Our Recipe Box

Cyndi's Frosted Sugar Cookies

2012-01-29T12:18:00.001-08:00

Cyndi's Frosted Sugar Cookies

About a year ago, I went on a quest to find some yummy sugar cookies. Most of the sugar cookie recipes I found were hard and dry, and I personally am not a fan of dry cookies that taste like I am eating a cardboard box. Or I found recipes that were more moist but flattened out too much.

I posted a plea to all my friends on facebook and one friend said she had a recipe from a friend that was just like the frosted sugar cookies you find at the grocery stores. So I thought I would give it a try.

Out of all the sugar cookies I tested, these are my favorite!! While these are very similar to the frosted sugar cookies you find in stores, I think these are sooo much better.

Cookie:
Cream until light and fluffy
1 1/2 c sugar
1 c cold butter
1 c sour cream

Add:
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
Mix dry ingredients and fold into cream mixture
1tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
4 1/2 c flour

Chill 1 hour and bake 425 for 4-5 minutes. I used my 1 tsp scoop and then rolled into balls and flattened to about 1/3 of an inch. You can make them bigger but this size is perfect since they are very rich.

Frosting
1 cube butter
4 oz cream cheese
1/2 bag powdered sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
(I add a little milk to help thin it out to the consistency that I like.)

Printable Recipe

Potato and Broccoli Soup

2011-12-12T16:56:00.000-08:00

Potato and Broccoli Soup

The basic recipe came from Rachel Ray. But sometimes, I have to tweak things because of what I have in the house. It turned out so good, I wanted to share!!

Ingredients
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (I used vegetable oil)
6 slices bacon, chopped
4 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, chopped
4 tablespoons flour
1 quart chicken stock
2 cups leftover mashed potatoes or more!!
8 ounces Mexican blend cheese
1 or 2 bunches of steamed broccoli chopped (or 1 small bag of frozen broccoli)
Chopped chives, more shredded cheese and sour cream, for garnish

In a medium pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of EVOO over medium-high heat. Add bacon and cook until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate and reserve.

Drain off excess bacon fat from the pot and add butter. When it is melted, add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle flour into the pot and cook with a wooden spoon for 1 minute. Whisk in the chicken stock and bring to a bubble. Cook until slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.

(I didn't have a fresh onion so I used dried onions)

Whisk in mashed potatoes and broccoli, then stir in the cheddar cheese and cook until the potatoes are hot and the cheese is melted.

(I used frozen broccoli, I threw it in the pot frozen. To speed up the cooking time of the broccoli, I scooped the broccoli and some soup out and put it in the blender until creamy. I also put some of the bacon in the blender too. Mine ended up being a little thick, so I added some milk. I then put it back in the pot and brought it back to a light boil for a few minutes. Remember to stir frequently to the bottom burning!!)

Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with the reserved bacon, sour cream, cheese and chopped chives. (I didn't have chives)

I also served with freshly baked rolls.

This was super yummy, if I do say so myself. My kids were a little turned off by the green color but half of them still said it was good, and all the adults loved it!!

Yummy Sweet Potato Casserole

2011-11-25T14:50:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

About 4 cups sweet potatoes cooked and mashed

1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 Tablespoons Butter, room temperature
1/2 Cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Topping
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup all pupose flour
3 Tablespoons butter, softened
1/ cup chopped pecans

Diections:
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F
Put sweet potatoes peeled and cubed into a saucepan heat over medium heat until tender: drain and mash

2. Either in a large bowl or the cooking pan wherever you mash your potatoes...
mix together the potatoes, sugar, eggs, salt, butter, milk anbd vanilla. Mix untill smooth. Tranfer into a 9X13 inch baking dish.

3. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and flour, then cut in butter until mixture is course. Add pecans and mix and sprinkle mixture over the sweet potato mixture.

4. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes or until lightly brown.

I did add some minature marshmallows on top to melt and look festive. Enjoy!

Glorious Morning Muffins

2011-10-25T10:09:00.000-07:00

Glorious Morning Muffins

by Gold Metal

2 eggs
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 milk
2 tsp vanilla
2 cups of unbleached flour
1 cup brown sugar
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cup shredded carrots (2 to 3 medium)
1 cup shredded peeled apple
1/2 cup coconut
1/2 raisins
3/4 cup sliced almonds

Heat oven to 35o degrees F. Place paper baking cup in each of 18 regular size muffin cups.

In large bowl, beat eggs, oil milk and vanilla with wire whisk until well blended. Add flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Stir just until dry ingredients are moistened. Stir in carrots, apple, coconut, raisins and 1/2 cup of the almonds.

Divide batter evenly among cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup almonds over batter.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes, remove from pan.

This recipe is easily changed. I didn't have a few of these ingredients, like coconut, raisins or almonds. I substitute, 1 diced up banana and pecan pieces. I am sure you can mix and match to your hearts desire!! Give it a try you will not be disappointed. My whole family enjoyed these so much and so fast, that I could not get a photo!!

Smore's Pops

2011-09-02T09:04:00.000-07:00

Smore's Pops

These are so easy and very yummy too!! I heard a friend talk about making these and I had to try!!

All you need is:

Lollipop sticks, that you can get at any craft or hobby store

1 bag of large Marshmallows

Chocolate, I used Chocolate Coating that comes in cubes, but I am sure you can use any kind you want.

Graham Crackers.

Start by putting all your marshmallows on the ends of the sticks.

Then smash your Graham crackers as fine or chunky as you want.

Next melt your chocolate. I microwave my chocolate at 30 second intervals at 60% power. Stirring at each interval. Do not over heat chocolate or it will get clumpy.

When chocolate is melted dip the marshmallows completely in the chocolate and then roll around in the Graham crackers. I just rested them on their tops.

When they have cooled, enjoy!!

This is a great activity for kids!!

Variations: Use the really big Marshmallows you find at Walmart and stick them on the big Pretzel Rods. Then dip in chocolate and Graham Crackers.

You can do pretty much any variation you like, just use your imagination and have fun!!

Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

2011-08-22T09:12:00.000-07:00

Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Many years ago I had the perfect recipe for peanut butter cookies, but then after moving multiple times, the book with it was lost. After this last move, we have the goal of being box free. To my surprise, I found a box full of recipe books and low and behold my favorite cookie recipe book was found. It is the "Mrs. Fields Best Ever Cookie Book!"

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 1/4 cups (packed) brown sugar. (I use light brown sugar but recipe calls for dark)

2 sticks (1 cup) margarine softened (or salted butter)
3 large eggs
1 cup creamy peanut butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 300 *F

In a medium bowl, combine dry ingredients, flour, soda and salt. Mix well and set aside.

In a large bowl, or mixing bowl, blend sugars with a eclectic mixer or stand mixer at medium speed. Add butter and mix to form a grainy paste, scraping the sides of bowl. Add eggs, peanut butter and vanilla and mix at medium speed until light and fluffy.

Add the flour mixture and mix at low speed until just mixed. Do not over mix.

Drop by rounded tablespoons onto an ungreased cookie sheet. 1 1/2 inches apart. With a wet fork, gently press a crisscross pattern on top of cookes. Bake for 18-22 minutes until cookies are slightly brown along the edges. Transfer cookies immediately to a cool flat surface with a spatula.

As a variation, add 2 cups of coarsely chocolate chips to the flour mixture and then bake as directed.

Yield: about 3 1/2 dozen

Enjoy!!

