I have been married to a wonderful Christian man since 1976. The Lord has blessed us with two daughters and two sons. I consider each day the Lord gives me on the earth yet another chance to serve Him.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Fruit Sala

This is very easy and so yummy and pretty healthy. There really is no way to mess this up. It's good as salsa, but also wonderful to put on top of ice cream, waffles or pancakes. You can leave out any fruit you might not like, and add what you do like and it will be just as good.  This is about 275 calories per serving.


FRUIT SALSA
 (serves 12)

Directions:
*1 pound strawberries, sliced
*8 ounces raspberries, lightly mashed
*4 ounces blueberries,
*2 kiwis, peeled and diced small
*2 fuji apples, peeled, cored and diced small
*2 tablespoons of your favorite fruit preserve

Directions:
~In a large bowl, mix all fruit.
~Mix in fruit perserve.
~Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.



CINNAMON CHIPS 

Ingredients:
*10 (10 inch) flour tortillas
*buttered flavored pam
*2 1/4 cups cinnamon sugar

Directions:
~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
~Put cinnamon sugar in a large zip-loc bag.
~Coat both sides of tortilla with butter flavored pam.
~Cut into wedges with a pizza cutter or kitchen scissors.
~Place a few cut tortilla's in ziploc bag with the cinnamon sugar.
~Seal, and gently shake. Coating the tortillas.
~Place tortillas single layer on a cookie sheet coated with a cooking spay.
~Bake for 8-10 minutes.
~Remove from oven and let cool. It takes about 15 minutes to cool completely.
~Serve to dip in the fruit salsa.

Variations
`Substitute butter flavored pam or melted butter.
`Add 2 peaches, peeled, diced small
`Add 2 mangos, peeled, diced small
`Add 3 plums, diced small
`Add 4 ounce blackberries, mashed
`To make it even healthier use low carb-whole wheat tortillas.

Helpful Hint:
If the fruit is out of season and the salsa is not as sweet as you like, add 1 teaspoon brown sugar and 2 teaspoon white sugar. Mix well, to dissolve sugar.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Grilled Veggie Sandwich

This is my daughter Autumn and niece Jacki's favorite sandwich for me to make them. Put what ever veggies you like on the sandwich. I think the sauce is what make this so tasty.


GRILLED VEGGIE SANDWICH 
(serves 4)

Ingredients:
*1/2 cup mayonnaise (reduced fat mayo)
*4 cloves garlic, minced
*Juice squeezed from one lemon
*1/4 teaspoon dill weed
*1/2 cup Italian dressing (fat free)
*1/2 cup sliced red bell peppers
*1/2 cup sliced green bell peppers
*1 small zucchini, sliced
*1 small yellow squash, sliced
*1/4 cup mushrooms
*1 red onion, sliced
*4 tablespoons olive oil
*4 squares of focaccia bread, split horizontally (posted on 7/27/10)
*1 small tomato sliced
*1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
*1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions:
~In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, garlic, dill weed, and lemon juice.
~Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
~Put veggies (minus tomato) and Italian dressing in a large zip-lock bag, close and mix well.
~Let veggies marinate in the Italian dressing, in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
~Preheat stove top grill over medium/high heat (or a panini maker).
~Brush grill with olive oil.
~Place red & green peppers on grill first. Let cook for a couple minutes.
~Add rest of veggies (minus tomato) to grill.
~Cook about 3 minutes on each side, or until tender.
~Remove veggies from grill, and set aside.
~Slice focaccia bread in the middle.
~Spread mayonnaise mixture onto sliced focaccia bread.
~ Sprinkle top side of the focaccia bread with feta and mozzarella cheese.
~Place one slice of tomato over cheese.
~Layer veggies over bottom slice of the focaccia bread.
~Close sandwich and place on grill.
~Heat on both sides just enough to warm bread and melt cheese.
~Serve hot.

Variations:
`Place a slice of pepper jack cheese over cooked veggies.
`Grill sliced egg plant to go with the veggie mixture.
`Replace focaccia bread with ciabotta bread or a hearty sub bun.
`If you must have meat, add grilled chicken or turkey to it.

