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Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
2007-11-11 17:29:00
The best fall/autumn bread you will make.I get asked every time for the recipe.This recipe is in my allrecipes cookbook.The more chocolate chips the better.This recipe makes 3 loaves,so you can give them as gifts or freeze them.Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread from AllrecipesINGREDIENTS:3 cups white sugar1 (15 ounce) can pumpkinpuree1 cup vegetable oil2/3 cup water4 eggs3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour1 tablespoon ground cinnamon1 tablespoon ground nutmeg2 teaspoons baking soda1 1/2 teaspoons salt1 cup miniature semisweetchocolate chips1/2 cup chopped walnuts(optional)DIRECTIONS:1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 1 pound size coffee cans, or three 9x5 inch loaf pans.2.In a large bowl, combine sugar, pumpkin, oil, water, and eggs. Beat until smooth. Blend in flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts. Fill cans 1/2 to 3/4 full.3.Bake for 1 hour, or until an inserted knife comes out clean. Cool on wire racks before remo...

Deviled Eggs
2007-11-09 17:53:00
There are a few recipes that I make that are my grandmothers that I do not tweak.Comfort food at its best.I love her deviled eggs.These are a staple at every single family gathering and there are never,ever any left.I remeber eating these as a little girl with my cousin Jeremy until our bellies hurt.And to this day the two of us are the first in line for them.They are super easy to make and the taste is classic.goodness.Two of the boys love them.One will scoop out the center and eat only the boiled egg.But that's ok-more to pile on my egg. We dye boiled eggs for Easter and keep them in the refrigerator and peel them for deviled eggs and egg salad to feast on.YUM!Nana's Deviled Eggs 12 eggs,hard boiled and peeled1 T prepared yellow mustard1/2 tsp mayonnaise1 T sweet chopped pickles1/2 tsp juice from the pickle jarsalt and pepper to tasteCut eggs crosswise and remove the yolks.Save egg whites.Place yolks in a medium bowl and mash with a fork.Add all ingredients and mix wellSpoon mi...

Cheese Ravioli with Marinara sauce
2007-11-07 14:43:00
Here is a super simple meal.And kids love it.As you know from previous posts,I am challenging myself to prepare meals with what I have in the house,minus a few ingreidients I need to buy fresh.Well,this weeks grocery bill went from $200 to.......$12.77.I AM NOT KIDDING! Milk,bread from the bread outlet,eggs,drinks for t he boys school lunches and cat food.I am beyond proud of myself for sticking to it.Yesterday I premade spaghetti sauce,meatballs,sheperd's pie, chili ,chicken taco meat and chicken tetrazzini to freeze and pop in the oven this week.So I am free to do other things.(not that I mind cooking,just busy with other things for the holidays) So I made cheese ravioli and made a homemade marinara sauce topour over top.This marinara was excellent.A bit on the sweet side for the kids and they were all members of the "clean plate club".I will be making my own marinara from now on.It didn't take long at all and the flavor was great.And when fresh tomatoes are in season I will be ...
More About: Ravioli , Cheese , Sauce , Nara , Marina

Thanksgiving Traditions
2007-11-06 15:46:00
Well my dearest blog friends ,Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away. Our family has a few traditions,but I would like to start a few more.So I thought that we could all share our traditions (and even a few recipes!) and I will add them to this post as I receive them. Let us know of any crafts ,decorations,stories etc that you have.I will start it off.I take the boys to the backyard and we saw down a medium sized tree branch.I put it in a bowl and fill it up the acorns and mini pumpkins.Then I cut out leaf shapes from construction paper and we write down what we are thankful for and I hang the leaves on the tree.Makes a cute centerpiece for the kitchen table.We plan on doing this in the next few days so we can enjoy it before turkey day.~Elizabeth L "mommychef"On T-day, we pass around a bowl of dry beans. Each person takes one, and then we go around and say something we are grateful for and put the bean back in the bowl. Sometimes we go around several times. On T-day, we pass around ...
More About: Traditions , Hank

Smoked Sausage Skillet
2007-11-05 21:00:00
Super dinner.Quick to the table.Throw it all together and simmer.That's it.ANd the flavor is great,considering the small number of ingredients.You can serve it over rice or pasta for a more substantial dinner,but the kids like it straight from the stove.Smoked Sausage Skillet1 lb beef smoked sausage,sliced 1/2" thick2 russet potatoes,peeled and diced1 green pepper. cut into strips1 medium onion,cut into strips1/4 cup waterIn a large skillet on medium high skillet, brown the sausage.Add all other ingredients and lower het to meduim.Cover and let simmer 8-10 minutes,stirring occasionally, until potatoes and onions are tender.Season to taste with salt and pepper.
More About: Ausa

