Audrey's Favorite Recipes

Slow-Cooker Beef Stroganoff

2011-04-16T07:02:00.001-07:00

I love my slow cooker :) Saw a blog about a year ago where she used her slow cooker every day for a year. That might be a bit too much, but once a week works for me! A friend of mine does Lasagna in the crock pot - she gave me her recipe. Might have to try that and see how it goes. But here is a recipe that we really like, it calls for stew meat, but I cut up a round steak I had in the freezer - worked wonderfully!

SLOW-COOKER BEEF STROGANOFF

2 lb. beef stew meat, cut into 1" cubes
10oz. fresh mushrooms, halved
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
2 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. salt
1 cup Sour Cream
2 Tbsp. flour
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 pkg. (16 oz) egg noodles, uncooked
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

Place meat, mushrooms, onions and garlic in slow cooker. Add broth, paprika and salt. Cover with lid. Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours (or hon HIGH 5 hours).

Mix sour cream, flour and mustard. Stir into ingredients in slow cooker until blended. Cook, covered, on LOW 15 min. Meanwhile, cook noodles as directed on package.

Drain noodles; place in large serving bowl. Add meat mixture; mix lightly. Sprinkle with parsley.

Yum Yum!!

Strawberry Rhubarb Sauce

2009-06-08T03:27:00.000-07:00

Strawberry Rhubarb Sauce

4 cups sliced fresh or frozen rhubarb, thawed
1 package (10 ounces) frozen sweetened sliced strawberries, thawed
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup quick-cooking tapioca
1 cup sugar
4 drops red food coloring, optional

In a 2-qt. microwave-safe dish, combine the fruit, water and tapioca Let stand for 5 minutes. Cover and microwave on high for 3-1/2 minutes. Stir; cook 2-1/2 minutes longer or until the rhubarb is tender. Stir in the sugar. Cover and microwave for 1-2 minutes. Stir in food coloring if desired. Serve warm or chilled.

Yield: 4-1/2 cups.

Rhubarb Crisp

2009-06-08T03:26:00.000-07:00

Rhubarb Crisp

3/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 cups sliced fresh rhubarb or frozen rhubarb, thawed
2 cups sliced peeled apples or sliced strawberries
1 cup quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Vanilla ice cream, optional

In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar and cornstarch. Add rhubarb and apples or strawberries; toss to coat. Spoon into an 8-in. square baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, butter, flour and cinnamon until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over fruit. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until bubbly and fruit is tender. Serve warm with ice cream if desired.

Yield: 8 servings.

Rhubarb Cream Muffins

2009-06-08T03:23:00.000-07:00

Rhubarb Cream Muffins

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

2 egg

2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup sour cream

1 1/2 cup diced fresh or frozen rhubarb

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

TOPPING:

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon cold butter

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg; mix well. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream. Fold in rhubarb and walnuts. Fill paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full. For topping, combine sugar and cinnamon in a bowl; cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over batter. Bake at 375° for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack. Serve warm.

Yield: 8 jumbo muffins

Note: I added 1/2 cup chocolate chips instead of the nuts (hubby is slightly allergic to nuts), and didn't put the topping on (how much sugar do you need in the morning).

Oven Apple Pancake

2009-03-17T16:45:00.000-07:00

We love this recipe. I make it when I have time - take about 1 hour start to finish, but is well worth the time and effort.

Oven Apple Pancake

1/4 cup butter or hard margarine

1/3 cup brown sugar, packed

ground cinnamon, light sprinkle

2 apples, peeled, cored and sliced in wedges

3 large eggs

3/4 cup milk

1/2 tsp. salt

3/4 cup flour

Melt butter in 9 inch pie plate in 425F oven. Stir brown sugar into melted butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Overlap apples in single layer. Cook in oven for 10 minutes.

Beat eggs with spoon in bowl. Add milk, salt and flour. Stir to moisten. Don't try to smooth out small lumps. Pour over apples. Return to oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Cut into wedges.

Surprise Cupcakes

2009-03-13T17:52:00.000-07:00

I don't make these very often. Everyone loves them, but just don't seem to remember that I have this recipe. I made about 20 cupcakes with this recipe.

Surprise Cupcakes

2 1/4 cup flour
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 cup water
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup oil
1/4 cup cocoa
3 tsp. vanilla

Fill cupcake liners half full. Add generous teaspoonfull of filling to top of cupcake batter.

Filling:
1 cup cream cheese (8 oz)
1/3 cup sugar
6-8 oz. chocolate chips
1 egg
1/8 stp. salt

Let cheese warm at room temp. till soft. Mix cheese, egg, sugar and salt. Beat well. Add chocolate chips and stir.

Bake cupcakes at 350F for 18-20 minutes.

Muffin Pan Meatloaf

2009-03-13T17:43:00.001-07:00

This recipe was found on someones blog, but for the life of me - I can not remember which one! I should have bookmarked it. Tried the recipe for supper today and it worked wonderfully. We are a big meatloaf loving family and these were super easy to make.

