Just call me Cassandra's mom

Moving

2011-04-27T18:57:00.000-07:00

I am moving my blog to here

Baked Ravioli

2010-11-13T11:41:00.000-08:00

Baked Ravioli
2 Tbsp. oil
1 onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 (24 oz) jar/can spaghetti sauce, any flavor
1 (24 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli
1 C. grated Parmesan cheese
1 lb. frozen meatballs, prepared as directed on package
1 C shredded mozzarella cheese

In a skillet sauté onion and pepper in oil until tender. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Spread a small amount of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Layer ravioli, Parmesan cheese, the meatballs, peppers, and onions in baking dish. Pour remaining spaghetti sauce over the top and add mozzarella cheese spreading out evenly over the top. Tent the pan with aluminum foil making sure it will not touch the cheese and bake for 45 min.-1 hour 15 minutes or until heated through.

Ham and Cheese Wraps and Ranch Pasta Salad

2010-11-06T07:58:00.000-07:00

Ham and Cheese Wraps
Large burrito size tortillas
2 lbs. Deli sliced ham
Shredded lettuce
Sliced tomatoes
Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Honey Dijon spread

Honey Dijon Spread
Mix all ingredients well:
1/4 C mayonnaise
1/4 C stone-ground mustard
2 Tbsp. honey

Spread each wrap with honey Dijon spread. Layer lettuce, tomato, ham, and cheese on top. Closing bottom first, roll each wrap up tightly. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Ranch Pasta Salad

1 lb. pasta shells
2 handfuls baby carrots, chopped
1/2 bunch green onions, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
1/2 package frozen baby peas, thawed
1 C mayonnaise, more if it seems dry
1 package ranch dressing mix

Mix all ingredients. Chill for 1 hour or more.

Savory Swiss Steak

2010-11-05T10:02:00.001-07:00

Savory Swiss Steak

1 ½ lbs. round steak, approx. 1 inch thick, cut into 6 pieces
2 carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1/4 Cup flour
2 tsp. dry mustard
1 can (14 oz.) diced tomatoes
Salt and pepper to taste
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp oil
2 tsp. brown sugar

Coat steak with a mixture of flour, mustard, salt and pepper. In a skillet, brown the meat in 1 Tbsp butter and 1 Tbsp oil. Transfer to a slow cooker. Heat remaining butter and oil in frying pan. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until almost tender. Add tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar. Heat, scraping up drippings. Pour over meat. Cover. Cook on low 6-8 hours, or until tender. Serve meat with vegetable sauce spooned over.

Rosemary Roasted Chicken with Potatoes

2010-10-31T05:10:00.000-07:00

Roasted Rosemary Chicken with Potatoes
2 Tbsp oil
2 tsp paprika
1 ½ tsp dried rosemary
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
2 lbs bone in, chicken thighs, skin removed
1 ½ lbs red potatoes, cubed

In a bowl combine oil, paprika, rosemary, garlic, salt and pepper. Add chicken add potatoes, toss to mix. Line a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with foil and pour chicken and potatoes into dish, spread out to form as close to a single layer as possible. Roast in a 425 degree oven for 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender.

Breaded Pork Chops, Creamed Corn and Spinach with Garlic

2010-10-30T07:20:00.000-07:00

Breaded Pork Chops
6 pork chops
1 C bread crumbs
2 eggs, beaten
Oil as needed

Using a meat mallet tenderize pork chops. Dip pork chops into egg then into bread crumbs to coat. Line a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with foil and heat oven to 350 degrees. Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet and brown pork chops lightly on each side, transferring them to baking dish when done. Cover and bake for 1 hour, turning pork chops halfway through cooking time.

Creamed Corn
1 (16 oz.) bag frozen corn, thawed
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup water
2 tsp. sugar
1 cup milk
4 tsp. cornstarch
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper

Melt butter and in a blender, combine corn, butter, water, and sugar. Blend until creamy with bits of corn left in the mix. In a frypan over medium heat, mix milk, cornstarch, salt, and pepper, stirring constantly with a whisk to get rid of any lumps. Add corn mixture and heat, stirring occasionally, until thick and bubbly

Spinach with Garlic
2 lbs. spinach
Oil as needed
3-5 cloves of garlic, minced
Salt to taste

Heat a small amount of oil in a pot over medium high heat. Add garlic and the spinach packing it down if needed. Turn spinach until it wilts and reduces in size about 5 minutes or less, season to taste with salt to taste and serve.

Sloppy Joes

2010-10-29T12:22:00.001-07:00

Sloppy Joes
1 lb. ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 small green pepper, diced
½ tsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp. yellow mustard
1 C ketchup
3 tsp brown sugar
Pepper to taste
6 hamburger buns

Brown the ground beef with the onion and green pepper until cooked through. Add garlic powder, mustard, ketchup, brown sugar, and pepper, combine and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve in hamburger buns.

Spanish Chicken Skillet

2010-10-14T07:24:00.000-07:00

Spanish Chicken Skillet
¼ C flour
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
6 boneless skinless chicken pieces
Oil as needed
1 green bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1 onion, cut into wedges
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
½ C chicken broth
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Mix flour with paprika, thyme, salt and pepper. Rub chicken with a small amount of the flour and set the remaining flour mixture aside. Cook chicken in a large skillet in oil until browned on both sides. Remove chicken and set aside. Add bell pepper and onion to skillet and cook until tender. Stir in tomatoes, broth and remaining flour mixture. Bring to a boil, stirring often. Stir in red pepper. Return chicken to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

Apple and Sage Pork Chops and Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

2010-10-13T08:01:00.000-07:00

Apple and Sage Pork Chops
2 tbsp. flour
½ tsp sage
1 tsp thyme
½ tsp allspice
½ tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
6 pork chops
Oil, as needed
1 onion, sliced
2 apples, sliced
½ C apple juice
1 Tbsp brown sugar

Mix flour, sage, thyme, allspice, paprika, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Rub pork chops with a small amount of flour, set aside any leftover flour mixture. Cook pork chops in a skillet in a small amount of oil until browned on both sides. When pork chops are browned remove to a plate and set aside. Add onion and cook for about 3-5 minutes, until almost tender. Add apples and continue to cook for 3-5 minutes more until tender. Stir in juice, brown sugar and any remaining flour, mix well. Return pork chops to the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 5 minutes or until everything is done to your families preference.

Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
2 lbs. fingerling potatoes, cut any large ones in half (can substitute small new potatoes)
5 cloves garlic, minced
3 Tbsp oil
2 tsp lemon juice
½ tsp thyme
Pepper and Cajun seasoning to taste
Nonstick cooking spray

Heat oven to 450 degrees. Sprasy a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. In a large bowl, combine garlic, oil, lemon juice, thyme, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Toss potatoes in bowl with seasonings until well coated. Pour potatoes into baking dish in a single layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until potatoes are tender when pricked with a fork.

Shrimp and Pasta Primavera

2010-10-12T08:18:00.000-07:00

Shrimp and Pasta Primavera
1 (8 oz) pkg. linguine
1 lb. shrimp, cooked frozen, thawed
1 C broccoli florets
1 C. carrots, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
1 C frozen peas, thawed
1 C heavy cream
1 C chicken broth
½ C parmesan cheese, grated
2 Tbsp butter
1 ½ tsp dill
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp dried minced onion
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ tsp thyme
Parmesan cheese for garnish

Cook pasta according to package directions, add shrimp and vegetables during the last 5 minutes or cooking time. Drain well and set aside. In the same pot the pasta was cooked in mix together cream, broth, cheese, butter, and all seasonings. Bring to a boil, stirring with a whisk to blend. Reduce heat to low and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Return pasta/shrimp/vegetable mix to pot and toss to coat with the sauce. Garnish with parmesan cheese and serve.

Garlic Lime Chicken Fajitas

2010-10-08T10:11:00.000-07:00

Garlic Lime Chicken Fajitas
2 cloves minced garlic
1 tsp dried minced onion
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lime
Juice of 1 orange
2 tbsp. oil
1 ½ lbs chicken, cut into bite sized pieces
1 green pepper, cut into strips
1 onion. Sliced and separated into rings

Mix lime and orange juices, oil, garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Place chicken in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over, let marinate for at least 1 hour. Cook chicken in a large skillet until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and add bell pepper and onion, cook until soft about 5 minutes. Return chicken to skillet and toss to mix with the vegetables.

I usually serve this with Spanish Rice.

Baked Pasta

2010-10-07T03:53:00.000-07:00

Baked Pasta

1 lb. penne, ziti or other pasta
2 lbs. ground beef
1 jar or can (28 oz) pasta sauce
2 eggs
1 (15 oz) carton ricotta cheese
2 ½ C mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ C parmesan cheese, shredded

Cook pasta according to package directions. While pasta is cooking brown ground beef in a skillet and add spaghetti sauce. In a bowl combine eggs with ricotta cheese. Drain pasta, add cheese/egg mixture and toss pasta to coat. Place enough meat sauce in the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish to cover the surface, top with ½ of the pasta, ½ of the meat sauce. Repeat for another layer ending with meat sauce. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Uncover and top with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Bake for 5-10 minutes more or until cheese is melted on top.

Garden Minestrone

2010-10-06T03:51:00.000-07:00

Garden Minestrone
3 C vegetable broth
2 C water
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (15 oz) can stewed tomatoes
2 Tbsp dried parsley flakes
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp sugar
2 onions, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans
3 carrots, sliced
1 zucchini, chopped
1 C corn, frozen
2 C green beans, frozen
¼ of a head of cabbage, chopped
1 (15 oz) can garbanzo beans
2 C small pasta such as ditalini or elbow macaroni

In a large pot combine broth, water, tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, parsley, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, pepper and sugar. Bring to a boil and allow to boil for about 5 minutes, then reduce heat to medium and add remaining ingredients except pasta. Simmer for about 1hour, stirring occasionally. Add pasta and cook for 20 more minutes or until pasta is cooked.

Honey Mustard Chicken and Buttered Parsley Egg Noodles

2010-10-05T15:47:00.000-07:00

Honey Mustard Chicken
½ C salad dressing or mayonnaise
2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp honey
6 boneless, skinless chicken pieces

Combine everything except chicken in a small bowl. Place chicken on a grill or in the broiler and brush with sauce. Grill or broil until done while continuing to baste with sauce throughout the cooking time

Buttered Parsley Egg Noodles
1 (8 oz) bag dried egg noodles
¼ C butter
2 tsp dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain when cooked and while still hot add butter, parsley, salt and pepper. Mix well and serve.

