and now it’s SUPER COLD!

(saw this on Facebook – thought it was pretty creative!)

  Today is the day everyone is freaking out about – temperatures BELOW zero and wind chills that are dangerous. Roads are clear, it’s almost sunny out – I’M GOING TO THE LIBRARY TO KNIT! Spent all day babysitting my baby grandson yesterday; finished the ‘pinks’ baby blanket & knit 2 1/2 pairs of baby booties (finished the other bootie this morning). Found another ‘new to me’ knit pattern so will be starting another blanket, probably today.

On our snow plowing conundrum – it turned out to be a very long story: Our ‘regular’ guy retired & didn’t tell us; next guy who was recommended very abruptly said: “I’m SWAMPED!”. I ended up calling back our old guy for another recommendation so now we have someone for the ‘next’ big snow. My oldest son who drove 12+hours home after being away for the weekend suddenly showed up in our driveway with a snowblower & did our drive! I was super surprised (didn’t expect him home for at least another 3-4 hours!). He said they decided to leave early knowing the driving conditions would be bad; he borrowed the snowblower from the other grandparents: did his driveway, their driveway then ours – what a guy! My special needs group is officially canceled for tonight & all my people are called (got that done last night!). I’m thinking pork roast, carrots & potatoes in the crockpot for dinner – easy-peasy!

===========

Orange Coffee Rolls

1/4 C. warm water
1 envelope active dry yeast
–
1 3/4 C. sugar, divided
2 eggs
1/2 C. sour cream
1/2 C. butter melted/divided
1 tsp. salt
2 3/4 to 3 C. flour
1 C. flaked coconut, toasted/
divided
2 T. orange zest
1/2 C. sour cream
1/4 C. butter
2 tsp. orange juice
–
Grease a 9 X 13″ baking
dish with butter, or spray
with nonstick cooking spray.
Combine dry yeast into
warm water in a large bowl;
let stand 5 minutes. Add 1/4 C.
sugar, eggs, sour cream, 6 T.
melted butter & salt; beat
using elec. mixer on medium
speed until blended. Gradually
stir in enough flour to make a
soft dough. Turn dough out onto
a well-floured surface. Knead
dough until smooth & elastic,
about 5 minutes. Grease a
large bowl with butter; place
dough ball in bowl. Cover with
a towel & place in a warm place
(85 degrees), free from drafts,
1 1/2 hours or until dough doubles
in bulk. Punch dough down & divide
in half. Roll one portion dough into a
12-inch circle; brush with 1 T. melted
butter. In a small bowl combine 3/4 C.
sugar, 3/4 C. coconut & orange zest;
sprinkle half of mixture over dough.
Cut into 12 wedges; roll each wedge,
beginning at wide end & place in
prepared pan, point sides down –
repeat with remaining dough/butter/
coconut mixture. Cover & let rise in
a warm place, free from drafts, 45
minutes or until double in bulk.
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
Bake rolls 25-30 *minutes until golden.
*Cover with foil after 15 minutes to
prevent excess browning. While rolls
are baking: in a small saucepan combine
3/4 C. sugar, sour cream, butter & orange
juice. Over medium heat bring to boil.
Boil, stirring occasionally, 3 minutes. Let
cool slightly then spoon warm glaze over
warm rolls & sprinkle with remaining
1/4 C. coconut. Makes 2 dozen.

(recipe: gooseberrypatch.com)
——————————————-

Stuffed Pepper Soup

1 lb. ground beef (or sausage)
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
4 C. water
1-2 lb. pkg. frozen pepper & onion
blend
2 tsp. chili powder
2 tsp. paprika
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. garlic
2 tsp. basil
–
4 C. riced, cooked – for serving
=
In large pot or Dutch oven, brown
beef over medium-high heat until
no longer pink. Drain. Add onion/
pepper blend & cook until peppers
are tender & onions are slightly
translucent. Stir in all other
ingredients (except rice) – bring to
boil over medium heat. Reduce
heat & simmer about 30 minutes,
stirring occasionally. Stir in rice to
each bowl (or in the whole pot, if
desired) just before serving.

NOTE: Poster said “If you’re not going
to eat all of the soup at that serving,
she suggests stirring rice into each
individual bowl of soup rather than
the entire pot.

(recipe: southernplate.com)
——————————

Crockpot Cube Steak

2 lb. cube steak
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom
soup
–
Cooked rice or egg noodles to serve 6
=
Place cube steak in freezer for about
20 minutes to facilitate easier slicing.
Cut meat into 1-inch strips & place in
bottom of 5 qt or larger crockpot; pour
soup on top. Cover & cook on Low 4-6
hours. Serve over cooked white or brown
rice or cooked egg noodles.

NOTE: If you would like a thinner gravy,
add a little water to meat & soup (about
1/4 C.). Without adding water the meat
will release it’s own juices which will thin
out the gravy, also.

(recipe: crockpotladies.com)
———————————–

Amish Breakfast Casserole

1 lb. sliced bacon, diced
1 medium sweet onion, chopped
6 large eggs, lightly beaten
4 C. frozen, shredded hash
brown potatoes, thawed
2 C. shredded Cheddar cheese
1 1/2 C. cottage cheese
1 1/4 C. shredded Swiss cheese
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
Spray a 9 X 13 baking dish with
nonstick cooking spray.
In large skillet cook bacon & onion
over medium heat until bacon is
crisp; drain. In large bowl combine
remaining ingredients; stir in bacon
mixture & transfer to prepared pan.
Bake, uncovered, 35-40 minutes until
a knife inserted into center comes out
clean. Let stand 10 minutes before
cutting. Serves 12

NOTE: can be assembled a day ahead &
baked just before serving.

(recipe: tasteofhome.com)
———————————-

Honey/Lemon/Ginger Chicken

4 chicken breasts, cut into chunks
salt/pepper, to taste
2 tsp. fresh ginger, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 T. olive oil, divided
1/2 C. honey
zest of 1 lemon
4 T. fresh lemon juice
2 T. apple cider vinegar
2 1/2 T. soy sauce
1 T. cornstarch
=
Cooked rice to serve 6
=
Heat a large skillet over medium-
high heat; add 1 T. olive oil & heat.
Add chicken chunks & sprinkle with
salt/pepper. Cook until browned on
all sides & no longer pink on the
inside – about 10 minutes. In a
medium saucepan, heat over medium-
high heat & add 1 T. olive oil – heat oil.
Add ginger & garlic, cook 2-3 minutes
being careful not to burn, until fragrant &
slightly golden brown. In large glass
measuring cup whisk lemon zest, lemon
juice, vinegar, honey, soy sauce & cornstarch;
make sure all is well combined. Pour sauce
over garlic & ginger -stir to combine & allow
to come to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once
at a boil, cook 2 minutes – sauce will thicken
& turn a bit darker. Pour sauce over cooked
chicken & stir, making sure all chicken is
coated in sauce. Serve immediately over
cooked rice. Serves 6

(recipe: jamiecooksitup.net)
————————————-

Tuscan Sausage & White Bean Soup

1/4 C. butter
1/2 C. chopped onion
2 cloves garlic,finely chopped
1/4 C. flour
1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
1 (14.5 oz) can chicken broth
1/2 lb. ground pork sausage, cooked/
drained
1 (15.5 oz) can undrained cannellini
beans
salt/pepper, to taste
–
In medium saucepan melt butter; add
onion & garlic, cook 1-2 minutes, stirring
occasionally, until onion is tender. Stir
in flour – slowly add evap. milk & broth
while stirring constantly. Once mixture
comes to a complete boil, add sausage
& beans. Heat through, season with
salt/pepper. Serves 4

(recipe: theseoldcookbooks.com)
———————————-

Reese’s Chocolate Butter Cake

1 (15.25 oz) box Devil’s Food cake mix
1/2 C. butter, melted
1 egg
12 peanut butter cups (full sized circle)
cut into sixths
4 snack-sized Butterfinger candy bars,
coarsely chopped
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 C. creamy peanut butter
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 C. butter, melted
4 C. powdered sugar

Glaze:
1 C. milk chocolate chips
2 tsp. vegetable oil
–
Preheat oven 325 degrees F.
Generously spray 9 X 13″ baking
pan with nonstick cooking spray.
In large bowl combine dry cake
mix, melted butter & egg – mix
until combined. Cover bottom of
greased pan evenly with cake
mixture. Spread peanut butter cups &
butterfinger pieces over cake mixture.
Mix cream cheese, peanut butter, eggs
& vanilla until well blended then add
butter. Mix in powdered sugar until well
blended & spread over candy bar layer.
Bake 55 minutes – it will puff up in the
center & will drop a little after you remove
it from oven. Let cool
Mix Glaze ingredients in a microwave-safe
bowl & microwave until chips are melted.
Spread over cooled cake. Serves 30

(recipe: sixsistersstuff.com)

==================

Ok – right now (8:50 a.m.) the temp. is showing
-8 degrees F. with a wind chill of -31 degrees F.!
Now THAT’S cold! The really FUNNY thing is:
they’re predicting a high of near 45 degrees F.
for Sunday! WEIRD! (then rain & high near 48
for next Monday) Hey-I can take the cold – you
can walk & drive in it & not worry about falling
or getting your car stuck in it! Wonder how
many brave ladies will venture out today to
library Knit group!

Stay warm – our local newspaper’s headline
today is: “Stay warm – stay inside!”

Hugs;

Pammie

 

Here comes the S-N-O-W!

Here in Michigan we are awaiting a BIG snowstorm coming sometime today/night – 5 to 7 inches (YUCK). Yesterday found me attempting to contact our snowplow man to make sure we are still on his list of clients – to no avail; calls went to his answering machine which promptly told clients that the ‘box is full and not able to take any more messages.” UGH! Finally, out of frustration, I tried ONE MORE TIME this morning and got him right away. My ‘hunch’ was right – he’s retired! We are now going to try another man who was referred to us by a friend – sure hope this works out, don’t want to be snowed in. We live on a MAJOR highway (45 mph. in front of our house) and our driveway is sloped just enough to make it nigh onto impossible to get UP if there’s any snow on it! The county road crews come through plowing the road constantly which piles up HUGH amounts of snow/ice at the bottom of the drive – you would need a SHERMAN TANK to get over that once it freezes up, hence WHY we need the drive plowed! Husband & I (and the boys, at times) have shoveled that for many years but both husband & I are now of an age that we shouldn’t be doing that kind of work, so we called a plow guy. SURE HOPE this new guy comes through – I’m thinking I will probably be the one to babysit tomorrow morning. Son & his girlfriend went with other couples for a weekend together and are due back tonight (other grandparents babysat for 4 days so I’m pretty sure they won’t be babysitting tomorrow when our son & girlfriend have to go back to work). OH JOY – I get to ‘venture out’ – sure hope the drive gets cleared & the roads are good – we’ll see.

