Chili Mac

• CHILI MAC
  
• So yummy and comforting.
• 
  
• 1 lb. ground beef (lean)
• 1 Medium Onion Minced
• 1 16oz box Macaroni Noodles
• 1 14.5 oz can of Petite Diced Tomatoes
• 1 Cup Heinz Ketchup or 8oz Tomato Sauce
• 2 TBS Chili Powder
• 1/2 TBS Cumin
• 2 TBS Garlic Powder
• 1 Dash or 2 of Red Pepper Flakes
• 1 tsp Salt
• 16 oz Colby Jack Cheese (Shredded) *2 blocks
• 3.5 Cups Water

• Set Instant Pot to saute mode on Custom 375 and add ground beef and onions. Stir often until browned. Should take about 5 minutes. Press cancel (drain fat)
• Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, garlic powder and salt on top of the browned meat. Then add macaroni on top (don’t stir). Add 3 ½ cups water and make sure all macaroni is submerged. Add diced tomatoes and ketchup right on top in the center. Do not stir!

1. Secure lid, make sure vent is set to sealing and pressure cook on Pasta Setting (“manual” on some Instant Pots) on high for 5 minutes. When timer is complete, quick release the pressure. Turn off instant pot.
2. Stir.  Add 1/2 of the Cheese.  Stir again.  Top with remaining cheese and place lid back on pot for 3 minutes or until you see the melted cheese.  

Serve with Jalepeno Bacon          Cheese Cornbread.

• 
  

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

My recipe has been altered but Inspired by foodlove.com

Yummy, creamy, tomato, flavorful soup.  Paired with Grilled Cheese or Grilled Cheese Sticks is a wonderful treat to your taste buds.

INGREDIENTS 

• 1 medium yellow onion diced
• 2 large stalks celery diced
• 2 large carrots diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne (we use cayenne)
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cans 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes
• 1 23.2 oz Can of Cambells Tomato Soup (or use a can of tomato sauce)  We felt the original recipe was lacking tomato flavor and this did the trick for us.
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream or whipping cream

INSTRUCTIONS

 

• Using the sauté setting of the electric pressure cooker, sauté the onion, celery and carrots in olive oil for about 5 minutes.
• Add the salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes and basil, and sauté for 1-2 minutes more.
• Turn off heat, add bay leaves, tomatoes, soup and chicken broth, and stir.
• Secure the lid and cook the vegetable mixture using the soup setting (on the Instant Pot Rio Wide Plus use the pressure cook setting and select soup on the menu) set time to cook for 15 minutes at high pressure.
• Manually release remaining pressure. Remove the lid.
• Remove the bay leaves.
• Puree the soup using a blender (I use my Ninja on the puree setting and it works great).
• Add the cream, and stir until well blended.
• Taste and adjust seasonings as needed (personally I think its full of flavor) 

Recipe yeilds about 80 ounces (2 1/2, 32 ounce Containers).

Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Pork Carnitas Nachos or Tacos

INSTANT POT PORK CARNITAS NACHOS OR TACOS W/CILANTRO LIME CREAMA SAUCE

Incredients for Carnitas

2 x 1.75 lb Carnitas Boneless Pork Loin Roasts

1 Lime, squeeze/juice 

2 Cups Water

INSTRUCTIONS FOR CARNITAS

1. Add water and lime juice to bottom of the Instant Pot.  

2. Remove Pork Loins from package and place on rack.  

3. Pressure Cook on Custom Setting for 40 minutes.

4. While the pork is cooking start prepping for the sauce and toppings (see instructions below)

5.  When the pork is done, remove and place in a large bowl and shred.

6. Layer nacho chips, pork and cheese. Melt in microwave if needed for 30 seconds or so.  OR use tortillas if not making nachos and continue. 

7. Add preferred toppings.

8.  Add sauce. 

Crema Sauce Ingredients 

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup cilantro, fresh 
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 12 Pickled Jalepenos, diced
• juice of half of a lime
• 1/2 tablespoon tarragon vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Calabrian Chile Roasted Garlic & Parmesean Seasoning (ok to skip if you don't have it)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup diced avocados

INSTRUCTIONS

 FOR CREMA SAUCE 

• Pulse jalapeno pieces in a Ninja Blender (can also use a food processor) until chopped into small pieces.
• Add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth. Adding more cilantro will make the sauce greener.
• For a thinner sauce, add small amounts of milk and blend, until you achieve the consistency you need. 

Topping Ideas:

Roma tomatoes, green onions, avocados (squeezed with juice from half of a lime), mexican cheese, cojita cheese, sour cream, corn, pinto beans, black beans, lettuce, refried beans.  Choose your favorites.

