Thursday, April 24, 2008

Shepherd Chicken by Mark

6-8 boneless skinless chicken breast
Thin slices of Swiss Cheese. (If you like Brie or some other white cheese you could substitute) One of these days I am going to try it with Gorgonzola.

1 can of Golden Mushroom soup
3/4 of a can of your favorite white wine. (Use the empty can from above)
Stove Top Stuffing. (2-3-cups)

Spray casserole dish with non-stick spray.
Place chicken in bottom.
Cover generously with the slices of cheese.
Mix soup and wine together and pour over chicken.
Spread stuffing mixture over the top of the chicken
Bake @ 350 for about 1 hour.

Suggested side dish:
Steamed French Cut or Whole green beans.
Steamed Asparagus. Mix mayonnaise and mustard to put on the Asparagus

Serve with a nice white wine.

Thursday, April 3, 2008

north shore hawaiian meatballs

Oh my word these are amazing. I would make them every night if I could!

meatballs:
1 1/4 lbs ground pork
1 can (8oz) crushed pineapple including juice
1 packet onion soup mix (powder)

sauce:
1 can (15oz) tomato sauce
1c hawaiian marinade
2tbsp brown sugar
3/4c pineapple juice

in a large bowl combine
pork
crushed pineapple and juice
onion soup mix
mix well (I use my hands it works better)
make 1 in meatballs

In a large skillet over medium heat stir
all sauce ingredients
bring to boil
using spoon drop meatballs into sauce
bring back to a boil
reduce to a simmer and cover
simmer for 12-15min
gently sirring occasionally
remove and serve

I serve these on top of some instant brown rice then pour some of the sauce and eat it up!!! Left overs are great for the husbands lunch the next day!

roquefort cheese chips

I have not tried these yet... but I am just waiting for a new excuse to.

1 bag lightly salted potato chips (like cape cod kettle chips)
1/2c white sauce
1/4c cream cheese
2tbsp crumbled roquefort cheese
1tbsp half and half
1/4c blue cheese crumbles

preheat oven 35oF
place potato chips on baking sheet
bake 15 min

In a small saucepan over medium heat
combine all remaining ingredients except blue cheese
cook until melted stirring constantly
remove from heat

drizzle cheese sauce over hot chips
sprinkle blue cheese over the top and serve

I am sure these will go fast, so be ready with extras!

apple cotija quesadilla

Sounds strange... but give it a chance. It is a little weird at first, and then each bite gets yummier and yummier becoming addicting. I promise, and they are so easy!

1/2c jalapeno cream cheese (I could not find any at my store, so I added diced jalapenos to normal cream cheese)
8 soft taco size flour tortillas
1 apple, peeled, cored, and sliced thin
1/2c cotija cheese (mexican parmesan)

preheat grill to medium high and carefully oil grate just prior to cooking

Spread 2tbsp of cream cheese on 4 tortillas
divide apple slices on top of cream cheese
sprinkle 2tbsp of cotija
top with remaining tortillas

place quesadillas on BBQ grill 3 min on each side until golden brown
remove
cool
cut
eat
enjoy

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

creole short ribs

Oh wow, I made this a few weeks ago and my husband is still talking about it.

1 1/2c flour
2tbsp pepper
4 1/2 lbs beef short ribs, rinsed and patted dry
2tbsp canola oil
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed or minced
1 can (14.5oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (14oz) beef broth

In a small bowl combine
flour
pepper
dredge short ribs into mixture

Heat oil in a large skillet
brown ribs on all sides
remove ribs from pan
drain fat
add remaining ingredients to pan
bring to a boil over medium heat
scraping brown bits from pan

Preheat oven to 350F
return ribs to pan and spoon sauce over top
return to a boil and cover tightly
place pan in preheated oven and braise for 2-2 1/2hrs until ribs are tender

I love to serve this on top of some brown rice. The subtle sweetness of brown rice pairs perfectly with the seasoning ans spice of the ribs. They will be so tender... the left overs work great as a sandwich!

mac and cheese caserole

Everyone can make an easy box of kraft for a quickie, but when you want to put some extra time into it... WOW it pays off!

preheat oven to 350F
grease a 9x13 baking dish

1 lb elbow macaroni, uncooked
5tbsp melted butter
1 lb cheddar cheese, grated
2 cans (12oz each) evaporated milk
2c water
4 eggs, lightly beaten
2 1/2tsp ground mustard
1tsp salt
2 tsp worcestershire sauce
1/4tsp hot sauce
1c bread crumbs
1tsp paprika

In a large bowl toss
uncooked pasta
3tbsp melted butter
cheese

In a medium bowl whisk
evaporated milk
water
eggs
ground mustard
salt
worcestershire
hot sauce

In a caserole dish place macaroni mixture
and cover with sauce mixture
bake for 55-60 min

In another bowl combine
bread crumbs
paprika
and remaining 2tbsp melted butter
sprinkle over baked macaroni
return to oven and broil for 2 min until golden brown

The left overs are even better the second and third time around!

margarita chicken breasts

name says it all... two of my favorites in one dish.

