Cooking With Val

Crackers With A Twist

2011-07-31T09:33:00.001-04:00

Here are the ingredients for the cracker recipe.
1 1/2 cup of Canola oil
Box of crackers
Package of Ranch dressing mix
1 tsp of crushed red pepper flakes

Mix oil, red pepper flakes, & ranch dressing mix together.

Then pour over crackers.

Turn your jar on the side and then every 30 minutes or so turn a different way.
Up, upside down, sideways, etc.
This is so the oil distrubutes evenly.

I let mine sit in the jar with the oil overnight.
Then I removed the crackers and put in another jar.
You would think the crackers would be soft and oily but
they are crisp and dry.

The crackers are delicious!
Next time I will add a little more red pepper.

Crackers with a twist!

Chocolate Candy For Baby Shower

2011-03-03T22:42:00.000-05:00

This was so much fun to do. I went to Hobby Lobby and
purchased the mold for 1.97!!!

Then I used Almond Bark and food coloring to make
these little chocolate candies
for the shower.

For every 2 blocks of the bark I added 2 tsps. of Crisco.

I heated the chocolate in a double boiler.

After melting the chocolate, then place in the molds.
Then place in refrigerator for 10 minutes.
They pop right out of the mold.

There are rattlers, bottles, booties, safety pins and little rocking horses.
I thought they turned out so cute and was easy.
It just took time but I had so much fun doing it.

Homemade Pancake Syrup

2011-02-22T17:41:00.000-05:00

I fried some deer sausage and then I used my
homemade bisquick mix and made Pancakes.
Then I put some homemade butter on them.
Oh Yummy!
Then I made my homemade Pancake Syrup!!!

The container is just an old buttermilk jug that I had saved.
I labeled it with some masking tape.
It's not very fancy but it works.

1 3/4 c. white sugar

1/4 c. brown sugar

1 c. water

Combine and bring to a boil. Cover and cook 3 minutes. Cool slightly. Add:

Then add: 1/2 tsp. vanilla or 1/2 tsp. maple flavoring

(If I don't have the flavoring it is still good.)
Cover saucepan for a few minutes as syrup cooks to melt down crystals.

Cinnamon Sugar Bread

2011-02-20T17:04:00.001-05:00

Cinnamon Sugar Bread

(Makes 1 1/2 lb. loaf)

1 cup milk

1/4 cup butter or margarine ( I used butter )

1 egg

3 cups bread flour

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons cinnamon ( can use less) I used 2

2 teaspoons yeast

Place in bread machine in order per instructions with your machine

Bake using sweet bread setting ( if you do not have setting, then bake on white bread setting

When done let sit in pan on wire rack to cool 10 minutes before removing from pan.

Thank you for this wonderful recipe Angela!!!

Go visit her blog. It is great!!!!

Banana Nut Bread

2011-02-12T22:42:00.001-05:00

Banana Nut Bread

1 1/3 cups mashed very ripe bananas (2 large)

2/3 cup sugar

1/4 cup milk

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

3 eggs

2 2/3 cups Original Bisquick® mix

1/2 cup chopped nuts

Heat oven to 350ºF. Grease bottom of 9x5x3-inch loaf pan.

Stir bananas, sugar, milk, oil, vanilla and eggs in large bowl.

Stir in Bisquick mix and nuts. Pour into pan.

Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean; cool 10 minutes. Loosen sides of loaf from pan; remove from pan and place top side up on wire rack. Cool completely, about 2 hours, before slicing. Wrap tightly and store at room temperature up to 4 days, or refrigerate up to 10 day.

Homemade Butter

2011-02-12T22:34:00.000-05:00

1 Cup of Heavy Whipping Cream

1/4 tsp. Salt

Whip cream until like whipping cream. Then add salt.

Keep beating until you see butter. Then it will separate the buttermilk

from the butter. Drain. Then you have butter & buttermilk.

Thank you to Patti for sharing this with me.

Butter & Buttermilk

What more do you need?

Banana Banana Bread

2011-01-31T10:00:00.000-05:00

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs, beaten
2 1/3 cups mashed overripe bananas

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar. Stir in eggs and mashed bananas until well blended. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture; stir just to moisten. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.

Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies

2011-01-22T22:43:00.000-05:00

•6 large egg whites

•1 1/4 cups superfine sugar

•2 cups (one 12-ounce bag) semisweet chocolate chips

•Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

•Cocoa powder, for dusting (Optional)

Directions

1.Heat oven to 175 degrees. Line several baking sheets with parchment paper and set baking sheets aside.

2.In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites until they form soft peaks. Sprinkle a few spoonfuls of superfine sugar over beaten egg whites, and whisk in on low speed.

3.Increase speed of mixer; whisking constantly, continue adding superfine sugar, a spoonful at a time, until all has been incorporated and mixture is firm enough to hold stiff and glossy peaks. Fold in chocolate chips.

4.Pipe or spoon small mounds of mixture onto baking sheets, spacing mounds about 1 inch apart. Bake meringues until completely dry to the touch, about 3 hours.

5.Transfer sheets to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container up to 3 days. Before serving, dust meringues with confectioners’ sugar and cocoa powder.

Retzels Or Polos Candy?

2011-01-04T22:38:00.000-05:00

This candy is so good and easy!
I found these on Heidi's Blog so she deserves all the credit!

Place mini pretzels on cookie sheet.

Place Rolo candy on top of pretzels.

Place in oven @ 350 degrees for 5 - 7 minutes or as Heidi says....
until something magical happens.

Recipe:
Pretzels
Rolos
Add a "Sweet honey" and "Sweet Grands" and you don't have any left!
Thank you Heidi!

Pinwheels

2010-12-08T12:37:00.002-05:00

Ingredients:
(you can use whatever you like)
Turkey
Cream Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Black Olives
Flour Tortillas

Start with plain tortilla.
Easy, right?

Spread softened cream cheese on tortilla.
Slice Black olives and spread.

Layer turkey.

I use sliced cheddar cheese and just tear it to cover.

Roll up and chill.
Then cut into slices.

Yummy for an appetizer or sandwich!!!

Enjoy!

Cranberry Cherry Salad

2010-11-24T20:02:00.000-05:00

I found this recipe from my friend Mildred's blog. If you haven't visited her, you ought too.

I love her blog. This was so good that I wanted to put it in this cookbook journal for my children and grands! Thank you Mildred!

Cranberry Cherry Salad

1 large Cherry Jello

1 1/2 cups boiling water

1-16 oz. can of Jellied Cranberry Sauce

1 large can of crushed pineapple including juice

1 6 oz. package of Sunmaid dried tart cherries

Add boiling water to jello and stir until dissolved.

Add cranberry sauce and mix until smooth.

Add Pineapple and cherries. Chill until firm.

Easy & delicious!

Fried Cornbread

2010-11-20T10:46:00.000-05:00

This is a great way to make cornbread that is easy and quick.
When I make pan cornbread I don't use an egg but when I fry cornbread I do.

1 cup of self rising cornmeal.
1 egg
Milk or buttermilk
Mix until a thick consistency that you can spoon out.

I have my pan with a little oil hot and ready.

These are so good and crunchy.

These are great smothered in butter with some beans, potatoes
and tomato, corn and zucchini's!!!
Enjoy!!

Homemade Biscuits

2010-10-31T10:36:00.001-04:00

We are at the Sparta Hilton and I was cooking on breakfast on the fire.
I decided that I would show how I make home made biscuits so my daughters would have a record of how I do it.
I learned from my Mother and all of my grandmothers including my "Sweet Hunter's" Granny. I am using my Granny's all purpose bowl to make them in. She used this pan for everything and so do I.

So here are your ingredients:
2 cups of Self Rising Flour
1/2 cup of shortening or butter
3/4 cup of buttermilk

Start with your flour in a bowl.
Hint: keep your bag of flour out so you can use it to roll or cut your biscuits.

Then add your shortning or butter. Cut with pastry cutter
or your hands until shortening is cut in like small peas.
Hint: Don't overwork it.

Make a well (hole) in flour and add buttermilk and stir up.
Hint: Don't over stir.

Then lightly grease your pan and roll or cut your biscuits out.
Hint: This is where you will need extra flour to keep dough from sticking on your hands.
Preheat oven to 450 or 500 degrees depending on your oven.
Cook until brown. Approx. 15 minutes.

Yummy! Homemade Biscuits!

Add butter and homemade apple butter and you can't beat it!

Dixie Stampede's Cream Of Vegetable Soup

2010-10-06T21:59:00.000-04:00

1 qt. chicken broth

1/2 C. frozen peas

1/2 C. whole kernel sweet corn

1/2 C. canned green beans

1/2 C. carrots pealed & grated

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. onion powder

1 1/2 C. heavy whipping cream

Fully cook all vegetables individually and then grind into small pieces. Bring broth, seasonings and vegetables to a boil and then add the whipping cream. Add salt and pepper to taste. I also added a little shredded cheese on top and red pepper flakes! Yummy.
Maranda sent me this copycat recipe of this soup. It is so good!! Hope you enjoy!