Menu Plan Monday
2007-11-05 03:46:00
Here is this week's menu plan based on the food in my well stocked pantry.Monday : Grilled Marinated Venison RoastTuesday: Chicken ,broccoli and rice casseroleWednesday:crockpot cheeseburgersThursday:tuna cakesFriday:SpaghettiSaturday:Oven Baked Beans and pork medallionsSunday:Smoked turkey sausage with pasta
More About: Menu , Plan

Autumn Spice Muffins
2007-11-04 23:16:00
I am in the process of trying recipes in hopes of making a few of them for my family when we go home to NC for Thanksgiving.I found this recipe in a local Church cookbook and thought I would try it.The batter is very easy to put together and the smell in the house is mouthwatering when they are cooking.My husband has already eaten 3 of them. Thing is,to him it tastes like Christmas (the cloves) and smells like Christmas to me.So I will be making these again on Christmas morning,not on Thanksgiving.Highly recommend these.Now back to baking to find more winners.Autumn Spice Muffin s 3 eggs1 cup molasses1 cup brown sugar3 1/2 cups flour1 tablespoon baking soda1 tablespoon ground cloves1 tablespoon ground ginger1/2 lb butter, melted1 cup hot water Preheat oven to 350 degreesCombine all ingredients in a large bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.Bake in paper lined muffin tins for 20 to 25 minutes. Place on racks to cool completely.
More About: Fins

Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
2007-11-03 17:28:00
These cookies are so good. I could easily eat the entire batch.The kids came running when the cookies were in the oven.The smell of apples and spices was perfect on a lazy Saturday morning.I got this recipe a few years back from my friend Sarah.She brought these to our neighborhood cookie swap and she handed out the recipe.I make these for the boys' teachers at Christmas and they always compliment.Caramel Apple Pie Cookie s 1/2 cup vegetable shortening1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar1 egg1/2 cup apple juice, divided2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking soda1/4 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/4 teaspoon ground cloves1 cup apples, peeled and shredded Frosting2-3 tablespoons margarine, softened1/3 cup packed light brown sugar2 tablespoons water1 1/2 cups powdered sugar3-4 tablespoons milkBeat shortening and brown sugar in medium bowl until blended; beat in egg.Mix in 1/4 cup apple juice.Combined flour, baking soda, salt, and spices; mix in remaining 1/4 cup apple jui...

Pantry Challenge
2007-11-02 22:30:00
Well it finally happened.My husband opened his mouth and told me that I had a problem.I constantly go to the grocery store and buy.Anything . Everything.And I bring it home and decide later what I am going to do with it. This week I failed to make a menu plan.And we ate sandwiches all week.The boys are confused,my husband is constantly hungry,and I am agitated beyond belief because I "have nothing to make".My husband pointed out that there is enough food in this house that I can feed all 6 of us through November with what I have here (with the exception of milk,bread and eggs).So, since I will NOT be defeated,I have spent the afternoon taking everything out of cabinets, refrigerators and freezers and made an inventory.And a ongoing meal plan.And guess what?With only using about 1/3 of what I have in the house RIGHT NOW......I have already made 14 days worth of my meal plan.Seriously.Can you believe that?Apparently my husband can.Here is a list of what I have and a list of the meals ...
More About: Challenge , Pantry , Halle

Thanksgiving
2007-11-01 20:01:00
Here are a few pictures of my Thanksgiving decor.I haven't decided on the garland for the fireplace yet,but when I do I will post a picture. The Pilgrim and Native American candles are vintage made by Gurley. I try to keep the decor as simple as possible because Christmas is just around the corner and is a very busy time for us. I have a few more ideas,but I don't know if they will work with two toddlers running around the house,so if I decide to display them I will post as well. And I do need candles for the mantle candleholders,I just haven't picked them up yet.
More About: Hank

Scent for the Holidays
2007-11-01 17:30:00
Christmas is just around the corner .I have spent the morning taking down Halloween decorations and putting up Thanksgiving decorations.In a few weeks Christmas decorations begin around here.And nothing makes me get into the Christmas spirit more than my home smelling like Christmas.To me that means,spices and cinnamon.I have this concoction simmering on my stove throughout the holidays and it smells amazing.Just please,please make sure that while it is simmering you keep checking the water level and add more when it gets low. Scent for the Holidays 3 cinnamon sticks4 whole cloves2 tsp ground allspice3 cups waterPut all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil.When boil starts,turn doen the heat to low and let it simmer.Add more water as needed.
More About: The Holidays

