Coal Miners Cake

I'm not a fan of cherries, but I do like this cake.  I love the frosting

COAL MINER'S CAKE

(serves 12)

Cake Ingredients;

*1 (15.25 ounce) box devils food cake mix

*1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling

*2 large eggs

*1 teaspoon vanilla

Frosting Ingredients:

*1 cup granulated sugar

*1/2 cup butter (1 stick)

*1/4 cup evaporated milk or whole milk

*3/4 cup chocolate chips

*1/2 cup pecans, chopped

Cake Directions:

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

~Lightly grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking dish (I use a cooking spray).

~In a large mixing bowl, mix 1 (15.25 ounce) box devils food cake, 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined.

~Pour into prepared pan.

~Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

~Remove and frost while hot.

Frosting Directions:

~In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, stir 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup butter, and 1/4 cup whole milk or evaporated milk.

~Bring mixture to a low boil.

~Remove from heat and stir in 3/4 cup chocolate chips and 1/2 cup pecans until chocolate has melted.

~Pour over hot cake and spread evenly.

~Allow to cool completely and frosting to set.

Green Tomato Pie

 Some people say this tastes just like apple pie.  I disagree, but it's still very tasty.   It's simlar to the apple pie taste.

GREEN TOMATO PIE

(serves 8)

Ingredients:

*2 pie crusts (make your own or use refrigerated pie crust)

*4 cups green tomatoes, chopped small

*4 tablespoon corn starch

*1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed

*1 cup granulated sugar

*1 1/4  teaspoons ground cinnamon

*1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

*1/8 teaspoon salt

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 350 derees.

Line an 8-inch pie plate with one pie crust.

~In a small bowl,  whisk 4 tablespoons corn starc, 11/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmet, and 1/8 teaspoon salt together until well combined.

~Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of mixture over the bottom crust.

~Mix 4 cups chopped green tomatoes into a large bowl.

~Stir in brown sugar-cinnamon mixture into chopped tomatoes until tomatoes are well coated.

~Pour into bottom crust.

~Place top crust over green tomato mixture and seal to bottom crust.

~Place 4 smal slits in top crust.

~Bake for 65-75 mintues or until crust is a golden brown.

~Remove from oven and allow pie ot cool before cutting.

Brunswick Stew

A great southern soup.   I do not make it spicy, because my husband doesn't care for spicy things.  Add as much hot sauce as you want or add a little cayenne pepper.  Also some people add okra to their soup.

BRUNSWICK STEW

(seves 6-8)

Ingredients:

*1/2 pound bacon, cut up 

*1 1/2 cup cooked chicken, shredded (I use leftover rotisserie chicken)

*4-6 boneless pork chops (or use a pork roast about 2 pounds)

*2 medium yells onions, chopped

*3-4 garlic cloves, minced 

*1 (28 ounce) can stewed tomatoes

*1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

*1 teaspoon salt

*1 teaspoon ground black pepper

*4 1/2 cups chicken stock 

*2 cups peeled, cubed russet or Idaho potatoes 

*2 cups frozen corn, thawed

*1 cup frozen lima beans thawed

*1/4 cup BBQ sauce

*1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 

*hot sauce to taste (optional)

Directions:

~In a large dutch oven, cook 1/2 pound cut up bacon over medium heat until crisp.

~Remove bacon from pan.

~Add in pork chops, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until a light golden brown.

~Remove from pan and set aside.

~Chop pork into bite size pieces, once cool enough 

~Add in 2 medium chopped onions and cook until tender, stirring often.

~Add in 3-4 minced garlic cloves, and cook for 1 more minute, stirring continuously.

~Add in 1 (28 ounce) can stewed tomatoes,  1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, stirring the bottom of the pan to deglaze it.

~Add  in 4 1/2 cups chicken stock, 2 cups peeled cubbed potatoes, and bring to a boil.

~Add in 1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken, cooked bacon, and 2 cups pork chops.

~Stir in 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce to taste.

~Reduce heat to simmer and cook until potatoes are tender.

~Add in 2 cups thawed corn and 1 cup thawed lima beans.

~Cook for another 10 minutes before serving.

Bird Dog Sandwich

I'm going to give you the recipe for the North Carolina Bird Dog sandwich, but you have so many options with this sandwich.  