Maranda's Hashbrown Casserole

2010-09-28T08:56:00.000-04:00

Ingredients

• 1 (big bag) package frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed

• 1/2 cup melted butter

• 1 can cream of chicken soup

• 1 can of cream of mushroom soup

• ¾ of a big container of sour cream

• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 2 cups crushed plain potato chips or crushed cornflakes cereal

• 1/4 cup melted butter

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. In a large bowl, combine hash browns, 1/2 cup melted butter, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Cheddar cheese, salt and pepper. Place mixture in a 3 quart casserole dish.

3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, saute cornflakes in 1/4 cup melted butter, and sprinkle the mixture over the top of the casserole.

4. Bake covered in preheated oven for 40 minutes
****************************

We have a small town restaurant here in town and Maranda (Big Sis), our daughter was determined to try to figure out this recipe. I think she did it! This is delicious.
Thank you Maranda!

Cracker Barrel Double Fudge Coca Cola Cake

2010-09-24T22:37:00.000-04:00

Cracker Barrel Double Fudge Coca Cola Cake

1 C. Coca-cola
1/2 C. oil
1 stick Margarine
3 Tbsp. cocoa
2 C. sugar
2 C. all purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1/2 C. buttermilk
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla

In a sauce Pan, Bring Coca-Cola, Oil, Margarine, and cocoa to a boil, mix the sugar, flour and salt, Pour in the boiling liquid and beat well. Add the eggs, Buttermilk, soda, and vanilla and beat well. Pour into a greased and floured sheet cake pan, and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

Frosting

1/4 lb. Margarine
3 Tbsp. cocoa
6 Tbsp. cream or milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 to 1 C. pecans chopped
1 lb. confectioners sugar

In a saucepan, combine the butter cocoa, and milk and heat until the butter melts, Beat in the remaining ingredients, and Spread on the hot cake. Cool and cut.

Enjoy!

*www.copykat.com

My Gift For You - A Recipe For Friendship Tea

2010-09-23T23:49:00.000-04:00

Maranda's Mud Slides

2010-06-03T20:32:00.003-04:00

Our daughter Maranda made these for Mothers Day. She made me a coconut cake but because her daddy doesn't like coconut she made him these. He flipped over them! She made chocolate chip cookies and put vanilla ice cream in between 2 cookies and then covered with chocolate syrup. Oh my goodness! Yummy & Easy!

Mexican Cornbread

2010-05-26T21:57:00.003-04:00

Mexican Cornbread

1 1/2 c. corn meal
1 can cream corn
2 sm. onions, (diced)
2 eggs
1 c. buttermilk
1/2 bell pepper (diced)
1 jalapeno pepper (diced) remove seed
1/2 c. corn oil
1 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. soda
1 c. grated cheese

Combine all dry ingredients then add all but cheese. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Put 1 1/2 tablespoon of oil in skillet and heat in oven. Pour half of mixture in heated skillet then put grated cheese on top. Pour rest of mixture over top of cheese. Bake in oven for 1 hour.

Homemade Bisquick Mix

2010-05-18T20:59:00.005-04:00

Homemade Bisquick Mix

8 cups flour
1/4 cup baking powder
1 1/2 cups powdered milk
1 Tbs salt
1 1/2 cups or shortening or butter

Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl. Using a pastry blender cut in shortening until it’s well mixed. Store in covered container. You can use this in any bisquick mix recipe. I found this online but cannot remember where. I just thought I would share with you.

* I store mine in smaller containers because there are just 2 of us here now and this mix last a long time. I keep one out and the others in the refrigerator until I need them. I will be sharing bisquick recipes soon that you can use with this homemade mix. I hope you enjoy!

I'm Back With A Red Velvet Cake!

2010-02-23T08:54:00.004-05:00

I haven't posted here in a while but have been pondering it so for now.............

I am back!

Easy Red Velvet Cake

1 Box Yellow Cake Mix

1 Tsp. Vinegar

1/3 C. Crisco Oil

1 1/3 C. Milk

2 Tbsp. Cocoa
2 Oz. Red Food Coloring

3 Eggs

Mix together and cook 3 layers @ 350 degrees for approx 30 min. or until done.

Cool before icing.

Cream Cheese Icing

1 Box Confectioners Sugar

1 Stick Margarine (softened)

8 Oz. Cream Cheese (softened)

1 Cup Nuts (optional)

1 Tbsp. Vanilla Flavoring.

Mix together in mixer and spread between layers and on cake.

Enjoy!! My husband sure is!!!!

Please come and visit me at Lifes Little Garden!

15 minutes

2009-02-03T20:37:00.007-05:00

Well, my house is clean. I do a small load or 2 of laundry every morning & iron as it comes out of the dryer, so my laundry is done for today. It doesn't take much when it is just 2 of us if I keep up with it. I worked on some mending today for my 15 minutes instead of decluttering. Then for the 5 minute mission, I dusted my dining room light fixture & my table & chairs from top to bottom. Of course there are little things that have to be done besides this, but these 15 minutes of decluttering and 5 minute missions really add up at the end of the week. My husband called and ask me out for supper so we ate mexican tonight. I was really glad because I wanted to get started on some sewing that I had planned to do tonight.

If you have never looked at the flylady plan or if you haven't done it in a while, here is a reminder to give you a jump start. She says you are never behind, just jump in right where you are. Whatever plan works for you is great. My best friend Vicki introduced me to flylady and I love it. I find it works, when I do it so that is why I am talking about it so much. It makes me accountable to myself. It really works and give me more time for myself. I just can't wait to get up tomorrow because it is "desk day" for me. You see, I know exactly what I have to do tomorrow. It really works. Remember, if we fail to plan, we plan to fail.

Don't forget to check out my other blog!

Little by Little

2009-02-02T14:45:00.007-05:00

Today is the day that I did my 1 hour blessing (per flylady) in my home. I try not to leave on the day I do this. Some of you that work outside the home might have to do this on a Saturday when you aren't going somewhere. It makes it much easier. We are usually gone all weekend so that is not a "off day" for me. Every other week I add another hour and do my basement but not today. So I turned my music on (on this blog) and dusted, vacuumed, swept, mopped & cleaned bathrooms all in one hour. The key is to turn your timer on & some good music and don't get sidetracked. Getting sidetracked is my problem but I am working on it. During this hour I always do a load of washing that includes my sheets so once the hour is up, my bed is made with clean fresh sheets. I usually also do a 15 minute declutter or deep cleaning chore, but I am not doing that today. The mission that I am working on this week (per Kelly on flylady) is the dining room, entrance to your home, & the front porch. You just do a small part of this mission because you have all week to do this. This only took me about 5 minutes. Today I swept my porches and shook my mats off while the snow fell. It was so pretty today. I just wish it would keep on coming! We live across a mountain from town and when it snows. they often close the mountain road. I would love to get snowed in tomorrow with my "sweet hubby." Supper is cooking on the stove, house is clean, laundry & ironing is done so I am hoping to get some sewing done tonight. Little by little, it will get done. At my age, I am trying to make things a little easier on myself. I am just trying to learn how not to work myself to death and enjoy life a little bit more by planning. Dave Ramsey says: "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." This is so true.

Check out my other blog for more. I may end up combining these 2 blogs. I will let you know if I do.

Cooking, Flylady & More

2009-01-31T19:20:00.000-05:00

Can you tell I am trying to do a little more on this blog about the home? This is mainly for me. When I get sidetracked like I do so many times I can come on here and get myself back on schedule. Flylady is a very important tool for me. I am not great at it but I love the concept. I used to work all day and never accomplish anything. Now I concentrate on smaller bits of time because I never know where my life is going to go on any certain day. That is why I have changed the title of the blog to Cooking & More. My "sweet granny" (95 years old) is one that really encourages me to get on a schedule. For her, Friday is wash day. There is no other day that is wash day and that is that. She said she has a routine and she follows it. My "sweet Mom" is another model that I follow after. Her home is so organized and even if she says it is dusty, you can not tell it because she has it so clutter free. My Mom works full time and still manages to keep everything done. Now if you talk to her- she says nothing is done. She does work a little too much at it but whatever works for her. I truly admire her life. Another person that is an example to me is my "sweet best friend", Vicki. She is the one that introduced me to the Flylady concept. But I have to say the #1 person that has taught me the most is my "sweet honey". There are not many men that are as neat as my husband. He expects no less than the best. It used to get on my nerves when he would tell me to put something up where it goes instead of laying it down only to have to pick it up later. But honestly he has taught me more over the past 30 years than I can say. I can honestly say I have never had to pick up after this man. He takes care of himself. I love & respect him so much.