Soup's On!
2007-10-31 21:24:00
Tonight is trick or treating and when the sun goes down it will be a bit chilly out.So I made two soups to munch on in between answering the door,getting costumes on and mingling with the neighbors.Now that it is fall and it is somewhat cooler outdoors I have an excuse to make lots of soups and stews,which I love.Tonight I made Hamburger Soup and Tuscan Sausage soup.Both are out of this world.The sausage soup is a bit spicy with the hot italian sausage,but you can definitely sub sweet sausage for the kids.I know mine will inhale the hamburger soup so the sausage soup is more or less mine! And of course the soup is served with a fresh loaf of bread hot out of the oven and spread with sweet cream butter.Tuscan Sausage Soupfrom recipegoldmine1 lb Italian sausage2 large russet baking potatoes, sliced in half,and then in 1/4 inch slices1 large onion, chopped2 cloves garlic, minced2 cups kale, chopped2 cans chicken broth1 quart water1 cup heavy whipping creamCook sausage in a 300°F oven f...

Spiced Pumpkin Bread
2007-10-31 17:49:00
Happy Halloween to all of my wonderful readers.As the kids get home from school they patiently wait until dusk to begin trick or treating.While they wait they will ,no doubt, be munching on this bread.I make this pumpkin bread weekly from Halloween to New Years and the boys love it. It gets me in the holiday spirit.I cube it for a pumpkin trifle on Thanksgiving and serve it slightly toasted with cinnamon cream cheese for a pick me up while trimming the tree.And it bakes up for perfect food gifts for teachers and neighbors.*NOTE- I used a bundt pan and have enough batter left over for about 6 muffinsSpiced Pumpkin Bread 2 cups canned pumpkin3 cups sugar 1 cup water 1 cup vegetable oil 4 eggs 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1 tsp pumpkin pie spicepreheat oven to 350 In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin, sugar, water, vegetable oil and eggs. Beat until well mixed Measure the flour, ...

WonTon Tacos
2007-10-31 00:15:00
These little dinner tacos are good.And it was very easy top put together.Browning the meat is basically all the work you have to do.The boys love these and I have used ground beef,ground turkey and ground venison before,so this recipe is very versatile. Serve with salsa,sour cream and guacamole and you have a meal.I double the recipe to feed my family of 6.Won Ton tacos12 won ton wrappers1 lb ground meat (turkey,beef or venison)1/2 onion,diced small1 jar salsa 2 T taco seasoningcooking spray1 tsp garlic powder1 tsp cuminIn a medium skillet brown the meat and add the onion.Drain excess fat.Add the salsa and taco seasoning.Stir well.Simmer on low for 10 minutes.Push a won ton wrapper into each muffin tin. Spray wontons lightly with cooking spray.Sprinkle wrappers evenly with garlic powder and cumin. Add 1 heaping Tablespoon of meat to each wonton.Bake at 425 degrees for 8-10 minutes.Remove from oven and top with cheese.Pop tacos out of the muffin tins and serve with sour cream,salsa a...
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And the winners are.....
2007-10-26 03:26:00
Sorry it is a late post everybody .I have been so busy with the boys school functions I have just sat down to post. The winners were chosen by Landon and Caysen,who both chose a number between 1 and 15. They chose numbers 4 and 11. That would be Cheryl and RoRo.Congratulations you guys on winning the magnets! Please email me at mommychefinpa (at) yahoo (dot) com wiith your address and I will ship them to you as soon as possible.Thank you to all of you who participated and keep your eyes open for more swaps and giveaways in the future!Elizabeth
More About: Winners

Gingerbread Cupcakes with Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting
2007-10-25 04:11:00
These are great fall cupcakes. This is a Rachael Ray recipe that I have wanted to try on the boys for awhile now.They love anything with pumpkin (especially my pumpkin bread) ,so they will be very happy to have these as an after school snack. I used a box of gingerbread cake mix and it was very quick to put together.When the cupcakes were baking I made the icing.I did not have any crystallized ginger,but will definitely have some on hand for the next batch.And there will be a next batch. :)Gingerbread Cupcakes with Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting1 box prepared gingerbread mix, prepared to package directions for cake8 ounces cream cheese, softened1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg 1 orange, zested 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 1/2 cups powdered confectioners' sugar Shaved crystallized ginger, for garnishPreheat the oven to 375 degrees F.Divide prepared cake mix into nonstick muffin tins and bake for 20 minutes. The batter will make 8 to 10 muffins, depending on t...
More About: Gerb