German Pancakes

2011-07-07T11:40:00.000-07:00

I don't know if these are the "typical" German Pancakes but my mom is from Germany, and this is her basic recipe that was passed down by her mother.

If you were to ask each of my brothers how to make my moms pancakes, they would give you a slightly different recipe. The way my mom cooked when we were kids is add a little this and a little that and seemed to be like pulling teeth to get actual recipe.

However, after getting recipes from my brothers and my mom and after the 13 years I have been making these for my family, I think I have perfected this Pancake recipe as I remember as a child.

This is not your typical fluffy pancake. These are more dense. But the great thing about these is that hours after you are done. These pancakes still taste great just to grab one and go.

German Pancakes

3 cups all purpose flour
1 cup of sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
pinch of salt
2 eggs
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
3 cups of milk

In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients and mix well.

Add eggs, oil and then slowly add milk until a nice thick consistency. Thick but batter should still flow nicely off your spoon but not be to runny. You man not need all 3 cups and you may need slightly more.

Set your griddle to 325' and spray with cooking oil or as my mom always did, drizzle some vegetable oil on griddle and spread around with a paper towel.

Drop batter onto griddle to your preferred size, wait till the batter bubbles up and pops then turn. Leave on the other side for about the same amount of time as the first. You can check by lifting the side of one and see if it a nice light brown color. You may have to play around with timing as each griddle is different.

Spread some butter and syrup and enjoy.

This recipe will yeild about 30-40 pancakes.

Even if you have your favorite batter, give this one a try. I promise you will not be disappointed. I can please the pickiest of picky eaters with these pancakes!! My kids often come home from sleep overs and tell me how much better mine are, and even my sister has complimented them over and over!!

Zucchini Casserole Augratin

2011-06-13T23:46:00.000-07:00

6-10 zucchinis
1/4 cup margarine or butter
1 pint sour cream
2 cup grated cheese
2 slices of bread
1/4 teaspoons of salt

Cut up and parboil & drain zucchinis (about 5-10 minutes, do not over cook the zucchini or it will get real soggy.)

In a small bowl, mix the margarine, sour cream and 1 cup of grated cheese.

After Zucchini is parboiled, spread in 8"x8"baking pan, then pour the sour cream over, gently incorporate into the zucchini.

Topping..........

2 slices bread cubed, salt and remaining 1 cup grated cheese.

Bake 20-30 minutes at 350 degrees F.
Let cool for 5 minutes and serve!!

Mexican Rice and Bean Casserole

2011-04-26T18:28:00.001-07:00

Mexican Rice and Bean Casserole

Because Wednesday is Payday...Tuesday in our house has turned into pantry day. Today while searching through the pantry, I saw a few ingredients that sounded interesting and after a few different ideas I came up with this one. It was really good. The picture is not so great because the rice does not want to hold up, but you get the general idea!!

1 lbs ground beef
1 large can of mild enchilada sauce, I used El Paso
1 small can of tomato sauce
1 can of black beans, drained
1 can of green beans, drained
4 cups of cooked white rice
2 lbs of cheese or more if you prefer.

While cooking the rice, you can work on the rest of the casserole. In a large sauce pan, cook your ground meat. Season with some salt, pepper and onion powder. After meat is fully cooked, drain all grease. With meat back in the sauce pan, add the can of enchilada sauce, tomato sauce, green beans, black beans.

After rice is cooked, add it to the sauce pan along with about 2 cups of cheese. Stir until it is all mixed together and cheese is melted. Place in a 9x13 pan and cover with remaining cheese.

Bake in oven at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Let cool for a few minutes and enjoy. Add salt and pepper to taste

Lion House Rolls

2010-11-14T17:54:00.001-08:00

Lion House Rolls
Ingredients:
2 cups warm water (110-115 degrees)
2/3 cup nonfat dry milk (instant)
2 Tb. dry yeast
1/4 cup sugar
2 tsp. salt
1/3 cup shortening (butter or margarine)
1 egg
5-5 1/2 cups flour, all purpose (bread flour can be used if you have it on hand)
Method:

In the large bowl of an electric mixer, combine the water and the milk powder and stir so the milk dissolves. Add the yeast to tthis mixture then the sugar, salt, shortening, egg and 2 cups of the flour. Mix on low speed of mixer until ingredients are wet, then turn to medium speed and mix for 2 minutes. Stop the mixer and add 2 more cups of flour then mix on low speed until the ingredients are wet, then turn mixer on medium speed and mix for 2 minutes. The dough will be getting stiff and you may need to remove the bowl from the mixer and mix in the remaining flour by hand. Add approximately 1/2 cup of flour and mix again. (This can be done by hand or mixer). The dough should be soft, not overly sticky, and not stiff. (It is not necessary to use the entire amount of flour). Scrape the dough off the sides of the bowl and pour approximately on tablespoon of vegetable oil all around the sides of the bowl. Turn the dough over in the bowl so it is covered with the oil. (This helps prevent the dough from drying out.) Cover with plastic and allow to rise in a warm place until double in size. Sprinkle a cutting board or counter with flour and put the dough on the flour. It is now ready to roll out and cut into desired shape and size of rolls. Place on greased (or parchment lined) baking pans. Let rise in a warm place until the rolls are double in size (approx. 1-1 1/2 hours). Bake in a 375-degree oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are browned to your satisfaction. Brush with melted butter while hot. Yields 2 to 2 1/2 dozen rolls.

_________

When shaping the rolls, I followed the directions in the following clip that I found on you tube!! These came out perfect and If you know me and baking bread and rolls you know these are super easy!!

The Best Chicken Salad

2010-08-27T16:29:00.001-07:00

The Best Chicken Salad

YUMMY!!!!!!

I lost my original recipe, but made it again after many years for R.S. on 7-17-08. Thanks to my sister, Jane, who uses this recipe too and has been saving it all these years, we have a copy… I keep getting requests to share this recipe so here it is. Enjoy!

2-3 Cups cut up chicken (I use both sides of the chicken breast on one chicken from Walmart. (Their roasted chickens are usually bigger than in other stores and I prefer the roasted traditional flavor) If you cook the chicken fresh probably use three to 4 boneless chicken breast cooked and cut up. I've just gotten a bit lazy.

2 Cups celery cut up

1 Can crushed pineapple- regular size can ... the whole thing (Dole brand name is the best! My opinion..... don’t skimp on a few nickles)

3 Cups grapes cut in half (I prefer purple seedless. It takes time to cut all those little grapes so plan accordingly)

4-6 Cups pasta (We used to use elbow, but now I use Rotini, the curly spiral ones – I think it looks nicer) *** I sometimes add all the noodles I cook just to extend the size of the salad.

2 apples peeled and cored and cut into pieces

2-3 green onions (just the tops or green part)

1 small package slivered almonds

Could use 1 can sliced water chestnuts

(add fresh peaches or nectarines in season and cut up, these are totally optional)

After all has been cut up and prepared put in a large bowl (I use my big white Tupperware bowl) and then add the sauce. Mix well and enjoy. Or you can have the sauce mixture on the bottom with the pineapple and put everything on top and then mix... how ever is easier for you.

Sauce: mix together separately before and add to the rest all the other ingredients

1 Cup Mayonaise

1 Cup regular yogurt (another recipe used sour cream)I like the yogurt best.

1 teaspoon celery salt (don't substitute on this because this is the flavor we want)

¼ teaspoon paprika

Buttery Soft Pretzels

2010-06-07T14:01:00.000-07:00

Just found and tried this recipe and had to share! These are soooo good! The 2nd pan I left as "bitz" like you get from wetzel's pretzels and instead of salting them before putting them in the oven, I spread melted butter over the tops as soon as they came out of the oven. Soooo yummy like that!

