Appetizers for New Years

For New Years, why not party with a bunch of appetizers.  Here are some of my favorite appetizer recipes:

Fiesta Spinach Dip:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 pkg fiesta ranch-style dip mix
• 1 - 13 oz can of artichoke hearts
• 1 - 10 oz pkg of chopped spinach, thawed
• 1 - 8 oz can of water chestnuts

1. Mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, and fiesta ranch mix and set aside
2. Drain the artichoke hearts and chop finely
3. Drain and rinse the water chestnuts, chop finely and add into a large mixing bowl with the  artichoke hearts
4. Drain well the spinach and mix with the artichoke hearts
5. Mix the mayonnaise/sour cream mixture with the water chestnuts, artichoke hearts, and spinach
6. Serve with your choice of bread, crackers or chips
7. ENJOY!

Orange-Glazed Smokies:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 tbsp mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 pkg of little smokies

1. In a sauce pan, combine sugar, flour, orange juice, mustard, and vinegar and cook until thickened
2. Add smokies and heat until fully heated
3. Serve with toothpicks and enjoy!

Bean Dip

• 1 cup refried beans
• 1 cup spicy hummus
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp hot sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1. Heat beans until soft, then mix in hummus, sour cream, hot sauce, salt, pepper, and taco seasoning and mix until combined
2. Top with chopped cilantro
3. Serve with chips and enjoy!

Happy New Year Everyone!

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes

These potatoes are overstuffed with BBQ chicken and cheese!

Yield: 4 stuffed potato halves

• 2 large baking potatoes
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 2 chicken breasts
• BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup salsa con queso
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• 1 tbsp butter
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream and chives to top

1. Preheat oven at 350 degrees
2. Clean potatoes and pierce several times
3. Cover the skin with olive oil and bake for 1 hour in the oven
4. Remove potatoes from the oven and make sure they are soft all the way through (they may need a little more time in the oven)
5. After potatoes are cooked, shredded chicken and cook in a frying pan with a little chicken broth or water, salt and pepper.
6. When chicken is cooked, mix in BBQ sauce and cook another minute or so
7. Cut potatoes in 1/2 lengthwise and scoop potato into a bowl
8. Mix butter, sour cream, salsa con queso, and salt and pepper with the potato
9. Combine chicken and potato and spoon into the potato skins
10. Top with a generous amount of shredded cheese and bake for 20 minutes
11. Top with sour cream and chives and enjoy!

Dreamsicle Pudding

Here is a recipe that is absolutely amazing.  It tastes just like a dreamsicle popsicle.  Take this recipe to a potluck for an instant hit but make sure to bring copies of the recipe.  Every time I take this anywhere, I am bombarded with requests for the recipe.  It is delicious and easy to make.

• 3 oz box of cooked vanilla pudding (do NOT buy the instant pudding, it does not work)
• 3 oz box orange jello
• 3 oz box of cooked tapioca pudding (do NOT buy the instant pudding, it does not work)
• 11 oz can of mandarin oranges
• 12 oz cool whip
• 1 cup orange juice
• 2 cups milk

1. Cook together in a sauce pan on medium heat the orange juice, milk, orange jello mix, and both pudding mixes
2. Cook until the mixture is thick
3. Pour into a mixing bowl and refrigerate at least 1 1/2 hours
4. Mix in cool whip and mandarin oranges and ENJOY!

Tip: I like to make cooked mixture the night before and then mix in the oranges and cool whip before taking to a party or serving at home

Triple Chocolate Peppermint Brownies

These brownies are amazing and festive for the holidays! I took a basic homemade brownie recipe and added a twist of dark chocolate, white chocolate, and candy canes. You can make this recipe without the candy canes for a Triple Chocolate treat! These were a huge hit at my office for a birthday celebration. Take them to a Holiday party, they will be a big hit! 

• 1 cup butter, melted 
• 2 1/2 cups white sugar 
• 1 tbsp vanilla 
• 4 eggs 
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips 
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips 
• 2 candy canes, crushed into small pieces 

1. Preheat the oven at 350 degrees 
2. Mix butter, sugar, and vanilla until well blended 
3. Add eggs and mix well 
4. Mix together flour, cocoa powder and salt and then mix with the butter/sugar mixture 
5. Fold in chocolate chips and candy canes pieces 
6. Bake in a greased 9x13 pan for 40 minutes 
7. Let cool on a wire rack 
8. Serve and enjoy! 

Candy Bark

One of my holiday favorites is Peppermint Bark.  Candy bark is easy and fun to make and you can make your own flavor varieties.

