Waffle Cones

I love waffle cones.   If you make these make plenty, because when you neighbors smell it they will be knocking at your door.

        (waffle bowls taste just as good)

WAFFLE CONES

(makes 8)

Ingredients:

*3/4 cup butter

*1/2 cup sugar

*1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

*1/2 tablespoon water

*3 egg whites

*1/2 cup all-purpose flour

*Merkins chocolate (optional)

*Candy Sprinkles (optional)

*Peanuts, chopped (optional)

Directions:

~Melt butter over very low heat.

~Remove from heat once is melted.

~Beat egg whites in a small bowl.

~Add sugar and mix well.

~Add the egg/sugar mixture into the melted butter.

~Add in the vanilla & water and mix.

~Whisk in flour, until there are no lumps.

~Let batter sit for one hour before using.

~Cook on waffle cone maker, following waffle cone maker instructions.

~Let waffle cones cool completely.

(next steps are optional)

~Melt merkins chocolate.

~Dip cones in melted chocolate.

~Sprinkle chopped nuts or sprinkles on melted chocolate.

~Let chocolate harden before putting ice cream in cones.

Variations:

`Break up waffle cone into small pieces and mix into your ice cream.

`Break up waffle cone into larger pieces, dip into melted merkins chocolate.  Let chocolate set and serve as a snack.

Peppermint Meringue

This just melts in your mouth. It's so light and airy. It's super easy to make, but does take a while to bake and cool.

PEPPERMINT MERINGUE

(makes 24)

Ingredients:

*3 egg whites

*1/8 teaspoon salt

*1/8 teaspoon cream of tarter

*1/2 cup white sugar

*1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract

*1 peppermint candy cane, crushed fine

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 225 degrees.

~Line 2 cookie sheets with aluminum foil or parchment paper.

~In a large bowl, beat 3 egg whites, 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon cream of tarter, to form soft peaks.

~Slowly add1/2 cup granulated  sugar, beating until egg whites form stiff peaks.

~Drop spoonfuls 1 inch apart on cookie sheets.

~Sprinkle crushed peppermint candy cane over meringues.

~Bake for 1 1/2 hours (meringues should be completely dry on inside but not brown on the outside).

~Turn oven off.

~Open the oven a little, and let meringues sit in oven until cooled.

~Remove from pan.

~Store covered, in a cool dry place.

Peppermint Ice Cream

This ice cream screams Christmas flavor!  If you like the flavor of peppermint, you are going to love this.

PEPPERMINT ICE CREAM

(makes 1 1/2 quarts)

Ingredients:

*2 1/2 cups heavy cream

*1 1/2 cups whole milk

*8 large egg yolks

*3/4 cup white sugar

*1/4 teaspoon salt

*1/2 - 2 teaspoons peppermint extract

*1/2 cup crushed candy canes

*4-6 drops red food coloring (optional)

Directions:

~Pour milk, sugar, salt & food coloring in a medium saucepan.

~Heat until the sugar & salt are dissolved.

~Pour the heavy cream into a metal bowl & set into a larger bowl of ice.

~Set a fine mesh sieve on top of metal bowl.

~In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks.

~Slowly pour 1 cup of the warm milk into the egg yolks, whisking continually.

~Pour the egg yolks into the saucepan, whisking as you do.

~Stir the mixture constantly over medium heat with a wooden spoon, until the mixture slightly thickens and coats the back of the wooden spoon (you should be able to run your finger down the back of the spoon and leave a trail).

~Pour custard through the strainer and stir into the cream.

~Let sit for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until mixture is cooled.

~Cover mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3-4 hours, or until completely chilled.

~Add peppermint extract, starting with 1/4-1/2 teaspoon (add 1/4 teaspoon more, until you reach your desire taste).

~Freeze in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.

~Once froze, fold in peppermint candy.

~Place into an air-tight container and place in freezer for 5-8 hours.

Helpful Hint:

`Place plastic wrap directly over ice cream before covering and placing in freezer.  This will help to prevent freezer burn.

Apple Cinnamon Syrup

This is pretty tasty.  You don't need much on your pancake, because of the sweetness.  Make you don't let it boil at to high of a heat or it will become crystalized.  So yummy on pancakes.

APPLE CINNAMON SYRUP
(Serves 8)

Ingredients:
*1/4 cup white sugar
*3/4 cup light brown sugar
*2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
*3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
*1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
*1 cup water
*1 apple, peeled, cored, and chopped into small pieces (optional)
*1/2 tablespoon butter

Directions:
~Stir the 1/4 cup white sugar, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour and 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon together in a small saucepan.
~Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 cup water.
~Add 1 chopped apple.
~Bring to a boil, over medium heat, stirring often.
~Continue to boil and stirring until syrup has thickened to syrup consistency.
~Remove from heat.
~Stir in 1/2 tablespoon butter.
~Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Cranberry Relish

Whenever I make things with cranberries I think of my friend Adam, who loves cranberries.    This recipe is a lot like my friend Denise's recipe.   She serves her's on cream cheese, so I thought I'd try that.   Super yummy!