Cheesy Pepperoni, Bacon & Jalepeno Bread

Cheesy Pepperoni, Bacon & Jalepeno Bread

This recipe has been inspired by another with my own personal tweaks and touches on it.  Great as a loaf and sliced and toasted with extra cheese and toppings too.

Ingredients

• 2 Eggs
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• 3 TBS vegetable oil
• 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2.5 TBS sugar
• 1 TBS plus 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 Cup chopped pepperoni 
• 3 TBS diced pickled jalepenos
• 1 TBS pickled jalepeno juice
• 1/4 Cup Cooked Bacon Pieces
• 2 cups shredded cheese (Mozzerella, Cheddar, a cheddar blend all mozzarella Pepper Jack or whatever you enjoy)
• 1 TBS  Fresh Basil, chopped finely or use 1 teaspoon dried Basil.
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 TBS butter, optional
• 1 tsp garlic powder, optional
• Spaghetti Sauce, optional

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Spray pan generously with coconut cooking spray or grease well.
• In a kitchen aid mixer, combine the eggs, milk, sugar and oil and whisk until combined.
• Add the flour, salt, pepper, italian seasoning, fresh basil and baking powder (all at once) to a separate mixing bowl and mix well.  
• Incorporate flour mixture with egg mixture and use dough hook until dough pulls from sides of bowl forming a dough round.
• Add in the pepperoni, jalepenos, bacon and cheese and mix with a until just incorporated
• Form batter into balls and line them up all around the pan while stacking them on top of each other. 
•  Bake on the middle rack for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out dry.
• Optional - I like to melt butter and mix it with garlic and brush on top and bottom of bread to add extra flavor.
• TIPS:  We like to add our favorite spaghetti sauce (Mids: Tomato Basil) to the bread by spooing it over top.  You can also make the bread as a loaf and toast it and add the sauce or add more fresh cheese to melt on top.
• 

  
  

Tostadas w/Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Tostadas with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing 

Ingredients:

1 Package of Corn Tostadas

1 Can Refried Beans

1/4 Cup Sour Cream 

6 Chicken Breasts, cubed thin

2-3 TBS Coconut Oil (Refined) Vegetable Oil also will work.

Salt to taste

Pepper to taste

Garlic Powder to taste

1 Taco Seasoning package low sodium

Cilantro 1 handful of fresh chopped OR 2 TBS dried Cilantro 

1 Mexican Cheese (shredded) 8oz

2 Roma Tomatoes (diced)

1 Bunch Green Onions (diced)

1 Avocado diced (season with salt, pepper and a splash lime juice.

1/2 Cup Buttermilk 

1/2 Cup Mayonnaise 

2 TBS Pickled Jalepenos or Pablano Peppers 

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven to 350 degrees

2.  Preheat a large skillet on medium heat.  Add oil, chicken, salt, pepper, garlic powder, taco seasoning and cilantro to the skillet. Turn and cook until done.

3.  Add Refried Beans to bowl and heat for 30 seconds in the microwave and remove.  Add Sour Cream and stir until combined

4 . Spread bean mixture onto each Tostada

5. Add chicken to each Tostada

6. Top with Mexican cheese and melt in oven.  I put on foil on a pan for easy cleanup, once melted you take out of the oven.

 7. Top tostadas with green onions, diced tomatoes, diced avocados.

8. Drizzle homemade Buttermilk Ranch dressing on top of Tostadas. 

Directions to make Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Using a small bowl, mix Mayonnaise,  Buttermilk, Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Powder and diced peppers (Jalepeno & Poblano or Jalepeno works good by itself).  

Italian Cheese Covered Garlic & Tomato Baked Chicken

Ingredients

Chicken Marinade:

•  4 tablespoons EACH: olive oil and Heinz tarragon vinegar
•  3 TBS minced garlic
•  1
• 1/2 -1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
•  2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
•  12 small boneless skinless chicken tenderloins

Balsamic Tomato Pan Sauce:

•  3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
•  2-4 Cups Fresh Spinach, chopped
•  4 tablespoons EACH: Heinz tarragon vinegar and room temperature butter
•  1-2 tablespoons honey
•  3 tablespoons minced garlic
•  2 tablespoons chopped basil
•  ½ teaspoon EACH: onion seasoning from Pampered Chef and Mrs.Dash
•  1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Marinate: Add all the ingredients except the chicken breasts into a zip top bag. Seal the bag and shake until mixed. Add the chicken breasts, seal, and massage so the chicken is covered in the marinade, set aside for 10-15 minutes while you prep the remaining ingredients. Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 425ºF.
2. Balsamic Tomato Pan Sauce: Add all the ingredients except the mozzarella to an oven-safe baking dish, along with a big pinch of salt and pepper, and stir to combine. Move the tomatoes around the edges and place the chicken breasts in the center.
3. Bake:  Season chicken with salt & pepper to taste.  Bake uncovered for 18-22 minutes or until the chicken is almost cooked through. Add the mozzarella cheese to the chicken breasts and broil just long enough for the cheese to melt. Serve warm with crusty bread, pasta, rice, or steamed veggies.