My peppermint bark:

• 1 bag of milk chocolate chips
• 1 bag of white chocolate chips
• 2 candy canes, broken up into small pieces
• Parchment

1. Melt on a double boiler the milk chocolate and pour onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
2. Melt the white chocolate on the double boiler and pour over the milk chocolate
3. Swirl the 2 chocolates together on the top layer
4. Sprinkle broken candy cane pieces over the chocolate
5. Refrigerate for 30 minutes
6. When chocolate is solid, break up into smaller pieces and enjoy.
7. This makes a great homemade present too!

Other candy bark varieties:

• Chocolate and peanut butter with cookie crumbles
• Dark and white chocolate peppermint
• Fruit and nut - top chocolate with your favorite nuts and dried fruit
• Confetti bark - top with your favorite holiday sprinkles (the kids love it!)
• Smores bark - top milk chocolate with graham cracker crumbles and mini marshmallows

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Baked Potatoes

These potatoes are overstuffed with BBQ chicken and cheese!

Yield: 4 stuffed potato halves

• 2 large baking potatoes
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 2 chicken breasts
• BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup salsa con queso
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• 1 tbsp butter
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream and chives to top

1. Preheat oven at 350 degrees
2. Clean potatoes and pierce several times
3. Cover the skin with olive oil and bake for 1 hour in the oven
4. Remove potatoes from the oven and make sure they are soft all the way through (they may need a little more time in the oven)
5. After potatoes are cooked, shredded chicken and cook in a frying pan with a little chicken broth or water, salt and pepper.
6. When chicken is cooked, mix in BBQ sauce and cook another minute or so
7. Cut potatoes in 1/2 lengthwise and scoop potato into a bowl
8. Mix butter, sour cream, salsa con queso, and salt and pepper with the potato
9. Combine chicken and potato and spoon into the potato skins
10. Top with a generous amount of shredded cheese and bake for 20 minutes
11. Top with sour cream and chives and enjoy!

Homemade Spiked Hot Cocoa

Here is a delicious recipe my husband came up with for a spiked hot cocoa. You can make this minus the alcohol for the kiddies!

Servings: 4

• 1/3 cup cocoa powder 
• 3/4 sugar 
• pinch of salt 
• 1/3 cup water 
• 4 cups milk 
• 1/2 tsp vanilla 
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon 
• Dash of nutmeg 
• 1 shot of rum 
• 1/4 cup Bailey's 

1. Make a chocolate sauce by mixing the cocoa powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, and water and bring to a boil for a few minutes, but make sure not to burn it 
2. Add in milk, rum, Bailey's, and vanilla and bring liquid to a hot temperature without boiling it 
3. Serve and Enjoy! 
4. This cocoa is delicious topped with homemade whipped cream! 

Homemade Whipped Cream:

• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar

1. Beat heavy whipping cream with an electric whisk until it starts to thicken
2. Add vanilla and powdered sugar and continuing whipping until soft peaks form

Cream of Chicken and Potato Soup

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 large celery stalked, chopped
• 1/2 cup of carrot matchsticks
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
• 2 medium red potatoes chopped
• 3/4 cup flour
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 - 1/2 tsp ground pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp sage
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp marjoram
• 1/2 tsp ground mustard
• 1/4 tsp rosemary
• 1/2 of the meat from a 2 lb roasted chicken
• 2 cups milk or half and half (I used soy milk)

1. Melt butter in a large pot, that is large enough to make the soup in
2. Add onions, celery, carrots, jalapeno, and mushrooms and saute 2-3 mins
3. Slowly mix in flour until mixture is thick
4. Slowly stir in chicken broth so that the broth and flour/veggie mixture is mixed well
5. Add potatoes, salt, pepper, garlic powder, sage, oregano, marjoram, ground mustard, and rosemary and cook on low heat, covered for 15 - 20 minutes until potatoes are almost cooked
6. Add chicken meat and milk and continue to simmer for 1 hour
7. Serve and enjoy!

Gooey Grilled Cheese

Who doesn't love a perfect grilled cheese sandwich?  The bread is perfectly browned and the cheese inside is melted all the way through.  I know that I have made grilled cheese where the bread is burned and the cheese isn't melted.  Here is a way to make it amazing:

• 2 pieces of bread per sandwich
• Butter
• Cheese of your choice (I used 2 slices of cheddar per sandwich and then cut some thin slices of colby jack)

1. Heat a non-stick pan on medium heat that you have a lid for
2. Butter 1 piece of bread for each sandwich and put into pan butter side down.
3. Layer cheese on top of bread, cover the pan and let cook while you butter the remaining bread
4. Put the top layer on the bread and flip to check the bottom bread piece.
5. Continue to cook with the lid on so that the entire sandwich is heated and all of the cheese melts
6. Check every few minutes to make sure the bread doesn't burn
7. Enjoy!