============

Sour Cream Banana Bars

Bars:
1 1/2 C. sugar
1 C. sour cream
1/2 C. butter, softened
2 eggs
1 1/2 C. mashed bananas
2 tsp. vanilla
2 C. flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda

Brown Butter Frosting:
1/2 C. butter
3 3/4 C. powdered sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
4-5 T. Half & Half
–
Optional: add 1/2 C. chopped nuts
to batter of bars, if desired
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
Grease & flour a 10 X 15″ jelly roll pan.
In large bowl using elec. mixer, combine
sugar, sour cream, butter & eggs – mix on
Low speed, scraping bowl occasionally,
until combined. Add bananas & vanilla –
mix on Low about 30 seconds. Add flour,
salt & baking soda – mix on medium speed
about 1 minute, just until combined – pour
into prepared pan. Bake 18-22 minutes until
golden brown & a toothpick inserted into
center comes out clean. Cool until just
slightly warm & frost with Brown Butter
Frosting. Serves 12

Frosting:
In small saucepan brown butter over medium
heat until golden brown in color & golden-
brown flecks appear, swirling pan frequently.
(butter will become a little foamy). Remove
from heat & pour into a large bowl, cool
slightly. Add powdered sugar, vanilla and
Half & Half – mix using elec. mixer until
smooth & spreadable

(recipe: 5boysbaker.com)
———————————

Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup

2 C. cooked/chopped roast beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 (12 oz) bag frozen mixed vegetables
1 (14.5 oz) can beef broth
1 (42 oz) can tomato juice
1 1/2 C. coarse-chopped cabbage
1 large potato, peeled/chopped
salt/pepper, to taste
–
Place all ingredients in crockpot;
cover & cook on Low 8 hours or
until potatoes are tender.
Serves 10

(recipe: farmwifecooks.com)
————————————-
Tex-Mex Bean Bake w/Cornbread
Topping

1 T. olive oil
1 large sweet potato, peeled/
finely chopped
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
1 small green pepper, coarsely
chopped
1 small sweet red pepper, coarsely
chopped
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained/
rinsed
1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained/
rinsed
1 C. frozen corn
1 (4 oz) can chopped green chilies
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 C. vegetable broth
3 oz. cream cheese, softened

Topping:
1 (8.5 oz) box corn bread/muffin mix
(Jiffy)
1 large egg
1/3 C. milk
1/3 C. solid-pack pumpkin
–
Preheat oven 400 degrees F.
Spray a 9 X 13″ baking dish with
nonstick cooking spray.
In large skillet heat oil over
medium-high heat. Add sweet
potato, onion & peppers- cook &
stir 5-7 minutes until potato is
cooked halfway through. Stir in
beans, corn, chilies, salt & cumin;
heat through. Stir in broth & cream
cheese until blended – pour mixture
into prepared pan.
In large bowl combine corn bread mix,
egg, milk & pumpkin – spoon over
bean mixture in pan. Bake, uncovered,
25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted
into topping portion comes out clean.
Serves 8

NOTE: this recipe can be made ahead a
day in advance. Prepare as directed,
omitting topping. Cover & refrigerate
overnight. Remove from fridge 30 minutes
before baking. Prepare topping & bake
as directed

(recipe: tasteofhome.com)
——————————-

Stir-fry Garlic/Beef & Broccoli

1 lb. round steak, very thinly sliced*
4 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tsp. medium sherry (optional)
1 1/2 T. cornstarch
1/4 C. olive oil (or other oil)
3/4 lb. broccoli, cut into small
florettes
1/4 C. chicken stock
4 green onions, cut into 1″ lengths
1 1/2 C. small mushrooms, sliced
2 T. soy sauce (or more, if desired)
salt/pepper
=
Cooked rice or noodles to serve 6
=
Place sliced steak in a bowl with sherry
(if using), soy sauce, cornstarch & a little
salt – stir & let rest 20 minutes.
Place 2 T. oil in a skillet over medium-high
heat. Add garlic & stir-fry 1-2 minutes. Add
mushrooms & stir-fry 2 minutes; remove &
keep warm. Place 2 T. oil in skillet & stir-fry
beef until nicely browned; remove & keep
warm. Add 1 T. oil to skillet & stir-fry green
onions 1 minute-remove & keep warm. Pour
chicken stock in skillet & heat to bubbling;
add broccoli. Cover & steam 3-4 minutes.
Remove lid & place all ingredients in
skillet; heat through but do not over cook.
Serves 6

*Steak is sliced easily if it is half-frozen
when you slice it

(recipe: geniuskitchen.com)
———————————

Scrambled Egg Muffins

12 eggs
1/2 C. milk
salt/pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
1 green onion, chopped
3-4 slices deli ham
4 fresh mushrooms, chopped
1 C. sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
Spray muffin tin with nonstick cooking
spray. Crack eggs into large bowl; add
milk, salt/pepper/seasoned salt – whisk
vigorously with a fork. Sprinkle onion,
ham, mushrooms & cheese into muffin
tin bottoms & pour some of egg mixture
into each cup (just a little less than full=
helps if you use a large measuring cup)
Bake 30 minutes until they puffed up &
are a bit golden brown along the edges.
Allow to sit in pan about 5 minutes, then
serve. Makes 12

NOTE: They can be made ahead – cool
completely & store in ziplock bags in fridge.
Microwave to reheat.

(recipe: jamiecooksitup.net)
———————————-

Country Chicken ‘n Rice

1 (3 to 3 1/2 lb) chicken, cut into 8
pieces
6 C. water
2 (15 oz, ea) cans tomato sauce
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 tsp. dried thyme
1T. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
2 C. long or whole-grain rice,
rinsed
–
In large pot bring all ingredients
except rice to a boil over medium-
high heat. Cover & allow to boil
35 minutes. Add rice & cook 25-30
minutes until rice is tender, no pink
remains in chicken & chicken juices
run clear. Serves 6

(recipe: mrfood.com)
————————————-

Cake Mix Snickerdoodles

1 box white cake mix
1 egg
1/2 C. (1 stick) butter, melted
1/4 C. sugar
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
Line a cookie sheet with parchment
paper. In mixing bowl beat dry cake
mix, egg & melted butter until fully
combined. In small bowl mix cinnamon
& sugar. Scoop batter & shape into
1 inch balls & roll balls in cinnamon/sugar
mixture – place on cookie sheet – repeat
with remaining dough. Bake 10-12 minutes
until edges are light brown. Let cookies
set on cookie sheet 5 minutes before
removing – cool completely on wire rack.
Makes 36-40 cookies

(recipe: ourtableforseven.com)
====================

Am currently working on finishing the ‘various
pinks’ blanket (almost done), the continuing
baby booties project and then – the other night
I got a text from oldest son asking if I would
mind making a (Loom-knit) hat for his friend.
I told son I haven’t made those in years (the
process makes my hands hurt so I kind of stopped
doing that) BUT – this is my son’s close friend so
I caved. Told him I hoped his friend didn’t mind
the colors I chose (only large skeins of ‘regular’
yarn I had at the moment): maroon & black.
Friend sent me a text with a photo of him holding
a post-it note saying “I love you, Pam!” so – being
the ‘softy’ that I am, of course I’m making him a
hat! (I’ve known him since they were teens – he
works for my son as an under chef, he’s a great
guy!). To take my mind off the ‘process’ of making
the hat I’ve been watching the cooking channel &
looming – it helps. I also told my son ‘no more
volunteering my hat making skills, please’.

Hope you are having a GREAT day! It’s the
beginning of a new week – let’s hope it turns
out to be a good one!

Hugs;

Pammie

 

Here it is – Thursday

This has been a ‘What day is it today?’ kind of week so far; not used to babysitting regularly (I’ve been spoiled!) – babysat all day 10-7 Monday, 2-6:15 Tuesday then Knit Night,, Weds. was a FULL day (no babysitting but lots extra) and then there’s today: my OFF day – YAY! Our weather has been crazy – Tuesday early evening it began to rain & immediately FREEZE – that was my Panera knit night (I left an hour early). I texted my oldest son to tell him, again, how much I appreciate my automatic car starter (which, with the defrost on full) helped get the tons of ice off of my car windows! Weds. morning was my Library knit group – clear/but still a little slippery walking. Because we were supposed to have greatly dropping temperatures (along with a slight rain), my special needs group was canceled requiring me to make a ton of phone calls. Yesterday was also my husband’s 67th birthday. I should preface that with: “He HATES his birthday!” No celebration, barely able to slip in a few small presents and his favorite banana cake. Because it was such a crazy day yesterday (Library knit, grocery shopping, tons of phone calls) I totally forgot to check how much powdered sugar I had on hand . . . not enough. Husband was OK with my baking his cake today instead – it’s in the oven now. The recipe makes a very DENSE banana cake with a great cream cheese frosting but it’s labor-intensive (I only make it once a year and then I remember WHY! Use tons of bowls, recipe from scratch, etc.)-glad he appreciates the effort. Dinner is going to be my chili, so there’s a huge pot on the stove.

On the subject of the baby booties mentioned in the last text, I was super proud of my knit group(s) ladies – as of yesterday we have 15 pairs done and more coming. The lady who will be picking them up wrote that our efforts brought her to tears (guess she didn’t really expect us to jump in with both feet, eh?). I asked a few questions about colors/types of yarn used and was happy with all answers so I’ll be able to keep knitting them for quite awhile (1 pair, for me, takes 1 hour or a little less). I truly don’t mind knitting if I know there’s really a need.

LOTS of great recipes – just haven’t had the time to get to my computer to share some with you lately!  (I don’t believe it – my blog site is doing the teeny/tiny print again! UGH!!!) This only happens if I ‘copy & paste’ from my email site – will work on it. Best I can do for today is hand-type each recipe onto this site – at least that works (leaves double spacing between every line, but it’s better than nothing! OR so tiny you couldn’t read it unless you had a magnifying glass!)

==============

 No-Bake Peanut Butter Haystacks

1 (11 oz) pkg. butterscotch chips

1 C. creamy peanut butter

1 (5 oz) can crispy chow mein noodles

1/2 C. salted peanuts (optional)

–

Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. In large pot

over medium-low heat, melt butterscotch chips &

peanut butter, stirring until smooth. Remove from

heat & stir in chow mein noodles & peanuts (if using),

stirring quickly to coat. Working quickly, drop by

spoonfuls onto waxed paper. Allow to cool.

Serves 8-10

 

(recipe: 12tomatoes.com)

---

Crockpot Potato Bean Soup

3 lb. russet potatoes, peeled/diced

32 oz. chicken broth

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

=

(Add at the end):

1/2 tsp. black pepper

8 oz cream cheese

1/2 lb. bacon, sliced/cooked/drained

—

To a 5 qt or larger crockpot, add

potatoes. Pour chicken broth over

potatoes, add garlic powder & stir.

Cover & cook on High 5 hours (or

Low 9 hours). When cooking time

is up, add cream cheese to potatoes

& broth. You can use an immersion

blender, or, in batches, pour soup

into a blender & blend until smooth

(OR) you can mash the soup using a

potato masher,) Poster says she

likes leaving some potato chunks.

Stir in pepper & coked bacon. Soup

will start to thicken if the lid is kept

off too long. To thin: add a little

water or more broth. Serves 8

(recipe: themagicalslowcooker.com)

---

Taco Soup

1 T. canola oil

1 large onion, chopped

2 lb. ground beef

1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained/

rinsed

1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn

1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted tomatoes

1 T. taco seasoning mix

1 1/2 C. water

–

Garnishes:

sour cream

sliced green onions

---

In large Dutch oven or pot over medium

heat, heat oil. Add onion & cook 5 minutes

until soft; add gr. beef & cook until no

longer pink – drain. Add beans, corn,

fire-roasted tomatoes, taco seasoning &

water. Cook until heated through.

Serve with optional garnishes.