Other Chicken Options:

Buy the chicken tenders, Grilled chicken tenders, BBQ chicken tenders, Buffalo chicken tenders

Other Bacon Options:

Pre-cooked bacon, Real bacon bits

Other Cheese Options:

American, Cheese wiz, Pepper jack,  smoked gouda 

Extra Toppings Options:

Chopped onions, jalapeño peppers, bbq sauce, or whatever you like

BIRD DOG SANDWICH

(makes 4)

Honey Mustard Ingredients (or buy some):

*1/2 cup mayonnaise 

*1/4 cup yellow mustard

*1/8-1/4 cup honey

Chicken Ingredients (or buy some):

*4 chicken tenders

*1/2 cup buttermilk (or whole milk)

*1 1/2  cups all-purpose flour

*2 teaspoons paprika

*1 1/2 teaspoons salt

*1 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1 teaspoon garlic powder

*1/2 teaspoon onion powder

*vegetable oil for frying

Remaining Ingredients:

*4 top open hot dog buns (or regular hot dog buns)

*1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

*4 teaspoons mayonnaise 

*4-6 slice thick cut bacon

Honey Mustard Directions:

~In a small bowl, whisk all the ingredients together.

~Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (I make mine the day before).

Bacon Directions:

~Fry up bacon until desired crispness.

~Remove from pan and set aside (I don't crumble mine, but you can if you choose).

Chicken Directions:

~Soak chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 1 hour.

~Heat up oil in a heavy bottom skillet to 375 degrees.

~In a medium bowl, whisk flour, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder together until well mixed.

~Remove chicken from buttermilk shaking excess liquid.

~Dredge chicken into flour mixture coated all sides.

~Shake of any excess flour.

~Fry chicken in hot oil until the piece are a golden brown and done, flipping half way through (about 6-8 minutes).

~Remove from oil and drain of paper towels or a wire rack

Let's Make the Sandwich:

~Preheat oven to broil (skip this step if you don't care if the cheese melts).

~Place 1 to 1 1/2 slices of bacon in the bottom of the hot dog but.

~Drizzle 1 teaspoon of mayo over the bacon.

~Add 1 chicken tender to each bun.

~Add 1/4 cup of cheese.

~Drizzle desired amount of honey mustard over top of it all.

~Place pan in oven and broil for 1-3 minutes or until cheese melts (be very careful not to burn it).

Fried Green Tomatoes

 You want firm tomatoes for this.  If they have a little pink that's ok as long as they are very firm, but try to get green.  

FRIED GREEN TOMATOES

Tomato Ingredients;

*4-5 green tomatoes

*1 teaspoon salt

*1 cup all-purpose flour

*2 large eggs

*1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk)

*1/2 cup cornmeal

*1/2 cup bread crumbs

*1 teaspoon smoked paprika, divided

*1 teaspoon onion powder, divided

*1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided

*1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (only if you want it to be a spicy)

*3-4 dashes hot sauce

Dipping Sauce:

*1 cup mayonnaise 

*1 tablespoon dijon mustard

*2 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

*2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

*1 garlic clove, finely minced

*1/2 teaspoon sweet relish

*1/2-2 teaspoons hot sauce, demoing on how spicy you want it (I only do 1/2 teaspoon)

*salt & pepper to tasted (I do about 1/2 teaspoon each)

Dipping Sauce Directions:

~Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl.

~Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Fried Tomato Directions:

~Slice tomatoes about 1/4 -1/2 inch thick.

~Lay in a single file over a couple layers of paper towel.

~Sprinkle 1 teaspoon salt evenly over tomato slices.

~Allow to sit for about 15 minutes.

~Whisk flour, and half of the seasonings together and pour onto a plate.

~Whisk eggs and milk together until well incorporated and set aside.

~Whisk cornmeal, bread crumbs and remaining seasonings together and pour onto a plate.

~Place a cooling rack onto a cookie sheet.

~Take paper towel and pat tomatoes to remove any excess liquid.

~Dredge tomato slices into flour one at a time and evenly coat all sides.

~Shake off excess flour.

~Dip into egg mixture, making sure all sides are coated.

~Shake off excess liquid.

~Dredge in bread crumb mixture, making sure all sides are coated.

~Shake off excess coating.

~Place tomatoes in a single layer on cooling rack.