Leftover Turkey

Hey everyone.  I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving, I was away visiting family so I didn't really cook but here is a great article from MSN for turkey leftovers. http://www.delish.com/entertaining-ideas/holidays/thanksgiving/leftover-turkey-recipes?click=pp

Also, for all those leftover mashed potatoes.  Make potato cakes.  Just add an egg and a 1/2 cup - 1 cup of flour to a 1 cups leftover mashed potatoes and fry them up on skillet like pancakes!  They are delicious topped with gravy and a fried egg!  ENJOY!

Cheesy Crusted Chicken

Here is a really easy chicken recipe:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 egg
• Salt
• 1 cup cheese crackers

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Tenderize chicken with a fork
3. Grind crackers in a food processor or smash in a ziplock bag until finely crushed
4. Sprinkle chicken on both sides with salt, dip in egg and then coat with crushed crackers
5. Bake in an oven safe dish for 30 - 40 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked.  Turn chicken 1/2 way though the baking process.

Apple Cider Crisp

Here is a simple and delicious Apple Crisp recipe.

• 4 apples
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2/3 cup flour
• 2/3 cup oats
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 pkg of apple cider mix
• 1/2 cup butter, softened

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Peel and cut up apples in to small chunks
3. Coat apples with cinnamon and honey and set in greased 8x8 square dish
4. Mix flour, oats, brown sugar, and apple cider mix and mix well
5. Mix butter and flour/oat mixture and spread over the top of the apples
6. Bake for 30 minutes
7. Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped topping and enjoy!

Strawberry Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting

Cupcakes:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 of 3.4 oz pkg of vanilla pudding
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 cup milk
• 3/4 cup strawberry syrup

1. Preheat oven at 350 degrees
2. Mix flour and baking powder and set aside
3. Blend sugar, butter and pudding mix until well mixed and add eggs and vanilla until eggs are mixed into batter
4. Then slowly add flour mixture a little at a time and mix well.
5. Stir in milk and strawberry syrup and beat batter for about 1 minute until mixture is a light pink.
6. You can add a little food coloring if you would like bright pink cupcakes
7. Line or grease a muffin pan and fill cupcakes
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cake is done

Frosting:

• 1/2 cup butter melted
• 8 oz pkg of cream cheese
• 3 - 4 cups powdered sugar
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff
• 1/4 cup milk

1. Mix butter and cream cheese until smooth and then beat in marshmallow fluff
2. Mix in powdered sugar a little at time, tasting it so it is not too sweet 
3. Mix in cocoa powder until it is a rich brown color
4. Add milk to thin the mixture out a little
5. Refrigerate for about 20 minutes or until ready to use and use to top cupcakes after they have cooled

Baked Beans

Here is a side that I like to make with ham or kielbasa.

• Can of Great Northern Beans
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/4 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese plus a little extra for the topping

1. Preheat oven at 400 degrees
2. Drain most of the liquid out of the beans and add to a mixing bowl.
3. Mash beans with potato masher until most are smashed
4. Add to beans olive oil and all spices and mix well
5. Mix in 1/2 a cup of shredded cheese
6. Add mixture to an oiled oven safe dish and sprinkle a little shredded cheese over the top
7. Bake for 20 minutes and serve

Homemade Pizza

Being raised in Chicago, my husband and I love thick crusted pizza!!!

• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 3 cups flour
• 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
• 1 tbsp yeast

1. Put all the ingredients in bread machine in the order listed above on the dough only setting or if you do not have a bread machine, mix all ingredients together, kneading until dough is a smooth ball and let rise 1 hour in a covered bowl
2. After the bread machine cycle is done or the one hour rise is done spread out the dough with your hands or rolling pin to fit your pizza pan and let rise for another 20 minutes
3. Top with your favorite sauce and topping
4. Bake at 425 for 20 - 25 minutes until dough is browned and cheese is bubbly!

Our pizza sauce:

• 12 oz can of tomato paste
• 7 oz can of chopped chilies
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tsp sugar
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne

Mix them all together and spread on the dough and top with your favorite meats, veggies, and cheese!