This past week I concentrated on my livingroom (zone 5 per Flylady) along with 15 minutes a day of decluttering or deep cleaning. Yesterday, me & my "sweet grandaughter" Alyssa spent our 15 minutes cleaning out the refrigerator and emptying the dishwasher. I also made our dessert for the weekend - a Hummingbird Cake. You can find the recipe under my Dessert label. Today, my 15 minutes was concentrating on my pantry shelves. My "sweet honey" smoked 2 deer roasts and they were delicious. I had made some Chicken & dumplings & a salad also. My "sweet daughter" Maranda & her boyfriend, Lane made some rice krispy treats. That is their specialty. They have a lot of fun together. It sure sounds like we like to eat a lot, doesn't it?

Next week I will be working on our entrance, front porch & Dining room. (Zone 1 per Flylady) along with 15 min. a day of decluttering or deep cleaning. Hopefully, I will get a lot of sewing done too. My sewing progress will be on my other blog, Lifes Little Garden. I will let you know how it goes. Remember this is more for me than for anyone else. I need lots of help.

Tomorrow is leftovers, movie, sewing & popcorn, after church of course!

Monica's Blueberry Muffins

2009-01-30T11:52:00.000-05:00

2 Cups SR Flour

1/4 Sugar

1 Tbsp. Baking Powder

1/2 Tsp. Salt
1 Cup Milk

1/4 C. Vegetable Oil

1 Large Egg (slightly beaten)

1 Cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Combine First 4 things & stir. Make a well & pour the rest of the ingredients (except berries) into the hole. Stir until moistened. Then add blueberries. Pour into muffin tin. Bake 400 degrees 20-25 minutes. Enjoy!

Shannon's Easy Lasagna

2009-01-22T21:56:00.001-05:00

My blogging buddy Connie made lasagna the other night and it looked so good. I mentioned it to my "Sweet daughter," Shannon & she had a recipe that she thought I would like. I am not normally a lasagna person but she assured me that I would like this because most have sausage in it and this one did not. She was right. I had extra ricotta so I put it on top with the shredded cheese. This is delicious and very easy.

1 lb. ground beef (I use ground turkey)

32 oz. thick spaghetti sauce

1 1/2 c. water

2 c. (15 oz. container) Ricotta or sm. curd cottage cheese

3 c. (12 oz.) shredded Mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese

1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese

2 eggs

1/4 c. chopped parsley (optional)

1 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

8 oz. lasagna, uncooked
Brown meat in 3 quart saucepan; drain off excess fat. Add sauce and water; simmer about 10 minutes. Combine remaining ingredients in a separate bowl, except lasagna noodles, for filling. Pour about 1 cup sauce on bottom of 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan. Layer 3 pieces of uncooked lasagna over sauce; cover with about 1 1/2 cups sauce. Spread 1/2 of cheese filling over sauce. Repeat layers of lasagna, sauce, and cheese filling. Top with layer of lasagna and remaining sauce. I put shredding chees on top. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees for 55 to 60 minutes. Remove foil; bake about 10 minutes longer. Allow to stand about 10 minutes before cutting for easier handling. 8 to 10 servings.
Lasagna will expand to fill empty spaces.

Note: Make sure to cover with foil. If you don't, your lasagna will be extra dry.

Creamy Bacon Bites

2009-01-20T20:51:00.000-05:00

Creamy Bacon Bites (Pampered Chef)

1 package, 8 oz., cream cheese
4 bacon slices, cooked, drained,and crumbled ( I cooked mine in the microwave)
2 Tbsp. chopped onion
1/8 tsp. black pepper
1 package, 8 oz., refrigerated crescent rolls
Preheat oven to 350.
Combine cheese, bacon, onion and pepper.
Separate crescent roll dough into 2 rectangles, press seams and perforations together with fingers to seal.
Spread cream cheese mixture onto rectangles, roll up, starting with longest sides.
Press seams together to seal, cut each roll into 16 slices, place cut side down on grease baking sheet.
Bake 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown

My Dads Sweet Potato Cobbler

2009-01-19T22:21:00.000-05:00

My daddy made this for my birthday and it was so good that I wanted to share with you. I asked him to tell me how he made it and I will tell you exactly what he told me. He didn't have any measurements.

He said just peel and slice your sweet potatoes and boil until tender. Add sugar & butter to taste. Cook liquid down until almost thick and chunky. Then he makes a batter like biscuits but he uses water instead of milk to keep it from rising so much and he cuts strips of dough and puts on top and bakes. Sprinkle with sugar and butter.

I have never had a sweet potato cobbler and it is delicious. Thank you daddy!

Homemade Ketchup & Mustard

2009-01-12T07:52:00.000-05:00

I received these recipes from my best friend so I thought I would share.

I love ketchup and mustard. Ketchup is a necessity for french fries and hamburgers but I also use it frequently in cooking. It makes a good substitute when you run out of tomato sauce or paste in a recipe. It also adds flavor to other dishes when used in small amounts.
Mustard, also, may be added in small amounts to recipes you may never think of using it in, to add an unidentifiable flavor. For example, try it in home made chocolate fudge. Or, try one teaspoon in your home made chili.
The point, here, is that ketchup and mustard have many uses beyond french fry's and hot dogs.
But when you buy it from the store you must take what the manufacturer thinks you want. Maybe you would like your mustard to be a little spicier. Or, your ketchup a little sweeter. When you get it from a store shelve you have to take it or leave it, as it is.
However, you can have it any way you want. Make your own! Right at home in your kitchen. You are encouraged to try the following recipes for ketchup and mustard. Then, when you make a second batch, modify the ingredients to suit your own taste. Sweeter? Add sugar. Smoother? Add butter. Spicier? Add Tabasco sauce or cayenne pepper. Whatever you want, you can make. Here's how:

Home Made Ketchup
Ingredients:
* 28 oz. tomatoes (fresh or canned) * 1 cup onion, diced * 1/2 cup white corn syrup * 1/2 cup apple-cider vinegar * 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper * 1/4 tsp. dried ground mustard * 1/4 tsp. ground ginger * 1/4 tsp. celery seed * 1/4 tsp. cinnamon * 1/4 tsp. allspice * 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
Directions:
1. Put the tomatoes through a sieve (strainer), then transfer to a blender. 2. Add the onions and blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into a large pot. 3. Add all of the remaining ingredients.
Cook over low heat for about an hour until the mixture thickens. Bottle and store in refrigerator.

Home Made Mustard
Ingredients:
* 1/2 cup dry ground mustard * 1/2 cup all purpose flour * 1 tsp salt * 1 tablespoon sugar * 1/2 cup white vinegar * 1/2 cup water * 2 eggs * 1/2 tsp turmeric (for color) * 1 tablespoon softened margarine
Directions:
1. Mix all ingredients except margarine in medium sauce pan. Mix thoroughly to dissolve flour as best you can.
2. Place on low heat and stir constantly until mixture thickens and begins sticking to bottom of pan. Mix will be lumpy.
3. Remove from heat and stir in margarine.
4. Use a potato masher or electric mixer (set on slow) to beat mustard until you have a smooth consistency. You may want to add additional margarine to get a thinner, creamier mix.
Makes just under 1 pint.
Note: You must stir the mix constantly after heat is applied. It will thicken very fast. Total cooking time is only 2 or 3 minutes.

Mom's Spaghetti Casserole

2008-12-24T21:17:00.001-05:00

This is a recipe that my Mom used to fix a lot. As I was growing up it was a tradition when we went camping that on Friday night we would have this. Of course my Mom & dads camping was in a very nice camper with all the luxuries of home. Mom would always have this prepared ahead of time. On Sat. night we always cooked out steaks. We had the best times as a family. Mom also had homemade yeast rolls with this. It was so good. Anyway, anyone that knows me has eaten this casserole. It is easy to make and great for a crowd.
Ingredients:
1 lb. Ground Beef
1 Med. Onion, chopped
1 Cup Canned tomatoes
1 Cup Catsup
1/4 Cup Water
1/4 Cup Steak Sauce
1/4 Chopped Green Pepper
5 oz. Spaghetti Noodles
1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 Cup Grated Cheddar Cheese
Salt & Pepper
Directions:
Brown beef in skillet. Drain. Add onions, tomatoes, catsup, steak sauce, green pepper. Simmer 30 minutes. Add Mushroom soup. Cook spaghetti and drain and add to mixture. Pour into baking dish and sprinkle with Cheese. Bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Wonderful Fudge

2008-12-04T16:50:00.000-05:00

1 12oz pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 8oz pkg. cream cheese, softened

1 lb. box powdered sugar, sifted

1 tsp. vanilla

1 cup nuts if desired

Butter a 8x8 square pan. Set aside. Melt chocolate in a double boiler or the microwave until completely smooth. Place melted chocolate and next 3 ingredients in a large bowl. Butter hands. Mix with hands. This is a bit messy, but the most efficient. When completely mixed, add nuts. Spread in buttered pan. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Set out on counter about an hour before trying to cut the pieces.

Easy Crab Meat Dip

2008-11-29T20:29:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:

Crab Meat

Cocktail Sauce

Cream Cheese

Spread Cream cheese in small dish. Pour cocktail sauce over cream cheese and top off with crabmeat. Serve with your favorite Crackers.