Muffin Pan Meatloaf

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs ground beef

1 egg

1 - 8 oz can tomato sauce

1 cup Stove Top Stuffing (straight out of box)

Sauce Ingredients:

1/4 cup ketchup

2 tbsp. brown sugar

1 tbsp. vinegar

Preheat oven to 350F. In a large bowl combine the ground beef, egg, tomato sauce, and stove top. Roll into even balls and place into muffin pans. In a small bowl combine ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar. Spoon the sauce over the meatloaf. Place in oven and cook for 25 min. Feeds a family of 4.

Cinnamon Rolls

2009-03-07T06:47:00.000-08:00

This is my Grandma's recipe. I've made it many times and never have anything go wrong - they always turn out amazing!! Grandma is a little confused as to why I can make her cinnamon rolls but couldn't bake a loaf of bread if my life depended on it!

Cinnamon Rolls

Dissolve:
2 tbsp. yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1 tbsp. sugar

Add:
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. milk, scalded and cooled to lukewarm
Flour - enough to make a thin sponge

Let rise 1/2 hour.

Then add:
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2. oil
2 eggs
Flour - to make medium stiff dough.

Let rise till double in bulk. Roll our approximately 1/4 inch thick. Then spread with mixture of:/1/2 cup margarine (softened) and 1 cup brown sugar. Sprinkle with cinnamon and raisins (optional) to taste. Let rise about double. Bake at 350F approximately 25 mins.

Slow-Cooker BBQ Short Ribs

2009-03-07T06:37:00.000-08:00

Was on Yahoo Messenger with a friend the other morning. Asked her if she had a recipe for short ribs, 1 minute later she gave me the link for these. Tried them and really quite enjoyed them. This is my first attempt at Beef Ribs, we are more of a Pork Rib family, but this was a really nice change. Love the slow-cooker, so much less work.

Slow-Cooker BBQ Short Ribs

4 lb. beef short ribs
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup flour
1 cup Kraft Original BarBQ Sauce
1/4 cup honey
1 tbsp. yellow mustard

Pleace ribs in slow cooker; top with onions. Mix remaining ingredients; pour over meat and onions. Cover with lid.
Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. Remove ribs from slow cooker; cover to keep warm. Skim excess fat from sauce; return ribs to sauce. Stir gently until evenly coated.

Cream Puff Dessert

2009-03-05T19:42:00.001-08:00

This is the second time I've made this dessert. We love banana cream pie and I thought this would be a nice change - but almost the same. The recipe doesn't call for banana's but I added a layer on top of the cream puff crust. It turned out really well.

Cream Puff Dessert

1 cup water

1/2 cup butter

1/4 tsp. salt

1 cup all-purpose flour

4 eggs

Filling:

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

2 1/2 cups cold milk

2 packages (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix

Topping:

1 carton (8 ozs) frozen shipped topping, thawed.

In a saucepan over medium heat, bring the water, butter and salt to a boil. Add flour all at once and stir until a smooth ball forms. Continue beating until smooth and shiny. Remove from the heat; let stand for 5 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Pour into a greased 15 in x 10 in x 1 in baking pan. (I used a 9 x 13). Bake at 400F for 28-30 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. (when you take it out of the oven - it might be taller than the pan - but it will shrink)

For filling, in a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, milk and pudding mixes until smooth. Spread over the crust; refrigerate for 20 minutes. Spread with whipped topping. Store in the refrigerator.

Chicken Pot Pie

2009-03-03T03:49:00.000-08:00

Decided last weekend that I need to make some pot pie. Saw a recipe for it in a magazine, it looked so yummy and I just happened to have some chicken breasts in the freezer. This is a huge recipe, made 7 pot pies. We had 2 for supper, sent one along with Luke when he left for college (after the weekend), and put the rest in the freezer for days I don't feel like cooking. The containers are 7 inches in diameter by 1.5 inches deep.

Chicken Pot Pie

5-6 medium potatoes, peeled and cut bite size

1 large onion, peeled, cut up

boiling salted water

4 cups frozen peas and carrots, (or mixed veggies)

4 chicken bouillon cubes

3 cups boiling water
10 oz. condensed cream of chicken soup

10 oz. condensed cream of celery soup

6 cups cooked chicken, cut up

1/2 tsp. thyme

Cook potatoes and onion in boiling salted water until tender. Add peas and carrots. Cook for about 3 minutes more. Drain. Dissolve bouillon cubes in boiling water in large bowl. Add soup to bouillon and stir. Add chicken, thyme and vegetables.

Divide evenly between containers.

Make your favorite pie crust dough. Roll fairly tin and cut to fit just over the edge of the container the chicken mixture is in.

Bake at 400F for 10 minutes, then turn oven down to 350F and bake till filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown, possibly another 30 minutes.

Swedish Meat Balls

2009-02-23T18:13:00.000-08:00

This recipe comes from my mother-in-law. I've made it many times and it is a favorite. Can never go wrong with meat balls, they go with anything.

