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Baked Corn Dip
2007-10-15 01:17:00
Yummy dip.We used Fritos scoops and they were a hit with the dip.Be sure to eat it when it is hot.Piping hot and gooey:) *****A viewer suggested topping the dip with sharp cheddar cheese .I am going to try this next time.Baked Corn Dip(adapted from allrecipes)2 cups frozen corn,thawed1 can rotel tomatoes,drained1 80z package cream cheese, cubed1/2 tsp chili powder1/2 tsp garlic powder1/2 tsp cuminIn a large bowl, combine corn,tomatoes, and spices.Place in a oven safe casserole dish and dot the top with cream cheese.Bake in a 350 oven for 30 minutes until cheese is melted.Stir to blend.Serve with fritos or tortilla chips.

Bourbon Chicken
2007-10-13 02:09:00
This is a respost that I made again tonight.This is a wonderful recipe that I think everyone will enjoy.I have yet to serve this to any child who doesn't wolf it down and ask for more.And adults seem to like it too. And there is no alcohol in it. As usual I served this with sticky rice and doubled the sauce so I would have some left over to drizzle over the rice.Pretty quick and easy recipe for a busy weeknight as well.The simmering takes the longest. You can find the original post herehttp://mommychef.blogspot.com/2007/02 /bourbon-chicken.html
More About: Chicken , Bourbon

Sloppy Joes
2007-10-12 00:43:00
The best,hands down, homemeade sloppy joes that I have ever eaten.And because they are so sweet,they are very kid friendly.This makes a double recipe for me and I freeze a batch for weekend lunches.You can substitute ground beef or ground venison for the turkey.Sloppy Joes2 lb ground turkey 4 stalks celery,diced 1 medium onion,diced 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce 1/2 cup ketchup 1/2 cup barbecue sauce 2 T brown sugar2 tsp yellow prepared mustard 2 T Worcestershire sauce 2 T white distilled vinegarsalt to tastepepper to taste In a large skillet, brown ground turkey and crumble with a spoon.Drain any fat and add the celery and onion. On medium heat,stir in remaining ingredients and simmer covered 15-20 minutes .Stir occasionally.If you like runnier sauce add more tomato sauce.We like it thick.

Pork Sandwiches
2007-10-11 14:49:00
Thank goodness for a crockpot.Son #1 had a football game over an hour away last night and we got home around 7.There was a pork tenderloin in t he crockpot and all I had to do was shred it for the sandwiches.I served tater tots and coleslaw with them.The pork was good.A very subtle taste,in my opinion,but my 3 year old ate 3 helpings,so there are no complaints here.I think this recipe is from either Quick and Simple or Taste of Home Magazines.I cut it out and don't remember which one it came from.Pork Sandwiches 1 2-3lb pork loin roast1 T fajita seasoning mix1/4 tsp garlic powder1/2 c Italian salad dressing1/4 c worcestershire sauce8 sandwich rolls,splitCut roast in half and place in slow cooker.Sprinkle evenly with seasoning and garlic powder.Pour salad dressing and worcestershire sauce over the pork.Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until tender.Remove roastand shred meat with two forks.Return meat to the slow cooker for a few minutes to let the meat soak up the juices.S...

Wordless Wednesday
2007-10-10 15:53:00
www.wordlesswednesday.com
More About: Wednesday

Apple and Pear Crisp
2007-10-10 03:08:00
This is an Ina Garten (Barefoot Contessa) recipe that I made for dessert tonight.It was a hit with both the husband and the boys.Very sweet with a hint of cinnamon.I will be making it again when it gets cooler.The recipe uses ingredients that I usually always have on hand.And it is very easy,although cutting the fruit is a bit time consuming. I did not peel the fruit for a more rustic dessert.The pears and apples came out very tender ,which was wonderful with the crisp topping.Apple and Pear Cris pIna Garten 2 pounds ripe Bosc pears (4 pears) 2 pounds firm Macoun apples (6 apples) 1 teaspoon grated orange zest 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg For the topping: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1 cup old-fashioned o...