Mini Cinnamon Crescents

2008-11-25T19:45:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:

Crescent Rolls

1/4 Cup Butter or margarine melted

4 Tsps. granulated Sugar

2 Tsps. ground Cinnamon

1/2 Cup Raisins (optional)

1/2 powdered sugar

1 tblsp. Milk

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°F.
Unroll dough; separate dough into 4 rectangles. Firmly press perforations to seal.
Spread 1 tablespoon butter evenly over each dough rectangle. In small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over rectangles. Sprinkle each with raisins. Starting with short side of each rectangle, roll up; pinch edges to seal. With serrated knife, cut each roll into 5 slices. Place slices, cut side down, in ungreased 8- or 9-inch square pan.
Bake 17 to 23 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix powdered sugar & milk until smooth. Drizzle over rolls. Serve warm.

If you love cinnamon rolls---You will LOVE these!!

Easy & delicious!

Delicious White Bread

2008-11-22T09:57:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:

1 Cup MILK
1 EGG
2 tsp SALT
3 1/2 Cups FLOUR
1/3 CupWARM WATER
1 PKG DRY YEAST

FIRST MIX THE DRY YEAST WITH WARM WATER IN CUP SET ASIDE. NEXT MIX TOGETHER FLOUR AND SALT IN A BOWL. ADD EGG AND MILK WITH YEAST MIXTURE INTO BOWL MIX TOGETHER.

NEXT ADD LIQUID MIXTURE TO DRY INGREDIENTS IN BOWL, MIX TOGETHER UNTIL DOUGH HOLDS TOGETHER. PLACE ON A LIGHTLY FLOURED BOARD AND KNEAD TOGETHER WITH HANDS FOR ABOUT 5-7 MINUTES.

PLACE DOUGH IN LIGHTLY GREASED MIXING BOWL AND COVER WITH TOWEL & LET DOUGH RISE UNTIL IT REACHES DOUBLE IN SIZE. KNEAD FOR 2 MINUTES MORE. SHAPE INTO LOAVES. PUT INTO GREASED LOAF PANS, LET RISE TILL DOUBLE IN SIZE.

BAKE FOR 25-30 MINUTES AT 350 DEGREES. NEXT TAKE OUT OF OVEN AND LET SIT FOR 10 MINUTES BEFORE REMOVING FROM PANS.

AFTER LETTING IT SIT IN LOAF PANS FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES, I BRUSH EGG WHITES ON TOP. ENJOY!

Vicki's Cabbage Casserole

2008-11-20T22:29:00.000-05:00

1 Small head of cabbage

1 Med. onion

1/4 c. butter

salt & pepper to taste

1/ cup Mayo

1 Can Cream of Mushroom or Cream of Chicken soup

Topping:

1/4 Cup Butter

1 Cup grated, sharp cheddar cheese

1/2-1 Stack Ritz crackers, finely crushed

Place Cabbage into a casserole dish, sprinkle the onions over top of the cabbage.

Melt 1/2 stick butter and pour 1/4 cup over cabbage. Sprinkle salt and pepper. In a small bowl, mix soup and mayo and spread over the cabbage mixture. Mix the other melted butter with crushed crackers, and grated cheese. Spread over the top of casserole and bake 350 for about 45 minutes or until brown and inside is bubbly.

This is great!

Thanks Vicki!

Ranch Cheddar Chicken

2008-11-15T21:58:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:

8 boneless chicken breast

1 cup of Ranch dressing

2 tbs. of flour

1/2 cup of parmesan cheese

1 cup of cheddar cheese (shredded)

Directions:

Mix dressing and flour together and roll each breast in this. Place in Baking dish and cover with parmesan cheese and then top it with lots of cheddar cheese. Bake 375 for 25 minutes.

This is delicious!

Cherry Coke Salad

2008-11-15T20:38:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:
2 pkgs. Black Cherry Jello 6 oz.
1 lg. can of crushed pineapple
1 Cup pecans
2 cups of juice - (reserved from fruit) plus a 12 oz. coke
Dissolve jello in hot juice, then add coke and refrigerate until it begins to set. Add fruit and nuts and refrigerate. Serves 12-16

I forgot to take a picture before this was eaten. It is a very good, light gelatin dessert.

Hot Sauce

2008-11-14T16:35:00.001-05:00

Ingredients:

1 Can whole tomatoes (I used fresh tomatoes because I have plenty)

1 Can Rotel Tomatoes & Green chilies

2 Large Jalapena peppers-chopped

Directions:

Put all in blender and blend 5 to 6 seconds. Put in quart jar and refrigerate.

Enjoy!

This is really good with the Brunswick Stew below! This recipe makes more than you think. It will last a long while.

Easy Brunswick Stew

2008-11-13T20:44:00.001-05:00

Ingredients:

2 Cans Cream Style White Corn

2 Cans Stewed Tomatoes

1 Bottle Hot Chili Catsup

2 Cans Chunky White Meat Chicken

1 Bottle Barbecue Sauce

1 lb. Ground beef ( I use ground turkey or deer meat)

2 tblsp. Worchestershire Sauce

2 tblsp. Lemon Juice

Dash of Tobasco Sauce

Directions:

Brown beef, drain, and mix all ingredients and let simmer all day in crock pot.

I always triple this recipe and put some in the freezer for those days when I don't want to cook.

This recipe is so easy and so delicious!

Crock Pot Apple Butter

2008-11-12T19:48:00.001-05:00

It's that time again.....

Crock Pot Apple Butter
Chop up 5 quarts of apples
4 cups sugar
4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
Place apples in crock pot.
(lid may not fit until apples cook down)
Drizzle all other ingredients over apples. Turn on high until your apples cook down so the lid will fit. Then turn on low for approx 10 hours or overnight. Cool down and spoon into containers and refrigerate until you use all.

Caramel cake

2008-11-01T22:31:00.000-04:00

OOOOHHH this is so good and so simple!!! I haven't got to post on this blog much because I have been so busy with the garden. Now I will have more time to try out new recipes.

Ingredients:

1 Box Yellow Cake Mix

2 1/2 Cups Sugar

2 Sticks Butter (Marg.)

1 Can Evaporated Milk

Directions:

Cook yellow cake mix until light brown. Cook 2 1/2 cups sugar, 2 sticks butter, and 1 can evaporated milk until thickens. Put holes in cake and cover cake with caramel mix.

For some reason, my caramel didn't get really thick, so you can't even see it on the cake, but let me tell you, you can taste it! This cake is easy & excellent!

Maranda's Taco Soup

2008-10-14T21:03:00.000-04:00

1 lb. Ground Turkey

1 Pack of Taco Seasoning

1 Pack of Ranch Dressing mix

1 Can of Rotel Tomatoes

1 Can of Diced Tomatoes

1 Can of Black Beans

1 Can of Pinto Beans

1 Can of Chili Beans

Brown meat and add in seasonings. Add the rest and simmer for 30 minutes. Serve over chips and top with cheese and sour cream. You also can serve this in a bowl as a soup.

It is wonderful!

Maranda's Squash Casserole

2008-09-28T22:15:00.000-04:00

1 Pound Squash
1 Med. onion
1 Tsp. Salt
1 1/2 tbs. margarine
1 1/2 tbs. flour
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1 cup cheddar cheese grated
1/2 sleeve Town House Crackers crushed
2 tbsp. margarine melted
4 fresh tomatoes (Maranda added this little touch)

Cook squash with onions and salt.
Add fresh tomatoes to cooked hot squash.
Add 1 tbs. margarine and 1 tbs. flour.
Stir and add eggs and milk
Cover with grated cheese and cracker crumbs mixed with 2 tbsp. butter.

This is so delicious. I will be having the leftovers tomorrow for lunch.

Bake 350 degrees for 1 hour. (3 recipes make a 9" x 13" pan)

Muscadine Jelly From My Own Vines

2008-09-18T22:45:00.001-04:00

Wash and removed any stems. Then place in food processor or mash with a potato masher. Then place in saucepan on stove and bring to a semi boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Skim off any foam with metal spoon. I used a cheese cloth to strain my juice several times. You need 5 cups of juice (about 5 lbs. of muscadines). Add 1 box of pectin & 1/4 cup of sugar and bring to a boil. It usually takes about 5-10 minutes to reach a full hard boil. In the meantime, sterilize your lids. Your jars should already be washed and sterilized. When it reaches boiling point, add 7 cups of sugar and bring back to boil for 1 minute while stirring. Check for thickness by dipping cold spoon in jelly. If it is too runny, reboil for 1 minute. Then pour into jars and place lids & rings on. Place into boiling water bath and cover jars with 2 inches of water. Boil 5 minutes and then remove to cool. This jelly is just delicious , even if I do say so myself!