Serves 4

(recipe: delish.com)

---

Overnight/Make-ahead
or use right away:
Morning Egg Burritos

3 C. mini tater tots
8 eggs
1/4 C. sour cream
1/3 C. finely chopped green
peppers
1/3 C. finely chopped onion
8 (8 inch) flour tortillas
1 C. shredded Pepper-Jack cheese
–
Place tater tots in single layer on
microwaveable plate. Microwave
on High 3 minutes. Whisk eggs &
sour cream until blended. In large
non-stick skillet over medium heat
cook peppers & onions 4-5 minutes
until crisp tender, stirring frequently.
Add egg mixture; mix well & cook
4 minutes until eggs are set, stirring
occasionally. remove from heat &
stir in tater tots. Spoon egg mixture
down centers to tortillas & top with
cheese. Fold in opposite sides of
tortilla then roll up, burrito-style.

Refrigerate overnight. (OR)
burritos can be served immediately
after assembling.
Makes 8
=
When ready to cook after refrigerating:
cook burritos in a nonstick skillet or grill
pan on medium-high heat 2-3 minutes on
each side until golden brown on both
sides.

Freezer option:
Prepare burritos as directed; wrap
individually in foil & freeze. When
ready to serve place 1 unwrapped
burrito on microwaveable plate &
microwave on High 2 to 2 1/2 minutes
until heated through. Repeat with
remaining burritos, if desired.

(recipe: kraftrecipes.com)
——————————–

Easy Crispy-Baked Chicken Breasts

3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
(can use bone-in, also)
1/3 C. flour
1/3 C. cornmeal
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/4 C. milk
1/4 C. butter (or 4 T), melted
–
Preheat oven 375 degrees F.
In a pie plate (or shallow dish) mix
flour, cornmeal, salt/pepper, chili
powder & dried basil. Place milk
in another shallow dish. Dip chicken
pieces in milk then into flour/cornmeal
mixture making sure to completely
coat the pieces – place in a baking dish
& drizzle melted butter over top. Bake
1 hour* or until chicken is done in center
(no longer pink). *Turn pieces about 15
minutes before they finish cooking.
Serves 3-4

(recipe: thesouthernladycooks.com)
——————————–

Mozzarella-stuffed Chicken Parm.

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
kosher salt/black pepper
1 C. flour
3 eggs, beaten
1 C. Panko bread crumbs
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 C. freshly grated Parmesan cheese/
divided
olive oil, for frying
2 C. marinara sauce
1/4 C. thinly sliced basil leaves
2 T. chopped parsley
–
Preheat oven 425 degrees F.
Using a sharp paring knife, cut a deep
slit into each chicken breast. Stuff pockets
with mozz., then press edges of chicken
together to seal. Season outsides with
salt/pepper. Place flour, eggs & Panko into
3 separate shallow bowls/pie plates (whip/
scramble eggs.) Into Panko crumbs whisk garlic
powder, dried oregano, 1/4 C. Parm. & 1/2 tsp.
salt. Dip stuffed chicken into flour, shaking off
excess. Dip into scrambled eggs, tossing to
coat. Dredge chicken in bread crumbs, making
sure chicken is evenly coated. In large (oven
proof) skillet over medium heat, heat a thin
layer of olive oil. Add chicken to skillet & cook
until golden on both sides, about 4 minutes
per side. Pour marinara around chicken &
scatter basil on top. Turn off heat then sprinkle
remaining Parm. on top of chicken. Transfer skillet
to oven & bake until chicken is cooked through,
about 20 minutes more. Garnish with parsley &
serve warm. Serves 4

(recipe: delish.com)
——————————-

Nutella Bread Pudding

3 croissants (preferably 1-2 days old)
3/4 C. Nutella
1/4 C. pecan halves
2 eggs
1 C. heavy cream
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 C. sugar
–
powdered sugar-for dusting
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
Slice each croissant in half length-
wise then cover one side with Nutella.
Place halves back together to make
sandwiches & cut into 2 inch pieces.
Place pieces & pecans to 10″ X 5″
loaf pan.

Custard:

Add eggs, cream, vanilla, salt & sugar
to medium bowl – whisk until combined.
Pour custard over sandwich pieces then
gently push down the bread so the custard
starts to absorb the liquid. Cover with foil
& bake 30  minutes then remove foil.
Continue to bake, uncovered, 10 minutes
until pudding is golden brown, has risen
slightly & liquid has been completely
absorbed. Let cool then sprinkle top
with powdered sugar. Serves 2

(recipe: steamykitchen.com)

======================

Crazy as it sounds, after I had hand-typed
about 4 recipes onto the blog I decided to
give the old “Copy & Paste” another try –
worked like a charm! Go figure! Oh well,
at least that allows me to share more
recipes with you without a lot of extra
work typing!

Hope you are having a great day – remember
to drink lots of water (I tend to forget, myself),
get some rest & try to RELAX a little during
your day!

Hugs;

Pammie

Friday

Woke up to a light DUSTING of snow on the ground – YAY! We ‘were’ supposed to be getting 3-6 inches between today & tomorrow, now they’ve changed it to 2 inches – hoping the ‘actual’ is even less! Today is clear and 26 degrees – at least I don’t have anywhere to go (that I know of, anyway!). Got my babysitting schedule for next week (gonna be rough) Monday 10:15 – around 7, Tuesday 2- 7ish (also my Knit NIGHT!), Friday 8:15 a.m. – 7ish. I already told my husband I’m going to be expecting a ‘order-in’ pizza for one of those nights, pretty sure I’m not going to feel like COOKING! I love my little grandson but 8+ hours of listening to Disney channel and Mickey Mouse’s squeeky voice can drive a sane lady slightly nuts! (I mute the TV when he’s sleeping!).

Yesterday I was asked to present a project to both of my knit groups; it’s a very worthy project but also heart-wrenching. We have been asked to knit/crochet baby booties for babies that have died. This is for a group called “Angels Above” Baby Gowns – they provide outfits for babies. It’s a very organized group – all they are asking from us is for booties and that I can do. I found a really easy pattern from another charity site and have started:

These are preemie sizes (the yarn bows are to keep the booties together, there are 6 booties in the photo).  I was surprised to learn that they need 100 sets per month! It’s very sad but also a very needed thing and I’m honored to be able to use my skills and yarns for this.

===============

Lemony Lemon Brownies

Brownies:
1/2 C. unsalted butter, softened
3/4 C. flour
2 large eggs
2 T. lemon zest
2 T. lemon juice
3/4 C. granulated sugar
1/4 tsp. sea salt

Tart Lemon Glaze:
4 T. lemon juice
8 tsp. lemon zest
1 C. powdered sugar
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
Grease a 8 X 8″ baking dish with
butter. Zest & juice 2 lemons. In
bowl of elec. mixer fitted with
paddle attachment, beat flour,
gran. sugar, salt & softened
butter until combined. In
separate bowl whisk eggs, lemon
zest & lemon juice until combined –
pour into flour mixture & beat 2
minutes at medium speed until smooth
& creamy. Pour into prepared pan &
bake 23-25 minutes (it should turn
golden around edges). Allow to cool
completely before glazing. Do not
over bake or bars will dry.
–
Glaze:
Whisk powdered sugar with lemon
zest & juice – spread over cooled
brownies with a rubber spatula. Let
glaze set then cut into bars.

(recipe: americantimesfood.com)
———————————–

Winter Shepherd’s Pie

3 C. cubed/peeled butternut
squash (1 inch pieces)
1 large potato, peeled/cut
into 1 inch cubes (about 2 C.)
2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
2 C. vegetable broth
1/2 tsp. plus 3/4 tsp. salt, divided
3/4 tsp. black pepper, divided
2 lb. ground turkey
1 large onion, chopped
1 T. olive oil
3/4 lb. sliced fresh mushrooms
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 C. white wine (could substitute water)
1 tsp. dried thyme
1/4 C. flour
2 C. frozen peas (about 8 oz)
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
Spray 2 1/2 qt. baking dish with
nonstick cooking spray.
In large saucepan place first 4
ingredients; bring to boil. Reduce
heat & simmer, covered, 10-15
minutes until vegetables are tender.
Drain, reserving broth. Mash vegetables
until smooth, stirring in 1/2 tsp. salt &
1/4 tsp. pepper.
In two batches, cook turkey & onion in a
Dutch oven over medium-high heat 5-7
minutes until turkey is no longer pink,
breaking turkey into crumbles. Remove
from pan. In same pan, heat oil over medium-
high heat; saute mushrooms until tender,
7-9 minutes. Add garlic; cook & stir 1 minute.
Add wine, thyme & remaining salt/pepper –
bring to boil, stirring to remove browned bits
from pan. Cook until liquid is evaporated.
Stir in flour until blended; gradually stir in
reserved broth. Bring to boil, cook & stir
until thickened. Stir in peas & turkey mixture;
heat through then pour into prepared pan.
Spread top evenly then top with mashed
vegetables. Bake, uncovered, 30-35 minutes
until filling is bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes
before serving. Serves 8

(recipe: tasteofhome.com)
————————————

Creamy Tomato/Sausage Soup

1 lb. ground pork
1/2 C. onion, diced (optional)
1 (23.5 oz) jar (no sugar added)
tomato sauce
1 T. roasted garlic Better than Bouillon*
8 oz. cream cheese
1 C. heavy whipping cream
1 tsp. dried basil
salt/pepper, to taste
–
In large soup pot or Dutch oven brown
sausage & onions (if using). When
completely cooked add tomato sauce,
cream cheese & ‘Better than Bouillon’
to pan – stir to combine & cook over
medium to medium-low heat until
cream cheese is melted. Add heavy
whipping cream & herbs to soup –
simmer until ready to serve. Serves 5

*Poster did not note any substitutes
for this product – I would guess you
could use boullion cubes or granules
as a substitute.

(recipe: beyerbeware.net)
————————————

Oven Roasted Asparagus

1 bunch asparagus spears
3 T. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 T. fresh squeezed lemon juice,
(optional)
–
Preheat oven 425 degrees F.
Remove woody ends of asparagus.
Place spears on a rimmed baking
sheet & drizzle olive oil over top.
Sprinkle with garlic, salt/pepper &
mix, using your hands; arrange in
single layer. Bake 10-15 minutes
until just tender, depending on
thickness of stalks.
If desired, sprinkle with lemon juice
just before serving. Serves 4

(recipe: lovebakesgoodcakes.com)
——————————

Layered Enchilada Bake

1 lb. ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
2 C. thick/chunky salsa
1 (15.5 oz) can black beans,
drained/rinsed
1/4 C. Zesty Italian salad
dressing (Kraft)
2 T. taco seasoning mix
6 (8 inch) flour tortillas
1 C. sour cream
1 (8 oz) pkg. (Kraft) Mexican-
style Finely shredded Four Cheese
–
Optional toppings:
chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce
chopped fresh cilantro
–
Preheat oven 400 degrees F.
In large skillet brown meat with
onions on medium-high; drain.
Stir in next 4 ingredients. Arrange
3 tortillas in a single layer in bottom
of a 9 X 13″ baking dish. Cover with
layers of (half of) meat mixture/
sour cream/cheese – repeat layers &
cover. Bake 40 minutes until heated
through & cheese is melted. Uncover
after 30 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes
before cutting. Add optional toppings,
if desired, before serving. Serves 8

NOTE: Can be made ahead. Line 9 X 13″
baking dish with foil with ends of foil
extending over sides of dish. Assemble
recipe as directed. Cover with additional
foil & freeze (up to 3 months). When ready
to serve, bake (covered) 400 degrees F.
1 hour. Remove foil & bake an additional
15-20 minutes until casserole is heated
through & cheese is melted. Let stand 5
minutes before cutting. To decrease
baking time: thaw frozen casserole in
fridge overnight then bake, uncovered,
45 minutes until casserole is heated
through & cheese is melted.