Focaccia Bread

This bread is good just as is or use it as a pizza crust, make a sandwich out out it, or dip it in flavored olive oil. Even if you have little or no experience with making bread, you can make this.

FOCACCIA BREAD
 (serves 12)

Ingredients:
*1 tablespoon active dry yeast
*1 teaspoon white sugar
*1 cup warm water (110 degrees)
*2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
*2 garlic cloves, minced
*1 teaspoon salt
*1 teaspoon dried rosemary
*1 teaspoon dried oregano
*1 teaspoon dried thyme
*1 teaspoon dried basil
*1/2 teaspoon black pepper
*1 tablespoon olive oil
*1 tablespoon olive oil
*1 1/2 tablespoon fresh grated parmesan cheese
*1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.

Directions:
~In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water.
~Stir in the yeast and allow it to proof until the yeast resembles a off white creamy foam.
~Mix salt and 1 tablespoon olive oil into the yeast.
~Stir in flour, minced garlic, oregano, rosemary, thyme, basil, and black pepper, until the dough as pulled together.
~Put dough on a lightly floured surface.
~Knead dough, until smooth and elastic.
~Place dough into a lightly oiled bowl, turn to coat both sides of bread.
~Cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
~Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
~Punch down dough, and place on a greased cookie sheet.
~Gently press into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
~Brush top with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
~Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
~Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
~Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
~Serve warm or cold.

Variations:
~Spoon Pizza Sauce on it before adding cheese.
~Place very thinly sliced tomatoes on top before cooking.
~Sprinkle course salt on top before cooking.
Helpful Hint:
If you have problem with breads browning on the bottom for you. Spray pan with pam and sprinkle corn meal on it, then place your dough over that. It will help make it a toasty, pretty golden brown on the bottom.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Taco Seasoning

Taco's is such an easy dinner to make. Making your own taco seasoning only makes it better. No MSG and great for a iodine free diet.


TACO SEASONING 
(serves 20)

Ingredients:
*2 tablespoons chili powder
*3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
*3/4 teaspoon onion powder
*1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
*1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
*1 teaspoon paprika
*2 teaspoons ground cumin (use gluten free if needed)
*2 teaspoons sea salt (kosher salt if on a iodine free diet)
*2 teaspoons black pepper
*3 teaspoons cornstarch 

Directions:
~Mix all ingredients.
~Store in an airtight container

Directions for tacos:
~Cook 1 pound of beef or chicken, drain.
~Add 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning to meat.
~Add 2/3 cup water.
~Simmer for 10 minutes and serve.





Chocolate Chip Cookies

My family loves chocolate chip cookies. Some like it with just chocolate chips in them, and others like my husband Bill, love me to add coconut and nuts to them.


CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES 
(about 4 dozen)

Ingredients:
*1 cup butter, softened
*1 cup white sugar
*1 cup brown sugar, packed
*2 eggs
*2 teaspoons pure vanilla
*2 1/4 cups flour
*1 (3.3 ounce) instant vanilla pudding
*1 teaspoon baking soda
*2 teaspoons hot water
*1/2 teaspoon salt
*1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
*1 cup milk chocolate chips
*1 cup coconut (optional)
*1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Directions:
~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
~Cream together butter, white sugar & brown sugar, until smooth.
~Beat in the eggs and vanilla.
~Dissolve baking soda in hot water.
~Add baking soda water to batter.
~Add salt, flour, instant pudding and baking soda water.
~Stir in chocolate chips, nuts, & coconut.
~Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet.
~Bake 10-12 minutes or until edges are a golden brown.

Variations:
`Omit coconut
`Omit nuts
`Substitute chocolate chips for m&m's.
`Substitute milk chocolate chips for your favorite type of chip.
`Omit pudding and add another 1/4 cup flour. (the pudding makes it very moist).

Friday, July 23, 2010

Slim Jim Sandwich

This is my version of the Big Boy "Slim-Jim". It's not the same, but as close as I could get it. To bad I can't find the bread they use.


