Recipe: Taco Soup

A friend from work talked about how she made this awesome taco soup and how quick and easy it was to prepare.  I didn’t have all the ingredients for their recipe, so I found this one (that I had everything for!)

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Beccas-Taco-Soup/Detail.aspx

(please note, I changed the recipe a little)

1 lb ground turkey

1 onion, chopped

1 can whole corn (drained)

1 can kidney beans

16 oz tomato sauce

1 pkg taco seasoning

Tortilla chips, crushed (on top)

I threw everything into a pot and let it simmer for 20 minutes.

Next time, I will put just 8 oz. of tomato sauce and then a can of diced tomatoes with chiles, but I didn’t have any.  It was still really good!

We put a dollop of sour cream a little bit of cheese, and dinner was served in no time.

Recipe: Fondue

I was looking for something to make in the crockpot that would be fun for New Years.  I found a super-simple recipe for fondue, and it turned out AWESOME!

1 lb. Velveeta cheese (I had Velveeta in the freezer from last year - it was on sale but we never used it.  We're not big cheese people.  Go figure - why was I looking at fondue recipes? Who knows.)
1 can cream of mushroom soup

That's it.
Cut up the Velveeta into cubes and put it in the crockpot with a can of cream of mushroom soup, and you have a very creamy, rich, fondue!  I made homemade Artisan bread, and it all turned out SO YUMMY! 

As I mentioned, we arent really cheese lovers, but this turned out really good.  Todd is eating it right now as a snack as I type. 

Recipe: Eggs In A Basket

Growing up, my favorite (and only) way to eat eggs were "Eggs In A Basket."  I have only seen this at one restaurant, Cracker Barrel.  Well, in case you've never heard of eggs this way, here is a "how-to."  I made these for Todd and I yesterday morning before going out shopping.  Please note, Todd was starving, so he got 4 eggs. 

Ingredients:

Butter, Bread & Eggs

 Plain Bread

 Buttered on both sides

 Cut a hole in the middle of the bread (I use wine glasses)

 Place bread in a pan or skillet.  Crack an egg into the center.

 Once browned, flip to cook the other side (approximately 1 minute - I dont like the yolks over-cooked.)

 Serve

I dont like the gewey clear stuff, which is why this is the only way I'll eat my eggs.  When you peel back the egg, there is a little pocket of yolk.  Yummy!

Have you ever had/made eggs in a basket?

Recipe: BlackBean Chili

I love chili...thick, meaty chili.  No one makes it better than my mom!  There is nothing like mama's cookin'!

I have made my own chili, but now that I am trying really hard to lose weight, I am trying to stay away from high-calorie, meaty meals.

I have made this chili several times and LOVE IT!  It calls for ground turkey, but I leave it out and it tastes just as good!  Why spend the money on ground turkey if it doesnt really add anything to the recipe?

BlackBean Chili (Vegetarian)

3 cans black beans (undrained)
1 can crushed tomatoes (from Aldi's with the chile's in it to add spice!)
1 diced onion
2 cloves of garlic (I used minced)
1 1/2 Tbsp chili
1 Tbsp Oregano
1 Tbsp Basil

I throw this into a crockpot on low before work (takes less than 5 minutes) and then by the time I get home, it is ready to serve.  Yum!

If you plan on making it on the stovetop, it should simmer on low for at least an hour.

Easy Apple Crisp

I offered to make Apple Crisp for our Halloween party at work today.  I found this recipe a few weeks back from Feathers In Our Nest and love it!  I've made it 5 times since finding the recipe. 

I am down to the last 10-12 apples from the 52 lbs that we got 3 weeks ago. I am a little sad about that. I didnt make nearly enough applesauce that I wanted to, nor did I make enough pie filling to last the winter.  I am half tempted to drive an hour and a half this weekend to get another case of apples; but that's not very practical for a $4 case of apples, is it?  No...

So...it may have to wait until next year. *sigh*

Oh well.
It's been fun.  However, I think I need a new peeler now.  The blades are dull. :-)

Recipe: Apple Pie Filling

I still have a good 25-30 lbs of apples left from the large box we bought a couple of weeks ago.  I need to use them up before they go bad.  There is nothing I hate more than wasting food.  BUT...we dont really "waste" food.  It goes to Squiggy as a treat.  And he LOVES apples.