~Heat vegetable or canola oil over medium high heat to 375 degrees.

~Place a few tomato slices into hot oil (do not over crowd pan).

~Fry for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown on both sides (flip halfway through).

~Remove from oil and place on a paper towel lined cookie sheet.

~Sprinkle a small amount of salt while they are sill very hot.

~Serve with dipping sauce.

Tomato Pie

 I only like this with fresh garden tomatoes, so this is a summer dish for me.   Normally tomato pie, does't have bacon in it, but we like it in there.  

TOMATO PIE

(8 slices)

Ingredients:

*1 (9-inch) deep dish pie crust 

*4 large tomatoes, sliced (peeled if you want)

* 1 teaspoon salt

*1/2 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)

*2 green onions, sliced thin

*1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (10 large leaves)

*1 clove of garlic,  minced 

*1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated

*1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated

*3/4 cup mayonnaise 

*1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

~Layer tomatoes over paper towel line pan in a single layer.

~Sprinkle salt evenly over tomatoes and allow to sit fo 15 minutes.

~Bake pie crust for 15 minutes.

~Remove from heat and cool.

~Reduce heat to 350 degrees.

~Pat the tops of the tomatoes with dry paper towel after they've been sitting for 15 minutes to remove any excess liquid.

~In a medium bowl,  mix mayonnaise, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic,  and pepper together until will combined.

~Layer half of the tomatoes in to partially cooked pie crust.

~Sprinkle half of the chopped green onions over the tomatoes. 

~Sprinkle half of the bacon over the tomatoes.

~Spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture over tomatoes.

~Layer the rest of the tomatoes over the cheese.

~Sprinkle the remaining green onions and bacon over the tomatoes.

~Spread the remaining cheese mixture over top, trying to leave as little gaps as possible.

~Bake for 30-40 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

~Remove from heat and cool for 15 minutes before cutting.

Green Bean Almondine

 Super easy to make and so tasty.  I have add crispy bacon cut into pieces in this too.

GREEN BEAN ALMANDINE

(serves 4)

Ingredients:

*1 pound green beans, cut of ends

*2 tablespoons butter

*1/2 cup slivered almonds

*2 tablespoons finely chopped purple onion

*2-3 garlic cloves, minced

*zest from one lemon

*juice from 1/2 lemon (about 2 teaspoons)

*salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

~Add a little salt to a pot of boiling water.

~Add the green beans and cook for 4-6 minutes.

~Remove from heat and drain.

~Melt butter into a skillet over medium/low heat.

~Add almonds and toast for about 2 minutes, stirring often.

~Add chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté for 40-50 seconds.

~Add green beans and toss and cook for another 2 minutes, tossing often.

~Remove from heat and add lemon zest, lemon juice, salt and pepper. 

Biscuits & Gravy Casserole

 I make mine with homemade biscuits, but you can use Grand Biscuits if you prefer.   

BISCUITS & GRAVY

(serves 8)

Caserole Ingredients:

*homemade biscuits (or 1 package of grands 8 count refrigerated biscuits)

*1 pound breakfast sausage 

*1/2 pound bacon 

*1/2 small yellow onion, chopped 

*6 large eggs

*1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1/4 teaspoon salt

*1-2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Gravy Ingredients:

*4 tablespoons butter

*4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

*2 cups half & half

*1 teaspoon butter garlic seasoning (optional)

*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1/2 teaspoon salt

Casserole Directions:

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

~Spray a 9X13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.

~Cut1 package of  uncooked biscuits into small pieces, place dough evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan (If making homemade biscuits, roll out and cut into bite-size pieces).

~Heat up a large skillet (I use cast iron).

~Cut up 1/2 pound bacon into small pieces and fry in hot pan until crispy.

~Remove from pan and place on paper towel to drain grease.

~Sprinkle bacon over biscuits.

~Drain grease from frying pan.

~In the same skillet, brown 1 pound ground sausage and 1/2 small chopped onion, until sausage crumbles and is no longer pink.

~Remove from skillet and drain any excess grease

~Sprinkle cooked sausage evenly over biscuit dough.

~Sprinkle 1-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese over sausage and bacon.

~In a medium bowl, whisk 6 large eggs, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper until well incorporated.

~Pour eggs evenly over sausage layer.

~In the same skillet that you cooked the sausage in, melt 4 tablespoons butter.

