Twinkie Delight

Quick and Cool for Summer!

1 box Twinkies
1 large box vanilla instant pudding mix
1 1/2 cups milk
8 oz. Cool Whip
1 can Eagle Brand milk
1 qt. fresh strawberries

Cut Twinkies in half lenghwise and layer cream side up in bottom of a
9x13 casserole dish. Mix instant pudding with milk. Add Eagle Brand
milk to pudding mixture. Fold in Cool Whip. Pour mixture over
Twinkies. Top with sliced strawberries. Cover and chill.

Cherry O Cheesecake Pie

1 graham cracker crust
1 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese
1 can Eagle Brand milk
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. vanilla
Drop or two of yellow food coloring if desired
1 can cherry or blueberry pie filling

Soften cream cheese. Whip until creamy. Add milk, lemon juice and
vanilla. Pour into crust. Chill 2-3 hours. Top with pie filling.

Batter Variations

MEAT BREADING

1 cup flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon Accent
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup water
2 teaspoons oil

Combine all and beat with electric beater until
smooth. Dip meat and deep-fry.

CHICKEN NUGGETS BATTER

1/2 cup flour
3/4 cup cracker crumbs
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoons chicken seasoning

Mix together flour, cracker crumbs, paprika and
seasoning. Coat/dredge chicken cubes and deep fry.

BEER BATTER

A favorite batter for fish!

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons onion powder
2 tablespoons seasoned salt
1 bottle beer (7up as a substitute)

Mix and and let set for around 30 minutes.
Then coat. Fry at 375 to 400 degrees F.

EGG BATTER

2 large eggs
1 tablespoon canola oil
1/2 cup milk
3/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

Mix all together and dip and fry.

*Certain foods like fried pickles need to be dusted with flour to make the breading stick to them

Christine's Chicken Adobo

1 whole chicken (cut into eighths)
1 whole garlic (chopped)
Olive oil or vegetable/corn oil
1 tsp ground, black pepper
4 whole black pepper cloves
3 dried bay leaves
1 cup soy sauce
1 cup vinegar
lemon (optional)

**7up/sprite- (optional) but 1/4 or more to taste
**whole lemon (cut into 4)

Wash your chicken very well. We recommend using the lemon (in ingredients)to rub all over the chicken parts and rub salt into it as well.

Heat oil and add all of the garlic, and cook until garlic is lightly browned. Add chicken and sauté until the chicken is beginning to tenderize.

Add ground, black pepper, whole, black pepper cloves, soy sauce, and vinegar, and let simmer for 25-35 mins Or until chicken is done. Add vinegar and soy sauce to taste. Add 7up to taste. For more zing you can add sliced onions, jalapenos, more garlic and/or 2 tsp slices of thinly sliced fresh ginger root.

Cream Pie

Dry-
1 cup sugar
3 heaping Tbsp flour
3 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa (if you want chocolate pie)

Mix above ingredients together

Wet-
1 cup milk
3 eggs seperated
1 tsp vanilla
2 Tbsp butter

Scald milk and egg yolks that have been thouroughly whisked. ADd dry ingredients. Cook on low heat till simmered and cooked Let cool. Put in baked pie shell.

Variations-
Brown sugar for butterscotch pie
bananas for banana cream pie
coconut for coconut cream pie

Merengue-
3 egg whites
1 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 cup sugar

Beat till stiff peaks form. Spread on top of pie filling.

Thick Crust Pizza Dough

1 1/2 cup water (105*- 115*)
3 Tbsp veg oil
1 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
2 pkgs dry yeast
4 1/2 cups flour (I use about 3 1/2 cups of this)

Combine warm water and yeast. Wait until bubbly. Add oil, sugar and salt. Add flour a cup at a time mixing after each addition. Turn on floured surfact and knead till smooth and elastic. Shape into ball and place in greased bowl. Turn to grease top. Cover and let rise till doubled free from draft. Punch dough down and divide in half. Lightly grease hands and pat into 2 lightly greased pizza pans. Cover and let rise till doubles

Add desired toppings-
24 ounces Mozzarella Cheese, etc

Bake 450 for 10 minutes.

Mandu

Filling Ingredients-

1 pound ground beef or pork (I prefer pork) (raw)
1 tsp salt
8 minced green onions
2 cups chopped cabbage
1 cup bean sprouts
1 T soy sauce (Korean is best for sure)
1/2 cup tofu, soft Korean is best) tubul- all liquid squeezed out
2 garlic cloves minced

------------------
20 ounce won ton wrapper
egg whites for sealing
------------------

1 T sesame seeds

Combine all filling ingredients. Put 1 tsp (or more) of filling in center of wonton wrapper. Form into a circle Seal with egg white. Pan fry or steam so meat is cooked thoroughly.

Chap Chae

Onions- sliced
green onions- cut up one inch thick or however you like
carrotts- sliced up
mushrooms- sliced up
cabbage cut up in bite size pieces
cooked spinach- on bunch- drained and chopped up
minced garlic
pepper/salt
noodles- (sometimes called glass noodles) or sweet potatoe noodles (고구마) 1/2 pound or so

Boil noodles till done and drain. Meanwhile saute veggies in oil till crisp tender. Mix together veggies and remaining ingredients. Add more soy sauce, sesame oil and pepper to taste.

Bulgogi

1 1/2 pound boneless rib steak
4 tsp sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 garlic cloves- minced
3 green onions- cut up
1/4 tsp pepper- freshly cracked is best
2-3 Tbsp sesame oil

*optional- asian pear, kiwi or fuji apple grated- use juice only. (tenderizes meat)
*optional- 1 Tbsp asian vinegar

It is better to use frozen meat so you can slice it as thinly as possible against the grain. Let meat defrost partially and slice it.

Mix together meat and sugar. (Add fruit juice) Let rest for a short time. Add remaining ingredients and let stand for one hour if you are cooking then or store in ref overnight. Preheat large skillet (korean grill is better) and add the beef slices, a few at a time) and sear them without oil 2-3 minutes or so.

*you can sprinkle sesame seeds on top if you like before serving.

Serve with rice, kimchi, lettuce, samjang etc

Swedish Meatballs

Meatballs-

Soak bread in milk till moistened. Add all meatball ingredients and roll into balls. Bake 350* till done. Drain off grease thoroughly. Put meatballs in greased casserole dish.

1 lb. ground beef
2/3 cup milk
1/2 cup bread( I use any bread I have on hand)
1 egg
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
Pepper to taste

---------------------

While meatballs are cooking make sauce.Whisk together till mixed together

1 (10 3/4 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
Kitchen Bouquet for color ( not neccesary) and cover meatballs with sauce.

Pour sauce over meatballs and bake 350* till meatballs are thoroughly cooked.

Quick Meatball Ideas-

Add meatballs to spagetti sauce to meatballs with various Italian Seasonings and serve with Pasta

Use leftover Meatballs and sauce for meatball subs/hoagies. Butter bread and broil in oven till brown. Top with heated sauce and meatballs.

Toss meatballs with Teriyaki sauce/ Sweet and Sour Sauce and serve with rice and vegetables

For swedish meatball style add cream of mushroom soup and bake in oven. Serve with egg noodles and green veggie.

Spray crockpot with non stick spray. Add BBQ sauce, ketchup, seasonings and serve as appetizers.

Meatball Stroganoff. Cook noodle mixes (the side dish mixes made by Lipton and others) on hand. Cook as directed on package and add microwaved meatballs. Toss together.

Haystacks

This microwave candy is made with chow mein noodles and butterscotch chips.. Easy!
You may want to make a double or triple recipe of this yummy dessert because they go fast.

1 Cup butterscotch chips
1/2 Cup peanut butter
1/2 Cup peanuts
2 cups chow mein noodles

Preparation:
Microwave the butterscotch chips and peanut butter for 3-5 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and blend to coat noodles thoroughly. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper.

Hay Hand Rolls

Another great recipe from Debbie.

1 Tbsp sugar
1 pkg yeast
1 cup warm water
1 Tbsp salt
3 cups water
4 cups flour

Combine yeast and 1 cup water. Stir in salt, sugar,3 cups additional water and 4 cups flour. Stir till bubbly. Cover and set aside several hours or overnight)
--------------------
3 eggs beaten
1 cup shortening melted
1 cup sugar
6 cups flour

Add melted shortening, 1 cup sugar, 6 cups flour (approximately) to make soft dough. Knead till smooth and elastic. Let rise till double. Punch down and shape into 30-36 rolls. Place side by side in greased pans. Let rise till double. Bake 375 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil if neccesary to prevent overbrowning while baking. Spread with melted butter on top after baking.

Brown and Serve-
Bake at 275 for 40 minutes and store in freezer

Danish Puff Pastry

Crust-
1 cup flour
1 cube butter (1/2 cup)
1-2 tbsp ice water

Cut butter into flour. Sprinkle with water till moistened and you can press into a ball. (same texture as homemade pie crust) Press into two strips or you can form into 8 balls and set on cookie sheet in a circle with space between them. Press down dough so the dough comes together in a circle. Does that make sense??? (it does to me cuz I have seen and made it!)

Filling-
1 cup water
1 cube butter (1/2 cup)
1 cup flour
1 tsp vanilla
3 eggs
almonds

Bring water and butter to a boil. Remove from heat. Mix in flour till mixture forms a ball. Add eggs one at a time and beat till smooth and glossy. Spoon onto crust. Bake 350 till golden brown about 45 minute to an hour till nice and brown on edges *note- I just made this again tonite and 45 minutes is WAY TOO LONG. I baked mine for about 28 minutes and it was still too dark but my oven runs a bit hot. I would watch this to make sure it doesnt overcook the last five minutes or so of cooking

Make a glaze of powdered sugar and milk and drizzle liberally on cooled pastry and sprinkle with almonds. Cover loosely with saran wrap and store room temperature.

Easy No Bake Cheesecake

I used the store bought Graham Cracker Pie crust for this.
This recipe is so easy and that is why I like it so much.


1 Pkg. of Cream Cheese (softened)
1/2 cup Sugar (add more to your liking)
1 tsp of Vanilla Extract
couple squirts of lemon juice (add more to your liking)
1 small tub of Cool Whip
1 Graham Cracker pie crust

Mix cream cheese until light and fluffy. Mix in sugar (or if using variation sweetened condensed milk), vanilla, & lemon juice well. Do a taste test and see if you want either more sugar or lemon juice. Fold in cool whip. Add to pie crust and put in freezer to set quickly or put in refrigerator until set.