Ranch Chicken

2010-09-19T11:24:00.000-07:00

I am still doing easy quick meals around here. This chicken was very good and I didn't have to do anything to it other than bread it and throw it in the oven.

Ranch Chicken

1 packet ranch salad dressing mix or homemade equivalent
1/2 C bread crumbs
6 boneless, skinless chicken pieces

Combine the salad dressing mix and bread crumbs in a plastic bag. Place the chicken pieces in the plastic bag and shake until chicken is coated. Arrange the coated chicken on an ungreased, non-stick cookie sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees for 50 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

Beef Stir Fry

2010-09-17T05:26:00.000-07:00

This was a really quick and easy meal.

Beef Stir Fry
2 lbs. beef, cut into strips
2 Tbsp oil
1 (10 oz) can tomato soup
¼ C water
2 Tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp vinegar
1 tsp garlic powder
1 lg. onion, cut into wedges
2 C broccoli florets
2 C diced tomatoes
2 C sliced mushrooms

In a large skillet cook meat in oil until cooked through. Add soup, water, soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic powder. Bring to a boil then add vegetables and cook at a simmer until tender, about 15-20 minutes.

Lemon and Herb Chicken

2010-09-16T05:10:00.000-07:00

We have been doing a lot of crockpot meals because between homeschooling and softball some days I don't know if I am coming or going.

This was a great chicken recipe but it was so tender it fell apart when we tried to take it out of the crockpot so if you want to serve a whole chicken you should probably roast one in the oven. The flavor was outstanding...I was surprised that you could really taste the lemon and the little cooked cloves of garlic were amazing. By the end of the meal my husband and I were fighting over the remaining cloves...we love garlic around here.

Lemon and Herb Chicken
1 (3-4) lb whole chicken
1 head of garlic, separated into cloves, skin removed
2 lemons, sliced
Seasoning salt to taste
1 sprig fresh rosemary

Wash the chicken and pat dry. Sprinkle inside and out with salt and pepper. Place chicken in the crockpot. Place the rosemary, some garlic cloves and some lemon slices inside the chicken cavity and either lay the remaining cloves and lemon slices on top of the chicken or around the chicken in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until done. This bird is very tender and may fall apart if you try to remove it whole from the crockpot.

Pizza Burgers and Old Fashioned Dressing

2010-09-15T16:59:00.000-07:00

The start of school has been a big adjustment around here so I have not had much time to blog.

These were very good burgers. I am always looking for new ways to serve a simple burger because it's cheap and easy to make.

I am also looking for good salad dressing recipes because I want to make my own from now on to save money.

Pizza Burgers
2 lbs ground beef
1 recipe pizza sauce, prepared
6 slices mozzarella cheese
1 (8 oz) pkg. mushrooms, sliced
1 onion, diced
2 green peppers, diced
Oil as needed

Make ground beef into 6 equal patties and cook until done. Meanwhile in a skillet saute in oil the mushrooms, onion and green pepper until tender. While burgers are still hot top with cheese, pizza sauce, and vegetables before serving.

Homemade Pizza Sauce
Italian seasoning to taste
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
Fresh minced garlic to taste

Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, simmer for about 5 minutes and then use to top burgers.

Old Fashioned Salad Dressing

1 C sugar
2 tsp dry mustard
2 C oil
1 onion, chopped
1 tsp celery seed
2 tsp salt
1/3 C vinegar

Place everything in a blender and run on high until well combined.

Beer Braised Beef

2010-09-04T06:18:00.000-07:00

This beef was very tender and smelled wonderful. My husband loved it I thought he was going to lick his plate at one point.

Beer Braised Beef
3 slices bacon, cooked and diced
2 lbs beef, cut into 1” pieces
Seasoning salt to taste
1 lg. onion, cut into wedges
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 bay leaf
1 (12 oz) can beer
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp thyme
2 Tbsp flour
¼ C water

Place beef in a crockpot and season to taste. Add the bacon, onion, bay leaf and garlic. In a small bowl combine the beer, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce and thyme, then pour over the beef. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until done. Half an hour before serving combine flour and water and add to the crockpot to thicken the gravy. Discard bay leaf before serving.

Baked Marinated Pork Chops and Fried Potatoes

2010-09-03T05:01:00.000-07:00

This was a simple comfort meal after a very busy day. Sometimes I wonder how women in the past used to get everything done-they had fewer conveniences yet managed to put dinner on the table each and every night. I feel like I can't do it sometimes

Baked Marinated Pork Chops
6 pork chops
Oil as needed

Marinade:

1 Tbsp water
2 tsp thyme
2 tsp basil
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp parsley

Combine marinade in a mixing bowl. It looks like a small amount but it is enough to spread on all the chops. Lay pork chops in a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread a small amount of marinade on each chop. Turn over and repeat. Drizzle top of pork chops with a small amount of oil then cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until cooked through.

Fried Potatoes
6 potatoes, sliced or diced
6 Tbsp. oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Heat oil in a skillet. Add potatoes and fry over medium heat, stirring often until potatoes are browned. Season and serve

Green Onion and Cheese Enchiladas

2010-09-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

Whenever I ask my husband what he wants for dinner he always says "your enchiladas". I could have made these the day before but he would still want them. It's gotten to the point where I just make 2 pans to make him happy. I usually serve these with my Mexican Rice recipe, they just seem to go together.

Green Onion and Cheese Enchiladas

2 C cheddar cheese, shredded
2 C mozzarella cheese, shredded
Corn tortillas as needed
1 bunch green onions, sliced
1 recipe enchilada sauce
1 (4 oz) can sliced black olives, drained
Nonstick cooking spray

Spray a 9x13 inch baking pan with cooking spray. Make enchilada sauce according to the recipe and cool slightly. Combine the cheeses in a bowl. To assemble enchiladas, dip a tortilla in sauce then add a handful of cheese and some chopped onion, then roll up and place seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat until the pan is full, usually about 8-10 enchiladas. Pour remaining sauce over the top of the enchiladas. Top with remaining cheese, green onions and olives. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Enchilada Sauce
2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
1 tsp oregano
1 Tbsp garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp chili powder
2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp cumin

Combine all ingredients and heat through in a saucepan.

For more wonderful recipes visit Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Cooking Thursday.

Chicken Tacos

2010-09-01T09:34:00.001-07:00

I love my crockpot in the summer or when I am feeling lazy. It helps me so much in getting dinner on the table instead of eating out like I use to. These tacos are better than the ones I used to buy at the taco stand, the secret to their goodness is in the meat.They get slow simmered in seasonings all day and it just comes out so good!! My husband makes the fresh salsa. He won't give me the recipe, he won't even let me in the kitchen when he is making it. I gave up trying to steal the recipe awhile ago. I just leave and wait and reap the reward by having awesome salsa.

Chicken Tacos

1 lb boneless skinless chicken pieces
1 packet taco seasoning or homemade equivalent
tortillas as needed
Assorted condiments

Combine all ingredients in a crockpot ; cook 6-8 hours on low. Remove chicken and shred with a fork. Serve on warmed tortillas with cheese, salsa, sour cream or anything your family likes on their tacos

Chili Cheese Dog Sauce

2010-08-31T12:17:00.001-07:00

My family loves chili cheese dogs, I can't stand canned chili dog sauce or going out to get them everytime we want them. This sauce is the best I have made so far.

Chili Cheese Dog Sauce
2 lb. ground beef
1 tsp. cumin
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
Garlic powder, to taste
2 Tbsp. chili powder

Brown meat in a skillet and add all other ingredients. Bring to a boil then turn down to low and simmer for 20 minutes to thicken.

Adobo Pork

2010-08-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

This was the most tender pork ever!!!

Adobo Pork
3 lbs pork, cut into pieces
1 C water
1 C rice vinegar
¼ C soy sauce

Combine everything in a pot, bring to a boil then let simmer for about 40 minutes. Serve over rice.

Pizza Casserole, Homemade Pizza Sauce and Garlic Breadsticks

2010-08-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

This is one of my family's favortie meals.

Pizza Casserole

1 (8 oz) pkg. egg noodles
1 recipe homemade pizza sauce
1 lb. Italian sausage, cooked
2 C mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 C cheddar cheese, shredded
1 (3.5 oz)pkg. sliced pepperoni

Cook noodles according to package directions, drain and combine with meats and pizza sauce. Place in a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Top with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Homemade Pizza Sauce
Italian seasoning to taste
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
Fresh minced garlic to taste

Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, simmer for about 5 minutes and then use in above recipe.

Garlic Breadsticks

1/4 C butter
1 Tbsp. oil
3 C. flour
1 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 ½ tsp. garlic powder
1 Tbsp. parsley
3/4-1 cup milk, as needed
Parmesan cheese to taste

Heat oven to 425 degrees. Place butter and oil in a 9 x 13 inch baking dish and put in oven so butter melts. Combine all the dry ingredients together and gradually add milk, stirring until dough forms and leaves sides of bowl. Dough will be sticky. On a floured surface knead dough 5-6 times then roll out into 9 x 13 rectangle to fit in the baking dish. Lay dough in the preheated baking dish carefully on top the melted butter and oil mixture. Cut into 6 strips. Sprinkle with additional garlic powder if desired and parmesan cheese. Bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes or until browned on top.

Broccoli Beef and Melon Salad

2010-08-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

This is one of the best crockpot meals we have had.

Broccoli Beef
1 lb. beef, sliced thin
¼ C soy sauce
2 Tbsp rice wine or sherry
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 Tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp sesame seed oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (16 oz) bag frozen broccoli cuts

Combine everything in a crockpot except broccoli. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until cooked through. Add broccoli 1 hour before serving. Serve over rice.

Melon Salad
1 small cantaloupe
1 small honeydew melon
¼ - ½ a seedless watermelon

Peel and cut each melon into cubes, toss together in a bowl and serve.

Apples and Cabbage with Smoked Sausage

2010-08-26T21:05:00.001-07:00

This dish makes me think of fall. It sort of almost feels like fall. I am hoping and wishing for it to come quickly. Fall is my favorite season. Cooler weather, Halloween, Thanksgiving, fires in the fire place, apple cider......

Apples and Cabbage with Smoked Sausage
3 apples
6 C chopped cabbage
1 small red onion, sliced
2 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. water
1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lb. smoked sausage, cut into bite size pieces

Core and slice apples. Combine with cabbage and onion in a skillet and sauté in the butter for about 5 minutes stirring often. Add water and vinegar and season with salt and pepper. Add sausage to the top. Cook covered for 10 minutes over low heat or until cabbage is cooked through and sausage is heated.

