Yummy stuff from Margie

2009-08-29T05:59:00.000-07:00

I changed this blog home because i couldn't figure out how to get the titles on my recipes...

I imported ALL the recipes HERE! and will update it HERE!!

2009-08-26T06:17:00.000-07:00

I'm a little late, my dad had surgery yesterday and then I had a meeting, and I had a rough night, so... sorry!!

TACO LASAGNE

11 ounces lasagna noodles (I used wheat)
2 pound lean ground beef
14.5 ounces tomato sauce
1 can rotel tomatoes with jalapenos
1/2 cup water
1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, brown beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Add tomato sauce, water and taco seasoning. Lower heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
In a 9x13 inch glass baking dish, layer noodles then meat mixture and cheese; repeat 2 more times. There will be 3 layers. Sprinkle tortilla chips over the top
Bake 45 minutes

Check out more recipes at TMTT

2009-08-18T03:19:00.000-07:00

Easy Sweet Treats

Square basket weave pretzels (may also use round type)

Hershey Hugs (may also use chocolate Kisses)

M & M's

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or foil. Lay pretzels out onto lined cookie sheet. Unwrap Hugs and place in center of pretzel ring or in using square pretzel, on top of it. Place in oven for about 5 minutes.When Hugs are still maintaining their shape, but are soft press one M & M into Hug. Cool in refrigerator , then eat!

got the recipe from here.

2009-08-15T14:39:00.001-07:00

This is my favorite Mac & Cheese Recipe. I've been eating it since... I don't know... long time!

8 oz macaroni
1/4 c butter
1/4 flour
1 t salt
1/8 t pepper
1/4 t dry mustard
2 cups milk
8 oz cheddar cheese

Cook Macaroni and drain

Preheat oven to 350

In med sauce pan, melt butter, remove from heat and stir in flour, salt, pepper, & dry mustard, until smooth

Gradually stir in milk, bring to a boil, stirring constantly, reduce heat and simmer one minute. Remove from heat and stir in cheese and macaroni

Pour into 1 1/2 quart casserole dish. Bake 15-20 minutes or until bubbly.

2009-07-25T06:59:00.000-07:00

Got this recipe from here. Zucchini and blueberries!! YUMMY!!

Blueberry Zucchini Bread

3 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup vegetable oil
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups white sugar
2 cups shredded zucchini
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 pint fresh blueberries

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease 4 mini-loaf pans (I made 6).
In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, oil, vanilla, and sugar. Fold in the zucchini. Beat in the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Gently fold in the blueberries. Transfer to the prepared mini-loaf pans.
Bake 50 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted in the center of a loaf comes out clean. Cool 20 minutes in pans, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

2009-07-09T09:30:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to try this!!

Homemade Bisquick Mix

Yield 7 cups

6 cups all purpose flour
3 tablespoons baking powder
1 tablespoon salt
1 cup vegetable shortening

Sift flour, baking powder and salt three times into a large bowl.
Cut in shortening with a pastry blender until mixture resembles fine crumbs.
Store mixture in airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 months.
Use whenever your recipe calls for "Bisquick mix".

2009-06-19T07:22:00.000-07:00

I got this recipe from here and adapted it a little. I made a box german chocolate cake and covered it with this. I had to make 2 boxes, this covered both cake pans (9X13) with PLENTY of frosting.

German Chocolate Cake Frosting
1.5 cup evaporated milk
1.5 cup white sugar
5 egg yolk, beaten with 1 teaspoon water
1/2 cup butter
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1.5 cup chopped pecans
1.5 cup flaked coconut

DIRECTIONS
In a large saucepan combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, margarine and vanilla. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thick. Remove from heat and stir in pecans and coconut. Spread on cake while still warm

I added more coconut to get it to the desired coconutty that I wanted, and added more pecans because I figured the coconut to pecan would not be correct.

2009-05-24T12:26:00.000-07:00

Broccoli Salad

8 slices of bacon (or if you make it like me, the WHOLE package!)
2 large heads of broccoli, cut up
1 1/2 c sharp cheddar, shredded
3 green onions, cut up
1/4 c apple cider vinegar
1/8 c white sugar
salt & pepper to taste
2/3 c mayo
1 t fresh lemon juice

cook bacon until crispy and crumble

In a large bowl, combine broccoli, cheese, bacon, and onion

prepare dressing combining vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, pepper, salt, & mayo.

Combine dressing with salad. Mix well.

Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

I adapted the recipe from here.

2009-05-24T12:24:00.000-07:00

ICE CREAM SANDWICH CAKE!!

I got this recipe from Mari! She often has very yummy recipes! Check them out!
SO YUMMY!
Hers called for 2 bags of heath, I only had one bag of heath bits but it was still plenty!!
SO GOOD!!

2 boxes ice cream sandwiches
2 - 8oz Cool Whip, thawed
1 bag Heath Toffee Bits

Open sandwiches from one box and place in 9 x 13 pan, positioning to cover bottom of pan. Spread half of Cool Whip over ice cream sandwiches.
Sprinkle 1/2 bag of the Heath bits over Cool Whip.
Repeat layers and freeze.

This recipe fills a 9 x 13 to the top of the pan, so it makes a lot.

2009-05-04T09:54:00.000-07:00

Ok, I believe that every recipe has a story... this one is no different! I needed to make a cheesecake for work for today (5-4-09) however, I forgot about it, until 5:30 this morning! No time to make a cheesecake! but it was for a VPs birthday (that someone paid me to make the cake - that never happens!) so... www.allrecipes.com here I come. That's where I found this beauty of a recipe!

Enjoy! I topped it with strawberries!

Cheesecake Bars

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup chopped walnuts
3 cup sifted all-purpose flour
3/4 cup white sugar
3 - 8 ounces cream cheese
3 tablespoon lemon juice
6 tablespoons milk
3 egg
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F(175 degrees C).
To make Pastry: Cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the flour and chopped nuts and stir until mixture becomes crumbly.

Press pastry mixture into 9X 13 pan and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool on rack.