I found this recipe and tried it out.  Oh my goodness!  Never again will I pay $2 for a can of apples.  This recipe is AMAZING!!!

http://www.ehow.com/how_5361141_make-canned-fruit-pie-filling.html

6 Granny Smith Apples (I used the assorted apples that came in the box - so yummy!) 

1 tsp fresh squeezed Lemon Juice

1 Cup White Sugar

3 tbsp Cornstarch

1 1/2 tsp ground Cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground Nutmeg

1 1/2 Cups Water

The only problem with this filling is that it may not last until I get it into a pie crust!!!  I keep saying, "Oh, I'll just take ONE MORE."  If I dont stop, there wont be enough to fill the pie shell.  My next quest one of these days is trying to make my own pie crust. 

Recipe: Pumpkin Ice Cream

I love ice cream.  My favorite is Handel's Ice Cream!
They are open year round - so there has been a time or two (or twelve!) that Todd and I could be found in our car with the heat blaring and a cone in our hands.

This time of year, they have the Pumpkin Ice Cream.  Oh my goodness!!!!  It is SOOO good. But, at $3.10 per waffle cone, I have decided to try to make it myself.  I made some yesterday for Todd for Sweetest Day, and it turned out great!

The recipe is as follows:

1 quart vanilla ice cream (which is 4 cups)

1 c. pumpkin
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. nutmeg

I think I got this recipe from either cooks.com or allrecipes.com.  Whoever posted it hit it pretty much right on.  When it's time to serve, I like to crumble crushed animal crackers on top.  It tastes just like a pumpkin pie.  AND, what I like about it is that I can get the low fat or fat free ice cream to help save calories!  Yum!

Recipe: Apple Cake (Healthy!)

Apple Cake

4 C chopped apples
3/4 C apple sauce (or oil)
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 eggs (I use egg substitute)
2 C flour
1 1/2 C sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 C chopped walnuts (optional - I dont use them : never have them!)

Mix everything together with a wooden spoon.
Bake at 325 for 50 minutes in a 13 x 9 pan.

So moist and delicious!

Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu

Todd and I had chicken cordon bleu on our wedding day, and I have made a mock chicken cordon bleu ever since.  This is how I make it:

Thick chicken breasts (we buy them fresh when on sale for $1.99/lb at the store)

Thick Slices of Ham

Swiss Cheese (we use mozzarella because we get it for a good price at Gordon Food Service)

Bread Crumbs

Preheat oven to 350

Cut the chicken breast in half – but not the whole way through.  Just enough to fold over.

Fold over the chicken breast, and place a piece or two of ham and a couple of pieces of cheese.  Fold the flap back over and secure with a toothpick.

Put some bread crumbs in a bowl, and roll the chicken cordon bleu in the breadcrumbs to cover.

Bake for 35-45 minutes or until cooked the whole way through.

Easy-peezy!

Recipe: Gift In A Jar: Corn Bread in a Bag

For the next week, I will provide a recipe every day that I like from the Mary Hunt's book, Debt-Proof the Holidays. I am hoping that these give you some ideas for homemade gift-giving this Holiday season!

Corn Bread in a Bag

1 C yellow corn meal
1 C flour
1/4 C white sugar (optional)
4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Stir together all ingredients and transfer to a plastic bag. 

Attach this to jar:

Preheat oven to 425.  Empty contents of bag in a bowl.  Add 1 egg, 1 cup milk and 4 tablespoons shortening.  Beat until smooth (about 1 minute with whisk.)  Pour batter into a greased 8x8 inch baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until a knife inserted at the center comes out clean.

Recipe: Gift In A Jar: Cajun Spices

For the next week, I will provide a recipe every day that I like from the Mary Hunt's book, Debt-Proof the Holidays. I am hoping that these give you some ideas for homemade gift-giving this Holiday season!
Cajun Spices

3/4 C salt
1/4 C ground cayenne pepper
2 tbsp ground white pepper
2 tbsp ground black pepper
2 tbsp paprika
2 tbsp onion powder
2 tbsp garlic powder

Put each ingredient into a seperate cup or small bowl.  WHile holding a pint canning jar at an angle, add ingredients to create a "sand art" look.  The salt and cayenne may be divided into smaller portions and used to separate other spices, creating more "stripes."  The salt and cayenne may be divided into smaller portions and used to separate other spices, creating more "stripes."

Attach this message to jar:

Can be used on potatoes, eggs and meat.  Enjoy!