What we have been eating

2010-08-26T10:42:00.000-07:00

That's right we have been so sick. I will be back up and posting recipes Friday, giving myself one more day to feel just a little bit better.

Happy Homemaker Monday

2010-08-16T17:49:00.000-07:00

The weather in my neck of the woods:
It actually decided to be summer today!

Things that make me happy:
My husband

Book I'm reading:
The Urban Homesteader

What I'm enjoying on TV:
Soap Operas

On the menu for dinner:
Chicken Tacos
Corn on the Cob
Green Salad

On my To Do List:
Clean the bathrooms

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
Paprika Chicken

In the craft basket:

Same stuff, different week

Looking forward to this week:
Nothing and I would love to skip Thursday because I have something to do that day I don't want to do. If I can find time I want to can but we'll see.

Tips and Tricks:
None

My favorite blog post this week:
Nothing that I remembered to save

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
The Not so Perfect Housewife I have not read much on this one but what I have read has been good. I love the blog name more than anything!

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

Lesson learned the past few days:

I miss my husband when he isn't here. He went to go see his family this weekend and spent the night away and I really missed him.

On my mind:
Thursday

To join in on Happy Homemaker Monday visit Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Menu Plan Monday

2010-08-16T07:57:00.000-07:00

Monday
Chicken Tacos
Corn on the Cob
Green Salad
Fudge Cream Pie

What really happened
Chicken Tacos
Corn on the Cob
Watermelon

Tuesday
Beef Chimichangas
Sliced Melon

Wednesday
Chili Cheese Dogs
Green Salad
Homemade French Fries

Thursday
Cheese Enchiladas
Mexican Rice
Seasonal Vegetable

Friday
Marinated Pork Chops
Fried potatoes
Corn on the Cob

Saturday
Creamy Beef over Noodles
Asparagus

Sunday
Pizza Burgers
Green salad
Seasonal Vegetable or Fruit

For more wonderful meal plans visit OrgJunkie every Monday

Zucchini Bread

2010-08-15T13:01:00.000-07:00

My husband has been gone this weekend, leaving my daughter and I at home for some time together. Yesterday I taught her how to make this bread. It was so fun even if we did get flour all over the kitchen and each other. This recipe was written just for her by me so that it would be very easy to follow and understand. This makes some yummy bread!!

Zucchini Bread
Nonstick cooking spray
3 C flour
3 eggs
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 C oil
1 tsp salt
1 C brown sugar, firmly packed
1 C sugar
3 tsp cinnamon
2 C shredded zucchini, firmly packed
1 tsp vanilla

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Spray a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. Pour batter into pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour or until you can stick a knife in and it comes out clean. Cool for 20 minutes on a wire rack then remove from the pan. Keep refrigerated and wrapped up or freeze if you double the recipe and make 2 loaves.

Paprika Chicken

2010-08-13T04:04:00.000-07:00

While I was cooking this chicken my husband came into the kitchen the conversation went something like this:

Hubby:What are you cooking?

Me:Why? (I was expecting some type of complaint to be honest)

Hubby:What do you mean why?

Me:Well is something wrong?

Hubby:Nothings wrong...it just smells so good I can't wait to eat.

Now this is the point where I got a huge smile, after all what woman doesn't want to hear that from her husband.

This was very tender chicken and it had wonderful flavor...as a bonus it made the whole house smell amazing.

Paprika Chicken
3 lbs chicken thighs, bone in, skin on
2 onions, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tomato, chopped
Oil as needed
1 green pepper, chopped
1 ¼ C chicken broth, divided
2 Tbsp. paprika
1 C sour cream

In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic and green pepper in oil until soft, add the paprika and mix well. Add the chicken, tomato, and 1 cup of the chicken broth. Bring to a boil then turn down to low to simmer. Cover and cook for 30 minutes or until chicken is tender and cooked through. Add remaining chicken broth and sour cream, stir to mix and serve immediately over egg noodles or rice.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches and Coleslaw

2010-08-12T08:35:00.001-07:00

I have been using my crockpot a lot- I just noticed that after looking at my last few posts. It's summer the crockpot is a wonderful thing, I can do what I want during the day knowing that dinner will be waiting for me each night. I also love the crockpot for softball season. The schedule is crazy, 2 practices and sometimes 2 games a week. We used to eat out a lot. Now I am on this kick of eating at home every night I don't want to give that up so I have to figure out how to get it done. Winter Softball starts at the end of the month- my answer to dinner is going to be the crockpot.

This is my husband's favorite sandwich. I like making these because they are so easy to make- great for busy days. This is also my favorite recipe for coleslaw-simple and always a hit with the family.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches
1 (2-3) lb pork roast
Seasoning salt to taste
Water if needed
1 bottle bbq sauce
6 hoagie rolls

Place pork roast in a crockpot and season to taste with seasoning salt. Cook on low 8-10 hours or until tender. Add a small amount of water to bottom of the crockpot if needed. Once roast is fully cooked shred the meat and return to the crockpot, stir in the bbq sauce and serve on rolls.

Easy Coleslaw

1 bag prepared cabbage slaw
1/2 C mayonnaise
1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp sugar

Combine last 3 ingredients and refrigerate covered until ready to use. Mix with shredded slaw just before serving.

For more wonderful recipes visit Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

Marinara Sauce

2010-08-11T20:00:00.000-07:00

This is another one of my "go to" recipes when I have a busy day. I have tried making Marinara many different ways but no other recipe has tasted better than this one. Once in awhile for my mushroom loving daughter I'll throw in 2 (4 oz) cans of sliced mushrooms making it more of a vegetable marinara.

Marinara Sauce

1 (25 oz) jar spaghetti sauce
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (14oz) can stewed tomatoes
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 onion, diced fine
3 cloves minced garlic
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. basil

Combine all ingredients and simmer in a slow cooker for 4-5 hours on low or until done.

For more wonderful recipes visit Life as Mom

Ham and Potato Pie and Harvest Skillet Vegetables

2010-08-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

This was a wonderful old fashioned feeling meal. My favorite part was the vegetables because we have so much fresh produce right now. It was wonderful to find a recipe that put my vegetables to good use.
Ham and Potato Pie
Nonstick cooking spray
2 C ham, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
½ C chicken broth
1 (15 oz) can creamed corn
1 recipe mashed potatoes for topping
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Seasoning salt to taste

Heat oven to 425 degrees. Spray a 2 qt casserole dish with nonstick spray. In a skillet sauté onion and bell pepper until soft. Add chicken broth, seasoning salt and Worcestershire sauce and simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors blend. Add ham and corn to the skillet and turn off heat, then transfer to the baking dish. Cover mixture with mashed potatoes and bake uncovered for 20-30 minutes, or until filling is bubbly and the top begins to brown.

Mashed Potatoes

6 potatoes
4 Tbsp. butter
Milk
Adobo seasoning to taste

Peel potatoes and quarter. Boil in enough water to cover potatoes until potatoes are tender. Drain. Mix all ingredients except milk and mash with a potato masher or large fork. Add enough milk to make potatoes creamy.

Harvest Skillet Vegetables
3 slices bacon
1 onion, diced
1 green pepper diced
1 zucchini, sliced and cut into quarters
4 ears of corn, cut kernels from cob
5 tomatoes, diced
½ lb green beans, cut in half
Seasoning salt to taste
1 Tbsp sugar
Pepper to taste
½ tsp cumin
1 (11 oz) can vegetable juice

Fry bacon in a skillet until done and crisp, remove to drain on paper towels. Leave bacon grease in the skillet and sauté onion and green pepper in it until tender. Add zucchini and cook for another 4 minutes. Add corn, tomato juice, green beans, seasoning salt, sugar, pepper, and cumin. Bring to a boil then turn heat to low and allow to simmer about 10 minutes or until all the vegetables are tender. Crumble bacon over the top and serve.

Grilled Lemon Thyme Chicken

2010-08-10T09:28:00.000-07:00

I loved this chicken the flavor was so good. I also liked saving money by making my own marinade instead of buying a bottle at the store. I actually liked the homemade one better than store bought.

Grilled Lemon Thyme Chicken
6 boneless, skinless chicken pieces
2 garlic cloves, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
2 Tbsp. oil
½ tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine everything except chicken in a resealable plastic bag and let marinate at least 2 hours – overnight. Grill or broil chicken until cooked through.

Happy Homemaker Monday

2010-08-09T10:28:00.001-07:00

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Very nice days...I can't even complain.

Things that make me happy:
My chihuahuas, they are so loving and sweet.

Book I'm reading:
None

What I'm enjoying on TV:
Not much....just renting assorted DVDs

On the menu for dinner:
Paprikash Chicken
Egg Noodles
Zucchini
Zucchini Bread

On my To Do List:
500 things that will probably not get done since my mom will probably have to go back to the hospital again today since she is saying she is not feeling well.

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
I made a great Grilled Lemon Thyme Chicken this week but I have not had time to type it up and post it yet.

In the craft basket:

Same stuff, I think the cats have been playing in it so I need to go check and make sure everythign is alright with it.

Looking forward to this week:
Getting a new driver's licence with my correct name on it. Not looking forward to the lines that's why I put it off for so long. We have been married for 2 years now I guess it's about time I changed my name.

Tips and Tricks:
none

My favorite blog post this week:
I am going to have to start bookmarking these because when Monday comes I can never remember.

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
^^^^^^^ Read post above

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

Lesson learned the past few days:
Getting old is hard

On my mind:
My mom

To join in on Happy Homemaker Monday visit Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Menu Plan Monday

2010-08-09T10:19:00.000-07:00

Last week was alright until the end of the week when I had to take my mom to the hospital 3 times, then I got tired and lazy and everything fell apart. We will see what happens this week.

Monday
Paprikash Chicken
Egg Noodles
Zucchini
Zucchini Bread

What really happened
Paprikash Chicken
Egg Noodles
Cauliflower

Tuesday
Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Asian Coleslaw
Melon Salad

What really happened
Chinese Chicken over Shredded Lettuce
Asian Coleslaw
Melon Salad

Wednesday
Broccoli Beef
Rice`
Fudge Cream Pie

What really happened
Broccoli Beef
Rice
Leftover Melon Salad

Thursday
Pizza casserole
Green Salad

What really happened
Pizza Casserole
Breadsticks
Green Salad

Friday
Apple and Cabbage Kielbasa
Seasonal Fruit

What really happened
Frozen Burritos
Green Salad

Saturday
Adobo Pork
Rice
Sliced Pineapple

What really happened
Apples and Cabbage with Smoked Sausage
Zucchini Bread
Pluots

Sunday
Chicken Tacos
Corn
Green Salad

What really happened
Adobo Pork
Rice
Sliced Mongos and Pineapple

Chicken Tacos will be a carry over for next Monday.