Stuffed Shells

• 12 oz box of large shells
• 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes
• 7 oz can of green chilis
• 2.25 oz can of black olives
• 1/4 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms, chopped
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• dash of cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 pkg of frozen chopped spinach (defrosted)
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp pepper
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups shredded Mozzarella

1. Boil a large pot of water and boil shells until soft (about 15 mins)
2. Preheat oven at 350 degrees
3. Combine crushed tomatoes, green chilis, black olives, yellow onion, mushrooms, Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, garlic powder, sugar, and cayenne pepper in sauce pan and cook until bubbly.  Then let sit covered while shells are cooking
4. Combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, chopped spinach, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp pepper and set aside.
5. After shells are cooked and cooled enough to be handled, fill them with about a tablespoon of the ricotta and spinach mixture and line up in 9x13 baking pan
6. Top all shells with the tomato sauce and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan on top and bake for 30 minutes
7. Serve and Enjoy!!!

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Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins

Here is another Fall Favorite: Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins.  This recipe makes about 1 1/2 dozen muffins

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp all spice
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 of a 3/4 oz pkg of vanilla pudding mix
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup cranberry/orange juice mix
• 5 handfuls of fresh cranberries about 2 cups

1. Mix sugar, pumpkin puree, oil, eggs, and juice until well blended.
2. Add to mixture vanilla pudding mix and let sit about a minute or two while you mix the flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, all spice, baking powder, and salt together.
3. Add dry mixture to pumpkin mixture and mix until well blended.
4. Fold in cranberries
5. Grease or line muffin tins and fill cups about 3/4 full
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.
7. Cool and enjoy!

Potato Skins

My husband loves potato skins so here is my quick and easy recipe:

• 3 red potatoes
• Jar of salsa con queso
• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Chives
• Salt and Pepper

1. Microwave the potatoes for 10-12 minutes
2. Preheat over at 425 degrees
3. Remove and let cool until you can handle them without burning yourself
4. Cut the potatoes in half longways and scoop a hole to fill with cheese
5. Place potatoes on greased baking sheet and sprinkle them with salt and pepper
6. Fill with salsa con queso and then top with shredded cheese
7. Bake for 10-15 minutes
8. Top with a dab of sour cream and chives
9. ENJOY!!!

Cranberry Banana Pancakes

Ripened bananas are great for baking and breakfast, here is one of my recent recipes:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 3/4 cup wheat flour
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 3/4-1 cup fresh cranberries

1. Smash bananas and mix with olive oil, egg, and milk.
2. Mix all dry ingredients, baking powder, salt, sugar, flours, and cinnamon.
3. Add wet and dry ingredients and mix well.  You may want to add a little milk depending on your preference for thin or thick pancakes.
4. Add cranberries and they are ready for a hot, greased skillet.
5. Cook and enjoy!

Apple Cranberry Crisp

I love the Fall because of cranberries!!!!  Here is an awesome twist to Apple Crisp:

• 4 apples (I use Fuji or Gala)
• 2 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
• 3 tbsp white sugar
• 2/3 cup softened butter
• 1 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup oats
• 1 cup flour
• 2 tbsp cinnamon

1. Peel and cut apples into small chunks, about 1/2 in by 1/2 in and mix with cranberries in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add white sugar to fruit and set aside
3. For topping, mix brown sugar, oats, flour, and cinnamon and then cut in softened butter until crumbly and well mixed
4. In greased 9 x 13 pan, add fruit mixture and then topping
5. Bake a 375 for 25-30 minutes.  Cool and serve topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream!  ENJOY!

Chicken and Dumplings

This is one of our favorite meals and one of the first meals I developed when we were in college.

• 2 chicken breasts, chopped 
• 2 celery stalks 
• 3 small red potatoes 
• 3 carrots, peeled 
• 1/3 cup chopped onion 
• salt and pepper 
• 1-2 cups chicken broth 
• 1/4 tsp rosemary 
• 1/4 tsp oregano 
• 1/4 tsp parsley 
• 1/2 cup flour 
• 1 tsp baking powder 
• 1 tsp sugar 
• 1/8 tsp salt 
• 1 egg 
• Milk 
• 1 tsp butter 
• 1/4 cup flour 

1. Fill pan that can be covered with 1/2 in of chicken broth and potatoes, celery, carrots, onion, parsley, oregano, rosemary, and salt and pepper. Cover and cook until potatoes and carrots are soft (about 10-15 mins). Remove from pan. 
2. Add more broth (about 1/2 inch in the bottom of the pan) and cook chicken. Add salt and pepper to chicken to season. After chicken is fully cooked, remove chicken and leave remaining broth. 
3. Mix chicken and veggies and set aside. 
4. For dumplings, mix flour, tsp of baking powder, tsp of sugar, 1/8 tsp salt, egg and mix. Add milk until the mixture is smooth but thick. Cook dumplings in 1/2 in of broth, covered for about 10 minutes. Insert tooth pick to make sure they are cooked throughout. 
5. After dumplings are cooked, use remaining broth to make gravy. Add broth (there should be about 1/2 in of broth in pan) if needed and add butter. Whisk flour until thick and add salt and pepper to taste. 
6. Serve dumpling topped with chicken and veggies and gravy. ENJOY!

