Miss Kitty Cooks

Peppery Cheese Bread

2011-12-23T14:43:00.000-08:00

I'm obviously on a cheese kick! While this is baking in my oven, a batch of Cheddar Poppy Seed Crackers is chilling in my fridge! This recipe is from a Southern Living Christmas Cookbook. Let me just tell you that my house smells amazing!

Peppery Cheese Bread

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp sugar
2 tsp cracked black pepper
1 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 8-oz container plain low-fat yogurt (I used sour cream)
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/4 cup milk
1 Tbsp spicy brown mustard.

Combine first 6 ingredients in a large bowl; make a well in center of mixture. Stir together eggs and next 6 ingredients; add to dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened.
Lightly grease bottom of a loaf pan; pour batter into loaf pan.
Bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack 10 minutes; remove bread from pan, and let cool 1 hour on wire rack.

Cheddar Poppy Seed Crackers

2011-12-23T14:36:00.000-08:00

Pinterest is an obsession. But, to the benefit of many this Christmas season, it has introduced new favorites in my recipe file! I first saw this picture last night before I went to sleep and I had to click on the link to check the recipe. I knew I had to make it when I thought about it while feeding Caleb in the middle of the night! I ran it by my sister-in-law and her response sealed the deal! And...the dough is chilling in my fridge right now! I can't wait to cut them out with my mini cookie cutters!

Cheddar Poppy Seed Crackers

1 2/3 c flour, plus more for dusting
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp paprika
a pinch of cayenne pepper
a pinch of salt
1/2 tsp freshly grounded black pepper
1 1/2 sticks butter, at room temperature
6 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, freshly grated (Parmesan works great too)
2 Tbsp poppy seeds
1 large egg, beaten

1. Sift the flour, baking powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix the butter and cheese until well blended. You can use a mixer or a sturdy spatula. Add the dry ingredients, continue to stir until soft dough is formed.
3. Divide the dough in half and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350.
4. Take out one ball of dough and on a generously floured surface roll out to 1/8 - 1/3 inch thick. Sprinkle dough with 1 Tbsp poppy seeds. Cover with plastic wrap and gently roll over the dough to embed the seeds.
5. Cut with desired small cookie cutter and place on parchment lined baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12 minutes. The crackers should be dark golden and smell amazing! Let cool completely before serving or store in an air-tight container.

***The original post includes how to make the crackers in a log and slicing them into thin circles.

I may be making a second batch of these soon! Also, I think these would be exceptional in tomato basil soup!

Chocolate Cake in a Mug

2011-12-13T10:06:00.000-08:00

Honestly, we had guests over for dinner last night and something had to give in the prep work. It was all I could do to have the kids dressed, toys picked up, Christmas decorations in place (b/c my kids move them at least 4 times each hour), bathroom cleaned, a quick trip to the bank, table cleared off and cleaned...and well, I didn't even put makeup on! So, I thought I'd branch out and try this recipe that cooks in the microwave. As a general rule I don't try new recipes on first-time guests...but they are college students. And, well, college students will eat anything! It was a fun recipe and allows for a lot of customization: extra chocolate chips, pecans, candy pieces, etc.

Chocolate Cake in a Mug

3 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa
2 or 3 Tbsp sugar (I went with 3)
1 Tbsp flour
3 Tbsp milk
3 Tbsp vegetable oil
3 Tbsp egg whites
1/4 tsp vanilla
Goodies to mix in...choc chips, nuts, candies, etc.

Mix in a bowl for about 2 minutes- stirring vigorously! Pour into a mug, add any toppings, and microwave for 2 minutes.

***I sprayed Pam on some and not on some. Didn't make a difference.
***You may need to vary the cook time based on your microwave. If it cooks too long the cake gets rubbery.

Here is the link to view the full blog post and see more info and pics.

Lime Chicken Tacos

2011-12-13T09:54:00.000-08:00

This recipe is from Taste of Home via Pinterest. It's great because it only uses a few ingredients (pantry staples) and cooks in the crock-pot. The chicken was very tender and moist. It was not very limey, but not a disappointment.

Lime Chicken Tacos

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 Tbsp lime juice
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 cup corn
1 cup chunky salsa

Place the chicken in a 3-qt. slow cooker. Combine lime juice and chili powder; pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until chicken is tender.
Remove chicken; cool slightly. Shred meat with two forks and return to the slow cooker; heat through. Stir in corn and salsa.
Cover and cook on low for 30 minutes or until heated through. Serve in tortillas with sour cream, cheese and lettuce if desired. Yield: 12 tacos.

***I did not add the corn. We also had guacamole and black olives with our tacos!

Banana Bread (Diabetic Recipe)

2011-12-13T09:47:00.000-08:00

Banana Bread

3 large very ripe bananas
1 egg
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
1/3 cup milk
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp low-sodium baking powder
1 1/2 cup all purpose flour (to add fiber you can substitute half with whole wheat flour)

Preheat oven to 350. Spray Pam in a loaf pan.
In a mixing bowl, mash bananas. Add the egg, oil, milk, sugar, salt, soda, and powder. Mix until just blended.
Slowly stir the flour into the mixture. Stir until just moistened.
Pour into prepared loaf pan.
Bake for 45 minutes or until tooth pick inserted near the middle comes out clean.
Let cool for 5 minutes in pan and then remove.

***Based solely on the taste of the batter (!), this appears to be a fantastic recipe for diabetics!

Italian Cream Cake

2011-12-12T09:56:00.000-08:00

This is a great find from The Pioneer Woman. Enough said, right?

Italian Cream Cake

FOR THE CAKE:
1 stick Butter
1 cup Vegetable Oil
1 cup Sugar
5 whole Eggs (separated)
3 teaspoons Vanilla
1 cup Coconut (from PW: If You Think You Hate Coconut, Trust Me: I Do Too, And I Love It In This Recipe)
2 cups All-purpose Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1 cup Buttermilk
_____
FOR FROSTING:
2 packages (8 Oz) Cream Cheese
1 stick Butter
2 teaspoons Vanilla
1 package 2 Lb Powdered Sugar
1 cup Chopped Walnuts
1 cup Sweetened, Flaked Coconut

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.

Beat egg whites until stiff. Set aside.

Cake:

In a large bowl, cream together butter, oil, and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg yolks, vanilla, and coconut.
In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.

Alternate adding buttermilk and dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, then fold in egg whites.

Pour evenly into the three prepared pans, then sprinkle the top of each pan with 1 (at least) tablespoon sugar.

Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes, then turn the cakes out onto cooling racks and allow to cool completely.

Frosting:

In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Beat until light and fluffy. Stir in chopped walnuts and sugared coconut. Spread between layers and serve.

Note: cream cheese frosting will soften at room temperature, so refrigerate if you won’t use it right away.

***It is a delicious cake! A perfect compliment to a cup of coffee. After enjoying a piece or two you'll be ready for a good long nap!

White Queso

2011-12-08T13:19:00.000-08:00

Finding a good white queso dip recipe has been a tough order. This recipe is easy and very good. Definitely a crowd pleaser!

White Queso (from Pappasito's)
1.5 lb white American cheese (NOT Velveeta, may have to get at the deli)
4 oz can green chilis, undrained
1 Tbsp minced garlic
1/2 c diced onion
1/3 c whole milk
1/2 c diced ripe tomatoes
1/4 tsp garlic salt

Melt cheese and milk in a saucepan. Stir until blended.
Add chilis, garlic, onions and garlic salt. Stir until onions are transparent.
Remove from heat, add tomatoes before serving.

*I used a can of Rotel instead of green chilis and tomatoes.

Ooey Gooey Bars

2011-12-08T13:14:00.000-08:00

So.good.you'll.be.sad.you.made.them.to.share.
You should just go ahead and make them. And, just a word of warning- they are SO good hot out of the oven!

Ooey Gooey Bars

1 box yellow cake mix
3 eggs
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, melted
4 cups (1 lb) powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 300 and spray a 9x13 dish with cooking spray.
Mix cake mix, melted butter and one egg to a soft dough. Press into the bottom of the pan.
Mix remaining ingredients until smooth, about 2 minutes.
Pour on top of crust.
Bake for 40-50 minutes until top is golden brown.

Banana Chocolate Chip Bread

2011-11-03T10:39:00.000-07:00

Saw this on Pinterest and have been waiting on my bananas to ripen! And, for the record, I did just enjoy a hot slice with butter. So good. So, so good!

Banana Chocolate Chip Bread

6 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup melted butter
1/1 cup canola oil
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp salt
2 tsp baking soda
4 cups flour
1 bag dark chocolate chips
1 cup pecans (I added these!)

Mix in order listed. Fill two greased loaf pans 3/4 full. Bake at 350 for 1 hour. (It took me about 1:10, I covered the loaves with foil the final 20 minutes to not continue browning the top.) These can also be made as muffins - should bake for 20 minutes. The loaves and muffins are done when a knife or toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

This recipe was from this blog: www.notwithoutsalt.com.

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

2011-10-27T09:11:00.000-07:00

Continuing my pumpkin kick, I am making these today. I found the recipe at this fun site.

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

2 c flour
1 1/2 cups oats
1 tsp soda
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp Kosher salt
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup sugar
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup dried cherries, cut into chunks (or any dried fruit you want - I'm using cranberries)

Preheat oven to 350. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Combine flour, oats, soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Set aside.
Beat butter, brown sugar, and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla. Mix well.
Fold in chips and fruit.
Drop on baking sheet. Bake for 12-14 minutes until light brown.
Cool for 2 minutes on sheet and transfer to cooling racks.

***You can make this all sorts of ways- with different nuts, chocolates, and fruits!!!

Miss Norma's Stew

2011-10-27T09:06:00.000-07:00

I didn't know Miss Norma. She went to a church that my uncle pastored. Now, she is with her Savior! What I do know about Miss Norma, is that she blessed our family with the best stew recipe! I'm not a big bean eater (at all), but I don't seem to mind them in this stew. The flavor is rich, and gets better after cooking all day!

Miss Norma's Stew

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
Potatoes, diced (I use 2 good sized ones)
Carrots, diced (Don't always use them)
1 can corn, drained
1 can peas, drained (Don't always use them)
1 can white or green beans, drained (I usually do green, white, and kidney!)
1 can diced tomatoes
1 Tbsp brown sugar
Dash of Worchestershire sauce
2 Beef Bouillon cubes
Salt and pepper to taste

Ground beef and onion, drain. Add to large stock pot with 4 cups water (I also add a large can of crushed tomatoes). Add potatoes and carrots- cook until tender. Add veggies and cook until thoroughly heated. Add seasonings.

***I do this all at once and let it cook all day on low. And, of course, we eat it with cornbread!

Pumpkin Pancakes with Hot Cider Syrup

2011-10-26T08:26:00.000-07:00

Fall weather and Pinterest has had my wheels spinning about new recipes to try! I stocked up on pumpkin while at the store on Monday and have been ready to bake! This recipe is from allrecipes.com. The pancakes are very good- not fancy, but good for pepping up a regular meal. The winner is the syrup. It doesn't take a lot of work, but it does need to cook for 30 minutes and then cool for 30 minutes. Just something to think about while you plan. I did dishes while it bubbled to glorious yumminess! Everyone ate these up! We had them for dinner with a side of breakfast casserole. Let me know if you try these!