For more meal plans go to OrgJunkie.

Easy Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce and Apple Salad for Cooking Thursday

2010-08-05T12:27:00.000-07:00

This spaghetti sauce recipe is one of my "go to" recipes. I make this when I know I am going to have a busy or stressful day and I know that dinner will be easy and be something that everyone in the house will enjoy.

I am not much of a fruit eater but I really liked this apple salad recipe. It makes a lot and was even good for breakfast the next day.

Easy Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce

1 lb Italian sausage
1 lb ground beef
2 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
1 onion, chopped
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1Tbsp. sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp basil
Spaghetti cooked and kept warm

In a skillet brown sausage, ground beef, onion and bell pepper. Drain well and place in a crockpot with all remaining ingredients except spaghetti. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until done. This sauce freezes well.

Apple Salad
6-8 apples, cored and chopped
1 C raisins
Hot water as needed
2 stalks celery, finely sliced
1 C salad dressing like Miracle Whip
2 Tbsp sugar
¼ C milk
Juice from 1 lemon

Combine the lemon juice and water and pour over the apples, set aside. Pour hot water over the raisins to cover and let set for 5 minutes. Drain off water from the raisins. In a mixing bowl combine salad dressing, sugar, and milk. Drain off lemon water from the apples and add apples, raisins and celery to the bowl. Mix well. Let chill at least an hour before serving.

For wonderful recipes join Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Cooking Thursday.

Italian Pot Roast

2010-08-05T08:26:00.000-07:00

This was the most tender roast I have made in awhile. The meat just fell apart and you didn't even need a knife. Another thing I like about this recipe is the simple ingredients.

Italian Pot Roast

1 onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 (3 lb) beef roast
Italian seasoning to taste
1 jar or can ( 26 oz) pasta sauce

Place vegetables in the bottom of a crockpot, place meat on top and season to taste. Pour pasta sauce over the top. Cover and cook on low 8-10 hours or until done.

Chinese Lemon Chicken

2010-08-04T21:05:00.001-07:00

I love Chinese take out, I could eat it every single day of my life and not get tired of it. When my husband and I were first married I drove him crazy because anytime we went out to eat I would want Chinese food. We even went out for Chinese food after our wedding since we just served appetizers. It has been one of my goals to save money and that means cutting back on eating out. I actually want to eat at home every day and we are doing a pretty good job of it so far. Another one of my goals is to learn how to make my favorite take out foods at home. This recipe makes really good Chinese Lemon Chicken. It was not hard to make at all.

Chinese Lemon Chicken
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken pieces, cut into bite size pieces

Marinade:
2 Tbsp. soy sauce
½ tsp. salt

Coating:
2 large eggs
¼ C cornstarch
½ tsp. baking powder
white pepper, to taste
oil as needed for frying

Sauce:
1/3 C sugar
1 C chicken broth
1 ½ Tbsp cornstarch
Juice of 1 lemon
½ tsp salt

Marinate chicken in a bowl in the soy sauce and salt for at least 30 minutes. Make the batter by combining all the batter ingredients in a bowl. Coat the chicken with the mixture. Heat the oil to 350 degrees and fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through about 10 minutes. Meanwhile in a saucepan combine the sauce ingredients and heat until it becomes thickened and clear. Pour sauce over the chicken and serve over rice.

Lemon Garlic Fish and Baked Rice Pilaf

2010-08-03T15:40:00.001-07:00

This is my 200th post!!! I can't belive it!

This was very good fish but I must say I really loved the rice. I am always looking for good rice recipes. I try to avoid boxes of rice but I have so few "from scratch" rice recipes. If you have a good one can you please post it in the comments so I can try it out. Thank you.

Lemon Garlic Fish
6 fish fillets, I used tilapia
Juice from 1 lemon
2 tbsp. butter, melted
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp. dried parsley flakes
Pepper to taste
Nonstick cooking spray

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place fish in the baking dish. Pour lemon juice and butter over fish. Then sprinkle garlic, parsley and pepper on top of the fish. Bake until fish flakes easily or until done about 30 minutes.

Baked Rice Pilaf

1 3/4 C water
1 C shredded carrot
1 C chopped celery
3/4 C uncooked long grain rice
1 ½ Tbsp. dried parsley
2 Tbps. dried minced onion
2 Tbsp. butter, melted
1 Tbsp. chicken bouillon granules

Combine all ingredients in an ungreased 8-inch square baking dish. Cover and bake at 375 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until rice is tender, stirring after 25 minutes.

Happy Homemaker Monday

2010-08-02T15:52:00.000-07:00

The weather in my neck of the woods:
It's getting warmer but I still can't complain since it's only in the 80s. I can't even remember a summer this mild.

Things that make me happy:
I would just love to have some quiet alone time for myself, by myself.

Book I'm reading:
None but I want to start reading Because of Winn Dixie with my daughter or start the Little House books with her. Guess I am getting in back to school mode.

What I'm enjoying on TV:
Kyle XY Season 1- I just discovered this show. I am so hooked. What is Kyle??? Why no belly button? Where is he from? Please don't tell me if you know. I have more DVDs coming in the mail from Netflix to find out.

On the menu for dinner:
Grilled Lemon Thyme Chicken
Grilled Potatoes
Grilled Zucchini Slices
Green Salad

On my To Do List:
It's Monday so I need to clean the bathrooms and there is one cupboard in the hallway I want to clean out so i can put towels in there.

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
I made homemade pizza. I was very proud of myself and it was a lot easier than I thought it was.

In the craft basket:

The same knitting that has been there. I think it's a little too hot to be knitting.

Looking forward to this week:
Nothing...I don't have any plans. I just want to clean the house so maybe I am just looking forward to having a clean house.

Tips and Tricks:
none

My favorite blog post this week:
I haven't done any blog reading, I need to!!

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
I love baking blogs...I wish I had more time to bake plus the weather is not really right for turning on the oven. I found the blog Sweet Tarte to read until the fall...such lovely baked stuffs.

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

Lesson learned the past few days:
Always save any documents you are working on because they could be gone in seconds and you may not be able to get them back no matter what you do.

On my mind:
My moms health

To join in on the fun visit Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom on Mondays.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-08-02T08:34:00.000-07:00

Last week was just a crazy week- nothing went right or according to what I had planned really. That's what I love about having a new month. It always feels like a chance to have a new start.

Monday
Grilled Lemon Thyme Chicken
Carrots
Green Salad

What really happened:
Grilled Lemon Thyme Chicken
Grilled Potatoes
Grilled Squash

Tuesday
Ham and Potato Pie
Skillet Vegetables

What really happened:
Ham and Potato Pie
Skillet Vegetables

Wednesday
Crockpot Marinara over Pasta
Green Beans

What really happened
Crockpot Marinara over Angel Hair Pasta
Green Salad

Thursday
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Coleslaw
Sliced Watermelon

What really happened
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Coleslaw
Sliced Watermelon

Friday
Tomato Beef over Rice
Seasonal Vegetable

What really happened
We ordered pizza

Saturday
Paprikash Chicken
Egg Noodles
Seasonal Vegetable

What really happened
My hubby made BLTs

Sunday
Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Asian Coleslaw
Seasonal Fruit

What really happened
We ate out at IHOP

For more wonderful meal plans join Org Junkie every Monday.

Happy Homemaker Monday

2010-07-26T10:19:00.000-07:00

The weather in my neck of the woods:
This is such a nice cool summer. I love the words marine layer from the weather man. It's only supposed to be in the 80s today. I love that more than in the 100s everyday for weeks on end.

Things that make me happy:
my family

Book I'm reading:
Nothing right now, I'm not much of a book reader. I have been kind of flipping through the 36 Hour Day in my kindle reader, It's a book for caregivers of people who have dementia. It's a great book for anyone dealing with Alzheimer's. I take care of my mom and it's really hard sometimes.

What I'm enjoying on TV:
Not much on TV...been using my netflix account to watch streaming video and DVDs. I am almost done with the Bounty Hunter.

On the menu for dinner:
Honey Glazed Pork Chops
Rice
Cauliflower

On my To Do List:
It's Monday so I always clean the bathrooms on Monday....I don't feel like it today but it has to be done.
I have a little bit of laundry to do today but not much

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
I've been following along in making the sourdough and I will be feeding it today and making my first batch of bread. i am really looking forward to that.

In the craft basket:

My knitting has just been sitting there, I need to work on my shawl.

Looking forward to this week:
My daughter's 9th birthday.

Tips and Tricks:
none

My favorite blog post this week:
Sandra's sourdough but I don't have a link

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
I have just been reading the ones I always do.

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

This is my daughter at dinner. We went over to my sister is laws for my husbands birthday and had a wonderful time.

Lesson learned the past few days:

Things will get better.

On my mind:
paying the bills, getting medical insurance

Menu Plan Monday

2010-07-26T08:23:00.000-07:00

Monday-
Honey Glazed Pork Chops
Rice
Cauliflower

Tuesday
Grilled Lemon and Butter Chicken
Succotash
Grilled Potatoes
French Bread

Wednesday
Shepherd’s Pie
Zucchini

Thursday
Italian Chicken over Angel Hair Pasta
Green Salad

Friday
Beef and Rice
Peas

Saturday
Green Chili Chicken
Mexican Rice
Corn

Sunday
Spaghetti
Green Beans
Apple Salad

For more menu plans visit Orgjunkie.

Homemade Pizza and Sourdough Starter Day 2

2010-07-25T18:59:00.000-07:00

I love pizza, especially Canadian Bacon and Pineapple Pizza. I always wanted to learn how to make pizza at home and this was much easier than I expected. I am trying to make dinner at home everyday in an effort to save money but there are still take out foods that I really, really want sometimes.

Homemade Pizza Sauce
Italian seasoning to taste
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
2 (4 oz) cans tomato sauce
Fresh minced garlic to taste

Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, simmer for about 5 minutes and then use to top pizza.