Biscuits and Gravy

My husband and I love biscuits and gravy for breakfast! We usually make them when we have leftover KFC biscuits and then I have found the biscuit recipe on the KFC website.

Biscuits:

• 1 1/2 cups flour 
• 1 1/2 tsp salt (This was too much, I use 1 tsp) 
• 1 tbsp sugar 
• 1 tbsp baking powder 
• 2/3 cup milk 
• 1/3 cup shortening (I used butter) 

1. Mix all dry ingredients and then mix in milk and cut in butter 
2. Knead all ingredients together on a floured surface until mixture is well mixed. If it is too dry, add a little milk 
3. Flatten dough to be 1/2 in thick and use a glass or cup to cut rounds out of it 
4. Bake at 425 for 10 - 13 minutes. This recipe makes about 9 - 12 biscuits 

Gravy (Spicy):

• 1 lb breakfast sausage (To save calories, I buy the turkey or chicken) 
• 1/4 cup chopped onion 
• 1 small can of green chilis 
• 2 dashes Cayenne 
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder 
• 1/4 tsp chili powder 
• 1/4 cup flour 
• 2 cups milk 
• Salt and pepper to taste 

1. Brown sausage with onion 
2. Add green chilis, 1/4 cup flour, cayenne, garlic powder, chili powder, salt and pepper 
3. Add milk and cook over medium heat until thickened and bubbling 
4. Serve over hot biscuits and top with eggs if you like

Thanksgiving in a Sandwich

My husband and I love the Bobbie Sandwich from Capriotti's so we decided to make it at home! The sandwich is made on a sub roll piled with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce!

First Step: Bread

I first made this recipes from allrecipes.com: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/French-Baguettes/Detail.aspx?src=etaf

Second Step: Turkey

• 3 lb turkey breast 
• 1 cup chicken or turkey broth 
• 1/4 cup butter 
• salt 
• pepper 
• 1/4 tsp sage 
• 1/4 tsp dill weed 
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder 
• 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning 

1. In a 9x13 glass dish, I set the turkey in and poured the chicken broth over it. 
2. Sprinkle entire turkey breast with salt and pepper 
3. Herbed butter: combine melted butter, sage, dill weed, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning and pour over the turkey 
4. Bake at 350 degrees turning over half way and checking every 1/2 hour to make sure the top is moistened with the broth and butter 

Third Step: Stuffing

• 1/4 yellow onion 
• 3 stalks celery 
• 1/3 cup butter 
• salt 
• pepper 
• 1/2 tsp sage 
• 1/2 tsp chicken seasoning 
• 4 cups bread cubes 
• 2 eggs beaten 
• chicken broth (about 1/2 cup) 

1. Chop onion and celery finely and add to melted butter, cook until onions are translucent 
2. Mix bread cubes, sage, chicken seasoning, salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl 
3. Add 2 eggs and butter mixture, mix well 
4. Add chicken broth and mix until all bread cubes are moistened (you may not need all the broth or may need a little more) 

Fourth Step: Cranberry Sauce

• 12 oz cranberries 
• 1 cup sugar 
• 3/4 cup orange juice 

1. Mix cranberries, sugar and orange juice is pan and cook on medium heat until the cranberries start to pop. 
2. Crush cranberries with potato masher or spoon and cook mixture until thickened 

Fifth Step: Assembly

• French baguette 
• Mayo 
• Turkey 
• Stuffing 
• Cranberry Sauce 

Take french baguette and put desired amount of mayo on bread, then layer with turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce! Enjoy and then nap because this sandwich will fill you up!

Homemade Bread

Ok I have FINALLY figured out the way I like my bread to be made so here is my recipe:

• 1 1/2 cups water 
• 1/2 cup honey 
• 1 1/2 tsp salt 
• 2 cups bread flour 
• 2 cups wheat flour 
• 3/4 cup uncooked oats 
• 1 tbsp yeast 

1. Mix all ingredients in the order listed into a bread maker. 
2. Set the bread maker on dough only and let it mix it and then let it rise. 
3. One bread has risen, remove from bread maker and put into a loaf pan and let rise again about 10-20 minutes 
4. Bake at 350 for 33-35 minutes 
5. Cool bread loaf completely and store in bread box or wrapped in clear wrap and in a ziplock bag. 
6. Enjoy! We like to serve it warm at dinner or use it during the week for sandwiches or it makes amazing french toast!

