokey Sweet BBQ Sauce
2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 Tablespoons Lime juice
Whisk together dressing, add all salad components, toss with dressing and serve!
Thursday, August 31, 2023
Nutcracker Tea Party Details
Large Nutcracker bowl with Costco Quinoa Salad
2nd Large Nutcracker bowl with Iceberg lettuce, diced with small Nutcracker bowls of apples, Strawberries, cucumbers, feta and candied pecans on the Nutcracker tray, Blush Vinaigrette, Poppy Seed Dressing, Mango dressing on the side
Sandwiches: All on white rectangle platters
Focaccia, pesto, ham & havarti (open faced)
Wheat bread, nutella, strawberries
White bread, strawberry, basil, black pepper Boursin & balsamic
White rectangle platter with Costco cheese variety pack, crackers, a cheese ball and grapes
Martinelli's
Small white footed cheese board with packets of tea on it
bowl of ice with a scoop
White cake platter with shortbread cookies and madeleines
Rainbow cake platter with Costco cream puffs
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
Kneaders Sandwich Spread
I have a timer that goes off about an hour before the kids get home so I can pull a couple bags out and they'll be thawed by the time they get home - ready to eat!!
Kneaders Sandwich Spread
1/2 c mayonnaise
2 Tbsp sour cream
2 tsp yellow mustard
dash of salt
Mix! It's really delicious!
Thursday, August 3, 2023
Portillos Chopped Salad
1 cup uncooked Ditalini pasta, (2 cups cooked)
1 lb bacon, (about 1 cup cooked and crumbled)
3 cups chopped romaine lettuce
2 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
2 cups chopped red cabbage
1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered
1 cup sliced green onions
4 ounces crumbled gorgonzola cheese, (about 1 cup)
(optional) 2 cups cooked and diced chicken
SWEET ITALIAN DRESSING:
1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar, (see note)
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Cook Ditalini pasta according to package instructions. Make sure you salt the pasta water while cooking to give it some flavor. Drain and cool. Set aside.
Cook bacon in a skillet until done. Let bacon cool, then crumble it.
Combine romaine, iceberg, red cabbage, tomatoes and green onions in large salad bowl.
Add cooled pasta, bacon and gorgonzola cheese to salad. Add chicken if desired.
Add dressing to taste right before serving so that it doesn't get soggy.
Monday, July 17, 2023
Peach Bruschetta
1/4 cup olive oil
3 large peaches, cut into small dice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
4 ounces goat cheese
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lay the baguette pieces in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush both sides with 3 tablespoons of the olive oil and bake until golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes.
Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Patriotic Party Mix
Patriotic Party Mix
4 cups Chex cereal
3 cups Cheerios
3 cups pretzels mini's
1–1/2 cups slivered almonds
1 1/2 bags vanilla candy wafers (18 oz total)
Red, white and blue sprinkles
2 packs "sharable" 4th of July M&M’s
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the Chex cereal, Cheerios, pretzels, almonds and M&M's.
In a microwave safe bowl, melt the candy wafers in 30 second intervals until melted and smooth.
Pour the melted chocolate over the ingredients in the large bowl and toss to coat with a large spoon. Ingredients should be evenly coated.
Immediately sprinkle with the sprinkles. Allow mixture to cool completely. Break apart to serve. Store in an airtight container or baggie.
Sunday, June 25, 2023
Kale Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup slivered almonds
For the dressing:
2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic, grated
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
5 Minute Candied Walnuts
I've made the salad 5 or 6 times since and I always have to look up the ratios - so I'm jotting it down for my ease!
Candied Walnuts
1 cup walnuts
1 TBSP butter
1/4 cup sugar
Toss in a pan and cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes. Once the butter and sugar have melted and coated the walnuts - spread out on parchment paper and let cool.
Saturday, June 17, 2023
Marinated Roast Beef Baguette Sandwich
Boars Head London Broil Roast Beef, sliced
Mayonnaise
Butter
Horseradish
Garlic powder
Italian seasoning *Oregano, marjoram, thyme, basil, rosemary, sage
Black pepper
Monday, June 5, 2023
Orange Creamsicle Cookies
Orange Creamsicle Cookies
2 1/2 Cups Flour2 teaspoons Corn Starch
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon Salt
2 Tablespoons Orange Zest
3/4 Cup Sugar
1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter, softened
1/2 Cup Shortening, or see note
1/2 Cup Brown Sugar, firmly packed
1 Egg, large
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/2 teaspoon Orange Extract, optional
2 Cups White Chocolate, chopped, I use Ghirardelli but any bar or white chocolate chips works
In a small bowl, rub together the orange zest and sugar until fragrant.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, shortening and sugars (including the orange zest) until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg, vanilla, and orange extract (optional) until smooth.