CRANBERRY RELISH

Ingredients:
*1 cup water
*3/4 cup white sugar
*2 granny smith apple, peeled, cored & chopped
*1 orange, peeled, seeded & chopped
*zest of lemon
*1 (12 ounce) bag fresh cranberries
*1 cup raisins
*1 cup walnuts, chopped

Directions:
~Combine 1 cup water, 3/4 cup sugar and 1 (12 ounce) fresh cranberries in a medium pot.
~Bring water to a boil, and the cranberries start to pop open.
~Bring the heat down to a simmer.
~Add 2 peeled and corned apples, 1 peeled & chopped orange, and zest from 1 lemon.
~Simmer for 20 minutes.
~Remove from heat.
~Add 1 cup raisins and 1 cup walnuts.
~Chill

Make it an appetizer and serve over a block of cream cheese and with crackers (ritz Christmas crackers would be pretty awesome).

Spiced Oyster Crackers

This snack is so easy to make.   I don't make them often just for the reason I eat to many of them.   I will tell you that in my opinion, you must buy 'Nabisco Oyster Crackers" to make this recipe the best it can be.   I think the off brand, are rather bland.

SPICED OYSTER CRACKERS

Ingredients:

*1 (1 ounce) package of ranch-style dressing mix
*1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
*1/4 cup vegetable oil
*1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper (optional)
*1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
*dash teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
*1 (9 ounce) package oyster crackers (use a good quality one)

Directions:
~Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
~Combine the ranch dressing mix, dill weed, vegetable oil, lemon pepper, garlic powder & cayenne pepper in a large bowl.
~Add oyster crackers, toss to coat well.
~Spread crackers evenly on a cookie sheet.
~Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring gently every 5 minutes.
~Remove from oven, and cool before serving.
~Store in a zip-loc bag.

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Mock Payday Candy Bar

One of my favorite candy bars, would be a 'Payday'.  Love that caramely nutty goodness.   This here I personally think is even better than the store bought ones.  So fresh and good.

MOCK PAYDAYS
(makes 8)

Ingredients:
*5 caramel squares, unwrapped
*1/4 cup whole milk
*1 teaspoon creamy peanut butter
*1 tablespoon light corn syrup
*1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
*1/2 teaspoon salt
*3/4 cup powdered sugar
*25 caramel squares, unwrapped
*1 tablespoon water
*1/4 cup powdered sugar
*2 cups peanuts, chopped lightly

Directions:
~Combine 5 caramel squares, milk, 1 teaspoon peanut butter, 1 tablespoon corn syrup and 1/2 teaspoon  vanilla exact  into a medium saucepan.
~Cook over low heat until the caramels have melted.
~Add 3/4 cup powdered sugar and stir well.
~Using a candy thermometer, cook caramel mixture until it reaches 230 degrees, stirring often.
~Remove from heat.
~Let cool for about 5 minutes.
~Add 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and mix with a mixer for about 2 minutes.
~Let mixture cool for 20 minutes.
~Divide candy into 8 equal pieces.
~Form each section into 4 inch logs or balls.
~Place logs on wax paper and allow to cool for 1 hour.
~In a double boiler, add remaining caramels and water.
~Melt until smooth.
~Remove from heat, but keep the hot water under the melted caramel (so it doesn't get hard).
~Using a pastry brush, coat the logs/balls with the hot caramel.
~Place peanuts into a shallow dish.
~Roll logs in peanuts.  If there are area's where the peanuts do not cover the log, apply more caramel and stick roll back into peanuts.
~Allow to cool completely before serving.

Parmesan Orzo

Creamy & yummy.   Great side dish with just about any dish.  Add some chicken to eat and have it as a meal.

PARMESAN ORZO
(serves 4)

Ingredients:
*2 tablespoons butter
*1 cup uncooked orzo pasa
*2 garlic cloves, minced
*1/8 cup onion, chopped
*1 3/4 cup chicken stock
*1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
*1/8-1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (depending on your taste)
*1/3 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
*salt & pepper to taste

Directions:
~Melt butter in a heavy skillet over medium-heat.
~Stir in orzo, garlic & onion, saute until orzo is lightly browned.
~Stir in chicken stock and bring to a boil.
~Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until orzo is done.
~Mix in parmesan cheese & basil.
~Once mixed well, stir in cherry tomatoes, salt & pepper.

Variations:
-Stir in 1/4 of homemade pesto, when adding parmesan cheese.
-Add feta, when adding tomatoes.
-Add sautéd spinach, after adding parmesan cheese.
-Add mushrooms, add when adding garlic & onions.

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Pumpkin Seeds

This recipe makes really nice crispy pumpkin seeds. There are so many ways that you can make pumpkin seeds.   I'll post a few.   The photo is the original salt pumpkin seeds.  You really can put just about any seasonings that you like on and bake them.  

