Whole Wheat Pasta

I normally make my pasta in the morning and let it dry out for the day.  However, you can just let it dry out for 20 minutes if you'd like.   If you let it dry for a little bit, it helps so the pasta doesn't clump while you cook it.     

WHOLE WHEAT PASTA

(makes )

Ingredient:

*2 cups whole wheat flour

*3 large eggs

*1/4 teaspoon salt

*water (if needed)

Directions:

~Mix together flour, eggs, and salt.

~Add a few drops of water, but only if the dough is too dry.

~Knead dough a few minutes util it has elasticity to it.

~Cover and allow to sit for 30 minutes.  

~Lightly flour a clean surface.

~Roll out doughty desired thickness our use a pasta machine.

~Dry pasta for at least 20-30 minutes before boiling.

~Boil for 3-5 minutes or until done.  

BLT DOG

 I love to make these when fresh garden tomatoes are in season, but will use grape or cherry tomatoes when tomatoes aren't in season.   So good!

BLT DOGS

(serves 8)

Ingredients:

*8 hot dogs (use your favorite hot dogs.  I like hot dogs in casings)

*8 hot dogs buns, toasted on the insides 

*1/2 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled

*2 tomatoes, chopped

*1/2 cup lettuce, shredded

*desired amount of mayonnaise 

Directions:

~Grill hot dogs to desired doneness.

~Place on toasted bun.

~Spread some mayonnaise over hot dog.

~Add crumbled bacon and tomatoes.

Cowboy Cookies

These cookies are big and chewy.   I love the pecans, coconut, and chocolate chip mixture in this recipe.

COWBOY COOKIES

(makes 3 dozen)

Ingredients:

*3 cups all-purpose flour

*1 tablespoon baking powder

*1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

*1 teaspoon salt

*1 1/2 cups butter, softened

*1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

*1 1/2 cups light brown sugar

*3 large eggs

*1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

*1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

*1 1/2 milk chocolate chips

*3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

*2 cups sweetened flake coconut

*2 cups chopped pecans

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

~In a large mixing bowl, beat butter until smooth and creamy.

~Slowly add sugars and beat for 2 minutes.

~Mix in eggs one at a time.  Mixing until well incorporated.

~Beat in vanilla extract.

~Stir in flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until just combined (do not over mx).

~Stir in chocolate chips, oatmeal, coconut, and pecans.

~Using a 1/4 cup, scoop dough onto a cookie sheet (spacing 3-inches apart).

~Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned (I rotate the cookie sheets half way through).

~Remove from oven and allow to sit on cookie sheet for 1 minutes.

~Transfer on to a cooling rack.

Sweet Potato Fries and Dip

 I'm not a sweet potato fan, but my family loves these.  Especially the dip.

SWEET POTATOES FRIES and DIP

(serves 4)

Sweet Potato Fries Ingredients:

*2 good sized sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced 

*3 tablespoons olive oil

*1/2 teaspoon chili powder

*1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

*1/4 teaspoon onion powder

*1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 

Dip Ingredients:

*1/2 cup sour cream 

*2  tablespoons mayonnaise 

*1/2 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar 

*1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Sweet Potato Fries Directions:

~Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

~Coat cut potatoes with olive oil

~Sprinkle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cinnamon over fries and mix until well coated.

~Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray.

~I put a cooling rack in the cookie sheet, but will work without one.

~Layer potatoes in a single layer and bake for 20-30 minutes or until potatoes are done.

~Serve immediately.

Dip Ingredients:

~Whisk all the ingredients in a small bowl.

~Cover and refrigerate for at least 20-30 minutes before using.

Chicken Fajita Salad

I really do like chicken fajitas, but I like a chicken fajita salad even better.

CHICKEN FAJITA SALAD

(serves 4)

Fajita Ingredients:

*1 1/2  pounds boneless-skinless chicken breasts or thighs

*1 teaspoon chili powder

*1 teaspoon ground cumin

*1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

*1/8 teaspoon onion powder

*1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

*2 tablespoons olive oil

*1 yellow bell pepper, deseeded and sliced thin

*1 red bell pepper, deseeded and sliced thin

*1/2 green bell pepper, deseeded and sliced thin

*1 white onion, sliced thin

*1 (5 ounce container ) mixed greens or your favorite lettuce (about 5-6 cups)

*1 avocado, sliced (optional)

*your favorite salad dressing (I use cilantro lime dressing) or just top it with salsa

*sour cream (optional)

Directions:

~In a small bowl or baggie, mix the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, salt, and pepper.