Southwest Dressing

Southwest Dressing

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups mayonnaise

1/2 cup salsa

1/2 cup milk

3 Tbsp. taco seasoning-low sodium

1 Tbsp. cumin

Siracha to taste 

Directions:

Mix all ingredients until blended and refrigerate until ready to use.

*This is great on Southwest Chicken Wraps, Salads, Burgers, Tacos and Chicken Sandwiches.

Easy One Pot Italian, Ground Beef & Pasta Dish

Our family really enjoys this dish of awesome comfort food that gives you a full flavor of italian.

Easy One Pot Italian, Ground Beef & Pasta Dish

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
• 2 onions diced
• 3 Tbs minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 Tbs dried oregano
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 32 ounces spaghetti sauce Mids Brand is my absolute favorite.
• 14 ounces petite diced tomatoes
• 4 ounces cream cheese room temperature
• 1/4 cup fresh basil roughly chopped, divided or 2 Tbs dried basil.
• 1 16 oz box of ditalini pasta or elbow macaroni
• Italian Shredded Cheese to top off when serving 

Instructions

• In a large stock pot over medium heat, add the ground beef and onion and cook until the beef is no longer pink. Add in garlic and cook for a minute more.

• Add salt, pepper and oregano to the beef and stir to combine.

• Pour in chicken stock, spaghetti sauce, and diced tomatoes, then bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.

• Whisk in the cream cheese until it is completely mixed in and then add the basil.

• Pour in the pasta, stir and let cook for another 10 minutes with the lid on or until the pasta is tender.

• Spoon into bowls and garnish with the italian cheese.

Tuscan Tortellini Soup

Tuscan Tortellini Soup

Ingredients

• 2 28 ounce cans Italian diced tomatoes
• 1 32oz Jar Mids Mideo's Hearty Veggie Spaghetti Sauce
• 1 32oz Carton Chicken Broth
• 1 yellow onion, diced 
• 1 Package Johnsonville Jalepeno Cheddar Sausage or Hot Italian Sausage, take skin off
• 2 tablespoons garlic minced
• 3 teaspoons dried basil
• 3 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1lb (16oz) frozen kale 
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups (1 8oz bag) shredded parmesan cheese
• 2lbs (32oz) Frozen Cheese Tortellini

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mince and cook Italian sauage on medium heat until crumbled and complely done. 

2.  Add diced onion, minced garlic, basil, oregano and cook until tender.

3.  Add diced tomatoes, spaghetti sauce, kale, tortellini and chicken broth and boil until Tortellini is done.

4.  Add heavy whipping cream and stir.

5.  Top with parmesean cheese and stir.

Serve with:  Italian bread basted with Butter Garlic Bread or any bread of your choosing. 

Extras:  you could easily add Zucchini & Squash to this soup as well.

Copycat Starbucks Vanilla Frappuccino

This is a recipe that has been tweaked that I have made for many years.

Homemade Starbucks Vanilla Frapuccino

Yields: 2 Quarts ( ½ Gallon)

1. Add the following to a 2 Quart carafe:

2. ¾ Granulated Sugar or 3/4 of a 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk, approximately 9.5 oz. Both work well but I prefer the Sweetened Condensed Milk.

3. 2 TBS Instant Folgers Coffee

4. 1 ½ Cups Hot Water

5. Add lid to Carafe and swirl until dissolved.

6. Add these remaining ingredients to carafe:

7. 7 1/2 Cups Whole Milk (6 Cups if using sweetened condensed milk)

8. 1 ½-2 Tsp Vanilla Extract

9. Add lid to carafe and shake well until combined.

To make a single serving:

Single Serving 13.7 oz

2 TBS Granulated Sugar or add sweetened condensed milk to preferred taste. 

1 Tsp Folgers Instant Coffee

¼ Cup Hot Water

Add cap to bottle and Swirl until dissolved.

1 ¼ Cup Whole Milk

1/4-1/2 Tsp Vanilla Extract

Add Cap to bottle and Shake until combined. DRINK.

Tip: Add Whipped Topping & Caramel.

Tip: Add Coffee and Ice to blender to make a frozen frappuccino.  

I tweaked this recipe a bit and I think that sweetened condensed milk tastes better than sugar for the sweetened part of it.  To fit all of this into a 2 quart container you have to cut the milk to 6 cups instead of 7 1/2 too.