Buttery Soft Pretzels

Ingredients
• 4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 4 cups hot water
• 1/4 cup kosher salt, for topping

Directions
1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center; add the oil and yeast mixture. Mix and form into a dough. If the mixture is dry, add one or two tablespoons of water. Knead the dough until smooth, about 7 to 8 minutes. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
3. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. In a large bowl, dissolve baking soda in hot water.
4. When risen, turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and twist into a pretzel shape. Once all of the dough is all shaped, dip each pretzel into the baking soda solution and place on a greased baking sheet. Sprinkle with kosher salt.
5. Bake in preheated oven for 8 minutes, until browned

Fake Fried Ice Cream

2010-05-18T12:19:00.001-07:00

Fake Fried Ice Cream (Boulder Creek Relief Society 2007)

5 Cups Crushed Corn Flakes
2 teaspoons melted butter
4 Tablespoons Sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Mix above ingredients together and spread it out on a cookie sheet coated with non stick cooking spray
bake at 350’ F for about 5 minutes until topping is brown and crisp
Cool

Using a glass 9x13 pan
Use ½ gallon vanilla Ice Cream (easiest is to get the kind in a rectangle and slice it)
Pack the bottom of the pan with the ice cream
Top with the corn flake topping
Freeze for 2-3 hours until firm
Serve by cutting it in squares and serve with toppings of choice

Toppings:
Strawberry
Honey
Chocolate
Carmel
Whipped cream
Maraschino cherry for decoration

S’More Cookie Bars

2010-05-14T20:11:00.001-07:00

Okay, So I totally copied this from bakingbites.com, but give them total credit, even the picture.
Last year in Cub Scouts the theme was Smores, so for pack meeting I found this recipe and though it would be a fun and easy dessert. It was a little messy but if it's a great recipe!!

S’More Cookie Bars
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/3 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs*
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 king-sized milk chocolate bars (e.g. Hershey’s)
1 1/2 cups marshmallow creme/fluff (not melted marshmallows)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light. Beat in egg and vanilla.
In a small bowl, whisk together flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder and salt. Add to butter mixture and mix at a low speed until combined. Divide dough in half and press half of dough into an even layer on the bottom of the prepared pan.

Place chocolate bars over dough. 2 king-sized Hershey’s bars should fit perfectly side by side, but break the chocolate (if necessary) to get it to fit in a single layer no more than 1/4 inch thick.

Spread chocolate with marshmallow creme or fluff.

Place remaining dough in a single layer on top of the fluff (most easily achieved by flattening the dough into small shingles and laying them together).

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until lightly browned.

Cool completely before cutting into bars

Makes 16 cookie bars.

*Note: 3/4 cup crumbs is approx 7 full-sized graham cracker sheets, whizzed in the food processor until fine.

The bars can be eaten slightly warm (and gooey) or at room temperature, though I would lean towards room temperature for ease of slicing and being able to eat without making a huge mess. They taste and smell amazing and are crazily addictive, so be forewarned that you might be tempted to eat a second one before you are done with the first.

The dough is a fairly standard cookie dough, but graham cracker crumbs are added in to give it a graham cracker flavor. It’s a crucial component of the classic s’more and it’s a nice touch in this recipe. Once mixed up, it is divided in half and pressed into the pan to form a crust. The bottom crust is layered with chocolate and marshmallow, then topped with the remaining dough. It’s close to impossible to spread the dough over the marshmallow and I achieved an even upper crust by flattening small pieces of dough and placing them, like a puzzle, gently on top of the marshmallow.

Speaking of the marshmallow, the puffed kind doesn’t hold up inside this bar cookie. You really need to use marshmallow creme or marshmallow fluff, which can be easily spread on top of the chocolate and can withstand the heat of the oven during baking. I stuck with Hershey’s as the chocolate, since that was always the standard s’more chocolate when I was little. Plus, the king sized Hershey’s bars are the perfect size to fit into the baking pan for an even layer of chocolate.

http://bakingbites.com/2007/08/smore-cookie-bars/

Braised Pork Chops in Sour Cream Sauce

2010-03-01T17:35:00.000-08:00

This is one of my new favorites! I love the sauce, it's rich and creamy without a lot of calories and fat! There are 259 calories and 12 grams of fat per serving. That's pretty good especially since the sauce is wonderful! I love to serve this with garlic roasted red potatoes and dip those potatoes in the extra sauce. Yummy!

(I double this recipe)

4 pork chops
salt and pepper
3/4 cup beef broth, divided
1 T A-1 sauce (or bbq sauce if you prefer that)
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/3 cup sour cream
3 T flour

Sprinkle chops with salt and pepper.

Spray non-stick skillet with cooking spray, heat pan and add chops. Cover and cook until lightly browned on both sides, abt 5 to 10 min.

In small bowl, combine 1/2 cup broth with 1 T A-1 sauce. Pour this over chops, cover and simmer until chops are cooked through, abt 10 min.

Remove chops, cover to keep warm. In bowl, combine remaining broth, milk, sour cream and flour until smooth. Pour into skillet and cook over med to low heat until thickened. May need to thin with additional milk or broth.

Serve sauce over chops.

Avacado Salsa

2010-02-20T08:30:00.000-08:00

I realize this picture is not the best, that's because I took the picture the next day. It looks better when it is fresh. I made this as my appetizer for our ward's progressive dinner and had so many people request this recipe that I thought I better post it. Anyway, this came from my sister, JoAnn (thx sis!). This is serious chick food! lol (ask Bryan abt that!)

Avocado Salsa

1 can corn, drained
1 can black olives, drained and sliced
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 cups sliced green onions
1 1/2 cups diced roma tomatoes
3 large avocados, diced
1 pkg Good Seasons Italian dressing prepared using olive oil and vinegar (I used apple cider vinegar)

Mix all together and serve with tortilla chips. This is definitely a crowd pleaser!

Red Velvet Cupcakes

2010-02-18T11:26:00.000-08:00

RED VELVET CUPCAKES

2 1/2 C flour
1/2 C cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 C butter, softened
2 C sugar
4 eggs
1 C plain greek yogurt
1/2 C milk
1 (1 oz.) bottle red food color
2 tsp vanilla

VANILLA CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

1 8oz package cream cheese, softened
4 Tbsp softened butter
2 Tbsp plain greek yogurt
2 tsp vanilla
1 16oz box powdered sugar

FOR THE CUPCAKES:
In a medium bowl, MIX flour, coca, baking soda, and salt. In a larger bowl, BEAT butter and sugar w/electric mixer on medium speed 3 minutes or until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time. Mix in yogurt, milk, food color, and vanilla. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed just until blended. Spoon batter into paper-lined muffin cups, filling each cup 2/3 full. BAKE in preheated 350° oven for 20-25 mins. Cool in pans 5 mins. Remove from pans; cool completely.

FOR THE FROSTING:
Beat all ingredients in large bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in powdered sugar on medium speed until smooth. Spread over cooled cupcakes.

ENJOY!