Swedish Meat Balls

1 lb. ground beef

1/2 cup minced onion

1 tbsp. worcestershire sauce

3/4 cup bread crumbs

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

1 egg

1/2 cup milk

1 tbsp. salt

parsley

Shape into tiny meat balls and bake at 375 F for 20 minutes.

Sauce:

3/4 c. water

1 tbsp. soya sauce

3/4 c. brown sugar

1/3 cup ketchup

1/3 cup vinegar

1 tsp. cornstarch

Mix and simmer a few minutes. Pour over meat balls in a casserole. Bake at 350 F for 30-45 minutes.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

2009-02-08T04:19:00.000-08:00

These are the most awesome chocolate chip cookies you will ever make. I got the recipe from a friend many years ago and it's the only one I use now. They don't last long at our house, unless I manage to get a few to the freezer without anyone noticing!!

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

1 c. butter or marg. softened

2 tsp. vanilla

1/2 c white sugar

1 c. brown sugar

2 eggs

3 c. flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. warm water

1 1/2 cs. chocolate chips

Cream together softened marg, eggs and sugars. Add vanilla and water. Mix in seperate bowl - flour, baking soda, and chocolate chips. Add to creamed mixture, mix with spoon. Place on cookie sheet. I use a tbsp. quite round full (we like bigger cookies).

Bake for 8 minutes at 350F. The cookies will look like they are not quite done in the middle - this is perfect. They should be light brown around the edges. If they are too raw - bake one or two minutes more. Let them sit in the cookie sheet for a few minutes before removing to cool completely.

I've made this batch with white chocolate chips (chocolate chips give Brad migranes). I've also done this recipe with smarties or butterscotch chips.

HAPPY COOKING!!

Audrey

Beef Roast and Oven Fried Rice

2009-01-23T19:18:00.001-08:00

Had this for supper today. YUMMY!! The roast was soft and moist and the rice was a really nice side dish.

BEEF ROAST

One beef roast

2 medium size cans of Cream of Mushoom soup

2 envelopes of onion soup mix with garlic

1.5 cans of water

Mix soups and water in large crockpot - add roast. Cook on high for about 4 hours - then on low about 1.5 hours. I defrosted the roast before placeing in crock pot.

OVEN FRIED RICE

2 cups rice

4 cups water

1/4 cup oil

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup chopped green pepper

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 package onion soup mix

1 can mushrooms, undrained

Combine all ingredients. Place in large casserole and cover. Bake at 350F for 1 1/2 hours or until rice is done.

Sauce for Swiss Steak

2009-01-21T12:00:00.000-08:00

I haven't stopped cooking - just forget to take pictures!! So I'm going to do just the recipe this time because it was really good!

SAUCE FOR SWISS STEAK

2 c. tomato sauce
2 c. tomatoes
1 c. ketchup
1 1/2 bay leaves
1 1/2 tbsp. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/4 tsp. garlic salt
1/4 tsp. marjoram
chopped celery
chopped onion
strips of green pepper
3 c. water

Combine ingredients and pour over steak in a casserole dish. Bake, covered, at approximately 325 t0 350F for a couple of hours.

I used round steak that I pounded with my pampered chef tenderizer, and did it in the crockpot till the steak was soft. Really nice flavour.

I've been Tagged!!

2009-01-13T08:49:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged by Boutique by Bonnie. She has a wonderful blog where she is giving away the most amazing pair of earrings!! And also an Esty shop Boutique by Bonnie where she has wonderful jewelry!!

Here are the rules for getting tagged!
~ Link to the person who tagged you and add a pic from their shop
~ Post the rules on your blog
~ Write six random things about yourself
~ Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them
~ Let each person know they've been tagged

Six random things about me:
#1. My computer got a virus on the weekend. Would really like to have a "chat" with the person who invented it!!!
#2. Get my hair cut every 9 months, if it needs it or not. Hubby likes long hair, mine is just past my waist, so get 4 inches cut off once a year.
#3. Featuring 2 crafters/artists on my regular blog every week. Having a blast!!!
#4. Having a hard time coming up with 6 random things about me!!
#5. Didn't have to drive school bus today - school was cancelled due to the -43 degrees this morning. YIPEE!!!!!!!!
#6. I am going to have someone design an award that everyone understands!! Being tagged is easier then getting an award that you don't understand.

These are the blogs I'm tagging:
Clear Lake Creations
Fire House Jewelry
Simply Tempted
Maggie Mags Art
Luv My Monkeys
The Prim Pantry

Please go check them all out!! They are awesome blogs. Thanks so much for the tag - now off to do some tagging myself.

Teener's Dish

2009-01-13T08:37:00.000-08:00

I have absolutely no idea how this dish got it's name or where I got the recipe. It's sorta like Hamberburger Helper, but home made. Hadn't made it in a long time - was looking through a Church cookbook that I had contributed too and found it. Still yummy!!

TEENER'S DISH

1 lb ground beef

1 cup chopped onion

1 green pepper, slivered

1 1/2 cups frozen kernel corn

3/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

2 2/3 cups dry colored fusilli (or other pasta)

2 3/4 cups tomato juice

1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

Spray frying pan with non stick cooking spray. Add ground beef, onion and green pepper. Saute' until no pink remains in meat and onion is soft.