Voodoo Pasta
2007-10-25 01:00:00
This dish is just another variation on cajun pasta. It is subtly spicy and the boys will eat it with no complaints. I have added red,yellow and orange peppers before,as well as mushrooms.Tonight I just added onion and green pepper.You can find blackening seasoning in the spice aisle of most grocery stores or make your own.If you google it you will find hundreds to choose from.You can substitute chicken or shrimp for the sausage and it would be great. Voodoo Pasta adapted from Recipezaar16 ounces fettuccine pasta (I used spaghetti noodles)1 lb smoked sausage, sliced1 green pepper,sliced1 onion, sliced1 teaspoon blackening seasoning1 cup alfredo sauce1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (optional)Cook fettucine noodles as directed on package.In a large non stick skillet add the sausage,green pepper and onion.Sprinkle with the blackening season and stir.Cook in skillet on medium-high heat until browned.Add the alfredo sauce and Tabasco (optional)Reduce heat to medium and simmer until sauce is hot,s...

Just a reminder-Last day for giveaway
2007-10-24 18:11:00
Today is the last day you have to sign up for the Halloween magnets. I will choose two readers tomorrow morning! Check it out here http://mommychef.blogspot.com/2007/10/hal loween-giveaway.html
More About: Reminder , Remi

Wordless Wednesday
2007-10-24 18:05:00
Check out more pictures at http://www.wordlesswednesday.com
More About: Wednesday

Chicken Manicotti
2007-10-24 00:15:00
I was searching for something easy to do with chicken tenderloins and found this one at allrecipes. Super simple and the kids loved it.But then again,we are talking about pasta,chicken,tomato sauce and cheese! I plan on making this again and making it for friends and family.Chicken Manic otti1 teaspoon garlic salt1 1/2 lbs chicken breast tenders14 uncooked manicotti1 (30 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded Preheat oven to 350 degreesSpread 1/3 cup of the spaghetti sauce in ungreased baking dish, 13x9x2 inches.Sprinkle garlic salt on chicken.Insert chicken into uncooked manicotti shellsPlace shells on spaghetti sauce in dish.Pour remaining spaghetti sauce evenly over shells, covering completely.Sprinkle with cheese.Cover with aluminum foil and bake about 1 hour, or until shells are tender.
More About: Nico

This weeks menu
2007-10-22 03:40:00
Here is our menu plan for the week.Monday: Chicken ManicottiTuesday: Voodoo PastaWednesday: Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Cranberry SauceThursday: Baked ChickenFriday: Grilled Venison Steaks
More About: Menu , Weeks

Meatball Pie
2007-10-20 00:32:00
This dinner was easy and so kid friendly.I actually should have made two of them for the boys.Not a drop left! Another quick and easy dinner with very little fuss to get it prepared and on the table.Meatball pie1 refrigerated pie crust18-20 frozen meatballs1 160z can salsa1 can corn,drainedshredded cheddar cheeseHeat oven to 375 degreesPlace the pie crust on an ungreased cookie sheetIn a large bowl mix the salsa and cornPlace the meatballs in the center of the pie crust and pour the salsa on topFold up the edges of the pie crust to hold in the meatballs and saucePlace in oven for 25 minutes,until the pie crust is goldenserve with shredded cheese

Halloween Giveaway
2007-10-19 19:05:00
Hello everybody.In honor of Halloween I am giving away 2 sets of Halloween magnets to two lucky readers. All you have to do is leave a comment between today and Wednesday October24. I will randomely choose two people and the magnets will be on their way. Be sure to pass this giveaway along to your friends.The magnets are made out of recycled scrabble game tiles and have cute Halloween images on them.Great for your refrigerator for the Halloween season.Good Luck!
More About: Ween , Allo

Caramel Apples
2007-10-18 03:19:00
I made these for the boys today for an after school snack.Very easy to do. Caramel Apples from KraftFoods 5 medium apples, washed, well dried1 bag (14 oz.) Caramels (about 50)2 Tbsp. water 5 wooden sticksINSERT wooden pop sticks into stem end of each apple. Cover large plate with waxed paper; grease paper with butter. Set aside.PLACE caramels in large saucepan. Add water; cook on medium-low heat until caramels are completely melted, stirring constantly.DIP apples into melted caramel until evenly coated, spooning caramel over apples if necessary. Allow excess caramel to drip off. Scrape bottoms of apples, then place on prepared plate. Refrigerate at least 1 hour or until ready to serve. Remove from refrigerator and let stand at room temperature 15 min. before serving. Store leftovers in refrigerator.