~Sprinkle about 1/3 of mixture over one side of chicken.

~Grease grill or skillet with a little olive oil.

~Grill chicken seasoned side down, over medium-high heat until done (5-7 minutes per side depending on how thick the chicken is).

~Remove chicken from grill (or skillet) and set aside.

~In a medium-sized bowl, add olive oil and the rest of the seasoning mix and whisk together.

~Add cut veggies and coat well.

~Grill veggies, until desired doneness (3-5 minutes).

~Remove from grill (or skillet).

~Divide salad greens into 4 bowls.

~Slice chicken into strips.

~Place chicken, grilled veggies and avocado over salad greens.

~Drizzle salad dressing or salsa over salad

~Top with a dollop of sour cream (optional)

Variation:

`add a few tortilla strips to top of salad.

Cilantro Lime Dressing.

Goes great on a chicken fajita salad or any salad.  Also make a good chicken marinade.  

CILANTRO LIME DRESSING

(makes about 3/4c cup)

Ingredients:

*1/2 olive oil

*1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped fine

*juice from 2 limes

*zest from  limes

*2 tablespoons water

*1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

*2 teaspoons honey

*garlic clove, minced fine

*top of 1 green onion, chopped fine

*1/2 teaspoon oregano 

*1/4-1/2 teaspoon jalapeno pepper, minced (optional)

*1/8 teaspoon salt

*1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:

~Measure all of the ingredients into a blender or a container and use an immersion blender.

~Pulse until mixture is well-blended and emulsified (if you don't have a blender then use a whisk).

~Store in a covered container in the refrigerator at least 2 hours before using.

~Remove from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before ready to use.

~Shake or whisk right before adding to salad. 

Reuben Hot Dog

 I love a good Reuben sandwich.  I only normally eat them once a year on St. Patiricks Day.   Last time I made them, I had left over sauerkraut and corn beef, so I decided to make a hot dog with it.   

REUBEN HOT DOG

(serves 4)

Ingredients:

*4 hot dogs (your favorite hot dog.  I like to use either hot dogs in casings or Dearborn dogs).

*4 hot dog buns 

*1/3 pound corned beef, chopped 

*1 cup Swiss cheese shredded

*1 cup sauerkraut 

*1/4 cup thousand island.

Directions:

~Set oven to broil.

~Grill hot dogs to desired doneness.

~Place hot dogs in buns and place on a baking sheet.

~Add chopped corned beef

~Add sauerkraut and cheese.

~Put in oven and broil util cheese melts, 1-3 minutes.

~Drizzle thousand island over top.

Thousand Island Dressing

Not only is this good on salads, but good on a rueben or a burger.  

THOUSAND ISLAND DRESSING

(makes about 1 1/2 cups)

Ingredients:

*1 cup mayonnaise 

*1/4 cup ketchup

*1/8 cup sweet relish

*2 teaspoons red wine vinegar

*1 tablespoon white onion, finely chopped

*1/2 teaspoon garlic, finely mined 

*1 cooled hard boiled egg, chopped fine or press through a sieve (optional, but it helps thicken the dressing and adds flavor)

*1/8 teaspoon salt or less

*1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:

~In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients until well incorporated.

~Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours for best flavor.

Variation:

`add some chili sauce or hot sauce to give it a little heat.

Chicken Kabob Salad

 I normally make rice to go with my kabobs, but one day decided to make a salad out of it.  I'm glad I did, because I love this salad.

CHICKEN KABOB SALAD

(serves 4)

Marinade Ingredients:

*1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into approximately 1-inch cubes

*Juice squeezed from 2 lemons

*1 garlic clove, minced

*1 teaspoon dried oregano 

*1/4 teaspoon salt

*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Kabob Ingredients:

*red bell pepper, cut into wedges

*green bell pepper, cut into wedges

*1/2 red onion, cut into wedges

*cherry or grape tomatoes

Salad Ingredients:

*chopped romaine lettuce, or spring mix 

*1 cucumber, peeled and chopped

*1/2 red onion, sliced thin

*kalamata olives, pitted and halved (optional0

*4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

*greek dressing

Directions:

~Place chicken and marinade ingredients in a large zip-loc bag.