Crescent Chicken
2007-10-10 02:47:00
This is hands down one of the two most requested recipes in this house. My 14 year old says they taste like mini homemade chicken pot pies.I think it tastes like warm chicken salad .Whatever it reminds you of,it is GOOD!They are easy to put together and are pretty enough and tasty enough for company.I double the recipe and have just enough left for my husband's lunch the next day.There are tons of vaariations on this recipe.You can add peas,carrots,olives,cheese.....there are so many possibilities.I prefer simply chicken with green or sweet onion.Cres cent Chicken serves 41 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened 3 tablespoons butter, melted 2 cups cooked cubed boneless chicken 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons milk 1 tablespoon sliced green onions 1 (8 ounce) can refrigerated crescent dinner rolls 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers Blend cream cheese with 2 Tbsp butter until smooth. Add next six ingredients and mix well. Seperate the crescents into 4 rec...

Banana Carrot Muffins
2007-10-09 16:04:00
I know it is hard to get kids to eat their vegetables and these muffins are a great way to get carrots in them.These muffins are so good.I would have never thought of the banana carrot combination,but it works so well. You can add raisins or nuts and they would be great as well.And they are great to pack into lunches for that midday snack.I used half whole wheat flour and half all purpose flour and they were perfect.This recipe makes 24 muffins,so I cut the recipe in half. Banana Carrot Muffin s from recipezaar.com1 cup sugar 4 eggs, large 5 bananas 1/3 cup orange juice 1 (16 ounce) can carrots, drained or 2 cups grated carrots 4 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup Crisco, butter flavored Preheat oven to 350°F. In medium bowl, combine flour, soda and salt. In large bowl, cream Crisco and sugar. Mix in eggs and juice. Using a fork or an old fashioned potato masher, mash carrots and bananas thoroughly. Mix the carrots and bananas into the egg-su...
More About: Nana

Pizza Spaghetti
2007-10-09 02:56:00
This meal is very easy and a husband and kid pleaser.Everyone goes back for seconds.I add suasage and pepperoni,but you can add any pizza toppings you like.The possibilities of different vegetable toppings and cheeses are endless. Pizza Spaghetti 12 oz spaghetti,cooked al dente1 lb italian sausage2 oz sliced pepperoni1 26oz jar pasta sauce1/4 c grated parmesan cheese8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded4 oz cheddar cheese, shreddedPlace cooked spaghetti in a 13 x 9 casserole dish.Cook sausage in a skillet for 5-7 minutes,or until cooked through .Crumble.Pour pasta sauce over the noodles.Spoon sausage and pepperoni over the sauce.Sprinkle cheese evenly over the pepperoni/sausage comboCover with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.Remove foil and place back into oven for an addition 5-8 minutes,or until cheese is melted.

This weeks menu
2007-10-07 17:33:00
Monday : Pizza SpaghettiTuesday : Chicken Crescent SquaresWednesday : Pork SandwichesThursday: Homemade Sloppy JoesFriday: Bourbon ChickenSaturday : Birthday PartySunday : Pot Roast
More About: Menu , Weeks

Garlic Biscuits
2007-10-07 14:57:00
These are the best dinner bread rolls that I have ever made.I bake them in a muffin pan and they smell wonderful while cooking.I serve these with roasts, stews, soups ....anything really.My husband requests these a few times a week.You can add other vegetables (carrots,green onion etc)as well.And you can substitute Old Bay Seasoning for the garlic salt in the butter topping.Garlic Biscuits 2 cups all purpose flour 3 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons sugar 1 egg, beaten 1 cup milk 1/4 cup melted butter 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 medium onion, diced Topping1/2 stick butter,melted1/4 tsp garlic saltHeat oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. In a small bowl, mix together egg, milk, garlic and onion. Make a well in the center of dry ingredients and pour in the egg mixture and melted butter. Mix together using as few strokes as possible. the batter should have small lumps in it. Pour into 12 muffins tins coated with ...