Pickled Okra

2008-09-13T20:20:00.001-04:00

My kids just love this recipe so I have to make it every year. Here goes:

Whole Fresh Okra

1 clove garlic

1/2 hot pepper

1 Quart of Water

1 pint of vinegar

1/3 cup of salt

2 tsp. dill seed

Pack okra in jars. Put 1/2 hot pepper and 1 clove of garlic in each pint jar. Then mix water, vinegar, salt, and dill seed in pan and boil. Pour hot liquid into each jar. Seal and Boil in hot water bath for 10 minutes. Cool on towel and make sure all of the jars sealed. If they didn't. place jar in refrig. and use in 2 weeks. These are delicious!

Vegetable Soup From My Garden

2008-09-10T21:38:00.000-04:00

1 1/2 Quarts Water

2 quarts peeled, cored, chopped tomatoes (about 12 large)

1 1/2 quarts cubed, pared potatoes (about 6 medium)

2 cups of chopped okra

1 quart green lima beans

1 quart cut corn, uncooked (about 9 ears)

1 1/2 quarts sliced carrots (about 12 medium)

2 Cups of sliced celery

2 Cups of chopped onions

Salt

To can:

Add water to vegetables, boil 5 minutes. Pour hot, into hot jars, leaving 1 inch head space. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt to each pint or 1/2 teaspoon salt to each quart. Adjust caps. Process pints 55 minutes, quarts 1 hour and 25 minutes at 10 pounds pressure.

Or do like I did, the easy way, and freeze it in quart bags!

Green Tomato Pickles & Hot Sauce

2008-09-05T21:47:00.001-04:00

Ingredients:

2 Cups of Vinegar

1 Cup Water

1/2 Cup Sugar

Boil and pour over green tomatoes and hot pepper.

I usually just chop up the big tomatoes and put a couple of hot peppers in each jar. Seal. Then I put in a boiling water bath for 20 minutes for pints and 35 minutes for quarts. They will be ready to eat in about 2 weeks. I made enough today to do us the whole winter. I had hot pepper left over so I also made some hot sauce. I just used the same recipe and filled the jars with hot peppers. These are so good!

Jane's Chocolate Cake

2008-09-02T21:23:00.000-04:00

Ingredients:
2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 stick margarine
1 cup water
1/2 cup oil
4 tbsp. cocoa
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup Buttermilk

Mix Flour and sugar in bowl In saucepan combine margarine, water, oil and coca. Bring to a boil. Then add to flour & sugar mixture. Then add eggs & buttermilk. Mix well. Pour into greased pan. Bake in 13 x 9 inch pan at 350 for 30 minutes.

Frosting:
1 Stick Margarine
6 tbsp. milk
4 tbsp. cocoa
1 box Powdered Sugar
1 cup nuts

Mix first 3 ingredients & bring to a boil. Add sugar & nuts. You can pour frosting on hot cake or cool cake which ever you desire. I love to serve it warm. Enjoy!

7 day Sweet Pickles: Day 7 - DONE!

2008-08-16T22:16:00.000-04:00

Repeat day 6 and put into jars. These pickles are so delicious! My good friend, Monica gave me this recipe. You don't have to seal these pickles. Just put in refrigerator and enjoy. Monica told me today that they will actually last almost 2 years. Believe me, they are so good. They won't be there in 2 years! Enjoy!

7 day Sweet Pickles: Day 5 & 6

2008-08-15T18:25:00.000-04:00

Don't think I forgot day 5. I just forgot to blog about it. Sorry about that. Repeat day 4 (the last post) for day 5 & 6. Tomorrow will be the last day. Good luck!

7 day Sweet Pickles: Day 4

2008-08-13T18:11:00.001-04:00

Repeat day 3. To Be continued.........

7 day Sweet Pickles: Day 3

2008-08-12T15:06:00.000-04:00

Add 1 cup of sugar. Then mash, cover, & refrigerate. To Be Continued.....

7 day Sweet Pickles: Day 2

2008-08-11T14:43:00.000-04:00

This is the second day of my Sweet Pickles. Here goes:

Drain & Rinse in cold water.

Slice onions and layer with cucumbers. (I used the onions right out of my garden)

Pour 1 cup sugar over cucumbers and then pour 1 quart vinigar over all of that. I split mine up into 2 containers. Cover & Refrigerate. To Be Continued.......

7 day Sweet Pickles: Day 1

2008-08-10T15:54:00.000-04:00

I started my 7 day pickles today. This pickle recipe was given to me by a good friend. My children love these. They are the best & easiest sweet pickle recipe I have ever tried. The first day you slice your cucumbers and cover with 1 cup of salt and then cover cucumberswith boiling water. Set out and cover for 24 hours. To be continued.....

Peanut Butter Candy

2008-08-08T21:55:00.001-04:00

1 lb. Powdered Sugar
1/2 cup of hot mashed potatoes
Peanut butter

Mix sugar and potatoes together.Then I pour onto a cookie sheet that I had already sprinkled with powdered sugar, so it would not stick. Pat mixture flat. Then spread peanut butter on it and roll up like a jelly roll. Then cut into pieces. This is delicious and easy.

Smashed Potatoes

2008-08-03T21:15:00.000-04:00

I cannot remember where I saw this recipe. I thought it was on http://www.thepioneerwomancooks.com/ but I can't seem to find it again. I gave it the name smashed potatoes. Anyway here goes:

Boil some Yukon gold potatoes whole

Pour olive oil (yum) on to a cookie sheet.

Lay each whole potato down and take potato masher and press down.

Pour more olive oil (yum again) over the smashed potatoes.

Sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.

Add any spices you would like. I added basil.

Bake @400 degrees for about 20-25 minutes or until brown.

Mine did not get real brown because it smelled so good we could not wait! It is so easy and so delicious!

Quickie Peach Cobbler

2008-07-13T19:05:00.000-04:00

I am sure everyone knows this recipe but I thought I would share anyway!

1 Stick Butter, melted

Pour 1 large can of peaches over top of melted butter.

In separate bowl, mix 1 cup sugar, 1 cup flour, 1 cup of milk. Mix and pour over peaches & butter.

Cook 400 degrees for approx. 30 minutes or until brown.

Hope you enjoy! We sure did!

Fresh Green Beans with Potatoes & Carrots

2008-07-08T21:15:00.000-04:00

My dad brought me some vegetables out of his garden. He brought squash, cucumbers, peppers, fresh green beans. So guess what we had for supper?

After cleaning and breaking the beans, I cooked them with a little bacon and olive oil. I added potatoes and carrots toward the end. I used fresh ground pepper and kosher salt. There is nothing like fresh vegetables out of a garden.

Turkey Burgers on The Grill

2008-06-29T22:59:00.001-04:00

My "Sweet Honey" can grill like no one else can! I prepared the ground turkey by adding crushed cracker crumbs, olive oil, mustard, a little garlic and fresh ground pepper. I always buy the 97% fat free turkey. My "Sweet Honey" bastes these burgers with Dales Steak Sauce while he grills them. We added some cheddar cheese, tomato, pickles & some grilled buns and had the perfect hamburger. We love the Lay's Kettle Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips. Add a Coke and you have a great meal!

Steamed Shrimp & Potato Soup

2008-06-23T22:01:00.001-04:00

I steamed some shrimp and let it cool in the refrigerator. I placed them on a bed of greens. I

served this with My Moms potato soup and canteloupe. It was yummy!

Carrot Cake

2008-06-09T22:08:00.000-04:00

I got this recipe from The Pioneer Woman!

I doubled her recipe and took 1 to the lake and put 1 in the freezer. It was yummy & so easy! Hmmmmmm........I think I will go get it out of the freezer! Hope you enjoy!

Almost Homemade Doughnuts

2008-06-07T00:20:00.000-04:00

This is the way my Mom always made doughnuts when I was little. My grandchildren and I made them one day this week. They are easy & yummy!

Ingredients:

1 can of Canned Biscuits

Powdered Sugar

Cooking Oil

Heat oil in saucepan. Shape canned biscuits into doughnuts by making hole in middle. Deep fry until brown. Flip over when floating on top of oil. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Eat while warm!

Fun & Easy!

Chicken Enchiladas

2008-05-18T21:35:00.000-04:00

Yummy....Mom's Banana Pudding!

We have had so many birthdays in the family lately, we decided to all put a dinner together at my house to celebrate. Everyone brought something.
Our Menu was:
Chicken Enchiladas
Refried Beans
Spanish Rice
Chips & Salsa
My Moms banana pudding ( I added a picture for you)
Fresh Fruit
We had a wonderful time! My grandchildren have a Nintendo Wii. That was so much fun. The games are so realistic. I tried the bowling and loved it. I hope you enjoy my chicken enchilada recipe.
Chicken Enchiladas
Ingredients:
10 Flour Tortillas
2 cans Mild Enchilada Sauce
Lg. Bag Shredded Mexican Cheese
1 1b. boneless cooked Chicken
2 cans Cream of chicken soup
1 lg. container of Sour Cream
Fresh Ground Pepper
Mix sour cream and soup together and set aside.
Pour enchilada sauce onto a cookie sheet. Take your flour tortillas one at a time and coat both sides with sauce. Put approx. 1 tbsp. of shredded cooked chicken inside of tortilla. Add 1 big tbsp. of soup/sour cream mixture and add a pinch of cheese. Roll up and put into baking pan. After filling pan, pour any leftover soup mixture and enchilada sauce on top of rolled tortillas. Sprinkle with cheese & freshly ground pepper. Bake 400 degrees for 25 minutes or until heated through.
* I made a lot of enchiladas for a big family so just adjust recipe as needed.
Interesting Hint: Did you know if you don't have cream of chicken soup but do have chicken noodle soup, you can just zap it in the blender and magic.....you have cream of chicken soup!

Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie

2008-05-11T22:19:00.000-04:00

Made With Love from Mandy to me for Mothers Day! This pie is absolutely delicious!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup choc chips
1/2 cup white corn syrup
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs (beaten)
1/2 tspn vanilla
1 frozen pie shell

Spread the pecans and chocolate chips on the bottom of the pie shell. Mix the rest of the ingredients together and pour into pie shell. Bake @ 350 for 30 minutes.

Vickis Chicken Salad

2008-05-11T10:14:00.000-04:00

Vicki fixed this wonderful chicken salad for us on our Helen, Ga. trip. I don't know the exact recipe but I know she added grapes and pecans to it. Maybe she will share the recipe and I will post it here. Also, on this plate is a salad that I made with fresh greens, tomatoes, feta cheese, and poppy seed dressing with a slice of hoop cheese. Vicki sliced some fresh strawberries on top. We added the Cracked Pepper & Olive Oil Triscuits to this which made it perfect!

I just noticed, you cannot see the chicken salad on this plate! I promise it was there! Vicki, did you eat it before the picture was took? Well, take my word for it....the chicken salad was a hit!

Freshly Squeezed Lemonade

2008-04-30T20:21:00.000-04:00

As cool as it was this morning, it turned out to be a very warm day so I thought with our Chicken Tortilla Soup and chips and salsa........Fresh lemonade would taste really good! I was right.

6 lemons squeezed

1 1/2 cups sugar

Approx. 2 quarts of hot water

Stir until dissolved. Add a little cherry juice and a couple of cherries & enjoy!

Mom's Potato Soup & Cornbread

2008-04-28T21:12:00.003-04:00

They say this cooler weather is blackberry winter so I thought it would be a good night to make My Mother's Potato Soup!!!
I know I have the recipe on here already but it is so good! If you haven't tried this, you need
to.

Ora's Chocolate Cake

2008-04-12T22:15:00.000-04:00

Our Supper tonight:
Butter Beans
Collard Greens
Macaroni & Cheese
Mashed Potatoes
Cornbread

Dessert:
Ora's Chocolate Cake

2 Cups Sugar
Add 1/2 Cup Shortening
Stir together & add 2 eggs.
Then dissolve 3/4 Cup of cocoa in 1/2 cup boiling water.
Add this to the rest of mixture. Beat well.
Add 1 Cup of milk, 1 tsp. vanilla, 2 Cups SR Flour & 1 tsp. soda, 1/4 tsp of salt.
Stir together. Add to rest of mixture & beat well. Bake 45 minutes @350 degrees.

Icing:
Sift 1 Box Powdered Sugar & add 1 stick Butter, 3 tbsp. of cocoa & 6 tbsp. of milk.
Heat butter, cocoa & Milk & slowly pour over Powdered Sugar. Blend together well to make icing. Pour over cooled cake.
Enjoy!

Turkey Mignon, Grilled Asparagus & More!

2008-04-10T21:34:00.000-04:00

Beautiful dogwoods blooming!

Springtime is so pretty!
Creek sounds so peaceful!

See the squirrel sitting in the tree?

Table set waiting on my "Sweet Honey"!

Can you smell it cooking on the grill?

Crescent Rolls with Olive Oil, Basil, & Oregano

Hot off the grill!

Add a glass of tea and it is perfect!
Dessert

Ingredients:

Turkey Mignon from Schwanns ( I marinated in Dales Steak Seasoning & cooked on grill)

Baked Potato with Sour Cream, Butter, Shredded Cheese, & Bacon

Grilled Asparagus with drizzled olive oil and sea salt and fresh ground pepper

Crescent rolls with olive oil, Basil, and oregano, Kosher Salt, Fresh ground pepper

Fresh Fruit (Pineapple, Honeydew, Blueberries, Strawberries) with EagleBrand Milk drizzled over it.

Directions:

Enjoy on a screened in porch overlooking all the trees that are budding and listen to a creek flowing and share with the one you love and you have the perfect recipe.

Make sure to check out

My Other Blog!

Potato Yeast Rolls

2008-04-02T20:54:00.000-04:00

Today I fixed Barbecue Ribs, Potato Salad, Baked Beans, Slaw and Yeast Rolls! This is my moms recipe and they are delicious and easy!

3/4 Cup Creamed Potatoes

3/4 Cup Potato Water

1 Can Evaporated Milk

1 Cup Sugar

1 Cup Shortening (Part butter)

3 Eggs (beaten)

2 Pkgs. Yeast

Enough flour to make a soft dough

Mix together milk, sugar, potatoes, potato water, shorening and eggs. Sprinkle yeast over Mixture. Stir until yeast dissolves. Add enough self rising flour to make a firm, soft dough. Place in a greased container and let rise in warm place for 2 hours. Punch down dough well and place in refrigerator until ready to use. Then remove. Cook as biscuits on a greased cookie sheet. Let rise 30 minutes before cooking.

Check out

My other blog!

Triston's Cracker Candy

2008-03-26T20:10:00.000-04:00

Triston laying her crackers down on a cookie sheet
After cooking, she added the chocolate chips & nuts
UUUUMMMM Tris, can we have some?
Triston pressing chocolate & nuts down.
Triston tried to cut the crackers, but she said it was better to break apart.

**************
The kids got out of school early today and Triston was in the mood to cook. She takes after her Gran! I am so proud of my grandchildren. They are always so eager to learn. They think I am it. Triston is almost a teenager and I am very proud of her. She surprised me with something new on her Blog! Take a minute and watch the "Everything Skit." I cried when I saw it.

Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in sugar, and bring to a low boil. Continue boiling, stirring constantly to prevent burning, approximately 3 minutes. Line Cookie sheet with foil for easier clean up.
Arrange crackers on a cookie sheet in a single layer, and drizzle with sugar mixture. Bake at 425 degrees for 5 minutes, or until edges begin to brown.
Remove from oven and spread chocolate chips evenly over the top as they melt. Sprinkle with nuts, gently pressing into the melted chocolate. Cool until chocolate has hardened, and break into pieces. Store in refrigerator until ready to serve. Allow to cool, and break into pieces. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

2008-03-22T20:24:00.000-04:00

My "Sweet honey" could'nt wait until tomorrow so that is why you are seeing the cake cut into pieces. He said it was great and that is what counts.

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
6 slices pineapple or 1 can (20 ounces) can of drained crushed pineapple
maraschino cherries (optional)
pecan halves (optional)

Cake:
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk

In a 9-inch square cake pan, melt butter; sprinkle with brown sugar. Arrange pineapple and cherries and nut halves on sugar, making a design.
Make cake batter. Cream 1/2 cup butter; gradually add 1/2 cup sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
Add egg and beat well. Add sifted dry ingredients alternately with the milk; beat until smooth, ending with dry ingredients. Pour over pineapple design. Bake at 375° for about 35 minutes. Let cake cool for about 5 minutes before turning out onto a serving plate.

Hummingbird Cake

2008-03-19T23:22:00.000-04:00

Sift the following ingredients together:

3 Cups Flour

2 Cups Sugar

1 Tsp. Baking Soda

1/2 Tsp. Salt

1 Tsp. Ground Cinnamon

When finished add:

1 Cup Chopped Pecans & set aside.

In another bowl combine:

3 Eggs, beaten

3/4 Cup Applesauce

1/4 Cup Canola or Vegetable Oil

1 1/2Tsp. Vanilla

1 Cup crushed Pineapple

2 Cups Chopped Bananas

Stir all together by hand, NOT in a mixer, until well mixed. Do NOT beat. Fold liquid mixture into dry mixture until well-mixed. Again, do NOT beat!

Divide the batter into three 9 inch cake pans that have been greased. (I use pam spray). Bake in a 325 degree oven for 25-30 minutes, or until set in the center. Make sure not to over bake the cake. It makes all the difference between having a wonderful cake or a dry mass of flour and sugar.

Cool cakes, then ice with:

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 1/2 pounds confectioner's sugar

1 Tsp. vanilla extract

Beat together cream cheese and butter until mixed, then beat in sugar, finally add vanilla.

This is one of my "sweet honey's" favorite cakes! I try to always have him something sweet to eat. I usually make my desserts on Fridays! Hope you enjoy!

Buttery Corn With Lime & Chili

2008-03-15T22:07:00.000-04:00

Pam is featuring Tex Mex Recipes. Go over and check her out. Here is my recipe. I am a little late with mine but better late than never!