To make Filling: Beat together the white sugar, and cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the egg, milk, lemon juice, and vanilla and mix well. Spread filling mixture over baked crust.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool on wire rack and refrigerate. Serve with fruit.

2009-05-02T03:52:00.001-07:00

Santa Fe Chicken

3 large chicken breast

1 lg can of salsa

2 cans corn, drained

1 can of beans, drained and rinsed

1 8oz brick of cream cheese

put chicken in bottom of crock pot. Cover with salsa, corn, black beans. Cook on high for 4 hours, low 6-8. Put cream cheese brick in to melt for at least 20 minutes.

Chicken will fall apart as you stir it.

Serve it on tortillas, with shredded cheese, and or sour cream, or with chips

Recipe called for 2 cans of beans but Phyllis doesn't like beans that much...

Recipe from my friend Sherri Darah!

2009-04-25T13:16:00.000-07:00

Milky Way Swirl Cake

Cake

Veggie Oil for spraying pan

Flour for dusting pan

2 1/2 Milky way candy bars, sliced

2 T plus 1 c water

1 yellow cake mix

8 T butter, melted

3 large eggs

1 T flour

Glaze

2 1/2 Milky Way Bars, sliced

2 T Butter

2 t water

Preheat oven 325.

Lightly spray and dust BUNDT pan

For Cake:

melt milky way with 2T water in medium sized pan over med-low heat. remove from heat and set it aside

Place the cake mix, 1 c water, melted butter, and eggs in large mixing bowl. Mix well.

Measure out 2/3 c of batter and pour into the cooled candy bar mixture. Add flour and stir until the mixture is smooth. Pour the plain cake mixture into bundt pan. Pour milky way mixture over the cake mixture and swirl into pan trying not to touch the sides of the pan.

Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Remove from oven and place it on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Invert from pan and cool 20 minutes.

For Glaze:

rinse out the saucepan and wipe it dry. Place the Milky Way bars into saucepan over medium low heat. Add butter and water. Cook, stirring until smooth 3 to 4 minutes. Let glaze cool for 10 minutes.

Put cake onto serving platter over the cake so that it drips down the sides. Let cake rest for 10 minutes before serving.

I also melted caramel over the glaze... yummy!!

I make cakes for everyone's birthday at work. John LOVES cake! Most everyone just asks for some kind of cake mix, not John, he picked out this one!! Many said it was the best cake I ever made, even better than the carrot cake I am known for!

2009-04-03T06:55:00.001-07:00

Carrot Cake

2 1/2 c All-purpose flour
2 tsp Baking soda
1/4 tsp Salt
2 tsp Cinnamon
1 c Light brown sugar -- packed
1 c White sugar
1 1/2 c Butter -- softened
3 lg Eggs
2 tsp Pure vanilla extract
3 c Grated carrots
1/2 c Crushed pineapple -- drained
1 c (6-oz.) raisins
1 c (4-oz.) chopped pecans

-----ICING-----
16 oz Cream cheese -- softened
1/2 c Salted butter -- softened
1 tbsp Fresh lemon juice (about 1 -- large lemon)
2 tsp Pure vanilla extract
3 c Confectioners' sugar

Preheat oven to 350-degrees. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake
pans or 1 9 X 13.
In a large bowl stir together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and sugars. Add butter, one egg and vanilla; blend with electric mixer on low speed. Increase speed to medium and beat for 2
minutes.
Scrape down sides of bowl. And remaining eggs, one at a time, beating 30 seconds after each addition. Add carrots, pineapple, raisins and walnuts.
Blend on low until thoroughly combined.
Pour batter into prepared pans and smooth the surface with a rubber spatula. Bake in center of oven for 60-70 minutes. Toothpick inserted into center should come out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes.
Then invert cakes on rack and cool to room temperature.

TO PREPARE ICING: On a medium bowl with electic mixer on medium speed, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth add lemon juice and vanilla; beat until combined. Add sugar gradually, mixing on low until smooth.

TO ICE THE CARROT CAKE: Place one layer on a cake platter, and with a metal spatula spread icing over the top to form a thin filling.
Place second layer over the first, rounded side up. Coat the top and sides of the cake evenly with remaining icing. Refrigerate 1 hour to set icing.

SOURCE: MRS FIELDS Cookie Book.

2009-03-31T18:34:00.000-07:00

STUFFED TURKEY MEATLOAF

1 can mushrooms
2 cloves garlic, minced
fresh baby spinach
Spaghetti sauce,
dividedshredded cheddar cheese,
2 pound ground turkey
egg, lightly beaten
½ cup Italian style bread crumbs
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp salt
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a large bowl, mix together turkey, egg, bread crumbs, mushrooms, seasoning and salt.

Spoon half of meat mixture onto a greased baking pan. Flatten and smooth out.

Top with a layer of spinach leaves and shredded cheese.Top with remaining meat, flatten again and then go around the edges an seal, pulling in the loaf away from the sides of the pan.Spread spaghetti sauce on top and sprinkle with shredded cheese.

Bake for about an hour or until meat registers at 170 degrees.

Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. ENJOY!

I got it from here... http://fullbellies.blogspot.com/

2009-03-11T08:05:00.000-07:00

Blueberry Coffee Cake

Ingredients (for about 6 servings)
For the Cake:
1 egg
1 cup milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 tsps baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground mace
1 cup fresh blueberries
For the Topping:
2 tbsps unsalted butter
1/3 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Preparation
- To make the topping, combine cinnamon, sugar and flour in a small bowl.
- Add butter and beat with a pastry blender until the mixture is crumbly. Set aside.
- To make the cake, beat together the egg, milk and butter in a large bowl.
- Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and mace into a bowl.
- Add the egg mixture and beat together until well blended.
- Stir in blueberries.
- Lightly butter a 9-inch-diameter cake pan.
- Evenly spread the cake batter in the pan and sprinkle with the topping.
- Bake in a preheated 350° F oven for about 40 - 45 minutes.