2010-02-07T17:34:00.000-08:00

Chicken Noodle Soup

2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 yellow onion
2 cups of chopped celery
2 cups of cut carrots or 1 bag of mini peeled carrots
10 cups chicken stalk (homemade, canned or chicken bullion)
1 small bag of frozen corn
1 package of Rotini Noodles
1 rotisserie chicken shredded, preferably from Costco
1 tsp dried parsley
salt and pepper
*optional - 1/2 head of cabbage chopped up

In large pot, heat up olive oil. Saute onions and celery until onions are soft. Add chicken stalk and bring to a light boil on med/high heat. Add Carrots and boil for 10 minutes or until carrots are fork tender. Add Rotini noodles and cook for recommended time on package. (If adding cabbage add at same time as noodles.) After noodles are cooked, add parsley, corn and shredded chicken and bring back to boil for a few minutes. Season with Salt and Pepper to taste and enjoy!!

In our family, we like to serve this Chicken Noodle Soup over Mashed Potato's. Sounds weird but it is really good!!

If you can't get a Costco rotisserie, I recommend Walmart rotisserie chicken. The other grocery stores chickens tend to be smaller and more expensive.

Banana Oatmeal Cookies

2010-02-04T14:38:00.000-08:00

Banana Oatmeal Cookies w/Chocolate chips & almonds

3/4 C all-purpose flour
3/4 C oat flour
3/4 C sugar (I use part turbinado sugar which is less processed than white)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
3/4 C apple sauce
1 egg, beaten
1 C mashed ripe bananas
2 C rolled oats
1 C semi-sweet chocolate chips
couple big pinches of sliced almonds

Preheat oven to 400°F.

In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, & cinnamon. Cut in the shortening until almost no lumps remain. Stir in the egg and bananas; mix well. Stir in oats and chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoonfull 2" apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake for 15 minutes or until edges are browned. Remove from pans immediately to cool on wire racks.

Orange Pinapple Apple Juice

2010-01-24T22:05:00.001-08:00

This has been a family favorite for many years. Mix these two together and you have yourself a super yummy drink.

A carton of Welch's Orange Pineapple Apple Juice
2 litter bottle of Diet Sprite or any diet lemon-lime soda pop.

Just pour into a 1 gallon pitcher just before serving. We always serve over ice!!

They used to sell the Welch's mix in a Frozen Concentrate, but it is hard to find now. If you can find the juice in a frozen Can, just make juice as instructed on can and then add Sprite.

I really recommend using DIET Soda for this mix. Even with using Diet, it is still very sweet!!

Beef and Zucchini Casserole

2010-01-18T18:46:00.000-08:00

This zucchini and ground beef casserole is layered like lasagna, with ground beef, rice, zucchini, squash and cottage cheese.

3 cups of thinly sliced zucchini

1 cup of thinly sliced yellow squash

salt

2 tablespoons oil

1/2 onion

1 teaspoon of garlic powder

1 pound lean ground beef

1/2 teaspoon of oregano

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 cup cooked rice

1 14 oz can of peeled diced tomato's (do not drain)

1 cup cottage cheese

2 cup casserole blend cheese*

1 egg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Toss zucchini and squash with 1 teaspoon salt and let stand 20 minutes; drain.

Place half of the zucchini and squash in a buttered 8" x 8" Casserole dish.

Heat oil in skillet; saute onion until tender; add ground beef and cook until no longer pink. Drain off excess fat; add oregano, garlic powder, pepper and 1/2 teaspoon salt or more to taste. Stir in cooked rice and diced tomato's. Spread over zucchini and squash in casserole dish.

Combine cottage cheese, 1 cup cheese, and egg, spoon over meat mixture.

Top with remaining Zucchini and squash and sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly.

Story behind this dish!!

When thinking of what to make for dinner tonight, I remembered I had some ground beef I needed to use and some zucchini and squash. So I googled both of them and came up with a few casserole dishes and skillet recipes. This particular recipe seemed easy enough and I had all the ingredients already.

I thought this turned out good enough to share with everyone. Everyone seemed to like it except not all my kids like zucchini but they just ate around it.

2010-01-18T12:28:00.000-08:00

APFEL KUCHEN (German Apple Cake)

from the kitchen of Eva (Haase) Hooper ...

Another one of my favorite recipes that has been passed down from my mom!! (Not sure the picture does this cake justice. I may have to make another cake with my mom, I am not sure if I put the apples on right!! Regardless, it still tasted super yummy!!)

Bakes in 30 minutes at 375 degrees F. (Grease a 9X13 inch pan)

Cake Mix
1/4 Cup margarine or butter
1 Cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 Cup milk
2 Cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon baking powder
4 - 5 apples peeled, cored and sliced

Topping sprinkle mixture of:
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 Cup sugar

Directions: Cream together margarine, sugar, and eggs
Add milk and vanilla
Add flour, salt and baking powder
Pour dough into greased 9X13 pan
Arrange apples into soft dough with thicker side up.
Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar mixture.
Bake for 30 minutes at 375 degrees
While still warm on the cooling rack drizzle cake with a powdered sugar glaze

Sugar Glaze:
Mix About 2 ½ Tablespoons of milk or lemon juice
2 Cups powdered sugar until it is a thick syrupy consistency and drizzle over cake
(add more sugar or the more liquid for the right consistency)

Cake Balls

2010-01-12T15:59:00.000-08:00

Cake Balls

Warning: Super delicious and Very Addicting!!

-1 cake mix box + ingredients listed on box.
-1 can of coordinating frosting
-1 package of Chocolate Bark, White or Milk Chocolate (It comes packaged like ice cubes, Albertsons and Wal-Mart carry them in the baking isle.)
-Any extra decorating items like nuts, white chocolate bark or sprinkles.

Bake cake as directed on box, and let completely cool.

In a large mixing bowl, crumble cake and add can of frosting and mix together well. I use my stand mixer but you can hand mix it. The better it is mixed, the easier to roll balls.

After mixing, cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Once cool, Roll into 1” balls. Place balls on a small cookie sheet and return back to the refrigerator for about 1 hour. Some people freeze them but I find this makes the chocolate coating crack and they are harder to dip. However they do need to be cool or they will just crumble apart when dipped.

When balls are cool and ready to dip, Melt your Chocolate Bark. You can microwave or double boil. Instructions for melting should be on the package. I prefer to microwave. I melt in 30 second increments on 50% power. I usually only need to put it in 2-3 times to get it melted perfect. 2 for smaller batches and 3 for larger batches.

Start dipping balls. I have not found a perfect method to dip balls so just do the best you can. I typically use forks or a long metal kabob holder. Just make sure to get off as much excess chocolate as you can.

Place balls on wax paper or a silicon mat. Or you can put each ball into a miniature cup cake wrapper. This is fun when making them as gifts.

If you are adding nuts or sprinkles add them immediately after dipping, otherwise they will not stick after chocolate has cooled. For this step, it is nice to have a helper to add the topping while you keep dipping.

If you are decorating with white chocolate lines, you may do this after dipping all the balls. Melt a few cubes in the microwave and dip fork into the chocolate and quickly shake the fork over the top of the balls. This will produce a random design. Or you can use a frosting bag or a zip lock bag and with a small opening at a corner, drizzle the white lines.

Some of my favorite combinations are:

Betty Crocker Devils Food Cake/Milk Chocolate Frosting/Milk Chocolate Melting Bark with White Chocolate drizzled on top.

Betty Corker German Chocolate Cake/Betty Crocker Coconut Pecan Frosting/Chocolate Melting bark with Pecans sprinkled on top. (You could probably use another brand for the cake mix but I highly recommend using Betty Crocker for the Coconut Pecan Frosting.)