Slowly add flour mixture until combined. Stir in white chocolate chunks or vanilla chips.
Drop rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets, Do not flatten cookies.
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Bread Tips!
I'm back to baking bread more lately. After an almost 20 year break to stay at home full time, I started working again. While I am able to work on days that work around my schedule with what the kids have going on - I love to keep doing extra special things to let the kids and my hubs know how much they are loved - enter homemade bread!
Today I'm making my husband's favorite Sunflower Whole Wheat bread and I was reminded again about a new trick I've been using the last several months.
When I started making bread again, I made a couple of "dud" loaves. So, I thought it must be my yeast - how long does yeast last? When did I buy this yeast?? So I did an experiment. I put some yeast in luke warm (temp'd on my wrist) water and I put some other yeast in hot (warm to my pinky) water. The yeast that was in the hot water activated beautifully! The yeast in the luke warm water barely bubbled. So. I've been using hot water and since I made that small change - all my bread recipes have turned out wonderfully!
We also remodeled our kitchen last spring and my top oven has a "PROOF" setting - so I use that exclusively - I feel like that has made a difference too.
Saturday, April 15, 2023
Pasta Spinach Salad
1/2 c evoo
2/3 c Teriyaki sauce
2/3 c white vinegar
3 T Sugar
1/2 t salt
1/2 t pepper
16 oz bowtie pasta
1 T salt
10 oz bag fresh spinach
1 c craisins
3 cans mandarin oranges
3 T toasted sesame seeds
1 c honey roasted peanuts
2 c grilled chicken
Marinade chicken in Teriyaki sauce then grill chicken.
Mix dressing ingredients add to cooked pasta and chill for at least an hour.
Add spinach over pasta and then add other ingredients. Toss together salad ingredients and pasta just before serving.
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
Fastest Baked Potatoes in the West
Scrub your potatoes. Pat dry. Cut in half put on cookie sheet cut side down. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Kosher salt. Roast for 25 minutes.
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins
2 c Kodiak power cake powder
1 c almond milk
1/4 c maple syrup
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
Preheat 350 degrees
Mix all ingredients. Put in greased or lined muffin tray and bake for 16 to 17 minutes.
2 muffins 230 cal 11 g protein
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Homemade Artisan Bread
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Active Dry Yeast
2 cups Water- room temperature water start with 1 1/2 cups then add more
Mix the flour, salt and yeast until combined in a large bowl (the bread doubles)
Add in the water (start with 1 1/2 cups then add more until it isn’t dry, but you don’t want it too wet)
Cover with a plate or silicon wrap or plastic wrap and let sit for 6 to 24 hours (on the kitchen counter)
Then de-gas, by stirring it once to get the air out.
Grease your bread pan with oil or butter (coating with flour helps it to not stick)
Place bread dough in your baking pan and let it rise for an hour covered.
Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes covered (I use another bread pan on top, or you could use tin foil), then 10 minutes uncovered until golden on top *I baked it for 2 minutes longer at the end - it didn't look brown enough.
Gluten Free- Use Cup for Cup Flour
Cranberry Bread- Before you add the water mix in- 1/2 cup dried cranberries and 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts
Jalapeño Cheddar Bread- Before you add the water mix in- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1 diced jalapeño *we left just a few seeds attached so it wasn’t too spicy- add more of the seeds if you like it spicy (or I chop up about 1/4 cup of the “Hot & Sweet Jalapeños” from Trader Joe’s that are in a jar)
Nut Bread- Before you add the water mix in- 1/4 cup chopped almonds, 1/4 cup sunflower seeds and 1/4 cup flax seeds
Cinnamon Raisin Bread- Before you add the water mix in- 1/2 cup raisins and 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Everything But The Bagel- Before baking sprinkle evenly over the top of the bread with Everything But The Bagel Seasoning
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Cauliflower Cheese Soup
1 can (14-oz) low sodium chicken broth, divided
½ cup chopped onion (more less to taste)
2 tablespoons butter
¼ cup flour
3 + cups half n half or whole milk, more if needed
½-1 teaspoon salt (season to taste)
8-10 ounces shredded sharp cheese (about 2 ½ -cups), divided
½ tablespoon prepared mustard
Cooked bacon, sliced green onions, croutons, optional garnishes
Trim cauliflower and cut into 1-inch pieces. Place in saucepan over medium heat with about 1-cup chicken broth, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and steam for about 10 minutes or until tender. OR microwave the cauliflower rice in it's bag for 7 minutes.