Hot Cider Syrup
3/4 cup apple cider or apple juice (I made cider with an instant mix)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
2 Tbsp butter or margarine
1/2 tsp lemon juice
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg

In a saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring to a boil at medium heat. Reduce heat to low and continue to simmer (uncovered) for 25 - 30 minutes. Stir occasionally. Let cool for 30 minutes (syrup will thicken).

Pumpkin Pancakes
1 cup flour
1 Tbsp sugar (I doubled this!)
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 eggs, separated
1 cup milk
1/2 cup cooked or canned pumpkin
2 Tbsp vegetable oil

Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks, milk, pumpkin, and oil. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.
In a mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Fold into batter.
Get your griddle nice and hot and make the pancakes like you normally do! (My version of the directions!)
Serve warm with butter and Hot Cider Syrup!!!!! Thank the Lord for the ability to taste the wonders he has created!

Beefy Pizza Casserole

2011-07-12T12:42:00.000-07:00

I can honestly say that I have had this recipe on hand from a 2005 Southern Living! Seriously! But, only first made it last night! 6 years later! It was very tasty. Chris and the kids ate it up! It's a great one-dish dinner or to take to share with another family. Lots of "making it your own" options too.

Beefy Pizza Casserole

2 pounds ground beef
2 med onions, chopped
1/2 c chopped green bell pepper
4 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
1/4 c flour
1 26-oz jar tomato-and-basil pasta sauce
2 c shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 13.6-oz can refrigerated pizza crust
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Cook first 3 ingredients and 3 tsp Italian seasoning in a large skillet. Drain well and return to skillet.
Add 1/4 cup flour, stirring until blended. Stir in pasta sauce. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
Spoon mixture into lightly greased 13x9 casserole dish. Sprinkle evenly with 1 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.
Unroll pizza crust, and place on top of cheese. Brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
Bake at 425 for 15 to 20 minutes.

***I added Pepperoni to the top of the meat mixture. Chris would have me use more and add other pizza toppings to the mixture (Canadian bacon, sausage, and other veggies too).

Pineapple Carrot Muffins

2011-06-02T06:25:00.000-07:00

When I was pregnant with Caleb I had a hankering for these muffins! Although I'd never had them before, the combination sounded wonderful. So, I did one of my favorite activities of all time...recipe hunt! This recipe will not disappoint! I took them to church one Sunday and they got rave reviews!

Pineapple Carrot Muffins

1 c sugar
2/3 c oil
2 eggs
1 1/2 c flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 c carrots, grated
1 c crushed pineapple

Mix in order given and bake at 350 for 20 - 25 minutes.

So simple and so yummy!!!

Almond Crusted Tilapia with Lemon Butter Sauce

2011-05-20T08:36:00.001-07:00

I made this for Mother's Day and it.is.fantastic! Definitely savory enough and different enough for a special occasion! I used tilapia, but any white fresh fish would work well. The sauce is worth the work! The recipe serves 2 and is from Bahama Breeze restaurant.

Almond Crusted Tilapia

2 Tbsp olive oil
4 tilapia filets
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup Almond Crust (recipe below)
1/2 cup Lemon Butter Sauce (recipe below)

Lightly season the filets on both sides with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake at 425 for 10 minutes. Top filets with Almond Crust and continue baking for an additional 7-10 minutes. Transfer filets to warm serving plate and top with hot lemon butter sauce.

Almond Crust

1 slice of fresh white bread
1/4 cup honey roasted sliced almonds (I used regular)
2 Tbsp butter, melted
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp chopped fresh parsley

Place slive of bread into a food processor or blender and pulse to make course bread crumbs. Measure out 1/4 cup of bread crumbs. Place all the ingredients in a small mixing bowl and mix to evenly combine. {This almost has a stuffing consistency and will need to be spooned and pressed onto the filets.}

Lemon Butter Sauce

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chopped garlic
2 Tbsp white wine
1/2 tsp Thyme
1 cup heavy cream
3 threads Saffron (super expensive! I did not use)
1 Tbsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp butter cubes, cold
salt and white pepper to taste
1 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp cold water

Add the oil to a heated small sauce pan. Add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds. Add the wine and thyme; reduce by half. Add the cream, saffron and lemon juice; bring to a boil and immediately reduce heat to low. Add the butter cubes and stir until combined. Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl and add slowly to the sauce, while stirring until thickened. Season the sauce with salt and white pepper to taste. Strain the sauce through a find mesh strainer and serve hot. {This is a most fantastic sauce! Totally makes the dish!}

Green Bean Bundles

2011-05-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

I get rave reviews each time I make these! Plus, they are really pretty in a nice serving dish! Oh, and every hostesses favorite - you can make them ahead of time!

Green Bean Bundles

4 cans whole green beans
bacon strips cut in half
1 stick butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp garlic salt

Wrap about 12 green beans (or the diameter of a quarter) with half a slice of bacon. Place in a greased 13x9 dish. Repeat until all beans are done.
Melt butter. Add brown sugar and garlic salt. Mix together and pour over bundles.
Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Broil for 4-5 minutes.

Best Frosting

2011-04-05T16:25:00.000-07:00

This is another PW recipe. It's a very different type of frosting - buttercream-y, but with a firm, moldable texture. Anyhow, I've never made anything quiet like it, but it is very good paired with chocolate sheet cake (search Desserts for the recipe).

Best Frosting

5 Tbsp flour
1 c milk (or 1/2 and 1/2)
1 tsp vanilla
1 c butter
1 c granulated sugar (NOT powdered sugar)

In a small saucepan, whisk flour into milk and heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens. You want it to be very thick, thicker than cake mix, more like a brownie mix. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. (If you're in a hurry, you can place it in the freezer for 10 minutes.) It must be completely cool before you use it in the next step. Stir in vanilla.
While the mixture is cooling, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. You don't want any sugar graininess left. Then add milk/flour/vanilla mixture and beat the living daylights out of it. If it looks separated, keep beating it. Beat it until the texture resembles whipped cream.
Spread on a cooled cake.

Chocolate Sheet Cake

2011-04-05T16:17:00.000-07:00

This really is a wonderful chocolate sheet cake. SO good and so many things to do with it!

Chocolate Sheet Cake
{From PW}

2 c flour
2 c sugar
1/4 tsp salt
4 Tbsp (heaping) Cocoa
2 sticks butter
1 c boiling water
1/2 c buttermilk
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
In a saucepan, melt butter. Add cocoa. Stir together.
Add boiling water, allow mixture to boil for 30 seconds, then turn off heat. Pour over flour mixture, and stir lightly to cool.
In a measuring cup, pour buttermilk and add beaten eggs, baking soda, and vanilla. Stir buttermilk mixture into butter/chocolate mixture. Pour into sprayed sheet cake pan (13X18) and bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

Key Lime Buttercream Frosting

2011-04-02T05:01:00.000-07:00

Buttercream is very easy to make - don't be intimidated! Just be sure to keep it cold or cool - it starts getting slippery at regular room temp. This frosting has a lovely flavor and the Key lime zest gives the perfect hint of green to it. I used it on white cupcakes, topped with a salty pretzel!

Key Lime Buttercream Frosting

1/2 c butter, softened

1 1/2 tsp Key lime zest

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/8 tsp salt

1 16-oz package powdered sugar

3 Tbsp Key lime juice

1 to 2 Tbsp milk

Beat first 4 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy.

Gradually add powdered sugar alternately with Key lime juice, 1 Tbsp at a time. Add 1 Tbsp milk, beating at low speed until blended and smooth after each addition. Beat in up to 1 Tbsp additional milk for desired consistency.

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

2011-04-02T04:56:00.001-07:00

We had some rainy and cold days last week- perfect for a dinner of soup and cornbread. This recipe is a great "clean-out-the-pantry" meal and can be easily adjusted to fit what's in yours! Both kids ate all of their helpings, and rumor has it my brother licked the bowl the next day at lunch!

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

1 small onion, chopped

1 c shredded carrots

5 c water

1 (6.2 oz) package fast-cooking long-grain and wild rice mix

1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped broccoli

2 c chopped cooked chicken

1 (8 oz) loaf Velveeta, cubed

1 (10 3/4 oz) can cream of chicken soup

Saute onion and carrots in a lightly greased Dutch oven over medium heat for 5 minutes.

Add 5 c water, seasoning packet from rice, broccoli, and chicken. Bring to a boil, and stir in rice; reduce heat, cover, and cook 5 minutes.

Add cheese and soup; cook, stirring constantly, 5 min or until cheese melts.

Serve immediately.

Easy Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas

2011-03-12T06:32:00.000-08:00

This was a great find in a magazine! I've made them twice and Chris always wants leftovers for lunch! Which, to be fair- the recipe only makes 6 enchiladas so you may need to double it to feed your crew. I've used both rotisserie chicken and left over grilled chicken- both worked well. These are great topped with tomatoes and avocados! {But, what isn't?!}

Easy Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas
from Campbell's Kitchen

1 can (10 3/4 ounce) cream of chicken soup
1/2 c sour cream
1 c salsa
2 tsp chili powder (I'm out of this so I replaced with cumin)
2 c chopped cooked chicken
1/2 c shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or whatever you have!)
6 flour tortillas

Heat oven to 350. Stir the soup, sour cream, salsa and chili powder in a medium bowl.
Stir 1 cup soup mixture, chicken and cheese in a large bowl.
Divide the chicken mixture among the tortillas. Roll up the tortillas and place seam-side up in a 2-quart shallow baking dish. Pour the remaining soup mixture over the filled tortillas. Cover the baking dish.
Bake for 40 minutes or until the enchiladas are hot and bubbling. Serve with your favorite toppings.

Banana Fritters

2011-02-09T07:52:00.000-08:00

I know, it's sad how poorly I've kept up with recipes on here. So sad. But, today we're snowed in (16 inches and counting!) and I made these delicious banana fritters for my family of snow bunnies. Of course, you could use apples...but we use what we have!

Banana Fritters

Ingredients

* 1/2 cup milk
* 2 bananas, mashed
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 3 teaspoons baking powder
* 2 eggs, beaten
* 1 tablespoon margarine, melted
* 1 quart vegetable oil for frying
* 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the milk and bananas. Sift in the flour, salt, and baking powder. Thoroughly mix in the eggs and margarine.

2. Heat the oil in a large skillet to 365 degrees F (180 degrees C).

3. Carefully place spoonfuls of the mixture into the hot oil and fry until brown. Flip the fritter and continue to brown. Remove fritters from the oil and drain on paper towels. Dust the fritters with confectioners' sugar and serve while warm.

And, now I also feel like a hero for updating this blog, with photos! Very Pioneer Woman-ish. Which, I kinda feel that way! Just measured 24 inches- or, honestly, my husband measured it!

Jam Cake

2010-08-02T11:46:00.001-07:00

This is my Granny Kitty's recipe. As I made it (for Mom's birthday...a long standing tradition) the other day, I tasted the batter (as every good cook does!) and had to stop and thank the Lord for the wonder of his creation. Yes, the batter is that good. And the cake doesn't disappoint either! I also asked him to give a special hug to Granny for ever introducing us to this wonder!

The original recipe called for a frosting of some sort, but our family just uses more jam and pecans as the frosting. Also, I believe the recipe is written based off of my Granny's oral directions. So, they're a bit rough, but you get the idea!