Variation: Here is another way to make this Cheesecake.
1 pkg cream cheese, softened
1 can eagle brand sweetened condensed milk (smallest can).
1/3 cup lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla
small tub of cool whip
1 Graham Cracker Pie crust.

Topping: any fruit glaze with fruit or plain

Rhubarb Freezer/Refridgerator Jam

3 cups raw rhubarb (I am sure you can substitute strawberries also)
1 1/2 cup water
2 1/2 cups water
3 ounce pkg rasberry or cherry jello

Boil rhubarb in water 2-3 minutes. Add sugar. Heat and boil 2 minutes. Add jello to stir and dissolve. Pour in jello and stir to dissolve. Store in jars in freezer for long term.

Homemade Creole Seasoning

Mix together-

2 1/2 Tbsp paprika
2 Tbsp garlic powder

1 Tbsp each of the following-
salt
onion powder
dried whole oregano
dried whole thyme
cayenne pepper
black pepper

Serve in shaker

Pretzel Salad

I have always wondered why this is called a salad because it isn't a salad at all. =) Yummy nevertheless!

FIRST LAYER
2 cups coarsely crushed pretzels
3/4 cup melted margarine
3 tablespoons sugar

Preheat oven to 400°. Put first layer in a 9x13x2-inch pan. Bake 8 minutes. Remove to cool.

SECOND LAYER
1 (8oz) pkg cream cheese
1 cup sugar
2 cups whipped topping (small container)

Second Layer - Beat sugar into cheese, stir in whipped topping. Spread over cooled pretzels.

THIRD LAYER
1 lg pkg (6 ounces) strawberry flavored gelatin
2 cups boiling water
1 (10oz) boxes frozen strawberries

Third Layer - Mix gelatin, boiling water and strawberries together and set aside 10 minutes. Pour over cheese mixture; chill thoroughly.

Sausage Delight Appetizers

1 pound ground sausage (such as Jimmy Dean)
1 1/2 cup buttermilk baking mix (bisquick)
1 cup grated cheese

Defrost sausage and mix all ingredients in bowl till well incorporated. Roll into balls and bake in foil lined pan at 350 for 40 minutes or till golden.

Mom's Vegetable Beef Noodle Soup

I watched my mom make this and jotted down the ingredients. Sorry it is so vague...


Cut chuck roast in cubes. Season with your choice of seasonings. Fry in a bit of oil till cubes are well browned on all sides. Do not discard all of the pan drippings and crumbs.

Add some onions (green onions if you have it) carrots, celery and add to the pot. Simmer till chuck is tender. Add some spagetti noodles and enough liquid and cook till pasta is done.

Add some salt, pepper and beef bouillion to taste.

Saba (Philipine Plantains)

The Philippine plantain is flatter, softer and sweeter then the ones found in Puerto Rico. There are two variations here-


Cut saba in half lengthwise and fry till golden. Add some brown sugar to pan and continue cooking so sugar will carmelize on bananas. Serve warm.

When saba is very ripe you can dip it in brown sugar and roll it up in a lumpia wrapper. Fry till golden brown.

Pam's Pizza Dough

5 cups warm water
3 Tbsp yeast
1/2 cup oil
2 Tbsp salt
5 pounds flour

Combine warm water and yeast to active yeast. Mix in oil, salt and about 3/4 of the flour. Fold remaining flour in by hand.

2 large pizzas- 20-30 minutes at 400*

Double Quick Dinner Rolls

2 1/4 cup flour
2 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 pkg yeast (1 Tbsp)
1 cup very warm water ( to activate yeast)
2 Tbsp shortening
1 egg

Mix 1 1/4 cup of the flour, the sugar, salt and yeast in large bowl. Add water and mix together so yeast is activated. Add shortening and egg. Stir in remaining flour till smooth. Scrape batter from sides of bowl. Cover and let rise till double in warm place- about 30 minutes. Stir down batter by beating down about 25 strokes. Spoon into 12 greased muffin cups. Let rise till double and dough rounds over tops of cups about 25-30 minutes. Bake in 400* oven 15-20 minutes

Eggs Strata

12 slices bread, crusts removed
butter
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
10 strips bacon (or sausage- see below**)
1 cup swiss cheese or cheddar
12 eggs
4 cups milk

more grated cheese for top

Butter both sides of bread and place 6 pieces on bottom of greased 9by13 pan. Saute onions and mushrooms and set aside. Cook bacon till crisp and crumble. Sprinkle half of onion/mushrooms and bacon on top of bread. Sprinkle with half of cheese. Repeat layer. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Next morning bake covered at 350 for 30 minutes covered and 30 minutes uncovered. (I cant remember how long I baked this but it seems far too long as the eggs will become dry)

**I substituted one pound of cooked Jimmy Dean sausage for the bacon.

Butter Mochi

Love it or hate the glutinous rice texture- this recipe comes from the Hawaiiaian Islands.

1 pound (yes 1 pound) butter or margarine
1 pound mochiko flour (rice flour- the brand is called Mochiko)
2 1/2 cup sugar
5 eggs
1 1/2 cup milk
1 can coconut milk (12 ounces)
1 tsp vanilla
2 Tbsp baking powder

Grease pan. (I forgot what size pan I used for this. Either 15by10 or 13by9) Bake 450 for one hour.

* I baked this for less and it was very brown on the edges. Reduce oven temp and watch. So good!

Super Easy Chocolate Bars

VERY RICH and VERY CHOCOLATEY! Be warned!

1 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/8 tsp salt
2 cups flour
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
6 ounces (1 cup) semi sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 tsp vanilla


Crust- Beat butter till mixed and add sugar and salt. Mix in the flour. Press two thirds of mixture onto bottom of 13by9 pan that was sprayed with non stick spray.

Filling- Combine condensed milk, and chocolate in saucepan. Cook over low heat till chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat. Stir in walnuts and vanilla. Spread mixture over crust. Dot with remaining crust mixture.

Bake 350 about 35 minutes.

Cream Pies (Chocolate, Banana, Butterscotch and Chocolate

A general recipe you can personalize to make Banana, Chocolate, Vanilla and Butterscotch Cream Pies.


3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup flour or 3 Tbsp cornstarch
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups milk
3 slightly beaten egg yolks- save egg whites for merengue if desired
2 Tbsp butter
1 tsp vanilla

1 baked pie shell

Combine sugar, flour/cornstarch and salt in a saucepan Cook on low heat till bubbly and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring constantly. Beat eggs in bowl and add a small amount of the cooked sauce into the eggs. Mix eggs and mixture together. Add butter and vanilla and stir to mix well. Pour into baked pie shell.


Pie Variations-

For vanilla cream pie do not add any additional ingredients
For chocolate cream pie increse sugar to 1 cup and add 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate
For Banana Cream Pie add sliced bananas in bottom of pie crust and on top of filling
For Butterscotch Pie use brown sugar instead of the white sugar
For Coconut Cream Pie make as vanilla cream adding 1 cup of flaked coconut folded into pie filling.

You can top your pie with whip cream or you can use the leftover egg whites to make a merengue.

Merengue-
Beat 3 egg whites together, 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 tsp cream of tartar till stiff peaks form.

Banana Cream Pie (cooked)

9 inch baked pie crust
3 Tbsp cornstarch
1 1/2 cups water- cold
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
3 egg yolks beaten
3 Tbsp butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 medium bananas, sliced and dipped in lemon concentrate to prevent discoloration
whipped cream

In heavy saucepan dissolve cornstarch in cold water. Stir in sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks. cook and stir until thickened and bubbly stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in butter. Arrange 2 bananas on bottom of pie crust. Pour filling over top. Chill 4 hours or till set. Spread top with whipped cream and garnish with remaining banana slices.

* you can use the egg whites for merengue. Beat together 3 egg whites, 1/4 cup of sugar and 1/4 tsp cream of tartar till stiff peaks form. Bake in 300* oven till nice and brown.

Banana Bread

This is much better prepared in a glass pan rather then a metal pan. It seems to me that the metal pans always overbake and burn the edges.

1 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup butter ( I prefer vegetable oil)
3-4 overripe bananas- mashed up

Mix first three dry ingredients together in bowl. In another large bowl mix oil and sugar together and eggs beating well. Add bananas and mix well. Add wet mixture to dry ingredients and pour in greased 9 by 9 pan. Bake 350 for about 45 minutes or till toothpick inserted.

*Notes- I believe the original recipe stated to bake this for over an hour which is far too much time. I just baked it till I know it is done If you want to double the recipe you can use a 15 by 10 inch pan. When cool sprinkle with powdered sugar. (Use a wire mesh sieve to sprinkle it on.)

I have also tried to substitute applesauce for this recipe and it is NOT a good substitution. I tried partial substitution and entire substitution for the oil and would not do it again.

Banana Cream Cheese Pie

1 baked 9-inch pastry shell, cooled or 9-inch crumb crust
1 (8oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 can Sweetened condensed milk
1/3 cup lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 medium-size ripe bananas
2 Tbsp lemon juice

In medium-size bowl, beat softened cream cheese until light and fluffy. Gradually stir in sweetened condensed milk until thoroughly blended. Stir in 1/3 cup lemon juice and vanilla. Slice 3 bananas; line crust with banana slices. Turn filling into crust. Refrigerate 2 to 3 hours. Slice fourth banana; dip in lemon juice and garnish top of pie with banana slices.

*Lil's variation- I made this today with a few variations and it is great. It stays set when you cut through it and it isn't runny at all.

1 baked 9-inch pastry shell, cooled or 9-inch crumb crust
2 (8oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 can Sweetened condensed milk ( I put in a little less)
One tub of cool whip
Squirt of lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 medium-size ripe bananas

Make as above recipe and fold in cool whip by hand Top with Whip Cream or more Cool Whip.

Magic Pumpkin Pie

1 unbaked 9-inch pastry shell
2 cups (16 to 17 oz. can) canned pumpkin
1 can sweetened condensed Milk
1 egg
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp ginger
3/4 tsp cinnamon

In a large bowl, blend together all ingredients. Turn into pie shell. Bake in moderate (375 degees) oven 50-55 min. or until knife inserted comes out clean. Refrigerate at least 1 hour.

Easy Cheese Sauce

Make a roux of

2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp flour

Cook till bubbly. Add-

1 cup milk and add salt and pepper to taste.