White Cake Mix, Milk Chocolate Frosting and Milk Chocolate Melting Bard.

Some people love the Pillsbury white sprinkle cake Mix/white frosting/white melting bark…

There are endless combinations!! If you have a favorite please leave a comment with it!!

BBQ Chicken Marinade

2010-01-06T18:45:00.000-08:00

Tonight I made BBQ chicken by request from Jeremy!!

This is not a post on how to BBQ but rather just a excellent marinade for chicken that will be BBQ'd or even baked. We have used Italian Dressing on our chicken ever since I can remember learning how to bbq as a Teenager. After all these years I have decided that my favorite marinade for chicken is Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing.

I know this sounds like a commercial and it kind of is. If you are pinching penny's, store brand Italian Dressing will do or if other brands are on sale you could use them too, but I prefer to spend the extra few and buy Kraft, don't skimp on the fat free...buy the good stuff!! Actually Kraft is one of the cheaper brands. Different brands have slightly different tastes, you might find you like another brand better!!

Marinade for as long as you can but if you are short on time, allow at least 1 hour . Tupperware has a good container for marinating, it's called the Season Serve Container...(Yes I used to sell Tupperware but don't anymore.) The Tupperware container allows you to flip the box over and over, without leaking to get the marinade flowing!! I can easily fit about 10-15 Chicken Breasts in this container!! Don't forget you can buy these on ebay and save a little money...opps did I say that? A large Zip Lock bag works good too, but they do tend to leak!!

Chili

2010-01-04T22:01:00.000-08:00

Chili

by Eva Hooper

Pinto Beans-1 package

Soak beans overnight in large pot!! Beans may double or triple in size so make sure you add enough water so beans stay below the water line.

After beans have soaked, cook beans on a low simmer, for 2 to 4 hours until tender.

Add:

1 Large can peeled ready to go chopped tomatoes

1 large can tomato sauce

1 small can chopped green chili

1 tablespoon beef bullion

Then Saute until glossy, in a large sauce pan:

1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped

1/2 bell pepper, finely chopped

add to beans

In the same pan brown

1 to 2 pounds of lean hamburger meat.

Drain grease and add to beans.

Salt and Pepper to taste.

Add more beef bullion if needed.

I remember having Chili and Scones every Halloween since I was a child. I have kept the tradition with my own family as well. This is not a heavy chili. It is a lighter, more tomatoey chili and I love it!! If you want it thicker, simply add more beans and meat. I have added diced jalapenos before but most people prefer to eat it with out that heat.

I always double or even triple the recipe when I make it, but I am usually cooking for a crowd. The basic recipe is good for one family with a little left over.

Check out our scone recipe to make with this, or simply serve with cornbread or rolls.

Carrot Cake

2010-01-04T19:54:00.000-08:00

Carrot Cake ….. (My Wedding Cake)

Yup still my favorite recipe

1½ Cup oil

2 Cups sugar

4 eggs

2 Cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons cinnamon

3 Cups finely grated carrots

½ to 1 Cup nuts (optional)

½ to 1 Cup raisins (optional)

Cream oil, sugar and eggs together

Add remaining ingredients and mix

Pour into a greased and floured 9X13 pan

Bake at 350 for 40-50 minutes

Test for doneness with a toothpick

Cream Cheese Frosting

4 oz cream cheese

¼ Cup melted margarine or butter(1/2 stick)

1 teaspoon vanilla

Up to 1 # powdered sugar

(Note from Leslie: I usually add all the powder sugar and then add milk until I reach the consistency I like. Also be careful with the vanilla. Some vanilla is stronger then others.)

Mix cream cheese, margarine or butter and vanilla until blended and smooth and add no more than 1 pound of powdered sugar for a good spreading consistency and frost the cake

Snicker Doodles

2010-01-01T13:21:00.000-08:00

*These are covered with Christmas colored sugar sprinkles, No cinnamon, delicious!*

Snickerdoodles
Heat oven to 400 degrees F

Single Recipe
1 1/2 Cups sugar
1/2 Cup butter (1 stick)
1/2 Cup Margarine (1 stick)
2 eggs
2 3/4 Cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping Mixture...1/4 Cup Sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon to roll dough in

Double recipe
3 Cups sugar
1 Cup butter (2 sticks)
1 Cup Margarine (2 sticks)
4 eggs
5 1/2 Cups all purpose flour
4 teaspoons cream of tartar
2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Topping Mixture...1/2 Cup Sugar and 4 teaspoons cinnamon to roll dough in

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees F
2. Mix sugar, butter and margarine and eggs in a large bowl until nice and smooth. I use my big mixer with the cookie hook.
3. Add the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt and mix thoroughly
4. Shape dough into 1 1/4 inch balls (we used a level scoop of a medium scoop from pampered chef, I don't know if that is what that apparatus is called)
5. Roll the balls in the sugar and cinnamon mixture. Or use colored sugar sprinkles at Christmas or Red at Valentines and Green for St. Patrick's Day or what ever color you like, etc. without the cinnamon.
6. Place balls two inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Gently flatten each ball just a bit. We fit 12 per cookie sheet.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes. The very edges will turn just a slight shade of golden tan. Remove from oven and transfer cookies onto wire rack to cool. Store in a Tupperware, Rubbermaid or other airtight container.

Corn Chowder

2009-12-07T13:23:00.000-08:00

Corn Chowder

I learned how to make this a long time ago from my mom!!

At least 1 package of Bacon
1 Large Yellow Onion
5 – 10 lbs of Potato’s
2 Cans of Cream Style Sweet Corn
granulated beef or chicken bullion (if you can’t find granules, cubes are fine!)
all purpose flour
water
salt & pepper

Peel Potato’s and cube, then cut up bacon and onion . Set aside until needed.

Heat up a large pot and add Bacon. Cook bacon until crispy but be careful not to burn it. (If I am making more then 1 package of bacon I will cook most of the bacon in a separate pot to prevent burning. You need to cook some in your soup pot for the bacon grease and bits and pieces.)

After bacon is fully cooked, remove bacon from pot and most of the grease.

In a little of the bacon grease in your pot, sauté your onions until they are transparent.

Add prepared potato’s and enough water to cover them. Bring to a medium boil and let cook for about 10 minutes or until soft.

Add the creamed corn and bring back to boil.

Mix about 2 – 3 heaping table spoons of flour with about 2 cups of water. Mix until all the flour is dissolved. Slowly add to pot and stir constantly until soup thickens. You may need to repeat this if you want it thicker.

Add at least 1-2 Tablespoons of Bullion, more may be needed depending on how much flour you used. Taste as you go, so you don’t add too much!! (I prefer Beef Bullion, my Mom prefers chicken bullion).

Add Salt and Pepper to taste.

After Bacon has cooled, crumble into small pieces and you can throw in the pot at this point or let everyone add as they like. I like to throw it back in the pot so we don’t fight over the bacon. We usually make at least 2 packages of bacon because we have lots of sticky fingers that snatch it up while the rest of the soup is cooking. (Yes this would include my self so I can’t get upset with the kids and men when they do it.)

Serve with rolls and you will be in heaven!!

Jill's Carmel Sauce!!

2009-12-03T14:53:00.000-08:00

I got this recipe from my Sister-In-Law Jill. This is great on microwave popcorn, Carmel dip, topping for ice cream...and just about anything.