Ingredients:

4 ears fresh corngrilled
1 tablespoon butter melted
1 tablespoon lime juice fresh is best- i use half of a lime
1 teaspoon salt

TOPPINGS
lime wedges

chili powder
parmesan cheese
salt
pepper
Grill corn over med heat turning to cook all sides and char a few of the kernels.
Combine lime juice, salt, butter and in 1/4 cup water. Baste over corn at the end of the grilling time. Remove from grill to covered dish. Pour remaining sauce over corn.
Sprinkle the salt & pepper over the corn.
Cover and remove from heat.
Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve with any of the toppings listed. I LOVE it with lots of lime & chili powder with parmesan cheese & lots of salt! I served this with soft tacos made with ground turkey meat.
Hope you enjoy it!

Summer's Chocolate Pie

2008-03-13T20:04:00.000-04:00

1 1/2 Cups Sugar

3 level tbsp. Cocoa

2 Eggs, Slightly Beaten

1 Cup Evaporated Milk

1 Tsp. Vanilla Flavoring

1/8 Cup Flour

Deep dish pie shell (uncooked)

Mix sugar & cocoa together. Add remaining ingredients. Blend well using a wisk. Pour into a deep dish uncooked pie shell. Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes until set. Be careful not to overcook.

This is absolutely the best chocolate pie I have ever eaten. My niece, Summer gave me the recipe. She is a great cook! Hope you enjoy!

Maranda's Taco Soup/Salad

2008-03-09T21:54:00.000-04:00

My daughter Maranda & her husband, Cory came over and brought this soup Saturday night to share with us. It was so good. She also brought avocados and made guacamole. We really enjoyed their visit. We watched some home movies and enjoyed this soup together.

2 pounds ground beef ( We use ground turkey)

2 (15 1/2-ounce) cans pinto beans

1 (15 1/2-ounce) can kidney beans

1 (15 1/4-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained

1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes

1 (14 1/2-ounce) can rotel tomatoes with chiles

1 (1-ounce) package ranch salad dressing mix

1 package of taco seasoning mix

Corn chips

Sour cream, for garnish

Grated cheese for garnish

Brown the ground beef or turkey; drain the excess fat, then transfer the browned meat to a slow cooker or a stockpot. Add the beans, corn, tomatoes, taco seasoning mix and ranch dressing mix, and cook in a slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours or simmer over low heat for about 1 hour in a pot on the stove. To serve, place a few corn chips in each bowl and ladle soup over them or serve like a taco salad. Top with sour cream & cheese & guacamole.

I have never made this, but it was great. Maranda said it is so simple to make. We enjoyed the leftovers tonight. It was so delicious! Thank you Maranda!

Simple Roasted Chicken

2008-02-26T21:50:00.000-05:00

One 2-3 Lb. Whole Chicken

Kosher Salt

Freshly Ground Black Pepper

2 teaspoons minced thyme (optional)

Unsalted butter

Dijon mustard

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Rinse the chicken, then dry it very well with paper towels, inside and out. The less it steams, the drier the heat, the better. Salt and pepper the cavity, then truss the bird. Trussing is not difficult, and if you roast chicken often, it's a good technique to feel comfortable with. When you truss a bird, the wings and legs stay close to the body; the ends of the drumsticks cover the top of the breast and keep it from drying out. Trussing helps the chicken to cook evenly, and it also makes for a more beautiful roasted bird. Now, salt the chicken — I like to rain the salt over the bird so that it has a nice uniform coating that will result in a crisp, salty, flavorful skin (about 1 tablespoon). When it's cooked, you should still be able to make out the salt baked onto the crisp skin. Season to taste with pepper. Place the chicken in a sauté pan or roasting pan and, when the oven is up to temperature, put the chicken in the oven. I leave it alone — I don't baste it, I don't add butter; you can if you wish, but I feel this creates steam, which I don't want. Roast it until it's done, 50 to 60 minutes. Remove it from the oven and add the thyme, if using, to the pan. Baste the chicken with the juices and thyme and let it rest for 15 minutes on a cutting board. Remove the twine. Slather the meat with fresh butter. Serve with mustard on the side and, if you wish, a simple green salad. You'll start using a knife and fork, but finish with your fingers, because it's so good.

Add a Fresh Salad and a side of mashed potatoes & a piece of Lemon Pie & you have a great meal! This is what we had for supper tonight. It was great. Hope you enjoy!

Make sure & Check Out My Other Blog!

The Best Peanut Butter Cookies

2008-02-25T22:10:00.000-05:00

1 Cup Peanut Butter

1 Cup Sugar

1 Egg

Mix together. Bake 350 degrees for approx 10 minutes. Do not overcook.

Simple to Make and absolutely delicious!

DON'T FORGET TO VISIT My Personal Blog!

Crescent Rolls Breakfast Dessert

2008-02-22T19:44:00.000-05:00

This recipe is for a recipe exchange for breakfast items over at
Pams Recipe Exchange ! This is my first time participating in one of these.
Hop on over there and join in the fun!

2 packages Pillsbury Crescent dinner rolls
2-8oz Philadelphia Cream cheese packages
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup sugar

Topping:1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup butter

Butter 9 x13 inch pan. Cover bottom of pan with one entire package of crescent rolls
(push together sections and roll out to make one piece).
Filling:Whip together cream cheese, vanilla and sugar. Add filling on top of crescent rolls. Cover filling with other package of crescent rolls. Melt butter and cover crescent roll. Mix sugar and cinnamon in one bowl and sprinkle over top.
Bake at 350 F for 20-25 minutes.
Let cool before serving.
Hope you enjoy!

Don't forget to visit me @ My Personal Blog !

Evelyn's Spinach Artichoke Dip

2008-02-20T18:37:00.000-05:00

1 Can Artichoke Hearts 14 oz.

1 Cup Mayonnaise

1 Cup Grated Parmisan Cheese

Dash of Salt

1 Pkg. Frozen Spinach 10 oz.

Shredded Mozzerella Cheese

1/2 Cup in mixture

1/4 Cup sprinkled on top

Directions: Cook Spinach & drain well. Use 1/2 can artichoke hearts chopped into small pieces. Mix all of the above and pour into casserole dish. Sprinkle Cheese on top. Bake 350 degrees for approx. 20 minutes. I usually double this recipe.

Serve with Salsa, Sour Cream & Tortilla Chips

This recipe is one I treasure. It is from Evelyn, my husbands aunt and a very dear friend to me. We went to Houstons in Atlanta (my favorite restaurant) several years ago together. It was one of the first times we had eaten the spinich artichoke dip there. We all loved it. Evelyn is a very good cook. She went home and played around with this until she got it as close to Houstons recipe as I have ever tasted. My children and I, all cook this a lot. The picture shown is actually from Houston's. Evelyn and her children live out of town and we never get to see them. I think of them often but especially when I make this recipe. They are great to send me cards and notes. I am not as good at that as I should be, but I do love & miss them so.

Crock Pot Apple Butter

2008-02-14T19:19:00.000-05:00

I do have this recipe on My personal Blog, but I made another batch about a week ago and thought I would give you the recipe here on my cooking blog. My pictures are before it was cooked. Evidently I forgot to take the pictures of it in the jars. I hope you enjoy! This is so easy & delicious!

Val's Baked Macaroni & Cheese Casserole

2008-02-04T21:40:00.000-05:00

8 oz. Elbow Macaroni
4 tbsp. Butter
4 tbsp. Flour
1 Cup Milk
1 Cup Pet milk
1/2 tsp. Salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
2 Cups shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cook & drain macaroni according to package directions. In a saucepan, melt butter. Add salt, pepper & flour whisk together. Add both milk and cream gradually, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil until it thickens. Reduce heat for 10 minutes. Add cheese until it melts, stirring constantly. Turn heat off. Add macaroni to sauce and stir. Transfer to baking dish and bake for approx. 20 minutes.
You can top this with bread crumbs, extra cheese, ritz crackers-whatever you would like.
This is a delicious casserole. You can also freeze this before or after baking.
I usually double this recipe for my family.
Sorry there are no pictures. It was gone before I could get my camera.

Vicki's Chocolate Cake

2008-02-03T15:37:00.000-05:00

I meant to take pictures of my lunch today but it got eaten before I had the chance to do it. The only picture I got was the cake so that is what I am sharing with you today.

Our Sunday Dinner menu was:

Ham

Baked Beans

Potato Salad

Baked Macaroni & Cheese Casserole

Homemade Biscuits

Chocolate Cake

This recipe was given to me by my best friend Vicki. She made the most wonderful chocolate cake- White layers with chocolate fudge icing. I asked her to share the recipe with me. I was so surprised when I found out that the wonderful white layers were just a bought cake mix. How easy is that? I kind of keep that a secret because everyone thinks it is all homemade! The chocolate icing recipe she shared is homemade and is excellent. So here goes:

Purchase your white cake mix at store and make layers.

Cool.