Cuban Mojo Pork Tenderloin
2007-10-18 02:28:00
This pork is g.o.o.d! I marinated the tenderloin for 24 hours and the flavor and the tenderness was awesome.Very citrusy and garlicky! My family loved it.This is a very easy dish to prepare.Just make the marinade (which only takes a few minutes) and transfer to a foil lined dish and bake.Easy.The rum in this dish is optional,but I think it is a key ingredient in the marinade.I made Cuban black beans and rice as a side and made a big crusty loaf of bread.I will definitely be making this again.My batteries were dead in my camera when I went to take a picture, so there is not a picture of tonight's dinner.The batteries are recharging now :( I will take better notice of my battery power in the future!Cuban Mojo Pork Tender loincourtesy of cooks.com3lb pork tenderloin1/2 cup fresh orange juice1/3 cup fresh lime juice (@ 2 limes)1/4 cup dark rum (optional)5 minced cloves of garlic2 tsp oregano2 tsp cumin2 tsp salt1 bay leaf1/2 tsp ground black pepperCombine all ingredients except pork and...

Dirty Rice Stuffed Red Bell Peppers
2007-10-16 17:05:00
Dirty rice Stuffed Red Bell Peppers 1 lb spicy breakfast sausage1/2 cup long grain rice1 (14 ounce) can of chicken broth1 teaspoon instant minced onion1 T Cajun Seasoning6 red bell peppersBrown the sausage making a small crumble mixture in a skillet until cooked through.Stir in the broth, rice, minced onion and cajun seasoningCover and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender. While the rice is cooking cut the tops off of the red peppers and scoop out any membrane and seed.Place the peppers in a casserole dish.Scoop the rice into the peppers until full.Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
More About: Rice , Dirty

Moms- I need your help
2007-10-15 22:04:00
I know that some of you out there are crafty.I am 4th grade room mother this year and I have to come up with a craft and game for my son's Halloween/Fall party. I am drawing a blank.Could you ladies help me out with your suggestions? I know that you guys have some ideas.........
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Potato Soup
2007-10-15 15:49:00
This is am awesome (and super easy) potato soup recipe. I doubled the recipe and there was none left over.The cream cheese makes it very smooth .You can add any spices and herbs you like.Very versatile.And you can add more vegatbles as well.I think a sliced carrot would be good in it.Potato Soup 4 c chicken stock4 cups potatoes,peeled and cubed (I used unpeeled Yukon Gold)1/2 c onion, chopped1 tsp garlic powder1/4 tsp salt1/2 tsp black pepper1/2 tsp oregano1/2 tsp basil1/8 tsp dried red pepper flakes1 8oz package cream cheese,cut into cubes1-2 cups shredded extra sharp cheddar cheeseCombine broth ,potatoes,onions and spices.Boil until potatoes are tender,about 8-10 minutes depending on the size of your dice.Mash 1/2 cup boiled potatoes into the broth (to thicken)Reduce heat to low and add the cubed cream cheese.Heat through,stirring frequently until the cream cheese melts.Pour into soup bowls and garnish with shredded cheese.Salt and pepper to taste.

This weeks menu
2007-10-15 01:28:00
Monday - Cuban Spiced Pork TenderloinTuesday - Beef BourginonneWednesday - Danish Meatballs with Cramy Dill SauceThursday - Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair PastaFriday - Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter SauceSaturday- out with friendsSunday- Italian Wedding Soup / Caesar saladTo check out more weekly menus go here http://www.orgjunkie.blogspot.com/
More About: Menu , Weeks

Cranberry Meatballs
2007-10-15 01:23:00
Good to munch on while watching a game or for an appetizer.Sweet and the kids love them.Cran berry Meatballs 1 can jellied cranberry sauce1 1/2 cups Heinz chili sauce2 T firmly backed brown sugar1/2 tsp lemon juice40 frozen meatballsPut meatballs in the crockpot.In a large bowl mix all other ingredients.Pour over meatballs and cook on high 2-3 hours or low 4-5.