~Close bag,  mix ingredients until chicken is coated well.

~Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

~Thread chicken, red, green peppers, red onions, and tomatoes on skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes first).

~Oil grill grates, and cook kabobs over medium high heat for 12-16 minutes, turning every 10 minutes (can be baked in a 400 degree oven for 25-30 minutes).

~Place lettuce on 4 plates/bowls.

~Place, red onion, feta cheese and olives over lettuce.

~Remove chicken and veggies off of the skewers and place on top of salad.

~Drizzle with greek dressing or your favorite dressing.

Greek Dressing

 I didn't think I liked greek dressing until I made some homemade.   I especially like it on chicken kabob salad.

GREEK DRESSING

(makes 3/4 cup)

Ingredients:

*2 garlic cloves, grated or minced very fine

*1 heaping teaspoon dried oregano

*1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

*juice squeezed from 1 large lemon (around 1/4 cup) 

*1 teaspoon dijon mustard (optional)

*zest from one lemon (optional)

*1/2 cup olive oil

Directions: 

~Mix all the ingredient in a small bowl, or canning jar.

~Whisk until mixed well.  If using a canning jar, put lid on and shake well. 

~Refrigerate and shake before each use.

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Soft Butter Pretzels

 These pretzels ares so light and soft.   You may think that you'll need to add more flour to the batter, because the dough is rather sticky/gooey.  Resist the temptation.   The more flour you add the heavier it will be.

I didn't roll these out long enough, that is why they are so fat.   They were still yummy!

SOFT BUTTER PRETZELS:

(makes 6)

Ingredients:

*1 cup warm milk (110 degrees)

*2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (or 1 package)

*3 tablespoon light brown sugar

*2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

*2 tablespoons butter, room temperature and cubed 

*1 teaspoon sea salt

*5 cups water

*1/2 cup baking soda

*kosher salt

*1/2 cup butter, melted

Directions:

~Pour 1 cup warmed milk, 3 tablespoon brown sugar and 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast into a large mixing bowl.

~Whisk, and allow to sit for 5-10 minutes or until proofed (bubbly).

~Add in 1 cup flour and butter and stir until mixed well.

~Add in another 1 1/4 cups flour and knead until the dough is smooth and sticky (I use my dough hook attachment and kneaded about 5-7 minutes).

~Place into a greased bowl and allow to rise in a draft free area until doubled in size (about 1 hour).

~Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

~Heat up water and baking soda into a large pot to a light boil (mix water and baking soda together util baking soda is dissolved).

~Lightly oil hands.

~Punch down dough.

~Divide dough into 6 equal parts.

~Roll each piece of dough into about a 25-30 inch rope.

~Form the rope into a pretzel shape.

~Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper and spray the paper with cooing spray.

~Gently dip each pretzel into the hot water bath for about 10-15 seconds (I only do one at a time).

~Remove from hot water shaking off excess water and place on prepared cookie sheet.

~Sprinkle desired amount of kosher salt over pretzel.

~Bake for 10-12 minutes, rotting pan half way through.

~Melt butter into a bowl.

~Remove pretzels from oven.

~Dip hot pretzels into 1/2 cup melted butter and place on a cooling rack to cool.

Taco Dog

A great twist on a hot dog.   All toppings are optional to your taste.  You can put it in a hot dog bun or a tortilla. 

TACO DOG

(serves 8)

Ingredients:

*1/2 pound ground beef

*1/2 package taco seasoning mix 

*8 hot dogs (I use hot dog in casings, but any hot dog will do)

*1 cup lettuce, shredded

*1 cup sharp cheese,  shredded 

*1 cup chopped tomatoes 

*1/2 cup jalapeño or banana peppers (optional)

*1/2 cup red onion, chopped 

*1 cup salsa or salsa verde 

*1/2 cup sour cream

*fresh cilantro (optional)

*8 hot dog buns (or use flour tortillas)

Directions:

~In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as its cooking.

~Drain any grease.