Jam Cake
1 tsp soda
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup jam (I recommend blackberry!)
1 cup butter, softened
2 cup sugar
3 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
3 well beaten eggs
pinch of salt
1 cup nuts

Preheat oven to 350. Grease, line with parchment paper, and grease again 3 8 inch round cake pans.
Put soda in buttermilk.
Mix wet ingredients together. Mix dry ingredients together. Add dry to wet, alternating with buttermilk mixture. Fold in nuts.
Pour into prepared cake pans.
Bake until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
Let cakes cool before transferring onto cake stand.
Use additional jam in between cake layers and on top. If desired (which it always is) add additional nuts on top.

Alice Springs Chicken

2010-08-02T11:41:00.001-07:00

This is a recipe from Outback Steakhouse. I first had it (homemade) my junior year of college, spring break, DC. Oh, good memories! Anyhow, it's delicious and beautiful- great for guests, but also for a special treat for the family on a regular old night! This is definitely family approved!

Alice Springs Chicken

Grilled chicken breasts
Honey Mustard sauce (recipe below)
Bacon- crisp
Sliced mushrooms (optional, always optional!)
Colby jack cheese

Preheat oven to 350. Place hot-off-of-the-grill chicken in a 13x9 dish. Coat with honey mustard sauce. Top with mushrooms, slices of bacon, and cheese. Heat in oven until cheese is melted. Use extra honey mustard sauce for dipping.
*Can top with chives.

Honey Mustard sauce
1/2 cup honey mustard dressing
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup light karo
1/4 cup mayonnaise

Mix together and enjoy!

Coca Cola Cupcakes and Frosting

2010-07-29T13:28:00.000-07:00

I'm always on a hunt for a good cupcake recipe. I found this one at www.cupcakerecipes.com. I made these for Eli's 3rd birthday. They were SO delicious! Moist and everything a good chocolate cupcake should be! They are really really good cold!

Coca Cola Cupcakes and Frosting
Part 1
1 cup coca cola
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup powdered cocoa
22 large marshmallows

Part 2
2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs, beaten

Preheat oven to 325. Line cupcake pans with paper liners. These cupcakes work best with the silver metallic liners.

Part 1
In a small saucepan mix cola, butter, oil and cocoa. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, and add marshmallows. Place lid on saucepan and leave until marshmallows begin to melt. Stir well.

Part 2
Mix flour, sugar, and baking soda in a large mixing bowl. Add buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla. Mix well.
Combine Part 1 and 2. Spoon cupcake batter into cupcake pan until they are 1/2 to 2/3 full.
Bake at 325 for approximately 25 minutes.
Cool cupcakes before frosting.

Coca Cola Frosting
1/4 cup powdered cocoa
6 Tbsp coca cola
1/2 cup butter
3 and 3/4 cup powdered sugar (or 1 lb box)
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1 tsp vanilla

In a medium saucepan, mix together cocoa, cola, and butter. Heat over medium heat until melted then bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add powdered sugar, pecans and vanilla. Stir until blended well.
Let frosting cool until still enough to frost cupcakes.

Apple-Cinnamon Muffins with Strudel Topping

2010-07-29T13:21:00.000-07:00

Had a bunch of apples that needed using...and Food Network's website is a good friend. This recipe is from Emeril and had several good reviews. It brought a little bit of fall to a very hot summer day. And, the kids love helping me make muffins!

Apple-Cinnamon Muffins with Strudel Topping

1 1/2 c flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
2 eggs
1/2 c sour cream or buttermilk
4 Tbsp melted butter
1 c brown sugar
1 c peeled, cored, and chopped apple
1/2 c chopped walnuts...I used pecans

Strudel
1/4 cup, plus 1 Tbsp finely chopped walnuts...or pecans
1/4 cup, plus 1 Tbsp brown sugar
2 Tbsp flour
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 Tbsp melted butter

Preheat oven to 375. Grease muffin pan.
Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a smaller bowl, whisk eggs, sour cream, and butter. Add sugar. Mix just until incorporated.
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Mix just enough.
Fold in apples and nuts.
Fill muffin tin 2/3 full.
Make strudel by combing all ingredients. Spoon 1 Tbsp of topping per muffin.
Bake until inserted tooth pick comes out clean. About 25 minutes.
Recipe says it makes 12 muffins, but it made 17 for me!

Cowboy Cookies

2010-06-09T12:02:00.000-07:00

I found this recipe last year on bakerella.com. I've thought about them many times. And, finally, decided this was the week to make them! Perfect for the guys to take camping and for the girls to eat at the pool! Enjoy!

Cowboy Cookies

1 1/3 c flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 c oats
3/4 c M&M's
3/4 c chocolate chips
1/2 c brown sugar
1/2 c white sugar
1/3 to 1/2 c pecans

Mix dry ingredients together.

Add:
1 slightly beaten egg
1/2 c butter, slightly melted
1 tsp vanilla

Mix well. {Mixture will appear very dry...it's ok!}
Roll into balls.
Bake for 10 minutes at 350.

The only question is to share or not?!

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

2010-06-02T09:58:00.000-07:00

My aunt sent me this recipe- it's from Southern Living. My uncle has decided it's his favorite soup. Chris really liked it (especially as leftovers!). It makes a ton- would be great to take to another family with a loaf of french bread.

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

1 Tbsp butter
1 onion, chopped
3 c cooked chicken
3 14.5-oz can chicken broth
1 can cream of chicken
1 can cream of mushroom
8-oz spaghetti noodles, broken into 2-inch pieces
7 ribs celery, diced
6 medium carrots, shredded or diced
1 tsp poultry seasoning
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp lemon rind
2 c milk
2 c cheddar cheese

In Dutch oven or large stock pot, melt butter. Add onion, saute.
Stir in chicken and next 9 ingredients. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Stir in milk. Return to simmer until incorporated.
Serve with cheese.

No-knead Chocolate and Coconut Rolls

2010-06-02T06:11:00.000-07:00

Ok. These are fantastic. I have visions of me eating all of these- only stopping to enjoy a swig of coffee! It does take some prep time, so plan accordingly!

No-Knead Chocolate and Coconut Rolls

4 c flour
1 pkg active dry yeast
1 c milk
1/3 c sugar
1/4 c butter
2 eggs
1 13-oz jar Nutella (!!!)
1 c coconut
1 recipe of icing (below)

In a large bowl, combine 2 c flour and yeast.
In a small saucepan heat and stir milk, sugar, butter, and 1/2 tsp salt just until warm and butter almost melts.
Add milk mixture and eggs to flour mixture. Beat on low for 30 seconds.
Beat on medium for 3 minutes. Stir in remaining flour.
Cover- let rise for 45-60 minutes. Dough should double.
Turn dough on flour covered surface. Cover and set for 10 minutes.
Grease large baking sheet.
Roll dough into 12x9 rectangle.
Spread 2/3 cup Nutella on dough- leaving 1/2 inch on a long side without. Sprinkle coconut. Roll up dough, beginning on long side. Pinch dough seams. Slice into 9 pieces.
Arrange on baking sheet 2 inches apart. Cover and let rise to double in size, about 45 minutes.
Bake at 350 for 15 - 20 minutes.
Drizzle with icing. Use remaining Nutella and 2-3 Tbsp milk. Stir until desired consistency.

These could easily be cut into many more smaller rolls. You can also sprinkle coconut on top of the drizzle. Enjoy!

Bananaberry Muffins

2010-06-02T06:08:00.000-07:00

This recipe is from bakerella.com. I'm trying to patiently wait for my bananas to ripen so I can whip these up! Yum!

Bananaberry Muffins

2 c flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 c sugar
1/3 c butter, room temperature
2 eggs
2 mashed, ripe bananas
1 tsp vanilla
1 c blueberries

Preheat oven to 350. Line muffin tin with baking cups.
Sift flour, baking powder, salt and sugar with wire whisk.
Add butter, eggs, bananas and vanilla.
Mix on low until just combined.
Fold in blueberries.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Serve warm with butter!

Fruit Pizza

2010-05-26T07:32:00.000-07:00

This is a crowd pleaser! You can make it the long way with all the fruit...or substitute it for pie filling! It's still very tasty and can cut down on a lot of prep time. Which, I'm doing today since my children are very needy at this present moment!

Fruit Pizza

Crust:
2 rolls sugar cookie dough

Spread dough on greased cookie sheet. Bake according to directions on package, approximately 12 minutes. Cool and cover til use.

Sauce:
2 8-oz cream cheese, softened
2/3 c sugar
2 tsp vanilla

Mix and spread over cookie.

Topping ideas:
Bananas, strawberries, pineapple tidbits, kiwi, blueberries (and any other fruit you can think of!)

Keep refrigerated until use!

Strawberry Punch

2010-05-26T07:23:00.000-07:00

This punch was served at our wedding. It's delicious!

Strawberry Punch

6 oz strawberry Jell-O
2 c hot water
1 c sugar
4 c cold water
1 10-oz can frozen strawberries
1 16 or 20-oz pineapple juice
3/4 c lemon juice
2 2-liters Sprite or 7 Up

Combine Jell-O, hot water and sugar. Stir until dissolved.
Add strawberries, lemon juice, cold water, and pineapple juice. Freeze until ready to use.
Thaw for 1 hour. Slush with knife or potato masher.
Add Sprite.
Serves 25.

Banana Split Cake

2010-05-25T20:27:00.000-07:00

Words do not describe this dessert. I crave it in the early spring/summer. I thought I was crazy because I do get a serious hankering (???) for this. And, then, come to find out it was my great-great uncle CC's favorite dessert! My Mom remembers her mom carrying it out on the back porch to serve it to the family when he visited! Isn't that fantastic?! That's what baking is all about. That's what family is all about. Love.it. And, I love this recipe!

Banana Split Cake

Crust:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup melted butter (do not use whipped margarine)
1/4 cup sugar

Mix together and press into 13x9x2 baking dish (glass works best). Chill for 1 hour.

Filling:
2 cups powdered sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup butter, softened

Cream together and spread over crust. Chill for 1 hour.

Topping:
4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
fresh strawberries, sliced
1 16-oz can crushed pineapple, drained
Cool Whip
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 jar maraschino cherries, drained and chopped

Layer the toppings over the filling in the order listed. Refrigerate.

Sour Cream Pound Cake

2010-05-25T20:24:00.001-07:00

I emailed this to a friend tonight and decided it needed a place on the ole blog. My Mom makes this a lot. As the note on the recipe I have says (from Mom), "I am famous for this cake." So funny! But, it is seriously delicious and beautiful. All things a good pound cake should be.

Sour Cream Pound Cake

1 cup butter, softened
2 1/2 cups sugar
6 eggs
3 cups flour, sifted
1/4 tsp soda
1 8-oz sour cream (or buttermilk or sour milk)
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp lemon juice

Cream butter; gradually add sugar.
Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Combine flour and soda; add to creamed mixture, alternating with sour cream. Mix well.
Stir in flavorings.
Pour batter into a greased, floured 10" tube pan.
Bake 350 for 1 hour, 15 minutes.
Cool 10 minutes in pan and invert on cake plate.
*Bakes well in two loaf pans and freezes well.

Shrimp and Corn Chowder

2010-05-25T20:19:00.001-07:00

I found this recipe in the latest Vera Bradley catalog...so, how can it not be fantastic?! I made it for a family dinner and it was a big hit. Lots of chopping...but it's colorful and very tasty!