Add- 1/2 cup grated cheddar and cook on low heat till melted.

Great sauce for macaroni and cheese or on top of broccoli.

Chalupa

3 pounds pork
1 pd pinto beans, picked of stones and debris and washed, soaked if possible overnite
3 cloves garlic
3 tsps chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
1 can green chilies, chopped up
1 jar (12 ounces) mild chunky salsa

salt to taste
tortilla chips
shredded cheese
chopped tomatoes
salsa

Mix first 9 ingredients together. Place beans in bottom of slow cooker and top with roast. Cover with water Cook on high about 5 hours. Add salt- about 1 tbsp. Shred pork in beans and serve with chips, cheese, tomatoes and salsa.

Jello Cream Cake

Brings back memories of when my Mom would make this-

Crust
10 tablespoons butter (1 1/2 cubes)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup nuts, chopped

Bake 10 minutes at 350
Filling
1 (3 ounce) box lemon Jell-O gelatin (or you can use 6 ounces )
1 cup hot water (use same water measurements if using 6 ounces of jello)
3/4 cup sugar
8 ounces cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) bottle whipping cream (or 1/2 pint whipping cream that has been whipped

Topping
2 (3 ounce) boxes Jello gelatin (any flavor)
3 cups hot water

For crust, cream butter and brown sugar. Add the flour and chopped nuts. Press dough into buttered 9 X 13 inch pan and bake for 10 minutes in 375 degree oven or until top browns.

For filling, dissolve box of lemon jello into the one cup of hot water and cool. (Make sure you cool it) Cream the sugar and the cream cheese. Whip the whipping cream and fold into the cheese mixture. Then fold the cooled lemon jello to the cheese mixture. Pour on top of cooled crust and chill until firm.

For the topping, dissolve the two boxes of jello until the three cups of hot water and cool. Then pour slowly on top of hardened cheese mixture and chill until firm.

Hot Chocolate Cake

This is so so good. I havent made it in years but I think I need to! It is a bit labor intensive but so worth the effort.

2 Tbsp sugar
8 ounces cream cheese
6 squares (6 ounces) semi sweet chocolate chopped coursely
1/2 cup milk (whole, skim or evap milk ok)
4 large eggs, seperated
1/2 cup sugar mixed with 2 tsp cornstarch

350 oven. Lightly butter an 8 inch springform pan and coat with the 2 Tbsp of sugar. Wrap outside of pan with foil molding to prevent seepage. Microwave cream cheese and chocolate 45 seconds stirring till blended, heating more if neccesary. Gradually stir in milk. Beat egg whites in large bowl with mixer till soft peaks form when beaters are lifted. Gradually beat in sugar/cornstarch mixture. Beat 5 more minutes till stiff. Stir about 1/3 of the beaten whites into chocolate mixture. Gently fold in remaining whites till just blended. Do not overmix or whites will deflate. (The recipe says you can freeze this now and bake later but I have not tried that) Bake for one hour or till cake feels equally firm when pressed near the edge and in center. Top might crack. Cool in pan on rack 5 minutes. Run a knife around edge to loosen before removing pan sides. Enjoy!

At Home Pedicure

Gently heat up-

1 gallon of whole milk
1/2 cup warm water
1 drop of almond extract

Pour into basin big enough for your tootsies. =)

Combine and make a paste with-
1/2 cup baby oil or olive oil
1/2 cup coarse salt (sea salt)

Smooth callouses with pumice and file your nails. Soak feet in milk mixture for 10 minutes. Gently scrub feet and lower legs with salt paste. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. Apply lotion!

Quick Caramel Sauce

Great for a topping on a cake or with ice cream-

4 Tbsp butter
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup heavy cream

In saucepan over med heat melt the butter and brown sugar. Stir in vanilla and cream. Bring to a simmer and adjust the heat to maintain a slow simmer. Simmer 5 minutes. Serve immediately.

Strawberry Refrigerator Cake

Here's the cookbook this recipe came out of, it's a good one! And mine's just about worn out!

This is one of my favorite cakes! I made it with Strawberry Flavored Cool whip in the photos:

Piercing the baked cake all over (I used a shishkabob skewer):Here is pouring the jello dissolved in boiling water over the cake, and it soaks down into the holes you just poked:Ta Da! The finished cake, dig in and enjoy! You can see in this photo how the jello soaks down into the holes, and makes a nice, pretty slice of cake:

Easy Crust (13by9)

2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup butter

Mix flour and sugar together Cut in butter till mixed together. Press into 13by9 pan.

Easy Graham Cracker Crust (13by9)

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
3 Tbsp sugar
3 Tbsp butter melted

Mix crumbs and sugar together. Add butter and press firmly onto bottom of 13 by 9 pan.

New York Style Cheesecake (13by9)

1 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs
1 cup plus 3 Tbsp sugar, divided
3 Tbsp butter or margarine, melted
5 pkgs (yes 5) (8 ounces each) cream cheese
1 Tbsp vanilla
1 cup sour cream
4 eggs
2 cups fresh blueberries for garnish. (You can use pie filling or fruit you have cooked down and thickened)

Preheat oven to 325. Mix Graham Cracker Crumbs, 3 Tbsp of the sugar, and butter together. Press into bottom of 13 by 9 pan.

Beat together cream cheeses, remaining one cup sugar, flour, and vanilla in bowl till well blended. Add sour cream and mix well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Pour over crust. Puree the berries and drop by spoonful over batter. Cut through batter to marble.

Bake at 325 for 50 minutes or till center is almost set. Cover and refrigerate at least four hours.

Tuna Boats

1 cup grated cheese
1 can tuna, drained well
2 hard boiled egg, chopped
2 Tbsp green pepper
2 Tbsp chopped onion
2 Tbsp pickled relish

Line muffin tins with buttered bread. (I use hot dog buns that have been buttered) Spoon tuna mixture in bread. Bake till edges are brown.

Layered Tex Mex Dip

For Bean Layer mix together-

32 ounces refried beans (can is okay but homemade is better)
2 Tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp each, minced garlic, ground cumin and hot pepper sauce

Mix above ingredients in a bowl and transfer to a large serving plate with spatula. (A pie plate is the perfect size)

Guacamole layer-

2 ripe avocados
1 Tbsp each fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro
i tsp minced garlic and salt to taste
3/4 cup sour cream
2/3 cup cheddar cheese

Mash up avocados and add spices and garlice and salt. Spread over bean layer.

Salsa Layer- mix all together-

1 large tomato, seeded and chopped
green onions
chopped cilantro
1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
1/2 tsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp salt

Top Guacamole layer with above ingredients. Cover and refrigerate. Serve with tortilla chips! Yum!

Farmer's Pork Chops

8 medium potatoes
1/2 medium onion
salt & pepper to taste
White sauce (see recipe below; you
may also use your own, but this one is good.)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons Lawry's seasoned salt
8 center cut pork chops; about 1/2 inch thick
1/3 cup vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Peel potatoes; slice 1/4 inch thick and cover with cold water. Slice onion into very think slices. Cut slices in half Drain potatoes; layer half the potatoes in a well greased 15x10 inch casserole dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Scatter half on onion slices on top of potatoes. Repeat with remaining potatoes and onions (not forgetting salt and pepper between each layer). Cover potatoes with white sauce. Cover casserole dish with plastic wrap and microwave for 5 minutes on high or bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Mix together flour and seasoned salt and dredge pork chops in four mixture. Lightly brown chops in vegetable oil. Do not cook them completely. As chops are removed from frying pan, lay them on top of potatoes. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 60 minutes. The juices from the pork chops will drip down into the potatoes. DELICIOUS!!!!!

White Sauce:
8 tablespoons (1 stick) of butter
1/2 cup all purpose flour

1 to 2 teaspoons salt
1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon pepper
4 cups milk
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)

Melt butter; remove from heat. Stir in flour; add salt and pepper. Return to heat and cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is bubbly. Add milk, 1 cup at a time. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Reduce heat and simmer 1 to 2 minutes, then let stand at least 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in parsley or chives, if desired.

WOW!!! That is all I have to say about this recipe. The time you put into making this dish will be rewarded with lots of praise and a wonderful taste from the juices of the pork chops. ENJOY!!!

Tortilla Casserole

1 pound ground beef
1medium onion, chopped
1 jar (8oz) salsa
1/2 C sour cream
1 can (10 3/4oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 jar (2oz) sliced pimientos drained (I omit these)
6 corn tortillas (6-8") cut into 1" strips (I prefer flour)
2 C shredded Wisconsin Cheddar cheese
Sliced ripe olives, if desired

Heat oven to 350.Cook beef and onion in 10" skillet over medium heat 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is brown; drain.Spread 1/2 cup of the salsa in bottom of ungreased square baking dish, 8x8x2". Mix remaining salsa, the sour cream, soup and pimientos. Layer half each of the tortilla strips, beef mixture, soup mixture and cheese on salsa; repeat. Bake uncovered 30-40 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with olives. Serves about 4.

Snickers Surprises

2 sticks butter (softened)
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 pkg (13 oz) Snickers Brand Miniatures
1 pkg Dove Brand Milk or Dark Chocolate candy bars (if they have any. If not you can use another type of chocolate candy bar to drizzle on top) Optional.

1. Combine the butter, peanut butter, and sugars using a mixer on a medium to low speed until light and fluffy.
2. Slowly add eggs and vanilla until thoroughly combined. Then mix in flour, salt and baking soda.
3. Cover and chill dough for 2-3 hours.
4. Unwrap all SNICKERS Brand Miniatures.
5. Remove dough from refrigerator. Divide into 1 tablespoon pieces and flatten.
6. Place a SNICKER in the center of each piece of dough.
7. Form the dough into a ball around each SNICKER.
8. Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 325 degrees for 10-12 minutes. (Baking times and temperatures may need to be adjusted if using more than 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie.)
9. Let cookies cool on baking rack or wax paper.
10. OPTIONAL: Drizzle melted Dove chocolate candy bars on top or use another type of chocolate candy bar only if you want to.

Makes about 2 dozen cookies

Egg Pie

9 inch crust

1 large can of Pet milk or 1 cup milk
5 eggs
1 1/2 cups of sugar
1 1/2 sticks of margarine (room temp.)
1/2 tsp of nutmeg
2 tbsp flour
2 tbsp lemon flavor (some like vanilla extract)

Make pie shell according to your own pie shell directions and bake it.