~Whisk in 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour,  1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon butter garlic seasoning and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking the entire time.

~Slowly drizzle 2 cups half & half into sausage flour mixture, whisking until all of the milk is mixed in.

~Bring mixture to a boil and allow to thicken (coats the back of spoon).

~Drizzle gravy evenly over over egg mixture.

~Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until bubbly and eggs are set.

BBQ Sauce

 This is good on chicken, ribs, burgers, pork, and even hotdogs.   Great to dip french fries in too.  

BBQ Sauce

(makes about 2 cups)

Ingredients:

*1 (20 ounce) bottle ketchup (around 2 cups)

*1 cup water

*1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

*1/2 cup light brown sugar (not packed)

*1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

*1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice

*1/3 cup honey

*2 teaspoons onion powder

*1/2 tablespoon ground mustard 

*2 teaspoons ground black pepper

*1/4 teaspoon salt

*1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (depending on how hot you want it) (optional)

Directions:

~In a medium saucepan whisk 2 cups ketchup, 1 cup water, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/3 cp honey, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 1/3 tablespoon ground mustard, 2 teaspoons ground black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper together, over medium heat.

~Once mixture starts to boil, reduce heat to low.

~Simmer for 90 minutes.

**This is a thinner sauce.  If you want it thicker, decrease the water by a 1/2 cup.

Hush Puppies

 Quick and easy to make.  Great for a side dish or for a snack.  I like to dip mine in ranch dressing or tarter sauce. 

HUSH PUPPIES

(makes 18-20)

Ingredients:

*1 1/2 cups fine grind cornmeal

*1/2 cup all-purpose flour

*1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

*1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 

*1/2 teaspoon baking soda

*1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

*1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar

*1/2 small yellow onion

*4 tops of green onion

*1 large egg

*1 cup buttermilk

*4 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small cubes

*vegetable oil for frying (around 4 cups)

Directions:

~Chop onion and green onions, fine (I use a food processor).

~Preheat oil in a large heavy bottom skillet over medium-high heat  '365 degrees' (I use a cast iron pan).

~In a medium mixing bowl,  whisk cornmeal, flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, and sugar.

~Stir in onion, green onion, egg and buttermilk to until mixed well.

~Stir in butter.

~Drop batter by cookie scoop in hot oil (do not over crowd pan).

~Cook until they are a golden brown (2-3 minutes), turning hush puppies often to brown all sides.

~Remove from oil and place on a paper towel lined plate.

~Sprinkle a little salt on them while they are still hot.

~Eat as is or dip in your favorite dipping sauce.

Variations:
`add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese into batter.
`add chopped jalapeño peppers to batter.
`add 1 cup corn  (drained) to batter.

Buttermilk Biscuits

One of my favorite things that my mom made when I was growing up was her biscuits.  She made them every Sunday.   I have discovered that if I mix my dry ingredients and put them in the freezer until cold, it makes even better biscuits.

BUTTERMILK BISCUITS
(makes 10-12)

Ingredients:
*2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
*2 tablespoons baking powder
*1 teaspoon granulated sugar
*1 teaspoon salt
*1/2 cup butter, frozen (or very cold)
*1 cup buttermilk
*1 tablespoon melted butter (optional)

Directions:
~Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
~Sift flour, baking powder, sugar and salt into a large mixing bowl.
~Cut in frozen butter with a pastry cutter until mixture resembles small crumbles (I use the whisk attachment on my kitchen aid mixer, or food processor for this step).
~Add buttermilk and stir until dough comes together (dough will be sticky)
~Turn onto a lightly floured surface.
~Roll or press out dough out into a bout 1-inch thickness.  Fold over and repeat for 5-6 times.
~Roll out one more time and use a floured biscuit cutter or glass and cut dough into biscuits.
~You will have to re roll the dough out a couple times to use up all the dough.
~Place onto a baking sheet or cast iron pan, having the biscuits touch each other.
~Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
~Remove from oven and using a pastry brush, brush the melted butter over the top of the hot biscuits. 

Hint:

~Having all of your ingredients cold, makes for better, fluffier biscuits.  I put my measured ingredients in a bag and put them in the freezer for an hour or so.

Chicken Fried Steak

A quick and easy southern dish to make.  You can make it even if you aren't southern.  

