Showing posts with label recipes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recipes. Show all posts
** Printable Recipe here **
1 cup of butter (2 sticks), softened
1 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 cups flour
2 cups old fashioned oats (I have used quick oats too and they are fine too)
2 cups of chocolate chips (we love a combo of semi-sweet and white but really, whatever you have on hand)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9 x 13 in. pan (I have also used a 10X15 pan -- they will be thinner and don't cook them as long)
In a large mixing bowl beat together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth and light.
Add the eggs and the vanilla.
In a separate bowl combine the dry ingredients: salt, baking soda, baking powder, flour, rolled oats.
Add to the butter mixture and stir until combined. Fold in chocolate chips. Bake for 18-28 minutes depending on how chewy you like them. We usually only bake them in a 10X15 pan for 18-20 minutes and they look like this:
YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
Pin for later:
Enjoy!!
Hello! I wanted to share a yummy summer salad recipe -- perfect for warming temps! This is kind of a hybrid recipe from Joanna's new cookbook and an old cookbook that I love called Remedies for the I Don't Cook Syndrome.
The main lesson I learned from this recipe was about crunchy noodles! We often get the chow mein noodles for Hawaiian Haystacks but I didn't know these lighter, crunchier noodles were available to buy! You can see the difference in the picture. Definitely get the smaller, lighter asian style crunchy noodles -- they make the salad! I have seen them at most of my local grocery stores and I even saw them at Super Target so you should be able to find them.
Here is the recipe: (click here for printable version)
Salad:
11 oz can mandarin oranges in light syrup --reserve the juice for the dressing.
1 cup crunchy asian style noodles
2 cups sliced almonds
1 teaspoon olive oil
3 Tablespoons honey
1/2 tsp coarse salt (I used kosher salt)
3-4 Tablespoons sesame seeds
6-8 cups spring mix or butter lettuce -- I also like to throw in some cabbage for more crunch/texture.
Great optional add-ins to make it more hearty :
1/4 cup green onion, sliced thin (optional)
Edamame
Chopped snow peas or snap peas
Jicama cut into thin strips
Grilled chicken or breaded chicken tenders
Dressing:
Juice reserved from mandarin oranges
1/2 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup light brown sugar (you can use less -- I like it sweet)
1 teaspoon salt
Optional: some seasoning from an italian dressing packet if you want more flavoring or kick
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Open and drain the mandarin oranges but save the juice! Place oranges on paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
3. Spray baking sheet pan with cooking spray. On the sheet, toss the almonds with the olive oil. Add the honey and coarse salt and toss to combine.
4. Spread the almonds out evenly on the sheet pan and roast until toasted, about 8-10 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes. Remove, sprinkle with sesame seeds and stir. Let cool and break up any big pieces.
5. For the dressing combine all ingredients in jar with lid and shake well or use a blender. Toss the salad with about 1/4 cup of the dressing right before serving and serve the remaining dressing on the side.
Enjoy!! (click here for printable version)
This is probably my family's very favorite winter recipe. Chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food and I didn't know that making noodles was so easy! Now it's a crime to make it without the homemade noodles. It's the perfect food to have simmering on the stove if you will be home on a cold day.
I actually got this recipe from a cookbook my mom gave me when I was first married called "Remedies for the I Don't Cook Syndrome." It is out of print but it has been a favorite cookbook with loads of great recipes and includes good tips and stories. I also shared a recipe at Richella's with Lemon Chicken from the same cookbook.
This is how we make it -- the full recipe is at the bottom or you can print it off by clicking here.
1 bay leaf
Add to the soup with the carrots and celery when ready.
For a quick version (like I did last night because I thought I would be home all afternoon but things came up and I wasn't!)
I just bring the bone-in breasts to boil in the 2-3 quarts of water with some chicken bullion until chicken is cooked through. Make the noodles while the chicken is cooking. Remove the chicken and take it off the bone, put back in broth. Add the diced celery, carrots and homemade noodles and bring to boil and simmer until celery and carrots are cooked. I hope your family loves it as much as we do!
** Click here for printable recipe
This is the recipe to make an awesome broth. Nothing needs to look pretty because you're just tossing them in and using them for the flavor (except the chicken -- save that!)
2-3 quarts of water
4-5 bone in chicken breasts (I prefer the breasts but my store only had thighs today) The bone in is where it's at to get the good flavor!
1 large onion, quartered
2 large carrots cut into large sections
3 celery stalks, cut into large sections
2-3 Tablespoons chicken boullion granules or I love the Better than Boullion you can buy at Costco or grocery store.
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 tsp pepper
pinch of thyme or some sprigs of fresh thyme or parsley.
Add all ingredients to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer on low for 2-3 hours -- you can make the noodles in the meantime.
Note: If you don't have 3 hours see below for a quick version.