Mix all ingredients really good and pour into pie crust. Bake at 325 degrees F for 45-55 minutes, or until an inserted knife comes out clean. Do not overcook.

Pepperoni Pizza

1 pkg yeast (1 Tbsp)
1 cup warm water
2 1/2 cups flour (might need a bit more)
2 Tbsp oil
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Mix together dry ingredients. Mix dry ingredients into wet adding more flour if neccesary. Pat or roll onto pizza pan. Let rise 5 minutes. Spread with pizza sauce- recipe follows-

Pizza Sauce-
8 ounce tomato sauce
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp pepper

Mix all together and spread on pizza crust.

Add your choice of toppings-
Pepperoni
Mozzarella
Ham
Veggies...

Bake 425 till cheese melts and crust is a golden brown. (I forgot to write the time down but this crust is pretty thin and should finish quickly.

Cherry Danish Dessert

2 cans (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent dinner rolls, divided
2 pkg (8 ounces each) Cream Cheese
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 egg white
1 tsp vanilla
1 can cherry pie filling
3 Tbsp milk

Preheat oven to 350. Unroll one of the cans into 2 long rectangles. Place in 13by9 pan and press onto bottom of pan to form crust, pressing seams together to seal. Beat cream cheese, 3/4 cup of the powdered sugar, egg whites and vanilla with mixer. Spread onto crust and cover with pie filling. Place second can of crescents on top of filling to form crust. Bake 25 minutes till golden brown. Let cool. Mix together remaining powdered sugar (3/4 cup) with 3 Tbsp milk and drizzle over dessert.

Magic Jello

This will magically seperate into two layers!

1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 pkg (4 svgs jello)
8 ounces Cool Whip
Additional Cool Whip for topping
1 cup fresh berries for garnish

Stir boiling water into dry gelatin in medium bowl at least two minutes until completely dissolved. Add whipped topping and stir until mixed and completely melted. (will be thin) Fill dessert cups with gelatin mixture. Refrigerate at least 2 hours until layers seperate. Top with Cool Whip and fresh berries

Peanut Butter Fudge Bars

1 pkg yellow cake mix
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 egg
1/2 cup cup vegetable oil
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup chocolate chips
2 Tbsp butter

In large bowl combine cake mix, peanut butter, egg and oil. Press 2/3 of dough into bottom of 13by9 pan. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. IN a heavy saucepan heat the milk, chocolate chips and butter over low heat and stirring till blended. Pour over crust. Sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture. ( I add a bit more flour to the topping) Bake for another 25 minutes or so tilll golden brown

Mandarin Orange Cake

1 package white cake mix prepared as according to directions.

Cook cake. In a bowl combine and spread over cake.

1 can mandarin oranges undrained
8 ounces Cool Whip
1 can crushed pineapple undrained
1 package instant vanilla pudding mix- prepared as directed on box.

I would do this a tad different- I would pour the fruit and juices over the cake, then spread pudding on top of the cake then top with cool whip. Just my personal preference.

Moist and Easy Bread Stuffing

1/2 cup butter
5 stalks celery
1 medium onion chopped
2 loaves (16 ounces each) sliced firm white bread cut into cubes
1 can chicken broth (14 ounces)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp dried thyme
3/4 salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp dried sage

I add pork sausage to this for flavor!

In Dutch Oven melt butter. Add celery, and onion and cook, stirring occasionally till tender. Add bread crumbs and spices. Add broth till correct consistency. Spread in greased 13by9 pan. Bake covered at 325 for 45 minutes.

Zucchini Muffins

2 eggs
3/4 cup milk
2/3 cup vegetable oil
2 cups shredded zucchini

Mix above ingredients together.

2 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 Tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
4 Tbsp dried basil ( I used Italian Seasoning instead)

Mix dry ingredients together and add to dry ingredients. Add 1 Tbsp of parmesan cheese to top of each muffin.

Guacamole

1 ripe avocado peeled, seed removed and set aside
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
1/3 cup finely chopped green pepper
1/4 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp salt or to taste
1 ripe tomato, sliced in half and squeeze seeds out.

Mash avocado with lemon juice. Fold in veggies, seasonings and stir till smooth. Chop tomatoes and fold in. Serve immediately. Serving with the pit will help to prevent discoloration. Can be chilled but might discolor

Cake Mix Brownies

1 package chocolate cake mix
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup water
2 eggs
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Combine cake mix, oil, water and eggs and beat till smooth. (batter will be thick) Spread into greased 13by9 pan. Bake at 325 for approx 25 minutes or till the top springs back when lightly pressed. Cool on wire rack. Cut into bars

Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole

1 pound bulk sausage ( I love Jimmy Dean)
6 slices bread
1 1/2 cup grated cheese
8 eggs
2 cups half and half
1 tsp salt
1 tsp basil
1 tsp dry mustard
pepper to taste

Brown the sausage, stirring to crumble. Drain well. Cut bread into cubes and spread evenly in greased 9 by 13 pan. Sprinkle sausage on top of bread. Sprinkle with half of cheese. Combine remaining ingredients and beat well. Pour over all. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake 350 for 30 minutes. Add remaining cheese. Melt cheese in oven. Let sit a few minutes before serving.

Homemade Salsa

Another recipe for Salsa. =)

6 tomatoes
1/2 onion
4-6 jalapenos
1/2- 1 tsp cumin
garlic- optional
thyme- optional
cilantro- washed and bad leaves removed- chopped
1 tsp salt
1 cup water

Chop in blender till desired consistency.

Baked Mushroom Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup flour
3 Tbsp butter divided
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1/3 cup shredded mozzarella
1/3 cup Mozzarella Cheese
1/4 cup sliced green onions

Flatten each chicken breast in plastic bag with mallet to 1/4 inch thick. Place flour in bag and coat each piece of chicken by shaking it in flour.

In large skillet brown chicken on both sides. Tranfer to a greased 13by9 pan. In the same skillet saute mushrooms in the remaining butter. Add chicken broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes or till liquid is reduced to 1/2 cup. Spoon over chicken. Bake uncovered at 375 for 15 minutes until chicken is done. Sprinkle with cheeses and put back in oven till melts.

Sweet Potato Casserole (13by9)

2 large cans sweet potatoes
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
2 eggs
1 cup evaporated milk
2 tsp vanilla
mini marshmellows

Drain one can of sweet potatoes. Beat all ingredients ( excluding marshmellows) together and put in greased 13by9 pan. Bake at 350 till knife inserted comes out clean. Top with marshmellow. Return to oven and brown marshmellows.

Fried Chicken with Gravy

1/2 cup milk
1 egg beaten

Beat above ingredients in medium bowl.

1 cup flour
2 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground pepper
1/4 tsp poultry seasoning

Mix above ingredients in ziploc bag

4 pounds chicken pieces, washed and dried
3 cups oil for frying
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup milk

Dip chicken in egg mixture then shake in flour mixture. Fry in oil till done (at 365 degrees thermometer) then turn to medium low till done.

Gravy- Discard oil and save 2 Tbsp of the oil with the brown bits and stuff on the bottom. Stir in 2 Tbsp of dipping flour and make a roux. Add chicken broth and milk and stir till thickened. Simmer stirring constantly. Add milk to desired thickness.

*note- I usually fry my chicken till brown and then put it in the oven uncovered to finish cooking.

Jun (Korean Fried Fish)

1 pound white fish
salt and pepper
1/3 cup flour
2 eggs beaten
oil to fry

Cut fish into 2 inche pieces square. Season with salt and pepper. Roll in flour then beaten eggs. Heat oil and fry till brown and fish is cooked

JMac's Chicken

I know this might seem too basic... but it is delicious. Don't let the simple ingredients fool you. =)

Put all ingredients in a deep pot-
Chicken- boneless skinless with skin removed
onions- lots- chopped up
green pepper- lots chopped up
Sprinkle lots of salt over ingredients in large pot. Also add lots of pepper. Add Tomato Sauce- a few cans is great.

Simmer chicken until chicken shreds and juices/tomato sauce cooks down. (It will take a while) This will be saucy. Serve over rice

Spinach Casserole

5-6 Tbsp butter
8 ounces american cheese
6 eggs
6 Tbsp flour
1 quart cottage cheese
3 pkgs frozen spinach

Preheat oven to 350. Cut butter and cheese into 1/4 cubes and set aside. Beat eggs lightly. Add flour, cottage cheese, butter and american cheese. Squeeze spinach as dry as possible and then mix in. Place in greased 9 by 13. Bake for one hour. (adjust baking time as neccesary)

Mexican Wedding Cookies

Also known as Russian Tea Cakes. Being from Los Angeles we grew up calling them Mexican Wedding Cookies.

Mix together thoroughly-
1 cup softened butter (2 cubes)
1/2 cup confectioners sugar
1 tsp vanilla



Sift together-
2 1/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup ground nuts (pecan or walnuts-ground or finely chopped depending on your preference

Chill dough (although not neccesary) Roll into 1 inch balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 375 until set but not browned, approximately 12 minutes. Roll in powdered sugar

Virginia's Chicken and Pork Adobo

This is the best Adobo I have tasted and I believe it is because of the cinnamon. I know it isnt traditionally used in Adobo but this is over the top!!! Mahalo Virginia!!!

5 pound bag chicken wings
pork belly sliced thin
1/2 cup vinegar
2/3 cup water
3 Tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp peppercorn
1 inch ginger crushed
4 garlic cloves crushed
3 bay leaves
1/2 cinnamon stick

Place pork in pot with very little oil. Mix together vinegar, water, soy sauce, peppercorn, ginger and garlic. Add half the mixture to pot and boil chicken till liquid evaporates. Stir in 1 Tbsp additional soy sauce. Remove and set aside chicken. Add pork belly and fry in its own oil. Add the rest of the marinade, bay leaves and cinnamon and bring to a boil. Cover. Stand by checking and stirring making sure to not burn. Add pork when chicken is tender Add 1 Tbsp more soy sauce and 1/4 tsp of paprika

Korean Style Watermelon 수박

Watermelon (cubed in bowl)

Add ice, lemon juice, and sugar to taste.

If you need more detailed recipe you can follow the following recipe-
1 watermelon cut up in bite size pieces
5 lemons cut up to bite size pieces
2 cups sugar to taste
2 cups water to taste
ice cubes

Fruit Preserves

Fruit (strawberries, blueberries, apples, papaya, any kind really)
Lemon juice to taste (lemon juice not good in certain kinds of fruit)
Sugar to taste

Cook over low heat until fruit is cooked down
Serve over toast or cake, etc.