Breadmaker Pizza Dough

1 1/3 C water
2 tsp sugar
1 1/4 tsp salt
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp cornmeal
3 1/4 C flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1 1/2 tsp yeast

Add ingredients to bread machine, according to manufacturer's directions and run dough setting. Remove dough from the machine when done and divide the dough into 2 equal portions. Roll the dough into two rectangular pizzas that will fit on 2 separate cookie sheets. Drizzle olive oil across the top of the crusts and prebake at 450 degrees for ten minutes. Remove the crust and add the pizza sauce and any desired toppings. Place into the oven for ten to fifteen minutes or until cheese is melted and toppings are cooked/heated through.

For a quick update on the sourdough starter, it looks very good nice and bubbly and I am looking forward to some fresh baked sourdough in a couple of days.

Ground Beef Gravy and Sourdough Starter Day 1

2010-07-24T11:11:00.000-07:00

I did not take a picture of the Ground Beef Gravy because...well it just isn't pretty but it's very good.

Ground Beef Gravy
1 large onion, diced
1 lb ground beef
Seasoning salt to taste
1 C water
1/2 C flour
Oil as needed

In a bowl, combine the flour and water; set aside. Add the oil to a large skillet and sauté the ground beef and the onion until cooked through. Stir in the flour mixture, allow to thicken to form the gravy. If this becomes to thick add more water as needed to thin. Season with seasoning salt to taste. Serve over mashed potatoes.

Feeling inspired by Sandra at Diary of a Stay ay Home Mom I have started a sourdough starter. It's just not as scary if you have someone leading the way. I love sourdough bread but I have always been a little intimadated by the starter...this one is only supposed to take 2-3 days to do and it seems easy. I am not sure if I need to feed it or just stir it alot. But this is what mine looked like on day one. It sure did bubble up fast.

To read more about Sandra's Sourdough and to get the recipe visit Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

Hoisin Barbeque Chicken

2010-07-23T12:07:00.001-07:00

This is the best grilled chicken we have made this summer. A quote from my husband was " I had to stop eating everything else on my plate just so I could eat the chicken first because it was so good" I wish I had made a double batch. Our tries at bbq'ing chicken have been pretty bad in the past-I've wound up with raw chicken and really burnt chicken- this chicken was perfect.

Hoisin Barbeque Chicken
6 boneless skinless chicken pieces
Sauce:
4 Tbsp. Hoisin sauce
2 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp. rice vinegar
1 tsp. sesame oil
2 tsp cornstarch
2 tsp water

Dry Rub
½ tsp salt
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp pepper
¼ tsp Chinese 5 spice powder

Combine all the sauce ingredients except the cornstarch and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Combine cornstarch and water; add to the sauce pan and stir until sauce is thickened about 2-5 minutes. Set sauce aside. Combine all the dry rub ingredients and rub on both sides of the chicken. Grill chicken until almost done; during the last moments of grilling brush with the Hoisin sauce mixture.

For more grilling recipes visit Show Us Your Life at Kelly's Korner

Menu Plan Monday

2010-07-18T20:50:00.000-07:00

Sunday-
Patty Melts
Corn on the Cob
Green Beans

Monday-
Mac and Cheese
Peas and Carrots
Sliced Melon

Tuesday-
Had frozen Hot Pockets

Wednesday-
Hoisin Barbecue Chicken
Rice Pilaf
Zucchini

Thursday-
My crockpot died and ruined dinner. Some people had spaghettios, some people had cereal.

Friday-
Pizza
Carrot Sticks
Green Salad

Saturday-
Lemon Pepper Fish
Rice
Seasonal Vegetable

Sunday-
Chinese Lemon Chicken
Rice
Broccoli

Stir Fry Chicken and Sauteed Swiss Chard

2010-05-02T08:11:00.000-07:00

Stir Fry Chicken
1 (14 oz.) bag Stir fry vegetables, frozen
1 lb. raw boneless chicken, cut into bite sized pieces
1 bottle Stir-fry sauce, to taste
Oil, as needed
Rice, cooked and kept warm

In a wok or large fry pan, sauté chicken in oil until done. Add frozen vegetables and cook until hot and water from frozen veggies cooks out. Pour 1/2 - 3/4 bottle of the stir fry sauce over everything and simmer until bubbly. Serve over rice

Sautéed Swiss Chard
1 large bunch of fresh Swiss chard
1 small clove garlic, sliced
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp water
Pinch of dried crushed red pepper
1 tsp butter
Salt, to taste

Wash Swiss chard leaves thoroughly. Remove the toughest third of the stalk and discard Chop the leaves into bite size strips. Heat a saucepan over medium add olive oil, garlic and the crushed red pepper. Sauté for about a minute. Add the chopped Swiss chard leaves. Cover. Check after about 5 minutes. If it looks dry, add a couple tablespoons of water. Flip the leaves over in the pan. Cover again. Check for doneness after another 5 minutes. Add salt to taste, and a small amount of butter.　

Mandarin Pork Chops and Broccoli Salad

2010-05-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Mandarin Pork Chops
6 pork chops
1 Tbsp oil
1 can (11 oz.) mandarin oranges
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
pepper to taste

In a skillet, brown chops on both sides in oil. Add oranges with juice and sprinkle with cinnamon. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes or until pork chops are cooked through.

Broccoli Salad
3 C fresh broccoli florets
1 C cheddar cheese, shredded
1 C mayonnaise
1/3 C sugar
1 1/2 T. red wine vinegar
½ C bacon bits

In a large bowl, combine the broccoli and cheese. Combine the mayo, sugar, and vinegar; pour over the broccoli mixture and toss to coat. Refrigerate at least 4 hours. Just before serving, stir in the bacon.

Swedish Meatballs

2010-04-30T11:40:00.001-07:00

Swedish Meatballs
1 (12 oz.) bag of egg noodles
1 lb. frozen precooked meatballs
oil for frying
2 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. flour
1 C. beef broth
1/2 tsp. salt
Dash cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 C dairy sour cream, room temperature

Cook noodles according to package directions. Heat meatballs in a skillet using a small amount of oil. Combine remaining ingredients for sour cream sauce. Fold meatballs into sour cream sauce. Drain noodles when cooked and serve meatballs on cooked noodles.

Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs and Picnic Potato Salad

2010-04-30T11:37:00.000-07:00

Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
6 hot dogs
6 slices bacon
6 hot dog buns
1 green pepper
1 large onion
Oil as needed
Additional condiments as desired

Wrap bacon around hot dogs without overlapping. Place on a rimmed baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until bacon is fully cooked. While hot dogs are cooking sauté green pepper and onion in a skillet until tender.
Serve hot dogs in buns topped with pepper and onion and any additional condiments.

Picnic Potato Salad
8 med. potatoes, peeled, diced, cooked and cooled
5 hardboiled eggs, sliced
3 green onions, sliced
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 (4 oz) can sliced olives, drained
1 C. mayonnaise
1 Tbsp. sweet pickle relish
2 dill pickles, diced
1 tsp. mustard

In a small bowl make the dressing by combining the mayonnaise, pickle relish, and mustard. Place all other ingredients in a large bowl then fold in the dressing gently. Refrigerate for several hours before serving.

Beef Taco Skillet and Sauteed Zucchini

2010-04-30T11:35:00.000-07:00

Beef Taco Skillet
1 lb. ground beef
1 (10 oz) can tomato soup
1/2 C salsa
1/2 C water
6 corn tortillas, cut into bite sized pieces
1/2 C cheddar cheese, shredded

In a skillet brown ground beef, add beef, soup, salsa, water and tortillas. Heat to a boil then reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. Stir and top with cheese.

Sautéed Zucchini
4 zucchini, sliced
1 Tbsp oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Heat oil in large frying pan. Add thinly sliced zucchini and sauté until desired tenderness is reached. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Corn Salad

2010-04-30T11:33:00.000-07:00

Corn Salad
2 (16 oz.) pkg. frozen corn, thawed
1 red pepper, finely chopped
2/3 C balsamic vinaigrette

Toss everything together in a bowl, corn, bell peppers, and vinaigrette.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

2010-04-22T19:23:00.001-07:00

Spaghetti and Meatballs

1 lb. ground beef
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon oregano
1 tablespoon fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 (28 oz.) cans or jars spaghetti sauce

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl by hand except sauce. Use your hands for best results. Roll meatballs to about the size of a golf small ball. Drop raw meatballs into large pot of sauce. Simmer for about 3 hours or until meatballs are cooked through.

Manicotti

2010-04-22T19:21:00.000-07:00

Manicotti

1 box of manicotti
1 recipe of Marinara sauce
1 (32 oz.) oz container Ricotta cheese
½ C. Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
2 Tbsp Parsley
pepper to taste
1 lb. Shredded Mozzarella cheese
Nonstick cooking spray

Cook shells according to package directions. Mix ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and pepper. Stuff manicotti with cheese mixture and place in a 9 x 13 inch baking dish coated with non stick cooking spray. Pour marinara sauce over each shells and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake for 20-30 minutes at 350 degrees.

Marinara Sauce
1 (25 oz) jar spaghetti sauce
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (14oz) can stewed tomatoes
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 onion, diced fine
3 cloves minced garlic
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. basil

Combine all ingredients and simmer in a slow cooker for 4-5 hours on low or until done.

French Dip Sandwiches and Cucumber and Tomato Salad

2010-04-22T19:20:00.000-07:00

French Dip Sandwiches
3-4 lb. roast
2 Tbsp. yellow mustard
1 beef bouillon cube, crushed
8 tsp. dried minced onion
1 tsp. onion powder
Pepper to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
½ C water
French rolls

Place meat in a crockpot, cover with mustard and sprinkle with seasonings, add water. Cover and cook on low for 8-12 hours or until fully cooked. When fully cooked, carve into thick slices or shred. Strain broth and skim fat if desired. Serve meat on French rolls with juice in small bowls or saucers for dipping.

Cucumber and Tomato Salad
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 ripe tomatoes, minced
2 cucumbers, minced
1 lg. red pepper, minced
pepper to taste
juice from 1 lemon
oil, as needed

Combine everything and stir in oil to taste. Serve chilled.

Baked Potato Bar

2010-04-22T19:19:00.001-07:00

Baked Potato Bar
6 baking potatoes, buy the largest ones you can find
shredded cheddar cheese
steamed broccoli
sour cream
bacon bits
butter
any additional toppings your family may like

Wash potatoes with and poke several times with a fork. Wrap each potato in aluminum foil and bake at 400 degrees for 60 minutes or until cooked through. Cut open and mash insides (leave insides in potato). Top with preferred toppings from above or serve plain and let each person top their own from your "toppings bar".