Recipe: Gift In A Jar: Raising Crunch Cookie Mix

For the next week, I will provide a recipe every day that I like from the Mary Hunt's book, Debt-Proof the Holidays. I am hoping that these give you some ideas for homemade gift-giving this Holiday season!
Raisin Crunch Cookie Mix

1/2 C white sugar
1/2 C raisins
1 1/4 C packed flaked coconut
1 C crushed cornflakes
3/4 C packed brown sugar
1/2 C quick oats
1 1/4 C all purpose flour mixed with 1 tsp baking soda and 1 tsp baking powder

Layer ingredients in jar in order given.  Press each layer firmly in place before adding next ingredient.

Attach this message to the jar:

Empty cookie mix in large mixing bowl; stir to combine.  Add 1 cup softened butter, 1 egg slightly beaten, and 1 tsp vanilla; mix until completely blended.  Roll dough into walnut-sized balls.  Place 2 inches apart on a lightly gerased cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.  Cool 5 minutes on baking sheet.  Remove to wire racks to cool completely.  Yield: 3 to 4 dozen.

Recipe: Gift In A Jar: Cinnamon Pancakes

For the next week, I will provide a recipe every day that I like from the Mary Hunt's book, Debt-Proof the Holidays. I am hoping that these give you some ideas for homemade gift-giving this Holiday season!
Cinnamon Pancakes

3 C all-purpose flour
4 tsp ground cinnamon
2 1/4 tbsp white sugar
2 tbsp baking powder
1 1/4 tsp salt

In a jar combine all ingredients in layers, placing flour on the bottom, then cinnamon in the middle and other ingredients on top.  Attach lid tightly. 

Attach this message to jar:

Empty jar into a large bowl.  Mix thoroughly.  Measure out 1 1/3 C of the mix and set aside.  Return the balance of the mix to the jar for future use.  In a medium bowl, combine 3/4 cup milk, 1 egg and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil.  Add mix.  Whisk until moistened but still lumpy.  Prepare pancakes as usual.

Recipe: Gift In A Jar: Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

For the next week, I will provide a recipe every day that I like from the Mary Hunt's book, Debt-Proof the Holidays. I am hoping that these give you some ideas for homemade gift-giving this Holiday season!
Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

3/4 C white sugar
1/4 C packed brown sugar
1 3/4 C all purpose flour mixed with 1 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp baking soda
8 large Reese's peanut butter cup candies cut into 1/2 inch pieces (wrap in plastic wrap)

Layer ingredients in jar in order given.  Press each layer firmly in place before adding next ingredient.  The cut candy pieces should be wrapped in plastic wrap and then added to the final layer.  This will keep them fresh and the other ingredients dry until use.

Attach this message to the jar:

Remove candies from jar and set aside.  Empty cookie mix in large mixing bowl; stir to combine.  Add 1/2 cup softened butter, 1 egg, slightly beaten, and 1 tsp vanilla; mix until completely blended.  Stir in candies.  Roll dough into walnut sized balls.  Place 2 inches apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet.  Bake at 375 for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.  Cool 5 minutes on baking sheet.  Remove to wire racks to cool copletely.  Yield: 2 1/2 dozen.

Recipe: Gift In A Jar : Easiest Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies

For the next week, I will provide a recipe every day that I like from the Mary Hunt's book, Debt-Proof the Holidays. I am hoping that these give you some ideas for homemade gift-giving this Holiday season!
Easiest Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 2/3 C all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 C white sugar
2 C semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 C packed brown sugar

Combine the flour, baking soda, white sugar, and the chocolate chips.  Place 1/2 the mixture in a jar and pack firmly.  Place the brown sugar on top, again packing firmly.  Finish with the remaining mixture on top.

Attach this message to the jar:

Empty contents of jar into a large bowl.  In seperate bowl combine 3/4 cup softened butter, 2 eggs and 1 tsp vanilla.  Beat until creamy.  Add to dry mixture.  Drop by spoonful onto an ungreased cookie sheet and bake in a preheated 375 oven for 8-10 minutes.  Yield: 2 dozen

Recipe: Gift In A Jar : Trail Mix Cookies

For the next week, I will provide a recipe every day that I like from the Mary Hunt's book, Debt-Proof the Holidays. I am hoping that these give you some ideas for homemade gift-giving this Holiday season!