Easy Chicken Enchiladas

2 Cups chopped cooked chicken (deboned, skinless)
1 Cup chopped green bell peppers
1 pkg. Cream Cheese, cubed
1 Jar Salsa (8oz.) divided
8 (6 inch) flour tortillas
3/4 lb. Velveeta Cheese or cheese sauce, divided.
1/4 Cup milk

Mix together bell pepper, cream cheese, salsa, & cheese sauce with milk. Cook until Bubbly. Add cooked chicken. Put 1/4 Cup of mixture on a flour tortilla and roll up. Lay seam side down in casserole pan. Cook in oven at 350 degrees for 20 Minutes. Add cheese on top and heat until melted. Serve with salsa.

Easy Oreo Truffles

If you love chocolate then this recipe is for you!!! I'm serious!!

1 (1 lb.) package Oreo cookies, divided
1 (8 ounce) package Philidelphia Cream cheese, softened
2 (8 ounce) packages baker's semi-sweet baking chocolate, melted

1. Crush 9 of the cookies to fine crumbs in food processor; reserve for later use. (cookies can be finely crushed in a resealable plastic bag using a rolling pin too.)

2. Crush remaining 36 cookies to fine crumbs; place in medium bowl.

3. Add cream cheese; mix until well blended.

4. Roll cookie mixture into 42 balls, about 1-inch in diameter.

5. Dip balls in chocolate; place on wax paper-covered baking sheet. (any leftover chocolate can be stored at room temperature for another use.)

6. Sprinkle with reserved cookie crumbs.

7. Refrigerate unti firm, about 1 hour

How to Dip Truffles:
Place truffle ball in melted chocolate to coat; roll if necessary. Lift truffle from chocolate using 2 forks (this will allow excess chocolate to run off) before placing on wax paper.

Southern Fried Chicken

If time permits: For better tasting chicken, if you season it with just a little salt, pepper, garlic powder and lawry's season salt and then place in refrigerator to sit atleast 2-3 hours before preparing for frying it will be all that much better tasting.

3 eggs
1/3 cup water
2 cups self-rising flour
1 tsp pepper
One 1- to 2 1/2- lb. chicken, cut into pieces
Crisco shortening for frying

Beat eggs with water. To just enough self-rising flour to coat all the chicken, add black pepper. Dip seasoned chicken in egg; coat well in flour mixture. Fry in moderately hot shortening (350 degrees) until brown and crisp. Remember that dark meat requires longer cooking time (about 13 - 14 minutes, compared to 8 - 10 minutes for white meat).

Chicken Pot Pie

one 10 3/4 oz can condensed cheddar cheese soup
One 10 3/4 oz can condensed cream of celery soup
1/2 cup milk
1 chicken, skinned, cooked, boned, and cubed
1 medium onion, diced
one 10 oz package frozen green peas (or one 8-oz can, drained)
3 carrots, sliced, cooked, and drained
Salt and pepper to taste
1 pastry for top and bottom (see below for recipe)
Butter to dot pastry

In a large saucepan, heat soups and milk. Stir in chicken, onion, peas, carrots, and salt and pepper. Cook until mixture boils. Remove from heat. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pour into a pastry-lined 13x9x2 inch pan. Cut pastry for top into strips. Lay over pie filling in a lattice style. Dot with butter. Bake for 45 Minutes until golden brown.

Pastry:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking powder
3/4 cup crisco shortening
Ice water

Sift together flour, salt, and baking powder. Cut in shortening with pastry blender until pieces are the size of small peas. Sprinkle 1 to 2 tablespoons of ice water over part of mixture. Gently toss with fork; push to side of bowl. Repeat until all is moistened. Form into 2 balls. Flatten each on a lightly floured surface by pressing with edge of hand three times across in both directions. With a floured rolling pin, roll out on floured surface. Roll from center to edge until 1/8 inch thick.

Easy Pizza Sauce

Makes enough for one 12-14 inch pizza

8 ounces tomato sauce
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp pepper

Mix all together.

Mongo Beans

Also known as Mung Beans in Japan. These are ubiquitous in the Philipines and we ate this alot. If you like split pea soup you will probably like this except it isnt smooth like split pea soup.

Saute onion and garlic and add ground pork or sausage. You can also add chopped carrotts for color if desired. Add water and cook till tender. Season with salt and pepper and Knorr broth cubes if desired. Serve with rice

No Bake Cookies

Start timing when mixture reaches a full rolling boil; this is the trick to successful cookies. If you boil too long the cookies will be dry and crumbly. If you don't boil long enough, the cookies won't form properly."

INGREDIENTS
1 3/4 cups white sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup butter
4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
3 cups quick-cooking oats
1/2 Cup Coconut (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa. Bring to a boil, and cook for 1 1/2 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in peanut butter, oats, coconut (optional), and vanilla. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper. Let cool until hardened. Store in cool, dry place. Store in refridgerator or freezer for longer storage.

TNT Dip

This is a nice and spicy dip for chips.

1 1/2 lbs. Ground Beef
1 Can cream of mushroom soup
1 lb. Velveeta Cheese
1 Cup Salsa
2 tsp Chili Powder
1/4 Cup of butter

In a pan cook and drain fat off of ground beef. Add all ingredients to your crock pot (or pot)and let cook, stirring occasionally. Spoon over chips or use as a dip for chips.

Pizza Burgers or Calzone Filling

3 large cans tomato paste (I use less- 2 small)
2 pounds ground beef (3 pound)
1 small can black olives
1 small can mushrooms drained
1 bell pepper chopped
1 onion chopped
1 cup parmesan cheese
1 Tbsp oregano
*mozzarella, ricotta or cottage cheese

Cook ground beef and drain well. Add tomato paste and 1 1/2 cans water. Add olives, mushrooms, onion and green pepper. Add seasonings and simmer 15 to 20 minutes. Add parmesan cheese. Serve on Hoagie rolls or French Bread. You may also use this for filling in Calzones.

Niki's Buttermilk Biscuits

These are GREAT!

2 cups flour
3 Tbsp baking powder ( no this isnt a typo)
1 tsp salt
1/3 cup margarine melted
1 1/4 cup milk or buttermilk

Combine wet ingredients in cup or small bowl. Combine dry ingredients in bowl. Mix dry into wet ingredients. Mixture will be VERY moist. Flour work area liberally. Pour dough onto flour and sprinkle with flour. Pat down. Fold dough over and pat down again. Do this a few more times. Cut with biscuit cutter. Dip in butter if desired and place on baking sheet. Bake 375 or till golden brown approximately 10 to 12 minutes.

Rasberry Oatmeal Bars

I made these today for the first time for fellowship. When I looked at the amount of filling (only 12 ounces of jam) I had to improvise because that would NOT be enough filling! So I have made the recipe (what I think is) better. Very quick, easy and tasty!

1 pkg yellow cake mix
2 1/2 cups quick cooking oats- uncooked
3/4 cup butter melted
12 ounce jar rasberry jam (I used grape jelly)
1 can tropical fruit or fruit cocktail or pie filling ( I used tropical fruit)
1 Tbsp water if neccesary

Grease 13 by 9 pan and preheat oven to 375. In very large bowl stir cake mix and oats together. Cut in melted butter until mixture is crumbly. Press dough into pan evenly reserving about 1/2 cup or so.

In small saucepan pour in jam and tropical fruit. Make water/cornstarch thickener as seen here. Bring the fruit and jam to a boil and pour in cornstarch teaspoon by teaspoon until mixture resembles the thickness of cherry pie filling. Spread over crust. To remaining crust mixture add a bit of flour till it is more crumbly and resembles topping. Sprinkle over top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until nice and golden. Top with fresh whip cream or cool whip. I even think this would be great with some cream poured on top.

Apple Pancakes & Cyder Syrup

This is the best ever pancake recipe I have ever made with the syrup!!!

2 Cups Bisquick
1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
1 Egg
1 1/3 Cup milk
3/4 Cup grated apple

Beat Bisquick, cinnamon, egg, & milk with beater until smooth. Fold in apples.

Cyder Syrup:
1 Cup sugar
2 Tbs Cornstarch
1/2 tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice
2 Cups Apple Cider
2 Tbs Lemon Juice
1/4 Cup Butter or Margarine

Mix sugar, cornstarch & spice in sauce pan. Stir in Cider and Lemon juice. Cook, stirring constantly until mixture thickens and boil 1 minute. Remove from heat and blend in butter.

Serve over apple pancakes. Very very delicous!!!

Moms Sweet and Crunchy Broccoli Salad

1 lb. bacon
1 large head broccoli
1/2 medium red onion, chopped
1 cup raisins (optional)
1/2 cup sunflower seeds

Dressing:
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons vinegar

Chop broccoli into 1/2 inch chunks. Add onion, raisins and sunflower seeds. Mix ingredients for dressing, and pour dressing over broccoli mixure,and mix. Chill at least a couple of hours before serving.

Sunday Gumbo

My husband loves this Gumbo, I have altered some of the ingredients for a less spicy dish, but you can add more cayenne if you like a spicy gumbo.

1 lb. Italian turkey sausage (lean)
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
3 celery ribs, chopped
1 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 (14 oz) cans chicken broth
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 lb. uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

In large pot, brown sausage and chicken in oil. Remove, and keep warm. In drippings, saute red pepper, onion, celery til tender. Stir in seasonings, cook 5 minutes. Stir in broth and sausage/chicken mix, bring it to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 20-25 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and shrimp, and cook 10 minutes, or until shrimp turn pink, stirring occasionally. Serve with a scoop of rice in a bowl, and spoon Gumbo on top. It makes quite a bit, I'm not sure of the serving size, maybe 8 servings (I'm guessing here).

Laurie's Chicken Breasts Stuffed w/Cheese

3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved
1 lb. monterey jack cheese, sliced
4 eggs
3 Tablespoons minced parsley
3 Tablespoons fresh grated parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper
1/2 cup flour
4 Tablespoons olive oil
juice of half a lemon (maybe 2 Tablespoons lemon juice)

Slit breasts, and stuff pocket with monterey jack cheese slices, and close edges with toothpicks poked through the chicken. Mix eggs, parmesan cheese, and parsley in a bowl. Roll prepared chicken in flour, then dip in egg mixture. Heat the oil in a large skillet, put the chicken in, and pour the rest of the egg mixture over the top. Fry very quickly, just to lightly brown. Place chicken in a buttered baking dish. Lay any extra monterey jack cheese on top and around the sides of the chicken. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the toothpicks, and sprinkle the lemon juice over it (this really adds flavor, don't skip it), sprinkle with parsley and serve. If you're a cheese lover, this is delicious!