Marinated Grilled Chicken and Corn Casserole

2010-04-22T19:17:00.000-07:00

Marinated Grilled Chicken
4 lbs. chicken pieces
1/2 C. red wine vinegar
1 C. soy sauce
1/2 C oil
2 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. garlic salt
1/2 tsp. pepper

Mix marinade and place with chicken in a resealable zipper bag and marinate overnight. Grill chicken until it reaches 160° at the thickest part, or until white all the way through and juices run clear. If you do not have a grill, you can bake or broil the chicken in the oven

Corn Casserole
2 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. flour
1 cup milk
15 ozs corn, if frozen thaw and drain
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 Tbsp. sugar
2 eggs, beaten

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter in a sauce pan, add flour, and stir until thick. Add milk slowly, stirring constantly. Turn off heat and add the rest of the ingredients. Pour into a greased 9x9 casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until firm and slightly brown.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

2010-04-11T09:21:00.001-07:00

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

1 box yellow cake mix and ingredients to mix according to package directions
1 (20) oz can sliced pineapple
1 small jar maraschino cherries
Brown sugar as needed
1 stick butter, melted
Nonstick cooking spray

Prepare yellow cake mix according to package directions and set aside. Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Pour butter in bottom of the pan and arrange pineapple and cherries in dish. Sprinkle fruit lightly with brown sugar. Pour cake mix over the top and bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until cooked through.

Sausage Alfredo

2010-04-11T09:20:00.001-07:00

Sausage Alfredo

1 lb. Italian Sausage
1 (16 oz) box fettuccine
2 (16 oz) jars alfredo sauce

Prepare pasta according to package directions. In a skillet fry sausage until done. Add sauce and bring to serving temperature. Serve sauce over pasta.

Chicken Pitas and Picnic Potato Salad

2010-04-11T09:17:00.000-07:00

Chicken Pitas

6 pieces Pita bread
1 lb cooked sliced chicken
lettuce
sliced tomatoes
condiments as preferred such as mayonnaise and mustard

Cut pitas in half to make ready to stuff. Prepare each pita as preferred using any combination of the above fillings.

Picnic Potato Salad
8 med. potatoes, peeled, diced, cooked and cooled
5 hardboiled eggs, sliced
3 green onions, sliced
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 (4 oz) can sliced olives, drained
1 C. mayonnaise
1 Tbsp. sweet pickle relish
2 dill pickles, diced
1 tsp. mustard

In a small bowl make the dressing by combining the mayonnaise, pickle relish, and mustard. Place all other ingredients in a large bowl then fold in the dressing gently. Refrigerate for several hours before serving.

Pasta with Broccoli

2010-04-11T09:16:00.000-07:00

Pasta with Broccoli
1 lb. broccoli
1 lb. angel hair pasta
Butter to taste
Parmesan Cheese for garnish

Cook broccoli until tender. Cook pasta according to package directions. Toss broccoli and pasta together with butter and garnish with cheese before serving,

Easy Beef and Pasta Supper

2010-04-11T09:15:00.000-07:00

Easy Beef and Pasta Supper
1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 (25 oz.) jar pasta sauce
1 (16 oz.) pkg. elbow macaroni
1/2 C shredded cheddar cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions. In a skillet brown ground beef with the onion. Add pasta sauce and bring to a simmer. Add cooked, drained pasta and stir. Sprinkle with cheese before serving.

Beer Can Chicken, Brussel Sprouts with Cream Sauce, and Rice Pilaf

2010-04-11T09:14:00.000-07:00

Beer Can Chicken
1 (3 lb.) whole chicken, cleaned
Seasoning of your choice
1 (12-14 oz) can beer

Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Rub the chicken with seasoning. Open the car of beer and place in a roasting pan. Fit chicken over the can of beer so it is standing up in the pan. Use the chicken’s legs to stabilize if needed so that the chicken will not fall over. Let roast for 30 minutes then turn the oven temperature down to 350 degrees. Roast for 1 1/2 -2 hours or until done.

Brussel Sprouts with Cream Sauce
2 pints fresh Brussels Sprouts or 1 package frozen Brussels Sprouts
1/2 cup chopped onions, sautéed
1 Tbsp. flour
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
1/2 cup milk
1 cup sour cream

Steam sprouts until tender, or cook according to package directions. Combine thawed onions with juices, flour, brown sugar, and mustard in a saucepan, mixing well. Gradually add milk while heating, stirring constantly. Bring mixture to a boil; simmer for 2 minutes. Reduce heat and add sour cream; heat thoroughly. Pour Brussels sprouts into a serving dish and cover with cream sauce.

Rice Pilaf
8 Tbsp. butter
7 oz. vermicelli
2 C. long grain white rice
4 C. water
2 tsp. granulated chicken bouillon
1 Tbsp. dried parsley
1 Tbsp. dried onion flakes
Salt and pepper to taste

Ina large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the vermicelli and brown until golden about 5 minutes. Add the rice and stir until coated with butter about 2 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and stir well to combine. Bring to a boil then turn heat to low. Cover and let cook until all the liquid is absorbed about 25 minutes, stirring once and a while. Fluff with a fork and serve

Vegetable Pizza

2010-04-11T09:10:00.000-07:00

Vegetable Pizza
1 recipe pizza dough (doubled)
28 oz. can spaghetti sauce
2 cups mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Sliced onions, peppers, black olives, mushrooms, and any other vegetables you like on pizza

Make pizza dough according to recipe. Layer with pizza ingredients. Cook at 400 degrees until brown and bubbly.

Pizza Dough
Ingredients for one 12-14 inch crust:
3/4 cup water (80-90ºF)
2 tablespoons oil
2 cups bread flour
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons yeast

Add water and oil to pan. Add flour, sugar, and salt. Tap pan to settle dry ingredients, then level ingredients, pushing some of the mixture into corners, to cover water. Make a well in center of dry ingredients; add yeast. Lock pan into bread maker. Program for dough and start bread maker. When done, remove pan from bread maker. Place dough onto floured surface. Knead 1 minute, then let rest 15 minutes. Roll dough out to fit 12-14 inch pizza pan. Place dough onto greased pan which has been sprinkled with cornmeal. Press dough into pan, forming an edge. Let rise in warm draft free place for 20-25 minutes. Spread pizza sauce evenly over crust, then top with cheese and any toppings you wish to use.

Marinated Grilled Chicken and Easy Coleslaw

2010-04-11T09:07:00.000-07:00

Marinated Grilled Chicken
4 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken pieces
1/2 C. red wine vinegar
1 C. soy sauce
1/2 C oil
2 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. garlic salt
1/2 tsp. pepper

Mix marinade and place with chicken in a resealable zipper bag and marinate overnight. Grill chicken until it reaches 160° at the thickest part, or until white all the way through and juices run clear. If you do not have a grill, you can bake or broil the chicken in the oven.

Easy Coleslaw
1 bag prepared cabbage slaw
1/2 C mayonnaise
1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp sugar

Combine last 3 ingredients and refrigerate covered until ready to use. Mix with shredded slaw just before serving.

Easy Chicken over Pasta and Broccoli with Cheese Sauce

2010-04-10T08:40:00.000-07:00

Easy Chicken over Pasta
6 boneless skinless chicken pieces
1 (26 oz) can pasta sauce
Italian seasoning to taste
Pasta, cooked and kept warm

Place chicken in a crockpot, pour pasta sauce over the top. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until done. Serve over pasta when done.

Broccoli with Cheese Sauce
1 lb. broccoli

Cook broccoli your favorite way.

Cheese Sauce

1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp flour
1 cup milk
1- 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese

Melt butter in a small saucepan. Add flour and stir constantly for 1 minute. Add milk slowly, stirring constantly. After milk is blended, cook several minutes until slightly thickened. Add cheese to taste and melt. Serve on top of vegetables.

3 Packet Pot Roast and Creamed Spinach

2010-04-08T08:10:00.000-07:00

3 Packet Pot Roast
3 lb. beef roast
1 envelope ranch salad dressing mix
1 envelope brown gravy mix
1 envelope Italian dressing mix
1/2 cup water
Pour water into crockpot. Place roast in crockpot. Mix contents of all 3 envelopes and sprinkle over roast. Cover; cook on Low for 6 to 7 hours or until roast is cooked through.

Creamed Spinach
5 Tbsp. Margarine, divided
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 dash ground nutmeg
1 cup half and half cream
4 oz. cream cheese
1 sm. Onion, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
(2) 10 oz. pkgs. frozen chopped spinach , thawed
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

In a 2-quart saucepan over medium-low heat, melt 3 Tbsp. butter; stir in flour, salt, pepper, and nutmeg; slowly whisk in cream; stir in cream cheese. Increase heat to medium; whisk mixture constantly until thick and smooth; remove from heat and set aside. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook onions and garlic in remaining 2 Tbsp. butter until transparent; stir spinach and water into pan. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover; simmer, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes. Stir spinach mixture into creamy mixture; return to medium heat; heat, stirring often, until warmed throughout. Remove from heat; fold in Parmesan

For more wonderful recipes visit Cooking Thursday

Mushroom Pasta

2010-04-07T09:26:00.000-07:00

Mushroom Pasta
2 (8 oz) pkgs. Mushrooms, sliced
Butter as needed
1 (25 oz) can pasta sauce
Pasta, cooked and kept warm
Parmesan cheese for garnish

Fry mushrooms in butter until browned. Add in sauce, heat, then serve over pasta.

Easy Cheeseburger Pie

2010-04-03T14:24:00.000-07:00

Easy Cheeseburger Pie
1 lb. ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
1 C shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 C baking mix
1 C milk
2 eggs
Nonstick cooking spray

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 9 inch pie plate with nonstick cooking spray. Cook beef and onion in a skillet until beef is brown; drain off any fat. Spread in pie plate; layer chilies, and cheese on top. Combine biscuit mix, milk and eggs. Pour into pie plate over beef mixture. Bake about 25 minutes or until bubbly and cooked through.

Oven BBQ Pork Chops and Cooked Apples

2010-03-25T08:51:00.000-07:00

Oven BBQ Pork Chops
1 sm. onion, diced
3 Tbsp. butter
1 C. ketchup
1/3 C lemon juice
2 Tbsp brown sugar
½ C water
2 tsp mustard
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
6 pork chops
Flour as needed
Oil as needed

Cook onion in butter in a saucepan until tender. Add ketchup, lemon juice, brown sugar, water, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to saucepan. Cover and simmer for 15 min. Roll pork chops in flour and brown in oil in a skillet. When browned place pork chops in a 9x13 inch baking pan and pour sauce over. Place in a 350 degree oven and bake for 45 min. or until done.