2009-03-10T07:05:00.000-07:00

Pasta Ceci

1 pound pasta
Salt
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 3 turns of the pan
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3 to 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 (14-ounce) can, chick peas, drained
Pepper
1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
1 (14-ounce) can, crushed tomatoes
Handful flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Grated Parmiginao-Reggiano, to pass at table

Directions
Boil water for pasta, salt it, and cook spaghetti to al dente.
While spaghetti cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Add extra-virgin olive oil, 3 turns of the pan, crushed red pepper flakes and garlic.

Place chick peas in food processor and pulse grind them to a fine chop.

Add chick peas to garlic and season them with thyme, salt and pepper then saute them for 3 to 4 minutes.

Add wine or broth and cook down 30 seconds or so then stir in tomatoes and adjust seasoning.

Drain pasta and toss with sauce. Top with parsley and grated cheese.

2009-01-16T08:48:00.000-08:00

I just started making this... Oh man it's so yummy!!

Black Bean Salad

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained well
3 artichoke hearts, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1-2 T chopped green onion
1-2 T chopped fresh parsley
Juice from 1/2 lemon
1 T olive oil
Salt & pepper

Mix well!! So good!!

Nutritional Info for the WHOLE thing:

442 Calories
16g fat
21g Protein
66 carbs

2008-10-11T18:28:00.001-07:00

Homemade Salsa

5 tomatoes

1 onion

1/2 c fresh cilantro

3 cloves garlic

1 T lime juice

1 jalapeno pepper

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Pierce the skin of the tomatoes, drop them in the water until the skin begins to peel (only takes like 20 seconds), remove tomatoes, drop into cold water, peel tomatoes.

chop onions, garlic, jalapeno pepper, lime juice in food processor. Put in bowl. Chop cilatro in food processor, add to onion mixture. Then chop tomatoes to desired constancy, I put mine in the food processor (got all the yummy bits out too!).

Mix all ingredients together in bowl. Chill until ready to serve.

2008-09-14T09:53:00.000-07:00

I got this recipe from Netta, one of my new blogs that I read. she uses skim milk, I used 2%.

WHOLEWHEAT & OATMEAL BANANA PANCAKES

1 C whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 C quick oatmeal
2 eggs , beaten
1 3/4 C milk
2 mashed bananas

Mix well.

Cook on hot griddle (use cooking spray).

2008-09-05T16:38:00.000-07:00

Reuben Dip

1 c sour cream
1 c mayo (NOT miracle whip)
1 16 oz can saurkraut, drained and squeezed dry
1/2 c finely chopped onion
1/3 lb deli style corned beef
1 c swiss cheese
2 T horseradish

Serve with Triscuits

Mix everything together. Bake 30 minutes at 350*

This is a new favorite!

2008-08-22T11:47:00.001-07:00

Since it's zucchini harvest time, I dug this recipe out... it's very yummy!! This my friend Eliz's (From work) zucchini bread recipe! Enjoy!

Eliz’s Zucchini Bread

3 C Flour
2 t Baking Powder
1 T Cinnamon
1 C Brown Sugar
1 t Baking Soda
1 t Salt
1 ½ C Sugar
1 C Oil

2 C Peeled and Grated Zucchini
3 Eggs

1 t Vanilla
1 C Raisins
1 C Chopped Nuts

Preheat Oven 325*

Mix First 8 ingredients, then add zucchini and eggs. Mix in the rest!

Pour into 2 greased loaf pans. Bake 1 hour.

2008-05-05T08:08:00.001-07:00

2 "quick dinners"

I have to say that I am the queen of making dinner work with what I have in the fridge/cupboard with minimal extra's bought at the grocery store. Maybe not the queen, but I make it work.

I saw a recipe for some shredded mexican chicken on the web, have no idea the exact recipe but I improvised... and it was yummy...

I put 6 large chicken breasts, some fresh salsa, and a can of diced tomatoes, one taco packet in the crock put and cooked it all day.

Came home to all the taco fixin's... that night's dinner, chicken soft tacos... and they were GOOD!!

Had about 3 cups of leftover shredded chicken... mmm chicken enchiladas...

3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
2 pkg lowfat cream cheese
2 small zucchini
1 med purple onion (use any kind you like, I had a purple one)
2 cloves garlic
~1 tsp ground cumin
Tortillas of your choice
1 can enchilada sauce
~1 - 1 1/2 cups monterrey jack shredded cheese (use any kind you like)

saute zucchini & onions, add garlic until onions and zucchini are tender. Add chicken, cream cheese, cumin, warm through until cream cheese is melted and well combined.

Put filling in tortillas, place in pan, "flat side up". cover with sauce, top with cheese. Cook ~30 minutes at 350.

I'm sure this could be made the night before and heated through the next day.

2008-04-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

I feel like I am always trying a new salad dressing, most of the time actually tasting the chemicals, or they are too sweet (ick!). I love this one, just like usual, homemade is usually best!!

Balsamic Vinaigrette

1T Sugar
1T Salt
1T ground pepper
1T ground mustard
1 clove of garlic, minced
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
2/3 cup olive oil.

You can add more oil/vinegar to your tastes!!! it's SOOO yummy!! Perfect for marinades or salads!!

2008-03-03T07:12:00.000-08:00

Slow Cooker Lasagna

This recipe was adapted from the awesome family recipe.

SLOW COOKER LASAGNA
2 pounds ground turkey
10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained
2 small zucchini
2 (28oz.) jar spaghetti sauce
16 whole-wheat lasagna noodles
1 (24 oz) low-fat cottage cheese
2 t. dried Italian seasoning
2/3 cups water
2 (4oz.) cans of mushrooms
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Cook turkey and Italian seasoning in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring until beef crumbles; drain. Combine spaghetti sauce, zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, seasoned meat and water in pan, cook about ½ hour (I did this the day before). Layer thinly in bottom of lightly greased 5-quart electric slow cooker: uncooked lasagna noodles, sauce mixture, cottage cheese & mozzarella cheese. Repeat for each layer (approx 4 total layers). Cover & cook on high setting for 1 hour; reduce heat & cook on low setting for 5 hours. Can do ahead and store in fridge!! Yields 8 Servings (I have the very large rival crock pot, it was pretty full)

My daughter said this was SOO yummy!! I thought so too!!