Add corn, salt, and pepper. Stir.

Layer 1/2 dry fusilli in 3 quart casserole followed by 1/2 meat mixture, secon 1/2 fusilli and second 1/2 meat. Pour tomato juice over all. Cover. Bake in 350F oven for 1 hour and 25 minutes until noodles are tender.

Sprinkle cheese on top. Bake, uncovered, for 5 minutes more. Dig in!!

Brownies

2009-01-08T03:48:00.000-08:00

Well - I did a pork chop recipe 2 days ago for supper. It was okay - but I would definitely do things differently next time, so I haven't decided yet if I'll post that recipe. But this one is great!!I've never tried Brownies with sour cream before, these are really moist and not to sweet. Will mark this one as a keeper.

BROWNIES

Ingredients:

1 cup margarine, melted

1 cup water

3 rounded tbsp. cocoa

Boil above ingredients and let cool.

Add to cocoa mixture:

2 cups flour

1 tsp. baking soda

2 cups white sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup sour cream

Bake in large cookie sheet at 350F for 20 minutes.

Icing:

1/4 cup cream

1/3 cup margarine/butter, melted and cooled

3 tbsp. cocoa

Add 2 cups icing sugar and 1 tsp. vanilla and mix well. Pour over cake while still warm. Enjoy!

Well - I placed the 1 cup of margarine in a 2 cup glass measuring cup and melted it in the microwave, then added really hot water from the tap and mixed in the cocoa till it was smooth. (why heat up an element?) Also - I baked the brownies in a 9 X 13 pan, but then had to bake it almost 10 minutes longer. They are really quite good!!

Cream of Cauliflower Soup

2009-01-05T10:35:00.001-08:00

This is one of my favorite soups. The rest of the family like meat in their soup, but enjoy this one too. It's quick and easy to make.

Cream Of Cauliflower Soup

Cook in salted water until soft:

1 medium head cauliflower, chopped

Saute' in large saucepan until yellow:

4 tbsp. buter or margarine

1/4 cup chopped onion

Blend in:

1/4 cup flour

Add:

3 c. Chicken broth

2 cups milk

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

cauliflower and cooking water

Cook until mixture thickens slightly. Add:

1 c. shredded cheese

Stir to melt cheese and serve sprinkled with herbs.

I used velvetta this time. Sometimes the shredded cheese gets a bit stringy.

Strawberry/Rhubarb Crepes with Cream Cheese Filling

2009-01-04T08:17:00.000-08:00

These are wonderful Crepes! I don't make them to often, usually for special occasions. Our oldest son is going back to college today, so I thought I'd make a special breakfast, and this is one of his favorites.

Strawberry/Rhubarb Crepes

with Cream Cheese Filling

1 cup all purpose flour

1 tbsp. sugar

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 1/2 cups milk

2 eggs

FILLING:

1 package (8oz.) cream cheese, softened

1 carton whipped topping, thawed

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

In a large bowl, combine above ingredients. Cover and refridgerate for 1 hour.

In a 8" nonstick skillet, melt 1 tsp. butter. Stir batter; pour about 2 tablespoons into the center of skillet. Lift and tilt pan to evenly coat bottom. Cook until top appears dry; turn and cook 15-20 seconds longer. Remove to a wire rack.

Repeat with remaining batter, add butter to skillet as needed. When cool, stack crepes with waxed paper on paper towels in between.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the filling ingredients until smooth.

Spread 2 rounded tablespoonfuls on each crepe; roll up. Top with Strawberry Rhubarb Sauce.

STRAWBERRY/RHUBARB SAUCE

2 1/2 cups chopped fresh or frozen rhubarb (1" pieces)

1 cup water

1/2 cup sugar

2 tbsp. grated lemon peel

1/4 tsp. salt

1 cup sliced fresh or frozen unsweetened strawberries

2 tbsp. lemon juice

1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

3-4 drops red food coloring, optional

In a saucepan, combine rhubarb, water, sugar, lemon peel and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Cook, uncovered, over medium heat until rhubarb is soft, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in strawberries, lemon juice and cinnamon. Add food coloring if desired.

I used strawberry/rhubarb pie filling this morning, but I do make the sauce from scratch in the summer when I have access to fresh fruit. We've also used apple, or cherry, or blueberry piefilling. I have a crepe pan, so I use quite a bit more batter than the 2 tbsp. the recipe calls for.

Chicken/Turkey Enchiladas

2009-01-03T03:45:00.000-08:00

The recipe does call for chicken - but again - I am using left over turkey from Christmas Dinner. I usually buy the biggest bird I can find, the family loves left over turkey and this is a favorite.

CHICKEN/TURKEY ENCHILADAS

2 c. chicken/turkey chopped

1 c. shredded cheese

1/2 c. salad dressing (or mayo)

1/2 c. chopped onions

1/2c. salsa

1/2 tsp. salt

1 green pepper, chopped

Mix the ingredients in a large bowl. Place down the center of a wrap and fold, placeing seam side down. Cover with some more salsa and cheese. Bake at 350F for 20-30 minutes.