SALT PUMPKIN SEEDS

Ingredients:
*2 cups whole raw pumpkin seeds
*1 tablespoon sea salt (I like to use fine sea salt)

Directions:
~Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
~Rinse pumpkin seeds and remove any pulp.
~Pat seeds dry with a clean towel (I use a salad spinner)

~Sprinkle some sea salt on seeds.
~Place seeds into the top of double boiler.

~Steam for 10 minutes.

~Line a cookie sheet with a silicone mat or spray with cooking spray. 

~Put pumpkin seeds on prepared pan in a single layer.

~Sprinkle with some more sea salt.

~Bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

~Allow to cool and place in a container.

SPICEY PUMPKIN SEEDS

Ingredients:
*2 cups raw whole pumpkin seeds
*1/8 teaspoon garlic salt
*1/8 teaspoon onion salt
*dash of cayenne pepper

Directions:
~Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
~Rinse pumpkin seeds and remove any pulp.
~Pat seeds dry with a clean towel (I use a salad spinner)

~Sprinkle some sea salt on seeds.
~Place seeds into the top of double boiler.

~Steam for 10 minutes.

~Line a cookie sheet with a silicone mat or spray with cooking spray. 

~Put pumpkin seeds on prepared pan in a single layer.

~Sprinkle with some, cayenne pepper, onion salt and garlic salt.

~Bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

~Allow to cool and place in a container.

CINNAMON PUMPKIN SEEDS

Ingredients:
*2 cup raw whole pumpkin seeds
*1/4 teaspoon salt
*1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
*1/4 cup white sugar

Directions:
~Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
~Rinse pumpkin seeds and remove any pulp.
~Pat seeds dry with a clean towel (I use a salad spinner)

~Sprinkle some sea salt on seeds.
~Place seeds into the top of double boiler.

~Steam for 10 minutes.

~In a small bowl, mix cinnamon and sugar together.

~Line a cookie sheet with a silicone mat or spray with cooking spray. 

~Put pumpkin seeds on prepared pan in a single layer.

~Sprinkle with with cinnamon sugar

~Bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

~Allow to cool and place in a container.

Bacon Vegetable Pasta Salad

This is another salad that is good as a side dish or as a light meal.  We really enjoy this one.

BACON VEGETABLE PASTA SALAD
(serves 8)

Ingredients:
*1 (12 ounce) package uncooked rotini pasta
*10 slices bacon
*3/4 cup mayonnaise
*4 tablespoons dry ranch salad dressing mix
*1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
*1/4 teaspoon seasoned pepper
*1/2 cup milk, or as needed
*1 large tomato, chopped
*1 carrot, peeled & sliced
*1/2 cup red pepper, chopped
*1 cucumber, seeds removed & diced
*1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, diced

Directions:
~Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
~Stir in rotini pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes, drain.
~Place bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook until evenly brown.
~Drain, cool & crumble bacon.
~In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, seasoned pepper & milk, until smooth.
~Place bacon, tomato, carrot, red pepper, cucumber, rotini, cheese and dressing in a large bowl toss until well coated.
~Cover and chill for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.

Variation:
-Add 1/2 cup black olives

Greek Salad

Nice light side dish or lunch.   Quick and easy to put together.  This is a recipe that you want to eat the same day.  I don't think this keeps that well, so I only make enough for one meal.

GREEK SALAD
(serves 4)

Ingredients:
*3 tomatoes, chopped
*2 cucumber, peeled, seeded & chopped
*1 small red onion, chopped
*1/4 cup olive oil
*3 teaspoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
*1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
*1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
*1/2 teaspoon sea salt
*1/4 teaspoon black pepper
*1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
*8 black greek olives, pitted and sliced

Directions:
~In a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, & onion.
~Sprinkle with olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, oregano, salt & pepper.
~Sprinkle feta cheese & olives and serve.

Greek Potatoes

Yummy.  This goes well with gyros.  Very easy to make.

GREEK POTATOES
(serves 4)

Ingredients:
*1/3 cup olive oil
*1 cup chicken stock
*3 cloves, garlic, finely chopped
*1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
*1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
*1 1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary
*12 red skinned potatoes

Directions:
~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
~In a small bowl, mix olive oil, water, garlic, lemon juice, thyme, rosemary & pepper.
~Cut potatoes in half.
~Arrange potatoes over the bottom of a 8x8 inch pan.
~Pour the olive oil mixture over potatoes.
~Cover with aluminum foil.
~Bake for 1 1/2-2 hours, turning occasionally, until tender, but not mushy.

Butter

Butter is so easy to make and very quick.  I really don't think it's much cheaper than buying butter, but I think it tastes better and you get buttermilk to use for pancakes, oven fried chicken, biscuits or anything else that calls for buttermilk.  I guess if you look at the cost of being able to get butter and buttermilk than it's cheaper than buying it.

Make it fun for the kids and let them cut out shapes for a special dinner.