Cheeseburger Sandwiches

These are scrumptious, like a super-cheesy sloppy joe!

1 and 1/2 lbs. ground beef
1/2 teaspoon garlic-pepper blend
1 (8 oz.) pkg. velveeta cheese, diced (2 cups)
2 Tablespoons milk
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
8 hamburger buns

In a large skillet, brown ground beef and garlic blend til cooked, drain. In slow cooker, combine ground beef and all remaining ingredients except buns; mix well. Cover; cook on low setting for 5-6 hours. Or, just add the ingredients to the skillet, if you don't want to use the crockpot,(be sure and cook green pepper and onion until soft), and cook it on medium-low for about 20 minutes or so, stirring occasionally. To serve spoon into hamburger buns. About 8 servings.

Moms Dark Cocoa Brownies

These are soft, moist and delicious!

1 & 1/3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup cocoa
2 cups sugar
4 eggs, beaten
1 cup oil (don't skimp here, this makes them very moist)
2 teaspoons vanilla

Add sugar to eggs and beat on low. Add oil and vanilla, and blend. Add dry ingredients and mix. Bake in a greased 9X13 inch pan at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.

Pork Roast with Navy Beans

My friend makes this in the oven and I have adapted it to the crockpot. Absolutely delish!

Spray crockpot with non stick spray. Take one bag of Navy Beans and remove debris, rocks and beans that do not look good. Rinse off and put in crockpot.

Pork Roast washed and seasoned liberally with-
Lawry's season salt
Cajun Seasoning
Garlic salt or powder
(or you can use whatever seasonings you like that go with navy beans)

Place pork roast on top of beans. Add water till crockpot is about 3\4 full. Place lid on crockpot and cook on low 7-9 hours or on high about 5 hours. (You might have to watch to make sure beans have enough liquid from roast and the water you added so they can fully expand and cook)

When beans and roast is done, pull out roast using a large spoon and spatula to place roast in glass 13by9. Take out most of the liquid from crock, leaving just enough for beans to have their own juice. Add salt to taste. Added salt will depend on how salty your pork roast was seasoned so use caution and taste as you season. Sometimes I also use one package of Sazon (puerto rican seasoning) Pour beans around roast. Serve with rice and cornbread.

*note- if you want your roast browned you can broil it for a few minutes. I don't really think it will need it tho.

Hummingbird Food

1 part sugar to 4 parts water.

1/4 cup sugar to 1 cup water. Boil until sugar is entirely dissolved. Add red food coloring since the bright color will attract hummers.

Hmmm... Is that a hummer I see in my driveway???!!!???

Flour/ Cornstarch Substitutions

Have a recipe that calls for self rising flour and you don't have it?

In a one cup measure put 1 1/2 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp salt. Add flour and level off with a knife.

Don't have any cornstarch? Use half as much flour as a recipe calls for cornstarch.

Dont know how to thicken with cornstarch? It's easy. In a coffee cup place desired amount of cornstarch in cup (I just spoon it in- You can use more then neccesary and discard the rest later) Add Cold water and stir till creamy and no lumps. Add to liquid you want thickened and stir constantly till thickened on LOW heat. Add more cornstarch paste until desired cooking after each addition on low heat.

Rouladen

4 tbsp oil
2 cups sliced onion
6 bacon strips
6 beef round steaks (1/4 pound each)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 Tbsp mustard
6 dill pickle spears
3/4 flour
1 1/3 cup water
4 tsp beef bouilion granules or equivalent
1 tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1 Tbsp butter

Pound steaks till 1/4 inch thickness and sprinkle with salt and pepper. ( I ask the butcher to 'flap the meat' and tell him/her what I am making and they will oblige me) Spread each meat with mustard, sauted onion, one piece bacon and one pickle lengthwise on steak. Roll up and secure with toothpicks. In skillet heat a bit of oil. Brown rolls in oil. Add water, boullion, thyme and bayleaf, scraping off the brown bits from pan. Simmer for thirty minutes or till beef is tender. Remove rolls and keep warm. Combine butter, some cold water and reserved flour. Add to pan juices and thicken. Serve with gravy over noodles.

In large skillet saute onions in oil till tender. Remove. Cook bacon in same pan till partially cooked but not crisp. Remove and set aside.

Canned Salsa

In a pinch??? Run out of tomatoes? Try this-

16 ounce can tomatoes drained and chopped
3 green onions
1 clove garlic
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
3 Tbsp green chilies- canned
1/4 tsp pepper
1 tsp oregano
1 Tbsp lemon juice

Eggplant Torta (Philipino Style)

Definitely Philipino Style. The type of Eggplant used is the long black eggplant that I believe is japanese eggplant.

Roast eggplant on the flame of your stove or open fire till the skin can be removed. (the skin will turn black) Place on plate. Mash the eggplant but it still should hold together. Do not remove stems. They will serve as a handle. =)

Beat together-
2 eggs
dash of milk
salt
1/4 cup flour or less (optional)

Dip eggplant in egg mixture. Heat oil till very hot. Place eggplants in hot oil and pour egg mixture on top. Turn using the stem as a spatula.

Fried Okra

I love okra. Prepared any way- even steamed on top of rice in the rice cooker- I simply love it.

1 pound fresh okra
2 cups buttermilk
1 cup self rising flour
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp red pepper
vegetable oil
3.4 cup bacon drippings

Cut of stems from okra and cut into 1/2 inch thick slices. (You can also leave them whole after cutting the stem off) Stir into buttermilk. Cover and chill 45 minutes or so. Combine cornmeal, flour, and salt in bowl. Remove okra from buttermilk with a slotted spoon and discard buttermilk. Dredge okra in batches in the flour mixture. Pour oil to 2 inch depth in pan or cast iron skillet. Add bacon drippings. Fry okra in batches till golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Libby's Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting

A little finicky to roll up but worth the effort. This is one of the bestest Thanksgiving/Christmas recipes around.

1/4 cup powdered sugar (to sprinkle on towel)
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin
1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
6 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional)


Preaheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease 15 x 10-inch jelly-roll pan; line with wax paper. Grease and flour paper. Sprinkle towel with powdered sugar.

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and slat in small bowl. Beat eggs and sugar in large mixer bowl until thick. Beat in pumpkin. Stir in flour mixture. Spread evenly into prepared pan. Sprinkle with nuts.

Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until top of cake springs back when touched. Immediately loosen and turn cake onto prepared towel. Carefully peel off paper. Roll up cake and towel together, starting with narrow end. Cool on wire rack.

Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter and vanilla extract in small mixer bowl until smooth. Carefully unroll cake; remove towel. Spread cream cheese mixture over cake. Reroll cake. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Grits Casserole

This is so yummy!

3 cups cooked grits
6 ounces grated cheese
2 large eggs beaten
1 1/2 cups evaporated milk
2 Tbsp butter melted
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp paprika
Cheese for top

Grease pan and preheat oven to 350. Mix together all ingredients and pour in greased pan. Bake till set approximately 30 minutes. Top with cheese and melt.

Southern Style Collard Greens

Another great recipe from Debbie. =)

Ham Hock Seasoning-

2 pounds ham hocks (smoked is BEST)
1 quart water to cover
pinch baking soda
Bring to a boil and cover and cook 2 hours. Add water as neccesary. You will have 3 cups of liquid when finished


2 1/4 pound Collard Greens (1 1/2 bunces)
3 cups hamhock seasoning (recipe above)
2 ham hocks
1/4 cup bacon grease
salt and pepper to taste
3/8 tsp sugar
3 Tbsp chopped onion
1/2 tsp vinegar
Tabasco sauce

Cut off stems of collards about 4 to 5 inches from base. Remove tough stems. Discard blemished leaves. Roughly cut leaves and rinse and drain. Rinse over and make sure leaves are thoroughly cleaned. Place in kettle. Add ham hock seasoning, liquids, sugar, bacon grease, salt, pepper, onion, seasonings and salt. Cover and cook for two hours and/or till greens are tender. Drain some of the juice and add vinegar and Tabasco.

Original Banana Pudding with Nilla Wafers and Merengue

3/4 cup sugar, divided
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
Dash salt
3 eggs, separated
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
45 NILLA Wafers, divided
5 ripe bananas, sliced (about 3 1/2 cups), divided
Additional NILLA Wafers and banana slices, for garnish

1. Mix 1/2 cup sugar, flour and salt in top of double boiler. Blend in 3 egg yolks and milk. Cook, uncovered, over boiling water, stirring constantly for 10 to 12 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.

2. Reserve 10 wafers for garnish. Spread small amount of custard on bottom of 1 1/2-quart casserole; cover with a layer of wafers and a layer of sliced bananas. Pour about 1/3 of custard over bananas. Continue to layer wafers, bananas and custard to make a total of 3 layers of each, ending with custard.

3. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form; gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar and beat until stiff but not dry. Spoon on top of pudding, spreading evenly to cover entire surface and sealing well to edges. 4. Bake at 350°F in top half of oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until browned. Cool slightly or refrigerate. Garnish with additional wafers and banana slices just before serving. Makes 8 servings

Sweet Potato Souffle

1 can (14 1/2 ounces) sweet potatoes
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup milk
1 tsp grated orange rind
2 Tbsp orange juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs beaten
1/4 cup butter melted
1/3 cup flour

Mix above ingredients and pour into greased 13by9 pan.

Mix together and sprinkle on top of casserole-
1/4 cup butter melted
1/3 cup flour
1 cup brown sugar

Bake 350 for 30 to 40 minutes till set.

Stir together above ingredients.

Chinese Almond Cookies

These are the kind of cookies you find at Chinese Restaurants and are oh so good. =)

1 cup butter
1 cup sugar

Cream together above ingredients.