I used 10" wraps in a 9 x 13 inch pan, but you can use whatever works best in your pan. If I double the recipe I make about 8 large wraps.

Cherry Almond Squares

2009-01-02T04:16:00.000-08:00

This square has a nice subtle almond flavor. The recipe calls for Cherry Pie Filling. I usually use Wildberry (Logan doesn't like cherries).

CHERRY ALMOND SQUARES

1 cup margarine, softened

3 tsp. almond extract

2 cups sugar

4 eggs

3 cups flour

1 can cherry pie filling (or your favorite)

GLAZE:

1 cup icing sugar

1 tsp. almond extract

1 tsp. marg, melted

2 tbsp. warm milk

Cream margarine and almond extract together. Add sugar, beat well. Beat in etts, one at a time. Add flour and mix. Spread 2/3 of dough mixture into a 9x13 inch greased pan. Cover with pie filling. Spread reamining mixture over top of pie filling. Bake at 350F for 30-40 minutes or when top is light brown. Spread with glaze while the cake is hot.

When spreading the dough over the pie filling - I use 2 tsp. and only take a bit at a time.

Chili Dip

2008-12-31T19:03:00.000-08:00

Need a dip with some zip? This is it! Got the recipe from a fellow Quadder (4-wheeler) at a camping pot luck last fall. We all love chili, cheese, salsa, cream cheese and this has it all. It's super easy to make.

CHILI DIP!

2 tubs of cream cheese
2 cans of Stagg Chili (I use one regular and one Dynamite)
salsa
shredded cheese

Soften cream cheese, than spread onto bottom of 12" x 9" foil pan. Top with mixed cans of Stagg Chili. Cover chili with a thin layer of salsa, then shredded cheese.

Warm oven to 350F. Place pan of dip in oven, heat till cheese has sufficiently melted (may take 15 minutes).

Grap some Tostido Rounds or Scoopables and dig in!! Yummy!

Turkey Stew & Dumplings

2008-12-28T16:06:00.000-08:00

This recipe actually calls for chicken, however I always do it with the left over turkey from the holidays. I use the same biscuit recipe as "Biscuits & Gravey", just make the biscuits a bit smaller.

TURKEY STEW & DUMPLINGS

2-3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut bite size
4 medium carrots, peeled and cut bite size
(smaller than potatoes)
1 large onion, peeled, cut up
boiling salted water

1 1/2 cups peas, fresh or frozen

2 chicken bouillon cubes
1 1/2 cups boiling water

10 oz. condensed cream of chicken soup
3 cups cooked chicken, cut up
1/4 tsp. thyme

tea biscuits

Cook potatoes, carrots and onion in boiling salted water until tender.
Add peas. Cook for about 3 minutes more. Drain.

Dissolve bouillon cubes in boiling water in large bowl.

Add soup to bouillon and stir. Add chicken, thyme and vegetables. Turn into 3 quart casserole. heat in 350F oven about 40 minutes until hot.

Make biscuits, drop by spoonfuls over hot stew. Turn oven to 425F. Cook for about 15-20 minutes more, until risen and browned. Leftovers may be frozen.

Double Decker Grilled Cheese Sandwich

2008-12-28T10:31:00.000-08:00

YUMMY!! These are the boys ultimate favorite grilled cheese sandwiches. They take a bit more time to put together - but they are worth it. I assemble the sandwiches on plates before putting in the frying pan.

You will need:

3 slices of bread (per sandwich)

1 slice of cooked ham

1 slice of cooked chicken or turkey

2 slices of cheese

mayo

butter

Assemble on plate in order given below:

1 slice bread

1 slice cheese

1 slice ham

1 slice bread, spread with mayo up

1 slice chicken/turkey

1 slice cheese

1 slice bread buttered on the top

Flip onto preheated frying pan (med. heat) butter side down. Butter top piece of bread. Flip over when browned and bottom cheese has started to melt. Brown, remove from pan and place on plate. Cut in half and serve.

Biscuits and Gravey

2008-12-26T14:21:00.001-08:00

Because today is Logan's Birthday I made biscuits and gravey for breakfast. I've seen a lot of recipes for the gravey but this is our favorite. The recipe is quite big - that way we can have it for breakfast two mornings.

BISCUITS & GRAVEY

3-4 lbs. farmer sausage

1/2 large onion chopped

3/4 tsp. sage

Fry onion, sausage and sage in large pot until the sausage is done.

Add 8 tbsp. flour, mix well and fry, stirring once in awhile, on med/high heat.

Add:

6 cups of milk (I use 1%)

1.5 tsp. poultry seasoning

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

2 tsp. worchestershire sauce

1/4 - 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes, depending how "hot" you want it.

Let this come to a boil over med/high heat, stirring often. If the gravey doesn't get thick enough, mix flour and liquid (from pot) in a bowl till well blended and add to pot.