2008-02-25T08:24:00.001-08:00

I'm always cooking for a meal for us, or for someone else. A couple who are leaders at Alive had a baby, so her core group and a few other leaders made food for them and also a wonderful lady in our Women's Ministry had surgery and we made food for her and her hubby!

Here's the chicken recipe! It can be frozen so if they get a lot of meals, they can thaw when they are ready. Please note, all ingredients are to be used as a "guideline" I don't follow directions well :) Recipe adapted from here. We baked it before we gave it to them. Make sure when you are making meals for people, you put the directions of what they need to do on the packages :)

Parsley Parmesan Chicken
1/4 C. Italian salad dressing
2-3 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 C. grated parmesan cheese
1/3 C. dry bread crumbs
2 T. parsley flakes
1/2 t. paprika
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper

Containers:
1-gallon freezer bags for chicken, quart freezer bags for crumbs.

Assembly Directions:
To Pre-Bake on Cooking Day: Pour salad dressing in a large bowl. Add the chicken parts to the dressing, coating well. Cover and chill about 4 hours, or overnight. Turn chicken in the dressing occasionally.
Combine parmesan cheese, dry bread crumbs, parsley flakes, paprika, salt and pepper in a shallow bowl. Roll chicken one piece at a time in the crumbs, then place chicken in a greased 9x 13 baking pan or on a cookie sheet. Spoon excess dressing over the chicken. Bake at 350º for 1 hour, or until thickest piece is done.
To Bake on Serving Day: Pour chicken parts and salad dressing into a freezer bag. Combine the parmesan cheese, dry bread crumbs, parsley flakes, paprika, salt and pepper and pour into a quart-sized freezer bag. Attach to the bag of chicken or put both bags into a larger freezer bag.
Freezing and Cooking Directions:
Pre-Baked Chicken:
Remove from oven and cool. Put baked chicken pieces into a freezer bag or rigid freezer container. Label and freeze.
To serve, place chicken in a 9x13 baking dish or pan. Warm in 400º oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Non-Baked Chicken:
Seal, label, and freeze. To serve, thaw marinated chicken and crumb mixture. Roll chicken one piece at a time in the crumbs, or shake in a bag, then place chicken in a greased 9x13 pan or on a cookie sheet. Spoon excess dressing over the chicken. Bake at 350º for 1 hour or until thickest piece is done

2007-11-21T07:52:00.000-08:00

Sweet Potato Pie

4 med sweet potatoes (or 2 gi-normous ones)
1 stick butter
1 ½ cup sugar
2 T Flour
1 ½ t baking powder
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 Unbaked Pie Shells
Preheat oven to 425*. Boil the sweet potatoes with the skins on. Cook until you can poke with fork and the potatoes are tender. Dip in cool water and slide the potato skins off.
Mash the potatoes.

Add in butter and sugar. Mix well. Add flour, baking powder, sweetened condensed milk, nutmeg, cinnamon, extract. Mix well. Add eggs but make sure sweet potato mixture is not too hot or you will have scrambled eggs with your potatoes (gross!)

Pour mixture into 2 pie shells. Bake 35 minutes. Let stand until center is set.Enjoy

I made this recipe because I was making a basket for someone for Thanksgiving and I know he liked Sweet Potato Pie. It was a simple recipe and YUMMO! It makes two pies so you can be generous to two people or SUPER generous to one. Or you can be generous to one, and eat the other yourself.

The second pie I brought to Alive. Katie said to me the next day "I don't even like pumpkin pie, but I really liked yours", my reply "well, that's because it was sweet potato pie" and we laughed like old friends. HA!

2007-10-10T06:04:00.000-07:00

Praline Pumpkin Cake

1 sprays cooking spray
15 oz canned pumpkin
12 oz fat-free evaporated milk
1/4 cup fat-free egg substitute
1/2 cup sugar
4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
18 1/4 oz unprepared white cake mix, 1 package
1/2 cup pecan halves, chopped
1/4 cup reduced-calorie margarine, melted

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat bottom and sides of a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
Stir pumpkin, milk, egg substitute, sugar and pumpkin pie spice together in a medium bowl until smooth; pour into pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix over pumpkin mixture and gently press it into pumpkin mixture to moisten. Sprinkle cake with pecans and then drizzle margarine evenly over top.
Bake, uncovered, until knife inserted in center of cake comes out clean, about 50 to 60 minutes. Cool completely before slicing into 16 pieces.

POINTS® Value: 5
Servings: 16

2007-08-31T09:57:00.000-07:00

French Toast Apple Casserole

INGREDIENTS
3/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 (21 ounce) can1 apple pie filling

20 slices white bread
6 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup maple syrup
DIRECTIONS
Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar and cinnamon.
Spread the sugar mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Spread the apple pie filling evenly over the sugar mixture. Cut the bread in cubs, mix eggs, milk, vanila, maple syrup together. Mix in bread. Pour on top of apple pie filling. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight. (but if you forget, it works if it sits for like an hour...shhhh...)

In the morning, preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place covered pan into the oven and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 60 to 75 minutes. Invert the pan onto a serving tray or baking sheet so the apple filling is on top (I didn't do this part, I served it right out of the dish!!). Serve hot

2007-08-31T09:56:00.001-07:00

Breakfast Casserole

INGREDIENTS
1 pound pork sausage
6 (1 ounce) slices bread, cubed
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
6 eggs
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground dry mustard
DIRECTIONS
Place sausage in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until evenly brown. Drain, and set aside.
Layer bread cubes, sausage, and Cheddar cheese in a lightly greased 7x11 inch baking dish. In a bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, salt, and mustard. Pour the egg mixture over the bread cube mixture. Cover, and refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight.
Remove the casserole from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Bake 50 to 60 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

2007-08-31T09:53:00.001-07:00

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies!!