When using Microwave Popcorn this recipe will cover about 3 bags. Just be careful to pull out all the kernels...I think with an air popper you might avoid most of the kernels.

2 Cups Brown Sugar

1 Cup light Karo Syrup

1 cube butter
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp Vanilla

In a pot bring Brown Sugar, Light Karo Syrup & 1 cube butter to a boil, stirring constantly.

Add1 can sweetened condensed milk

Bring to a boil again, stirring constantly (the longer you boil it at this point, the thicker the Carmel will become. I typically don't boil it for more than 2 minutes).

Remove from heat. Add 1 tsp Vanilla

Black Bean & Corn Salsa

2009-11-03T12:07:00.000-08:00

1-15 oz can Black Beans
1-12 oz can Whole Kernal Corn
1/2 of a 14.5oz can Diced Tomato
1-Small Red Onion, finely diced
1/4 C Lime Juice
1 tsp Cumin Powder

Drain and rinse beans and corn.
Combine in a medium bowl with diced tomato and onion.
Add lime juice & cumin, mix well.
Serve w/tortilla chips.
Refrigerate any leftovers.

Chicken and Vegtable Stir Fry!!

2009-09-13T17:58:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
Celery (1 Large bunch cleaned and separated and sliced)
Carrots (I used to slice them but like in this picture we used baby carrots) 2 pkgs.
Green onion (whole bunch)
Water chestnuts (1 can)
Chicken Breasts
soy sauce
corn starch
oil

*Prepare white rice when you start this recipe. Right before serving you can make it fried rice by heating a large frying pan add a little oil and saute quickly the green onion. Fired rice has eggs in it so I scramble the eggs in another pan. When onion are just a bit softened I add a large amount of the rice and add the scrambled egg. For a dish by itself you can add diced ham or other meat and serve.

The Chinese Chicken......

Cut up, the celery , carrots, in diagonal cuts and put in individual containers or plastic bags until ready to use. Cut the green onions.
Cut up chicken and marinate in 4 tsp of corn starch and soy sauce enough to soak the chicken. I used 1/2 of a medium bottle of soy sauce. This basically makes the sauce.
Heat pan to a very high temperature until water bounces in little droplets.. or in an electric fry pan at the hottest setting.
Add oil to coat the bottom of the pan
Add carrots, celery and most of the green onions leaving some for the fried rice if desired.
Stir quickly to coat the veggies with oil then add water. Approximately 1/2 to 1 cup water. Stir again and cove and steam the veggies until tender. watch that the water doesn't burn off. Just add more water if needed. (5-10 minutes)
Add the rest of the ingredients, marinated chicken & water chestnuts Add more water and cover and cook until chicken is done.
Add more soy sauce to taste. If you want more liquid for a moister chicken in the sauce add more water and soy sauce.
When done keep warm at 200

Serve over plain rice or fried rice.
Add soy sauce to taste. Some people add salt and pepper to taste. I think pineapple chunks would be tasty too.
Serve with Chow Mien Noodles a fortune cookie and/or chopsticks if desired.

Pineapple Upside down Cake - Leslie's Way

2009-09-13T16:09:00.000-07:00

Not sure where I came up with this recipe, but I sure do like it!!

Pineapple Upside down Cake - Leslie's Way

1 20 oz can of sliced pineapples
1 2o oz can of crushed or tidbits pineapples
1 cup of brown sugar
(you can use 2 cans of crushed or tidbits if you want)

1 yellow cake mix and ingredients it ask for.(usually, Eggs, oil & water but substitute the water with the Pineapple juice from your sliced pineapple and crushed pineapple.)

Open cans of pineapple and drain juice into measuring cup. Save the amount need that is asked in cake recipe. you can discard the rest.
Place slices neatly on the bottom of a 9x13x2 pan
Fill in the gaps with the crushed or tidbits.

Sprinkle 1 cup of light brown sugar over the top of the pineapple.

Mix cake mix according to box instructions, except substitute the water with the pineapple juice.
Gently poor cake mix over the pineapple and brown sugar.

Bake according to instructions on box. It may take a little longer to cook. When cake pulls away from sides, you know it is done.

Let cool for 10 minutes and then serve with cool whip or vanilla ice cream.

Texas Sheet Cake

2009-09-13T14:12:00.000-07:00

I made this 2 years ago for a ward family outing. The recipe is from a lady in my old ward.

Texas Sheet Cake

1 cup butter
1 cup water
1 cup cocoa powder

2 cup sugar
2 cup flour
1/8 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla

Combine butter, water, & cocoa in saucepan over medium heat.
Heat till butter melts, stirring often. Transfer to mixing bowl. Add rest of cake ingredients.

Pour into a 15 x 10 x 1 inch jelly roll pan.
Bake at 350 d. for 20 minutes.

FROSTING
Chopped Pecans (if desired, I prefer it with.)
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup cocoa
1/4 cup + 2 T half & half...(I just used regular milk)
4 1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar (it's actually 1 pound)
1/2 tsp Vanilla

Combine butter, cocoa, & Half + Half in saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
Transfer to mixing bowl.
Add powdered sugar & Vanilla.
Spread over HOT cake and add nuts if desired!!

Cool, cut into bars, enjoy and don't get on the scale!!

Soure Klopse

2009-09-06T22:25:00.001-07:00

So yummy, one of ALL the Hooper's favorites! This is a picture of Soure Klopse that Leslie had taken and posted on facebook. Thanks, Leslie!

Start a half of a large pot of water to boil. Add at least 2 large Tbsp of beef bullion to water.

Peel potatoes and cut in half and boil potatoes in a separate pot. May add salt to water.

Prepare klopse (meatballs):

For every pound of ground beef, add one egg.
Add fresh or dried onion, about 1/2 onion equivalent.
Salt and Pepper to taste.
Marjoram, Basil abt 1 tsp each (we used 3 lb ground beef) If you use ground marjoram, use less.
Add aprox 1/2 cup of flour per pound.

Mix well. Using wet hands, form into golf ball sized meatballs. Add meatballs to boiling bullion water. When meatballs start rising to the top, they are almost done. Then add 1 to 2 heaping Tbsp of dried parsley flakes. In a separate small cup, beat 3 egg yolks with a small amount of water until smooth and mixed well. Pour yolk mixture into meatballs pan while gently stirring. Then add juice of at least 2 lemons (preferably no seeds). Add salt and pepper and more bullion to taste. In separate container or cup, add 1 cup flour and enough water to make a nice smooth mixture. Add to gravy while stirring. It will be a little runny still.

Serve over drained, boiled potatoes. When serving, individuals can squeeze extra lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste. Some of us like more lemon than others.

Chocolate Overload Cake

2009-09-06T21:51:00.000-07:00

I helped make Sour Klopse for dinner over at Bryan and Michelle's house and we wanted a desert. There wasn't much to choose from, so we went with the ingredients in her pantry and it turned out sooo much better than we thought. Eat it warm, preferably with vanilla ice cream because it is gooey and delicious.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9 x 13 glass pan.

1 pkg chocolate cake (any version you have even if it's 5 yrs old! lol)

1 pkg instant chocolate pudding mix (regular small box)

1 cup sour cream (we used light)

1 cup milk (we used skim)

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup water

4 eggs

1 12 oz pack of milk chocolate chips (2 cups)

In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, sour cream, milk, oil, water, and eggs. Beat it up (a few punches should do). Then add chocolate chips and gently stir. Put in pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.