BUTTER
(makes about 1 cup)

Ingredients:
*2 cups very cold heavy whipping cream (organic whipping cream will only make it better)
*1/8-1/4 salt (optional)

Directions:
~Pour cream in a Kitchen-aid Mixer whip a whip attachment, or a food processor.
~If using a kitchen-aid, put plastic over as much of the bowl as possible (unless you have a splatter guard), blend on speed 8 for about 4-6 minutes.  When the milk separates from the solid, it's ready.
~If using a food processor, blend for 8-10 minutes.  When the milk separates form the solid, it's ready.
~Put a mesh strainer over a small bowl or use cheesecloth.
~Put butter and liquid in strainer.
~Allow all the milk to drain into the bowl.  Keep this milk, it's buttermilk and will be excellent in recipes.  Store in in a covered container in the refrigerator.
~Place butter into a small bowl, press butter with the back of a spoon to further remove any liquid.
~Rinse butter with very cold water to remove any excess milky liquid (this will help so the butter doesn't turn sour).
~Now is the time to knead in the salt if you want.  Salt also helps to make the butter last longer.
~Save the butter in a sealed container in the fridge.

Variation:
-If you don't a good mixer or a food processor, then more the cream into a quart size canning jar.  Shake vigorously, 20-30 minutes until the milk separates from the solid.  Follow the rest of the directions as listed above.

Chicken Gyro

This is a little time consuming, but so worth the effort.
Make the Tzatziki Sauce the night before and it will be awesome.  I also like to marinate the chicken first thing in the morning.   Spicy potatoes or greek potatoes go well with this recipe.

CHICKEN GYRO
(serves 4)

Marinade Ingredients:
*3/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing (not vinegar)
*3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
*1 tablespoon dried oregano
*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
*4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

Tzatziki Sauce Ingredients:
*1/2 seeded, shredded cucumber
*1 teaspoon kosher salt
*1 cup plain greek yogurt
*1/4 cup sour cream
*1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
*1 teaspoon dried dill
*1 teaspoon olive oil
*1 garlic clove, minced
*1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
*1/8 teaspoon dried basil
*1/2 teaspoon fresh onion, minced
*sea salt to taste
*ground black pepper to taste
*dash of cayenne pepper

Pita Filling Ingredients:
*4 large pita bread rounds
*romaine lettuce, cut into 1/4 inch slices
*1 small red onion, thinly sliced
*1 tomato, halved & sliced
*1/4 cup kalamata olives (optional)
*1/4 cup pepperoncini (optional)
*1 cup crumbled feta cheese

Tzatziki Sauce Directions:
~Toss cucumbers with 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
~Allow to sit for 10 minutes.
~Place salted cucumber into a colander.

~Place colander over a bowl.

~Squeeze the cucumber until the liquid has drained from the cucumbers.

~In a medium bowl, mix yogurt, sour cream, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and olive oil.

~Season with garlic, dill, oregano, basil, marjoram, and minced onion.

~Stir in drained cucumber in to sauce.

~Season with sea salt, ground pepper & cayenne pepper.

~Refrigerate for at least 3 hours (I like mine to sit overnight).

Marinade Directions:
~In a small bowl, mix the balsamic vinaigrette, lemon juice, oregano & 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
~Place chicken into a zip-loc bag.
~Pour marinade over chicken, seal bag, & refrigerate at least 2 hours (I normally marinate mine all day).

Directions:
~Mix tomatoes, onions, with a dash of sea salt, ground pepper & a dash of garlic powder.
~Allow to sit for 1-2 hours, covered & in the refrigerator.
~Preheat stovetop grill over medium-high heat.
~Remove chicken from marinade and grill, about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until done.
~Discard remaining marinade.
~Remove chicken from grill, and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
~Slice chicken into thin strips.
~Brush pita lightly with olive oil.
~Grill pita bread, until warm, turning frequently to prevent burning.
~Spread cucumber sauce over warm pita.
~Arrange chicken, lettuce, onion, tomato, olives & pepperoncini, and feta cheese over pita, fold in half & enjoy.

Variations:
-if you don't have a balsamic vinaigrette, use 3 parts olive oil to 1 part balsamic vinegar.
-if you don't have plain greek yogurt, use plain yogurt and strain it for a couple hours to remove the extra liquid.
-add some cheddar cheese over chicken.

Fiesta Lime Chicken

I love this recipe.  Just enough kick of lime to it.   A little spicy with the sauce.  I did not have colored corn chips so I used black.  It was still yummy.

FIESTA LIME CHICKEN
(serves 4)

Ingredients:
*1 cup water
*1/3 cup teriyaki sauce (I make my own)
*1/2 lime, juiced
*3 cloves garlic, minced
*1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
*1/2 teaspoon salt
*1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
*4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
*1/4 cup real mayonnaise
*1/4 cup sour cream
*2 tablespoons chunky salsa
*1 tablespoon milk
*1/2-1 teaspoon cajun blackening spice
*1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
*1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
*1/8 teaspoon dried dill weed
*1/8 teaspoon cumin
*1 1/2 cups colby jack cheese, shredded
*2 cups multi-colored corn chips, crumbled

Directions:
~Whisk the water, teriyaki sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, liquid smoke, salt & ginger together.
~Place chicken breasts & marinade into a zip-loc bag and marinade for at least 2 hours.
~Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, salsa, milk, cajun seasoning, parsley, hot sauce, dill weed & cumin together.
~Cover bowl, and chill until ready to use.
~Remove chicken from marinate and discard marinade.
~Grill chicken for 4-6 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
~Brush grilled chicken with mayonnaise mixture.
~Sprinkle cheese over chicken and mayonnaise mixture.
~Broil in oven until melted.
~Serve chicken over a plate of crumbled corn chips.