Chocolate Fudge Icing

3 cups sugar

2 or 3 squares of chocolate

3 tblsp. Crisco

1 cup Carnation Pet milk

3 tblsp. of Parkay butter

1 tblsp. of white corn syrup-Karo

1 tsp. of vanilla

Dash of salt

Mix all ingredients together and stir constantly until it boils. Boil for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly. Let Cool and spread on cake.

***Make sure you set timer for 5 minutes "Only". Do not overcook it or it could be hard. I run cold water in sink and set pan in it. Beat it with spoon or mixer until it is hard enough to stay on cake. It must be cool before icing.

Thanks Vicki!

Japanese Fruit Pie

2008-02-01T23:53:00.000-05:00

I thought I would share this delicious pie with you. My mother shared this recipe with me several years ago. I make it a lot at Christmas, but it is good anytime. It is so simple to make. I like to keep one in the freezer for unexpected guests or for special times when I need to take food to someone. My honey does not like coconut, but he loves this pie. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Japanese Fruit Pie

2 Sticks Butter

2 Cups Sugar

2 Tbsp. Vinegar

4 Eggs

1 Cup Raisins

1 Cup Pecans

1Cup Coconut

Melt butter & add other ingredients. Fold into 2 uncooked pie shells. Bake 300 degrees for 35 minutes.

This week we have not been eating any sugar. I will tell you this.....I cannot wait until Sunday! I love cokes and I have not had one this week. I can do without the desserts.......BUT GIVE ME MY COKE!

2008-01-30T21:21:00.000-05:00

This is what we had for supper tonight. This is a very easy recipe. It is another recipe from http://www.thepioneerwomancooks.com/ - I replaced the beef with deer cube steak. I did put a small amount of onions in, but I have to hide them because Randy hates onions. I basically replaced the large amount of onions with bell pepper and mushrooms. This sandwich was delicious and I am not even a big meat eater. Next time I will be adding some cheddar cheese. uuuuuummmmm! So far, every recipe that I have fixed of hers, my husband loves and this is no exception. I served this with some Kettles Salt & Freshly ground pepper potato chips and some fruit.

Marlboro Man’s Favorite Sandwich

2 to 3 pounds cube steak (tenderized round steak that’s been extra-tenderized)

(I used Deer Cube Steak instead of beef)

1 large onion OR 2 small/medium onions( I did bell peppers and mushrooms instead)

4 French/Deli rolls

Butter

Lawry’s Seasoned Salt

Worcestershire Sauce

Tabasco

Slice onions(bell peppers, and mushrooms) and cook in 1/4 stick butter until soft and light brown. Remove and set aside.-Slice cube steak against the grain. Season with Lawry’s. -Heat 2 TBSP butter over high heat (in same skillet) until melted and beginning to brown. -Add meat in single layer. Cook one side until brown, then flip and cook until brown, about a minute on both sides. -Add 1/2 (at least) Worcestershire sauce, 5 to 6 shakes Tabasco, and 2 TBSP butter. Add cooked onions. Stir to combine.-Butter halved French rolls and brown on skillet. -To assemble, lay bottom half of French roll on plate. Place meat mixture, followed by a spoonfull of juice from the pan. Top with other half of roll, cut in half, and devour!

Black Bean Soup

2008-01-26T21:56:00.000-05:00

This is what we had for supper tonight. This is a very easy soup to make and wonderful on a cold day like today. I served this with tortilla chips. I love this soup!

Black Bean Soup

3 Cans of Black Beans (undrained)

1 Can of Rotel Tomatoes with diced chilies

Onion ("My honey" hates onions, but what he doesn't know want hurt him!")

Garlic

Bell pepper

Olive Oil

1 Can of Niblet Corn

1 Can of Vegetable Broth

Brown Rice (Pre-cooked)

I start this out in my dutch oven. I saute my onion, garlic, and bell pepper in olive oil for just a minute. Then I add all the ingredients except the rice. I usually transfer to my crock pot after heating through. I add rice about 20 minutes before serving. I serve this with sour cream and/or cheese on top.

Simple & Delicious!

CHECK OUT www.lifeslittlegarden.blogspot.com to see my quilt block I made. I am proud!

Cinnamon Rolls

2008-01-26T21:24:00.001-05:00

I finally got to cook the Pioneer Womans cinnamon rolls - I had a blast! There is a lot of down time while waiting on the rolls to rise so I would run and sweep, vacuum & mop in between. "My honey", and my son-n-law, Cory were working outside. I warmed up the spaghetti and bread we had last night for their lunch. While they were eating, I had a pan of the cinnamon rolls in the oven. I already had the icing ready to pour on the hot rolls! OH MY GOODNESS! I am not kidding! "My honey" said they were the best he has ever had! Honestly, he does not say that about everything-but so far everything I have fixed of hers is GREAT! The recipe says it will make 7 pans but I think I cut mine to big. It only made 6 pans for me. I gave some to my children, and froze some. I saved 1 pan for our Sunday morning breakfast! You can go to http://www.thepioneerwomancooks.com/ for this recipe & many more. YOU WILL ENJOY!

Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce

2008-01-25T22:09:00.000-05:00

This is what we had for supper tonight. So simple, but oh so good! I have listed all of the recipes. Hope you enjoy!

SPAGHETTI WITH MARINARA

CRESCENT ROLLS

VICKI'S SOUR CREAM POUND CAKE

Marinara Sauce

Serves 6

1/4 cup of olive oil
4 cloves of garlic sliced in half
1 35oz can of imported Italian tomatoes
3 basil leaves, washed, patted dry and chopped
1/2 teaspoon of oregano salt & pepper to taste

1. Place garlic and olive oil in large sauce pan.

2. Turn heat to medium and cook until garlic is soft and lightly browned.

3. Crush the tomatoes and add with their juices.

4. Add basil, oregano, salt and pepper.

5. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer and cook until thickened approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
Pour over pasta & top with shredded cheddar cheese and Enjoy!

Thought for the day:
Marinara derives from the Italian word for sailor, marinaro. Due to these origins I have seen many people say that marinara sauce must contain something from the sea, usually anchovies. Actually this is not the case, the origins of marinara sauce are that it is the sauce that they made in Naples for the sailors when they returned from the sea. This info. and recipe came from http://italianchef.com/

Crescent Rolls

2008-01-25T21:47:00.000-05:00

These are great when you fix them like this!

Roll up and place on pan. Drizzle olive oil over rolls. Sprinkle with freshly ground pepper and sea salt. Then sprinkle with basil and oregano. Bake as directed.

These are not FAT FREE! Enjoy!

Vicki's Sour Cream Pound Cake

2008-01-25T21:02:00.000-05:00

Can you tell "my honey" loves it! 30 years and he is still spoiled rotten!

I love it though! I love Him!

Vicki's Sour Cream Pound Cake

3 cups sifted all purpose flour

1 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1 cup butter

3 cups sugar

6 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. almond extract

1 cup sour cream

Sift together flour and salt and soda. Set aside.

Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.

Add vanilla and almond extract (Total beating time will be 10 minutes)

Add dry ingredients alternately with sour cream, beating well after each addition.

Pour batter into a 10 inch fluted tube pan, well greased (I use Pam spray)

Bake @325 degrees 60-70 minutes.

Cool in pan on rack 10 minutes before removing!

This cake is EXCELLENT!

THANK YOU VICKI!

Simple Homemade Soup

2008-01-23T22:24:00.000-05:00

I fixed this last Sunday and just thought I would share with you. This was the first recipe that I cooked in my new Wolfgang Puck Cast iron dutch oven. This is a simple soup to fix but is very good. You can add whatever you like. Sometimes I double this recipe and freeze for later.

1 lb. Ground Beef or Ground Turkey (We use Turkey)

Add 1 small onion

2 tblsp. garlic

Dash of Worcestershire Sauce

Freshly ground Salt & Pepper

Add 2 large cans of Veg-All

Add 1 large can of tomato sauce

Add 1 large can of creamed corn

Cook in Crockpot for 4 -6 hours or on stovetop for 45 minutes.

We add tobasco sauce to ours when ready to eat.

Serve with Cornbread & enjoy!

Hope you enjoy!

LAYERED SALAD

2008-01-22T23:13:00.002-05:00

Salad Greens (We like Spring Mix)

Carrots

Celery

Roma Tomatoes

Olives (Black & Green)

Cucumbers

Mushrooms

Bell Pepper

Boiled Eggs

Frozen Green Peas (thawed halfway)

Layer, using greens first and then layer until you fill the bowl with anything that you love.. You can actually use whatever you like in a salad. Onions would be great but "Sweet Hunter" doesn't like them so I leave them out.

Salt & Pepper all throughout the salad while layering. I love freshly ground sea salt and fresh ground pepper. Top with a generous amount of Mayonaise + 1 tsp of sugar. Sprinkle with Parmesan and shredded chedder cheese. Let stay in refrigerator for 24 hours before serving. No need for dressing- it makes its own. This is a great make ahead salad.

Simple , but oh so good!