Blackberry Glazed Pork Medallions
2007-10-05 04:05:00
I made this tonight for the first time and I was surprised.I didn't think that I would like it because of the sweetness (which makes no since because I love pork with orange and cranberry sauces).This was so good.The tenderloin melted in your mouth and the sauce was very good.I used balsamic vinegar in place of the red wine vinegar .I scooped extra sauce on the medallions when I plated them and everyone gobbled it up.I served wild rice and green beans.Another winner.Blackberry -Glazed Pork Medallionsby the Editors of Easy Home Cooking MagazineBlackberry-Glazed Pork MedallionsIngredients:1/3cup no-sugar-added seedless blackberry spread1-1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (I used balsamic vinegar)1 tablespoon sugar1/4teaspoon red pepper flakes1-1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil1 pound pork tenderloin, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices1/4 teaspoon salt, divided1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, dividedPreparation: 1.Whisk blackberry spread, vinegar, sugar and red pepper flakes in small bowl until ...
More About: Lack

Blueberry Crumb Top Muffins
2007-10-04 14:36:00
I made these yummy muffins for breakfast this morning.This is the second time I have made them and I really should make them more often.They are bakery quality in my opinion.The crumb topping makes these really stand out.I used frozen bluberries because that is all I had.And I had to use soy milk because I was out of cow's milk.But theytasted great all the same.I filled them a little over 2/3 full so I would get a puffier muffin.Great for lunches too.This recipe came from a bed and breakfast owner in Summerville South Carolina.Blueberry Crumb Top Muffin s 1 cup milk 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 egg 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup sugar 3 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup fresh blueberriesCRUMB TOPPING 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar 2 tablespoons butter Heat oven to 400 degrees.Grease bottoms only of 12 medium muffin cups or paper lined cups. Beat the milk, oil, vanilla extract and egg. Stir in ...
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Wordless Wednesday
2007-10-03 13:19:00
Jedi on a Sunday afternoon stroll :)www.wordlesswednesday.com
More About: Wednesday

Halloween Books for the Kids
2007-10-02 17:15:00
I have had a few emails in the last few days from other moms with questions about Halloween .I have received three asking what kind of Halloween books I reccomend.Well,I only have a few for Halloween.But they tend to be read over and over.The three that sit in a basket in the living room are great for my kids.1- Shake dem Halloween Bones by W. Nikola-Lisa Illustrated by Mike Reed What can I say about this book?My boys love it.It is one of those books you have to sing to and the boys laugh every single time.Switching up the voices and the rhythms have them screaming for me to read it again.Cute illustrations too.2-Go Away Big Green Monster by Ed Emberley This was a huge hit with my now 9 year old. Something about the squiggly ears and scraggly purple hair make kids smile.Good for toddlers.3-Mommy by Maurice Sendak You just can't go wrong with Mr.Sendak, imo.Where the Wild Things are is a classic.The illustrations and the flaps that open are genius.I have to admit though,my 2 year...
More About: Kids , Books , The Kids , Ween

Cinnamon Rolls
2007-10-02 13:26:00
This was my first ever attempt at homemade cinnamon rolls.I prepared the dough last night and let it rise overnight.These things are so good.Very sweet,so I will not make them often,but man are the good.
More About: Cinnamon , Namo

Peanut Chicken Stir Fry
2007-10-02 13:12:00
This is a super kid friendly stir fry.Dinner was quiet last night.Everyone was eating,which is music to my ears.This is a very easy dish to put together.I used chicken tenderloins to speed the cooking process,but other than that I made it exactly as written.This is from Taste of Home's Simple and Delicious Magazine.Peanut Chicken Stir Fry2 tsp cornstarch3/4 cup chicken broth1/4 cup creamy peanut butter3 T soy sauce1 tsp ground ginger1/4 tsp pepper1-1/4 lbs chicken breast,cut into strips3 tsp olive oil,divided1 c chopped onion1 c thinly sliced green pepper1 c thinly sliced red pepper1 1/2 c sliced fresh mushrooms1 tsp minced garlicHot Cooked RiceIn a small bowl,combine the first 6 ingredients until smooth;set asideIn a large skillet or wok stir fry chicken in 1-1/2 tsp oil for 3-4 minutes or until no longer pink.Remove with a slotted spoon and keep warm.Stir fry onion and peppers in the remaining oil for 3 minutes.Add mushrooms and garlic;stir fry 3-4 minutes longer or until vegetab...

Welcoming October
2007-10-01 21:47:00
I made these Lollipop Sugar Cookies for an after school treat for the boys.To welcome October .I see cool crisp air,harvest festivals and pumpkin patches in our future.The recipe came from Everyday Foods Magazine.Super easy.And you should have the ingredients already,except for the popscicle sticks.*Note* I found a package of 200 wooden sticks at the dollar store.They were in the "craft" section.Perfect for caramel apples and candied apples in a few weeks.Lollipop Sugar Cookiesfrom Everyday FoodMakes 242 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled) 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature 1 cup granulated sugar 1 large egg 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract Colored sanding sugar or sprinkles (preferably black and orange) 24 wooden ice-pop sticks DirectionsPreheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; set aside. In a large bowl, using an electric...