Teriyaki Sauce

Any recipe that calls for teriyaki sauce, I make my own.   It has far less salt in it and tastes better than what you buy at the store.   It's also so simple to make.

TERIYAKI SAUCE
(makes 2/3 cup)

Ingredients:
*1 tablespoon cornstarch
*1 tablespoon cold water
*1 cup light brown sugar
*2 garlic cloves, minced
*1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
*1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
*1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:

~In a small bowl or cup, whisk corn starch and water together until smooth.
~In a small saucepan over low heat, mix in all the above ingredients.
~Let sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, until it thickens.
~Let sauce cool.
~Store in refrigerator.

Beef Stew

Very easy dinner to make.  This is a good winter meal.  I cube & dice my meat and veggies into bite-size pieces because of my family's preference, but you can cut them up into larger pieces if that's what you like.

BEEF STEW
(serves 8-10)

Ingredients:
*2 1/2 pounds roast beef
*3 tablespoons olive oil
*1/4 cup all-purpose flour (omit for gluten free)
*6 cups beef stock (or broth)
*1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
*1 teaspoon dried parsley
*1 teaspoon pepper
*4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
*2 garlic cloves, minced
*1 packet of lipton onion soup mix (omit for gluten free)
*4 large carrots, peeled & chopped
*4 celery stalks, sliced
*1 large onion, chopped
*2 teaspoons cornstarch
*2 teaspoons very cold water

Directions:
~Dust 2 1/2 pounds roast with flour.
~Heat up a large dutch oven or oven proof stock pot over medium high heat until hot.

~Once pan is hot add 3 tablespoons olive oil.

~Add roast and brown on both sides. 
~Remove meat.
~Pour in 1 cup beef stock, and scrape dripping off bottom of pan.
~Return roast to pan.
~Add the remaining 5 cups beef stock, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1 teaspoon dried parsley and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper.
~Bring to a boil, and turn heat down to a low, cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
~Remove roast from dutch oven.
~Allow to cool for 10 minutes.
~Cut Roast into bite-size pieces and return to dutch oven (I remove any fat from the meat at this time).
~Add 4 cubed potatoes, 4 large chopped carrots, 4 chopped celery stalks,1 chopped onion and 1 packet Lipton onion soup mix into the pot.
~Cover and cook for 1/2 hour.
~In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons  cornstarch and 2 teaspoons cold water together.
~Stir into the stew.
~Cover and simmer 1 hour.


Variation:
-After browning the meat, add roast and the rest of the ingredients (minus the cornstarch) into a slow cooker.  Put the roast on the bottom and veggies on top.  Cook on low for 6-8 hours.  About 1/2 hour before the serving, remove roast from slow cooker and cut into bite-size pieces.  Return to slow cooker, add the cornstarch mixed with cold water into the slow cooker.  Mix, cover and let it finish cooking.

Maple Nut Fudge Candy

This is a little bit of the taste of a maple bun.   It's very rich and so you want to cut it into small pieces.   It's consistency is like fudge.  I keep in in the freezer until ready to serve.

MAPLE NUT FUDGE CANDY
(makes 48 )

Ingredients:
*1 cup milk chocolate chips
*1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
*2 cups butterscotch chips
*2 cups creamy peanut butter
*1 cup spanish peanuts
*1 cup butter
*1/2 cup milk
*1/4 cup vanilla pudding mix (not instant)
*1 teaspoon maple flavoring.
*1 (2 pound) package powdered sugar

Directions:
~Melt 1 cup milk chocolate chips, 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 2 cups butterscotch chips, and 2 cups creamy peanut butter over a double boiler until melted.
~Spread 1/2 of mixture in a wax paper lined 9x13 inch pan.
~Put into freezer until set.
~Add 1 cup Spanish peanuts to remaining chocolate mixture.
~Let cool.
~Combine 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup instant vanilla pudding and 1 cup  butter into a medium size pan.
~Bring to a boil over low heat, stirring continually.
~Add 2 pounds powered sugar and 1 teaspoon maple flavoring.
~Spread over set chocolate flavoring.
~Spread peanut mixture ove top of powdered sugar mixture.
~Allow to chill and cut into bars.

Variation:
`substitute maple flavoring with vanilla flavoring.
`substitute maple flavoring with caramel flavoring.

Chicken Tenders

Kids love chicken tenders, but they really aren't that healthy.  This recipe is so much healthier than the ones you buy in the store.  Let the kids help with this recipe.  Make a bunch up and freeze them.  Freeze them before or after baking for future use.  They go great with the 'crispy french fries' recipe.