I love the sweetened condensed milk version but the other isn't bad if you don't have it on hand.

Loaded Baked Potato Soup



Loaded Baked Potato Soup with so much flavor you won't be disappointed. 

8 Russet Potatoes (appx 8 cups), cubed

32 oz Chicken Broth (low sodium) 

32 oz Water

2 Medium Yellow Onions, diced 

2 sticks of Celery, diced

3TBS Garlic, heaping 

1 Full Size Carrot, diced (or use baby or shredded carrots)

1-2 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream

1 Cup Bacon diced uncooked or pre-cooked bacon pieces.

1 Bunch of Green Onions, diced

2 8oz bags of Shredded Cheese (I used Sharp and Colby Jack)

Salt & Pepper to taste

Optional: 1 Package of Hot Italian Sausage or diced ham.

1. In a large pot add garlic, onions, celery, carrots, Hot Italian Sausage (if opting in) and bacon, cook until meat is done and vegetables tender, add potatoes, broth and water. Boil until tender and reduce heat to low.

2. Add Heavy Whipping Cream, Green Onions, Cheese and stir. Cook for 10 minutes on low, salt & pepper to taste.

Serve warm.

Caramel Apple Oatmeal Cookies

Caramel Apple Oatmeal Cookies

My husband's new favorite cookie.

Soft and crumbly goodness.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar 
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1.5 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 large apple, chopped (I used Honey Crisp but would definitely try Granny Smith as well).

YIELDS:  12 LARGE COOKIES

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350° degrees. 
2. In large mixing bowl cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in egg and vanilla extract. 
4. Stir in chopped apples.
5. Add flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt and beat until combined.
6. Add in oats and beat until combined
7. Form into balls (will be slightly tacky) onto greased cookie sheet
8. Bake 10-12 minutes (mine took 12 minutes) until golden brown in color. 
9. Cool and top with caramel (or make a glaze.  See my donut glaze recipe).
10. Store in airtight container after completely cooled. 

Variations :  

Shredded Carrot, Pineapple, Coconut, Walnut

Raisin, Walnut

Banana, Strawberry

Blueberry, Lemon

Cranberry and Orange

Cream Cheese Glaze

Chocolate Walnut Banana Bread

CHOCOLATE WALNUT BANANA BREAD

INGREDIENTS

Bread

1 1/2 C all-purpose flour

1/2 C unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 Tsp baking powder

1/2 C butter softened

3/4 C brown sugar packed

1/2 C granulated sugar

2 Large Eggs

1 1/3 C mashed bananas (about 4 bananas)

1 C milk chocolate chips

1/2 C Walnuts chopped into small pieces

TOPPING

1/2 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream

1/3 Cup Powdered Sugar

2 tablespoons brown sugar packed

1 teaspoon butter

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup milk chocolate chips

1/4 C Walnuts chopped into small pieces for garnish.

Directions:

1.  Grease or Spray loaf pan (I use individual loaf serving pans)

2.  Preheat oven to 350 Degrees Fahrenheit.

3.   Using a large bowl add bananas, brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, eggs and mix with mixer until combined. 

4.  Add baking soda, baking powder, flour, cocoa powder and mix until combined.

5.  Blend in chocolate chips and walnuts and mix until combined. 

5.  Fill mixture to top of pan edge.

6.  Bake for about 25-30 minutes or center of bread comes out clean after testing with cake tester, toothpick or fork or knife. 

CROCKPOT Tuscan Garlic Chicken Stew

CROCKPOT Tuscan Garlic Chicken Stew

INGREDIENTS

8 Boneless Chicken Thighs

6 Large Red Potatoes, diced

1 Chicken Broth 32 oz

1/2 Stick Butter

1 Pint Heavy Whipping Cream

1.5 Cups of Parmesean Cheese

1 Bag (Small) Fresh Spinach, chopped

6 Fresh Tomatoes, diced 

4 Tsp Minced Garlic 

1 Lipton Mushroom & Onion Soup Package 

Mrs.Dash Seasoning 

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

Salt 

Pepper 

1/2 Cup Cornstarch

2 Cups Boiled Potato Water 

DIRECTIONS:

1.   Boil Red Potatoes to half doneness.

Take 1-2 Cups potato water set aside in small bowl.

2. Cook the following on low in the Crockpot  for 6 hours:  butter, potatoes, chicken, Chicken Broth, Season with Salt, Pepper, Mrs. Dash, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, Lipton Packet.  

3.  When done,  dice up chicken and add back to crockpot.

4.  At the 5 hour mark add cornstarch to potato water, stir to combine and pour into crockpot.

5.  Add chopped spinach, tomatoes, heavy whipping cream and Parmesean Cheese.  Add additional salt and Mrs. Dash as needed to taste.