Remove chicken from pot and set aside. Pour everything in the pot through a strainer into another pot or bowl. Save the broth, thank everything else for giving an amazing flavor and discard it or use it for something else.
Return the broth to the pot and bring it back to a boil. Remove chicken from the bones and when the broth is boiling add the chicken and
2 carrots thinly sliced or diced
1 celery stalk, diced
Homemade noodles (see recipe below) or an 8-12 oz bag egg noodles
The Noodle recipe!! So good and easy. We always double the recipe because we don't think you can have too many noodles!
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons milk
1 egg, beaten
Mix flour and salt in a medium bowl and make a hole in the center. Add the milk and beaten egg.
Stir together until mixture forms a dough and knead together with hands. If it's dry, add just a touch of milk until it starts forming a dough.
Roll out very thin and let stand 20 minutes or longer ( I just let it sit the 2 hours while the broth is simmering)
Cut into strips -- thin or wide, whatever your preference.
Add to the soup with the carrots and celery when ready.
Quick Version:
For a quick version (like I did last night because I thought I would be home all afternoon but things came up and I wasn't!)
I just bring the bone-in breasts to boil in the 2-3 quarts of water with some chicken bullion until chicken is cooked through. Make the noodles while the chicken is cooking. Remove the chicken and take it off the bone, put back in broth. Add the diced celery, carrots and homemade noodles and bring to boil and simmer until celery and carrots are cooked. I hope your family loves it as much as we do!
** Click here for printable recipe
Hello! Are you ready for this week?? I love Thanksgiving. Love, love, love it. Family, friends, and FOOD. We are hosting this year and I thought I'd share our favorite traditional Thanksgiving menu with links to the recipes. We usually divide up food assignments with guests that are coming but this is usually what our spread consists of with time-tested favorites.
Kate's Thanksgiving Turkey -- This turkey is SO good. We also tried smoking it this year and it was delicious. OR we also loveSam's Club Smoked Turkey -- cooked and ready to go!
Creamy Mashed Potatoes (We also add sour cream)
Make Ahead Gravy so nice to have ready to go so you're not sweating it right before dinner.
Classic Sage Stuffing I love a classic, larger cubed stuffing. This is my favorite.
One Hour Rolls these are SO good. And don't take all day! We love them with honey butter and jam.
The Best Thanksgiving Yams / Sweet Potato Casserole. I got this from my sister Kelsey -- this is basically her recipe and we just double it and put it in a 9X13 glass pan. If you want to use real sweet potatoes, usually use 5 large ones and just cook them in the instant pot or microwave and then mash them. Canned yams are super fast and convenient though. I dream of this stuff!
Green Beans with Bacon
Cranberry Fluff Salad -- this recipe is my Mom. ♥ She got the recipe from the Lion House Cookbook and made it every Thanksgiving. I can't imagine Thanksgiving dinner without it.
Raspberry Pretzel Jello Salad It's more like a dessert but we love this stuff. This is the favorite recipe we use.
Our Favorite Salad or Pear Arugula Salad
and of course pies! Here are recipes for some that we love:
Triple Berry Pie
Salted Caramel Apple Pie
Raspberry Cream Pie
I hope these links and recipes help -- have a wonderful Thanksgiving! I'll be back later this week with Black Friday deals and of course bright and early on Cyber Monday!!
To pin for later:
Hello! I realized I needed to share this recipe with you while it's still autumn because it's my favorite autumn salad! I first tasted it at Slab Pizza and knew I had to find a recipe or make up a recipe and I kind of did both and combined a bunch of recipes to create a winner. Pear, arugula, maple, and bacon all scream fall to me. ♥
First, start the bacon in the oven. I put it in a cold oven and turn it on 375 degrees convect and let it bake for about 15-18 minutes, depending how crispy you like it. My favorite way to cook bacon! You're going to want the bacon drippings for the vinaigrette, so pour the bacon grease while it's still warm into a measuring cup.
Cut up a pear and I dip the slices in Fresca to keep them from turning brown because it's my favorite soda and I usually always have it on hand. Any soda with citric acid in it works or dip it in a mixture of half lemon juice, half water.
The walnuts. I love walnuts in the fall. I toast them in a few Tablespoons of brown sugar and a few drops of water on medium heat. Keep stirring them for a few minutes until they just begin to smell toasted and then get them off the heat right away or they will burn. You have to watch them close!
Grab some Craisins
Cheese is optional but I have professed my love for this cheese in another favorite salad. Bleu cheese or feta work too!
For the vinaigrette I use my ninja smoothie cup to blend it but you can also use a mason jar with a lid and shake it good.
Here is the recipe -- click here for the printable version.
Pear Arugula Salad with Maple Vinaigrette and BACON
It's probably better to assemble on separate small plates but you can layer everything in a salad bowl too.