BAKED CHICKEN TENDERS
(serves 4)

Ingredients:
*1 cup all-purpose flour
*1 1/2 cups Italian-style bread crumbs
*1/4 teaspoon black pepper
*1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
*1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
*1 teaspoon dried thyme
*1 tablespoon dried basil
*1/2 teaspoon onion powder
*1 cup buttermilk
*12 chicken tenderloins

Directions:
~Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
~Place flour into a shallow bowl or a plate.
~Mix breadcrumbs, black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme & basil in a gallon size zip-loc bag.
~Coat chicken, one piece at a time in the buttermilk.
~Next coat it with the flour.
~Return to buttermilk mixture.
~Next drop it into the bread crumb mixture.
~Seal bag & shake.
~Spray cookie sheet & cooling rack/wire with cooking spray.
~Place a cooling rack/wire on a cookie sheet.
~Gently place chicken tenders on the top of the cooling/wire rack in a single layer.
~Bake for 20 minutes, or until chicken in done.


**Dip in BBQ Sauce, Ranch Dressing, Bleu Cheese Dressing, Horseradish Dipping Sauce or just eat plain.  I have posted all dipping sauces at sometime in my blog.

BBQ Chicken Pizza

When I first heard of BBQ Pizza my thought was "Yuck".  The the more I milled it over the more I wanted to try it out.   I do not know if this is how most people make it, but I really enjoyed it.

BBQ CHICKEN PIZZA
(serves 4-6)

Ingredients:
*1 pizza dough (I make my own and some pizza places sell the dough).
*1 boneless, skinless, chicken breast, cooked & shredded
*1/2 cup green peppers, chopped small
*1/2 cup red onion, sliced thin
*1 - 1 /2 cups barbecue sauce (I make my own)
*1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese
*5 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled (optional)
*1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
*Corn meal

Directions:
~Sprinkle a thin layer of corn meal over pizza pan or a cast iron pan.
~Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
~In a medium bowl, mix chicken and barbecue sauce together.
~Roll out pizza dough to fit pizza pan.
~Spread barbecue sauce with chicken evenly over pizza dough.
~Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over barbecue sauce.
~Sprinkle parmesan cheese over mozzarella cheese.
~Sprinkle green peppers evenly over top of cheeses.
~Spread onions over next.
~Bake on middle rack for 20-25 minutes.

Crispy Oven Fries

I love my fries crispy.  These do the trick.   So much healthier than the double deep fry method.  A cooling/wire rack is imperitive for this recipe.   The air flow under the fries is what makes them so crispy.

CRISPY OVEN FRIES
(serves 6)

Ingredients:
*6 medium Idaho potatoes
*1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
*1/2 teaspoon salt
*1/4 teaspoon black pepper
*1-2 teaspoons seasonings of choice (optional)

Directions:
~Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
~Place a cooling/wire rack over a cookie sheets (you will probably need 2 cookie sheets).
~Peel potatoes lengthwise.
~Cut each potato into thin strips.
~In a large bowl, toss the fries with olive oil, coating fries.
~Season with salt & pepper.
~Arrange the fries in a single layer, leaving adequate space between each fry.
~Bake for 30 minutes.
~Remove fries from oven.
~Turn oven up to 425 degrees.
~Toss the fries with seasonings of choice.
~Return fries to cooling/wire rack, single layer and adequately spaced.
~Bake another 15-20 minutes, or until crisp & brown.

Flavoring Ideas:
-minced garlic & dried rosemary
-paprika & chili powder
-cajun seasoning
-parmesan cheese
-parmesan cheese & dried oregano
-onion salt & garlic salt
-lawrey's season salt

Helpful Hint:
`If you don't like your fries as crispy, just bake them for about 5-8 minutes for the second bake.

Sesame Chicken Salad

Great for lunch, dinner, picnic, or snack.

SESAME CHICKEN SALAD
(serves 6-8)

Ingredients:
*1/4 cup sesame seeds
*1 (16 ounce) package of spiral noodles
*1/4 cup vegetable oil
*1/3 cup soy sauce
*1/3 cup rice vinegar
*1 teaspoon sesame oil
*3 tablespoon white sugar
*1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
*1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
*3 cups chicken breast, cooked, cooled & shredded
*1/2 teaspoon dried cilantro
*1/4 cup shredded carrots
*1/3 cup cucumbers, sliced
*1/3 cup red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
*1/3 cup green onions, chopped

Directions:
~Heat a small pan over medium-high heat.
~Add sesame seeds, stirring often, until lightly toasted.
~Remove from heat, and set aside.
~Bring a large pot of water to boil.
~Lightly salt water.
~Add pasta, cook for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.
~Drain pasta.
~Rinse pasta under cold water until cool.
~Place drained, cooled pasta into a large bowl.
~Mix veggies & chicken into pasta.
~Combine vegetable oil, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, sesame seeds, ginger & pepper in a container that you can close.
~Shake mixture well.
~Pour over pasta mixture and gently mix well until pasta is evenly coated.