CHICKEN FRIED STEAK

(serves 4)

Ingredients:

*4 cube steaks (around 1/2 pound each)

*1/4 teaspoon salt

*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

*2 cups all-purpose flour

*1 teaspoon baking powder

*1 teaspoon corn starch

*1 teaspoon ground black pepper

*3/4 teaspoon salt

*1/2 teaspoon onion powder

*1 teaspoon garlic powder

*1 1/4 cups buttermilk

*1 egg

*1 teaspoons hot pepper sauce

*2 1/2 cups vegetable oil

*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1/4 teaspoon salt

*3 1/2 cups whole milk

*1/2 cup chicken stock

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 200 degrees.

~Pound cube steaks to about 1/4 inch thick.

~Sprinkle 1/4 salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper over steaks and pat down.

~Sift  flour, baking powder, corn starch, pepper, salt, onion powder and garlic powder together into a shallow bowl.

~Whisk buttermilk, egg and hot sauce together.

~Dredge steak in flour mixture, completely coating them.

~Shake any excess flour off.

~Dredge in egg mixture, completely coating them.

~Dredge once again in flour mixture, completely coating them (keep remaining flour).

~Pat the flour down and place steaks on a plate to rest for 15-30 minutes.

~In a large deep cast iron pan, heat vegetable oil to 325 degrees (it's important for the oil to be the right temperature).

~Fry the steak until a golden brown and aren't sticking on the bottom of the pan 3-5 minutes per side.

~Remove steaks from oil and place on a cooling rack.

~Place into warm oven to keep hot while cooking the gravy.

~Drain all but about 1/4 cup of the oil.

~Return cast iron pan to stove over medium-low heat.

~Whisk remaining flour (about 1/4 cup), 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper into oil.

~Whisk for about 50-60 seconds.

~Whisk in milk and chicken stock.

~Whisk until gravy is thick about  4-6 minutes.

~Plate steaks and spoon gravy over steaks.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches with coleslaw

You can make it easier buy using your favorite BBQ sauce, but I think making your own makes it over the top tasty.  I do love no fuss slow cooker meals, especially when making it for a party.  Making your own hamburger buns will even make this better.

PULLED PORK SANDWICHES
(serves 10-14)

Pulled Pork Ingredients:

*Dry Rub (use my recipe or your favorite dry rub)

*5-7 pound pork shoulder roast (pork butt)

*3 onions, cut into quarters

*3 stalks of celery, cut in half

*4 whole garlic cloves

*1 bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce (I can my own BBQ sauce)

*Hamburger buns

Pulled Pork Directions:

~Spread the dry rub all over the 5-7 pound pork shoulder.

~Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate over night (or at least 8 hours).

~Remove pork from refrigerator.

~Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

~Place pork into a large pot.

~Place 3 quartered onions, 3 stalks celery cut in half, and 4 cloves garlic over roast.

~Cover and cook or 7-8 hours.

~Remove from oven and put pork onto a large cutting board.

~Remove any fat, and then shred pork.

~Disscard celery.

~Chop up cooked onion and garlic and mix into pork.

~Place pot on burner over medium-high heat and add1/2 cup water.

~Scrape bottom of pan to deglaze pan (remove left over meat from bottom of pan).

~Cook for 4-5 minutes. 

~Pour in 1 bottle of your favorite Barbecue sauce and heat up.

~Remove from heat and add in shredded pork.

Coleslaw Ingredients: (optional)

*1/2  head green cabbage, shredded
*1 carrot, grated
*1/2  red onion, thinly sliced
*1/8 cup dijon mustard
*3/4 cups mayonnaise
*1 1/2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar (can use white vinegar too)
*Juice from 1/2 small lemon
*1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
*1/4 teaspoon celery seed
*1/2 teaspoon salt
*1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Coleslaw Directions:
~In a large bowl, mix 1/2 head shredded cabbage, 1 grated carrot, 1/2 sliced red onion, 1/8 cup dijon mustard, 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 1/2 teaspoons apple cider, 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon Clery seed, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper and mix well.
~Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.


Making the Sandwich:
~Spread butter on the inside of all of the hamburger buns.
~Toast buns, butter side down, in a large skillet over medium-low heat until golden brown.
~Spoon bbq pork onto bottom buns.
~Spoon desired amount of coleslaw over top of cheese.
~Place top bun on and enjoy.

Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese

So easy to make, creamy & tasty.  Kids and adults seem to love this recipe.  You can throw the noodles in uncooked, just let it cook longer in the crockpot.  I prefer the noodles cooked ahead of time because they don't seem as mushy.

(forgetting to take a picture before people dove in = a messy picture)

CROCKPOT MAC & CHEESE

Ingredients:
*1 (16 ounce) box of macaroni, cooked & drained
*1 (8 ounce) velveeta cheese, cut into cubes.
*1 (16 ounce) bag shredded cheddar cheese
*3 cups whole milk
*2 (12 ounce) cans evaporated milk
*4 tablespoon butter, melted
*1 teaspoon salt
*1 teaspoon black pepper
*1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
*1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

Directions:
~In a large bowl, mix everything but noodles together.
~Add in cooked noodles and mix well.
~Put mixture into slow cooker & cover.
~Cook for 3 hours, stirring once in a while if possible.

**You can cook this in the oven if you would prefer.  Spray a 9x13 inch pan with a cooking spray.  Add the mixed ingredients, cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350 for 1 hour.


Variation:
`add small chunks of ham if desired.

Creamy Macaroni & Cheese

A very simple easy to make recipe.  This has become my daughters favorite mac & cheese recipe.  The hot sauce does not make it spicy, so kids will still love it.  I normally use small shell noodles, but you can use macaroni or rigatoni noodles if preferred.

CREAMY MACARONI & CHEESE
(serves 6)

Ingredients:
*1 (16 ounce) package of small shell noodles
*1/4 cup butter
*1/2 cup all-purpose unbleached flour
*2 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
*1 cup (about 8-10 slices) white american cheese, chopped
*1 cup Vermont white extra-sharp cheese, shredded
*1 1/2 tablespoons dijon mustard
*1 teaspoon kosher salt
*1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
*1/2 - 1  teaspoon hot sauce

Directions:
~Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
~Pour pasta into boiling water and cook according to package directions.
~Drain pasta and set aside.
~Melt butter in a medium pot over low heat.
~Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly.
~Slowly whisk in milk.
~Cook over medium heat, constantly whisking until mixture thickens and bubbles (be careful not to scorch milk).
~Remove from heat.
~Add American & Cheddar cheeses, mustard, salt, pepper & hot sauce.
~Stir until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
~Stir in pasta and cook over medium heat for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Peach Pie

I live in an area that in known for there delicious peaches & apples.   Every fall when the peaches come in I make peach pie & peach cobbler.   I waiting right now, for a peach cobbler to cool down so I can have a serving.

PEACH PIE
(8 servings)

Ingredients:
*8 large fresh peaches, pitted & sliced
*1/2 cup all-purpose flour
*1 tablespoon cornstarch
*1/2 cup granulated sugar
*1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
*1 teaspoon cinnamon
*1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
*1/4 cup butter, cut into small pieces
*2 (9 inch) pie crusts
*cinnamon sugar, optional

Directions:
~Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
~Place one crust in the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan.
~In a large bowl, mix peaches, flour, cornstarch, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon & nutmeg.
~Pour into pie pan.
~Drop butter over top of peaches.
~Top with lattice strips of pie crust.
~Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over lattice crust, optional.
~Bake for 15 minutes.
~Turn oven down to 350 degrees.
~Bake another 30 minutes.
~Turn off oven and leave pie in oven for about 1 to 2 hours.
~Slice when completely cooled.

Corn Bread

Who does't love warm homemade corn bread.  It goes great with a bowl of chili, but also with many other things.tttt  Very easy and quick to make.  I also think it tastes better cooked in a cast-iron pan, and I don't know why.  This does not mean you can't bake it in a glass pan, it will still be wonderful.