~Add 1/4 cup hot water and stir.  Simmer until hot dog is cooked.

~Grill hot dogs to your desired doneness. 

~Place hot dog in bun.

~Spread a thin layer of  taco meat over hot dog.

~Add cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, jalapeño pepper,  salsa, sour cream and cilantro (any toppings you like)

Pizza Dog

 Kids love this one and so do the adults.    Super easy to make.  I put pepperoni and cheese on my pizza dog, but add whatever pizza toppings you like on your pizza.  

PIZZA DOG

(makes 8)

Ingredients:

~8 hot dogs (use your favorite type of hot dog.  I like hot dogs in casings).

~8 hot dog buns

~1 cup pizza sauce 

~2 to 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (I use fresh mozzarella)

~1/2 pound pepperoni, chopped (or buy mini pepperoni)

~ranch dressing (optional)

Directions:

~Set oven to broil.

~Grill hot dogs to your desired doneness. 

~Place hot dogs in hot dog bun and place on a baking sheet.

~Sread pizza sauce over hot dog.

~Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over sauce.

~Add pepperoni over cheese.

~Bake until cheese melts and is bubbly, around  2-3 minutes.  

~Drizzle ranch dressing over hot dog.

Air Fryer Directions (I only do 3 at a time in my air-fryer)

~Set air fryer to 400 degrees.

~Cook hot dog to desired doneness.

~Set hot dog bun on a sheet of aluminum foil.

~Spread pizza sauce over inside of bun.

~Place hot dog in bun.

~Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over hot dog.

~Place pepperoni over cheese.

~Cook for 2 minutes or until cheese is melted. 

~Remove from air fryer and drizzle ranch dressing over it.

Air Fryer French Fries

I love fries, but don't need the extra calories and fat that deep frying brings.    These are nice and crunchy.

AIR FRYER SEASONED FRENCH FRIES 

(serves 2)

Ingredients:

*2 large russet potatoes 

*1 tablespoon cornstarch

*1 teaspoon kosher salt

*1 teaspoon ground black pepper

*2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:

~Peel potatoes (optional) and cut into 3/4-inch sticks.

~Place potatoes in a large bowl and fill with cold water.

~Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.

~Drain potatoes and pat them completely dry with a paper towel (I use a salad spinner first, but can be done without it).

~In a small bowl,  mix cornstarch,  paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper.

~Place fries on a cookie sheet or plate.

~Toss until potatoes are completely coated.

~Drizzle olive oil over potatoes, and toss until completely coated.

~Sprinkle cornstarch mixture over potatoes and toss until completely coated.

~Put fries in air fryer basket and bake at 360 for 20-25, tossing fries every 5-6 minutes. 

~Increase the temperature to 400 and cook for another 5 minutes.

Creole Pork Chop

I just use a little creole seasoning, because my husband is not a fan of spicy food, but you can make it as spicy as you like.  

CREOLE PORK CHOPS

(serves 4)

Ingredients:

*4 thick cut pork chops (you can use medium cut too)

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1 teaspoon garlic powder

*1 teaspoon onion powder 

*1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

*1/8 teaspoon dried thyme

*1/2 -1 tablespoon creole seasoning

*2 tablespoons olive oil

 

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

~Mix all seasoning in a zip lock bag.

~Put pork chops in zip loc bag, seal and shake until coated.

~In a large oven proof skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

~Cook pork chops 3-5 minutes on each side, or until a golden brown.

~Place in oven and bake 10 minutes for thick cut pork chops, and 6-7 minutes for medium cut.

~Remove from oven and allow to sit for a few minutes before cutting.

Roasted Ranch Red Skin Potatoes

You can use a packet of dry ranch mix instead of all the seasonings.   I just make it myself because I have the spices and it's far less sodium.   

(serves 4)

Ingredients:

*1 pound red skin potatoes

*1 tablespoon dried parsley

*3/4 teaspoon dried dill weed

*1 teaspoon garlic powder

*1 teaspoon onion powder

*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1/2 teaspoon grorund chives

*1/2 teaspoon salt 

*1 saltine or club cracker (optional)

*1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

~Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray (I like to put a rack on my cookie sheet and spray that too.   It helps cook all around the potatoes).