Serve in bowls.

Chicken Lo-Mein

Chicken Lo-Mein 

INGREDIENTS:

Chicken Tenders, Frozen 8-10 pieces

Asian Style Sir Fry (Birds Eye Brand), Frozen 26 oz bag w/sauce packet

Wide Lo-Mein Egg Noodles 16oz (2 8oz packages) 

1 Small Can Bamboo Shoots Diced

Snow Peas, Fresh (2-3 Handfuls)

4 TBS Vegetable Oil

2 TBS Sesame Seed Oil

Garlic, Minced 3 TBS

Ginger Paste 2-3 TBS

Soy Sauce 4 TBS

Cornstarch  4-6 TBS

Chicken Broth 32 oz

Green Onions (1 Bunch) sliced

Serve with Ling Ling Dumplings or Egg Rolls (if preferred)

DIRECTIONS

1.  In large stock pot add vegetable & sesame oil, asian stir fry vegetables, bamboo shoots, 1/2 Container of Chicken Broth and simmer on medium high heat.

2.  In separate pot boil frozen chicken until done, drain off water and rinse chicken.  Dice into pieces (you can cook in small pan with oil & season but I just skip that).

3.  Add chicken to vegetable pot mixture and stir to combine.

4.  In small saucepan add cornstarch and 1 Cup of chicken broth and whisk until combined and mixture begins to thicken.  Add soy sauce and sauce packet from the birds eye vegetables bag and stir to combine. Add more broth as needed.  You should have a thick but pourable sauce. 

5.  Add sauce mixture to vegetable & meat mixture and combine.

6.  Add remaining chicken broth and lo-mein noodles, allow to boil and mix as they soften.

7. Top with fresh chopped green onions and serve with Ling Ling Dumplings. 

Chicken, Bacon and Spinach in Tomato Parmesean Cream Sauce

So delicious that you will want to serve this to company!

• 3 pounds boneless chicken tenders (frozen works well if thawed)
• 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 TBS Mrs. Dash Original
• 1/2 Cup of Bacon Pieces or 4-6 strips of bacon cooked and diced up.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 medium garden tomatoes, diced
• 1 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes
• 1 small container or bag of fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 3 cups chicken stock (adjust if needed)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup Parmesean, shredded
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper

1. Season chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, to taste.

2. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet or pot over medium high heat. Add bacon pieces and garlic, toss to combine, add chicken breasts on top of bacon and garlic and cook both sides until done, set chicken aside in a plate.

3.  Stir in tomato, canned tomatoes and chicken broth and flour.  Whisk to ensure no lumps.

4.  Add spinach, heavy whipping cream, parmesean cheese and crushed red pepper flakes.  Reduce heat to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until cheese is melted.

6. Add chicken back to the skillet and simmer in the sauce for 10-15 minutes, until chicken is cooked through. Add more seasoning with salt and pepper or parmesean if you need. 

Pairs well with Mashed Potatoes and Asparagus or Green Beans!

Kickin Goulash

KICKIN' GHOULASH

This ground beef goulash is a quick and easy recipe to make.  Comfort Food!  One Pan!  Yes!  You can create this with or without spice depending on your preferences.  We love the heat it adds.  TIP:  Try it without the red pepper flakes and sprinkle on individual bowls for those that want spice.

Ingredients

• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 lbs. ground beef, 80/20
• 3 TBS garlic, minced
• 1 28 oz can tomato sauce
• 1 28 oz can petite diced tomatoes
• 3 cups beef broth
• 3 TBSP Worcestershire Sauce
• 3 tsp seasoned salt
• 2 TBS Italian Seasoning
• 2-3 TBS Red Pepper Flakes (optional) 
• 2 TBS Three Onion Seasoning from Pampered Chef (optional)
• 2 TBS Bell Pepper Herb Seasoning from Pampered Chef (optional)
• 1 16 oz  box elbow macaroni noodles, uncooked
• 1 8 oz Bag Colby Jack cheese (or cheddar), shredded

Instructions

• Add ground beef to large pot over medium-high heat. Add in the onion, bell pepper and cook until beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat (if you prefer...I just leave it in) and return pot to the stove top. Add in the garlic and stir for about 30 seconds.
• Add salt, italian seasoning, bell pepper herb seasoning and three onion seasoning and stir.
• Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce and dried macaroni noodles. Stir and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a light boil and stir occasionally until the pasta is tender, about 20 minutes.  Move to a cool burner and allow the mixture to thicken as it cools some.
• While mixture is still warm and thickened stir in the cheddar cheese and red pepper flakes just before serving. Enjoy!