CORN BREAD
(serves 8)

Ingredients:
*1 cup cornmeal
*1 cup all-purpose flour
*1 tablespoon baking powder
*1/4 teaspoon salt
*1/4 teaspoon baking soda
*1 1/4 cups buttermilk
*1 large egg
*2 tablespoons sugar
*1/4 cup vegetable oil
*2 tablespoons butter

Directions:
~Place cast-iron skillet in the oven and preheat to 375 degrees.
~Combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder & salt in a medium bowl.
~In a large mixing bowl, mix the buttermilk & baking soda.
~In a small bowl, beat the egg and sugar until mixed well.
~Add the oil into the egg mixture and beat until well combined.
~When the oven has preheated, toss butter into the skillet and let it melt.
~Pour the buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture.
~Mix, but just enough to make the dough come together.  Do not over stir.
~Pull the skillet out of the oven.
~Swirl the butter around to cover the bottom and sides of the skillet.
~Pour the batter into the pan.
~Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and bread starts to pull away from the sides of the pan.
~Remove from oven and invert onto a cutting board.
~Cut into wedges and serve while still warm.

Peach Cobbler

I always look forward to when the peaches are in season.   Fresh peaches make for some mighty fine peach cobbler.

PEACH COBBLER

(serves 6)

Ingredients:

*5-6 cups peaches, peeled, pitted and sliced into thin wedges

*1/4 cup white sugar

*1/4 cup brown sugar

*1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

*1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

*1 teaspoon fresh squeezed lemon juice

*2 teaspoons cornstarch

*1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

*1/4 cup white sugar

*1/2 cup brown sugar

*1 teaspoon baking powder

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1/2 cup butter, chilled and cut into small pieces

*1/3 cup boiling water

*1/8 cup cinnamon sugar

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

~In a large bowl, mix together, 1/8 cup sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, & cornstarch.
~Mix throughly with peaches.

~Pour into a 8x8 inch pan.

~Bake for 12-15 minutes.

~While the peaches are cooking, in a large bowl, combine the flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, baking powder & salt.

~Blend butter in flour mixture using a pastry blender, until it resembles coarse meal.

~Add boiling water, mix until just combined.

~Remove peaches from oven.

~Drop spoonfuls of pastry dough topping over the peaches.

~Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over top of pastry dough.

~Return to oven and bake for 30 minutes.

Variation:

`add 1/2 cup pecans to pastry dough.

`top with some homemade vanilla ice cream.

Easy Baked Beans

I do not like beans, but my family does.   This is such a simple way to make them and they are so good (according to my family).  I have two baked bean recipes.   This one is what I would call semi-homemade because of the canned pork & beans.  In the near future I'll post the Boston Baked Bean recipe.   That one takes longer to make.

EASY BAKED BEANS
(serves 6)

Ingredients:
*2 (15 ounce) cans pork & beans (bean with out pork for vegetarian)
*1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
*1 small onion, chopped
*1 clove garlic, minced
*1/2 cup ketchup
*1/2 tablespoon prepared mustard
*1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
*1 teaspoon liquid smoke
*1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
*1/2 teaspoon salt
*1/2 teaspoon black pepper
*4 slices on bacon (optional)

Directions:
~Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
~Place bacon on a cookie sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes (you want the bacon cooked but not crisp).
~Remove bacon from oven and let cool.
~Once bacon is cooled, cut into small pieces.
~Decrease oven temperature to 350 degrees.
~Combine beans, bacon, brown sugar, onion, garlic, ketchup, mustard, worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, vinegar, salt & pepper in a 1 1/2 quart baking dish.
~Bake uncovered, for 1 hour.

Deviled Eggs

Such an easy side dish to bring for any potluck, picnic, or party. Use a pastry bag and star tip, and pipe the filling into the egg makes for a fancy looking deviled egg.

DEVILED EGGS

(serves 6)

Ingredients:

*6 hard-boiled eggs

*4 tablespoons mayonnaise

*1/8 teaspoon dill weed (optional)

*1/4 teaspoon prepared mustard (optional)

*1/4 teaspoon salt

*1/4 teaspoon pepper

*1/4 teaspoon paprika

Directions:

~Slice 6 boiled eggs in half lengthwise.

~Remove yolks and set white aside.

~In a small bowl, mash yolks with fork.

~Add 4 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1/8 teaspoon dill weed, 1/4 teaspoon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon ground paprika.

~Mix well.

~Stuff or pipe into egg whites.

~Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Variations:

-Substitute mustard for spicy brown mustard.

-Add 2 strips of bacon, cooked & crumbled.

-Add 1/4 cup frozen spinach, thawed, squeezed dry, & chopped.

-Add 1 teaspoon vinegar + 1 teaspoon white sugar to mayonnaise.

-Add 1/8 teaspoon dried curry.