~Place all the spices and cracker in a plastic sandwich bag. Seal, and using a meat mallet, pound the ingredients util cracker is fine crumbs.

~Place potatoes in a bowl, and drizzle olive oil over them.  Mix until well coated.

~Sprinkle desired amount of season mix over potatoes and mix until well coated.

~Place potatoes on cookie sheet in a single layer.

~Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork tender and the edges turn a  dark brown.

BBQ Turkey Burgers

Juicy turkey burgers are so good.   I like to add a little spice to mine, but my husband prefers it without the spice.   Make it to your own liking.   Make sure your refrigerate your burger before cooking.  This will help it not fall apart while cooking it.

BBQ TURKEY BURGER

(makes 4)

Burger Ingredients:

*1 pound ground turkey

*1 small yellow onion, grated

*3 cloves garlic, grated

*1/2 green pepper, finely chopped 

*1 teaspoon ground cumin

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 

*1 large egg

*3 tablespoons cold butter, diced small (or use mayo)

*1/4 cup whole wheat bread crumbs (optional)

*1/4  cup of your barbecue sauce

*4 slices or your favorite cheese (optional)

*4 whole wheat hamburger buns or flat bread 

Burger Sauce Ingredients:

*1/2 cup mayonnaise or greek yogurt 

*1 - 2 teaspoons sriracha

*1/8 teaspoon garlic powder 

*1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped fine

*pinch of salt

*pinch of ground black pepper

Burger Topping Ingredients:

*1/4 small cucumber, sliced thin 

*1/4 small red onion, sliced

*1/4 small carrot, shaved (I use a potato peeler)

*Burger Sauce 

Burgers Sauce Directions:

~In a small bowl, whisk 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1-2 teaspoons sriracha, until well incorporated.

~Refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

Burger Directions:

~In a large bowl, mix 1 small grated onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 finely chopped green pepper, 1 teaspoon cumin,  1/2 teaspoons salt,1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 large egg,  3 tablespoons cold chopped butter, and 1/4 cup bread crumbs.

~Add in 1 pound ground turkey and mix (do not overman).

~Drizzle a little oil on your hands and rub to cover hands.

~Divide turkey mixture into 4 balls.

~Press down to desired thickness (will shrink some when cooking).

~Place burgers on a plate, cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

~Heat olive oil (2 tablespoons) in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.

~Cook for 5-6 minutes.

~Flip burger and baste with 1/4 cup barbecue sauce.  

~Cook for another 5-6 minutes or until the internal temp is 160 degrees (the temp will rise to 165 while the burger is resting).

~ Transfer onto a wire rack or plate while you assemble the burgers (5 minutes)

~Toast buns if you choose.

~Place cheese on bottom bun.

~Place the burger on over the piece of cheese.

~Put some cucumbers, onions, carrots and lettuce over burger

~Spread some burger sauce on the top bun.

~Place top bun over burger and veggies.

Air Fryer Seasoned French Fries

 I love french fries,  but they have to be crispy.   They are in this recipe.   Tasty, crispy and far less fat and calories, what more could you ask for?  

AIR FRYER SEASONED FRENCH FRIES 

(serves 2)

Ingredients:

*2 large russet potatoes 

*1 tablespoon cornstarch

*1 teaspoon smoked paprika

*1/4 teaspoon chili powder

*1/4 teaspoon cumin

*1 teaspoon salt

*1 teaspoon ground black pepper

*2 tablespoons olive oil

*Cooking spray

*Sea Salt (optional)

*Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions:

~Peel potatoes (optional) and cut into 3/4-inch sticks.

~Place potatoes in a large bowl and fill with cold water.

~Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.

~Drain potatoes and pat them completely dry with a paper towel (I use a salad spinner first, but not can be done without it).

~In a small bowl,  mix cornstarch,  paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper.

~Place fries on a cookie sheet or plate.

~Toss until potatoes are completely coated.

~Drizzle olive oil over potatoes, and toss until completely coated.

~Sprinkle cornstarch mixture over potatoes and toss until completely coated.

~Put fries in air fryer basket and bake at 360 for 25, tossing fries every 5-6 minutes. 

~Increase the temperature to 400 and cook for another 5 minutes.

~Remove from air fryer and sprinkle with sea salt & parmesan cheese (optional).