BISCUITS:

In a food processor, place 2 1/4 cups flour, 4 tsp. baking powder and 1/2 cup hard margarine cut into 16 pieces. Mix.

Place in bowl and make well in center. Add 1 1/4 cups milk, mix till just blended. Place on a cutting board, flatten with hands, cut with round cutter.

Place on cookie sheet and bake at 400F for 12 minutes.Sometime I use 1/2 milk and 1/2 buttermilk just to add a different flavour to the biscuits.

Broccoli/Cauliflower Salad & Rolo Cheesecake

2008-12-25T14:30:00.000-08:00

After having turkey and all the trimmings for lunch - we are having salads and sandwiches for supper along with a Rolo Cheesecake that I made for Logan's birthday, which is actually tomorrow. Here are the recipes for the salad and the cheesecake.

BROCCOLI/CAULIFLOWER SALAD

1 small head cauliflower

1 small broccoli

8 slices bacon

Optional:

1/2 c. raisens

onion

1 tin water chestnuts

Cut bacon into 1 inch pieces and fry till done. Add cut up cauliflower, broccoli, bacon, raisens, onion and water chestnuts to large bowl and stir.

Mix:

1 cup miracle whip (or salad dressing)

1/2 c. sugar

2 tsp. vinegar

Add to vegetables etc., and let sit over night. I didn't add onion or water chestnuts.

ROLO CHEESECAKE

1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/4 cup butter, melted

2 tbsp. granulated sugar

Preheat oven to 300F. In small bowl, stir together above ingredients until well combined. Press into bottom and up sides of springform pan.

2 pkgs cream cheese, softened

1 tbsp. vanilla

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

2 tbsp. all purpose flour

3/4 cup evaporated milk

1/2 cup sour cream

16 Rolo candies, quartered

In a large bow., beat cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Beat in eggs and flour. Gradually beat in evaporated milk and sour cream. Stir in chopped Rolo candies; pour over crust.

Bake 25 minutes. Cover loosely with foil. Bake an additional 30-40 minutes until edge is set but center still jiggles slightly. Cool to room temperature on baking rack. Cover with chocolate icecream topping. Place in fridge till ready to serve.

Run a sharp knife around edge of pan: remove pan edges. I usually run very hot water over the knife before going around the edge of the pan. Cut, serve and enjoy!!

The recipe is actually a Turtles Cheesecake recipe. However Brad (hubby) has a slight alergy to nuts, so I substituted Rolo Candies for the Turtles.

Crock Pot Beef Stew & Corn Bread

2008-12-23T13:15:00.001-08:00

My family enjoys this on a cold winter day. Goes well with fresh baked cornbread. I put it in the crockpot on low in the morning and don't worry about it till supper time.

BEEF STEW

2 pounds stew meat
2 medium onions, chopped
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
2 cans (10 1/2 oz each) condensed beef broth, undiluted
3/4 cup water
6 medium carrots, cut into 2 inch chunks
2 bay leaves
1 tsp. dried thyme
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
potatoes cut into bit sized chunks
1 large can Spicey Tomato Sauce
1/4 cup pot barley

Brown meat and onions in oil then add to crockpot with rest of ingredients. I used a small bag of baby carrots, cut in 1/2, and 1 tsp. minced garlic instead of the garlic powder.

This is the best corn bread ever!!!

BUTTERY CORN BREAD

2/3 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 2/3 cups milk
2 1/3 cups all purpose flour
1 coup cornmeal
4 1/2 tsps. baking powder
1 tsp. salt

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Combine the eggs and milk. Combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with egg mixture. Pour into a greased 13" x 9" baking pan. Bake at 400F for 22-27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cut into squares; serve warm.

Fluffy Waffles

2008-12-22T18:07:00.000-08:00

This has to be the best waffle recipe ever. It's a little more work - but well worth it.

FLUFFY WAFFLES

2 cups all purpose flour

1 tbsp. sugar

2 tsps. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

3 eggs, separated

2 cups milk

1/4 cup vegetable oil

In a bowl, combine the flour, cugar, baking powder and salt. Combine the egg yolks, milk and oil; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. In a small mixing bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; fold into batter. Bake ina preheated waffle iron according to manufacturer's directions.

Chocolate Roll

2008-12-22T05:44:00.000-08:00

This is actually quite easy to make, and quite yummy!! Does give the hubby some head pain (it's the chocolate), but that just means there's more for the rest of us!!

CHOCOLATE ROLL

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

2 tbsp. buter or margarine

1 egg, beaten

1 cup icing sugar

2 1/2 cups small colored marshmallows

1/2 cup maraschino cherries, quartered

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Coconut for coating

Melt chips and butter in large heavy saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat.

Add beaten egg, icing sugar, marshmallows, well-drained and quartered cherries and walnuts. Stir to mix. Cool if very warm. Form mixture into a roll.

Sprinkle some coconut over countertop, in space big enough to move roll around to coat with coconut. After well coated, wrap in either wax paper or plastic. Chill well before attempting to slice. Slice thinly with clean sharp knife.