- Arugula ( my favorite place to buy this is Trader Joe's but you can find it at grocery stores too -- usually in a arugula/spinach combo)
- Craisins
- Cooked and cooled bacon cut into bite size pieces, reserve drippings for vinaigrette (optional but soooo good)
- Crumbled cheese (English cheddar, feta, or bleu cheese)
- Sliced pears dipped in lemon lime soda or lemon juice/water to keep from browning
- Toasted walnuts candied in brown sugar (see above for directions)
Maple Vinaigrette
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (I do half bacon drippings half olive oil)
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
pinch of salt
pinch of pepper
Blend all ingredients together or use a mason jar with a lid and shake it until well mixed. Keep at room temperature and serve with the salad. ENJOY!
Thanks for coming by -- click here for the printable version.
Oh you guys, this is gooooood. I got this recipe from my sister in law Kristine when we were first married (over 20 years ago!). It's the perfect way to enjoy those fall apples.
The original recipe Kristine gave me:
1 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened to room temp (or I stick mine in the microwave for 30 seconds in a glass bowl)
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 Tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
Mix together with a wire whisk until smooth. Chill and serve with apples. If you want to add some crunch mix in 1/2 cup of Skor bits. Yum! To keep my apples from browning I soak them in lemon juice, Sprite, or Fresca.
If you don't have all that on hand -- I just use the cream cheese, 3/4 cup brown sugar, and a splash of vanilla and it's still divine.
I hope you love it as much as we have!
Hello! I wanted to share one of our family favorites -- and the easiest too! I actually got this from my friends Lisa and Becky when I was putting together and easy recipe book a few years ago for some girls going to college at our church. It's soooo good -- it won't win an award for the healthiest (my favorite lighter version is here) but everyone around here sure loves it and I love how quick it is to throw together on busy nights.
1 cup of heavy cream
1 stick of butter
1 cup of parmesan cheese.
Melt the butter in a small saucepan. Add cream and heat until just simmering turn down heat to low and add the parmesan cheese. heat until cheese is melted.
Serve with any kind of pasta.
*notes: you can use the powder parmesan in the plastic jars too and you can add some garlic powder to taste as well.
Happy Cooking!
1 cup of heavy cream
1 stick of butter
1 cup of parmesan cheese.
Melt the butter in a small saucepan. Add cream and heat until just simmering turn down heat to low and add the parmesan cheese. heat until cheese is melted.
Serve with any kind of pasta.
*notes: you can use the powder parmesan in the plastic jars too and you can add some garlic powder to taste as well.
Happy Cooking!
Easter Dinner Menu * Easter Dinner Side Dishes * Cheesy Funeral Potatoes * Easter Egg Hunt Ideas
17 April 2019
Hello! Since Easter is THIS weekend, I thought I'd share our traditional Easter menu, along with the recipes.
Dinner -- we usually do buffet style since we have lots of family around:
* Spiral Sliced Ham with Orange and Brown Sugar Glaze
* Cheesy Funeral Potatoes (see my recipe below) We've tried lots of versions and still think this is the best. Super easy with frozen hashbrowns.
* Roasted Asparagus using this method
* Best Salad Ever
* Raspberry Pretzel Jello Salad -- her recipe is the all-time favorite.
* One hour dinner rolls -- this recipe is the BEST. My son has made it for our last few family dinners and we can't believe they are one hour. They are divine!
Dessert:
* The best Carrot Cake sheet pan style
* Easy Key Lime Pie -- I tore this out of Real Simple years ago, it's really good and easy
My sister-in-law, Kristine introduced us to a pain free Easter Egg Hunt:
Have each family bring their favorite Easter candy or little non-candy prizes and determine how many eggs each will be worth. My SIL Kristine is usually in charge of this and just has it in her mind. Hide a bunch of empty plastic eggs around the yard. Determine how many each child gets to find, golden eggs can be worth extra. After finding them, bring them back to the "store" and they can turn their eggs in for their favorites. We go from youngest to oldest and you learn pretty quickly what to get for the next year. Everyone goes away happy!
And, as promised here is our favorite funeral potato recipe. They are called funeral potatoes around here because our church usually does a dinner for the family after a funeral and this is a popular request -- warm, cheesy, pure comfort food.
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
** Printable version here **
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Mix together in large bowl:
1 large bag frozen shredded hashbrowns (or you can use 6-8 real potatoes, cooked and chopped)
16 oz sour cream
2 cans cream of chicken
1 1/2 cups grated cheese (I use cheddar/jack mix)
1/3 cup chopped green onion (optional -- I usually leave out)
½ cup melted butter
Spread into greased 9X13 baking dish.
Top with mixture of :
4 cups crushed cornflakes
4 Tbs. melted butter.
Bake 50 minutes-1 hour at 350°.