SLIM JIM SANDWICH 
(serves 2)

Ingredients:
~1/4 cup mayonnaise
~1 teaspoon onion, finely chopped
~1/2 teaspoon dill pickle relish
~1/2 teaspoon dill pickle juice
~(10 ounces) Virginia baked ham, sliced thin
~(6 ounces) Swiss cheese, sliced thin
~2 (6 inch), hoagie style sub buns
~1 tomato, thinly sliced
~shredded lettuce
~4 dill pickle slices
~2 tablespoons butter, softened

Directions:
~In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, onion, dill relish, & dill pickle juice.
~Cover and let sit for at least 2 hours.
~Heat griddle or skillet over medium hight heat. (Can you a the George Forman Grill or Panini maker for this too).
~Butter the inside of the grill.
~Place on griddle and toast to a golden brown.
~Remove from griddle.
~Start layer your sandwich, (bottom toasted side), in this order.
Ham, cheese, lettuce, tomato.
~On the top part of the toasted bun, spread the mayonnaise mixture.
~Close sandwich.
~Place sandwich bottom side down on griddle.
~Place a heavy skillet over top half of sandwich. (I use a cast iron pan, or an aluminum foil covered brick).
~Grill until cheese melts, flipping half way through. 
~Remove from griddle, cut in half and place a dill pickle slice on top of both half of sandwiches.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwich

This is a good meal for a busy day. Just throw in in the slow cooker and go do what you need to do. You will have a hot yummy dinner when you return. I posted two types of BBQ Sauce. One sweeter the other spicy.

 

PULLED BBQ CHICKEN 
(serves 6-8)

Ingredients:
*5 good-sized boneless, skinless, chicken breasts.
*1/2-1 cup chicken stock.

Sweet BBQ Sauce
*2 tablespoons butter, melted
*1/4 sweet onion, chopped very fine
*2 garlic cloves, minced
*2 cups ketchup
*2 cups tomato sauce
*1/2 cup brown sugar
*1 cup Italian red wine vinegar
*1/4 cup dark molasses
*4 teaspoons hickory-flavored liquid smoke
*1/4 teaspoon chili powder
*1 teaspoon paprika
*1/2 teaspoon celery seed
*1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
*1/2 - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (depending on how spicy you want it)
*1 teaspoon sea salt
*1 teaspoon pepper
*1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste (use an hour before you are going to serve it, if sauce needs to be thicken up)

Spicy BBQ Sauce
*2 cups apple cider vinegar
*6 ounces tomato sauce
*1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
*1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
*1 1/2 tablespoons salt
*1 tablespoon steak sauce
*1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
*1/2 tablespoon hot pepper sauce.
*1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions:
~Heat the chicken stock in a fry pan to a low simmer.
~Add chicken breasts to the stock.
~Cook chicken 2-3 minutes on each side.
~Remove chicken from pan and cool.
~In the crock pot, mix all ingredients, except chicken.
~Place chicken into crock pot.
~Cover, and cook 3 to 4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low.
~Uncover, and if needed shred chicken.
~Scoop unto rolls and serve. 

Variation:
`Add slice of favorite cheese on top of Pulled BBQ sandwich, then cover with butter.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Fried Potatoes

I love fried potatoes. I like them best cooked in a cast iron fry pan, over an open fire or on the stove. They seem to get that beautiful brown color and get a little crisper. Yummy!


FRIED POTATOES 
(serves 4)

Ingredients:
*6 large potatoes, peeled & sliced
*1 onion, sliced
*1 teaspoon salt
*1 teaspoon pepper
*1/2 teaspoon paprika
*1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
*1/3 cup lard (sorry, it's the way grandma & mom made it)

Directions:
~Soak potatoes in cold water until crisp.
~Drain water, and dry potatoes with clean towel or paper towels.
~Cut onions and mix with potatoes.
~Add seasonings mix well.
~Melt lard in a cast iron pan (or large fry pan) on medium-high.
~Heat until very hot.
~Carefully add potatoes & onions.
~Watch for browning and turn (you will need to turn several times to avoid burning).
~Remove when potatoes are done, a nice carmel color and very tender.