(recipe: kraftrecipes.com)
——————————-

Beef Lentil Soup

1 lb lean ground beef
1 (46 oz) can tomato juice or
V-8 juice
4 C. water
1 C. dried lentils, rinsed
2 C. chopped cabbage
1 C. sliced carrots
1 C. sliced celery
1 C. chopped onion
1/2 C. diced green pepper
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1 (10 oz) pkg. frozen chopped
spinach, thawed
–
In large stockpot cook beef over
medium heat until no longer pink;
drain. Add tomato (V-8) juice, water,
lentils, cabbage, carrots, celery,
onion, green pepper, pepper, thyme,
& bay leaf. Bring to boil – reduce heat;
simmer, uncovered, 1 to 1 1/2 hours
until lentils & veggies are tender. Add
spinach & heat through. Remove bay
leaf & serve. Serves 6

(recipe: tasteofhome.com)
———————————–

Crockpot Chicken Thighs

1 T. olive oil
6 bone-in (or boneless) chicken
thighs
salt/black pepper – to taste
1/2 C. soy sauce
1/2 C. ketchup
1/4 C. honey
3 cloves garlic minced
1/2 oz. fresh minced ginger
2 T. Sriracha (hot sauce)
juice of 1 lime
–
cooked rice for 4
=
In large skillet over medium-high
heat heat oil. Season chicken thighs
with salt/pepper & sear until golden,
3 minutes per side – transfer to
crockpot. In small bowl whisk soy
sauce, ketchup, honey, garlic, ginger,
Sriracha & lime juice – pour over
chicken & toss to coat. Cover &
cook on Low 6 hours (or high 2
hours) until no longer pink. Serve
over cooked rice. Serves 4

(recipe: delish.com)
——————————

Twinkie-like Bundt Cake

1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix
(plus required ingredients to prepare
cake)
6 large egg whites, beaten to stiff peaks
6 T. unsalted butter, room temp.
1 C. marshmallow creme
1/2 C. powdered sugar
1 T. heavy cream
–
Grease & flour a 12-C. Bundt pan;
Mix cake accordg. to pkg. directions.
Fold egg whites into batter using a
spatula until fully combined. Pour
batter into prepared pan & bake
accordg. to pkg. directions – Cool
cake completely
–
In large bowl combine butter &
marshmallow creme – beat using
elec. mixer until smooth & well
combined. Add powdered sugar &
cream – beat until fluffy, about 3
minutes. Pour mixture into a piping
bag fitted with a long, thin round tip.*

Turn the cake over so it is Flat-SIDE
UP – make 12 evenly-spaced holes in
the bottom of the cake using a skewer,
pressing only halfway down into cake &
wiggling the skewer slightly to widen
the holds until they are each about
1 inch wide. Insert piping tip into each
of the holes & squeeze until marshmallow
mixture starts to ooze out the top of the
hole. When all holes are filled, turn cake
Flat-Side DOWN onto a serving plate.
Serve immediately or cover & refrigerate
up to 2 days. Serves 8-10

*You could also do this using a large
zip-lock bag. After filling bag & sealing,
snip a tip off bottom of bag & use this
as a piping bag to pipe filling into holes.

(recipe: foodnetwork.com)

====================

Hope you are having a GREAT day –
try to stay healthy (and warm).

Hugs;

Pammie

Mid-week!

Super cold here and supposed to get to below zero by Sunday – oh, joy . . . we’re supposed to be getting snow in the next few days but it doesn’t say ‘accumulation’ so I’m REALLY hoping it doesn’t stick! Went to Library Knit group this morning and there was a film of ice on the windshield – enough that it had to be scraped before I could drive. Oh well – it’s Michigan – what can I expect at this time of year, right?

Working on 2 baby blankets – one is a combination of pinks (like the ‘blues’ one I did & posted the photo) and the other is a new pattern (to me). I had purchased some very nice, soft dusty pink yarn and had done a good foot or more of another (new) pattern when I discovered I’d made a mistake about 2 inches down. Normally it wouldn’t be a big problem, but this time I did a Yarn-Over – which creates a HOLE (where one was NOT supposed to be!). I decided, instead of taking each stitch off of the needles, one-by-one, I would just remove the needles, unravel the yarn down to that row and resume – HA! WHAT FOLLY! This particular yarn being nice & soft AND SLIPPERY decided it had a mind of it’s own and unraveled ALL OVER THE PLACE – WAY PAST THE MISTAKE, etc! I tried, several times, to get all the stitches back on the needles before finally (in utter desperation) unraveling the entire thing and putting yarn & needles away (for several days). Finally found a different pattern and am (so far) happily creating – we’ll see where this goes! (I remember, many years ago, a knitter friend gifted me an entire bag of this same type of yarn, in at least 6 colors – she said she found it very frustrating because it was so slippery . . . guess I should have learned, right?)

LOTS of great soup/cold weather recipes coming in!

=============

Chocolate Oatmeal Bars

Cookie Layer:
1 C. butter
2 eggs
2 C. brown sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 C. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
3 C. quick-cooking oats

Topping:
1 (12 oz) pkg. milk chocolate chips
2 tsp. vanilla
2 T. butter
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 C. chopped nuts (poster uses pecans)
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
Spray 9 X 13″ baking pan with nonstick
cooking spray. In large bowl cream 1 C.
butter, brown sugar, eggs & vanilla. Add
flour, salt, soda & oats – mix well then
press into prepared pan. In another bowl
melt 2 T. butter & chocolate chips together.
Add sweeten’d/Cond’ milk, vanilla, salt &
nuts – mix until smooth. Pour mixture
over cookie layer & spread evenly over
top. Bake 20-25 minutes. Cool then cut
into bars. Makes 20 bars

(recipe: sugar-n-spicegals.com)
————————————–

Crockpot Northern Beans & Ham

1 (16 oz) pkg. dried Northern beans
3-4 meaty ham hocks/shank or meaty
ham bone (about 1 1/2 lbs)
1 small onion, diced
(1 pkg. Goya ham-flavored concentrate –
optional)
1 bay leaf
salt/pepper, to taste
1/4 to 1/3 C. light brown sugar
–
Sort dry beans for any pebbles – rinse under
cold water. In a large bowl soak beans in water
for 3 hours*; drain & rinse beans.
–
Add rinsed beans, onion, salt/pepper, bay leaf
& ham shanks/hocks/ham – chopped into large
chunks, to crockpot. Add enough water (or water
& broth) to cover beans by 2 inches (about 6-8
cups) & add Goya ham concentrate, if using. Cover
& cook on High first hour; turn heat to Low & cook
an additional 4 hours (OR) until beans are tender
& a bit creamy. Remove ham shanks or hocks,
pull off all meat. Remove bay leaf & discard;
return meat to crockpot & add brown sugar – stir.
If there is a lot of juice in the beans you can remove
1 C. before adding brown sugar – all depends on how
thick or thin you want the beans to be.

*NOTE: Poster does not soak beans overnight
because she says they cook tender after 5
hours of cooking.

(recipe: mommyskitchen.net)
——————————

Sauteed Chicken w/Veggies

2-3 boneless skinless chicken
breasts cut into bite-sizes cubes
2 T. olive oil
1/2 medium onion, diced
2 medium carrots, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
2 C. chicken broth
8 oz. spaghetti, broken into
small pieces (1 1/2 – 2 inches)
1/4 C. Parmesan cheese, grated
plus extra for garnish
2 C. broccoli florets
1 C. squash: zucchini, yellow, etc.,
peeled/cubed
–
Heat oil in large skillet over medium
heat. Add chicken, onion, carrots &
garlic – season with salt/pepper & cook
5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add
chicken broth & broken spaghetti – stir
to combine & submerge noodles in
broth. Cover with tight-fitting lid,
reduce heat to Low & simmer 5 minutes.
Uncover; stir in Parm. cheese – add broccoli
& squash. If liquid has been absorbed add
a small amount of water or broth. Cover &
simmer 5 minutes until veggies have
reached desired tenderness. Uncover;
sprinkle with additional Parm. cheese &
serve immediately. Serves 6-8

(recipe: everydaydishes.com)
—————————-

Best Taco Mini Meatloaves

1 lb. lean ground beef
1 lb. lean ground pork
1 pkt. taco seasoning mix
1 (12 oz) bag Doritos, crushed
2 eggs, beaten
1 C. shredded Mexican-blend
cheese
1 (16 oz) jar salsa
–
Meatloaf Topping:

8 oz. salsa
1 C. shredded cheese (your choice)
=
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
Cover a baking sheet with foil. Place
all meatloaf ingredients in large bowl
& mix well then shape into mini loaves,
the desired size you want, using your
hands. Place loaves on prepared sheet.
Top with meat loaf toppings.
Bake about 30 minutes. (until internal
temperature is 160 degrees F.) (NOTE:
Poster make 7 mini loaves and they
took 30 minutes to bake.)

(recipe: plowthroughlife.com)
——————————–

Quick ‘n Easy Ground Beef Stew

1 lb. lean ground beef
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
2 T. flour
1 1/2 C. fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 zucchini, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 1/2 C. beef broth
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/3 C. heavy whipping cream
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
3 medium unpeeled Yukon Gold/
Russet or red potatoes cut into
1/2 inch cubes
2 medium carrots, cut into small
pieces (about 1 C.)
2 T. chopped fresh parsley
–
Optional serving method:
Can serve ‘as is’ or over
cooked brown rice
=

In large skillet cook beef over
medium-high heat 5-7 minutes
stirring occasionally until thoroughly
cooked; drain. Stir in salt/pepper & flour.
Add mushrooms, cook 3 minutes,
stirring occasionally. In small bowl mix
broth, Worc. sauce, whipping cream &
mustard with a wire whisk – add to
beef mixture. Stir in potatoes, carrots &
zucchini. Reduce heat to Medium-low –
cover & cook 15 minutes until veggies
are tender & sauce is slightly thickened.
If sauce is too thin at end of cooking
time, increase heat to medium-high &
cook, uncovered, a few minutes until
liquid reduces & is slightly thickened.
Sprinkle top with parsley & serve.
Serves 4-5 (see optional serving method
above)

(recipe: mommyskitchen.net)
————————–

Crockpot Clam Chowder

1 yellow onion, diced
1 C. water
3 medium russet or yellow potatoes,
peeled/cut into cubes
2 (6.5 oz, ea) cans minced clams with
juice
1 C. frozen corn
1 C. cooked/crumbled bacon (poster
used a pkg. of real bacon bits)
3 ribs celery, cut into quarter-inch
pieces
2 C. milk
1 C. Half & Half
2 T. melted butter
1/2 C. flour
salt/pepper, to taste
–
Add onion, water, potatoes,
clams with juice, corn, bacon &
celery to crockpot. Cover & cook
on Low 4-6 hours. Place butter,
Half & Half, milk & flour in a
saucepan. Cook on Low & whisk
until it is thick & bubbly. Take
about 1/2 C. of liquid from crockpot
& mix into saucepan then add that
mixture to crockpot & stir. Salt/
pepper, to taste. Cover & cook on
Low an additional 30 minutes.
Makes 8 Cups of soup

(recipe: 365daysofcrockpot.com)
———————————-

3-Ingredient Peach Cobbler

1 large can peaches (or 2 smaller cans)
1 yellow cake mix
1 stick butter, melted
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
In a 9 X 13″ baking dish pour peaches
including juices. Sprinkle dry cake mix
over top & smooth. Evenly distribute
melted butter on top of cake mix.
Bake 30 minutes

(recipe: americantimesfood.com)
———————————–

1 Banana Peanut Butter Cookies
(small batch: makes 12)

1 C. rolled oats (or quick-cooking oats)
1 ripe banana
1/3 C. smooth peanut butter
1 T. honey
1/3 C. chocolate chips
1 egg
1/2 C. chopped nuts of your choice
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
Spray a baking sheet with
nonstick cooking spray.
In bowl combine all ingredients
with a spoon. Roll mixture into
walnut-sized balls & place on
prepared sheet; mash each
cookie out flat with your hand
or a spoon. Bake 12-15 minutes.
Makes 1 dozen cookies

(recipe: thesoutherladycooks.com)

=======================

I’m planning on making a batch of
Bean Soup tomorrow – it’s a good
‘stick to your ribs’ meal for cold
weather.

