Family Cooking

Brownie Mallow Treat

2008-09-08T08:11:00.002-04:00

INGREDIENTS

1 (19.8 ounce) package fudge brownie mix
1 (10.5 ounce) package miniature marshmallows
2 cups chocolate chips (I used milk chocolate, but if you prefer semisweet that will work too)
1 cup peanut butter
1 tablespoon butter
1 1/2 cups crisp rice cereal

DIRECTIONS

Prepare the brownie's according to package directions for fudge-like brownies in a 9x13 pan. Top with marshmallows; bake 3 minutes longer. Then cool the brownies completely before the next step.
In a saucepan, mix the chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter. Warm on low heat until smooth, stirring continuously so not to burn the chocolate. Remove from the heat; stir in the cereal. Spread the mixture over the brownies. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until firm before cutting.

Salsa - 101

2008-08-13T22:18:00.001-04:00

I use a packet mix called Mrs. Wages Tomato Salsa Mix.

It calls for 6lbs of tomatoes, 1/2 cups of vinegar and one packet. I add other stuff like peppers and onions, this time I didn’t have onions on hand so I didn’t add them. But the finished salsa still was very tasty!

I stated by cleaning and scalding the tomatoes in boiling water for 5 minutes.

Then I drained and set them in cold water until they were cool enough to handle and pulled the skins off. If the skins didn’t crack I just sliced them with the knife and the skin just pulled right off. I then cored and cut the tomatoes into chunks.

Then I cut a few peppers to add to the mix. The peppers I used were REALLY HOT and my hands are still burning from them. I recommend wearing gloves when cleaning and cutting peppers. (You live and learn!) I used one of the big jalapenos and three of the small red pointy ones. The little ones were the ones that packed such a BIG punch. Hard to believe such little burgers could be so HOT!!!

In the pot I added the tomatoes, peppers, vinegar, and packet mix. And brought the mixture to a boil. Then simmered for 10 minuets, stirring occasionally.

I prepared the jars as the directions stated on the bottom of the box.

Then I filled each jar with the salsa, leaving 1/2 inch head space. Taking special care to wipe the top of the jars off with a damp paper towel. This helps ensure a good seal.

I place the lids on the jars loosely screwing on the rings. And then put the filled jars in the boiling water bath for 40 minutes to process.

After they cooled I heard each can POP indicating that they had sealed and preserved as they should have.

If you haven’t ever canned foods I recommend reading up on it before you try it. There are lots of good sites out there, click here to read more.

Food safety is very important.

After you read about it and understand what steps to take to ensure food safety, canning is an easy and fun way to preserve some of the best of summer produce!

Apple Pie Sandwiches

2008-01-14T11:55:00.000-05:00

Apple Pie Sandwiches

2 C diced, peeled
1 C water
1/2 C plus 1 TBSP sugar, divided
5 tsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
12 slices bread
3 eggs
2/3 C milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
confectioners' sugar (optional)

In a large saucepan, cook apples and water over medium heat for 10 minutes or until apples are tender. Combine 1/2 cup sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, stir into apple mixture. Bring to a boil and cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat. Spread six slices of bread with 1/3 C filling each; top with remaining bread. In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs, milk, vanilla and remaining sugar. Dip sandwiches in egg mixture. Cook on a lightly greased hot griddle until golden brown on both sides. Sprinkle with the confectioners' sugar if desired or maple syrup.

I found this one on someones blog, (can't remember who's, just holler if it was yours :o)) I changed it a bit to what I had in my cupboard and we LOVED it!! I also made it once and added a thin layer of cream cheese to the mix. This was great too.

Swiss Stake

2008-01-14T11:36:00.001-05:00

6 pieces of cubed stake
Cut each piece in half, roll it in flour and pan brown the meat in a skillet with enough cooking oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Salt and Pepper to taste while browning.

1 can of tomato soup
green peppers
onion
1 can of water

Layer the meat in a casserole dish adding the soup mixture on top of each layer.
Bake at 325 for 1-2 hours or until tender.

This is a great slow cooker meal as well. It is so tender and full of flavor. My boys LOVE this one!