Variation:
`Substitute lard for vegetable oil
`Substitute lard for butter
`Omit garlic powder
`Omit paprika
`Omit onions

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Mayonnaise

It's so easy to make your own mayonnaise. You probably have most of the ingredients in your house already, and you can whip it up in a matter of minutes. Much cheaper than buying it.

HOMEMADE MAYONNAISE 
(stores it in a jelly jar)

Ingredients:
*1 egg
*1/4-1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
*1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
*1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard
*3/4 cup vegetable oil
*salt & pepper to taste

Directions:
~Combine egg, garlic, lemon juice, & mustard in a blender or food processor.
~Blend on medium speed until smooth.
~Turn speed down to low.
~Pour the vegetable oil in a small stream (drizzle) into the blender. (Very important to pour the oil in very slowly as it blends)
~Blend until the mixture emulsifies and thickens.
'Chipotle Mayo'
*1/2 cup homemade mayo
*2 chipotle chilies in adobo sauce
*1 tablespoon adobo sauce form chipotle peppers
Variation:
`Substitute the vegetable oil with olive oil
`Substitute egg with 1/4 cup egg beaters
`Add chopped fresh parsley
`If you like heat, add some hot sauce to it

Friday, July 16, 2010

Swiss Steak

This a meal that you can do on the stove, in the oven or in the slow cooker. Make sure you cook it long enough that the tomato juice turns into a thick tomato gravy.






 
SWISS STEAK
(serves 4)

Ingredients: 
*1 1/2 - 2 pounds round steak.
*1/4 cup flour
*1/3 cup vegetable oil
*2 garlic cloves, minced
*1 medium onion, cut into strips
*1 cup mushrooms, sliced
*1 (46 ounces) tomato juice or 2 quarts of stewed tomatoes
*1 1/2 teaspoon pepper
*1 teaspoon salt
*2 teaspoons thyme
*1 teaspoon dried basil
*1 teaspoon dried oregano
*1/2 teaspoon marjoram

Stove Top Directions:
~Place vegetable oil in large frying pan, over medium-high heat.
~Put flour in a shallow dish and dust steak in flour, until completely covered.
~Place steaks in hot oil and brown on both sides. About 3 minutes each side.
~Remove steaks.
~Put green peppers, onions, & garlic in oil scraping steak drippings off bottom of pan as they cook.
~Cook until veggies are a little tender.
~Put steaks back into pan.
~Gently pour tomato juice into pan.
~Add all the seasonings.
~Bring tomato juice to a boil.
~Reduce heat to simmer.
~Cook for 4 - 5 hours, stirring every once in a while.

Oven Directions:
~Heat oven to 350
~Place vegetable oil in large oven proof skillet, over medium-high heat.
~Put flour in a shallow dish and dust steak in flour, until completely covered.
~Place steaks in hot oil and brown on both sides. About 3 minutes each side.
~Remove steaks.
~Put green peppers, onions, & garlic in oil scraping steak drippings off bottom of pan as they cook.
~Cook until veggies are a little tender.
~Put steaks back into pan.
~Gently pour tomato juice into pan.
~Add all the seasonings.
~Bring tomato juice to a boil.
~Cover with aluminum foil, and place in oven.
~Bake in oven for 3-4 hours.

Slow Cooker Directions:
~Place vegetable oil in large frying pan, on medium-high heat.
~Put flour in a shallow dish and dust steak in flour, until completely covered.
~Place steaks in hot oil and brown on both sides. About 3 minutes each side.
~Remove steaks.
~Put green peppers, onions, & garlic in oil scraping steak drippings off bottom of pan as they cook.
~Cook until veggies are a little tender.
~Put steaks back slow cooker.
~Gently pour tomato juice over steaks and veggies.
~Add all the seasonings.
~Cook covered, on high for 6-7 hours. Low 8-9 hours.