Babysat my almost-2 yr old grandson
yesterday and he makes me laugh. My
throat was dry so I coughed – he said:
“Bless you!” so I said: “Thank you!”
then he said: “You’re welcome!” –
almost made me want to cough again
just to see if he’d repeat it! His Dad
said he can’t believe how much
personality is in such a little body –
he’s a riot – makes me laugh and
laughter keeps me young.

Enjoy your day!

Hugs;

Pammie

It’s SUNDAY! YAY!

It’s cold here in Michigan – in the 20-30’s most days & chilly but clear – NO SNOW! (I probably shouldn’t say that too loud). For this time of year in my state, that’s VERY unusual! We’ve had a few ‘light dustings’, nothing big AND I’M THRILLED! My cousin who lives in Iowa said he just shoveled 5 INCHES of what they were expecting as a ‘trace’ – YUCK! Yes, I know – we get snow every year but I really don’t like to have to wear boots, dress super heavy, slog through it/drive through it/worry about falling – getting car stuck, etc. For now – I’m just thrilled!

It’s been a quiet weekend; our church choir is back in action and this afternoon we’re back to practicing 4:45 – 6 p.m. then evening church. It’s kind of nice to get back to my ‘old’ routine of both knit groups, my special needs group, babysitting, church/choir – it’s been a nice ‘time off’, too. Hope you had some relaxation between the holidays.

Lots of great-sounding recipes coming in –

================

Chocolate Cobbler

Batter:

1 C. self-rising flour
3/4 C. sugar
2 T. cocoa
1/2 C. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
2 T. vegetable oil

Topping:

3/4 C. brown sugar
1/4 C. cocoa
1 3/4 C. water
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
Spray a 8 X 8″ baking dish with
nonstick cooking spray. In medium
bowl mix flour, sugar & cocoa. Add
milk, vanilla & oil – mix well until it
becomes a thick, brownie-like batter-
pour into prepared dish.
In a separate bowl stir together (topping
ingredients): brown sugar & cocoa – sprinkle
over batter. Very slowly pour hot water over
dry mixture & batter (do not stir).
Bake 40-45 minutes.

(recipe: southernplate.com)
——————————

Chicken Tortilla Soup

6 (6 inch) corn tortillas, divided
1 1/2 tsp. oil, divided
1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken
breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 (14.5 oz., ea) cans chicken broth
1 C. thick/chunky salsa
1 C. frozen corn
1 C. shredded Cheddar cheese
–
Preheat oven 400 degrees F.
Cut tortillas into strips; toss with
1/2 tsp. oil & spread onto a rimmed
baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes until
crisp, stirring occasionally.
=
Finely chop remaining tortillas. Heat
remaining oil in large saucepan over
medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook &
stir 5 minutes. Add chopped tortillas,
broth, salsa & corn – bring to boil &
simmer on Medium-low heat 15
minutes. Serve topped with cheese &
tortilla strips. Serves 6

(recipe: kraftrecipes.com)
———————————–

Salmon Foil Packets
(grill or oven)

4 salmon fillets (4-6 oz, ea)
1/2 lb. asparagus spears, trimmed
4 ears fresh corn (kernels sliced off)
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1″ pieces
4 T. butter, softened
1 tsp. minced garlic
2 tsp. minced fresh thyme
2 tsp. minced fresh parsley
1 tsp. lemon zest
salt/pepper, to taste
–
lemon wedges/chopped parsley,
for serving
=
Preheat grill to medium heat (OR)
Preheat oven 400 degrees F.
Tear off 4 large squares foil & spray
with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange
salmon, asparagus, corn & bell
peppers in center of each foil square.
In small bowl mix butter, garlic, thyme,
parsley, lemon zest, salt/pepper. Season
salmon fillets with salt/pepper, to taste.
Drop spoonfuls of butter mixture over
each salmon packet. Fold over foil to
seal the packets. Bake (or grill) 15-20
minutes until salmon is cooked through
& veggies are tender. Sprinkle with
parsley & serve with lemon wedges
Serves 4

(recipe: dinneratthezoo.com)
——————————

Onion Baked Potatoes in Foil
(oven and grill methods)

6 medium potatoes
1 (1 oz) pkt. onion soup mix (28 g.,
approx)
2/3 C. margarine or butter
–
Preheat oven 400 degrees F.
Mix marg (or butter) & onion
soup mix together. Using a sharp
knife, make crosswise cuts into each
potato about 1/2 inch apart ( you
want to make 4-5 cuts in each potato,
stopping about 1/4 inch from bottom
of potato – DO NOT cut through to
bottom. Using a butter knife, add a
dab of marg. (or butter/soup mixture
between each slice, dividing evenly
between all slices in all potatoes. Wrap
each potato in foil & place on a cookie
sheet. Bake 40-45 minutes until a fork
easily goes through the potato. Makes 6

Grill Method:
Follow same directions for preparing
potatoes but bake on Medium-High
grill heat with lid down 30-40 minutes
until a fork easily goes through the
potatoes.

(recipe: foodmeanderings.com)
————————————–

Crustless Quiche

1 T. butter
8 oz. cremini mushrooms, thinly
sliced
1 shallot, minced
2 C. loosely packed fresh spinach
kosher salt, to taste
ground black pepper, to taste
8 large eggs
1/4 C. whole milk
1/4 C. oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes,
finely chopped
1/4 C. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
–
Preheat oven 375 degrees F.
Spray a 8 or 9″ pie plate with
nonstick cooking spray.
In medium skillet over medium heat,
melt butter. Add mushrooms & cook,
undisturbed, 2 minutes. Stir & continue
to cook until mushrooms are tender &
golden, 5-6 minutes. Add shallot & cook
1 minute. Add spinach & cook until wilted,
1 minute more. Season with salt/pepper &
remove from heat. In large bowl whisk eggs,
milk, tomatoes, & Parmesan. Fold in
mushroom mixture & season again with salt/
pepper. Pour into prepared pan & bake 18-20
minutes, until eggs are just set. Let cool 3
minutes before slicing & serving.
Serves 6

(recipe: delish.com)
—————————

Crockpot Amish Cabbage Patch Soup

1 lb. ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
2-3 stalks celery, chopped (optional)
1 large green pepper, chopped
1 (14.5 oz) can kidney beans, drained/
rinsed
1/2 head cabbage, chopped
2 (14.5 oz, ea) cans beef broth
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
=
Optional toppings:
shredded Cheddar cheese
sour cream
=
In skillet, cook ground beef; drain &
place in crockpot.  Add onion, celery,
green pepper, kidney beans & cabbage
to crockpot. In a bowl whisk beef broth,
tomatoes, salt/pepper, chili powder,
cumin & garlic powder – pour over crock
pot ingredients. Cover & cook on Low
6-7 hours (or high about 4).  Top with
optional toppings, if desired.
Serves 8-10

NOTE: Can be made on the stove in a
large stew pot.

(recipe: thesoutherladycooks.com)
——————————
Greek Yogurt Waffles

2 C. flour
2 eggs
1 3/4 C. milk
1/2 C. plain Greek yogurt
4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla
dash salt
1 T. sugar
=
Preheat waffle maker & spray with
nonstick cooking spray. In a large
bowl beat eggs until fluffy then add
remaining ingredients & mix until
just combined. Pour desired amount
of batter on hot waffle maker & cook
according to manufacturers directions.
Serving size will depend on size of
your waffle iron. Makes approx. 6

(recipe: ourtableforseven.com)
——————————

Blueberry Pudding Cake
(NOTE: this recipe bakes as it rises
to the top of a 8 X 8″ baking pan but,
once out of oven, deflates to about
half – that’s fine!)

1 pint fresh, ripe blueberries
(frozen will work, also)
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. lemon zest
juice from half a lemon
1 C. flour
3/4 C. sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 C. whole milk
3 T. melted butter
1 tsp. almond extract
1/3 C. granulated sugar
1 T. corn starch
1/4 tsp. salt
1 C. boiling water
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees f.
Liberally butter a 8 X 8″ baking dish.
In a bowl toss blueberries with
cinnamon, lemon zest & juice – pour
into prepared pan. In medium bowl
whisk flour, 3/4 C. sugar & baking
powder. Whisk in milk, melted
butter & almond extract – pour evenly
over blueberries. In small bowl  mix
1/3 C. sugar with cornstarch & salt –
sprinkle over batter. Pour 1 C. boiling
water into pan OVER batter & place
in oven. Bake 30-40  minutes until a
toothpick inserted into center comes
out clean – but there is still blueberry
sauce at the bottom. Serves 4-6

(recipe: afamilyfeast.com)

=====================

I started a second dusty rose colored baby blanket
and, after having knit a good 1 1/2 feet (approx)
noticed I had made a mistake a good 10 rows
down – decided I’d rip it down to that and fix it.
Well . . . that was not a good idea, ended up just
ripping entire project up and am now looking
for a better pattern for that yarn. (I really liked
the look of the pattern – it was only 2 rows, BUT
it was almost ‘too easy’ – too easy to make
mistakes and too hard to fix them! I know there’s
other patterns out there just waiting for me to
find them!

Words from GRAMMIEPAMMIE: Keep your
chin up, stay warm, remember to get some
rest, remember to drink water regularly, and
do something that makes YOU happy!

Hugs;

Pammie

PS: Gas prices dropped 10 cents – to $1.99/9 – yay!

Entering into January

“Love is looking out for your friends”

TUESDAY, JANUARY 8

Here we are into the first full week of January – it’s gloomy & raining out but (YAY!) no snow! It seems almost strange to not have a bunch of ‘things that have to be done’ hanging over my head (not that I’m complaining, mind you!). Tonight is my Knit/Crochet group’s first ‘official’ meeting – I changed our day because I really didn’t think many would like to come out New Years Day (not that I was worried about the drinking factor – just didn’t think they’d want to ‘go out’). It probably threw a couple people off (we meet bi-weekly) -TURNS OUT WE HAD 20! but we’ll get ‘back in the swing of things’ very soon. I love meeting with ‘my ladies’ – no matter if there’s only a few or an entire ‘bunch’, it’s always a fun time of lots of laughter, tips/sharing with each other (almost the same with the Weds. morning Library group). It’s nice to be able to do something you love (knitting/creating with yarns) and share that with others who feel the same way. Just noticed today that I’m almost done with the ‘use up blue yarns’ blanket; didn’t really think I was that far along! (This is almost a copy of one I did in the Summer for a friend – same colors of yarns. It’s nice to be able to create a baby blanket using up smaller bits of yarn and still come out with something nice.)

(Going nuts here – computer is ‘doing it’s old thing again’- I copy & paste, it transfers to blog page in SUPER TINY print! UGH!