I melted the chips and butter in a glass bowl in the microwave. It's stored in the freezer and I take it out shortly before I want to cut it and then run very hot water over the knife before cutting.

Cooking/Baking help

2008-12-22T05:26:00.000-08:00

Cooking/baking is one of my passions, to bad the dishes don't clean themselves. My family thinks I'm nuts when I get excited about a new cookbook or magazine, or when I find a new recipe site on the internet. Of course they don't have to cook or even try and think of what to make for 3 meals a day!! Some days when I just don't know what to make I'll ask whom ever is around for ideas. The answer I usually get is "Make whatever you want". When I suggest a flax bagel with peanut butter I just get "the Look". You know the one - it says "I don't think so!" But of course they can't come up with anything better - so I'm on my own again.

Since it's close to Christmas and I'm sure many of you are doing your Christmas baking I thought I'd check out some cooking/baking blogs for ideas. Christmas baking at my house is pretty basic - no nuts (hubby has a slight allergy) and not to much chocolate (gives hubby migraines). So what do you make at Christmas that doesn't have nuts or chocolate! Let me tell you it isn't easy! So I make some snack mixes and cheeseball, cream cookies, rice krispie cake with caramel, New York Cheese cake (for Logan's birthday on the 26th) and hopefully a few things I'll find on some of the blogs I'll look at.

Lucky for me no one goes to the freezer to get sweets when they're hungry so stuff lasts fairly long. Of course the fridge is a different matter. It's apparently free game. Don't you hate pulling out a container of left overs from the fridge only to find out that it is empty because someone was hungry? Sometimes I think that we'll have leftovers for supper - start pulling out containers at 5:45pm only to realize that what I thought would feed 4 now only feeds 2.5! ARG!!! Good thing I'm happy with a flax bagel and peanut butter.

Back to cooking blogs - I have found quite a few really good ones with lots of pictures. Some would be really good for novice cooks/bakers (not me, but fun to look at). They have great pics and descriptions on how to do the recipe. What they all have in common is lots of recipes! WOOHOO!! Maybe I'll find a new recipe to try for supper. Here are some that I look at quite often. There are more cooking links on the right to some awesome blogs!! HAPPY COOKING/BAKING!! (don't lick too many spoons!)

A Year of Crockpot Cooking
Mennonite Girls Can Cook
Sunday Baker
The Homesteading Housewife
Furry Kitchen
Tried and True Cookbook

Banana Chip Muffins

2008-12-22T05:14:00.000-08:00

At our house the muffins are always the JUMBO variety. There is really no point in making "normal" size muffins, than Luke & Logan just have to eat more of them. This is one of their favorites, infact I know this recipe by heart already.

BANANA CHIP MUFFINS

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

3 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 egg

1/4 cup cooking oil

1/4 cup milk

1 cup mashed bananas (3 medium)

Measure first five dry ingredients into large bowl. Mix thoroughly6 and make a well in center.

Beat egg until frothy. Mix in oi, milk and bananas. Pour into well. Stir only to moisten. Bater will be lumpy. Fill greased muffin tins 3/4 full. Bake in 400F oven for 20-25 minutes.

This recipe makes 12 "normal" size muffins or 6 Jumbo muffins.

Lemon Bars

2008-12-21T08:08:00.000-08:00

Borrowed this recipe from Cara on Bovine Bubbles and Hogwash. I just LOVE lemon - and this is amazing!!

LEMON BARS

For the Crust:

1/2 cup plus 3 tbsp. cold butter, cut into 1" pieces

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

3 tbsp. cornstarch

1/2 tsp. salt

For the Topping:

2 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs, lightly beaten

3 tbsp. all-purpose flour

1/2 cup + 2 tbsp. + 3/4 tsp. squeezed lemon juice

1/4 cup + t tbsp. milk

1/4 tsp. coarse salt

Preheat oven to 350F with a rack in the center of oven. Butter a 9 x 13 inch baking pan.

To make crust: In the bowl of a food processor, combine flour, confectioners' sugar, cornstarch and salt; process to combine. Add buter to processor and process until mixture is pale yellow and resembles a coarse mea., about 10 seconds. If you don't have a food processor, whisk together flour, confectioners' sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a large bowl. Add butter and work into flour mixture using a pastry blender or your fingers.

Pour crust mixture into prepared baking dish, pressing down with your fingers to creat a 1/4" thick layer along the bottom and 1/2" up the sides, pressing firmly at the edges to seal. Transfer pan to freezer and freeze for 30 minutes. Transfer to oven and bake, rotating pan once during baking, until golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the topping: In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, and flour; stir in lemon juice, (I used RealLemon), milk, and salt until well combined.

Remove baking pan from oven. Stir topping and pour into warm crust. Return pan to oven and continue baking until topping is just set but not browned, about 20 minutes.

Transfer baking pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into 20 squares. Serve immediately or wrap each bar tightly with plastic wrap and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Almond Puff Pastry

2008-12-21T07:50:00.001-08:00

I found this recipe on Jeanine's Blog - The Baking Beauties. Made it yesterday, and it's wonderful!