Maple Oatmeal Pie
2007-10-01 19:20:00
Maple Oatmeal Piefrom Better Homes and Gardens2 eggs, slightly beaten 3/4 cup pure maple syrup or maple-flavored syrup 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup butter, melted 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup flaked coconut 3/4 cup rolled oats 1/2 cup chopped walnuts Pastry for Single-Crust PieDirections1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. For filling: In a large bowl, combine eggs, maple syrup, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, butter, and vanilla. Stir in coconut, rolled oats, and walnuts. Pour filling into unbaked pastry shell 2. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center of pie comes out clean. 3. Cool on a wire rack. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate within 2 hours. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days (do not freeze). If desired, serve with Cinnamon Whipped Cream. 4. Makes 8 servings
More About: Meal , Maple

2008 Letterpress Calendar
2007-10-01 18:19:00
Last year a friend of mine introduced me to letterpress.And I am hooked.I bought a 2007 calendar last year and I love it.It sits on my desk and I have the pleasure of looking at it every day.You can find the 2008 calendars for sale here http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?list ing_id=7215558 The quality and detail is phenomenal.And they are great for Christmas gifts.Check it out,you won't be sorry
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A new tradition
2007-10-01 16:45:00
Last night I had loads of laundry to wash,a kitchen floor to mop,two baby blankets to make (can my friends please stop having babies? LOL)and birthday party prep to do.Did I do it,you ask? No. I plopped in front of the tv.Watched Desperate Housewives and Brothers and Sisters.And wrapped 52 Christmas books.The picture is of only one stack.Last year I decided I was going to wrap a Christmas book for each boy (the 2 littlest ones) to open every night of December up until Christmas Day. So we could read together about Christmas every night before bed.To get us in the spirit.And the two older ones will open their books December 1 and have 25 days to read theirs. I picked A Christmas Carol and The Best Christmas Pagaent Ever.So all they need are ribbons and they are good to go.One less thing I have to do for the Holidays.
More About: Tradition

This weeks menu
2007-09-30 23:04:00
Monday : Peanut Chicken Stir FryTuesday: Baked Beef StewWednesday: Coconut Tilapia with Apricot Dipping SauceThursday: Chicken Nachos ,Tortilla SoupFriday: Blackberry glazed pork tenderloinSaturday: out with friendsSunday: Chili-Cumin stuffed Chicken Breasts * Game day Steelers vs Seahawks *
More About: Menu , Weeks

Mommy cooks....and decorates too!
2007-09-30 22:35:00
My friend Hope over at www.monkeygiggles.blogspot.com has been posting beautiful pictures off fall/harvest.So I started taking pictures of my home.I decorate for Halloween,then on November 1st Halloween comes down and Harvest/Thanksgiving goes up,follwed by Christmas in December.So I have bins full of harvest decor just waiting to come out.But in the meantime here are some pics of our Halloween Home.The tree I have posted before,but I added seven cute vintage inspired ornaments to the black and orange balls.I love it.The mantle is in the process of being stripped of its white paint .We live in a century old home and the fireplace has coat upon coat of paint,so we have decided to restore it back to the carved oak it once was.But I made my husband stop until after the Holidays,so that is why you see only a strip of beautiful carved mantle.Anyway-the mantle is done with 4 ghost buckets I found at a yard sale for 10 cents apiece, 3 cute pumpkin men I found at Michael's Arts and Crafts...
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Pudding Cookies
2007-09-28 02:09:00
The boys wanted something sweet tonight after dinner so I made a batch of pudding cookies.These are so easy to make.And I always have all the ingredients on hand.And best of all you can use any flavor of instant pudding you want.Tonight I made the cookies with jello instant banana cream pudding.They are so good.This recipe made 40 cookies,and most are already gone between the six of us.You can add chocolate chips,coconut,cherries.....the possibilities are endless.Pudding Cookie s 1 cup butter 1 large egg 1 cup sugar 1 (3 ounce) box instant pudding mix (any flavor) 2 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking powder Cream butter and sugar, add egg and instant pudding. Beat well, add sifted flour and baking powder. Roll into small balls, flatten with fork on a cold greased tray. Bake 350°F degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet
2007-09-27 23:51:00
This skillet dinner is super tasty.LOL! I sound like Rachael Ray! Anyway,this comes together very fast and the flavor is phenomenal.The kids seem to really love kielbasa and smoked sausage,so this was a hit for them.I love the vegetables in it.I used beef kielbasa and a bag of shredded cabbage.Awesome dinner.Will make again for sure.I cut this out of a Taste of Home magazine.Glad I did.Kiel basa and Cabbage Skillet1 large red onion,sliced1 large green pepper,julienned1large red pepper,julienned2 T butter1 pound smoked sausage or kielbasa, cut into 1" slices1 bag (16oz) shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix1/2 cup chicken broth1 tsp garlic powder1/2 tsp pepperIn a large skillet,saute onion and peppers until tender.Add all of the remaining ingredients.Cook and stir for 10 minutes or until heated through.