Cooked Apples
6 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
2 T. sugar
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla
2 T. water

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer until apples are tender. Serve hot or cold.

For more wonderful recipes visit Sandra for Cooking Thursday.

Spinach and Rice

2010-03-24T09:43:00.000-07:00

Spinach and Rice
1 lb. fresh spinach
1 C rice
5 C water, divided
2 Tbsp. butter

Bring 2 C water to a boil, add rice. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until cooked through. In another pot bring 3 C water to a boil then add the spinach. Cook for 6-10 minutes or until cooked through. Drain and stir in cooked rice. Toss with butter and serve

Baked Parmesan Chicken

2010-03-23T08:26:00.000-07:00

Baked Parmesan Chicken
6 boneless, skinless chicken pieces
1 C bread crumbs
1/3 C Parmesan Cheese, grated
Italian seasoning to taste
1 Tbsp. garlic powder
3/4 C melted butter

Combine bread crumbs, cheese, and Italian seasoning; set aside. Combine butter and garlic powder. Dip chicken in garlic butter then roll each piece in bread crumb mixture. Place chicken in a 9x13 inch baking dish and sprinkle with remaining bread crumb mixture. Pour on remaining butter. Bake at 350degrees for 55 minutes or until cooked through.

Happy Homemaker Monday

2010-03-22T06:45:00.000-07:00

The weather in my neck of the woods:
very spring like. makes me want to plant a garden

Things that make me happy:
I took my daughter to her first ice hockey game and at first she was not sure about it but by the end she was really enjoying herself and the smile that she gets when she is truly happy....well, that makes me happy. I'd share pictures but I forgot my camera.

Book I'm reading:
I am going to start Sarah's Key sometime today

What I'm enjoying on TV:
Not much just my soap operas.

On the menu for dinner:
Broccoli and Tomato Macaroni and Cheese

On my To Do List:
Homeschool
Bake a cake
Clean the bathrooms
Get my mom's laundry done
Do some minor household repairs

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
Chinese Pork

In the craft basket:

The same knitting I've been working on

Looking forward to this week:
We have a couple of field trips this week and it is always nice to get out of the house

Tips and Tricks:
none

My favorite blog post this week:
none

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
Motivation Station

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

Lesson learned the past few days:
You should not wear flip flops to a hockey game even if it is in California because your feet will get cold. That's the best I can do right now.

On my mind:
Getting the whole homeschooling thing down without driving myself crazy.

Easy Lasagna

2010-03-21T09:24:00.000-07:00

Easy Lasagna
Easy sauce (recipe below)
10 oz. lasagna noodles
1 beaten egg
3 cups ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
2 T. parsley
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
16 oz. mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced

Mix egg, ricotta, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. In a 9x13 pan, place 6 T. sauce and 6 T. water. Top water and sauce with a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles, half of ricotta mixture, 1/3 of mozzarella cheese, and half of sauce. Repeat layers and top with the last 1/3 of mozzarella cheese. Bake at 375° for 30 minutes or until bubbly.

Easy Sauce
1 28 oz. can spaghetti sauce, flavor of your choice
1 15 oz. can tomato sauce
1 lb. browned ground beef
Mix all ingredients in a bowl, then use with lasagna

Chinese Pork and Fried Rice

2010-03-19T07:20:00.001-07:00

Chinese Pork
3 lbs. country style pork ribs
Oil as needed
Adobo to taste
2 med carrots, sliced
2 med onions, cut into wedges
2 green peppers, chopped
2 C tomato juice
1 ½ inch piece fresh ginger, grated
1/3 C. vinegar
1/3 C sugar
4 tsp cornstarch

Place ribs in a roasting pan. Season to taste with adobo. Drizzle a small amount of oil on top of ribs. Place in a 325 degree oven an cook for 1 hour. While the ribs are cooking prepare the vegetables. Place all the vegetables in a pot with the tomato juice, ginger, vinegar and sugar and simmer for 45 minutes. Remove 1 C. of sauce from the pot and mix in cornstarch, then add back to the pot. Cook 15 minutes more, stirring frequently while it thickens. When ribs are done remove from oven and add sauce, return to the oven and bake for10- 20 minutes more in a 300 degree oven.

Fried Rice
4 C. cooked rice
1 cup diced green onions
1 package frozen stir fry vegetables
2 whole eggs
pinch of salt and black pepper
1 Tbsp soy sauce

Heat wok or large skillet, add 3 Tbsp vegetable oil, add eggs and scramble in wok. Add green onions, stir fry one minute. Add rice and frozen vegetables, fry until rice is hot. Add soy sauce, salt and pepper Mix thoroughly.

Fruit Glazed Ham, Layered Pea Salad, and Garlic Butter Red Potatoes

2010-03-18T18:52:00.000-07:00

Fruit Glazed Ham
1 ham (canned, on sale, whatever is cheapest)
1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple
1 ½ Tbsp. cider vinegar
½ tsp. ginger

Heat ham according to package directions. Combine pineapple, vinegar, and ginger in a saucepan and heat through. Pour sauce over ham the last 10 minutes of cooking. If desired serve sauce over the ham.

Layered Pea Salad
1 (10 oz) pkg. frozen peas, thawed
1 stalk celery, sliced
Italian seasoning to taste
½ C sour cream
1 tsp. sugar
1 C cheddar cheese, shredded
½ C bacon bits

Combine Italian seasoning, sugar and sour cream in a small bowl. Layer all ingredients in a bowl reserving bacon bits to add just before serving. Let chill several hours or overnight before serving.

Garlic Butter Red Potatoes
2 lbs. small red potatoes
1/3 C butter, melted
Garlic powder to taste

In a large pan cover potatoes with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and let simmer until cooked through about 15-20 minutes. Combine butter with garlic powder. Drain the cooked potatoes and toss with the garlic butter before serving.

Ground Beef Enchiladas

2010-03-09T07:07:00.001-08:00

Ground Beef Enchiladas
Sauce:
1 ½ C water
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
3 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. salt
2 cloves garlic, minced

Combine all ingredients and simmer while preparing the rest of the enchiladas.

2 lbs ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 tsp. oregano
Garlic salt to taste
10-12 corn tortillas
Oil
2 C. shredded cheddar cheese
1 (4 oz) can sliced black olives

Brown ground beef and onion seasoned with oregano and garlic salt in a skillet until done. In a small skillet heat a small amount of oil. Heat each tortilla in oil and then dip in enchilada sauce. Place meat filling in the middle of the tortilla. Roll up and place in a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Repeat until all tortillas are used or dish is full. Pour any remaining sauce on top and cover with cheese and olives. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

Happy Homemaker Monday

2010-03-08T17:41:00.000-08:00

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Light rain when we went to San Juan Capistrano earlier today, tonight it is supposed to rain where I live

One of my simple pleasures:
Taking a nice walk in a new place

On my bedside table:
Tissue and a LIfewater (I am sick)

On my TV:
Medium on the DVR. I am going to watch The Proposal later tonight after I cook dinner

On the menu for tonight:
Lasagna, Garlic Bread, and maybe a salad if the lettuce is still good

On my To Do List:
Take dd to San Juan Capistrano
Homeschool
Try to get better from this cold

New Recipe I tried last week:

This isn't a new recipe it' just done differently. It's my stew recipe made with my grandma's dumplings on top. Why did I never think of this before....It was so good!

In the craft basket:

Everything I have been knitting on...I don't even want to think about it right now.

Looking forward to:
Being able to breathe and taste again after this cold goes away

Homemaking Tip for this week:
When you are sick do not pretend to be superwoman...let someone else help.

Favorite Blog Post of the week (mine or other):
I am not reading much right now

Favorite photo from last week:

This is my dd in front of part of the old mission in San Juan Capistrano. It just amazes me that it was built in the 1700's and it is that massive without the use of modern tools.

Lesson learned the past few days:
My husband is not my enemy but my best friend

Vegetable Soup

2010-03-08T05:15:00.001-08:00

Vegetable Soup

2-3 qts. Water
2 carrots, chopped
1 onion, chopped
4 stalks celery, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
2 potatoes, chopped
Any leftover fresh or frozen vegetables you may have in the house

Cook until tender, about an hour.

Grilled Italian Chicken, Garbanzo Bean Salad, and Tomato French Dressing

2010-03-07T09:04:00.000-08:00

Grilled Italian Chicken

6 pieces boneless skinless chicken breast pieces
1 small bottle Italian salad dressing, divided

Marinate chicken in about half the salad dressing overnight. Grill or broil chicken until done, basting occasionally with dressing.

Garbanzo Bean Salad
1 (15 oz) can garbanzo beans, drained
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained
1 (15 oz) can green beans, drained
½ C red wine vinegar
6 Tbsp. oil
1 Tbsp salt
2 Tbsp. sugar
Italian seasoning to taste
2 cloves garlic, minced

Combine everything and chill before serving.

Tomato French Dressing

1 (10 oz) can condensed tomato soup
½ C. oil
Salt and pepper to taste
¾ C vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

Combine all ingredients well.

Beef Stew with Dumplings

2010-03-06T08:07:00.000-08:00

Beef Stew with Dumplings
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 lb. beef stew meat
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 (8 oz) pkg. mushrooms, sliced
3 medium potatoes, peeled & cut into chunks
1 (15 oz) can stewed tomatoes, undrained
1 (15 oz) can beef broth

Dumplings:
1 ½ C flour
3 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
¾ C. milk

In a large pot cook bacon until browned. Add onion and mushroom and cook on med. high for about 10 min. until softened. Add beef, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, and broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer about an hour and 15 min. Prepare dumplings by combining the ingredients together and drop on top of the stew, cover and let cook without lifting the lid for 10 minutes or until raised and fluffy.

Macaroni Treat

2010-03-05T09:32:00.000-08:00

Macaroni Treat
1 small green pepper, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
Oil
2 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 C water
Italian seasoning to taste
4 oz cubed cheddar cheese
1 (8 oz) pkg. macaroni, cooked and kept warm

Sauté green pepper and garlic in a small amount of oil until soft. Stir in tomato sauce and water. Season to taste with Italian seasoning. Simmer 10 minutes over low heat. Add cheese and stir until cheese is melted. Serve over cooked macaroni.

Crockpot Roast Beef

2010-03-05T09:30:00.001-08:00

Crockpot Roast Beef

3 lb. beef roast
1 onion, sliced in rings and separated
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
½ C water
Salt and pepper to taste
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

Mix cornstarch with water, add to bottom of crockpot. Add remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until done.