Chili on a Rainy Night

Hey everyone....sorry I have been away for awhile...its been busy and cooking has been at a minimum the last week or so but I am back in it. Last night I made chili and I never seem to make it the same but here is my basic recipe:

• 1 lb ground turkey or beef 
• 1/2 a sweet onion, diced small 
• 1/2 green pepper, diced small 
• 3 cloves garlic, pressed 
• Can of green chilis 
• Small can of tomato sauce 
• Can of diced tomatoes 
• Can of red beans 
• 1 tbsp oregano 
• 1 tbsp chili powder 
• 1/2 tsp salt 
• 1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper 
• Dash of cayenne 
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro 
• Topping: shredded cheddar and sour cream 

1. Brown the ground meat with the diced onion and green pepper and garlic. Cook until meat is fully cooked and onions are transparent 
2. Mix together diced tomatoes, green chilis, beans, tomato sauce, chili powder, cayenne, salt, pepper, and the meat mixture. 
3. Top with cilantro and bake in a covered baking dish for 20-30 minutes or until mixture is bubbly. 
4. Top with shredded cheese and sour cream and ENJOY!

Cheesy Taco Soup

• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey 
• Small yellow onion, chopped 
• 1 green pepper, chopped 
• 1 red pepper, chopped 
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped 
• 1/4 cup taco seasoning 
• 1 tsp chili powder 
• 1 tsp salt 
• 1/8 cup chopped fresh cilantro 
• 4 tbsp butter 
• 3 cups chicken broth 
• 1/4 cup flour 
• 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese block, chopped into small pieces (1/4" cubes) 
• 1 1/2 cups milk 
• 1/4 cup sour cream 

1. Brown meat, onion and peppers in large pot 
2. Add taco seasoning, chili powder, salt, cilantro and chicken broth and bring to a boil 
3. Add butter and flour until butter is melted and slowly mix in milk and bring to a boil 
4. Add cheese and cover for 5-10 minutes. Once all cheese is melted, stir in sour cream, remove from heat and serve! 
5. Garnish with taco chips if desired.

Camping Recipes

This weekend my husband and I took a camping trip to the lake and here are some recipes we came up with on the fly:

Dinner: Lemon Pepper Chicken Nuggets

Lemon Pepper Chicken Nuggets:

• 2 chicken breasts 
• 1 tbsp Lemon pepper 
• 1 cup cream of wheat 
• 1/4 tsp salt 

1. Cut chicken breasts into bit size pieces (1 in by 1 in) 
2. Mix together salt, lemon pepper and cream of wheat in a zip-lock bag. 
3. Add chicken to mixture and coat the chicken well 
4. Fry in butter or oil until meat is cooked 

Breakfast: Cheesy Eggs and Potatoes

• 6 eggs 
• 1/4 cup mushrooms slices 
• 1/8 cup chopped onion 
• 1/4 cup chopped green peppers 
• Salt & Pepper to taste 
• 2 oz of Monterey Jack cheese, cut in slices 
• 3 red potatoes 
• 2 tbsp butter 
• Italian seasoning 

1. Chop potatoes and boil until soft and drain 
2. Heat butter in pan and add potatoes, Italian seasoning and salt 
3. Fry until crispy, stirring continuously (about 15 minutes) 
4. Beat eggs and add mushrooms, onion, pepper, salt and pepper 
5. Cook until almost all the way cooked and add cheese slices 
6. Continue cooking egg and mix cheese in until eggs are cheesy 
7. Pile on a plate and enjoy!

Lemon Bars

I love to bake a special birthday treat for all my co-workers on their birthday. This recipe has become an office favorite that I have made many times:

Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups flour 
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar 
• 3/4 cup butter melted 
• 1/2 tsp vanilla 

1. Mix flour and sugar together until well blended 
2. Add butter and vanilla and mix 
3. Press into greased 9 x 13 pan, I use olive oil 
4. Bake at 375 degrees for 13-15 minutes until the edges start to get a little brown 

Topping:

• 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar 
• 6 eggs 
• 4-5 lemons 
• Lemon juice 
• 1/2 tsp lemon zest 
• 1/3 cup flour 

1. While crust is baking mix sugar and flour until well blended 
2. Crack all eggs into the sugar/flour mixture and mix until well blended 
3. Zest lemon into mixture 
4. Juice all lemons, should be about a 1/2 cup (If all lemons do not juice a 1/2 cup and I am out of lemons, I will add lemon juice so that it is a 1/2 cup) I also like to roll my lemons on the counter before I cut them to loosen the juice, it makes it easier. 
5. Pour lemon juice in mixture and whisk until bubbly 
6. After crust is finished, pour lemon mixture over the top and bake for 20 minutes until the top is lightly browned 
7. Cool on wire rack and serve. Some people like powdered sugar on the top but I think they are sweet enough! 