Instant Pot Directions:
~Put flour in a shallow dish or zip lock bag.
~Add steak and completely cover with flour.
~Put instant pot on sauté mode.
~Once hot, add veggie oil.
~Remove steaks from flour, shaking off any excess.
~Place steaks in hot oil and brown on both sides. About 3 minutes each side.
~Remove steaks.
~Put green peppers, onions, & garlic in oil scraping steak drippings off bottom of pan as they cook.
~Cook until veggies are a little tender.
~Put steaks back into pan.
~Gently pour tomato juice into pan.
~Deglaze the bottom of the pan.
~Add all the seasonings.
~Pressure cook for 60 minutes.
~Quick release.
~If you want the sauce to be thicker and a corn starch slurry and stir until thicken.   

Variations:
`Omit vegetables.
`Substitute tomatoes juice with 2 quarts of stewed tomatoes.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Fried Bread Dough

This is something my mom & grandma would make whenever they made homemade bread. We grew up calling them 'scones'. My entire family love these. They go well with soup, chili, spaghetti, or for just a snack.

FRIED BREAD DOUGH
(makes 15)

Ingredients:
*1 cup warm water
*2 tablespoons white sugar
*1 (.25 ounce) active dry yeast (2 1/2 teaspoons)
*1/4 cup vegetable oil
*3 cups flour
*1 1/2 teaspoon salt
*1/8 teaspoon butter for each scone.
*salt & pepper to taste

Directions:
~Place the water, sugar and yeast in bread machine.
~Let the yeast dissolve and foam about 10 minutes.
~Add the oil, flour and salt to the yeast.
~Select dough setting on bread machine.
~When done, remove bread dough.
~Knead bread.
~Divide dough into 1-2 inch balls.
~Freeze dough balls that you won't be using at this time.
~Flatten the dough balls that you will be using, to about a 1/4 inch.
~Butter both sides of dough.
~Salt & pepper to taste.
~Put a medium sized skillet over medium heat.
~Fry until golden brown, and flip.
~Fry second side until golden brown.
~Remove from heat, and serve hot.

Variations:
`sprinkle with garlic salt or powder.
`substitue butter with pam.
`sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
`Buy frozen bread rolls, let them thaw, and then cook as directed as above. Not as good as homemade, but will do in a pinch.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Pizza Crust

Making your own pizza can be so much fun for your family. Once you've made the crust,put out an array of toppings and let your kids go at it. Kids love it when they have control over what they are eating. When they pick their own topping, they get this control. You won't be hearing any, "I don't like it" for this meal.



PIZZA CRUST
(1 large pizza or 4 personal pizza's)

Ingredients:
*1 cup warm water
*1 package active dry yeast
*1 teaspoon sugar
*1 teaspoon salt
*2 teaspoons olive oil
*2 1/2 cups flour
*1 teaspoon ground basil (optional)
*1 teaspoon ground oregano (optional)
*1 egg white (optional)
*1 tablespoon water (optional)
*garlic salt (optional)
*corn meal

Crust Directions:
~In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast & sugar in the water.
~Allow the yeast to proof, about 10 minutes.
~In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, oregano, basil and olive oil.
~Mix in yeast mixture.
~Sprinkle flour on a clean dry surface.
~Knead dough, until it is no longer sticky. You may need to add another 1/4 cup of flour, but no more.
~Place the dough into a well oiled bowl, and cover with a damp cloth.
~Let the dough rise until double. About 1 hour.
~Punch down the dough, and form into one tight ball (more if you are going to make personal pizza's).
~Let dough sit for a few minutes.
~Roll out dough to desired thickness.
~Mix egg white & water together.
~Paint a light layer of egg wash on outer edge of pizza.
~Sprinkle with desired amount of garlic salt.
~Spray the pizza stone, pizza pan or cookie sheet with pam.
~Sprinkle corn meal on pan.
~Put flour on hands and flatten pizza dough to desired thickness.
~Place dough on pizza stone, pizza pans, or cookie sheet.
~Top with your favorite toppings.
~Bake in 400 degree oven for 15-20 minutes.
*If you like deep dish pizza crust, let the dough rise for 15-20 minutes once you have it on the pizza pan.
*You may want to cook in in the oven for 10 minutes before putting the toppings on if you aredoing deep dish pizza.
**If you want to cook the pizza on the grill, make sure you put olive oil on both sides of the crust before cooking and oil the grates. Place grill on high. Brown one side of crust (this will happen very quickly) and remove. Place toppings on browned side of crust. Return pizza to grill, cover and cook until cheese is melted. Watch that it doesn't burn. (All veggies & meat need to be cooked before putting them on the pizza).