=================

(Today: January 10th, Thursday – 2 days after above – it works again!) Spoke too soon; one recipe goes in fine, next one the title is good, recipe is in tiny print – UGH!)

====================

Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

2 T. butter
4 T. minced garlic
1 lb. boneless chicken tenders
6 T. brown sugar
salt/pepper, to taste
–
In skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter.
Add garlic & cook 2 minutes to brown it.
Season chicken with salt/pepper & add to pan.
Cook chicken 3 minutes on each side or until
no longer pink in middle. Sprinkle brown sugar
on top & heat until melted completely.
Serves 4

NOTE: cooking time may vary depending on
size of chicken tenders

(recipe: ourtableforseven.com)
———————————–

Chunky Chocolate Jam Bars

1 1/2 C. flour
1 C. packed light brown sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1 C. butter, softened
1 1/2 C. quick-cooking oats
1/2 C. flake coconut
1/2 C. chopped pecans, toasted
5 oz. semi-sweet chocolate,
coarsely chopped
1 (12 oz) jar raspberry jam
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
Spray bottom of a 9 X 13″ baking
dish with nonstick cooking spray.
In large bowl mix flour, sugar &
baking powder until blended. Cut
in butter using pastry blender or
2 knives, until mixture resembles
coarse crumbs. Add oats, coconut &
nuts – mix well. Press half mixture
onto bottom of prepared pan & sprinkle
with chopped chocolate. Top with jam
& remaining crumb mixture. Bake
25-30 minutes until ligthly browned.
Cool completely before cutting into
bars. Makes 32 servings

(recipe: kraftrecipes)
———————————–

Northwoods Pie (savory dish)

2 lb. ground beef
1 small onion, diced
1 lb. maple bacon
2 (28 oz, ea) cans Bush’s Maple Cured Bacon
Baked beans
4 C. shredded mozzarella cheese
salt/pepper, to taste
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
In large skillet brown ground beef & onion;
season with salt/pepper – drain excess
grease. In same pan, fry bacon until half-
way done (about 5 minutes on each side).
Season with salt/pepper & place cooked
bacon on paper towels to absorb excess
grease. In bottom of a 9 X 13″ baking pan
layer half the ground beef. Layer one can
baked beans on top. Next, layer 2 C. cheese &
half the partially cooked bacon. Continue
with same layers: ground beef, beans, cheese &
bacon. Cover with foil & bake 30 minutes until
cheese is melted & dish is bubbly. Serves 12

(recipe: thecountrycook.net)
————————————–

Crockpot Turkey Sausage
Soup w/veggies

1 (19.5 oz) pkg Italian turkey
sausage links, casings removed
3 large tomatoes, chopped
1 (15 oz) can garbanzo beans
(or chick peas) drained/rinsed
3 medium carrots, thinly sliced
1 1/2 C. cut fresh green beans,
cut into 1″ pieces
1 medium zucchini, quartered
lengthwise & sliced
1 large sweet red or green pepper,
chopped
8 green onions, chopped
4 C. chicken stock
1 (12 oz) can tomato paste
1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
1/3 C. minced fresh bacil
–
In large skillet over medium heat
cook sausage 8-10 minutes until no
longer pink, breaking up into crumbles.
Drain & transfer to crockpot. Add
tomatoes, beans, carrots, green beans,
zucchini, pepper & green onions, In
large bowl whisk stock, tomato paste &
seasoned salt – pour over veggies. Cover
& cook on Low 6-8 hours until veggies
are tender. Just before serving, stir in
basil. Serves 10 (3 1/2 quarts)

Freezer option:
Freeze cooled soup in freezer containers.
To use, partially thaw in fridge overnight.
Heat through in a saucepan, stirring
occasionally & adding a little stock if
needed.

(recipe: tasteofhome.com)
———————————

Baked Chicken & Spinach Spaghetti

1 lb. uncooked spaghetti
4-5 oz. fresh baby spinach, chopped
2 C. cooked, shredded chicken
2 (15 oz, ea) jars Alfredo pasta sauce
1 (15 oz) tub ricotta cheese
1/4 C. sour cream
2 C. mozzarella cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
Lightly spray 9 X 13″ baking dish
with nonstick cooking spray. Cook
spaghetti until just tender, 6-8
minutes; drain & return to pot.
Stir spinach into warm spaghetti
followed by chicken & Alfredo
sauce – mix well. Spread half of
mixture into prepared pan. In
medium bowl stir ricotta, sour cream,
1 C. mozz cheese, egg, garlic, basil,
oregano, salt/pepper. Spread mixture
on top of mixture in pan & top with
remaining spaghetti – sprinkle top
with remaining mozz. cheese. Bake
20-25 minutes until golden & bubbly.
Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Serves 8

(recipe: letsdishrecipes.com)
————————————-

Sauteed Zucchini & Tomatoes

1 T. canola oil
4 small zucchini, sliced, about 4 C.
1 (14.5 oz) can stewed tomatoes,
undrained
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. black pepper
–
Heat oil in large skillet over medium-
high heat. Add zucchini & cook 7
minutes until tender, stirring
occasionally. Add undrained
tomatoes, salt/pepper to skillet;
break up tomatoes with a spoon &
cook 2 minutes until hot. Serves 4

(recipe: readyseteat.com)
—————————–

Snickerdoodle Poppers

1 1/4 C. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 C. milk, room temp.
1/4 C. plain yogurt, room temp.
1/4 C. granulated sugar
3 T. butter, melted
vegetable oil, for frying
–
Coating:
2/3 C. granulated sugar
1 1/2 – 2 tsp. cinnamon

Filling:
1 box instant vanilla pudding mix
4 oz white chocolate
–
Combine 2/3 C. sugar & cinnamon –
set aside. In small bowl whisk flour,
baking powder & salt. In medium
bowl whisk milk, plain yogurt, sugar &
melted butter. Stir in dry ingredients &
mix just until combined.
–
In medium pot heat about 2 inches oil
to 350 degrees F.
–
Roll out about 1/2 T. dough into a ball
using your hands (roll gently) & place
ball into oil – fry until golden brown,
flipping when golden to cook evenly
on both sides. Work in small batches
because you have to work fast. Transfer
baked balls onto a paper towel-lined
plate to drain, then roll in cinnamon-
sugar mixture. Repeat with remaining
dough.
Prepare instant pudding mix & mix into
melted white chocolate. Transfer it
to a pastry bag with filling tip (or use
a zip lock bag with one corner trimmed).
Using a filling tip – poke poppers going
about halfway in, then squeeze in filling.
(If using ziplock bag, use a sharp/pointed
item like a chopstick to poke the holes,
then fill).
Makes 30

(recipe: omgchocolatedesserts.com)

======================

It’s Thursday, my ‘day off’ – yesterday was
super busy/crazy – so glad I have today to
rest/relax/recoup! The weather is finally
Michigan/January: in the low 20’s, really
chilly/windy with light snow (nothing – yet-
to worry about, just a light dusting).

Gas prices JUMPED yesterday: I went to the
Library knit group & stopped to get gas just
before; price I paid was $1.94/9 – 2 hours
later that same place was registering: $2.09/9
that’s a FIFTEEN cents a gallon jump! (I had read
on Facebook that the prices would probably go
back up to the $3.00 range soon – guess they
were right!

Need to go for a small grocery shopping today –
low on the ‘staples’: bread & milk. Not sure yet
what’s for dinner – thinking Salmon patties &
homemade garlic mashed potatoes. We’ve gotten
in to a kind of ‘new thing’ around my house – at
Christmas I made a huge spinach/mixed greens
Greek-type salad (sliced tomatoes, sliced green
peppers, sliced cucumber, sliced red onion, Feta
cheese & slivered almonds) – it was a HUGE hit
and so we’ve kind of carried that on since then.
I’m able to get these really big rectangular boxes
of mixed greens so I take half out & put them in
a zip lock bag for later then construct the salad
in that box. When it gets low, I just add more
greens & ingredients – works really well and ALL
of my family here have been hitting it, even
youngest son who NEVER eats veggies! Amazing!
I like it because it’s a quick fix if I’m hungry! (By
the way, still working on ‘the diet’ – lost 16 lbs.
and am down to 169 lbs – don’t remember WHEN
I was that low before! Diabetic numbers are good,
too.)

Anyway, now that the blog IS working I’d better
send this one out. Finished the “Use up the blue
yarns” blanket:

The colors didn’t photograph well – at the bottom there’s blue/green/white variegated yarn then a medium blue, then more variegated, etc. Oh well –

I just started another blanket in pinks (same idea/different pattern but with white lines dividing the colors)

Have a GREAT day – remember to REST & stay WARM!

Hugs;

Pammie

Decorations DOWN – YAY!

My husband helped me take the tree off the baby grand piano; my job was to de-construct it & put it all back in the box. This year I came up with a GREAT solution to the base coming off right during our lifting the tree – happens EVERY year! This year I used Gorilla tape & taped the base to the stand – YES-it worked! I was a bit surprised that the taking-down of all the decorations yesterday went much smoother and faster than putting them all up. All that remains is waiting for youngest son to wake up so I can put the tree & lights away (storage is in his room).

Other things that happened:  Middle son turned 30 yesterday.

(for some reason I did a horrible job of writing this time, but it’s his favorite: double chocolate brownies, so he didn’t care.

Finished the PEACH colored baby afghan for Crisis Pregnancy centers – in the photo it looks kind of pink; couldn’t seem to get the colors adjusted but you get the idea.

I found a circa-1940’s scarf pattern on line and decided it would make a great baby afghan pattern; funny thing is: it seems VERY familiar! It’s VERY close to a scarf/afghan pattern I learned many MANY years ago while working All Nights at the phone company! The pattern I found on line calls for 10 rows – I started on row 10 and really didn’t like how it broke up the flow of the pattern so I did my own ‘adjusting’ – now it ‘flows’ like the pattern above, no breaking up after so many rows! I found a really nice, soft ‘dusty rose’ colored yarn at Meijers so that will be my next ‘new’ project (still working on the ‘use up extra yarns’ afghan – about 3/4ths done with that one).

===============

Crackerbarrel Fried Apples

2 C. apple juice, plus 1/2 C. apple juice
4 large Golden Delicious apples,
with peel on, cut into 1/2″ wedges
3 T. cornstarch
1 tsp. apple pie spice
4 T. sugar
–
In medium skillet combine 2 C.
apple juice & sliced apples – simmer
gently until apples are fork-tender
but not mushy, turning apples
frequently. Remove apples from juice
using a slotted spoon & place in an
oven-safe dish. In a blender combine
remaining 1/2 C. apple juice, cornstarch,
apple pie spice & sugar – blend a few
seconds until smooth. Whisk mixture
into hot apple juice in skillet & cook,
stirring constantly on medium-high
heat until it bubbles & becomes
thickened & smooth. Pour thickened
mixture over apples & serve.

(recipe: americantimesfood.com)
——————————
Crockpot French Onion Soup

3 large yellow onions, sliced thin
3 T. butter
2 T. brown sugar
2 T. Worcestershire sauce
2 T. garlic, minced
64.5 oz. beef broth (Six 10.75 oz, ea)
cans
1 whole bay leaf
1 sprig fresh thyme (or 1 tsp. dried)
=
6 slices French bread, sliced
1 C. Swiss cheese, shredded
1 C. Parmesan cheese, shredded
=
In medium skillet add butter, sliced
onions & brown sugar – saute until onions
become translucent & caramelized. To
a 4 qt. crockpot (or larger) add onions,
beef broth, garlic, bay leaf & thyme.
Cover & cook 4-5 hours on Low.