Santa Fe Chicken (Crockpot)
2007-09-27 01:33:00
Very tasty.Tastes better than it looks.Gets raves with the kids and hubby.The measurements for the cumin and chili powder are approximate.I season the salsa to taste.Santa Fe Chicken 2 lbs chicken tenderloins2 cans corn1 can black beans, drained and rinsed2 cups salsa1/2 tsp cumin1/2 tsp chili powderIn a medium bowl combine all ingredients except the chicken.Stir to incorporate the spices. Place tenderloins in the crockpot.Top with salsa mixture.Cook on low 6-7 hours or high 3-4 hours.
More About: Crockpot , Santa Fe , Croc

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
2007-09-25 18:15:00
I was at the store last night and bought the newest Rachael Ray magazine.I was flippng through it and found a recipe for pumpkin whoopie pies.The picture looked awesome,so I decided to make them for my husband and boys for an after school treat.Super easy to whip up and very tasty.I love pumpkin and these are really good.But very rich,so one per person is all we can endure.But decadent nonetheless.I have a few more recipes in the magazine dog eared for future meals. Thanks Rachael!Pump kin Whoopie Pies Recipe by Rachael Ray 1 1/2 sticks (6 ounces) unsalted butter, 1 stick melted, 1/2 stick softened 1 cup packed light brown sugar 2 large eggs, at room temperature, lightly beaten 1 cup canned pure pumpkin puree 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 teaspoon plus 2 pinches salt 1 2/3 cups flour 4 ounces cream cheese, chilled 1 cup confectioners' sugar 1. Prehea...
More About: Opie

This weeks menu
2007-09-23 19:26:00
Monday : Fish Tacos Tuesday : Roast Beef WrapsWednesday : Crockpot Santa Fe ChickenThursday : Cabbage Kielbasa SkilletFriday : Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Cranberry SauceSaturday : Out with friendsSunday : Steelers vs Cardinals : chili and chips n dip
More About: Menu , Weeks

Baked Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
2007-09-23 18:27:00
I learned from my mom to make grilled cheese sandwiches on the stovetop.I didn't know there was any other way.Until I met my friend Eliana.We were over at her house one afternoon and she made grilled cheese sandwiches for the kids in the oven.The baked version is my favoriye by far.No more soggy,buttery bread.The bread is toasted and inside there is gooey cheese.Perfection.My kids prefer it this way too.And I can make every single sandwich at once, instead of two at a time on a skillet.Baked Grill ed Cheese Sandwiches (yields 6 sandwiches)12 slices bread 2-3 tablespoons butter 6 slices Cheddar cheese Preheat oven to 450 degrees F Butter one side of 6 slices of bread, and place butter-side down on a baking sheet. Arrange cheese on each slice of bread. Spread butter on 5 remaining slices of bread, and place them buttered-side up on top of the cheese. Bake in preheated oven for 4 to 5 minutes. Flip the sandwiches, and bake an additional 4 to 5 minutes, or until golden brown.

Halloween Tree
2007-09-23 04:23:00
Here is my Halloween tree.I added small pumpkin pods to the vase and filled it with willow branches.Then I juat hung orange and black ball ornaments on them.The placemats are black and I picked up the pumpkin cutouts at the dollar store.
More About: Tree , Ween , Allo