I like to make marinades in gallon size ziploc bags
1 can frozen margarita mix, thawed
2/3c tequila
1/2c freshly chopped cilantro

place boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken legs
marinade over night in the refrigerator
grill chicken on the BBQ about 18-22min until cooked through

serve with some great summer sides!

jalapeno potato salad

This is from the semi homemade recipe book. So you can buy the potato salad as it suggests or make some of your own to make it EVEN better!

2 lbs deli potato salad
2tbsp dices jalapenos
1 green onion, chopped
1tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro
1tsp mexican seasoning
6 dashes chalula (your choice of hot sauce)

In a large bowl stir
all ingredients
cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for an hour

serve and wait for compliments :)

grilled jalepano poppers

I changed this recipe so it can be done in the oven instead...
Use caution when making and eating these!

Preheat oven to 400F

place foil on top of a sheet pan

slice peppers from stem to tip on one side (NOTE: jalapenos can be very hot. Use caution and wear rubber gloves if you have sensitive skin. Keep hands out of eyes and wash with soap when finished handling the peppers)
squeeze insides out and scoop out the seeds and veins

stuff them with mexican blend shredded cheese

cut bacon slices in half crosswise
wrap each pepper with bacon and secure with toothpick

place on baking sheet
bake for 25min or until bacon is fully cooked and starting to crisp.

remove toothpicks and serve hot

these are really and and perfect for Football Sundays and of course super bowl!

strawberry skillet cobbler

Oh this is amazing yummy. It is so easy to make too. Mmm I want some now :)

1 lb frozen unsweetened strawberries, quartered and thawed
3/4c sugar
1tsp cinnamon
1 can (16.3oz) pillsbury grand southern style biscuits
2tbsp butter
fresh strawberries, sliced (optional)
whipped topping (optional)

Preheat oven to 350F

In a med bowl combine
thawed strawberries and 1/2c of the sugar
let stand for an hour so the flavors can blend

In a bowl combine
remaining 1/4c sugar
cinnamon
remove biscuits from the can and separate biscuits
roll each biscuit in the cinnamon and sugar mixture

grease a baking dish
spoon strawberries in to dish
top with biscuits
bake 20-25min or until bubbling

serve with fresh strawberries and or whipped cream or ice cream.

cherry cobbler

I have not tried this one yet, but it looks amazing. I found it in another semi-homemade book for grilling. But I would just use the oven so here is that recipe.

1 1/2c bisquick
3/4c sugar
3/4c evaporated milk
1tsp almond extract
1/2c butter
3/4c sugar (yes that is repeated for a reason)
1 can (21oz) cherry pie filling
1c frozen cherries, thawed

Preheat oven for 350F

In a large bowl combine
bisquick
3/4c sugar
evaporated milk
almond extract
whisk until smooth and set aside

In a saucepan melt butter
stir in 3/4c sugar
when bubbling add
pie filling and frozen cherries
pour into greased baking dish
pour baking mix over cherries
place cobbler in oven
bake 35-40min or until golden brown


when serving you can top with whipped cream or ice cream... go eat it up!

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

strawberry french toast with a kick

Wow I wish I had a picture of this. This is so good I had to categorize it under both breakfast and dessert!

In a large bowl combine
strawberries
1/4c sugar
2tbsp grand marnier
let stand for an hour stirring occasionally

In a shallow bowl whisk
3 eggs
1/2c milk
1/4c grand marnier
2tbsp sugar

cook french toast pieces as normal

serve with strawberry toppings and whipped cream, even a little powdered sugar if you want. I suggest you serve it with a large glass of milk too!

blueberry sangria lemonade

Another favorite of mine is the sangria. I have not tried this one yet, but I will soon so I am adding it anyway. Let me know if you like it!

In a large pitcher
1 1/2c frozen blueberries
1 can frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed
1 bottle (750ml) chardonnay
3c lemon lime soda
1/2c cognac
stir and refrigerate for an hour

Pour over ice

They are beautiful that is for sure! If they do not taste good... sorry :)

cocojito

I am a huge fan of the mojito. In the last year I have found many different variations of it, making it even better! Here is a new one perfect for those extra hot days.