Shrimp and Corn Chowder

2 sticks butter
3 cloves of garlic
1 bunch celery, chopped
1 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
3 cups corn
2 lbs shrimp
5 Idaho potatoes, diced
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 sweet red pepper, diced
16oz chicken broth
3 cups water
2 quarts 1/2 and 1/2 (yikes!)
8 tsp corn starch

In stock pot, melt butter. Add celery, onion, and pepper. Saute until tender.
Add next 4 ingredients.
Add potatoes, corn, water, and broth. Cook until potatoes are tender.
Add shrimp. Cook for 5 minutes.
Add 1/2 and 1/2. Cook for 5 minutes.
Mix corn starch and 1/2 cup COLD water.
Add slowly to soup, continue stirring.
Cook and thicken for 10 minutes.

Lemon Yogurt Cake

2010-04-13T07:50:00.000-07:00

This is a recipe from the Barefoot Contessa. It's delicious. The size of the cake is more of a loaf than a regular cake size. Perfect for a brunch or to take to a loved one. But, the intense lemon flavor is like non other I've ever made. It's fantastic! So good with coffee!

Lemon Yogurt Cake

Cake:
1 1/2 cup flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup yogurt
1 1/3 cup sugar, divided
3 eggs
2 tsp lemon zest (2 lemons)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup veg oil
1/3 cup lemon juice

Glaze:
1 cup powder sugar
2 Tbsp lemon juice

Preheat oven to 350. Grease 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 loaf pan. Line with parchment paper, grease and flour again.
Combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
Whisk together yogurt, 1 cup sugar, eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla.
Slowly whisk dry ingredients into yogurt mixture.
Using a rubber spatula, fold in vegetable oil until incorporated. May take a few minutes.
Pour in pan. Bake for 50 minutes.
Cook 1/3 c lemon juice and 1/3 c sugar until clear. Set aside.
Allow cake to cool for 10 minutes. Place on sheet pan or serving dish. Pour lemon sugar mix over warm cake. Cool completely.
Combine powder sugar and lemon juice. Pour over cake.

This recipe had several comments on the Food Network website. I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out great. Remember, do not use a mixer, just a whisk and rubber spatula.

This is the perfect dessert for the lemon lover in your life! I will definitely be making this again!

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

2010-04-13T07:46:00.000-07:00

This is a good recipe - not too lemony. I would recommend adding more lemon zest or lemon juice to enhance the flavor, if you want.

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

2 c flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter, at room temp
1 tsp lemon zest
2/3 c sugar
2 eggs, at room temp
4 tsp poppy seeds
1/2 c milk

Preheat oven to 350.
Mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
With mixer cream butter, zest, and 2/3 cup sugar; about 2 minutes.
Add eggs. Stir in seeds.
Fold in flour in 3 parts, alternate with milk in 2 parts. Mix until just combined.
Bake for 25 minutes.

Here's a basic topping for them -
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/8 cup cream
1/2 tsp vanilla

Melt butter and sugar together. Add cream and vanilla.
Spoon over warm muffins.

*Some things to add more lemon flavor are to use 1/2 cup lemon yogurt instead of milk and to add lemon juice or extract.

Dog Bisquits

2010-04-13T07:41:00.000-07:00

This may appear to be a strange recipe to post, but my kids love to make these...and to give them to their canine cousins! We cut them out with any cookie cutters. The favorites are ducks and bone shaped ones. If you google for a recipe, you'll find several varieties. This is a simple one - I usually have the ingredients in my pantry.

Dog Bisquits

2 c flour
2 c whole wheat flour
2 c boiling water
4 beef bouillon cubes
3 Tbsp oil
1 tsp baking powder

Dissolve the bouillon cubes in the boiling water. Mix the dry ingredients together. Add the wet ingredients.
Roll out to 1/4 inch thick. Cut.
Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.
Let treats set out overnight to dry out. These can also be frozen.

Chicken Dijon - sorta

2010-01-21T19:07:00.001-08:00

While browsing my January 2010 Southern Living this recipe caught my attention. I had all the ingredients and the picture looked lovely. Ok, well. It looked nothing like the picture, but oh my! It is delicious. It's sorta like the recipe because I had to make some changes. And, honestly, I'm not sure SL got the right servings. The original recipe called for 6 boneless/skinless chicken breasts. Well, I used 3 and not sure it could take more. Anyhow, just wanted to give clarity.

Chicken Dijon - a la Miss Kitty Cooks

3 chicken breasts
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
3 Tbsp butter
1 medium-sized red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
1 medium-sized sweet onion, cubed (I didn't have this, so I added a small can of chopped mushrooms instead)
1 (14 1/2-oz) can chicken broth
3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
3 Tbsp dijon mustard (I didn't have this, so I used horseradish mustard instead)

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper.
Melt butter in a large skillet over med-high heat; add chicken, and cook 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Remove chicken from skillet; add bell pepper and onion, and cook, stirring often, 4 to 5 minutes or until vegetables get tender. Return chicken to skillet. (I cubed the chicken. And, at this point, it will not be cooked all the way through!)
Whisk together broth and next 2 ingredients, and pour over chicken.
Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes or until chicken is done.

The magazine mentioned serving it with mashed potatoes. I think wild rice would be good with it. I served it with scalloped potatoes (recipe is on blog). I also think it would make a fantastic filling to a grilled sandwich, kinda Quizno's style. Enjoy!

Scalloped Potatoes

2010-01-21T18:56:00.000-08:00

It's a bit eerie how good these taste...especially with such few ingredients. The nutmeg gives the potatoes a deep, almost smoked flavor. Eli had two helpings!

Scalloped Potatoes

1 clove garlic, smashed
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
2 1/4 pounds potatoes, peeled and sliced very thinly
2 cups half-and-half
1 Tbsp salt
black pepper
pinch of nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350. Spray an 8x8x2 dish with Pam (or butter!). {I sprinkled garlic powder in the bottom}
In a medium saucepan, combine butter, garlic, potatoes, half-and-half, salt, pepper to taste, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil, lower the heat to med-high, and cook, stirring, until the mixture has thickened, about 5 minutes. Transfer the mixture to the prepared dish.
Bake the potatoes, basting occasionally, until lightly browned and bubbly, about 1 hour. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

*I saw on a comment of this recipe that someone put half of the potatoes in the dish, topped them with thawed and strained spinach and ham. Then, added the rest of the potatoes. After cooking, they added cheese and broiled until melted and bubbly. I think this would be a delicious version! {although, I would use turkey or chicken}

Best Brownies

2010-01-21T07:59:00.000-08:00

A good friend of mine gave me a Hershey's Classic Recipes cookbook a few Christmas' back. When you need a good and quick dessert, it's always a blessing to find you have the ingredients in your pantry!

These are classic brownies that deliver every time! The frosting is really good, but optional.

Best Brownies

1 stick butter or margarine, melted

1 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

2 eggs

1/2 cup all purpose flour

1/3 cup cocoa

1/4 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Heat oven to 350. Grease a 9-inch square pan.

Stir together butter, sugar, and vanilla. Add eggs; beat well. Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; gradually add to butter mixture, beating until well blended. Stir in nuts. Spread into prepared pan.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes. Cool and frost.

Creamy Brownie Frosting

3 Tbsp butter or margarine, softened

3 Tbsp cocoa

1 Tbsp light corn syrup or honey

1/2 tsp vanilla

1 cup powdered sugar

1 to 2 Tbsp milk

Beat butter, cocoa, corn syrup, and vanilla. Add powdered sugar and milk; beat to spreading consistency.

Apple Dumplings

2010-01-16T10:20:00.000-08:00

This recipe is from the Pioneer Woman herself. And, it was her mother's recipe. Do I need to say more?
These are super easy to make, they smell delicous, they look amazing, and your guests will gush with complements...with their mouths full! Get busy! Make these! Now!

Apple Dumplings

2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and cut into 8 slices each
2 cans crescent rolls
1 stick butter (the original recipe calls for 2, but 1 is all you need)
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
cinnamon, to taste
1 can (12oz) Mountain Dew (I use Sprite)

Roll each apple slice in a crescent roll. Place in a greased 13X9 dish.
Melt butter, gradually add sugar and barely stir. Add vanilla, stir and pour entire mixture over apples. Pour Mountain Dew around the edges of the pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
Bake at 350 for 40 minutes.
Serve with ice cream, and scoop some of the sweet sauce from the pan on top.

This dessert has an amazing deep apple taste. It just might top apple pie in my book.

As the PW says: WARNING: Prepare this dish at your own risk. It is beyond imaginable.

Pear-Raspberry Heart Pies

2010-01-16T10:06:00.000-08:00

I haven't made these...yet! This recipe was in my January Martha Stewart magazine. {I looked for a pic online, but the recipe isn't on her website. Ugh. Not a user-friendly place.} Anyhow, it makes super cute individual heart pies. And, the filling is the perfect red/pink color. I'll make it a point to take a picture when I make them! Who needs the web?

Pear-Raspberry Heart Pies
Makes 10

For the pastry
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for surface
1 tsp salt
1 tsp granulated sugar
2 sticks cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1/3 cup plus 2 Tbsp ice water

For the filling
2 firm, ripe pears (Anjou, Bartlett), peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4 inch cubes
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 Tbsp unsalted butter
3 Tbsp granulated sugar
1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
1/3 cup fresh raspberries, coarsley chopped
1 large egg yolk, lightly beaten with 1 Tbsp heavy cream, for egg wash
Sanding sugar for sprinkling

1. Make the pastry: Pulse flour, salt, and sugar in a food processor until combined. Add butter, and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some larger pieces remaining, about 5 seconds.
2. Evenly drizzle ice water over mixture. Pulse until mixture just begins to hold together, about 10 seconds. Turn out dough onto plastic wrap, and wrap. Shape into a disk. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour or overnight.
3. Make the filling: Toss pears with lemon juice. Melt butter in a medium skillet over med-high heat. Add pears, and toss to coat. Cook, adding sugar a little at a time, until pears begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in nutmeg. Transfer to a bowl, and mix in raspberries.
4. Divide dough in half, and roll out each piece to 1/8 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Refrigerate until firm, about 15 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 350. Drain pear-raspberry filling in a sieve. Cut out 20 hearts from dough unsing a 4-inch cutter, transferring them to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly brush rims of half the hearts with egg wash, and top each with 4 heaping teaspoons filling. Top with remaining hearts, and gently press around sids to seal.
6. Brush pie tops with egg wash, and sprinkle with sanding sugar. Bake until golden brown, about 40 minutes.

Ultimate Beef Stew

2010-01-03T21:32:00.000-08:00

Back in August 2008 I was walking (b/c I was pregnant with Abi Jean) on a treadmill at work, watching the Food Network. Tyler Florence had me so into this dish that I went back upstairs to my cube, turned my computer on, and printed the recipe. It's only now, January 2010 that I've gotten around to making it. I've talked about it. Thought about it. And, today, tasted it. It does not disappoint. This ain't your Mama's beef stew. It's fancy and flavorful enough to serve to guests. And, it helps that Chris licked his bowl!