ALMOND PUFF PASTRY

Cookie Base:
1/2 cup butter
1 cup flour
2 tbsp. water
Make dough and divide in half. Pat each piece into 12 x 3 inch strip on cookie sheet.

Topping:
1/2 cup butter
1 cup water
Heat to a rolling boil. Remove from heat and add 1 cup flour and 1 tsp. almond extract. Stir until bloended & forms a ball (as fro cream puff). Then add 3 beaten eggs, one at a time. Divide in half & spread each part on cookie base. Bake at 350 degrees F for about one hour. Cool slightly and ice.

Icing
3/4 cup icing sugar
1 tbsp. melted butter
1/2 - 1 tsp almond extract
1/2 - 1 tbsp. warm water
Mix: pour on like glaze and top with slivered almonds.

Banana Chocolate Cake

2008-12-20T17:38:00.000-08:00

BANANA CHOCOLATE CAKE

3/4 cup buter or margarine, softened

1 3/4 cups granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 1/4 cups mashed banana

1 tsp. vanilla

2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup cocoa

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

3/4 tsp. salt

3/4 cup Sour milk (see Note)

Preheat oven to 350F. Cream butter with suagr and 1 egg together very well. Beat in second egg. Mix in banana and vanilla.

Mix flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt together in small bowl.

Add flour mixture to butter mixture in 3 parts alternately with sour milk in 2 parts, beginning and ending with flour. Spread in 2 greased round 8 or 9 inch layer pans. Bake in oven until an inserted wooden pick comes out clean, about 40 minutes.

Note: to make sour milk, add milk to 1 tbsp. vinegar in measuring cup. Stir.

I made the cake in a 9 x 13 inch pan, but it is full to the top!

Double Brownies

2008-12-20T17:27:00.001-08:00

Another Friesen favorite. The recipe calls for icing, but quite often I don't bother putting it on.

DOUBLE BROWNIES

2 eggs

1 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1/8 tsp. salt

1/4 cup cocoa

1/2 cup butter or margarine

1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed

2 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Chocolate Layer: Beat 2 eggs until foamy. Add granulated sugar, flour, nuts and salt. Melt cocoa and butter together in saucepan over low heat. Add to egg mixture and blend well. Spread in greased 9 x 13 inch pan. Set aside.

Butterscotch Layer: in clean bowl cream butter with brown sugar. Add 2 eggs and vanilla. Beat until well mixed. Add remaining ingredients. Stir. Spoon over chocolate layer in small blobs. Spread as best you can. Bake in 350F oven for 30 minutes until brownies begin to pull away from sides of pan. Cool and frost.

ICING:

1/4 cup butter or margarine

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

3 tbsp. milk

1 1/2 cups icing sugar

Bring butter, brown sugar and milk to boil in saucepan. Simmer for 2 minutes. Cool Stir in icing sugar, adding more sugar or milk if necessary to make consistency for easy spreading. Spread over cooled squares.

Jam Jam Cookies

2008-12-20T17:18:00.000-08:00

I make these every Christmas. Everyone loves them with a big glass of milk.

JAM JAMS:

2 eggs

1 cup brown sugar

6 tbsps. syrup

2 cup shortening

2 tsps. soda

1 tsp lemon or vanilla

Flour to roll thin

Mix all ingredients. Add enough flour to roll thin. Then cut and bake at 350F for 12 - 15 minutes. While warm, put together with favorite jam.

Corn Chowder and Cheese ball

2008-12-20T16:23:00.001-08:00

Instead of posting recipes on my crafting blog I've decided to start a recipe blog. I love cooking/baking (just need someone to do the clean-up). If you have a recipe you really like don't be shy - let me know what it is - I'll try it and post it here.

Today I made Corn Chowder for lunch.

CORN CHOWDER

1 pkg. bacon cut into 1 inch pieces

1 small onion

Fry together until onion is soft and bacon is done.

Add to following in large pot:

2 tins cream of mushroom soup

2 tins creamed corn

3 medium potatoes peeled and cut into small chunks

pepper to taste

6 cups milk

Cook on med-high heat stirring often (it does stick on very easily) until potatos are done.

Really good with grilled cheese sandwich.

I also made an Almond Puff Pastry with a recipe I found on Jeanine's Blog The Baking Beauties, and a recipe for Lemon Bars that I found on Cara's Blog Bovine Bubbles and Hogwash.

Plus some cheese ball, a recipe that I've made for years.

CHEESE BALL

1/4 lb. grated cheddar cheese

2 hard boiled eggs, chopped

1/2 - 3/4 c. crushed crackers

2-3 chopped green onions

2-3 chopped pickles

chopped green pepper

chopped celery (1 stalk)

Mix all ingredients. Add enough mayonnaise to hold mixture together. (takes quite a bit as the cracker crumbs absorb moisture). Line a bowl with saran wrap and fill with mixture. Refrigerate. When ready to use, unmold the mixture onto a platter and arrange an assortment of crackers around the cheese ball.