While hot, add another 12 oz package of chocolate chips (2 cups) on top of cake. When melted, spread as a frosting.

Eat while warm and with ice cream! Small pieces or sugar shock will ensue. Yummy!

Warning: Do not look at the nutritional information on the recipe or get on a scale for at least a couple of days. Bad things will happen!

Orange Julius

2009-08-04T11:53:00.000-07:00

Orange Julius

8 oz Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate
3 large scoops of vanilla ice cream
12-15 large ice cubes
2 cups of milk (more might be necessary)
1 tablespoon of vanilla
1/2 cup Sugar

(This serves about 48 oz...)

In a blender, add all ingredients . Cover, and begin blending. If mixture is too think add a little bit of milk to thin out. You may have to stir occasionally to help your blender out.

Continue adding milk until you are able to completely blend all ingredients for at least 1 minute and it becomes smooth. (I have never measured the milk, that is why I am not positive on the amount.)

If it is not sweet enough you may want to add more sugar.

I have enjoyed this basic recipe since I was a child. And now my children beg for me to make it. To quote Jacob: "Mom, you make the bestest Orange Julius's EVER".

Once you have this basic recipe down, the flavor possibilities are endless. You can add bananas, raspberries, strawberries and so much more. I hope you enjoy!!

Shepherd's Casserole (potato surprise)

2009-07-30T21:48:00.000-07:00

Couldn't come up with a gorgeous photo but it sure tasted good!

Sheepherders Casserole or Hamburger Surprise as called by some family members

This recipe is for about 4 hungry people so you might want to stretch it a bit. I like basic recipe the best.

First you need mashed potatoes either from last night’s dinner or......

Boil cut up peeled white potatoes until tender, drain water and leave potatoes in pot.

Add 1 stick margarine and enough evaporated milk to make a nice mashed potato consistency add salt to taste. I always use evaporated milk for mashed potatoes.

Brown 1 pound hamburger meat

Optional add ½ of a cut up onion and continue browning until onion is cooked

One could add finely chopped carrots and celery which is also optional

Add 1 can tomato soup to the browned meat

Let simmer for a few minutes

Pour Meat mixture into a 10 inch casserole dish

Put a can of drained green beans over the meat mixture

Top with mashed potato and top potatoes with grated cheese (longhorn or mild cheddar)

Bake in oven at 350 degrees F for 20-30 minutes until cheese is melted

For the basic recipe...

mashed potatoes (potatoes, margarine, evaporated milk, salt to taste)

1 pound hamburger meat

1 can tomato soup

1 can green beans

grated cheese

(onion, carrots and celery and even some corn in the meat mixture is totally optional)

Homemade White Bread

2009-07-27T16:52:00.001-07:00

The aroma this bread gives off while baking will bring in all the kids from outside plus some extras! Yummy!

Bread
1 cup warm water
1 T sugar
3 T dry yeast
Dissolve yeast in water with sugar. Set aside to rise.

4 cups warm water
6 T shortening (a large scoopful is usually good)
5 T sugar
1 T salt
6 cups bread flour

Add ingredients to large mixer. Add yeast mixture. Mix all ingredients together and add more bread flour to make a medium stiff dough, approximately 6 cups more. Knead about 5 minutes in mixer or 10 minutes by hand.

Put in large, covered bowl with lid (like the big red Tupperware bowl) that has been buttered or sprayed with cooking spray. Cover and let rise 5 minutes. Punch down and let rise another 5 minutes. Punch down and let rise another 5 minutes (yes, three sets of 5 minutes). Punch down and let rise 15 minutes. Punch down and let rise 30 minutes and then form into loaves.

Let rise in pans, covered with a towel, for 35 minutes. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Put melted butter on crust after baking.

This recipe makes 4-5 loaves. You can also put some in the refrigerator for a day or two and it then makes a great pizza crust!!

The Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies

2009-07-26T19:38:00.000-07:00

Sooo yummy, they are chewy and gooey. The shortening gives them a different texture than butter and I love it. A lot of people like the traditional butter, and I do too, but these are my family's favorites. Sorry, I didn't get a pic this time.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Preheat oven to 375 º

1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar

In large bowl, mix above ingredients at medium speed until creamy.

2 tsp vanilla
2 large eggs

Add vanilla and eggs and beat at low speed until mixed.

2 ¼ cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt

Gradually mix dry ingredients into creamy mixture. Stir in chocolate chips.
Drop by tablespoon onto cookie sheet. Bake for 6 to 9 minutes until edges barely start to brown. (My oven is 6 min and 45 seconds. Yes, I actually do the seconds ;>) )

Cool on cookie sheet for 2-3 minutes before removing. They will look slightly undercooked when you take them out of the oven, but they continue cooking while they rest on the cookie sheet.

No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars!!

2009-07-26T19:21:00.000-07:00

This is a recipe I got from the Parmalee's years ago and it is one of our favs. Esp when I am broke as I almost always have this stuff in the pantry. This is serious chocolate people! Yummy!

2 c sugar

1/4 cup real butter

3 T cocoa powder

1/2 c milk

Boil this on the stove for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and add:

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 cup peanut butter

2 1/2 to 3 cups oatmeal

Pour into a 9x13 pan or drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper. I tend to double it and put it in a cookie sheet. It usually disappears in a day!

Chicken Pot Pie

2009-07-26T17:28:00.000-07:00

This is the Campbell's soup recipe (and picture) but I add cheese and it makes it taste so much better! An easy dinner with most everything out of the pantry. I usually double this in a casserole pan.

1 can Cream of Chicken Soup

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 pkg. (9 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables

1 cup cubed cooked chicken or 1 large can chicken

1/2 cup milk

1 egg

1 cup all-purpose baking mix
Directions:
Heat oven to 400°F.
Stir soup, vegetables, cheese and chicken in 9" pie plate.
Stir milk, egg and baking mix in medium bowl. Pour over chicken mixture. Bake 30 min. or until crust is golden.

Chicken Sorrento

2009-07-22T17:31:00.000-07:00

The actual recipe calls for a bag of frozen stir fry vegetable blend but I didn't have that on hand so I used frozen broccoli and some fresh carrots and celery instead. I thought it turned out really good!

INGREDIENTS
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 5 oz each)
1⁄4 tsp salt
1⁄8 tsp pepper
2 tsp olive oil
1 bottle (8 oz) creamy Italian dressing
1 bag (16 oz) frozen stir-fry vegetable blend

PREPARATION
1. Sprinkle chicken with the salt and pepper.

2. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 2 minutes on each side, or until golden.

3. Pour dressing on chicken; turn to coat. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.

4. Add frozen vegetables, cover and cook 5 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are crisp-tender.

Cooked Strawberry Jam

2009-07-21T17:33:00.000-07:00

Cooked Strawberry Jam (by CERTO but Altered by Eva)

4 cups crushed strawberries

7 cups sugar

1 table spoon of Lemon Juice

1 Certo Pouch

Directions:

1. Prepare lids and jars by placing in boiling water unitl ready to use.

2. Prepare fruit, crush using a potato masher or if using a food processor, pulse to chop. Do not Puree. Jam should have bits of fruit. (I tend to puree, but that's my personal preference.)

3. Measure exact amount of prepared strawberries, sugar and lemon juice in a 6 - 8 quart saucepot.

4. Bring mixture to full rolling boil (a boil that doesn't stop bubbling when stirred) on high heat, stirring constantly.