Ultimate Beef Stew

1/4 cup EVOO
3 Tbsp butter
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 to 3 pounds beef chuck shoulder roast, cut into 2-inch pieces
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 bottle good quality red wine (or, since I have no clue what this means, 1 bottle of Great Value cooking red wine)
8 fresh thyme sprigs
6 garlic cloves, smashed
1 orange, zest removed in 3 (1-inch) strips
1/4 tsp ground cloves
2 bay leaves
2 1/2 cups beef stock
9 small new potatoes, scrubbed clean and cut in 1/2
1/2 pound carrots, peeled and sliced
2 cups frozen pearl onions, a large handful
1 pound white mushrooms, cut in 1/2
1/2 pound garden peas frozen or fresh

Preheat a large heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat wiht the oil and butter.
While the pan is heating, arrange the flour on a large dish. Season the cubed beef with some salt and pepper and then toss in the flour to coat. Shake off the excess flour and add the beef chunks in a single layer to the hot pan, being careful not to over crowd the pan, you might have to work in batches. Thoroughly brown all of the cubes on all sides. Once all the meat has been browned remove it to a plate and reserve.
Add the wine to the pan and bring up ot a simmer while you scrape the bottom of the pan with a wood spoon being sure to loosen up all those tasty bits. Once the wine has gotten hot add the browned meat, thyme, smashed garlic, orange zest strips, ground cloves, freshly ground black pepper and salt, bay leaves and beef stock. Bring the mixture up to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered until the liquids start to thicken, about 15 to 20 minutes. Cover and cook on low heat for 2 1/2 hours.
After 2 hours add potatoes, carrots, pearl onions, and mushrooms, along with a pinch of sugar to balance the acid from the wine. Turn the heat up and bring to a simmer, uncovered for 30 minutes, until the vegetables and meat are tender. Add the frozen peas during the last minute of cooking. Season with salt and pepper, remove the thyme sprigs.
To serve, place the soup in a bowl, top with parsley, sprinkle with olive oil and add a dollop of Horseradish Sour Cream. Right before serving add a slice of peasant bread, half submerged in the soup.

Horseradish Sour Cream
1 cup sour cream
1 Tbsp prepared horseradish
Olive oil
Chives, finely chopped

Combine sour cream, horseradish, and a drizzle of olive oil in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Add a dollop to the stew and top with chives.

Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

2010-01-03T21:20:00.000-08:00

I'm considering making these for Abi's 1st birthday party! They're from a Martha Stewart magazine and the picture is delicious.

Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

12 ounce strawberries, hulled and cup into 1/4-inch dice (2 cups)
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup plus 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
2 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp coarse salt
3 ounces (6 Tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
2/3 cup heavy cream

Preheat oven to 375. Combine strawberries, lemon juice, and 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar.
Whish together flour, baking powder, salt, and remaining 7 Tablespoons granulated sugar in a large bowl.
Cut in butter with a pastry cutter, or rub in with your fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in cream until dough starts to come together, then stir in strawberry mixture.
Using a 1 1/2 inch icecream scoop, or Tablespoon, drop dough onto baking sheet lined with parchment, spacing evenly apart. Sprinkle with sanding sugar, and bake until golden brown, about 25 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool.
Cookies are best served immediately, but can be stored in an air-tight container for up to 1 day.
Makes about 3 dozen.

Impossible Pumpkin Pie

2010-01-03T21:16:00.000-08:00

This is a Weight Watchers recipe...but you wouldn't know it by how good it is!

Impossible Pumpkin Pie

1 15-oz can pumpkin pie filling
1/2 cup lowfat bisquick
1 cup evaporated skim milk
2 egg whites
1/2 cup splenda
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon

Mix and beat together.
Pour into a 9" pie pan.
Bake at 350 for 40 minutes.

Makes 6 servings. 3 points each.

Salted Caramel Strawberries

2009-12-04T14:41:00.000-08:00

I first saw this recipe in my April 2009 Southern Living. It's been begging me to make them! Well, today is that day! I've made them for a Elf 'n Burritos. A night where our friends get together to eat burritos and watch the movie Elf. They are simple to make and very pretty. A perfect combination of sweet and salty. I think it's sure to be a crowd favorite! Sorry for the picture quality, it was taken with a phone.

Salted Caramel Strawberries

20 large fresh strawberries (rinsed and dried)
40 caramels
3 Tbsp whipping cream
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/4 cup coarsely chopped mixed nuts
Wax paper

Pat strawberries completely dry with paper towels.
Microwave caramels, 3 Tbsp whipping cream, and 1/4 tsp salt in a 1-qt microwave-safe bowl at MEDIUM (50%) power for 3 1/2 minutes, stirring at 1 minute intervals.
Dip each strawberry halfway into caramel mixture. Roll in nuts, and place on lightly greased wax paper. Let stand 15 minutes.
Serve immediately, or cover and chill up to 8 hours.

*I used the new Kraft Caramel bits, no wrappers!
*I would just use chopped peanuts next time.
*Definitely spray your wax paper. I know it's weird, but it'll keep the caramel from sticking.

Bran Muffins

2009-12-01T20:00:00.001-08:00

This recipe makes a ton. Seriously. I have a specific large tupperware for when I make this. This is an ESSENTIAL make some a lady having a baby...for many reasons. It makes a ton and lasts for 6 weeks. Plus, all those key benefits of fiber! Enough said, enjoy!

Bran Muffins

1 cup oil
4 eggs, beaten
3 cups sugar (or splenda)
1 quart buttermilk
4 cups bran flakes
1 tsp salt
5 cups flour (or whole wheat flour)
5 tsp baking soda
2 cups All Bran
2 cups boiling water

In a small bowl, mix together boiling water and All Bran. Set aside.
Mix sugar and oil. Beat in eggs. Add buttermilk, flour, soda, and salt.
Add water and All Bran mixture. Fold in bran flakes.
Bake in greased muffin pans at 350 for 18-20 minutes.
Can be kept in refrigerator for 6 weeks.

*I usually do a mixture of regular sugar and splenda and regular flour and whole wheat flour.
*These are great with cinnamon and cut up apples. Or butter and syrup!

Lemon Curd Pound Cake

2009-11-24T08:17:00.000-08:00

This is such an easy cake! And, absolutely beautiful. It has a golden color, light crust, and smells fantastic! Everything a pound cake should be. It's from my 2009 Southern Living Christmas Cookbook that my aunt gave me. I made it in two loaf pans and it still took the same time to bake. It's a must-make!

Look how the lemon curd drips down the side...

Lemon Curd Pound Cake

1 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup shortening

3 cups sugar

6 large eggs

3 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/8 tsp salt

1 cup milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp lemon extract

Beat butter and shortening at medium speed until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until the yellow yolk disappears.

Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add flour mixture to butter mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Beat batter at low speed just until blended after each addition. Stir in vanilla and lemon extracts.

Pour into greased and floured 12-cup tube pan.

Bake at 325 for 1 1/2 hours. Cool in pan for 10 minutes. Remove from pan, carefully brush Lemon Curd over top and side of cake.

Lemon Curd

2/3 cup sugar

1 1/2 Tbsp butter, melted

2 tsp grated fresh lemon peel

2 Tbsp lemon juice

1 large egg, lightly beaten

Stir together first 4 ingredients in a small saucepan; add egg, stirring until blended.

Cook mixture, stirring constantly, over low heat, 10 to 12 minutes until mixture thickens slightly and begins to bubble on the edges. Remove from heat.

Brush it immediately on cake, it will continue to thicken as it cools.

Hashbrown Casserole

2009-11-24T08:14:00.001-08:00

Not much to say except this is a family favorite. And, well, anyone who tries it, it's their new favorite too!

Hashbrown Casserole

2 pounds frozen hashbrowns
2/3 cup melted butter
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
2 cups sour cream
1/2 cup shopped onion
10 oz grated cheddar cheese

Topping:
2 cups corn flakes
1/2 cup melted butter

Thaw potatoes
Combine all ingredientsin a large bowl, adding hashbrowns last.
Pour into a 13x9 greased baking dish.
Sprinkle with toppings.
Bake for 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours at 350.

Grape Jello Salad

2009-11-24T08:11:00.001-08:00

Ms. Karen Clark brought this to our church's Thanksgiving dinner. It's a great alternative to cranberries for the holidays. But, I love anything with fruit and jello! This recipe can easily be halved.

Grape Jello Salad

2 packages grape jello
1 large can crushed pineapple
1 large can blueberry pie filling
2 cups hot water

Mix jello and water until incorporated. Add pineapple and pie filling. Congeal in the refrigerator

Top:
8 oz sour cream
8 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup sugar

Mix together. Spread over jello. Optional, can top with pecans.

Pumpkin Dump Cake

2009-11-15T15:16:00.001-08:00

Oh my! This could easily become a Thanksgiving staple! It's easy to make and delicious! We first had this at our Thanksgiving Rehearsal Dinner with our friends. Basically, it's an annual tradition where we try out new recipes with our friends! You should have one too!

Pumpkin Dump Cake

1 16-20oz can pumpkin
1 12-oz can evaporated milk
1 1/4 cup sugar
4 eggs, beaten
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 box yellow cake mix
2 sticks butter, melted
1 cup chopped pecans

Combine pumpkin, milk, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, and spice.
Pour in ungreased 13x9 dish.
Sprinkle cake mix and pecans on top.
Pour melted butter on top.
Bake at 350 for 1 hour.

*You can easily make a half recipe.

Creamy Poblano Chicken with Cornbread Waffles

2009-11-12T21:18:00.000-08:00

This is a keeper! Chris and my company thoroughly enjoyed them...even my son and nephews! This recipe is from my new Southern Living Christmas Cookbook that my aunt surprised me with!

Creamy Poblano Chicken

3 Tbsp butter
1 large sweet onion, chopped
2 poblano peppers, seeded and diced
3 garlic cloves, diced
8 skinned and boned chicken breast halves; cut into bite sized pieces
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
8-oz sour cream
8-oz shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Melt butter in a Dutch oven. Add onion, chili pepper, and garlic; saute 5 minutes. Add chicken, salt, and pepper; cook, stirring often, 8 to 10 minutes or until chicken is done. Stir in soup and sour cream until smooth. Add cheese, and cook 7 to 8 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve over Cornbread Waffles.

*I only used 1 can of cream of mushroom.

Cornbread Waffles

1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp sugar
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
1 large egg
1 1/2 cups white shoepeg corn
1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup butter, melted

Stir together first 5 ingredients in a large bowl. Stir together egg and next 3 ingredients. Add to cornmeal mixture, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened.
Bake waffles in a preheated, oiled waffle iron just until crispy.
Yields 12 (4-inch) waffles

*I used yellow corn verses white

Cinnamon-Pumpkin Dumplings

2009-11-12T21:12:00.000-08:00

This is a great and different recipe. Pretty simple. And, pretty delicious! And, pretty!

Cinnamon-Pumpkin Dumplings

1 cup canned pumpkin
2 Tbsp maple syrup
3 Tbsp brown sugar
1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice
16 packaged won ton wrappers
cinnamon and sugar

Preheat oven to 400. Mix pumpkin, syrup, brown sugar, and spice.
Place a won ton wrapper on flat surface. Spoon 1 teaspoon of pie filling into center. Moisten edges of won top with water and fold in half to form triangles. Press edges to seal.
Arrange won tons on a non-greased baking sheet. Lightly coat won tons with non-stick spray. Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top.
Bake for 15 minutes. Turn and bake additional 2 minutes.