In large bowl mix together-

4 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup oil
2 tsp almond extract (better then vanilla for flavor)
slivered almonds

Add dry ingredients into wet. Dip the end of a chopstick into red food coloring and add one slivered almond to middle of cookie dough. Bake 350 for 10-15 minutes

Jalapeno Chicken

2 1/2 pounds chicken deboned and chopped up
1 clove garlic minced
jalapeno peppers ( I use 1 fresh but recipe calls for SIX!!!)
1 medium onion chopped
2 Tbsp oil
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 pkg frozen chopped spinach (spinach haters won't know it's in there!)1/2 tsp salt
1 pint sour cream
1 pkg tortilla chips (8 ounces)
1/2 pound shredded Monterey Jack Cheese

Simmer garlic and next 7 ingredients till spinach is cooked. Stir in salt, chicken and sour cream. Preheat oven to 350. In greased 13 by 9 pan layer, chips, sauce, cheese. Repeat, topping with cheese. Bake till cheese is melted and sauce is hot.
If you need help making this dish, I have added a video. Enjoy!!

Blintzes

After making recipe for Mom's Homemade Crepes make filling for crepes.

There are quite a few variations but here are a few-

One cup of cottage cheese
1/4 cupgranulated sugar
8 ounces cream cheese
1/4 cup sugar
dash vanilla

8 ounces Cottage cheese
1/4 cup sugar
jam or jelly

Put some filling in your crepe and fold edges over and then roll up taking care to keep crepe tight and rolled up so no filling leaks. Fry in hot oil till golden brown. Serve with fresh whipped cream.

Easy Homemade Flour Tortillas

2 cups self rising flour
2 tbs Crisco Shortening
Hot water

Mix the Self Rising flour with Shortening real good until all mixed in and flour mixture looks crumbly. Add warm to hot water to flour mixture. Make sure the water isn't too hot but warm enough to melt shortening. Keep adding water until you can form a nice ball of dough that is not sticky but easy to handle. If you add too much water, add a little more flour.

Squeeze off medium sized balls of dough and dip into flour on each side, going around the ball with hands to make a flattened circle.

Dust your surface with flour and dust your rolling pin with flour. Take rolling pin and roll out your tortilla. Add tortilla to a very hot griddle or pan and when it bubbles up on one side turn tortilla over and cook on the other side for a few seconds longer. Place cooked tortilla in paper towel and cover with tin foil really tight and let steam while you cook the other tortilla's. This helps them to stay soft and warm until you serve them or use them in your recipe.

If you don't have self rising flour you can substitute here.

Enjoy!! Watch video for help on how to make the tortillas.

Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Crust-
1/2 cup walnuts - chopped
1 1/4 cup unsifted all purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup Butter Flavor Crisco
1/2 cup flake Coconut

Preheat oven to 350. Grease bottom of 13by9 pan. Combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in Crisco. Add nuts and coconut. Reserve 1/2 cup for topping. Pat in pan evenly. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.

Filling-
8 ounces cream cheese
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 can pie filling- cherry

Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg and vanilla until smooth. Spread over hot baked crust. Return to oven and bake 10 minutes longer. Spread cherry pie filling over top and sprinkle with reserved crumbs and walnuts. Bake 15 minutes longer. Cool and cut into bars.

Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

This bakes up to make a chocolate cake floating in chocolate sauce. Great served with ice cream or stands alone.
Cake portion-
3/4 cup sugar
3 Tbsp cocoa (unsweetened powder baking kind)
1 cup flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup butter or marg melted
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350. Combine sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Blend in milk, melted butter and vanilla. Pour batter into 9 by 9 pan.

In small bowl combine-
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
4 Tbsp cocoa (same kind as above)
1 1/4 cup hot water

Preheat oven to 350. In medium bowl combine 3/4 cup sugar, flour 3 Tbsp cocoa, baking powder and salt. Blend in milk, melted butter and vanilla. Beat till smooth. Pour batter into a 8by8 pan or 9by9 that has been greased. In small bowl combine remaining 1/2 cup sugar, brown sugar and remaining 4 Tbsp cocoa. Pour water/chocolate mixture over top of cake and do not stir. Bake 40 minutes till center is almost set. Let stand 15 minutes Spoon into dessert dishes spooning remaining sauce on top. Great hot and with ice cream.

Double for 13by9 pan

Flour Tortillas

2 3/4 cup flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/3 cup lard or shortening
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup very warm water

Mix together flour and salt. Cut lard into flour. Add water and stir together. Make 12-15 balls. Roll out on smooth surface and cook on hot cast iron skillet till bubbly. Cook on other side.

The Best Apples for...

Golden Delicious- Great for any recipe involving sauteeing. Great all purpose apple but do not use for baking as they will fall apart and lose their taste. Buy Golden Delicious apples when they are yellow (ripe) and not green)

Red Delicious- Not for cooking. Same as Golden Delicious above

Pippin- Great for Apple Pie

Gravenstein- Great for Apple Pie

Rome Beauty- Great for baking

Creamy Tuna

You will either hate this or love it- there is no middle ground. If you like dishes such as chicken ala king or sausage gravy (except with tuna) you will probably like this.

In pan melt-
3 Tbsp butter
4 or so Tbsp onions chopped or sliced thinly

Cook till onions are done and add-
3 Tbsp flour

Cook till bubbly and add-
one can tuna well drained
salt
pepper
1 1/2 cup milk

Cook over low heat till thickened. Stir in

1/2 cup sour cream

Serve over biscuits, rice or egg noodles

(I would add frozen peas and carrotts to this)

Sweet and Sour Sauce

1/2 can of canned pineapple drained- save juice- bite size pieces
3/4 c pineapple juice from drained pineapple (add water if neccesary)
2 T rice vinegar or ordinary white vinegar
3 T Catsup
2/3 cup white sugar
Vegetables such as carrots, red pepper, green pepper, zucchini, sliced onion and sliced. The more colorful the nicer it looks!Bring all ingredients to a boil except veggies. Turn off heat and throw in veggies. They will cook to crisp tender and be perfect by the heat of the sauce.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Batter-
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 Tbsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 cup cold water
2-3 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs
salt
Oil for frying

Sweet and Sour Sauce
1/2 can of canned pineapple drained- save juice- bite size pieces
3/4 c pineapple juice from drained pineapple (add water if neccesary)
2 T rice vinegar or ordinary white vinegar
3 T Catsup
2/3 cup white sugar
Vegetables such as carrots, red pepper, green pepper, zucchini, sliced onion and sliced. The more colorful the nicer it looks!

Bring all ingredients to a boil except veggies. Turn off heat and throw in veggies. They will cook to crisp tender and be perfect by the heat of the sauce.

Cut chicken into bite size pieces and sprinkle with salt.Sauce- Put juice, vinegar, sugar and ketchup in Saucepan and stir till combined. Heat till boiling. Add a bit of cold water to cornstarch until you can stir it and add to saucepan. Stir till thickened. Add vegetables and turn off heat. Your vegetables will cook in the sauce and not be too soggy and wilted. They will be crispy and perfect. Mix Batter ingredients and dip chicken in batter then deep fry in oil. Fry till golden brown. Arrange cooked rice on a platter and top with pork. Pour sweet and sour sauce and serve hot immediately.Yummy!

Theresa's White Bread

This is so yummy. If you like white bread soft then this is the recipe.

2 1/4 tsp yeast (1 pkg)
1/2 stick marg/butter melted
2 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp salt
2 cup milk warm (skim powdered is okay too)
1/2 cup warm water
6-6 1/2 cups flour

Let yeast sit in warm water. Add remaining ingredients and knead dough 10 minutes or till soft and elastic- not sticky. Put in greased bowl and spray dough with non stick spray. Let rise till doubled. Place dough on floured surface. Cut dough in half. Knead each half and place in 2 loaf pan that were sprayed with Pam. Let rise 1 hour Bake till hollow 30 minutes.

Virgies Puerto Rican Stew

No directions here- sorry- just wing it as you would make a stew in a large pot. This is delish-

5 pound bag chicken
1 can stewed tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
1 can olives drained
onion
garlic clove
chinese parsley
2 or 3 potatoes

optional- dash of soy sauce and sugar

Yogurt Cream Cheese Pie

8 ounces prestirred yogurt
8 ounce cool whip
8 ounces cream cheese
1/3 cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla

Mix together and chill. Garnish with fresh fruit

Best Scalloped Potatoes

1) 1/2 cup miracle whip
2) 2 Tablespoons flour
3) 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded medium cheddar cheese
4 cups sliced, peeled potatoes, partially boiled

Combine numbers 1, 2 and 3 in a saucepan. Gradually add milk, and cook til thickened. Stir in cheese until melted. Place potatoes in a greased approx. 2 quart pan, and pour sauce over potatoes. Bake at 350 degrees til tender, approx. 40 minutes.

Pumpkin Butterscotch Cookies

These cookies are one of my favorites!!

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup pumpkin
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 (12 oz.) pkg. butterscotch chips

Cream together sugar, shortening, and pumpkin in a large bowl. Add remaining ingredients, and mix well. Bake at 375 degrees 10-13 minutes on a greased cookie sheet.

Fruit Cocktail Delight

1 can fruit cocktail (15 oz)
1 pkg instant pudding dry
1/2 cup marshmellows

Mix all together and chill

Corn Muffins

1 Tbsp baking powder
1 cup flour
1 cup cornmeal
1 tsp salt
1 cup sugar

Mix above ingredients together.

1/3 coil
1 egg
1 cup milk

Mix together with spatula or whisk being careful not to overmix. Mix till moistened. Spoon into lined muffin tins. 400* 25 minutes

Enchilada Sauce

Prepare roux-
3 Tbsp oil
2 Tbsp flour

Add-
1/2 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp garlic powder
salt

Add 2 cups beef broth and cook on low heat till thickened.

Add 2 cans tomato puree (10 ounces each)

Simmer.

*note- this amount of sauce can be used with two large pkgs of ground beef from Sam's club/Costco (13 pounds)

Honey Ginger Chicken

2 Tbsp oil
2 Tbsp margarine
1/2 cup flour
1/2 tsp ground ginger
3 pounds chicken
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup chili sauce
1/2 tsp pepper

Heat oven to 325. Heat oil and margarine in pan in oven till melted. Mix flour, ginger and pepper. Coat chicken in flour mixture and place skin side down in pan. Bake uncovered 30 minutes. Turn chicken and bake 15 minutes longer. Mix together remaining ingredients and pour over chicken. Broil a few minutes.

Christine's Special BBQ Sauce

ADD to your FAVORITE BBQ sauce and pour over chicken or any meat and cook.