Cajun Rice Dish

Cajun Rice Dish

INGREDIENTS:

1 Stick of Unsalted Butter

1.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic

2 Green Bell Peppers, diced

1 Large Onion, diced

1 14.oz Can Diced Petite Tomatoes

2.5 Cups Water

1 Box of Zatarains Cajun Rice

Andouille Chicken Sausage (6, sliced)

1 15.5oz Can Bush's Canellini Beans (drained)

4 oz Pepper Jack Shredded Cheese


Directions:
1. Add Stick of Butter to Pot and melt on medium heat.
2. Add Garlic, Onions, Peppers and cook until softened.
3. Add Sausage, tomatoes, water and rice.
4. Increase temperature to High and allow ingredients to boil until rice is cooked through.
5. Add Canellini Beans and lower temperature to Low and simmer for about 10 minutes.
6. Add Pepper Jack Cheese and Stir.
7. Serve warm in bowls.

Approximate time to cook is 30-35 minutes.

Great served alone or with Cornbread, Tortilla Chips or Rolls.

Crockpot Chicken in Creamy White Sauce

Crockpot Chicken in Creamy White Sauce



 

Ingredients:
2.5 lbs Chicken (Boneless)

35 oz Jar of Polar Marinated Mushrooms
Sauce:
4 TBS Butter

2 TBS Vegetable Oil

4 Cloves Minced Garlic

1 Cup Flour

1 Tsp Salt

1/2 Tsp Pepper

1 Tsp Mrs. Dash Garlic & Herb Seasoning

1.5 Cups Chicken Broth

1 Cup Heavy Cream

8 oz Shredded Mozzerella Cheese

1/4 Tsp Cayenne Pepper

1/2 Cup Crumbled Bacon Pieces

1 Tsp Dried Parsley



DIRECTIONS:
1. Add Chicken to Crockpot and turn on High for 4 Hours.

2. Divide the whole mushrooms in half and add to the Crockpot.

Directions for Sauce:


3. Use a medium size saucepan. Turn the stove to medium heat. Add butter, oil and garlic. Allow these ingredients to melt together.

4. Add flour, salt, pepper, Mrs. Dash and stir until these ingredients are combined.

5. Add chicken broth and stir until smooth.

6. Stir in Heavy Whipping Cream until it is blended well into the mixture.

7. Add in the cayenne pepper and stir.

8. Combine the bacon pieces with the sauce mixture and stir. Allow to cook for an additional 5 minutes. Stir often to keep the sauce from sticking.

9. Pour the Sauce over the chicken and mushrooms in the Crockpot.

10. Add the parsley and cover. Allow the ingredients to cook on high for 4 hours.


*Serve over rice or pasta*

NOTES:  Change the cheese to Pepper Jack.  Add jalapeno's and bell peppers instead of mushrooms.

　

　

Loaded Macaroni and Cheese

Original recipe makes 12 servings

 

Ingredients

 

1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 (16 ounce) packages shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

1 (16  ounce) package shredded Triple Cheddar Cheese 

1/2 Cup shredded Pepper Jack Cheese

1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk

2 eggs

2 cups whole milk

1  (10.75 ounce) can condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup (such as Campbell's®)
Salt and ground black pepper to taste

1 Tsp Paprika
1 Tsp Cayenne Pepper
1 Tsp Mrs. Dash Garlic Herb Seasoning

2.5 oz Package Real Crumbled Bacon pieces (roughly 1/3 cup)
1 Green Onion, diced 

1/2 Sleeve Ritz Crackers (Crumbled)

 

 

 

Directions
 

*While your pasta is boiling you can proceed to step 7 and 8 and set those ingredients aside to save time.*

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through (aldente). 

 

2. Drain and transfer pasta to 3 Quart Glass Pyrex Baking Dish or other Pan that you can use in the oven. 
 

3. Add butter to pasta and stir until melted.

4. Season with salt, pepper, Paprika, Cayenne and Mrs. Dash.  Stir until combined

5. Add in Bacon Pieces and Green Onions.  Stir until combined.

 

6. Sprinkle 1 Package of Multi Cheddar  cheese over pasta and stir until combined. 

 

7. Whisk evaporated milk and eggs together in a bowl until smooth; stir into pasta mixture. 

 

8. Whisk milk, Cheddar cheese soup together in a bowl until smooth; stir into pasta mixture.

 

9. Sprinkle remaining Pepper Jack Cheese over pasta mixture;

 

10. Top with Crushed Ritz Crackers.  Press into mixture but do not stir. 

11. Cook on 375 for 55 minutes .

 

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken With Spinach and Tomatoes

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken With Spinach and Tomatoes