In a cocktail shaker add
2 shots coconut rum
5 fresh mint leaves
1/2 shot cream of coconut
1 splash of lime juice
ice cubes
shake

Pour over a chilled tall glass topping with club soda

Go drink up. I can not drink too many of these but for something different and simple, I have to suggest them.

cowboy cocktail

I have not tried this one yet. But it sounds good, and I will very soon. I started some apple mint in the backyard. It is growing like crazy. So I need to get to making this drink and some variations of one of my mojito too!!!

Place 3 fresh mint leaves in the bottom of a tall glass
fill with crushed ice
add 1/2 the juice from a lime and stir
add 1 corona

and enjoy, preferably with friends!

banana s'mores

These are too fun not to make. Again great for some little ones. But I love them too. Who doesn't like melted chocolate?

Makes 3:
3 whole large bananas, unpeeled
1/4c mini chocolate morsels
1/4c mini marshmallows
1/4c crushed graham crackers

Preheat oven to 350F

Place each banana on a flat surface and peel back 1 1/2in wide section of the peel. NOT completely off. Create a flap stopping near the end of the banana
Using a spoon scoop out lengthwise grooves in the fruit. Fill the grooves evenly with chocolate, graham cracker, and marshmallow
lay back the peel making the banana whole again
wrap bananas in foil and bake for 10min

you will fall in love with these so fast you might as well make a double batch while you are at it! "more please"

frozen banana pops

Simple and healthy. Fun for the kids and parents! You choose the toppings and each one can be different. If your children are old enough for a slumber party. Each child could make their own and have individual pops.

to make 8:

8 craft sticks
4 bananas peeled and cut in half
1c milk chocolate chips (you choice... milk, semi sweet, dark, or white even butterscotch)
1c sprinkles (your choice again... chopped nuts, crushed cookie, crushed nilla wafers)

insert stick into banana
cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper
place bananas on paper and freeze for 20min

In separate bowls melt in microwave you choice of morsels for 1min
dip bananas and then roll in sprinkles
place banana back on lined tray and return to the freezer for at least 1 hour

enjoy with you special little one(s)

hot honeyed spareribs-slow cooker

Oh WOW, these are finger licking... more like finger sucking good. Messing and mouth watering. Get a wet nap first.

4 lbs baby back ribs, cut into individual portions
garlic salt
pepper
1/2c honey
1/4c soy sauce
1/4c chili garlic sauce
1c catalina dressing
1tsp ground ginger

Preheat broiler
line bottom portion of broiler pan with foil for easy clean up
spray lightly with Pam

Season cut spareribs with garlic salt and pepper
broil for 5 min
turn and broil another 5 min
place browned ribs on 4-5qt slow cooker

In a medium bowl stir
honey
soy sauce
chili garlic sauce
catalina dressing
ginger
pour sauce mix over ribs
cover and cook on low for 8-9hrs or high for 3-4hrs

with tongs remove from slow cooker
skim fat from sauce
serve ribs with sauce on the side

There will be NO left overs. Serve with some beans and slaw. Plenty of different options are in the "side dishes" category.

beef pot roast-slow cooker

I grew up eating pot roast often. I would always throw a fit claiming I didn't like it and would not eat it. Then of course I would end up eating it and loving it. Well now that I am older and my pallets has changes drastically, I love to make this in the morning (slow cooker meal) and enjoy it when my husband comes home.

1 bag of baby carrots
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
1 beef chuck roast (4 lbs) rinsed and patted dry
1 can condensed cream of celery soup
1 packet of onion soup mix (powder)
1c low sodium beef broth
1/4c steak sauce (A-1)
salt and pepper

Add all vegetables to the bottom of a 4-5qt slow cooker

Season roast with salt and pepper
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
brown chuck roast on all sides
then place in slow cooker

In a medium bowl stir together
cream of celery soup
onion soup mix
beef broth
steak sauce
pour over top of roast

Cover slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8-9hrs
or on high for 3-4hrs

When I make this I get up about 15 min earlier than normal (when I worked anyway...) and prepare it. Letting it cook all day while I am at work. When you come home the house will smell wonderful. Just make some garlic toast and EAT!

apple slaw

This is an awesome recipe. Adding a little twist to the usual cole slaw. Full of veggies and fruit. Of course perfect for summer BBQ's and spring picnics. Plus it is so easy!