*I used egg roll wrappers instead and used 2 1/2 Tbsp of filling.
*I served these with vanilla ice cream!!!

Green Chili Grits

2009-11-12T06:32:00.000-08:00

Yummy-to-my-tummy! These are delicious! And, great for guests or to take to a get-together. These were made for my sister-in-laws bridal brunch by Sara.

Green Chili Grits

6 cups boiling water
2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups grits
1 lb Velveeta
1 can green chilis
1 1/2 sticks butter
3 eggs

Cook grits in boiling water and salt until done. Cut cheese in chunks and stir with grits until melted. Add chilis, butter, and eggs. *You can add pepper and garlic is desired.
Pour into a 13x9 greased pan.
Bake at 300 for about an hour.
Let cool slightly then top with sliced tomatoes. Or serve them on the side.

Banana Nut Muffins

2009-11-03T20:35:00.001-08:00

Ok, I am totally devoted to my original banana bread recipe. But, I was needing to use some ripe bananas and needing to make mini-muffins. So, I found this one from one of my favorite chefs, Tyler Florence. It's simple and make beautiful, golden muffins. An added bonus is that your home will smell heavenly.

Banana Nut Muffins

2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 overripe bananas
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup pecans, chopped

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside. Mash 2 bananas with a fork in a small bowl so they still have a bit of texture.
With an electric mixer, whip the remaining bananas and sugar together like you mean it, for about 3 minutes. (yes, the recipe actually used this line!)
Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla and beat well. Mix in the dry ingredients just until incorporated. Fold in the nuts and the mashed bananas with a rubber spatula.
Spoon the batter into the muffin tins to fill them about halfway.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes.

I made about 36 mini muffins. I also always use salted butter. Still tasted great! Enjoy!

Blueberry Muffins

2009-11-03T20:28:00.000-08:00

These muffins are so pretty! I actually didn't have enough blueberries, so I used blackberries instead. I was concerned the muffins would not be as good (because blackberries are bitter tasting), but Chris thought the streusel made the difference! Happy baking!

Blueberry Muffins

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 cup white sugar
1/3 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 400. Grease muffin cups or line with muffin liners.
Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 3/4 cup sugar, salt and baking powder. In a separate bowl, combine oil, egg and milk. Mix with flour mixture. Fold in blueberries. Fill muffin cups right to the top, and sprinkle with crumb topping mixture.
To make crumb topping, mix remaining ingredients. Mix with a fork, and sprinkle over muffins before baking.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Makes 8 large muffins.

I made mini muffins. It made about 36 of them. They baked for 15 minutes. Perfect, beautiful domes.

Pumpkin Dip

2009-10-28T08:42:00.000-07:00

Ok, this recipe is delicious! This was made by my suite Anna at Tara's baby shower. She served it in a small pumpkin, with the stem on the side! It brought our food table to a new level! This is sure to be a hit at your next get-together!

Pumpkin Dip

3/4 can pumpkin pie mix
2 (8-oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Mix all ingredients and serve with gingersnaps and shortbread cookies.

Baked Potato Soup

2009-10-28T08:35:00.000-07:00

Oh my! I usually don't like potato soups because, well, baked potatoes are my #1 favorite food and the soups don't usually have a lot of flavor. But, my, oh, my! This soup is fantastic! Make it today! My suite Tara made this the weekend of her baby shower. It's a crock-pot recipe, so you know, it's easy and dinner is ready without a lot of prep! Enjoy!!!

Baked Potato Soup

6 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 large onion, chopped
3 (14-oz) cans chicken broth with roasted garlic
1/4 cup butter
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 cup whipping cream or half-and-half
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
bacon pieces
chopped chives
sour cream
shredded cheddar cheese

Combine first 6 ingredients in a crock pot.
Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours, or until potatoes are tender.
Mash mixture until potatoes are coarsely chopped and soup in slightly thickened.
Stir in cream, and cheese.
Serve with bacon pieces, chopped chives, sour cream, and cheese.

*I couldn't find chicken broth with roasted garlic. So, I just used regular broth and added garlic powder.
*I made this with crumbled pepper bacon. The bacon adds some deep flavor!

Thai Chicken Pizza

2009-09-23T11:19:00.000-07:00

This pizza is delicious! A very different taste that will please your palete! Lots of flavors...plum sauace, peanut butter, lime! I made this for company last night and they all liked it. It was great paired with a green salad! The credit for this recipe is given to Ashley over at her blog.

Thai Chicken Pizza

Plum Sauce (I used 1/2 jar per pizza)
Package of mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 lbs cooked chicken (I cooked mine in olive oil, salt, and pepper), cubed or shredded
2 Tablespoons of olive oil
2 Tablespoons of reduced sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon of hot sauce
2 Tablespoons of montreal steak seasoning
1 teaspoon of honey
1 teaspoon of lime juice
2 Tablespoons of peanut butter

Take your crust and brush with olive oil. Add the plum sauce & 1/2 bag of mozzarella cheese. Bake on 425 for 10 minutes. Take out and cool.

In pan heat the olive oil, soy sauce, hot sauce, seasoning, honey, lime juice, and peanut butter on low. Then poor in your chicken and mix. Once covered poor onto pizza and then cover with more mozzarella cheese. Place back into over until cheese is melted.

Here are my alterations:

-I used Pillsbury pizza crust, baked it for 13 minutes versus 10.

-I doubled the sauce mixture that coats the chicken (otherwise it was too dry looking!)

-I would only use 1 Tablespoon of the montreal steak seasoning, it is very powerful

-I would add chopped peanuts (for the crunch factor!)

Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce

2009-08-18T19:22:00.000-07:00

This.changed.my.life.
forever.
You must make this now!
Plus, your home will smell A-mazing!

Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce

3 pounds Romanita tomatoes (or equal parts Roma and Cherry), cut in half
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
12 cloves garlic, peeled
2 Tablespoons fresh oregano or basil leaves
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 400. On a cookie tray (or roasting pan), combine the tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, basil or oregano, salt and pepper. Roast until the tomatoes begin to carmamelize, about 30 to 45 minutes.
Remove from oven and allow to cool to room temperature.
Place tomatoes in blender. Blend to desired consistency. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of water or chicken broth to achieve the desired consistency.
Use as a dipping sauce for vegetables, on toasted bread, pizza, or pasta.

Spicy Dipping Sauce

2009-08-18T19:19:00.000-07:00

Here's the yummy spicy Ranch-like sauce...

Spicy Dipping Sauce

1 cup sour cream
2 Tablespoons buttermilk
1 medium shallot, finely chopped
1 Tablespoon chopped chives
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
dash of hot sauce
salt and pepper

Add all ingredients into a serving bowl and mix until incorporated. Cover with plastic wrap and let flavors marinate for at least 1 hour.

Fried Zucchini

2009-08-18T19:11:00.000-07:00

I'll admit. I'm a Food Network junkie. While at my parents home (b/c I don't have cable at my own house) all I want to do is watch channel 53! No matter how tired I am I can always make it through another episode! This recipe is from The Neely's.

Fried Zucchini

Peanut oil, for frying
3 large zucchini, cut into 1/2 inch rounds
1/2 cup flour
1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs (I'm addicted to these!)
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
2 Tablespoons finely chopped parsley leaves
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
salt and pepper
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup water
Spicy dipping sauce (recipe posted separately)

Measure flour into a pie plate. In another pie plate combine panko, Parmesan, parsley, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper, to taste. In a third plate add eggs and water. Dredge the zucchini in the flour, followed by the egg and finally in the panko.
Working in batches, place the breaded zucchini slices in the hot oil and fry until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain on a paper towel lined sheet tray and immediately season with salt and pepper.

Oven Fried Chicken

2009-08-18T19:04:00.000-07:00

Thanks Paula Deen for this tasty recipe! I didn't cook the chicken directly on the oven racks...but, it was still yummy! Plus, I'm a sucker for Panko bread crumbs!!!

Oven Fried Chicken

2 cups Panko bread crumbs
1 cup grated Parmesan
4 Tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 Tablespoons freshly minced thyme leaves
Kosher salt and black pepper
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 Tablespoons water
2 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/4 inch thickness

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Place a cooling rack over pan and spray rack with nonstick cooking spray.
In a shallow dish, combine bread crumbs, cheese, 2 Tablespoons olive oil, thyme, salt and pepper, to taste. In a separate shallow dish combine mustard, water, salt and pepper, to taste, and remaining olive oil. Coat each chicken breast with mustard mixture; dredge each in bread crumb mixture. Place on prepared rack in pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until chicken is golden brown.
Serve immediately.

Grape Salad

2009-06-26T06:29:00.000-07:00

Katera and Susan went to Ouachita University to one of Kitty’s wedding showers. The next day, we went to lunch at a tearoom. This salad was served and Katera asked for the recipe. They would not give it to us, but needless-to-say, we prevailed. Kitty worked with someone at the OBU Business Office who had a friend that had worked at the tearoom. This lady gave us the recipe. We LOVE it. It will be a regular part of our special family dinners, as well as a wonderful time to remember the fun weekend we in Arkadelphia. (this is the text from our recipe)

Grape Salad

4 lbs. seedless green or red grapes

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese

1 (8 oz) container sour cream

½ cup white sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

4 ounces pecan bits

2 tablespoons brown sugar

Preparation:

Wash and dry grapes.
In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, sugar and vanilla.
Add grapes and mix until evenly incorporated.
Sprinkle with brown sugar and pecans, mix again and refrigerate until time to serve.

Note: To make the sauce taste more caramel, make the day before

Stuffed Mushrooms

2009-06-25T13:42:00.000-07:00

This recipe sends me immediately to family gatherings during the winter! So fantastic...always a hit!

Stuffed Mushrooms

1 large package whole, fresh mushrooms

wash and de-stem, chop stems very fine

1 pound bulk sausage, mild or hot

brown and drain

Add stems and sausage together in black skillet.

Add onion powder.

Add 1 block Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)

Cook until cheese melts.

Stuff mushrooms.

Heat in oven (350) for 10 - 15 minutes.

EAT! EAT! EAT!

Seafood Casserole

2009-06-25T13:40:00.000-07:00

This is a delicious recipe from a missionary family from Mexico.

Seafood Casserole

Saute onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic in 1 stick butter. Add 1 can cream of mushroom soup and 1 cup raw shrimp and 1 pound crab meat. Mix with 2 cups cooked rice.

Place in casserole dish sprayed with Pam. Add bread crumbs or cheese.

Bake at 350 for 20 - 30 minutes.

We LOVE to eat this with french bread and salad!

Souffled Corn

2009-06-25T13:37:00.000-07:00

This is super easy and yummy. I'm making it for a church lunch this Sunday.

Souffled Corn

2 cans whole kernal corn

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup sugar

1 Tbsp flour

1/2 cup evaporated milk

2 eggs, well beaten

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 Tbsp butter, melted

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350.

In medium saucepan, heat 1/2 cup butter with 1/2 cup sugar until butter is melted. Stir in flour. Remove from heat.

Gradually stir in milk. Add eggs and baking powder; mix well. Fold in corn. Pour into buttered 1 quart casserole dish.

Bake for 40 minutes. Brush with melted butter. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.

Makes 6-8 servings.

Snickerdoodles

2009-06-25T13:35:00.001-07:00

This recipe was my Granny Kitty's. Oh my. These are amazing. Especially warm. With either coffee or milk. Or coffee milk.