ADD A LITTLE OF ALL OF THESE INGREDIENTS BELOW TO YOUR TASTE or LIKING:

Cilantro
Green Onions
Jalapenos
Lemon Juice
Fresh Minced Garlic

Blend all ingredients with a little water in a blender. You will have a green liquid. Add this to your favorite BBQ sauce.

I got this recipe from my dear friend Christine and have loved it ever since I first tasted it. I use it all the time!! Thanks!!

Easy Home Made Pancakes / Waffles

2 Cups Self Rising Flour
1/2 Cup Oil
3 Eggs
3 Tbs Sugar
Milk to your liking

Mix all together and use for Pancakes or Waffles.

The Easiest Spanish Rice Ever

If this rice is too spicy for you, you may want to try the Medium Pace Chunky Salsa.

2 Cups uncooked white rice
2 Tbsp of oil
1 Cup of Pace Chunky Hot Salsa
2 to 3 cups of chicken broth (follow the package of your rice for water ratio and use that)

You can add some of the following seasoning if you want to:
Garlic powder
Cumin
onion salt
sazon or adobo
salt & pepper to taste.

I fry rice in oil until a little tan or brownish color. Add the chicken broth and salsa and seasonings to rice. Cook on Medium heat. When rice pokes through all over then cover and let simmer until done.

NOTE: If you burn the rice on the bottom be careful to not scrape the bottom of pan or you will get the burned rice taste thruout. Just take the rice that is on top of that and serve it.

Stir Fry Mushrooms and Bell Peppers

This is a very tasteful and colorful dish. For those who are vegans or vegetarians this is a good dish for them too.

Servings: 2 to 3
Preparation: 10 min.

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 green onions, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 bell peppers, deseeded and diced
1 cup champignon mushrooms, sliced
1 tablespoon chinese rice wine ( optional )
2-3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon of sesame oil

1. Heat oil til really hot
2. Stir fry onions (1 min), then garlic (20 sec.)
3. Add peppers, mushrooms. Stir fry until it becomes a bit soft. (about 2 min.)
4. Add the chinese rice wine and soy sauce and continue to stir for 2 mins.
5. when done, remove from heat and add the sesame sauce mixing it all together, and serve.

Corn with Cream Cheese & Bacon

1 bag of frozen corn
1/2 of a block of 8 oz cream cheese
4 slices of bacon or more if wanted (cooked and crumbled)
a dash of Lawry's season salt

Mix together the corn and softened cream cheese. Put in Microwave until heated thoroughly. Take out and add a dash of the Lawry's season salt and crumble up the bacon and add it to the corn mixture. Place back in microwave for a little bit until nice and hot.

Parmesan Bacon Wraps

These little guys are awesome for the holidays or anytime!!! I used them for a PotLuck one time and as soon as I put them out there they were gone, so make lots of them!!!

1 lb (or more) bacon, cut in half
1 box Club crackers or Waverly wafer crackers
Parmesan Cheese

Cut the bacon in half. Add a small amount of parmesan cheese on each cracker.
Wrap 1/2 piece of bacon around cracker and put on rack over pan (a broiler rack will work too or a jelly roll pan with wire cooling racks)

Place in a 250 degrees oven and bake really slow for 1-1/2 to 2 hours until brown and crisp. Cool and freeze until needed.

To reheat the crackers just put them in a 300 degrees oven (thawed bacon wraps) just until warm. You may want to drain them on a paper towel first before putting them out to eat.

Watergate Salad

I have always wondered why this is called Watergate Salad...

1 pkg instant pistachio pudding (do not prepare)
1 can crushed pineapple with juice
mini marshmellows
grapes- optional
coconut- optional
walnuts- optional
Small tub of cool whip

Mix all ingredients together except Cool Whip. Fold in Cool Whip. Chill and Serve

Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu

Cook Time: 40 Min.
Prep Time: 20 Min.
Yields: 6 servings
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)

This is an easy version of Chicken Cordo Bleu but the taste is just as delicious!!! The most difficult part is pounding out the chicken. I put them in a ziploc bag and pound them while in the bag. Makes much less of a mess.

6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves-pounded to 1/2 inch thickness
6 string cheese sticks or whatever cheese you desire.
6 slices ham
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs (you can use Italian, ordinary and even add some Parmesan cheese to this too)
toothpicks

Lay out the pounded chicken breasts on a clean surface. Place a slice of ham on each piece, then one stick of cheese or slice. Roll the chicken up around the cheese and ham, and secure with toothpicks. Dip each roll in melted butter, then roll in bread crumbs. Place in a shallow baking dish.

Cover and bake for 40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until chicken is browned and juices run clear. Remove foil to brown.

Home Style Banana Pudding

3/4 Cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 Cup all-purpose flour
3 Cups of milk, low fat or whole
3 large eggs yolks
3 Tbsp butter, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla
Vanilla wafer cookies
3 to 4 bananas, ripe but firm
sweetened whipped cream or whipped topping
banana slices for garnish
mint sprigs, optional

PREPARATION:
In a bowl, combine the sugar, salt, and flour; stir to blend. Slowly stir in milk until smooth. Pour into the top of a double boiler over simmering water. Cook, whisking frequently, until the mixture begins to thicken.

In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks; gradually whisk in about 1 cup of the slightly thickened hot milk mixture.

Return egg misture to the double boiler, stir in the vanilla and butter, and continue whisking and cooking until well thickened. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

In tall dessert glasses or a 2 quart serving dish, make a layer of vanilla wafers then sliced banana. Spoon some pudding over the banana layer and then layer more vanilla wafers and banana slices, topping with more pudding. Serve with whipped cream topping. If using short dessert dishes, use only one layer each of the wafers, banana slices, and pudding, and then top with a dallop of whipped cream. Garnish eash serving with a few slices of banana and a mint sprig if desired. YUM YUM!!!

Overnight French Toast

This is so yummy and easy. Great for Christmas morning!

1/4 cup butter
3/4 inch sliced french bread slices (this will fill up a glass 13by9 pan)
1 1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup sugar
6 eggs
2 Tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and spray pan with non stick spray. Melt butter in oven watching so it doesnt get brown. Place bread in pan. Beat eggs, milk, sugar, syrup, vanilla and salt together. You can also add some cinnamon or raisins if you want. Bake about thirty minutes or so. I flip mine half way through so both sides are toasted. (Original recipe says to bake 40 minutes but I think it is WAY too long)

Serve with syrup

Hot Fudge Sauce

1 tall can milk (16 ounces?)
1/2 stick butter
16 ounces chocolate chip
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 cup of sugar

Place in saucepan and melt all ingredients together on very low heat till melted with whisk. Do not turn heat too high or it will hot. Can be served over ice cream or drizzled over cake or other chocolatey desserts.

Ranch Biscuits (yeast)

These are awesome!

2 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
2 Tbsp melted shortening
2 Tbsp sugar
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 pkg yeast
2/3 cup warm water

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Stir baking powder, soda and salt into flour and sift dry ingredients. Cut shortening into flour mixture. Add yeast/water mixture and buttermilk. Knead enough to hold together. Let stand 40 minutes at room temperature. Shape into balls or cut out with biscuit cutter. Bake at 450 for 8-10 minutes. The dough can be kept on hand in the ref for up to 2 weeks.

Hot Chicken Sandwich Casserole

2 cups cooked chicken cut up
16 slices bread- dice half into cubes
1/2 cup mayo
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped green peppers
1/2 chopped onion
4 eggs
1 cup milk
1 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
1 can cream of mushroom or chicken soup

Grease a 13 by 9 pan. Spread bottom of pan with cubed bread. Combine chicken, veggies and mayo. Place on top over cubed bread. Arrange whole slices of bread over chicken mixture. Beat eggs and milk together and pour evenly on top of bread. Refrigerate overnite or at least three hours. Bake at 325 for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese

Night Before Casserole

2 cups UNCOOKED elbow macaroni
2 cups cooked chicken, turkey, tuna or ham ( have done tuna and chicken)
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
1/2 pound American Cheese
3 hard boiled eggs cut up
2 cups milk
2 Tbsp chopped onion
2 Tbsp chopped celery
Pimento or green pepper to taste

Mix all (yes all- even the uncooked noodles) together and refrigerate overnite. Bake one hour at 350.

Tripled Recipe fits in large 15x10 and 13x9 pan.

Poppy Seed Chicken

Boil egg noodles and drain.

3-4 pounds of chicken deboned and cut up
8 ounce cream cheese
2 cans cream of chicken
2 tsp poppy seeds

Mix all together and heat up.

Ritz crackers
butter melted

Place noodles in greased casserole dish. Pour chicken mixture on top. Crush Ritz crackers that has been tossed with melted butter. Bake at 350 till brown on top

*this originally did not have any starch in it but I added it. It needed some kind of stretcher in it.

Chicken Puff Pastry Roll

Hot Filling- mix and heat in microwave
2 cups chopped chicken
1 cup sour cream

1/3 cup butter
1 cup water
1 cup flour
4 eggs

Have mixer handy and grease jelly roll pan or cookie sheet. . In metal saucepan bring butter and water to boil. Add the flour and beat till mixure forms a ball and sticks to sides. Add the eggs one at a time and mix well. Spread onto greased cookie sheet and bake at 375 for 20 minutes. The pastry will be very puffy but will deflate. Carefully remove pastry from pan and place on clean surface Spread hot filling over pastry dough and carefully roll up. Sprinkle with cheese if desired.

Tuna Patties

This comes from our church cookbook and is a quick fix and tasty too-

1 can tuna drained very well
1 egg
5 saltined crushed
onion chopped
salt and pepper to taste

Mix together all ingredients and make patties. In hot oiled skillet fry till golden brown. Great on bread with bean sprouts and lettuce

Mom's Goulash

This is not Hungarian Style but German Style. Sorry this is vague but I only wrote down the ingredients as I watched my Mom make this.

Cut Chuck Roast in cubes and sear on all sides.

Add-
onion
fresh mushrooms sliced
garlic chopped
chopped pickles ( I know this doesnt sound good but it REALLY makes the dish. Ask me- I'll tell ya =) )

Simmer on low heat adding a tad of water if neccesary. When meat is tender thicken juices with flour. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper.

Famous Green Bean Bake

350 oven

Combine-
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp soy sauce
dash pepper

Stir in 4 cups cooked green beans

Top with 2.8 ounce can french fried onions

BAke 350 for 25 minutes till hot.