ENJOY!!!

Peanut Butter Pancakes with Homemade Applesauce

Who doesn't love a nice homemade breakfast on Sunday morning??? We loves pancakes but are not too fond of syrup so instead of using syrup we like to top our pancakes, waffles, etc with jam, jelly, or applesauce.

Here is a quick and easy recipe for homemade apple sauce:

• 2 apples 
• 1/4 cup water + 2 tbsp 
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon 
• 3 tbsp sugar 
• Dash of nutmeg 

Mix all ingredients in a sauce pan and heat up on medium heat until bubbling.
Turn the heat down to low and cover for 15-20 minutes, mixing every 5 mins
When apples are soft, mash them with a potato masher

I made my pancake recipe but added peanut butter chips in them and served them with the homemade apple sauce on top!

Extra Cheesy Meatloaf

So yesterday I had planned to make Sweet & Sour Meatballs but the hubby wanted cheesy meatloaf.

Recipe for 2 or 3 servings:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey 
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs 
• 1 egg 
• 2 oz Monterey Jack cheese (in block form) 
• 2 oz Mozzarella cheese (in block form) 
• 2 oz Sharp Cheddar cheese (in block form) 
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar 
• 1/2 tsp salt 
• 1/4 tsp pepper 
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder 
• 1/4 tsp chili powder 
• 1/2 jalapeno , seeds removed 
• 1/3 Anaheim pepper, seeds removed 
• 1/3 cup, finely chopped red onion 
• 1/3 cup, ketchup 

1. Preheat oven at 350 degrees 
2. Mix ground meat, salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder. 
3. Finely chop jalapeno and Anaheim pepper and add to meat mixture along with finely chopped red onion 
4. Cut all cheese into small cubs, about 1/4 in by 1/4 inch and add to meat mixture 
5. Mix in ketchup, egg and bread crumbs and make sure the meat mixture is mixed well. 
6. Bake in greased loaf pan for 45 minutes. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar on top and bake another 15 minutes. 
7. Removed from oven, let cool about 5 minutes, slice, and enjoy!

Salisbury Steak over Mashed Cauliflower

Last night I made Salisbury Steak, from a recipe I found on allrecipes.com and I served it over my Mashed Cauliflower and it was delicious! It is definitely better than those frozen salisbury steak meals you buy and was quick and easy to make!

Here is the recipe I used:

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Salisbury-Steak/Detail.aspx?src=etaf

Ingredients

• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed French onion soup 
• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef 
• 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs 
• 1 egg 
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper 
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 
• 1/4 cup ketchup 
• 1/4 cup water 
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder 

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix together 1/3 cup condensed French onion soup with ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, salt and black pepper. Shape into 6 oval patties. 
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown both sides of patties. Pour off excess fat. 
3. In a small bowl, blend flour and remaining soup until smooth. Mix in ketchup, water, Worcestershire sauce and mustard powder. Pour over meat in skillet. Cover, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Eggplant Parmesan

One day my husband and I are watching Throwdown with Bobby Flay on the Food Network and it is the Eggplant Parmesan recipe. We that was enough inspiration for me to make it on my own and let me say it worked out good!

Ingredients:

• 1-2 eggplants
• 3-4 cups bread crumbs
• 4 eggs, beatened
• Oil for frying
• 1 lb ground meat (optional)
• 2 - 28 oz cans of crushed tomatoes
• Salt
• Pepper
• Italian seasonings
• Garlic powder
• 24 oz mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup of grated parmesan

My first step was to make the sauce:

1. Brown ground meat (if you are using it) 
2. Add crushed tomatoes to a ground meat and bring to a boil. 
3. Cover on low heat for 20 minutes 
4. Add salt, pepper, italian seasoning, garlic powder, and anything else you like to add to your sauce and simmer another 15 mins. I also always add a tbsp of sugar to my red sauce

2nd step: Eggplant prep

1. Heat oil in pan to fry 
2. Peel eggplant and cut lengthwise. (I used my electric knife to cut it.) 
3. Dip the eggplant in the egg and then bread crumbs, cover generously on both sides 
4. Fry eggplant in oil until crispy, it takes a few minutes per side 
5. Set eggplant aside or layer as you go. 