Snickerdoodles

1 cup shortening

1 1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs

*Mix well

2 3/4 cups flour

2 tsp cream of tarter

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

*Sift together. Add to cream mixture.

Roll cookie dough balls in 2 Tbsp sugar and 2 Tbsp cinnamon.

Bake at 400 degrees, about 8 minutes.

Do not double batch. Make each recipe separate.

I made these this morning...it made 60 small/med cookies.

Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

2009-06-09T04:16:00.000-07:00

This is addictive. So delicious! Thanks, Glenda!

Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

1 8oz pkg cream cheese
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup powdered sugar
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1/4 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup miniature chocolate chips
3/4 cup finely chopped pecans
Honey AND chocolate graham crackers.

In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Mix in sugars and vanilla.
Stir in chocolate chips. Cover and chill for 2 hours.
Shape chilled cream cheese mixture into a ball. Wrap with plastic and chill for 1 hour.
Roll the cheese ball in finely chopped pecans before serving.
Serve with graham crackers.

Easy Crisp Cucumber Salad

2009-06-09T04:13:00.000-07:00

This is very fresh and makes a lot. Great for summer gettogethers.

Easy Crisp Cucumber Salad

4 large cucumbers
8 radishes, thinly sliced
1/2 cup crumbed feta cheese (I use mozerrela)
1/3 cup Zesty Italian Dressing
1/3 cup sliced black olives
1/4 cup chopped red onion

Peel and cut cucumbers into 1 inch thick cubes. Toss with remaining ingredients.

Hot 'N Cheesy Crab Dip

2009-06-09T04:05:00.001-07:00

Hot 'N Cheesy Crab Dip

1 lb Velveeta, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 can (6.5 oz) crabmeat, drained, flaked
4 green onions, sliced
1/2 cup chopped red bell peppers
1/2 cup sour cream
1/8 tsp ground red pepper

Mix first 4 ingredients in large microwaveable blow. Microwave on HIGH for 5 minutes, or until Velveeta is completely melted, stirring after 3 minutes.
Stir in remaining ingredients.
Serve with assorted vegetables and crackers.

Lemon Lime Punch

2009-05-13T11:23:00.001-07:00

This is a great punch - sweet and yellow! Most punches are pink and strawberry based...making this punch a hit! (No pun intended!)

Lemon Lime Punch

3 pkgs lemonade (unsweetened)

1 1/2 cups pineapple juice

2 1/2 to 3 cups sugar (add to taste)

water (add to taste)

1 sliced lemon

1 sliced lime

Mix lemonade, pineapple juice, and sugar in punch bowl.

Add water to desired consistency and taste.

When ready to serve, add sliced lemon and lime. They will float at the top of the punch!

*To fill the container in the picture I doubled the recipe.

*I always freeze part of the punch and add it to the container at the party.

Banana Nut Bread

2009-05-13T11:00:00.000-07:00

Every true Southern lady must have a staple Banana Bread recipe. It is perfect for hostessing, loving on your family, and taking to a friend. When I was a new bride I remember stressing about living up to my Mom's bread. I was living at my PaPaw's house at the time and wanted to use up the yucky bananas. So, I got a cookbook that was a wedding present and saw that I had all the ingredients. My PaPaw said it was some of the best that he'd ever had and that it reminded him of old-fashioned cake. So, since it was good enough for him, it would be forever more! And, I've stopped looking for another Banana Bread recipe!

I also call this "Poor Man's Banana Bread" - because the ingredients are simple. My Mom's calls for sour cream, making it "Rich Man's Banana Bread." On to the recipe...

Banana Nut Bread

3 cups sugar

1 cup oil

4 eggs

2 to 3 very ripe bananas

2/3 cups water

1 cup chopped nuts

3 1/2 cups self-rising flour

2 tsp cinnamon

Cream sugar and oil. Add eggs and bananas. Mix well.

Stir together flour and cinnamon and add this to sugar/egg mixture, alternating with water.

Stir in nuts.

Pour into two well-greased bread pans. Bake at 350 for 1 hour and 10 minutes.

*This will make your home smell divine! I've heard that making this (and making your home smell wonderfully) is a great tip for selling your home!

*The loaves also freeze very well.

PF Chang's Lettuce Wraps

2009-05-11T09:10:00.000-07:00

This is the MOST delicious meal! If you're in a rut of same-ole, same-ole...this recipe has flavors that are refreshing! Plus, they make a whole meal versus the appetizer (that costs as much as an entree) at PF Chang's.

Lettuce Wraps

2 lbs ground turkey

5 cloves minced garlic

1/2 chopped onion

1 can water chestnuts (optional)

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup white wine

1/2 tsp ginger

dash of all spice

2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 head of lettuce

Plum Sauce (at WalMart in Asian section)

Place turkey in crock pot. Dump onions, garlic, and water chestnuts on top of turkey.

Mix liquids and spices. Pour over turkey and vegetables.

Cover and cook 4-6 hours on High or 6-8 hours on Low. Stir occassionally.

Serve over lettuce leaves.

*I've used purple onion and made it without allspice.

*For an American kick...add cheese and sour cream.

*You can also top with green onions.

BBQ Beef

2009-05-11T08:46:00.000-07:00

I currently have this in my crock pot. It smells divine! I'll update the post with comments after we eat tonight!
Ok, yes! It is super good! I was a bit skeptical...but the meat was so tender and shredded easily! Perfect with cole slaw and lemonade!

BBQ Beef

3 lbs beef stew meat
2 cups chopped onions
2 cups chopped green pepper
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 tsp chili powder
2 tsp salt
1 tsp dry mustard
1/4 cup vinegar
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
6 oz can tomato paste
sandwich buns

In slow cooker combine all ingredients except buns. Cook on low setting 8-10 hours or until meat is tender.
With wire whisk stir BBQ to break up meat pieces. Serve on buns.

*To prepare in oven, place all ingredients except buns in Dutch oven or large casserole. Cover; bake at 325 degrees for 4 hours
*I didn't have onion, green peppers, or dry mustard. I sprinkled in mustard seed.
*Instead of ground beef, I used round steak (for those with meat from the farm: 1 pkg of round steak)

Beef Stroganoff

2009-05-11T08:35:00.001-07:00

Nothing says "Mom" like a meal that warms your insides! My Mom makes great stroganoff...and while at her house last week, I browed one of her cookbooks (Pots, Pans, and Pioneers - love the name!) and saw "good" written beside the stroganoff recipe. So, I made it. Sorry, no pictures...it was consumed as soon as it was made!

Beef Stroganoff

1 cup minced onion
1/4 tsp minced garlic
1/2 cup butter
2 lbs ground beef
4 Tbsp flour
4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 can mushroom soup
2 cups sour cream
Egg noodles, cooked

Brown onion and garlic over medium heat, add beef and brown. Do not drain.
Add flour, salt, pepper, and soup. Cook 5 minutes, then simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
Stir in sour cream. Heat through and serve over noodles.

*Since you don't drain the beef, use lean meet, or use less butter.
*I made this with 1/2 beef and 1/2 turkey.
*For color, top with green onions.
*This recipe is dynamic on top of a baked potato, add cheese (of course!).

Laundry Detergent

2009-04-30T20:09:00.000-07:00

***Taken, word-for-word from Our Simple Life.

4 Cups hot tap water
1 bar soap (Fels Naptha, Ivory, Sunlight, or Zote)
1 Cup washing soda
1/2 Cup Borax

Grate bar of soap and add to sauce pan with 4 cups hot water. Cook and stir constantly over medium low heat until soap is melted.
Fill 5 gallon bucket half way with hot tap water. Add washing soda, borax, and melted soap then stir until dissolved. Fill remainder of bucket with hot tap water.
Let bucket sit overnight to thicken. Pour detergent in a cleaned leftover laundry container half way, fill the other half with water.
*Shake before each use as the water and detergent will separate*

For top loading machine use 5/8 cup of detergent per load
For front loading machine use 1/4 cup of detergent per load

I timed myself and it literally took me 20 minutes to make the detergent. {Kitty: I can confirm, it took me 19 minutes!} I figure you can always find 20 minutes in your schedule to do something you consider important, and I consider saving this much money worth my time. Plus, you know my laundry will be expanding in another 6 months!

Here is a cost break down:

Washing soda $2.89
Borax $2.98
Ivory Soap $1.07 (3 bars)
5 gallon bucket $4.24
Bucket lid $1.27

Total: $13.15+tax

This makes 180 loads for a top load and 640 for a front load machine.

I had to purchase the washing soda at Harps since our Walmart did not carry it. {Kitty: I can also confirm to this.} You can find this and Borax with the laundry detergents.
I have enough ingredients to make two more batches and maybe enough borax and washing soda to do 4. The cost of the bucket is the most expensive thing and I won't ever have to purchase another one. So, if I can make three full batches of detergent from these three ingredients it will now only cost me $.04 per load!
{Kitty: SO FUN!!!}

Veggie Pizza

2009-04-23T19:54:00.000-07:00

Delicious, very pretty, and a great twist on crudettes.

Veggie Pizza

2 packages of croissant rolls
1 cup sour cream
1 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 package dry Ranch dip
1 tsp dill weed
1/4 tsp garlic salt
Finely chopped vegetables
Shredded cheese

Preheat oven to 350. On a lightly greased baking sheet, spread the croissant rolls across it. Blend the seams together. Using a fork, poke holes throughout the dough.
Bake for 10 minutes. Cool completely.
Mix together sour cream, cream cheese, Ranch dip, dill, and garlic salt. Spread mixture onto croissant rolls.
Top with finely chopped vegetables. You can use any combination of: broccoli, cauliflour, carrots, bell pepper, radish, cucumber. Top with cheese.
Chill for up to 2 hours.
Cut into small squares and serve.

Hot Onion Dip

2009-04-23T19:47:00.000-07:00

Another fantastic and easy recipe!

Hot Onion Dip

3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 onion, finely chopped*
2 cups Parmesan cheese, shredded
1/2 cup mayonnaise

Mix all ingredients together.
Pour into a lightly greased 9x9 dish.
Bake at 400 for 30 minutes, or until the top is brown.
Serve with assorted crackers and/or vegetables.

*I buy the pre-cut onion, bell pepper, celery package in the frozen section of WalMart. The taste is great and it adds a little color too!

Chicken Salad

2009-04-23T19:40:00.000-07:00

I've been using this recipe for the past 4 years! I got it from Anna, a college roommate. Honestly, it is our family's favorite thing to eat. I used to have the quantities, but now, I make it from memory. Basically, I work it until I get the consistency that I like.

1 rotisserie chicken, pulled apart
grapes, quartered
2 small packages of slivered almonds
rosemary, to taste
mayonnaise

Mix all ingredients until desired consistency.
Serve with crackers or as a sandwich.

Sugar Cookies and Royal Icing

2009-04-06T20:05:00.001-07:00

I can honestly say that I get compliments on these cookies every time I make them. Using real butter (vs margarine) makes the cookies much sweeter!

Sugar Cookies

1 cup sugar
1 cup butter, softened
3 Tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
3 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

In a large bowl, combine sugar, butter, milk, vanilla, and egg. Blend well.
Add flour, baking powder, and salt; mix well. Mix flour mixture with sugar mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Heat oven to 400. On lightly floured surface, roll out 1/3 of dough at a time to 1/8-inch thickness. Keep remaining dough refrigerated.
Cut with floured cookie cutters. Place on ungreased cookie sheets. If desired, sprinkle with sugar.
Bake for 5 - 9 minutes.

