Loaded Steak Fries

I'm not a big fan of restaurant loaded fries, because normally they are to cheesy for me.  Yes, I said it.  To cheesy!   When making your own, you can control the cheese.  So if you like a lot of cheese, add some more.  I also like to make my fries, but you can buy store bought.  It just won't be as good.

LOADED STEAK FRIES
(serves 4)

Ingredients:
*5-6 russet potatoes for steak fries, or use 1 (32 ounce) frozen steak fries
*8 slices bacon, cut into bite size pieces and cooked until crisp
*2 teaspoons butter, melted
*1 tablespoon olive oil
*1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
*1/4 teaspoon onion powder
*1 teaspoon paprika
*1/4 teaspoon cumin
*1/2 teaspoon salt
*1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
*3/4-1cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
*1/4-1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
*3 green onions, chopped
*1/4 cup banana peppers (optional)
*2-3 tablespoon sour cream

Directions:
~Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
~Cut the potatoes in equal wedges (peel only if you want to).
~In a small bowl, whisk  butter, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper.
~Mix potato wedges into mix.
~Pour potatoes onto a large baking sheet or a large cast iron skillet.
~Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until crispy and golden in color.
~Remove from oven.
~Sprinkle cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese over the top of the potatoes.
~Place under broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese melts.
~Remove from oven and sprinkle with bacon, green onions, sour cream and banana peppers.

**dip in ranch or bleu cheese dressing can even make it better!

STRAWBERRY LEMONADE CAKE

Very moist, light and  tasty cake.  The frosting is creamy and full of flavor.  If you like strawberry lemonade, you will love this cake.  I generally will use lemonade instead of water that is called for in at the cake mix.

STRAWBERRY LEMONADE CAKE
(serves 24)

Ingredients:
*1( ounce) box lemon cake mix
*1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
*1 (16 ounce) container lemon frosting
*1 (21 ounce) can strawberry pie filling
*1 (8 ounce) tub whipped topping (cool whip or another brand), thawed
*2 cups strawberries, diced

Directions:
~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
~Spray a 9x13 inch pan with a cooking spray.
~Make and bake cake as directed on package (I often use lemonade instead of water)
~Remove cake from oven.
~Allow cake to cool for 6 minutes.
~Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the warm cake.
~Pour sweetened condensed milk over the top of the cake, allowing the milk to soak into pour into the holes.
~After removing top and foil from frosting, heat up in a microwave for 30-35 seconds.
~Stir frosting and pour over top of cake.
~Spread frosting over cake with a knife or spatula.
~Allow cake to cool completely.
~Refrigerate until cake is cool.
~Place strawberry pie filling in a large mixing bowl.
~Using a fork, mash up strawberry pie filling.
~Gently fold in whipped topping into pie filling.
~Spread over top of cooled cake.
~Sprinkle the diced strawberries top of cake.

Poppy-Sesame Seed Dressing

I love this dressing over a spinach strawberry salad or just about any salad that has fruit in it.  Another dressing that is so quick and easy to make.  I do like to refrigerate it for a couple hours before using it to let the flavors come together.

POPPY-SESAME SEED DRESSING
(serves 6-8)

Ingredients:
*2 tablespoons seassame seeds
*1 tablespoon poppy seeds
*1/4 cup granulated sugar
*1/2 cup olive oil
*1/4 cup white vinegar
*1/4 teaspoon paprika
*1/2 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
*1 tablespoon minced onion

Directions:
~In a medium bowl, whisk all the ingredients together.
~Pour into a glass container with a lid.
~Chill for 2 hours before using.
~Whisk or shake well before pouring on salad.