Variation:
`omit chicken to make it vegetarian if you choose.

Cream of Mushroom Soup

This is good just as a soup or to cook a roast, pork chops, meatballs or chicken in.  Very quick and easy to make.

CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP
(serves 6)

Ingredients:
*6 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
*2 cups chicken stock
*1 small onion, chopped
*1 garlic clove, minced
*1 tablespoon butter
*3 tablespoons butter
*3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
*1/4 teaspoon salt
*1/2 teaspoon black pepper
*1 cup half & half

Directions:
~Sauté onions, garlic & mushrooms in 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat for 3-4 minutes.
~Add chicken stock & thyme to mushrooms and cook for 15 minutes.
~Carefully pour mixture into a blender or food processor.
~Puree, leaving small pieces of vegetable in it.
~In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter.
~Whisk in the flour, until smooth.
~Once smooth, cook for 1 minute whisking continuously.
~Add salt, pepper, half & half, and mushroom mixture.
~Stir constantly, bringing soup to a boil, and cook until thickened.

*Add more milk if it becomes to thick.

Roasted Garlic Basil Cream Sauce with Chicken

This is a nice recipe when you want something good to eat that only takes short time to whip up.  It is one of my favorites.  I make it very seldom because of the calories & fat in it.

ROASTED GARLIC BASIL CREAM SAUCE with CHICKEN
(serves 4)

Ingredients:
*1 whole garlic bulb (small-medium)
*1-2 teaspoons olive oil
*1/4 cup whole milk
*1/4 cup italian style bread crumbs
*4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
*6 tablespoons butter
*1 red pepper, chopped
*1 cup chicken broth
*2 cups heavy cream
*1-1 1/2 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
*1/2 cup fresh basil
*1/2 teaspoon black pepper
*1 (8 ounce box) angel hair pasta

Directions:
~Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
~Cut top off of garlic bulb, and remove just the outer layer of skin.
~Drizzle olive oil over top of bulb making sure all the cut edges are coated.
~Wrap in aluminum foil.
~Bake for 30-35 minutes or until garlic is soft.
~Allow garlic to cool and squeeze out soft garlic into a small bowl.
~Set aside.
~Put a pot of salted water over medium-high heat.
~Bring water to a boil.
~Cook noodles as directed on package.
~Drain noodles, and set aside.
~Pound chicken breast to about 1/4 inch thick.
~Place milk in a shallow bowl.
~Place bread crumbs into a separate bowl.
~Heat butter in a medium skillet over medium heat.
~Dip chicken into milk & then in the bread crumbs.
~Cook in butter, on both sides, until done (about 10 minutes).
~Remove, and keep warm.
~Add chicken broth to skillet.
~Stir with a wooden spoon to loosen browned chicken bits from pan.
~Add red pepper to pan and cook until pepper is tender.
~Add in roasted garlic.
~Stir in cream; boil for 1 minute.
~Reduce heat to low.
~Add parmesan cheese, chopped basil & pepper.
~Cook sauce until heated through, stirring often.
~Plate noodles, place chicken over noodles, and pour mixture over chicken & serve.

Variation:
`If you don't have the time or desire to roast garlic, sauté 4 or 5 cloves when you sauté the red peppers.  I personally think the roasted garlic is much better in this recipe.

Flour Tortillas

As always, so much better than store bought.   It's super simple to make, just make sure you roll them out thin enough.  Store the extra in a plastic zip-loc bag in the refrigerator.

FLOUR TORTILLAS
(makes 16)

Ingredients:
*2 1/2 cups all-purose flour
*1 teaspoon kosher salt
*2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
*1-2 tablespoons lard or vegetable shortening
*1 cup hot water

Directions:

~Whisk the flour, salt & baking powder together in a mixing bowl.

~Mix in the lard/vegetable shortening with pastry blender or fork, until the flour resembles course crumbs.

~Slowly add the water and mix until the dough come together.

~Place dough on a lightly floured surface and knead 30-40 times,  until the dough becomes smooth.

~Cover and let the dough rest for 30 minutes.

~Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces.

~Roll each piece into a ball.
~Allow dough balls to rest for 10 minutes.

~Preheat a large skillet (cast iron is best) over medium-high heat.

~Roll  each dough ball into a very thin semi-round tortilla.

~Cook tortillas one at a time.

~Cook until golden & bubbly (20-30 seconds).

~Flip and cook until a golden brown on the other side.

~Place tortillas in a warmer or between warm towels in a warm 
oven.  


Helpful Hint:
-They cook much better in a dark pan such as a cast iron pan.
-Make sure you roll them out super thin, almost translucent. 
-Don't cook tortillas to long or they will become crisp.


**Don't become discouraged if the first few don't seem to work for you.  You'll get the hang of it, and will be very happy with the taste.

Veggie Bake

This is so simple, healthy and good.  I'm not a vegetarian, but boy did I enjoy this recipe.