To serve:

Turn on oven broiler
Add soup to ovenproof bowls & top with
1-2 slices French bread; top with both
cheeses. Place bowls on a cookie sheet &
place under broiler 1-2 minutes until
cheeses are melted & bubbly. Serves 6

(recipe: crockpotladies.com)
———————————-

Cheesy Ham Bubble Bakes

1 (6 oz) pkg. (Oscar Mayer) smoked
ham, chopped
3/4 C. shredded Cheddar cheese
1 (12 oz) can refrigerated buttermilk
biscuits (10 biscuits)
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
Spray 8 muffin cups with nonstick
cooking spray.
In large bowl combine ham & cheese.
Cut each biscuit into 4 pieces & add to
ham mixture – mix lightly then spoon
into muffin tins. Bake 20 minutes until
puffed up & golden brown. Cool 10
minutes before removing from pan.
Serve warm. Makes 8

(recipe: kraftrecipes.com)
——————————–

Make-Ahead Eggs Benedict Toast Cups

6 English muffins, split
1 envelope hollandaise sauce mix
12 slices Canadian bacon, quartered
1 tsp. black pepper
1 T. olive oil
6 large eggs
1 T. butter
–
Preheat oven 375 degrees F.
Spray 12 muffin tin cups with
nonstick cooking spray.
Using a rolling pin, flatten muffin halves
& press into muffin cups. Bake until
lightly browned, about 10 minutes.

Prepare hollandaise sauce accordg. to
pkg. directions; cool slightly. Sprinkle
bacon with black pepper. In large skillet
cook bacon in oil over medium heat until
partially cooked but not crisp. Remove
to paper towels to drain. Divide bacon
among muffin cups. Wipe skillet clean.

Whisk eggs & 1/2 C. cooled hollandaise
sauce until blended. In same skillet, heat
butter over medium heat. Pour egg mixture
into skillet; cook & stir until eggs are
thickened & no liquid egg remains. Divide
egg mixture among muffin cups & top
with remaining hollandaise sauce. Bake
8-10 minutes until heated through. Serve
warm. Makes 12

Overnight Option:
Refrigerate unbaked cups, covered,
overnight. Bake until golden brown,
10-12 minutes.

Freezer Option:
Cover & freeze unbaked cups in muffin
tin until firm. Transfer to an air-tight
container & return to freezer. To use,
bake cups in tin as directed, increasing
time to bake to 25-30 minutes. Cover
loosely with foil, if needed, to prevent
overbrowning.

(recipe: tasteofhome.com)
———————————-
Ground Beef Barley Soup

2 qts. water
2 meaty beef soup bones
2 beef bouillon cubes (or 2 tsp.
beef bouillon granules)
1 lb. ground beef
1/4 to 1/2 C. medium pearl barley
1 large carrot, diced
1 small onion, chopped
3-4 medium potatoes, peeled/
diced
2 tsp. garlic salt
1 tsp. onion powder
2 tsp. dried parsley
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
–
In large Dutch oven bring water &
soup bones to a rapid boil; add
bouillon. Stir in ground beef in
small amounts – reduce heat.
Cover & simmer 1 1/2 hours until
meat comes off bones easily. Remove
bones. Strain broth; cool &
chill – skim off fat. Remove meat from
bones; dice & return to broth along
with remaining ingredients – bring to
a boil Reduce heat; cover & simmer
about 1 hour or until vegetables are
tender. Serves 10-12 (about 2 qts)

(recipe: tasteofhome.com)
———————————

Asian Chicken Thighs

5 tsp. olive oil
5 bone-in chicken thighs,
skins removed
1/3 C. water
1/4 C. packed brown sugar
2 T. orange juice
2 T. soy sauce
2 T. ketchup
1 T. white vinegar
4 cloves garlic minced
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp. Chinese 5 spice powder
2 tsp. cornstarch
2 T. cold water
sliced green onions (garnish)
–
Cooked rice to serve 5
–
In large skillet heat oil over medium
heat; add chicken & cook 8-10
minutes per side until golden brown.
In small bowl whisk water, brown sugar,
orange juice, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar,
garlic, pepper flakes & 5-spice powder –
pour over chicken. Bring to boil, reduce
heat & simmer, uncovered, 30-35 minutes
until chicken is tender, turning chicken
occasionally. In small bowl mix cornstarch
& cold water until smooth – stir into pan &
bring to boil. Cook & stir 1 minute until
sauce is thickened. Sprinkle top with green
onions, if desired. Serve with cooked rice.
Serves 5

(recipe: tasteofhome.com)
—————————–

Toasted Almond/Coconut Cream
Poke Cake

1 (2 layer size) white cake mix (plus
all ingredients needed on box to make
cake
1 tsp. almond extract
1 box coconut cream instant pudding mix
(use directions for ‘pie filling’)
1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip, thawed
1/2 C. toasted coconut
1/4 C. tasted sliced almonds
–
Prepare cake as per box directions but
add the 1 tsp. almond extract with
wet ingredients. Bake in a sprayed
9 X 13″ baking pan & bake as per
pkg. directions for that size pan.
When baked, remove from oven &
cool 15 minutes. Using the handle of
a wooden spoon, poke holes on top
of cake (about 6 holes across/10 holes
down) with holes about 1 inch apart.
Beat pudding mix & milk in small bowl
1 minute; pour over top of cake & press
mixture into holes. Cover & refrigerate
4 hours (the longer, the better). Frost
top of cake with Cool Whip before
serving & cover top with toasted
coconut & toasted almonds.
Serves 12

(recipe: bakeatmidnite.com)

==================

Woke up to a light dusting of frost – it’s all gone
and the sun is shining brightly! LOVE the sunshine!
It always seems to charge my energy and give me
more ‘get up and go’, if you know what I mean!
Tomorrow starts a new week – finally back to my
‘old’ schedule of knit groups, special needs group,
babysitting, church/choir – it’s been a nice, peaceful
time of rest but I’m ready to learn new choir songs,
meet with my knit ladies and get back to ‘my’ normal!

Hope things are going well with you, also!

Hugs;

Pammie

and now it’s SOUP weather!

Our weather has actually been COOPERATING! Very little snow (so far) – the temps are in the mid-30’s which is normal for Michigan in January. Again – I like this weather because I can drive/walk/get around without having to wear boots or worry about slipping (either walking or driving). Tomorrow is our middle son’s 30th birthday – my, how the time flies! I will be making him his ‘favorite’ birthday thing: double chocolate brownies with thick dark chocolate frosting.

==============

Crockpot Raspberry/Chocolate
Lava Cake
NOTE: recipe uses a 2 1/2 qt.
crockpot

1/2 C. butter, sliced
2 (1 oz, ea) squares unsweetened
baking chocolate
2 eggs, beaten
3/4 C. sugar
1/3 C. + 6 tsp. Seedless Raspberry
jam – divided
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 C. flour
1/4 tsp. baking powder
–
Spray insides of a small crockpot*
with nonstick cooking spray.
In a saucepan over Low heat melt
butter & chocolate; remove from
heat & stir in sugar, 1/3 C. jam,
vanilla & eggs. Add flour & baking
powder – combine well- pour into
prepared crockpot. Dot top with
remaining teaspoons of jam evenly
across the cake. Cover & cook on
High 2-3 hours until cake is set (it
will be a spoonable consistency).
Serve warm with fresh raspberries &
ice cream or whipped cream.
Serves 6

(Optional toppings: fresh raspberries,
ice cream, whipped cream)

*2 1/2 quart crockpot

(recipe: recipesthatcrock.com)
——————————-

Crockpot Minestrone Soup

1 lb. ground turkey
3/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground oregano
1 tsp. dried basil
1 yellow or white onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 celery ribs, sliced into quarter-inch
pieces
1 large carrot, grated or sliced
1/2 lb. fresh green beans, trimmed/cut
into 1″ pieces
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (14 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
6 C. chicken broth
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained/
rinsed
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained/
rinsed
1 C. ditalini pasta (or other pasta of
your choice)
2 T. chopped fresh basil
–
Parmesan cheese, for serving
=
In large pan over medium heat cook
gr. turkey, breaking up with a wooden
spoon. Add salt, basil & oregano, onions
& garlic – brown turkey about 5 minutes
then transfer to crockpot. Add celery, carrots,
beans, both tomatoes, chicken broth, both
beans. Cover & cook on Low 6 hours.

NOTE:
If you will be eating all of the soup in one
day, you can add the dry pasta to crockpot
& cook on High until al dente – about 15-20
minutes.

If you will not be eating the entire batch of soup
& will have leftovers, cook pasta on stovetop
until al dente accordg. to pkg. directions – add
a little pasta to each individual bowl (this way
the pasta won’t get totally swollen & absorb
all the broth.
Stir in fresh basil – ladle into bowls & top each
serving with 1 T. shredded Parm. cheese.
Makes 16 Cups
(recipe can be halved)

(recipe: 365daysofcrockpot.com)
————————————–
White Bean Chicken Chili

1 (48 oz) jar Great Northern beans
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts,
cooked
1 (16 oz) jar salsa
1 (8 oz) pkg. shredded Monterey
Jack cheese
1 (8 oz) pkg. jalapeno cheese, cubed
–
Place all ingredients in a large stockpot;
heat over Low heat until cheeses melt.
Stir in up to 1 C. water for desired
consistency; heat until warmed through.
Serves 4-6

(recipe: gooseberrypatch.com)
—————————————
Sausage/Spinach/Bean Soup

1 T. olive oil
8 links Italian sausage (casings removed)
9 oz. fresh spinach
2 (15 oz, ea) cans white beans, drained/
rinsed
2 (15 oz, ea) cans diced tomatoes
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
10 baby carrots, chopped
3 cartons/quarts or 96 oz. chicken broth
1 lb. Cavatappi pasta
10 fresh basil leaves, chopped
salt/pepper, to taste
–
grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
–
In large stockpot heat oil, brown sausage,
breaking up with a wooden spoon as it
cooks. When almost browned, add all
veggies, salt/pepper. Allow veggies to
soften & cook about 7 minutes, stirring
occasionally so nothing sticks. Add tomatoes,
beans, pasta & all chicken broth – stir
to mix well. Add fresh basil & a little more
salt/pepper – bring to a boil. Reduce heat
to Low & simmer about 7 minutes to cook
the pasta.
A few minutes before serving, add all spinach
to pot – stir as it wilts. Serve immediately,
topped with Parm. cheese.

NOTE: If you are making this ahead (or have
leftovers) keep some extra chicken broth on
hand to add as you reheat it, as the pasta will
continue to soak up the liquid the longer
it sits.