Shortbread Dreams (Thumbprint Cookies)

2007-12-18T10:06:00.000-05:00

Shortbread Dreams
1 C butter (softened)
2/3 C sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 C flour
jam of your choice

Mix first 4 ingredients then shape into walnut size balls. Place on cookie sheet and press your thumb in the center of each one. Fill print with a bit of jam. Bake at 350 for 14-18 min.

Glaze
1 C powdered sugar
1-2 Tablespoon water
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Drizzle glaze over them after they have cooled a bit.

Chicken Enchiladas

2007-09-17T13:31:00.000-04:00

1 tablespoon butter

1-2 medium onion, chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup milk

2 (4 ounces) cans chopped green chilies

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

12 flour or corn tortillas

1-1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken

2 cups shredded cheese (I used a Mexican blend)

Serve with;
green onions with tops, thinly sliced
Sour cream
Salsa

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until onion is tender. Blend in flour. Stir in broth, milk, chilies, salt and cumin. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
Grease a 13-in. x 9-in.x 2-in. baking dish. Spoon a little sauce in the center of each tortilla; spread to edges. Place about 2 tablespoons meat down the center of each tortilla. Combine cheeses; sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons on top of meat. Roll up tortillas and place in baking dish, seam-side down. Pour remaining sauce over. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Serve with green onions, sour cream and salsa.

With this one, I was afraid that I had went to far out of the box for my boys (hubby included) but it was a hit! And the left overs were just as good the next day. {no pictures of this one to share, my camera isn't working}

Orange Fluff

2007-09-12T09:42:00.001-04:00

1 (8 oz.) carton cottage cheese

1 (lg.) pkg. orange Jello

1 tub Cool Whip

1 lg. can mandarin oranges

1 can crushed pineapple, well drained

Mix all the ingredients together and refrigerate four hours or over night.

White Trash

2007-09-12T09:20:00.001-04:00

4 cups Crispix cereal

4 cups Cheerios

1 large bag of M&M's

2 cups party peanuts

1 bag of pretzel sticks (broken)

1 bag of white chocolate chips

2 T spoons of cooking oil

Combine first 5 ingredients in a big bowl. Melt chocolate chips with the cooking oil in microwave. After the chocolate is melted until creamy pour it over the ingredients in the bowl. Stir carefully until everything is well coated with chocolate. Spread on wax paper to dry. Store in air tight container.

Make it yours by adding different ingredients. Mixed nuts, Chex, raisins, ect.

Bean Salsa

2007-08-31T16:52:00.000-04:00

1 can pinto beans
1 can black Eyed Peas
1 can black beans
(rinsed and drained)

1 can corn (drained)
1 can petite diced tomatoes (juice and all)

1 onion
1 green pepper
(diced small)

8 oz Zesty Italian Dressing
1/2 jar diced jalepenos and juice

You can also add chopped cilantro if you want.

Mix all together in a bowl. It is better if you let it set over night to let the flavors mix.

"So good" Chicken

2007-08-06T15:09:00.000-04:00

2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breast (I use chicken tenders)

1 11oz can of cream soup (either mushroom or chicken)

8 oz sour cream

1 tub of butter crackers

1 stick of butter

Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. Place chicken in dish. In a small bowl mix soup and sour cream. Spread mixture evenly over chicken. Cover with foil and bake for 45 min. or until tender at 350.

Melt the butter in a small microwaveable dish. Crush the crackers and then add to the melted butter. Once the chicken is tender top with the cracker mixture and bake uncovered until browned.

The name for this one came from Caleb. This is what he calls it. The whole family loves it as a matter of fact I make it for company often and it is always a hit. And best of all it is so easy. I serve it with steamed baby carrots and rice.

Peach Crisp

2007-07-25T11:38:00.000-04:00

Fruit Mixture

6 cups fresh peaches

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2-3/4 cup white sugar (depending on tartness of peaches)

Topping

1 cup quick oats

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup margarine or butter, softened

1. Pre-heat oven to 375 degree F. Place fruit mixture in ungreased 9x13 baking dish.

2. In a large bowl, combine all topping ingredients; mix until crumbly, sprinkle mixture evenly over peaches.

3. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes or until peaches are tender and topping is golden brown.

You can serve warm with ice cream or whipped topping but it is yummy cooled too.