Delicious Pineapple Cake

2010-03-03T05:36:00.000-08:00

Delicious Pineapple Cake
1 box yellow cake mix
1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges in juice (do not drain)
¾ C. oil
4 eggs
Nonstick cooking spray

Combine cake mix, oranges with juice, oil and eggs. Pour into greased cake tins. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20-30 minutes or until done. Cool and frost.

Frosting:
1 (8) oz container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 small box instant vanilla pudding
1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple

Mix the pudding with the pineapple then fold into the whipped topping. Use as a filling and to frost cake.

BBQ Ribs and Picnic Potato Salad

2010-02-28T05:47:00.000-08:00

BBQ Ribs
3 lbs pork ribs
1 small onion chopped
3 Tbsp. brown sugar
3 Tbsp. vinegar
1 C. ketchup
3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp. mustard
1 C. water

Bake ribs covered in a shallow pan in a 350 degree oven for 1 hour. Remove ribs from oven and add onion to the pan. Combine remaining ingredients to make a sauce and pour over the ribs. Bake for 1 more hour uncovered, checking occasionally to make sure there is always liquid in the pan, add more water if needed

Picnic Potato Salad
8 med. potatoes, peeled, diced, cooked and cooled
5 hardboiled eggs, sliced
3 green onions, sliced
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 (4 oz) can sliced olives, drained
1 C. mayonnaise
1 Tbsp. sweet pickle relish
2 dill pickles, diced
1 tsp. mustard

In a small bowl make the dressing by combining the mayonnaise, pickle relish, and mustard. Place all other ingredients in a large bowl then fold in the dressing gently. Refrigerate for several hours before serving

Bean Pot

2010-02-25T11:28:00.000-08:00

Bean Pot

1 (28 oz) can baked beans
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans
1 (15 oz) can pinto beans
1 small green pepper, finely diced
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 pkg. sloppy joe seasoning
1 C. cheddar cheese

In a 2 qt casserole combine all ingredients except cheese. Sprinkle cheese on top. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or until heated through..

Hamburger Stroganoff

2010-02-12T07:28:00.001-08:00

Hamburger Stroganoff

1 lb. ground beef
2 Tbsp. dried minced onions
¼ C flour
Pepper to taste
3 beef bouillon cubes
1 C water, boiling
1 C buttermilk
8 oz. pasta, cooked and kept warm

Brown grown beef in a large skillet. Stir in onions, flour and pepper. Stir bouillon cubes into water until dissolved. Add to skillet. Slowly stir buttermilk into the skillet. Heat about 5 minutes over low heat until warmed through. Serve over the pasta.

For more wonderful recipes visit the Grocery Cart Recipe Swap

Chicken Enchiladas with Red Sauce and Mexican Fideo

2010-02-11T18:59:00.000-08:00

Chicken Enchiladas with Red Sauce
Sauce and Filling:
1 ½ Tbsp. oil
1 onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 Tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp sugar
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken pieces, chopped into bite sized pieces
2 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 C water
½ C cilantro, chopped
1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
2 C shredded cheddar cheese

Tortillas and Toppings
10-12 corn tortillas
1 C. shredded cheddar cheese
1 (4 oz) can sliced olives
Sour Cream to taste

Heat oil in a skillet and fry onion until lightly browned. Add garlic and spices. Add chicken and toss to coat with skillet contents. Add tomato sauce and water. Bring to a boil then turn down heat to a simmer, cook about 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Pour skillet contents into a strainer over a bowl. Press all liquid through chicken mixture, this is your sauce. Set chicken aside to cool in a large bowl. When chicken is cool add cilantro, green chilies and cheese, this is your filling. Heat oven to 300 degrees. Wrap tortillas in aluminum foil and place in the oven to soften, about 10 minutes. Take tortillas out of the oven and increase oven to 400 degrees. Place 1 cup of sauce in the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Place some filling inside each tortilla, roll up and place in the baking dish. Pour sauce over enchiladas. Place cheese and olives on top. Cover with foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Serve with sour cream on the side.

Mexican Fideo
1 (8 oz) package vermicelli/Fideo
Oil
1 small onion diced
1 tomato diced
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
Cumin to taste
1 beef bouillon cube
Water to cover

Heat oil in a skillet and brown fideo until golden brown. Add onion and tomato and fry for a couple of minutes more without burning. Add tomato sauce, garlic cumin and beef bouillon and water to just cover contents of skillet. Bring to a boil then turn down to simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until all the water is absorbed.

For more wonderful recipes every Thursday join Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-02-08T07:39:00.000-08:00

I didn't do much cooking last week so I have a lot of carry overs this week.

Monday-
Sauteed Medallions of Pork
Risotto with Parsley and Basil
Peas with Pearl Onions

Tuesday-
Old West Bean Pot
Cornbread
Fruit

Wednesday-
Linguine all'Amatriciana
Garlic Bread
California Style Vegetables

Thursday-
Thrifty Meat Pie
Fruit

Friday-
BBQ Ribs
Papas
Mexican Corn

Saturday-
Teryaki T Bone Steaks
Fried Rice
Stir Fry Vegetables

For more wonderful meal plans visit Laura at Org Junkie

Rosemary Pork and Almond Green Beans

2010-02-08T07:23:00.000-08:00

Rosemary Pork
1 (3 lb) pork roast
½ C. water
Seasoning salt to taste
2 sprigs fresh rosemary

Place pork in a crockpot with water. Sprinkle to taste with seasoning salt. Place rosemary in water next to pork. Cook on low 8-10 hours or until done.

Almond Green Beans
1 (16 oz) pkg. frozen green beans
Sliced almonds to taste
Butter to taste

Cook green beans as directed on package, before serving toss with butter and almonds.

Happy Homemaker Monday

2010-02-08T06:38:00.000-08:00

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Today is supposed to be cool but no rain. We have more rain on the way.

One of my simple pleasures:
Flannel Sheets

On my bedside table:
Green Tea and my knitting

On my TV:
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

On the menu for tonight:
Sauteed Pork Medallions, Risotto, Peas with Pearl Onions

On my To Do List:(I have not gotten much done...been feeling depressed)Finish lunch bag for my daughter
work on aprons and other sewing projects
Clean the bathrooms
Clean my mom's vanity table.
Set up a mail system so I know where the bills are.
Line my old dresser with fabric.
Wash the windows inside and out.
Work on making a home office.
Set up a sewing area.
Do the filing
Clean out the linen closet
Make a sourdough starter
Clean the phones
Transfer plants into the new pots I bought
Make a couple sets of homemade fabric napkins
make a couple market bags
Call a plumber to fix the garbage disposal and to fix the leaky bathroom faucet

New Recipe I tried last week:
Rosemary Pork

This was so tender and had such great flavor.

In the craft basket:

I have 5 things I am working on
1-my daughter's lunch bag
2-a warm blue shawl
3-a fun fur scarf for my daughter
4-a dishcloth
5-a magic ball shawl

Looking forward to:
Going away to Los Angeles this weekend with my husband

Homemaking Tip for this week:
Idon't have any

Favorite Blog Post of the week (mine or other):
I am really enjoying the kitchen sink posts at down to earth

Favorite photo from last week:

I already posted it. My daughter sleeping.

Lesson learned the past few days:
I need to relax.

My husband and "the other women in his life"

2010-02-04T17:23:00.000-08:00

My husband loves 2 other ladies besides me and I am ok with it. Thats only because they look like this:

This is my husbands helmet. I love it because it helps me not worry when he is out riding.

Just in case you wanted to know....this is my husband. He's just a big tattoed teddy bear.

Honey Mustard Chicken, Dutch Green Beans, and Garlic Mashed Potatoes

2010-02-02T06:13:00.001-08:00

This was an amazing dinner from last week.

Honey Mustard Chicken

½ C salad dressing or mayonnaise
2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp honey
6 boneless, skinless chicken pieces

Combine everything except chicken in a small bowl. Place chicken on a grill or in the broiler and brush with sauce. Grill or broil until done while continuing to baste with sauce throughout the cooking time.

Dutch Green Beans

1 (16 oz) pkg. frozen green beans
1 med. onion, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp. cornstarch
½ C water
½ C vinegar
½ C brown sugar

Cook green beans as directed on package, adding the onion, salt and pepper at the beginning of the cooking time. In a small bowl dissolve cornstarch in the water. Add vinegar and brown sugar. Drain cooking water and add mixture from the small bowl to the pan, bring to a boil and allow to thicken a bit before serving.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

2 lbs. potatoes, peeled and quartered
2 Tbsp. chopped garlic
½ C milk
2 Tbsp. butter
¼ C. sour cream

In a large pot bring potatoes in enough water to cover to a boil. Reduce heat to med. Cover and let simmer for 20 min or until cooked though, drain. Meanwhile in a saucepan over med low heat, cook garlic and milk for 10 min, stirring occasionally. Add butter and stir until butter is melted. Mash potatoes, stir in milk mixture and sour cream.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-02-01T07:45:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's February already. I am not ready. I was just getting used to January.

I am trying to eat every meal at home. I don't know how women did it back in the old days- 3 meals a day, 7 days a week. They didn't even have all the convenience items we have today. They were amazing!

Monday-
Hamburger Stroganoff
Special Carrots
Homemade Bread

Tuesday-
Sauteed Medallions of Pork with Lemon and Basil
Risotto with Parsley and Basil
Green Beans with Almonds
Homemade Bread

Wednesday-
Sauteed Chicken with Lime Sauce
Mexican Style Rice
Mexican Style Vegetables
Tortillas

Thursday-
Old West Bean Pot
Cornbread
Fruit

Friday-
Pasta with Onion and Pancetta
California Style Vegetables
Garlic Bread

Saturday-
Thrifty Meat Pie
Fruit

For more meal plan ideas visit Laura at Org Junkie

Softball season begins!

2010-01-30T18:37:00.000-08:00

We were up and out of the house by 7:30 this morning for softball evaluations today. I think Cassandra did a super good job. I am looking forward to this season. We were told that we would know what team she will be on by Thurs or Fri. I am hoping that she will know some of the girls she gets placed with since this is now her 3rd year of playing. Softball season can be very hectic with 2 games and 2 practices a week. I am going to have to be super organized as far as dinner and appointments go. I am looking forward to game time!!!!

Aren't they sweet when they are sleeping?

2010-01-28T09:11:00.000-08:00