(recipe: flavorsbyfour.blogspot.com)
————————————–

Cheddar Cheese Soup

2 1/2 C. shredded sharp Cheddar
cheese
3 T. butter
4 scallions (include some of green
parts) chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 rib celery, chopped
4 T. flour
1/8 tsp. grated nutmeg
1/8 tsp. black pepper
3/4 C. chicken broth
1/4 C. heavy cream
3 1/2 C. Half & Half
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
–
In large pot melt butter; add
scallions, onion & celery. Cook until
onion softens. Sift in flour, nutmeg
& pepper – cook 2-3 minutes. Gradually
stir in broth – bring to a boil & simmer
15 minutes. Cool mixture slightly; strain
into a bowl & return it to pan. Add the
Half & Half & cream – bring soup just to
a boil. Gradually add cheese, stirring to
melt each batch before adding more.
Return soup to a boil, stirring often.
Taste then add salt & Worc. sauce.
Serves 4

(recipe: bakeatmidnite.com)
————————————
Cabbage & Beef Soup

1 lb. ground beef (lean)
1/2 tsp. garlic salt
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. black pepper
2 ribs celery, chopped
1 (16 oz) can kidney beans,
drained/rinsed
1/2 medium cabbage, chopped
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes,
undrained
3 1/2 C. water
4 tsp. beef bouillon granules
(minced parsley – optional garnish)
–
In Dutch oven or big pot cook beef
over medium heat until no longer
pink; drain. Stir in remaining
ingredients (except parsley) – bring
to a boil. Reduce heat; cover & simmer
1 hour. Garnish with parsley, if desired.
Serves 12 (3 qts)

(recipe: tasteofhome.com)
—————————

Lemon Pudding Bread

1 (18.25. oz) box white cake mix
2 small (4.3 oz, ea.) boxes instant
lemon pudding mix
1/2 C. vegetable oil
4 large eggs
8 oz. (1 C. ) sour cream
3/4 C. milk
6 T. lemon juice

Icing:
1 C. powdered sugar
3-5 T. lemon juice
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
Spray 2 loaf pans with nonstick
cooking spray & lightly flour each
pan. In large bowl using electric
mixer – mix dry cake mix,
pudding mixes, oil, eggs, milk, lemon
juice & sour cream – mix about 2 minutes
on Medium speed – pour batter into
prepared pans.
Bake 50 minutes until a wooden toothpick
inserted in center comes out clean. Cool
about 20 minutes in pans before removing
to a wire rack.

Icing:

In bowl combine powdered sugar & (start
with) 3 T. lemon juice – whisk together.
Add lemon juice until you get the
desired consistency that you desire.
Drizzle over cooled bread & let set.
Makes 2 loaves

(recipe: sugar-n-spicegals.com)

======================

Hope you are having a good day and
are in good health.

Hugs;

Pammie

PS: I babysat today and now I’m ‘officially’
being called: “Gumma” (he’s almost 2)

 

and we’re OFF and RUNNING!

Good morning to a NEW YEAR! Hope you all had a good evening and are rested – ready to start a new day AND a NEW YEAR! (ours was, as I predicted) very quiet; husband & I enjoyed some chilled shrimp at  midnight then promptly went to bed!

I decided, to start out the new year, I’d post some BREAKFAST recipes for you (probably should have posted those a few days ago so you’d have something special to prepare for today – oh well . . . sorry)

===============

Glazed Choc. Chip Orange Bread

3 C. flour
3/4 C. sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 C. chocolate chips
zest of 1 large orange
1 large egg
1/4 C. orange juice
1 C. buttermilk
1/2 C. vegetable oil
–
Glaze:

1 C. powdered sugar
1-2 T. orange juice
orange zest – as much as you
want
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
Line bottom of a 9 X 5″ loaf pan
with parchment paper & spray
the sides of the pan with nonstick
cooking spray. In large bowl whisk
flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda,
salt, orange zest & choc. chips. In another
bowl whisk egg, orange juice, buttermilk
& oil – pour wet ingredients into dry &
mix until just combined – do not over-mix.

(NOTE: cover baking loaf with foil
half-way through baking time to prevent
the bread from browning too much.)

Pour batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle
extra choc. chips on top & bake 50-60
minutes until a toothpick inserted into
center of loaf comes out clean. Allow
to cool completely in pan on wire rack
before removing & glazing.

Glaze:
In medium bowl whisk powdered sugar &
orange juice – add more juice, depending
on how thick you’d like the glaze – whisk
in zest then drizzle over cooled bread.

Bread will stay fresh in an air-tight
container at room temp. or refrigerated
for up to 5 days. It also freezes well for up
to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge.

(recipe: marshasbakingaddiction.com)
———————————–

Crockpot Biscuits & Gravy Casserole

1 tube large refrigerator biscuits (8 count),
cut into quarters
1 lb. breakfast sausage
2 T. butter
4 T. flour
3 C. milk
salt/pepper, to taste
–
In bottom of a crockpot place 6
biscuit quarters. Cover & cook on
High while making gravy.
Gravy:
In large saucepan over medium-
high heat, brown breakfast
sausage until cooked completely.
Do not drain; add butter to browned
sausage, stir into meat until melted.
Stir in flour, 1 T. at a time – dissolve
completely & cook an additional
minute. Slowly pour milk into mixture,
1/2 C. at a time; stir continually until
it begins to bubble & all milk is
completely incorporated. Continue
stirring 1 minute after it begins to
bubble – remove from heat & pour
over cooking biscuits. Top gravy
with remaining biscuit quarters.
Cover & cook on High 2 hours.
Serves 8

(recipe: beyerbeware.net)
——————————–
Crockpot Scrambled Eggs/Sausage &
Green Chilies
(overnight recipe)

5 T. butter, divided
2 T. corn starch
2 C. milk
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
8 oz. cream cheese
12 medium eggs (or 10 large)
1 lb. pork sausage
1 (4 oz) can green chilies
1 tsp. seasoning salt
–
In saucepan over medium heat
combine milk & corn starch, whisking
until smooth. Add 2 T. butter & the
cream cheese; continue stirring
1 minute until boiling – remove from
heat & add salt/pepper. Brown pork
sausage in a skillet, adding chilies at
the end of cooking; drain & remove
to a plate. Place eggs in a large bowl &
whisk thoroughly, until yolks are well
combined. Whisk in seasoning salt.
Melt remaining 3 T. butter in skillet
over medium heat; pour in eggs &
cook 1-2 minutes, gently pushing eggs
off bottom to allow more liquid to be
spread around. DO NOT scramble
the eggs too much. When eggs are
nearly cooked (with little moisture
left) remove pan from heat. Combine
sausage & green chilies. (EITHER):
pour cream sauce over top OR pour
eggs into the sauce. Fold sauce into
eggs, breaking up any large egg
pieces to spread eggs through the
sauce. Taste & adjust salt/pepper,
as needed. Spray insides of crockpot
generously with nonstick cooking
spray & spread eggs in crockpot.
Let cool, then cover & refrigerate
overnight.
Serves 6

Next day:
Cook on High 2 hours.

NOTE:
Can be cooked in oven for 30 minutes
on 300 degrees F.

(recipe: beyerbeware.net)
—————————–
Make Ahead Ham & Cheese Quiche
(overnight recipe)

1 lb. deli ham
1 C. shredded mozzarella cheese
1 C. shredded Cheddar (or Colby
Jack) cheese
4 eggs
8 oz. whipping cream
1 frozen deep-dish pie crust
–
In medium bowl lightly beat eggs
& whipping cream until yolks are
blended into cream; add ham &
cheese – mix well. Cover in a bowl
& refrigerate overnight.
=
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
Pour eggs/ham/cheese mixture
into pie crust & bake 40 minutes
or until lightly golden brown. Serve
hot or at room temperature.
Serves 6

(recipe: theseoldcookbooks.com)
———————————-
Easy Cheesy Spinach Bake

4 eggs
1 (16 oz) tub cottage cheese
1 (10 oz) pkg. frozen chopped
spinach, thawed/well drained-
squeezed
1 C. shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 C. real bacon bits
1/2 C. green onion slices
1/2 of a medium red pepper, cut
into thin strips
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
Spray a 9″ pie plate with
nonstick cooking spray.
In large bowl beat eggs lightly;
add all remaining ingredients
except red peppers – mix well;
pour into prepared pan. Bake
40 minutes until center is set.
Top with peppers.
Serves 8

NOTE: can also be prepared
in a 9 X 13″ baking dish – bake
30 minutes until center is set
then cut into squares

(recipe: kraftrecipes.com)
————————————–
Overnight Tex/Mex Tortilla
Brunch Bake

5 whole wheat (10 inch) tortillas,
cut into 1-inch wide strips
1 lb. hot Italian sausage (casings
removed) cooked/drained
2 1/2 C. (Kraft) finely shredded
Cheddar – Pepper Jack cheese
8 eggs
1/2 C. milk
1 (4 oz) can chopped green chilies,
undrained
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. paprika
2 C. grape tomatoes, halved
–
In a 9 X 13″ baking dish sprayed
with nonstick cooking spray, layer
half EACH:
tortilla strips
sausage
cheese
Repeat layers. In large bowl whisk
eggs, milk, chilies, garlic powder,
cumin & pepper until blended –
pour over ingredients in baking
dish. Sprinkle top with paprika &
refrigerate overnight.
=
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
Spread tomato halves over casserole &
bake (uncovered) 45-50 minutes until
center is set & edges are lightly browned.
Serves 10

(recipe: kraftrecipes.com)
———————————-

Cinnamon Sugar Popovers

3 eggs, room temp.
1 1/2 C. flour
1/4 C. sugar plus 1 T.
2 T. butter, melted
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 C. milk
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
–
Preheat oven 450 degrees F.
Spray a muffin pan (or popover pan)
with nonstick cooking spray. In bowl
whisk eggs & milk until foamy then
add vanilla. Add flour, salt & 1 T. sugar –
whisk until just combined & moist
(do not overmix). Fill pan cups with
batter (approx. 3/4th full each).
Bake 20 minutes. Reduce oven
temp. to 350 degrees F. & bake
15 minutes until brown & dry to
the touch. Immediately & carefully
remove from pan. In small bowl
mix 1/4 C. sugar & cinnamon –
brush tops of warm popevers
with melted butter then sprinkle
with cinnamon/sugar mixture.
Makes 12

NOTE: If you use a muffin pan you
will get more (& smaller) popovers
than if you use a popover pan. If you
use a popover pan, you get approx.
6 larger popovers

(recipe: ourtableforseven.com)

---

Coffee Butter Cake

1 box (Duncan Hines) Butter Cake mix
1/2 C. butter, melted
1/2 C. prepared coffee
1/2 C. liquid coffee creamer, half & half
or heavy cream
4 eggs
1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
1 heaping Tablespoon cocoa powder
–
Coffee Butter Sauce:

3/4 C. sugar
1/2 C. butter
1/4 C. prepared coffee
1-2 tsp. vanilla
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
Spray insides of a Bundt pan with
nonstick cooking spray. Place all
cake ingredients in large bowl &
beat using elec. mixer until fully
incorporated & no lumps, scraping
down sides of bowl – about 2 minutes.
Pour batter into prepared pan & spread
evenly. Bake 40-45 minutes until a
toothpick inserted near center comes
out clean. Remove pan from oven &
cool in pan 10 minutes.

Sauce:
Place all sauce ingredients in large bowl
or saucepot. (If using bowl, microwave
at 30-second intervals, stirring after each,
until butter is melted & sugar is dissolved).
If using saucepot, cook over medium-low
heat, stirring constantly, until butter is
melted & sugar is completely dissolved. Using
a wooden skewer or fork – poke holes all over
top of cake while still in Bundt pan. Pour hot
sauce over cake & allow to cool completely
before turning cake onto a serving platter.
Garnish each pieces with whipped cream &
a sprinkling of cocoa powder or chocolate
shavings, if desired.

(recipe: southernplate.com)
=========================

Woke up this morning to warmer
temperatures – all snow is gone!
(It did rain for most of yesterday
so there’s that . . . ) Looking at the
week our temps are mostly in the
30’s (which is typical for this time
of year here in Michigan); doesn’t
look like there’s snow on the near
horizon (a few 20% chance of snow
showers during week – those don’t
scare me).

Hope you have a GREAT first day of
the New Year!

Hugs;

Pammie