5-6 Boneless Chicken breast

4 TBS Olive Oil or enough to coat pan

4 TBS Butter

2 TBS Minced Garlic

1 small Yellow Onion, diced

3 Cups Chicken Broth (or more if needed)

1/2 Cup Bacon Pieces

1 to 1 1/2 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream

3 cups Baby Spinach Leaves, cut into shreds

1 Cup Salad Tomatoes (Grape Tomatoes)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

2 TBS  Mrs Dash Chicken Seasoning

1 TBS McCormick's Salad Supreme 

1 Cup Shredded Mozzerela cheese

1-2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

1/3 Cup All Purpose Flour


DIRECTIONS

1.  Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper, and sear in the pan for 5-8 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Once cooked, remove chicken from the pan, dice up and set aside.

2.  Melt the butter in the remaining cooking juices leftover in the pan. Add in the onion garlic and bacon and fry until fragrant (about one minute). Add in the All purpose flour and stir until combined. Pour in the chicken stock.

3. Add Mrs. Dash seasoning and Salad Supreme seasoning.

4.  Add in the spinach leaves and allow to wilt in the sauce, add tomatoes, then add
the heavy whipping cream, and bring to a gentle simmer, while stirring occasionally. Make sure to lower the heat to avoid the sauce to separate.

5. Add the chicken back into the pan.
Top with Mozzarella Cheese and toss ingredients in the pan. Allow sauce to simmer for a further minute until cheese melts through the sauce.

6. Serve as a complete meal or with fresh vegetables such as Zucchini, Squash or Asparagus and Breadsticks.

Chicken and/or Shrimp Alfredo

Chicken Alfredo

Ingredients:

.1 cup butter (2 sticks)

.2 pints heavy whipping cream (2 cups)

.8 ounces cream cheese

.4 Tablespoons minced garlic

.1 teaspoon dried Basil

.1 Tablespoon Mrs. Dash Original

.1 Teaspoon Cayenne

.2 cups grated parmesan cheese

. 1/2 Cup Self Rising Flour

. 1-16oz Box of Pasta

. 1.5 lbs chicken grilled/cut into strips

Directions:
1. Grill Chicken and cut into strips.
2. Boil pasta until done.
3. In large pot melt butter
4. Add in Cream Cheese until melted.
5.. Add in garlic, Mrs. Dash, Basil and Cayenne.

6.Add in Heavy Whipping Cream

7. Combine flour and whisk.

8. Add in Parmesean Cheese.  Stir until melted.

9. Combine pasta with sauce and stir.  Add in chicken.

Serve with salad and breadsticks.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Ground Beef (2-2.5 lbs)
Yellow Onions (1 Large)
Minced Garlic (4 TBS)
Green Bell Peppers (3 to 4)
Diced Tomatoes (1 Large Fresh)
Salt
Pepper
Spanish Rice (1 Box)
Tomato Juice 2-4 Cups
Mozzarella Cheese

On Stovetop cook ground beef, onions, garlic and bell peppers together until done. Salt and Pepper to taste.

Add in Spanish Rice and Tomato Juice.  Cook until rice is done.

Transistion to a Casserole Dish.  Top with Mozzerella  Cheese.  Bake at 350 degrees until melted.

Prayers for My Son Nathaniel

Hello.
Our son Nathaniel is suffering from a rare childhood cancer.  He is 18 years old and has Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma.  As you can imagine this has been devestating to our family.  Nathaniel's cancer is very advanced.  Our trust and faith in God is getting us through this very difficult time.  I hope that you would consider praying for our son today and everyday.  Please above all know that we appreciate this more than anything.  Nathaniel has been suffering from depression and pain due to complications to his health due to the tumors causing issues in the lower abdomen areas.  He is suffering from leg pains and fevers also.  Pray for healing.  We need our son.  We also have 3 other children who need their brother.
Thank you so very much!

Barbara & Michael Burrell
https://www.gofundme.com/prayers-for-nathaniel 

Pineapple Cream Cheese Frosting

INGREDIENTS:

1 8oz package Cream Cheese
1/4 Cup Butter
1 Tsp Lemon Juice
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
2 1/2 Cups Powdered Sugar
1/2 Cup Crushed Pineapple

DIRECTIONS:

1.  Add cold cream cheese and butter to mixing bowl.  Whip on high until combined  and fluffy.

2.  Add in Lemon juice, vanilla and powdered sugar.  Mix until smooth and creamy.

3.  Add in pineapple and mix on high until combined.

Serve on your favorite carrot cake or other cake of your choice.

Cranberry Orange Chocolate Walnut Cookies

Cranberry Orange Chocolate Walnut Cookies

By:  Barbara Burrell
http:// 1blessedcook.blogspot.com
This recipe can make about 3-4 dozen cookies.  It spreads very little and would be great to freeze and bake as needed.