INGREDIENTS
· 1 cup butter, softened
· 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
· 2 eggs
· 1 cup peanut butter
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
· 1/4 cup cornstarch
· 3/4 teaspoon salt
· 1 teaspoon baking soda
· 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
· 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
2. Cream together butter and brown sugar. Beat in eggs, peanut butter and vanilla.
3. Add flour, cornstarch, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Stir in chocolate chips.
4. Roll into balls about 1 1/2 teaspoonfuls (or use cookie scoop) and place onto ungreased cookie sheets about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly because they do not flatten much while cooking.
5. Bake for 10 minutes.

2007-08-01T11:46:00.000-07:00

Baked Chicken

INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 (3 1/2) pound broiler-fryer chicken, cut up
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted

DIRECTIONS
Combine the first six ingredients. Dip chicken in milk, then roll in the cornmeal mixture. Place in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Drizzle with butter. Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees F for 50-55 minutes or until juices run clear.

2007-03-01T11:08:00.000-08:00

Got this from my meeting on 3-1-07

WW Fruit Pudding

15 oz pineapple in juice (crushed or tidbits)
1 pkg sugarfree/fat free butterscotch pudding
1 c FF cool whip
1 lg apple, diced

Mix - Chill - Serve

1 c = 2 points

2007-01-11T16:11:00.000-08:00

Apple Cake

3 c grated apple

2 c sugar

Place in bowl & let set

2 c flour

2 t baking soda

1/2 t cinnamon

1/2 t salt

2 eggs

1/4 c oil

Optional: 1 c raisins, 1 c nuts

Bake 350 35-40 minutes

If cut into 18 pieces: 202 calories, 6.8g fat, 2.2 protein, 33.6 carbs, .5 g fiber

2007-01-03T06:23:00.000-08:00

I was visiting some new websites and some old ones too, looking for some healthy filling stuff because of my new quest to be healthy. I am pretty excited that I have some new bean soups... I know, my life if thrilling!!

Hopefully they will be good and I can share!! Here's an article from allrecipes.com.

Ten Essential Healthy Foods
By: Tom Shea
Find out what made our must-eat list and get new ideas for adding them to your diet.
Eat Well
The key to healthy eating is variety. Try to incorporate these foods into your diet. Eating wholesome food doesn’t mean the flavors have to be bland: these ingredients can be used to make an array of meals that are tasty and good for you.
1. Yogurt
This delicious dairy product is vitamin-rich and nutritious. According to a University of Tennessee study, yogurt may help people lose weight while maintaining muscle. Other studies have found yogurt may bolster your immune system, prevent yeast infections and stop bad breath. Substitute frozen yogurt for ice cream as your dessert of choice.
Yogurt Chicken
2. Olive Oil
Ample medical research has shown that the benefits of olive oil may go way beyond its wonderful taste. A study by Greek scientists at the University of Athens in 2004 found that this monounsaturated oil, which is rich in antioxidants, may be the key to the healthy Mediterranean diet-meaning a lower risk of heart attacks, diabetes and colon cancers.
Italian Herb Infused Olive Oil
3. Beans
Whether you toss them in a salad or add them to a burrito, beans are a low-calorie, high-fiber ingredient. Packed with antioxidants, protein and iron, beans may be the ultimate healthy food. A USDA report in 2005 said that they may even reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Because beans are a complex carbohydrate, they provide plenty of energy while regulating blood-sugar levels.
Three Bean Salad I
4. Nuts
When life gets busy, it’s too easy to skip meals or cut corners. Grabbing a handful of nuts is a convenient way to make sure that you get enough protein. Like olive oil, nuts are a great source of heart-healthy monounsaturated oil and antioxidant-rich, bone-strengthening magnesium. Add chopped walnuts to a salad or cashews to a stir fry.
Authentic Thai Cashew Chicken
Almond Green Beans
5. Spinach
This leafy green is one of the healthiest vegetables you can eat. Spinach is uncommonly rich in a variety of nutrients including calcium, iron, potassium, vitamins A, K, and C. A study published in 2004 by the Journal of Nutrition found that spinach combats prostate cancer, while other studies have shown spinach may protect vision and bolster cardiovascular health.
Spinach and Orzo Salad
6. Barley
In addition to being a hearty soup staple, barley is a cholesterol-lowering grain high in fiber and niacin. Barley also produces butyric acid, a fatty acid that fights colon cancer. Try mixing barley flakes into your morning cereal for a wholesome breakfast.
Beaker's Vegetable Barley Soup
7. Garlic
Used for centuries to ward off everything from vampires to evil spirits, garlic is high in vitamins C and B6, and it contains powerful anti-bacterial and anti-viral agents that help fight common colds and flu. Regular consumption of garlic is also believed to protect against cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Sauteed Garlic Asparagus
8. Fish
Studies have shown that fish is one of the world's healthiest foods. Fatty fish such as salmon is packed with protein, niacin and Omega-3, an essential fatty acid that promotes healthy cardiovascular activity. Omega-3 may also protect against a host of health concerns from obesity to sunburns. A 2005 study published by the Archives of Neurology claims that eating fish once a week may even slow the rate of cognitive decline.
Soy Ginger Salmon
9. Tomatoes
Fiber-rich tomatoes are low in calories and high in vitamin C, vitamin A, and cancer-preventing lycopene. Like olive oil, tomatoes are an important part of the touted Mediterranean diet. Several studies have found tomatoes are also beneficial in fighting various forms of cancer. Fact: although often classified as vegetables, tomatoes are, technically, fruit.
Garden Fresh Tomato Soup
10. Avocados
The nutrients in this creamy, sinfully rich-tasting vegetable read like a list of essentials for a healthy diet: cholesterol-lowering monounsaturated fat, fiber, copper, potassium and vitamins C, K, and B6. Add chopped avocado to a salad, or mash avocados to make fresh guacamole.
Avocado Feta Salsa

2006-11-25T07:49:00.000-08:00

Anyone who knows me, or has been in my kitchen, knows I love Pampered Chef. This is one of the recipes out of the Season’s best catalogs. I made these for a party. I have been told that this is the BEST Peanut butter cookie recipe ever, but you need a cookie press. Buy one, they are a good investment—Call Wanda, she’ll get you one.Easy Peanut Butter Cookies (And they are Jay approved!)

Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup peanut butter (Creamy)

Preheat oven 350.

By Hand: Mix sugar and egg until creamy. Add peanut butter, do not overmix.

Put in cookie press, and put them on stone cookie sheet. Bake 12-14 minutes.

Cool 2 minutes on cookie sheet. Remove to cooling rack.

2006-11-24T06:25:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite casseroles, and it can be made the day before, though it takes an hour to cook if it's cold, if you have someone to put it in the oven an hour before dinner time, it's perfect. OR have all the stuff measured out (and burger cooked ahead), and dump in when you get home. It's really yummy!

Cheeseburger Casserole

2 cups cooked macaroni noodles
8-oz cheddar cheese shredded
1 lb. hamburger (brown)
1 Can of French onion chips
1 Can of cream of mushroom soup
1 Can of tomato soup

Combine cooked macaroni, hamburger, mushroom and tomato soup.
Layer 1/2 batter, 1/2 cheese, 1/2 French onion chips.
Pour rest of batter.
Top with rest of cheese.

Bake @ 350 for 30 minutes (if cold then 60 minutes)
When fully cooked add the rest of the French onion chips, bake for 5 additional minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving

2006-11-23T07:21:00.000-08:00

This is a Pampered Chef recipe, it ended up being one of Phyllis's favorites, great for brunch, a sleepover. Anytime. I always kept the ingredients on hand because you never know when a kid would spent the night. Simple. And Yummy!

Phyllis’s Favorite Cinnamon Rolls

1 can (8oz) Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
2 T butter or margarine, softened
2 T sugar
½ t ground cinnamon
2 T raisins (optional)
¾ c powdered sugar
2-3 t milk

Preheat oven to 350. Unroll crescent roll dough into one large rectangle. Pinch seams of crescent rolls.

Mix sugar, cinnamon, and butter. Spread over crescent roll dough.

Top with raisins. Starting at longer side (width) roll the dough, seal edges.

Cut into 8 slices. Bake in preheated oven 20-25 minutes. Cool slightly.
Glaze: Mix milk and powdered sugar until smooth. Drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls.

2006-11-22T04:06:00.000-08:00

Cornflake Chicken

7 cups of Cornflakes cereal, crushed to 1 3/4 cups

1 egg

1 cup milk

1 cup all purpose flour

½ teaspoons salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

3 pounds of chicken

3 Tablespoons margarine or butter, melted

Preheat over to 350 degrees.

Place crushed corn flakes in shallow dish or pan. Set aside.

In a small mixing bowl, beat egg and milk slightly. Add flour, salt, pepper. Mix until smooth. Dip chicken in batter. Coat with crushed cereal. Place in single layer, skin side up in a foil-lined shallow baking pan. Drizzle with melted margarine.

Bake about 1 hour if chicken parts (breasts, legs, thighs, wings), if boneless skinless breasts, bake 30-35 minutes.

In a million years if you told me I would eat cornflakes on chicken, I would have told you that you were nuts (I don’t even eat cereal with milk for breakfast). Aunt Shell and her family invited Phyllis and I over for dinner, that’s what we were having, Cornflake chicken, Poppa Don was making it. It was awesome! Phyllis to this day loves it, I love it, and I cannot make it without thinking of him, and all the love he had for us.

2006-11-21T16:29:00.000-08:00

In honor of holiday dinners everywhere... and my Gram...

Gramma Marge's Orange Jello Salad

1 small pkg of orange jello
1 small pkg of lemon jello
1 tsp of Knox gelatin
2 Cups boiling water
1 8 oz can crushed pineapple
1 can mandarin oranges, drained

Combine jellos and gelatin with boiling water.
Stir 2 minutes.
Add Oranges and pineapple (with juice), and add softened orange sherbet.
Chill for 4-6 hours

2006-11-19T17:53:00.000-08:00

S'ghetti Mush

This is a different variation of spaghetti. My g-friend's mom got sick of plian ole spaghetti because that's was her brother's staple food...so she came up with this...

1 Jar of spaghetti sauce
1 pound of ground beef (I use turkey)
1 pkg of egg noodles
1 cup of cheddar cheese

Cook Egg noodles as directed. Drain.

Brown meat, add spaghetti sauce, cook through. Add cheddar cheese. Add noodles. Mix.

Serve.

Yum!

2006-11-19T04:39:00.000-08:00

Apple Pie Bars

Filling
4 cups (1 1/2 pounds) thinly sliced, peeled tart cooking apples (I use Macintosh)
1 6 oz can apple juice
1 t ground cinnamon
1/2 t ground nutmeg
1 T cornstarch
1/2 c sugar

Crust
3 cups all purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 t baking powder
1 cup butter, softened
2 slightly beaten eggs

Preheat oven 375

For filling:
In a large saucepan combine apples, apple juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook over medium heat until boiling, stirring occasionally. Combine cornstarch and the ½ cup of sugar. Cook until thick and bubbly, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, cool slightly.

For Crust:
In a large mixing bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add margarine and eggs. Mix on low speed until the mixture is blended and crumbly. Press 2/3 (3 1/2 cups) into greased 15 x 10 x 1 inch pan.

Spread apple mixture evenly over crust. Sprinkle remaining crumbs over apples.
Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool. Cut into bars. Makes 48

2006-11-15T06:18:00.000-08:00

I decided that I will start sharing my Christmas cookie recipes. Some are cookies I only make at Christmas time, some are tried and true cookie recipes like choc chip, or peanut butter... Here is my Choc Chip cookie recipe. Enjoy!!

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks, 1/2 pound) butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated [white] sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 cups (12-ounce package) NESTLE TOLL HOUSE Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
1 cup chopped nuts

COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl.

Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla in large mixer bowl. Add eggs one at a time (yeah right, who does this except in cheesecake!!), beating well after each addition; gradually beat in flour mixture.

Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

BAKE in preheated 375* oven for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

2006-11-14T05:41:00.000-08:00

Just in time for Thanksgiving! I don't even like Sweet Potatoes and I loved these!!