Trim and chop onion. Using a 4-qt Dutch oven or saucepan, sauté in butter over medium heat until onion is translucent and begins to caramelize (about 10 minutes). If needed, add 1-2 tablespoons chicken broth to prevent scorching.
Stir flour into onions; gradually stir in remaining chicken broth and the half n half. Stirring frequently, bring to a boil, reduce heat and gently boil 1-2 minutes. Add cauliflower (and cooking liquid). Using an immersion blender, blend until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in about ¾ the cheese and the mustard. If desired, thin to preferred consistency using additional milk. Serve garnished with remaining cheese and optional toppings.
Friday, February 17, 2023
Southern Macaroni & Cheese
3 1/2 Cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded (reserve 1 cup for topping)
1/4 Cup Butter softened
1 1/2 Cups Milk whole or 2%
3 Eggs beaten
1/2 Cup Sour Cream
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
Extra GOOEY Version
7 Tablespoons Butter melted
2 Cups Heavy Cream
1 Cup Half and Half or whole milk
2 Large Eggs whisked in a bowl
3 Tablespoons Sour Cream
1 1/4 Teaspoon Season Salt see note
1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Onion Powder
1 Teaspoon Salt
1/4 Teaspoon Pepper
16 Ounces Colby Jack Cheese shredded, Tillamook works best
8 Ounces Monterey Jack Cheese shredded
8 Ounces Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded
Cook the macaroni per package instructions.
Gooey Version
Butter a 9x13 (or 8x8 works but it will be piled very high) dish and set aside.
Add the cream, half and half , eggs and sour cream and mix thoroughly again. Add the seasonings and stir to combine.
*Comment - I usually end up using more cheese and seasonings than recommended. I like to use a combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. I buy it in a big block and grate it fresh, it’s SO much better than pre-shredded. I probably at least double the salt, and I add a liberal amount of fresh ground pepper and a dash or two of cayenne…I basically shake until the voices of my southern ancestors whisper, “Stop, my child.” Highly recommend the seasoning additions!I also warm all of my dairy ingredients, namely the sour cream, and whisk it with the milk etc. That solved my curdling issues
Thursday, February 9, 2023
Pecan and Honey Glazed Salmon
4 teaspoons finely chopped pecans
1 Tablespoon soy sauce, (for gluten-free use gluten-free soy sauce)
4 (6 oz ) salmon fillets
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Combine honey, pecans, and soy sauce in a large zip-top bag. Sprinkle fish with salt and pepper; add to bag and seal. Marinate in refrigerator at least 15 minutes. I like to marinate mine all day so all that flavor gets infused.
Remove fish and nuts from bag, reserving marinade. Place fish on foil lined pan and top with nuts.
Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork, basting fish twice with remaining glaze while baking.
Sunday, January 29, 2023
Homemade French Bread
2 tablespoons dry yeast I prefer SAF brand
1/2 cup warm water
2 cups warm water*
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon (yes tablespoon!) sea or Kosher salt
5 tablespoons Olive oil, Canola or vegetable oil*
6 cups flour (4 cups bread flour and 1 1/2-2 cups All Purpose)
Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water.
In a separate large bowl combine warm water*, sugar, salt, oil and 3 cups of the flour. Stir well.
Add the yeast mixture to the warm water-flour mixture. Mix together with large wooden spoon or paddle attachment.
Add the remaining 3 cups of flour, a cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
After all of the flour is added and mixed in, let sit in bowl for 10 minutes.
When the dough has risen, stir down with a large spoon. If making in a stand mixer, turn the machine on low for a few seconds until the dough is deflated, and push dough to bottom part of bowl with a spatula.
Repeat 5 times, every ten minutes, for a total of 60 minutes of rising and then punching (or pushing) down.
Divide the dough in half. Roll each half of dough in a 9×12 rectangle on a floured surface.
Roll the dough up like a jelly roll (long way). Place the dough on a greased baking pan (jelly roll pan), with the seam side down. Both loaves will fit on one pan.
Score the bread across the top 3 or 4 times, and brush with beaten egg (if using).
Let rise for 20-30 minutes in warm place.
Bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes in lower half of oven, until golden brown. Or you may bake at 350-375 convection for 18-20 minutes until golden.