Lasagna

2007-07-19T11:47:00.001-04:00

This recipe made two 9x13 pans. After I assembled them I covered on with wax paper and foil then put it in the freezer. When I am ready to eat it I will take it out and bake it.

2 lbs ground chuck
1 lb rolled sage sausage

Brown the meat and drain off grease.

2 lg jars of Prego (or tomato sauce of your choice)

Add one jar to the meat and reserve one for the layers.

1 lg tub of regatta cheese
1 lg tub of cottage cheese
1 sm tub of fresh shredded Parmesan cheese
2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Combine all of the cheeses in a large mixing bowl.

1 & 1/2 lg boxes of lasagna pasta

You can buy the kind that is oven ready, I used the kind to boil. Boil according to box.

Start with your 9x13 pan sprayed with cooking spray. Then spread some of the Prego on the bottom of the pan. Lay enough pasta to cover the bottom, layer meat, cheese, sauce. Repeat... Then top with a layer of pasta and sauce. Cover and bake for 1 hour at 350 and uncover and top with Mozzarella cheese and bake until cheese is melted.

This one is a family favorite.

To Die For Blueberry Muffins

2007-07-13T12:18:00.000-04:00

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

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease muffin cups or line with muffin liners.
Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 3/4 cup sugar, salt and baking powder. Place vegetable oil into a 1 cup measuring cup; add the egg and enough milk to fill the cup. Mix this with flour mixture. Fold in blueberries. Fill muffin cups right to the top, and sprinkle with crumb topping mixture.
To Make Crumb Topping: Mix together 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3 cup flour, 1/4 cup butter, and 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon. Mix with fork, and sprinkle over muffins before baking.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until done.

Found this one on Allrecipes.com

Sweet Taco Sundaes

2007-07-10T18:41:00.000-04:00

flour tortilla shells (I cut the shells into fourths)
cinnamon/sugar mixture
cooking oil
ice cream
toppings

Put cooking oil in frying pan and heat oil until when you put the tortilla shells in they sizzle. Allow to lightly brown on both sides. (watch that you don't get the oil to hot or the shells to brown) Sprinkle with cinnamon/sugar mixture while still hot so it will stick. Place ice cream on top of sweet tortilla shells then top with toppings of your choice.

I used bananas, chocolate syrup, caramel ice cream topping, and whipped topping.

Red White and Blue Cookies

2007-07-08T22:08:00.000-04:00

1 cup sugar
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 egg
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons red colored sugars
2 tablespoons blue colored sugars

In mixing bowl blend granulated sugar, butter, almond extract and egg with mixer. Add flour. Divide dough in half. Put half of the cookie dough on waxed paper or plastic wrap; press into 8-inch square. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon each of the red and blue sugar. Using waxed paper to lift, roll up dough. Repeat with other half. Wrap rolls in plastic wrap and refrigerate or put in freezer until firm enough to easily cut. About an hour in the fridge a bit less in the freezer. Pre-heat oven to 375ºF. Cut rolls into 1/4-inch slices. Place about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 6 to 8 minutes or until edges begin to brown. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.

I found this one while blog hopping and then I Goggled it. Here is the link to Betty Crocker.

Fruit Pizza

2007-07-08T10:39:00.000-04:00

1 tube of sugar cookie dough
1 8oz block of cream cheese (softened)
2 cups powdered sugar (may need more to thin out mixture)
1 t vanilla
4 cups of fruit (I like grapes, berries of any type, kiwi)

Press the cookie dough in an even layer on a pizza pan. Bake cookie per package instructions. Let cool. Mix cream cheese, powered sugar, and vanilla until creamy. (if mixture is to stiff add more powered sugar.) Spread on top of the cooled cookie. Prepare fruit by cutting into small bite size pieces. Then put the fruit on top. Cover with plastic wrap and keep in fridge until ready to serve.

TIP: I put a sandwich baggie on my hand to press the cookie dough. That way the dough doesn’t stick to my hand.

Welcome to my recipe blog

2007-07-08T10:36:00.000-04:00

I have a lot a passions in my life. My faith, my family, blogging, taking pictures, and cooking to just name a few. I am going to attempt to keep up with this blog and share new recipes. If any of you reading want to add a recipe just send it along with a picture that you took of what you made and I will post it here.

LETS START COOKING!!!