Trail Mix Cookies

1/2 C packed brown sugar
1/2 C white sugar
3/4 C wheat germ
1/3 C quick cooking oats
1 C raisins
1/3 C packed flaked coconut
1/2 C all purpose flour mixed with 1 tsp baking powder

Layer ingredients in order given pressing each layer firmly in place before adding the next ingredeint.  It will be a very tight fit.

Attach this message:
 Empy jar into large mixing bowl and thoroughly blend mix.  Add 1/2 cup soft butter, 1 egg slightly beaten, and 1 tsp vanilla.  Mix until completely blended.

Shape into walnut-sized balls and place 2 inches apart on a greased cookies sheet.  Bake at 350 for 12-14 minutes until edges are lightly browned.  Cool 5 minutes on baking sheet.  Remove cookies to racks to finish cooling.  Yield: 2 1/2 dozen 

Mary Hunt
Debt Proof the Holidays

Recipe: Friendship Tea

For the next week, I will provide a recipe every day that I like from the Mary Hunt's book, Debt-Proof the Holidays. I am hoping that these give you some ideas for homemade gift-giving this Holiday season!

Friendship Tea

1 C powdered Tang
1/2 C instant lemonade drink mix
1 1/2 C sugar
1 C instant tea (unsweetened)
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground cloves

Pour all of the ingredients into a large bowl and mix well.  Add a tag to your gift that reads:

Friendship Tea: Place teaspoons of mix in a mug, add one cup boiling water, stir and enjoy.


Mary Hunt
Debt Proof the Holidays

Recipe: Chai Tea Mix

For the next week, I will provide a recipe every day that I like from the Mary Hunt's book, Debt-Proof the Holidays. I am hoping that these give you some ideas for homemade gift-giving this Holiday season!

Chai Tea Mix

1 1/2 C instant tea powder
2 C powdered non-diary creamer
1/2 C dry milk powder
1 C powdered sugar
1/4 C brown sugar
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground cardamom
1 tsp ground allspice
1 tsp vanilla powder

In a food processor, combine instant tea, powdered creamer, dry milk powder, powdered sugar and brown sugar.  Add ginger, cinnamon, cloves,c ardamom, allspice and vanilla powder.  Process for 2 minutes.  Store in an airtight container.

Add this tag:
To serve, palce 4 teaspoonfuls in a mug and fill with hot water.  Stir.  Enjoy!



Mary Hunt
Debt Proof the Holidays

Recipe: Potatoe Soup

I must admit, I made a pretty awesome potatoe soup Friday night for dinner. 
I pretty much made up the recipe myself, so here goes.

1 - 32 oz. container of chicken broth
2 cans of cream of mushroom soup
6 potatoes in big chunks (I left skin on - I'm too lazy to peel!)
3 carrots cut into chunks
2 stalks of celery

Put it all in the crock-pot and let it cook on low all day.

When I got home from work, it seemed a little too soupy.  I wanted to thicken it up, so I put about a cup of instant rice in and 1 packet of instant mashed potatoe mix (from Aldi's.)

It was really thick - more like a chowder, which is what we like.
So easy.

Prep time - 10 minutes max
Cook time - 6-8 hours

Recipe: Lasagna

I love this recipe because it's so simple!  I prepare it the night before and cook it in the morning before work.  When hubby and I get home from work, I nuke it and voila! 

INGREDIENTS:

• 16 oz. pkg. ricotta cheese
• 3 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups frozen cut leaf spinach, thawed, well drained
• 1 lb. frozen meatballs
• 2 (28 oz.) jars spaghetti sauce
• 1 cup water
• 3 cups grated Mozzarella cheese
• 8 uncooked lasagna noodles
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

PREPARATION:

In medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, egg, and 1 cup Parmesan cheese. Beat until blended. Stir in thawed spinach.

Bake meatballs according to package directions. Remove from oven and coarsely chop.
In 13x9" glass baking dish, pour 1 cup spaghetti sauce. Layer 4 lasagna noodles over sauce. Top with half of the ricotta mixture, then half of the cooked, chopped meatballs. Pour half of the water over. Sprinkle with half of the Mozzarella cheese. Top with half of remaining spaghetti sauce. Repeat layers, ending with spaghetti sauce. Top with 1 cup Parmesan cheese.

Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate at least 8 hours, or overnight. When ready to eat, place in preheated 375 degree F oven. Bake for 1 hour, or until lasagna noodles are tender when pierced with fork. Uncover and bake 10-15 minutes longer until bubbly. Remove from oven and let stand 10 minutes before serving. Serves 10
.