** Click here for printable version **
To Pin:
Happy Easter to each of you!
Hello! I was talking with my sisters (do you use Marco Polo??) and one of the topics we frequently discuss is: what’s for dinner?? Some share beautiful, gourmet recipes and another time a sister shared that Walmart french toast sticks are the best things ever. Love my sisters! I realized I love to see what people are having for dinner to get new ideas because we definitely get stuck in a rut around here. So, I thought I’d share my 2 week meal plan with links to the recipes and perhaps that would be helpful to you?
I make a plan but rarely stick exactly to it. Because sometimes I don’t feel like enchiladas or the night ends up being crazy busy and cereal it is! But it’s nice to have the ingredients on hand and ideas right there.
I love the Food Nanny method (it’s free and she has great recipes and ideas too!) as a place to begin – where you have a theme each night to help you plan. We usually go with:
Monday: Meatless/leftovers
Tuesday: Mexican
Wednesday: Soup
Thursday: Italian
Friday--Date Night: Easy Peasy for the kids like Costco freezer what’s on rebate this month
Saturday: Pizza!
Sunday: Family Favorites
I used to scribble it down on a ruled sheet of school paper (totally works!) but have recently moved to keeping it on a Google Doc to easily copy, save, and move.
Monday: Alfredo / Caesar Salad / Bread – For the alfredo I just use: 1 cup cream, 1 stick butter, 1 cup parmesan – easy to remember and to whisk together and add garlic to taste.
Tuesday: Pepperoncini Sandwiches (I use pork roast, the ones that come in a 4 pack at Costco) and Favorite Salad
Wednesday: Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup (I need to post my recipe, this is an easy alternative) and Blueberry Muffins
Thursday: Instant Pot Tikka Masala
Friday: Date Night! Chicken Tenders
Saturday: Pizza
Sunday: Favorite Pot Roast
******
Monday: Italian Shells
Tuesday: White Chicken Enchiladas
Wednesday: Tortellini Soup
Thursday: Upside Down Pizza and Green Beans
Friday: Pizza
Saturday: Date Night: Grilled Cheese
Sunday: Lemon Chicken
Happy Meal Planning – I hope this helps -- if you have some links to your favorites, let us know in the comments!
Hello, all! I don’t even know what to title this post because it is pretty random but my September has turned out to be quite random so it probably fits. This is when I turn to bullet points to talk so I don’t have to put as many sentences together.
* We are on fire in Utah. Literally. They are all around us and we have not been evacuated but so many have – the fires have grown to 100,000 combined acres in the mountains behind us. Don’t you wish we could transfer the water from the flooding in North Carolina to the fires in the west?? Here are some photos of the fires.
* Our garden was successful! Maybe too successful? We were over-run with tomatoes and peppers -- I posted an awesome pasta sauce recipe on Instagram that we made last week and I’m going to make it again tonight it was so good.
* I went to Nashville! I got to go with the girls on my husband’s side – our first sister trip and it was a blast. What an incredible city! Here are some favorites that we hit:
- Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage: for the history buffs! What a gorgeous estate, so well preserved and fascinating tour and ride out to the cotton fields and slave quarters. We loved the live duel and also thought the wagon ride out to the fields and lake was worth the extra money. We headed to Gondola House Pizzeria afterward and it was super good.
- Dinner & Bowling at Pinewood Social – I loved this place! Food was great and how long has it been since I’ve been bowling with a bunch of girls? Lots of laughs at this hip & retro gem.
- Biscuit Love. LOVED! We went on a Saturday morning and the line moved fast, it only took about 20 minutes to be seated? I still dream of the Lily – Lemon Mascarpone and Blueberry Compote on Biscuit French toast?? Everything was good.
- The Grand Ole Opry – of course. How can you not go?? We loved the backstage tour – seeing where they dress, the family room, fun facts and stories and you get to stand on the circle (brought over from the originial Ryman auditorium) on stage and get a picture. The really enjoyed the warmth of the hosts and variety of music.
- Gaylord Opryland Hotel – the most beautiful place and the cost wasn’t so bad when you split it up. Shuttles to everything and just beautiful to walk around, or head down to the pools.
Loveless Cafe – an iconic Nashville landmark! True southern cooking. Were were there by 8 a.m. and were seated right away and there was a wait by the time we left, make reservations if you can. What a beautiful drive to get there – gorgeous estates!
The Country Music Hall of Fame – this was cool but not what I was expecting for $28? Mostly just outfits and a few memorabilia items, maybe because there are so many? Elvis’s car alone may be worth it. I guess it depends on what exhibits they have rotating.
Thanks for sticking with me – we’re starting to turn cooler and I want to pull my fall decor out ♥
Happy Wednesday~
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