Sweet Potatoes

6 med sweet potatoes (or 3 large)
¼ c water
½ t salt
½ c light brown sugar
¼ c chopped pecans
¼ c butter
mini marshmallows

Cook potatoes, peel after cooked/cooled. Slice and place in baking dish.

Preheat oven to 350*

Combine butter, salt, sugar, and water. Stir over low heat until butter melts & sugar is dissolved. Boil uncovered. Pour over sweet potatoes and cover with butter mixture. Top with mini marshallows.

Bake 15-20 minutes until bubbly

2006-11-12T17:32:00.000-08:00

Scalloped Broccoli

2-10 oz pkg chopped broccoli
1/2 lb Velveeta
1 sleeve ritz crackers (crushed)
1 stick of butter, divided in two

Cook broccoli, drain well. Mix in 1/2 stick of butter and Velveeta. Place in buttered casserole dish. Mix crackers with remaining 1/2 stick of butter and sprinkle on top of broccoli mixture. Bake at 350 for about 15-20 minutes until bubbly.

2006-11-11T09:40:00.000-08:00

Peanut Butter Bars

2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup butter, melted
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 3/4 cups confectioners' sugar

In a medium bowl, stir together graham cracker crumbs, confectioners' sugar, peanut butter and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch pan. Melt chocolate chips over a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Spread melted chocolate over the crumb crust. Chill for about 5 minutes, then cut into bars before the chocolate is completely set, then chill until ready to serve.

2006-11-06T08:03:00.000-08:00

I always make this for Michelle (my boss) for her birthday. It's so yummy, so easy, and so good!!

Death by Chocolate!!

1 (19.8 ounce) package brownie mix
2 (3.9 ounce) packages instant chocolate pudding mix
1 (16 ounce) package frozen whipped topping, thawed
3 (1.4 ounce) bars chocolate covered English toffee or Reese's Cups

DIRECTIONS

Prepare brownies according to package directions. Let cool.
Mix pudding according to package directions.
In a glass punch bowl, layer in the following order: 1/2 of the brownie, crumbled; 1/2 of the pudding; 1 toffee bar, crushed; 1/2 of the whipped topping.
Repeat layers in the same order. Save the last toffee bar to crumble and sprinkle on top before serving.

Refrigerate. Best if made the day before you serve it.

2006-11-03T13:28:00.000-08:00

Sloppy joes...

I just had to laugh, I was on All Recipes.com and i get a lot of recipes from there really good, and some... well...

But I am making Sloppy Joes, and so I decided to go on the web page and look up recipes... I laughed... I love to cook... but... measure out a ton of ingredients or dump in a can.

Dump in the can.

1 lb meat (ground beef or turkey)
1 can sloppy joe mix.

Dinner is done.

AMEN

2006-10-31T08:19:00.000-08:00

Cheesecake Brownies

1 (19.8 ounce) package brownie mix
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 egg
1/3 cup white sugar

DIRECTIONS
1. Prepare the brownie mix as directed by manufacturer. Preheat oven to temperature indicated on box. Grease a 9x13 inch pan.
2. Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Using an electric mixer, beat together the cream cheese, egg and sugar until smooth. Dollop the cream cheese mixture on top of the brownie batter. Swirl together using a knife or skewer.
3. Bake according to manufacturer's instructions. Brownies will be done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in the pan, then cut into bars and serve.

2006-10-29T12:28:00.000-08:00

I got this recipe from Kraftfoods.com, I always made Dirt cups instead of cupcakes for Phyllis for birthdays... This recipe is a take off of that. I have put in Kraft's picture and mine... can you guess who's is who's??

Ghosts in the Graveyard

15 OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, crushed.
3 cups cold milk
2 pkg. (4-serving size each) JELL-O Chocolate Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie Filling
1 tub (12 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided
Assorted Decorations

POUR milk into large bowl. Add dry pudding mixes. Beat with wire whisk 2 min. or until well blended. Let stand 5 min. Gently stir in 3 cups of the whipped topping and half of the cookie crumbs. Spread evenly into 13x9-inch baking dish; sprinkle with the remaining cookie crumbs.

REFRIGERATE at least 1 hour. Meanwhile, decorate creme sandwich cookies with decorating gel to resemble tombstones. Set aside until ready to use.

INSERT decorated cookies into top of dessert just before serving. Add candies. Drop large spoonfuls of the remaining whipped topping onto dessert to resemble ghosts. Cover and store leftover dessert in refrigerator

2006-10-28T15:56:00.000-07:00

I got this recipe from Tom aka Bruiser from work (it's his mom's recipe), since I make like 14 different kinds of cookies for Christmas, he & Jason (another guy from work) asked if I would make these. They are also known as 'Buckeyes' but in UofM or MSU territory, you never say anything resembling "oh how I hate Ohio State"...

1 lb peanut butter (that's 16 oz)
1 1/4 stick of butter
1 lb Powder sugar (16 oz)
1/2 bag of semi-sweet choc chips

Melt together peanut butter and butter. Add sugar, mix well.

Make into small balls (about 1"). Put on cookie sheet in freezer for 30 minutes.

Melt choc chips. Dip balls with tooth picks to cover 3/4 of ball.

Place on wax paper or parchment paper until set (I usually stick them in the fridge).

Keep them in the fridge until you are ready to serve.

2006-10-27T03:54:00.000-07:00

This is a great meal if you are having a group of people over. Put it together and just pop it in the oven.

Spaghetti Casserole

1 – 1 ½ pounds ground beef (I use ground turkey OR you can replace with zucchini or spinach or mushrooms)
1 jar spaghetti sauce
¾ box macaroni, shell, or mostacolli noodles
1 can Durkee onion rings
8 oz mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven 375*

Brown ground beef, drain fat. Add spaghetti sauce.

Cook noodles.

After noodles are cooked, add to meat/sauce mixture.

Put half mixture into casserole dish

Spread half can of durkee onion on top of mixture

Sprinkle half of the cheese on top of mixture

Repeat layers.