3/4 sour cream
1/4c granulated sugar
3tbsp apple cider vinegar
1-8oz package shredded cabbage and carrots
3 green apples, cored and sliced
4 green onions, thinly sliced (I personally leave these out, your choice)
salt and pepper

Whisk in a bowl
sour cream and vinegar
add cabbage mixture, apples and green onions if you are using them
toss to coat
season to taste with salt and pepper
cover tightly and chill at least 20 min
serve cold

red whiskey

This is actually called a scarlet o'brandy... but I am not a fan of the name. So i am changing it! it still tastes great so who cares :)

1c crushed ice
1/3c whiskey (I prefer southern comfort) (With the extra you can add Dr Pepper to it over ice. One of my favorites)
1/3c cranberry juice
2tbsp fresh lime juice

Combine all ingredients into a shaker
cover and shake
strain into glass and enjoy immediately

go now!

sassy sangria

This is pretty powerful juice. So light weights beware! Recipe from semi-homemade cooking. Go share with some friends over brunch.

3c chianti
1c brandy
1/4c triple sec
1 orange, sliced
1 lime, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
1 apple, cored and sliced
8 fresh raspberries
2c club soda

In a large pitcher combine all ingredients
except club soda
cover tightly and refrigerate 3 hours

Pour 3/4c sangria and 1/4c club soda into glasses
dividing fruit equally and serve

Only share with those who will really appreciate the work for this one!

raspberry sake

mm mmm mmmmm ok you get it, right? Recipe from semi-homemade cooking. This is a short cut to infused sake. I wish I could bring this in with me to my favorite sushi restaurant. Maybe someday.

1 bottle sake (750ml), chilled
1 pint (16oz) canned wild berry juice cocktail concentrate
1c crushed ice
1/2c frozen raspberries, thawed
1/4c fresh lemon juice

In a blender combine
sake, wild berry juice, ice, raspberries and lemon juice
pulse several times until raspberries are completely crushed

Strain into 6 martini glasses
serve immediately

chocolate fondue(s)

Oh my word... if you do not like this, you are crazy. it could not be more simple and the taste, well try it!

1c heavy cream
1/2 stick unsalted butter
2 packages (12oz each) premier white morsels or milk chocolate or dark chocolate

Fruit to dip
bananas, sliced apples, strawberries, crisp cookies, pretzels, cubed pound cake I could go on, but you get it

In a large saucepan combine
cream and butter over med heat
bring to a simmer stirring constantly
remove pan from heat

add your choice of morsels
stir until melted and smooth
cool slightly

Transfer to beautiful bowl and serve proudly, if you have not eaten it all up before serving!

noodles alfredo

So easy it barely counts as a recipe! You will love this and so will anyone who eats it. Also from the semi-homemade cookbook.

8oz fettuccine
1 1/2 sticks butter
1c whole milk
1c grated parmesan cheese
salt

In a large pot
boil pasta in salt water until soft
drain

Return noodles to pot and place over low heat
add butter and milk
toss until butter is melted
add cheese and stir until melted
salt to taste

serve and enjoy
You could add some grilled chicken to add some protein to the meal or eat as is.
If there are any leftovers... save them!

curried bow tie pasta

Oh this is so good you have to try it! This is perfect for picnics and any summer day get together. I got this one from one of my favorite cookbooks semi-homemade cooking with Sandra Lee. A must have cookbook.

3/4c sour cream
2tsp curry powder
2can 8oz each pineapple chunks, drained
1 ripe medium avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced
1 medium red apple, cored and sliced
8oz bow tie pasta
salt

In a large bowl
mix sour cream and curry powder
fold in pineapple avocado and pineapple

Meanwhile
cook pasta in a pot of boiling water until tender about 5 min
drain and rinse under cold water
fold pasta into sour cream mixture
refrigerate until cold
season salad to taste

You will have a new love for pasta salads!

lavendar lemon bars by RITA R

Submitted by MARK B in honor of a friend Rita Roberts.

Ingredients:
Depending on the size you want to make, mix these
ingredients per box.

1 Krustez Lemon Bar mix
(See ingredients on box. I think all it calls for is 3 eggs.)
Dried Lavender Buds
Lavender Oil (Buena Vista)

They ship out of state. The website is www.lavenderlakefarms.com
If you do not see it on the site, send an e-mail to rhonda@lavenderlakefarms.com
I have made about 12-15 batches of these with 1 lbs of buds and have barley
and still have lots of oil.
Purple Sugar Sprinkles
(Get these at a local Confectionary store, where they sell cake decorating supplies)


Mix ingredients per box.
Add 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of dried lavender buds per box of mix.
Add 3 drops of lavender oil.
(This is powerful stuff so it is best to use an eyedropper)

Bake per instructions. Remove from oven and sprinkle the Purple Sugar Sprinkles liberally.
Let cool, eat, share with friends.

The buds are for looks, it is the oil that give it the hint of flavor when eating.