Ingredients:

2 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 Tablespoon Cornstarch

1 cup butter, softened to room temperature

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 teaspoon orange extract

1 teaspoon Valencia Orange Peel (McCormick's Gourmet Spice)

1 11.5 oz. bag milk chocolate chips

1 1/2 cups dried cranberries

1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts, chopped into very tiny pieces. (I generally use my mini food chopper for this)

Optional Drizzle:

1 Cup Chocolate Chips

1 Tablespoon Milk

Melt in microwave for 1 minute or as needed.  Stir until all melted chocolate is combined and at a drizzle consistency.  If needed add more milk.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and Cornstarch in a large bowl and set aside.

Cream butter and sugars with a mixer for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at at time until combined. Add vanilla, orange extract and Valencia orange peel
and mix until combined.

Then add flour mixture slowly and mix until just combined.

Stir in cranberries, walnuts and chocolate chips.

Roll into 1 1/2 inch balls and place 1 1/2 inches apart on prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 15 minutes or until done.

Optional: When cooled, drizzle melted milk chocolate on cookies.

Chinese Hot & Sour Soup

Chinese Hot & Sour Soup
by: Barbara  Burrell
http:// 1blessedcook.blogspot.com

Ingredients:

4 TBS Cornstarch

6 TBS Cold Water

4 TBS Butter

2 Packages of Fresh Shitake Mushrooms (we prefer stems removed)

2 Cartons Swanson Chinese Hot & Sour Flavored Infused Broth

1 8oz Can Bamboo Shoots

1 lb Ground Pork (cooked and crumbled)

1 Tsp Mrs. Dash Garlic Herb Seasoning

1 TBS Garlic, Minced

1/2 Tsp Salt

1 Tsp Crushed Red Pepper (ground up into powder)

2 Green Onions, diced

2 Large Eggs, beaten

2 TBS Franks Hot Pepper Sauce

Directions:

1.  Cook & crumble ground pork on medium heat in soup pot until done.  Drain off any grease.

2.  Add butter, garlic, green onions, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, salt, garlic & herb seasoning, crushed red pepper & hot pepper sauce to pot and heat throughout.  Stir regularly.

3.  Add Broth and turn heat to medium  high and bring to a boil.

4. Stir Cornstarch & Water in small bowl until smooth.

5.  Once Soup mixture reaches a boil reduce to low heat.  Add in Cornstarch  mixture and stir constantly.

6.  Add in beaten egg and allow to cook for 3 minutes. 

*optional*  Garnish with Green Onions

Awesome 40th Birthday Present!

Today (11/2/14) I received my 40th Birthday present from my sister Heather and her family.  Oh what an awesome present it is.  I love this new pan!  It is personalized and just perfect!  Thanks to Heather, David, Joshua, Alia and Jeremiah.

 

 

 

If you would like to order your very own customized pan please follow the link below:

http://www.thatsmypan.com/store/  Please use CODE: FRWV10262 when you order.

 

Thank you!

 

 

Detroit Hot Honey Wings

 

 

These wings are without a doubt one of our favorites.  This recipe has been adapted from another great recipe.  Thanks to MMMMFOOD1 for sharing this recipe with me.  Here is the Original Recipe.  I have tweaked this recipe to feed more people than the original recipe allowed for.  I also changed the way these are prepared (method and timing) and changed the measurements of an ingredient to suit our preferences.  That being said you can't go wrong with either version. 

 

 

Ingredients:

 

5 pounds frozen chicken wings                                                            

Cayenne to taste

1 Cup Honey

1 Stick Melted Salted Butter

3/4 Cup Franks Hot Sauce      

 

Directions:

Directions

1. Preheat Oven to 400 Degrees.
2. Add Aluminum Foil to 2 Baking Pans (Jelly Roll or Cookie Sheets).  Place one of the pans on the shelf under the other to catch any liquids that may bubble over later or use a disposable aluminum pan. 
3. Spread chicken evenly onto pan.  Season the meat with cayenne, salt, and pepper.
4. Melt the butter in a small dish,  use a 2 Cup Pyrex Measuring Cup and mix the honey and hot sauce together. Add in the butter and whisk with a fork until combined well. Set aside.
5. Bake nakedbwings until done-about 40 minutes.  Drain off excess liquid.
6. Drizzle the wings with 1/2 the hot honey butter sauce.
7. Place back into oven.  Allow the wings to cook for  5-7 minutes or until browned. 
8. Pull the wings back out of the oven and pour the remaining sauce over top of them.  Place back into the oven for an additional 5 minutes. 
9. Allow the meat to rest for 10 minutes and serve warm.