5. Stir in pectin quickly. Return to a full rolling boil and boil exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim off any foam with metal spoon.

6. Ladle quickly into prepared jars, filling within 1/2 inch of tops. Wipe jar rims and threads. Cover with two piece lids. Screw bands tightly. Turn jars upside down on a towel covered counter/table. After 15 minutes of after next batch is complete turn first jars back right side up. Jars will start sealing and you can hear the popping. If lid springs back, lid is not sealed and refrigeration is necessary.

7. Let stand at room temperature 24 hours. Store unopened jams and jellies in cool, dry, dark place up 60 1 year. Refrigerate opened jams and jellies up to 3 weeks.

Our Notes: 2 pounds of strawberries for 1 batch

7 cups of sugar for 1 batch....

8 batches we used 30 lbs of Sugar...16 lbs of Strawberries and 4 boxes of Certo

juice from 2 small lemons

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

2009-07-21T17:27:00.000-07:00

Cheesy Broccoli Bake Casserole

2 pounds fresh broccoli, trimmed and cut up
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the casserole
1 Small Onion chopped
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 Cup of milk
1 pound grated cheese Cheddar or your favorite choice.(Half will go into the sauce the other half will go on top of casserole.)
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 8” x 8” casserole dish.

Steam the broccoli until tender, about 10 minutes.

In the meantime you can make the sauce. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion until softened, about 10 minutes; drain. Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk and ½ pound of cheese and season with pepper and garlic salt. Turn down to low heat until the cheese melts.

When the broccoli is tender, place it into the casserole dish.

After sauce is ready, pour it over and gently work it into the broccoli. Then spread the remaining ½ pound of cheese on top.

Bake until cheese is melted and bubbling.

___________

For a twist or to make it a main dish. Simply add some meat. You can add shredded beef or chicken. Oh whatever you heart so desires!! I typically double the recipe when I make it but I am feeding 8 people!!

I saw Paula Dean make this one night and it looked so good. I didn't make it exactly how she did but tailored it to what I had in the pantry!!

Banana Bread

2009-07-21T17:20:00.000-07:00

Banana Bread
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (3 Medium Banana's)
1/4 cup butter margarine
2 eggs
¼ cup chopped nuts(optional)
*

Preheat Oven 350 degrees
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In a large bowl combine the flour, the sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and set aside. In your mixing bowl, Add mashed banana; butter. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed; add eggs one at a time; after well blended; add dry ingredients, when well blended beat on high for a minute. Stir in nuts.
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Pour batter into a greased 8x4x2 loaf pan. Bake at 350 for 55 to 60 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes. After cooled wrap and store it. OR Just Eat and Enjoy!!
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I Doubled the recipe and put it in a bunt pan. It took 1 hour in a 350 degree oven.

The original Recipe came from my brother Eric, I realized I mistakenly changed it a little but it still tasted excellent!!

Scones

2009-07-21T15:18:00.000-07:00

SCONES!! Eva's Way

Scones OR Pizza Dough

2 ½ cups of warm water
2 Tbs of yeast or two packages
3 Tbs of sugar
1 Tbs of salt
½ cups of instant powdered milk
1/3 cup oil
3 ½ of flour

In a Large Mixing bowl, dissolve yeast with Water. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.

Then add up to 3 ½ cups more flour

Let rise in a greased bowl and cover, till ready to use. Pinch off sections, roll it out on a floured surface and cut. We like to use a Pizza cutter to cut. Fry in deep hot oil 425 degrees.

Traditionally we eat these on Halloween Night...As long as I can remember we would always have Scones & Chili.

We serve the scones two ways...First we serve them more like Indian fry bread...I like to make Shredded Beef, Salsa, Sour Cream & Cheese...some like lettuce and other stuff...Some people put the chili on the scones and I think we have done refried beans as well.

And then as desert we have them with Honey and Powdered Sugar...SOO yummy!!! Tonight, I didn't have a roast so I didn't get a picture of it but I did get one with honey and powdered sugar. So if you are interested in our Family's recipe for Scones...here it is. Sweet or Savory, I guarantee you will like them.

Just a thought. I was watching the food network the other night and they were talking about yeast. I tend to have issues getting my dough to rise. Someone asked this cook, "what do you mean by warm water"....The lady went on to say, "if the water is too hot, it will kill the yeast...if it is too cold, it won't wake the yeast up". So she said a little bit warmer then your body temperature is about right. I think I tend to kill it by having the water too hot!! I am sure you all know this already but I just thought I would share. After all the people who were asking the question were cooks in training...although you have to wonder still, if some of it is scripted.

Yummy Wheat Bread

2009-07-21T09:26:00.000-07:00

Making Wheat Bread-Recipe from Eva Hooper

My Moms Wheat Grinder

Grinding the Wheat!!

Recipe
Wheat Bread by Eva Hooper (My MOM)

2 Cups Dry Instant Milk

6 Cups Warm Water

2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil

2 Tablespoons Honey

1 Tablespoon Salt

7 Cups Fresh Whole Wheat Flour

7 Cups White Flour

3 Packages or 3 Tablespoons of dry yeast

In a small bowl, add Yeast to 2/3 Cup of warm water and 1 teaspoon sugar. Do not add yet, set aside till after the first step of kneading dough. IF the bubbles rise too far, stir it down. If bubbles don't rise at all, then you know your yeast is bad.

In a large electric mixer(6 QT is Ideal), with the flat beater paddle, mix dry milk, water, oil, honey, and salt.

Gradually add 7 cups Whole Wheat Flour.

Let this mix/knead for at least 7 minutes. Scrape bowl so all dough is mixed thoroughly.

Now add your raised yeast mixture into the mixing bowl and mix well.

Before going on, Change to Bread hook attachment.

Add about 4 cups of white flour.

Then add the 3 remaining cups (7 total) of white flour one at a time until dough is smooth.

(Tip: pre-measure your 7 cups so you won't lose count.)

While bread is mixing, grease 4 (8.5 X4.5) size bread pans...I use margarine

Put about 3-4 Tablespoons of oil on the counter. (If you use flour for this step, you will make your crust dry, you need to use oil for this recipe.)

Empty dough onto the oiled counter. Even out dough and then divide the dough into 4 even sections and put each section into one of the 4 pans.

Let rise until the center is about 1 inch above the pan.

While dough is rising, Preheat oven to 350 Degrees F.

When bread has risen, bake the loaves for 40 minutes.

After 40 minutes take the bread out of the oven, turn pans over onto cooling rack. Turn bread back right side up and take a stick of margarine or butter and gently butter tops for a softer bread crust. Bread is ready to eat when you are, warm or cool.

Good with Butter & honey or jams. Also good for sandwiches when cold.

(Mom feel free to correct anything!!)

Lemon Jello Cake

2009-07-20T23:54:00.000-07:00

1 package yellow cake mix
4 eggs
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup oil
1 small package lemon jello

Icing: 2 cups or 1 pound powdered sugar (Approximately)
Juice and grated rind (rind optional) of 2 lemons

Combine cake mix, eggs, water, oil and jello and beat at high speed for 4 minutes until light and mixed thoroughly. Pour mixture into a 9x13 pan that has been greased and floured.
Bake at 350 degrees F. for 35-40 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched.
When cake is removed from oven mix icing.
Poke holes into cake with a large meat fork. Pour icing over the warm cake. (It will be soupy).
The icing will soak into the cake and also form a thin icing layer when cool.
Cool and eat with or without ice cream.