Bake until cheese melts and onions get brown (15-20 minutes)

2006-10-26T06:25:00.000-07:00

Artichoke Dip

1 cup thawed, chopped frozen spinach

1 can artichoke hearts

8 ounces cream cheese

1/4 cup sour cream

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1/3 cup grated Parmesan

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Heat cream cheese in microwave for 1 minute or until hot and soft. Stir in rest of ingredients and serve hot.

2006-10-25T05:37:00.000-07:00

I know some of you have seen this recipe before... but I wanted to put it on here... it's so yummy and easy!!

I got the recipe from Rachel Ray 30 minute meals... I have updated the recipe with my adaptations...

Shephard's Pie

1 lb potatoes, such as russet, peeled and cubed
3 T sour cream
3 T butterSalt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive
1 pound ground turkey
1 onion, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup beef stock or broth
2 teaspoons Worcestershire
~1 cup frozen mixed veggies (usually I pull them out when I am cooking so they thaw a little)

Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 12 minutes. Drain potatoes and pour them into a bowl. Add the butter & sour cream mixture into potatoes and mash until potatoes are almost smooth.While potatoes boil, preheat a large skillet over medium high heat.

Add oil to hot pan with turkey or beef. Season meat with salt and pepper. Brown and crumble meat for 3 or 4 minutes. Drain if necessary. Add chopped onion to the meat. Add mixed veggies with meat 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

In a second small skillet over medium heat cook butter and flour together 2 minutes. Whisk in broth and Worcestershire sauce. Thicken gravy 1 minute. Add gravy to meat and vegetables. Preheat broiler to high.

Fill a small rectangular casserole with meat and vegetable mixture. Spoon potatoes over meat evenly. Broil 6 to 8 inches from the heat until potatoes are evenly browned.

2006-10-24T17:30:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the picture, but I thought it was hilarious!!

I believe this is a Paula Dean Recipe, it's one of my tried and true. People love it!! If you take it anywhere, take copies of the recipe too!

It's better than punkin pie

Ooey Gooey Punkin Cake

Cake
1 pkg yellow cake mix
1 egg
8 T butter, melted

Filling
1 8oz pkg cream cheese
1 tsp vanilla
15 oz can punkin
3 eggs
8 T butter, melted
16 oz powdered sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg

Preheat 350*
Cake: Combine cake ingredients and mix well with electric mixer. Pat mixture into bottom of lightly greased 13 X 9 baking pan
Filling:In large bowl, beat the cream cheese and pumpkin until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, and butter, beat together. Next, add powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and mix well. Spread punkin mixture over cake batter and bake 40-50 minutes, be sure not to over bake, center should be gooey.

2006-10-23T13:04:00.000-07:00

Italian Wedding Soup

INGREDIENTS
1/2 pound extra-lean ground beef (I use ground turkey)
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
5 3/4 cups chicken broth
2 cups thinly sliced escarole (or 10 oz pkg of chopped frozen spinach, thawed and liquid squeezed out)
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1/3 cup finely chopped carrot
DIRECTIONS
In medium bowl, combine meat, egg, bread crumbs, cheese, basil and onion powder; shape into 3/4 inch balls.
In large saucepan, heat broth to boiling; stir in escarole, orzo pasta, chopped carrot and meatballs. Return to boil, then reduce heat to medium. Cook at slow boil for 10 minutes, or until pasta is al dente. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

2006-10-23T11:16:00.000-07:00

Oreo Cheesecake
1 pkg. (1 lb. 2 oz.) OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, divided
1/3 cup butter, melted
3 pkg. (8 oz. each) Cream Cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup Sour Cream
1 tsp. vanilla
4 eggs

PREHEAT oven to 350°F if using a 9-inch silver springform pan (or to 325°F if using a dark nonstick 9-inch springform pan). Finely crush 30 of the cookies. Coarsely chop remaining 15 cookies; set aside. Mix crushed cookies with butter. Press firmly onto bottom and 2 inches up side of pan; set aside.

BEAT cream cheese and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add sour cream and vanilla; mix well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until blended. Gently stir in chopped cookies. Spread into prepared crust.

BAKE 55 minutes to 1 hour or until set. (If necessary to prevent top from overbrowning, tent with foil during last 15 to 20 minutes of baking time.) Cool completely on wire rack.

REFRIGERATE at least 4 hours. Run knife or metal spatula around side of pan to loosen cake; remove side of pan before serving.

2006-10-23T11:14:00.000-07:00

Cheesecake

1-3/4 cups HONEY MAID Graham Cracker Crumbs
1/3 cup butter, melted
1-1/4 cups sugar, divided
3 pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
2 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs
1 cup Sour Cream
1 can (21 oz.) cherry pie filling or frozen strawberries - thawed (optional)

PREHEAT oven to 350°F if using a silver 8- or 9-inch springform pan (or to 325°F if using a dark nonstick 8- or 9-inch springform pan). Mix graham cracker crumbs, margarine and 1/4 cup of the sugar. Press firmly onto bottom and 2-1/2 inches up side of pan; set aside.

BEAT cream cheese, remaining 1 cup sugar and the vanilla in large bowl with electric mixer on high speed until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until blended. Add sour cream. Pour into crust.

BAKE 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes or until center is almost set. Turn off oven. Leaving door slightly ajar, leave cheesecake in oven 1 hour. Remove from oven; cool completely. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight. Remove side of pan; top with pie filling. Store leftover cheesecake in refrigerator.

2006-10-23T10:16:00.000-07:00

Taco Chili

1 can black-eyed peas
1 can black beans
1 can chili with kidney beans
1 can garbanzo or pinto beans
1 can stewed tomatos (used Mexican style if you like)
1 can corn
1 pkg taco seasoning
2 tsp red pepper
1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
2/3 cup TVP (Soy meat crumbles)

Combine all ingredients, bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer on low for 1 – 1 ½ hours.

This can also be put in the crockpot!!

Serve with Salsa, corn chips, and sour cream

I got this recipe from Angie Sturgeon, a good friend of mine who is a vegetarian. It's super yummy. I also make the leftovers and add rice and cheese to it.