Royal Icing
This makes the nice glossy looking icing.

2 egg whites
2 teaspoons lemon juice
3 cups powdered sugar

In a medium sized bowl combine all ingredients. Beat until soft peeks form.
Use food coloring to make desired colored icing.
Use icing immediately or cover with plastic wrap.

Gingerbread Bites With Orange-Cream Cheese Frosting

2009-04-06T10:54:00.000-07:00

Unfrosted muffins may be frozen in freezer bags up to 1 week. Frost and garnish in the morning and refrigerate until serving time.

1 3/4 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
4 large eggs
2 large carrots, finely grated (1 cup)
1 cup minced fresh ginger (1/2 pound)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, toasted
Orange-Cream Cheese Frosting (below)
Garnishes: small pecan halves, crystallized ginger, orange rind strips

Beat sugar and vegetable oil at med speed with mixer for 3 minutes or until smooth. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in grated carrots and fresh ginger.
Combine flour and next 6 ingredients; gradually add to egg mixture, beating at low speed until moistened. Stir in pecans.
Pour batter into lightly greased mini muffin tins, filling two-thirds full.
Bake at 350 for 12 to 15 minutes. Cook in pan on wire rack for 5 minutes. Remove from pan, and cool completely on wire racks. Spread tops evenly with Orange-Cream Cheese Frosting.

Orange-Cream Cheese Frosting

2 (8 ounce) pkgs cream cheese, softened
2 Tablespoons orange liqueur (or orange juice)
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Beat softened cream cheese and orange liqueur at medium speed with an electric mixer until blended. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.

Creamy Peppermint Punch

2009-04-06T10:51:00.000-07:00

This is a Christmas drink - but, I could enjoy peppermint flavors all year long!

1 quart eggnog
1 (1-liter) bottle club soda, chilled
1/2 gallon peppermint ice cream, softened
Hard peppermint candies, crushed

Stir together first 3 ingredients in a punch bowl or large bowl; sprinkle with peppermint candy, and serve immediately.

*Punch may be made ahead, without crushed peppermint candies, and chilled 2 hours.
*If you serve this in a large punch bowl, hang peppermint candy canes on the bowl's rim.

Dill Mini-Muffins

2009-04-06T10:49:00.000-07:00

Makes about 3 dozen.
Baked muffins may be frozen in an airtight container up to 1 month.

1 cup butter, softened
1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
2 cups self-rising flour
1 Tablespoon dill seed
2 Tablespoons dried parsley flakes
1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Beat softened butter at medium speed with mixer until creamy; add sour cream, and beat at low speed until blended.
Combine flour and next 3 ingredients. Stir flour mixture into butter mixture until blended. Spoon dough into greased miniature muffin pans, filling three-fourths full.
Bake at 375 for 22 to 25 minutes or until golden.

Tex-Mex Salisbury Steak

2009-04-06T10:44:00.000-07:00

1 pound ground round
1/2 pound hot or mild ground pork sausage
1 small onion, chopped
1 large egg
1/2 cup fine, dry breadcrumbs
1/4 cup mild salsa
2 Tablespoons taco seasoning mix
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, divided
1 (2.64 ounce) pkg country-style gravy mix
1 (14.5 ounce) can beef broth
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained

Combine first 7 ingredients and 1 Tablespoon cilantro. Shape mixture into 6 (1/3-inch thick) patties.
Heat a lightly greased large nonstick skillet over med-high heat. Add patties; reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 8 to 10 min per side or until center is no longer pink. Remove from skillet. Wipe pan clean.
Whisk together gravy mix, broth, tomatoes with chiles, and remaining cilantro. Cook over med heat 1 min or until thickened. Return patties to skillet, and cook until thoroughly heated.

Whatchagottado

2009-03-30T20:14:00.000-07:00

Dinner tonight? For the family: chicken nuggets, cooked carrots, and dirty rice. For Mom: baked potato with cheese, bacon bits, sunflower seeds, chow mein, and Ranch...with a Dr. Pepper too! A reward for completing Day 1 of 3 Day Potty Training!

Grasshopper Torte

2009-03-27T20:37:00.000-07:00

Beautiful and delicious!

Grasshopper Torte

15 Oreos, plus some for garnish (can use low fat!)
3 Tablespoons butter, melted
1 jar marshmallow creme
1 Tablespoon milk
3 cups softened vanilla non-fat yogurt
8 ounces light cool whip, thawed
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
8 drops of green food coloring

Chop 15 Oreos finely, add butter.
Press crumb mixture into bottom of a spring form pan. Refrigerate while preparing filling.
Combine marshmallow creme and milk. Add frozen yogurt. Fold in cool whip, extract, and food coloring.
Pour over crust. Cover and freeze 8 hours.
Before serving, garnish with chopped Oreos.

This makes a beautiful green dessert. For Christmas, use red food coloring and garnish with chopped candy canes.

Lasagna

2009-03-27T20:22:00.000-07:00

This is also from Mama Loyd. I live by this recipe. Yes, Stouffer's lasagna is great...but it's hard to beat homemade lasagna! It is easy to divide the recipe into two, leaving one to freeze for later! I kept many of these in the freezer for when both Eli and Abi were born.

Lasagna

1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound sausage (deer sausage is great too)
32 ounce thick spaghetti sauce
1 1/2 cup water (less for a thicker sauce)
15 ounce Ricotta cheese
4 cups mozzarella cheese, reserve 1 cup to top lasagna
2 eggs
1/4 cup chopped parsley (or dried)
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
8 ounce oven ready lasagna
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Brown beef and sausage, drain.
Add spaghetti sauce and water, simmer about 10 minutes.
In mixing bowl, beat eggs and rest of ingredients, except lasagna.
Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease a 9x13 glass dish.
Pour 1 cup of spaghetti sauce in dish. Layer 3 or 4 pieces of lasagna. Noodles will expand to fill empty spaces.
Cover with 1 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce. Spread half of cheese filling over sauce.
Layer again: lasagna, sauce, and cheese mixture. Top with lasagna, sauce, and remaining cheese.
Cover with foil. Cook for 55 to 60 minutes.

Mama Loyd's Salad (Olive Garden Salad)

2009-03-27T20:19:00.000-07:00

Mama Loyd is the dear mother of my dear friend Tara Loyd Kear. Tara made this salad and lasagna for one of our suite get-togethers. Love ya Tara!

Mama Loyd's Salad

Salad:
Leaf lettuce
1 red onion, cut into thin rings
Green and black olives
Parmesan cheese
Croutons

Dressing:
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
1 Tablespoon salt
1 Tablespoon parsley
1 package zesty Italian dressing mix

Combine and add to salad.

Spicy Crackers

2009-03-27T20:13:00.000-07:00

This has been a big hit to take to get-togethers. You can make them as hot or mild as you like.

Spicy Crackers

1 box saltine crackers
1 package Ranch mix
1 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 to 4 Tablespoons red pepper flakes

Line crackers in a plastic container.
Mix all other ingredients and pour over crackers.
Turn every 15 minutes until mixture is absorbed.

***Using oyster crackers:
2 packages oyster crackers
2 packages Ranch mix
1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups canola oil
1 3/4 teaspoons garlic powder
1 to 6 Tablespoons red pepper flakes

Follow directions above.

Mexican Cornbread

2009-03-27T20:09:00.000-07:00

This is a family staple!

Mexican Cornbread

1 cup yellow cornmeal (regular)
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 can cream style corn
1/2 pound shredded cheddar cheese
1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
1 cup milk
1/4 cup oil
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 pound ground beef (I usually double this)
1 large onion, chopped
jalapenos (or green chilis)

Preheat oven to 350.
Grease a large iron skillet with a little oil and place in oven to heat.
Brown beef and onion. Drain.
Mix cornmeal, milk, salt, oil, soda, corn, and eggs.
Pour half of batter in skillet.
Add meat, onion, peppers, and cheese.
Top with rest of cornmeal mixture.
Bake for 45 minutes or until brown.

Pesto

2009-03-27T19:56:00.000-07:00

I have wanted to make homemade pesto for a long time now, and I'm not going to lie. This recipe is A-MAZING! It will not disappoint! I got the recipe from Chef Curtis Stone.

Pesto
1 1/2 bunches fresh basil leaves
4 oz toasted pine nuts (I didn't toast mine)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Grind the basil, nuts, and cheese with morter and pestil, or food processor, until smooth paste forms.
Slowly add olive oil. Continue to blend until incorporated.

With pasta
Add to any type of pasta. Note: if the pasta is hot, it will melt the parmesan cheese in the pesto. Add fresh tomatoes for a great burst of flavor and color.

With tilapia
Season 4 filets with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heate a large saute pan over med-high heat. Add 1 T olive oil and cook fish 1 to 2 minutes on flesh side. Flip over and spoon the pesto generously over the filets.
Transfer the pan to the broiler. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes or until the fish is cooked through. Remove fish and allow to rest on a plate before serving.

With chicken
Dredge chicken breasts in an egg and water wash. Coat with panko bread crumbs. Cook in skillet over medium-high heat. Dice and add on top of pesto pasta.

***You can also use the pesto for brushetta.

Beefy Pizza Casserole

2009-03-26T20:05:00.000-07:00

Yeah for the first recipe! I made this tonight with my sous chef, Eli. It was a hit!

Beefy Pizza Casserole
Makes 8 servings

2 pounds ground beef
2 medium onions, chopped
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
4 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning, divided
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 (26 ounce) jar tomato-and-basil pasta sauce
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 (13.8 ounce) can refrigerated pizza crust
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Cook first 3 ingredients and 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning in a large skillet over med-high heat, stirring until beef crumbles and is no longer pink. Drain well, and return to skillet.
Add 1/4 cup flour, stirring until blended. Stir in pasta sauce. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 13x9 inch baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with 1 1/2 cups cheese.
Unroll pizza crust, and place on top of cheese. Brush with olive oil, and sprinkle evenly with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
Bake at 425 for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.

My way:
I didn't have a refrigerated pizza crust, so I made my own with Bisquick. The recipe is 1 1/2 cups Original Bisquick and 1/3 cup very hot water. Mix well, roll to size.

Welcome!

2009-03-26T19:50:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Miss Kitty Cooks! This blog is in honor of Miss Kitty and Mr. EP McDaniel. My grandparents. In our family, Grannie was famous for making delicious family sized meals. Legend has it that when they were first married and had their first guests over to eat, there were no leftovers. My PaPaw told my Grannie to always be sure there was enough food - you never knew how much your guests would really want to eat! So, there have been leftovers at our home ever since! One of my most treasured momentos from PaPaw is a Seasoned with Love cookbook from the Tangipahoa Baptist Church Women on Mission. Although I don't think I've used a recipe in it, it's the inscription that is so valuable:
"Christmas 1997
To Kitty Marie -
My prayer is that you grow to be a happy Christian lady - as you cook for your children - you will remember your Paw Paw that loves you so much.
Love,
Paw Paw"
This is the purpose of this blog. To share recipes that I enjoy cooking for my children, family, and friends. I often make alterations to recipes and welcome your suggestions as well!
Happy cooking!