Variation:
`Substitute garlic salt with sesame seeds.
`Substitute garlic salt with poppy seeds.
`Substitue garlic salt withgarlic powder.
`Substitue garlic salt with onion powder.
`Substitute garlic salt with grated parmesan cheese
`Buy frozen pizza dough, thaw and use.

Helpful Hint:
Some pizza places sell just the pizza dough. All you have to do is roll it out to your desired thickness. I know in our area you can buy a large pizza dough at "Hungry Howies".

Topping Ideas: 
*green/red peppers, cut thin and partially cooked
*mushrooms, sliced
*onions, sliced and partially cooked
*tomatoes, sliced thin
*zucchini, chopped very small, and partially cooked
*egg plant, sliced thin and partially cooked
*black olives, sliced
*pineapple, chopped
*bacon, cooked and crumbled
*sausage, cooked and crumbled
*hamburger, cooked and crumbled
*pork, shredded
*chicken (marinated), cooked, shredded, sliced or chopped
*ham, chopped
*pepperoni
*fresh basil, chopped
*fresh grated parmesan cheese
*mozzarella cheese, shredded, or sliced
*provolone cheese, shredded or sliced

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is an incredibly easy dinner to make and yet so good. It is really hard to burn or dry out this dinner. Make some garlic rolls or garlic bread and you have a meal fit for a king or better yet, fit for a loved one.




CHICKEN PARMESAN 
(serves 4)

Ingredients:
*1 cup buttermilk
*2 cloves garlic, minced
*1 1/2 pound chicken tenders
*3 tablespoons olive oil
*1 medium onion, chopped
*2 cloves garlic, minced
*3 bay leaves
*2 teaspoons dried basil
*1 quart stewed tomatoes
*1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
*1 teaspoon sugar
*1 teaspoon sea salt
*2 teaspoons black ground pepper
*1 teaspoon oregano
*1 teaspoon parsley flakes
*1/2 cup all-purpose flour
*2 large eggs, beaten
*1 tablespoon water
*1 1/2 cups dried Italian bread crumbs
*1 1/2 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
*1/4 cup olive oil
*1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese

Directions:
~In a medium bowl mix buttermilk, garlic and chicken tenders.
~Let marinate for at least one hour.
~Add 3 tablespoons olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat.
~Add onions, garlic, oregano, parsley flakes & bay leaves.
~Cook for 5 minutes until onions are soft.
~Add stewed tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, & basil.
~Cook until the liquid is cooked down and sauce thickens (around 20-30 minutes).
~Add sugar, salt & pepper.
~Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and keep warm.
~Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
~Put flour in a shallow plate and season with salt & pepper.
~In a medium bowl, mix the eggs and water.
~Beat until frothy.
~Put the bread crumbs on a plate, season with salt & pepper.
~Heat 1/4 cup oil in a large oven-proof skillet.
~Remove chicken from buttermilk.
~Dredge lightly in flour.
~Dip chicken into the egg wash and coat completely. Let excess drip off.
~Dredge chicken into the bread crumbs.
~When the oil is not, add the chicken and fry for 4 minutes on each side until golden brown, turning only once.
~Add the tomato sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with mozzarella & parmesan cheese.
~Bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly.
~Serve with your favorite cooked pasta.

Variations:
`Substitute dried basil or a 1/2 bunch of bail leaves
`Substitute chicken tenders for 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (pounded to 1/4 inch thick).
`Substitute the homemade tomato sauce for store bought spaghetti sauce (much easier, but not as good).

Helpful Hint:
If the sauce won't thicken up enough for your liking, add 1/8 - 1/4 cup tomato paste.