3rd step: layering dish

1. In large baking dish, fill bottom with a layer of tomato sauce, eggplant, and then mozzarella cheese, and repeat. After the top layer of cheese is done, sprinkle the parmesan over the top 
2. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes 
3. Serve and enjoy. I made mine the night before and then reheated it the next day in the oven at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. 

It was absolutely delicious and I was amazed it came out so well, especially since it was my first time making it. Next time I make it I am going to try and mix mozzarella cheese and provolone and see how that changes it up.

Creamy Mashed Cauliflower

Are you trying to eat low carb but love mashed potatoes or would you like to incorporate more veggies in your or your families diet? Here is a great recipe for Creamy Mashed Cauliflower, it tastes like mashed potatoes and you can flavor them any way you want!!!!

Recipe for 2:

• Head of cauliflower 
• 1/4 - 1/3 sour cream 
• 1 - 2 tbsp butter 
• salt and pepper to taste 
• shredded cheddar (optional) 
• tsp garlic powder (optional) 

1. Cook the cauliflower until soft (I like to steam it in my electric steamer for 20-25 mins) 
2. Once the cauliflower is cooked, add it to a food processor with the butter, sour cream, spices and cheese (if you want them to be cheesy) and blend until smooth! 
3. Now serve and enjoy! I like to top it with shredded cheese and chives! 

We has this tonight for dinner and my husband said he wouldn't have know if were made from cauliflower if he hadn't helped me cook!

Homemade Chicken Tenders

Tonight's Dinner: Chicken Tenders

Most people buy chicken nuggets and/or chicken tenders from restaurants or at a grocery store in the freezer section. These chicken tenders are usually full of fat and preservatives and may also include meat that is not the best quality. Wouldn't you rather know exactly what is in the chicken nuggets/tenders you are eating? Make them at home with this simple and easy to make recipe that your entire family will enjoy!

Recipe for Two Servings:

• 2 chicken breasts or a package of chicken tenderloins 
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese 
• 1-2 tbsp flour (I use wheat) 
• 1/2 tsp salt 
• pinch of pepper 
• spices to your liking 
• 2 eggs 
• 1/4 - 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar for topping 

1. Combine the Parmesan, flour, salt, pepper and your spices of choice into a shallow dish 
2. Whip eggs in another shallow dish 
3. Cut chicken breasts into small slices (about 1/2 in thick) 
4. Dip pieces of chicken into egg and then into the Parmesan mixture to coat with breading 
5. Arrange on a greased baking sheet 
6. Bake at 425 degrees for about 10 minutes, flip chicken tenders over and sprinkle with shredded cheddar and bake for another 5 - 10 minutes 
7. Remove and cool for 1-2 minutes and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!

Pancakes from Scratch

Who doesn't love fresh pancakes in the morning for breakfast? Some people make them out of a box and just add water but then you are eating something with preservatives and other ingredients you are unsure of and most of the time cannot even pronounce. Are these ingredients really good for you?? How about we forget the store bought box of pancake mix and make them from scratch? These pancakes are quick and easy and can be made in 20 mins. I first found this recipe on allrecipes.com and have changed it a bit to make it healthier.

Original recipe:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 
• 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• 1 tablespoon white sugar 
• 1 1/4 cups milk 
• 1 egg 
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted 

My changed recipe:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour 
• 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 
• 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• 1 tablespoon white sugar 
• 1 1/4 cups soy milk 
• 1 egg 
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin organic olive oil 

I also like to add things like chocolate chips, nuts, and cut of fresh fruit into my batter before I cook them. These pancakes are simple, healthy and delicious! Give them a try next time you are in the mood for some pancakes! This morning I made them with blueberries! Mmmmm mmmmm! Yummy!

Welcome

Hello everyone!

Welcome to PB N J Gourmet!  This blog will be all about cooking and baking and going back to the basics of real homemade food.  This blog was inspired by my husband and my love for home cooked food.

One of my husband's favorite sandwiches is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  We have taken the basics and  made it gourmet.  We love to make homemade jam and jellies with flavors that you wouldn't find in a store and mix it with our homemade almond butter and honey wheat bread!  Once you eat one of these gourmet sandwiches it is hard to eat a regular peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

This blog will go through our cooking adventures and what we find is better homemade and worth the time investment versus buying it in a store.  We will share our tips and tricks and delicious recipes!

We hope you enjoy our cooking and baking adventures and pick up good tips to take into your home.

Happy Cooking!

Amy