VEGGIE BAKE
(serves 8)

Ingredients:
*1 medium zucchini, sliced into bite size pieces
*1 medium yellow squash, sliced into bite size pieces
*1/3 cup red onion, chopped
*1/3 cup mushrooms, sliced
*1/2 cup reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
*1/2 cup reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
*1/4 cup reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)
*1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
*6-8 ounces fresh baby spinach
*3 garlic cloves, minced
*1 teaspoon dried basil
*1 teaspoon dried oregano
*3 tablespoon olive oil
*1/4 cup good quality balsamic vinegar
*1 teaspoon white sugar
*1 teaspoon salt
*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
*(8 ounce) package lasagna noodles
*9 plum tomatoes, sliced thin

Directions:
~Bring a large pot of water to boil on top of stove.
~Once water is boiling add lasagna noodles.
~Boil noodles for 5 minutes, remove from water and drain.
~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
~Lightly coat a 9x13 inch pan with cooking spray.
~In a large bowl, toss together zucchini, squash, mushrooms, spinach, garlic, red onion, 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese & feta cheese.
~Mix olive, balsamic vinegar, basil & oregano.
~Drizzle over vegetables.
~Place 1/2 of the lasagna noodles into the bottom of the prepared pan.
~Make a layer of tomato slices over noodles.
~Spread a generous amount of veggie mixtures over the tomatoes.
~Lay 1/2 of the slices of tomatoes over veggies.
~Layer the rest of lasagna noodles over tomatoes.
~Layer the rest of tomatoes over noodles.
~Layer the rest of the veggie mix over the tomatoes.
~Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella cheese over top.
~Bake for 40-45 minutes.
~Remove from oven and let sit for 10-15 minutes, so casserole can sit.

Cheesy Bread

This is sooooooo good, but not necessarily good for you.  It makes  a great appetizer or is also excellent along with soup or pasta dishes.

CHEESY BREAD

Ingredients:
*1 loaf of Italian or French Bread (I've posted both recipes on my blog)
*1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
*1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
*1/4 cup green onion, chopped
*1/4 cup mayonnaise
*1 tablespoon sour cream
*2 cloves garlic, minced
*1/4 cup butter, softened

Directions:
~Mix the both cheeses & green onion in a large bowl.
~Stir in mayonnaise & sour cream.
~In a separate bowl blend butter & garlic until smooth.
~Mix the butter mixture & cheese mixture together.
~Preheat oven to broil.
~Slice bread in half horizontally.
~Put bread crust side down on a cookie sheet.
~Spread cheese mixture over bread.
~Put in oven and broil until lightly brown, 3-5 minutes.
~Remove from oven and let sit another 5 minutes.
~Slice bread & serve.

Variation:
`add crumbled, cooked, bacon to cheese mixture.
`add chopped sautéed red & green peppers to top of bread.
`add chopped olives to cheese mixture.
`add chopped pepperoni to top of bread.

Italian Bread

I love a good crusty on the outside, soft on the inside bread.  This one fits that bill.

ITALIAN BREAD
(2 loafs)

Ingredients:
*2 cups warm water
*2 teaspoons active dry yeast
*4 2/3 cups bread flour
*1/4 teaspoon sugar
*2 teaspoons salt
*1 tablespoon olive oil
*1 tablespoon corn meal

Directions:
~Combine water, yeast & sugar into a small bowl.
~Set sit for 10 minutes until yeast proofs (foams).
~Mix flour & salt in a large mixing bowl.
~Add yeast water and mix until incorporated.
~Mix in olive oil (do not add this at the same time as the yeast-water).
~Knead for 10 minutes or until the dough is smooth and satiny.
~Place the dough into a large oiled bowl.
~Turn dough so that it's oiled on all sides.
~Cover bowl with plastic wrap and place in a warm/draft free area.
~Allow to rise until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours.
~Punch down dough.
~Sprinkle cooking stone or cookie sheet with corn meal.
~Roll into desired shape of loaf.
~Place on cooking stone.
~Cut about 1/4 inch deep slice, along the top of the loaf, stopping short of the ends.
~Cover with with plastic wrap and allow to rise until doubled in size, 30-60 minutes.
~Place a bowl of water in the oven.
~Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
~Put bread in oven, on bottom rack and bake for 10 minutes.
~Reduce heat to 400 degrees, bake another 20-30 minutes.
~Bread is done when it makes a hollow sound when you thump on the bottom with your thumb.

Pizza Sauce

Very easy to make.  It requires no cooking.  The trick to a better taste is to let the flavors marinate together.  Let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Pizza Sauce:

Ingredients:

*1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste

*1/2 cup warm water

*4 tablespoon fresh grated parmesan cheese

*2 garlic cloves, minced

*1 teaspoon onion powder

*1 teaspoon sea salt

*1/2 teaspoon dried basil

*1/2 teaspoon black pepper

*1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

*1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

*1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram

*1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions:

~In a small bowl, mix all of the ingredients.

~Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

~Spread over pizza before any other toppings.

Variations:

~Add 2 teaspoons hot sauce

~Add chopped black olives.