Monday, July 12, 2010

Baked French Toast

Throw is in your fridge the night before and have the family wake up to the wonderful smell of french toast cooking. I normally make it for brupper (breakfast at dinner time).


BAKED FRENCH TOAST 
(serves 12)

Ingredients:
*1 loaf French (or Italian) bread, cut in 1-2 inch slices
*6 eggs
*1 cup whole milk
*1 cup cup half and half cream
*2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
*1 cup pecans, chopped
*1/2 cup butter *3/4 cup brown sugar
*1 1/2 tablespoons light corn syrup

Directions:
~Butter (or spray pam) a 9x13 inch pan.
~Arrange the slice of bread in the bottom of the pan.
~In a large bowl, beat the eggs, pecans, milk, vanilla, cream, and cinnamon together.
~Pour over bread slices, cover and put in the refrigerate overnight (or in the morning if having for dinner).
~When ready to cook, take french toast out of refrigerator and flip the bread over.
~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
~Bake, covered with foil, for 20 minutes
~In a small saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup.
~Heat until bubbling.
~Pour over bread and egg mixture, after it has been baking for 20 minutes.
~Bake, uncovered, for 20-30 minutes.
Variation:
`Pour syrup mixture on the bread before putting in oven and let cook uncovered 40 minutes.
`Omit pecans.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Amish White Bread

I love fresh bread. The smell of it baking wafting though out the house is to die for. It makes any sandwich better and goes well with any soup. This is so versatile. Take this basic recipe and change it up, to garlic, rosemary, whatever seasoning you like best.  If you have a food scale, weigh the ingredients.   It will turn out even better.


AMISH WHITE BREAD 
(makes 2 loafs)

Ingredients:
*2 cups warm water, about 110 degrees (454 grams)
*2/3 cup white sugar  (134 grams)
*1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
*2 teaspoons salt (12 grams)
*1/4 cup vegetable oil (48 grams)
*6 cups flour (720 grams)

Directions:
~In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water.
~Stir in the yeast and allow it to proof until the yeast resembles a off white creamy foam.
~Mix salt and oil into the yeast.
~Mix in flour one cup at a time.
~Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth.
~Place in a well oiled bowl, and turn to dough in bowl to coat.
~Cover with plastic bowl with plastic wrap or with a damp clean cloth.
~Allow to rise until doubled in bulk, about one hour.
~In the middle of the dough, punch it down.
~Knead for a few minutes, and divide in half.
~Shape into loafs and place into two oiled bread pans.
~Allow to rise for 30-60 minutes, or until doubled.
~Bake in a 350 degree preheated oven for 30-40 minutes.
~Remove bread from oven and let sit for 5 minutes.
~Remove from bread pan, and let cool on a wire rack.

Variations:
`Add 2 teaspoons garlic powder to flour
`Add 1 tablespoon rosemary leaves to flour
`Add 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon basil, & 1 teaspoon garlic powder to flour.
`After you remove bread from oven, rub butter on top and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.

Helpful Hint:
After oiling the bread pan, sprinkle with corn meal. This will help with the browning the bottom of your bread.

To help with the rising (quicker) of the bread and to make your bread moister add a pan off boiling water to a cold oven and let the bread rise in the oven.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Mock Wendy's Frosty

If you like Wendy's Frosty , you will like this.


THICK CHOCOLATE SHAKE
(serves 4)

Ingredients:
*1 1/2 cups whole milk
*1/2 to 3/4 cup powdered chocolate milk mix (I use Nestle's)
*6 cups of a good vanilla ice cream, softened.

Directions:
~Place ice cream in refrigerator for one hour, to soften it up.
~In a blender, blend milk and chocolate milk mix on high for 20 seconds.
~Pulse in ice cream until slightly mixed.

Variation:
`omit chocolate, add 1/4 teaspoon vanilla to milk, pulse in ice cream for a thick vanilla shake.
`omit chocolate, add 1/4 cup fresh chopped strawberries, pulse in ice cream for a thick strawberry shake.
`For a 'Frosty' type shake, omit 1/2 cup milk, and once mixed put it back in the freezer for about 15 minutes.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Egg Drop Soup

My daughter Autumn loves this soup. So easy to make. Make to go along with the next Chinese meal you make or just eat the soup as dinner with a sweet roll.