Friday, January 27, 2023
Everything Bagel Overnight Breakfast Casserole
5 everything bagels
1 pound fresh pork breakfast sausage - cooked, drained, and cooled
10 oz sharp cheddar cheese - grated
1 red bell pepper chopped
2 green onions chopped - plus 1 for garnish
7 eggs - lightly beaten
2 1/2 c half & half
1 1/2 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Cut the bagels into 1/2 - 1 inch cubes. Spray the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray, then add in the cubed bagel pieces. Spread the cooked sausage over the bagels. Then, sprinkle with the cheese, chopped red bell pepper, and green onions. Mix slightly with your hands to combine.
In a large bowl, add the eggs, half and half, dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine. Pour this mixture over the bagels and sausage.
Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
Before baking, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
Bake covered until set and lightly golden on top: about 60 minutes. (You can remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking for a nice golden top.) Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to set for about 15 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped green onions to garnish
Saturday, January 21, 2023
Herbed Focaccia Bread
This Easy Herbed Focaccia Bread such a simple bread recipe to make, but the flavor is outstanding! This bread is light and airy, with a yummy olive oil saltiness and those fresh herbs bring the whole loaf to life.
1 tsp Kosher Salt
1 c Water Warm
1 1/8 tsp Instant Yeast
1/2 tsp Granulated Sugar
Olive Oil
1 tsp Rosemary Fresh , chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)*
1 tsp Parsley Fresh, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)*
1/2 tsp Thyme leaves Fresh , chopped (or 1/4 teaspoon dried)*
Maldon Flaked Sea Salt
In a glass bowl, add the flour and salt. Mix to combine.
In a glass measuring cup, mix the warm water, yeast and sugar. Allow to sit for a minute* and stir into the flour with a wooden spoon until the dough just comes together.
Cover the bowl with tight plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 8 hours or up to overnight.
Remove the bowl from the fridge.
In an 8-inch round cake pan, drizzle oil and place the dough in the center, tucking ends under.
Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise 2 hours.
Heat the oven to 450ºF.
Once risen the dough should fill the pan. Drizzle with additional oil and use your fingers to press holes down to the bottom of the pan but not through the dough.
Sprinkle with herbs and salt.
Place in the oven and turn down to 425ºF and bake 22-24 minutes or until golden.
Friday, January 20, 2023
Sheet Pan Philly Cheesesteak
1.5 lbs lean ground beef
6 ounces cream cheese, (softened)
2 teaspoons steak seasoning
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 Tablespoons olive oil
8 ounces sliced white button mushrooms
3 cups sliced bell peppers, (green, red, or yellow)
1 cup diced onion
8 ounces sliced or shredded Provolone cheese
Sliced rolls for serving
butter and garlic salt for rolls
Mayonnaise for rolls
In a large skillet, cook the beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain. Add the cream cheese, steak seasoning and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over medium heat or until cream cheese is melted and combined. You can add a little milk or cream if you want it thinner. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spread beef mixture on sheet pan.
Wipe out skillet (or use a separate pan while the beef is cooking) and heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add the mushrooms, bell peppers, and onion cooking until veggies are soft, adding more olive oil if needed. Spread veggies on top of beef mixture. Top veggies mixture with Provolone cheese and bake in the oven for about 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Serve immediately on sliced rolls that have been buttered and toasted (with a sprinkle of garlic salt optional) with mayonnaise if desired.
Tuesday, January 17, 2023
The Cheesecake Factory 4 Cheese Pasta Dupe
24 oz Marinara Sauce
1 c Ricotta
2 ¼ c Mozarella, grated
¼ c chopped fresh basil
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp pepper, freshly ground
4 Fresh mozzarella balls, cut into quarters
¾ c freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 T ricotta cheese
2 T grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil, chopped
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 11x8-inch (3.5 Quart)baking dish.
In a large pot of boiling, lightly salted water, cook Penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain.
Meanwhile, while pasta is cooking, heat marinara sauce in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-low heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, fresh basil, garlic powder and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Add hot pasta and the heated marina sauce to the ricotta mixture. Stir until pasta is thoroughly coated with the creamy sauce.
Transfer pasta mixture to greased 11x8-inch (3.5 Quart) baking dish. Place quartered mozzarella balls evenly over top of pasta. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over top.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake, covered in 350°F oven for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and place under broiler for 3 to 5 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
Garnish: In a small bowl, combine 3 Tablespoons ricotta cheese and 2 Tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Divide evenly among four individual servings and top with freshly chopped basil.