Ingredients:
*3 1/4 cups chicken stock 
*1 clove garlic, grated
*1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
*1 tablespoon dried chives
*2 tablespoon chicken granules
*1/4 teaspoon salt (if needed)
*1 cup chicken stock
*1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
*2 eggs
*1 egg yolk

Directions:
~Pour 3 1/4 cup chicken stock into a large saucepan.
~Stir in garlic, ginger, chives, chicken granules, & salt, and bring to a rolling boil.
~In a cup or small bowl, whisk together 1 cup chicken stock and cornstarch until smooth.
~Whisk cornstarch mixture into boiling chicken stock. Making sure all lumps are dissolved.
~In a small bowl, whisk the eggs and egg yolk together using a fork.
~Drizzle eggs into boiling broth mixture, stirring as you do.

Variation:
`Add 1/4 cup very thinly cut carrots, sautéed
`Substitute the chives for fresh green onions, chopped
`Add 1 cup frozen peas
`Add 1/4 cup celery, sautéed
`Omit garlic

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Scalloped Potatoes

This is one of these recipes that I have to admit, I really don't measure the ingredients. I put the measurements down for those who are not used to cooking that way. You really can't go wrong with this. You can throw this in the slow cooker too.
SCALLOPED POTATOES 
(serves 6)

Ingredients:
*3 pounds of potatoes, thinly sliced
*1 1/2 teaspoons salt
*2 teaspoons black pepper
*9 tablespoons black pepper
*6 tablespoons butter, diced
*1/2 quart whole milk

Directions:
~Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
~Grease 2 quart baking dish.
~Arrange one layer of potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
~Sprinkle the potatoes with salt, pepper, onions, 3 tablespoons flour and 2 tablespoons butter.
~Repeat layering 2 more times, until all the potatoes have been used.
~Slowly pour milk over the potatoes until the dish is 3/4 full of milk.
~Bake until the milk come to a boil (about 5-10 minutes).
~Then reduce heat to 375 degrees.
~Bake for another 60-70 minutes. If cooking in a slow cooker cook on low 6 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.

Variation:
`Add 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheese to each layer.
`Add Ham or Pork Chops to the top of the potatoes before cooking.
Helpful Hint:
Put a jelly roll pan/cookie sheet under baking dish to keep from making a mess in your stove, if sauce boils over.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Meat Loaf

My son Brandon loves meatloaf. He will usually ask for it for his birthday dinner. This is also a good slow cooker recipe, for those busy days.  Leftover meat loaf makes great sandwiches and an awesome Meatloaf Soup


MEATLOAF 
(serves 8)

Ingredients:
*1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
*1/2 pound sausage
*1 green pepper, chopped
*3/4 cups rolled oats
*1/4 cup milk
*1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
*1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
*1 egg
*1/2 onion, chopped
*1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
*1 teaspoon salt

Directions:
~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
~In a large bowl, combine meat, green pepper, Italian bread crumbs, milk, oats, Worcestershire sauce, egg, onion, salt & pepper.
~Mix lightly but thoroughly.
~Press into a bread pan.
~Bake for 1 1/2 hours, or until meat in no longer pink.
~Remove from bread pan, onto a serving dish.
~Let stand for five minutes before serving.
Variations:
`Add 1/4 cup barbecue sauce or ketchup to the top of the meatloaf before cooking or a mixture of BBQ sauce and ketchup. 
`Substitute bread crumbs with crushed saltine crackers or butter flavored crackers.
`Add 1/2 pound of veal to meat mixture.
`Once mixed, form into patties and grill as burgers.
Helpful Hint:
Make your meatloaf up ahead of time and freeze before cooking. That way on busy days or when you have unexpected company for dinner, you have something ready. You can let it defrost before baking or bake (covered) in the oven while still frozen for an extra 30-40 minutes.