Saturday, December 20, 2008

Gomashio Furikake

This recipe comes by way of my wonderful sister in-law! I have not yet had the chance to try it, but she says it is delicious!

What she used:

* 100 g / 3.5 oz. raw sesame seeds (You can tell if the seeds haven’t been toasted yet if they are flat. Toasted sesame seeds puff up and become round.)
* 10g / .35 oz salt of your choice (I like to use a grey sea salt from Brittany, but any salt will do)
* About 1/2 cup (100ml or so) of water
* Sheet of Nori (dried seaweed)

Equipment needed: a large non-stick frying pan

Dissolve the salt in the water, until the grains are completely gone.

Spread the sesame seeds out in the frying pan. Over medium-low heat, stir around until the seeds start to ‘pop’. Take off the heat and keep stirring until the popping stops. (If you can only get a hold of toasted sesame seeds (in Japan this is pretty common; it’s called irigoma 炒りごま) you can skip this toasting step.)

Return the pan to the heat, and add the salt water. Stir around to distribute evenly. The seeds will clump up. Keep stirring over a medium-low heat - scrape off any salt that sticks to the pan. Keep stirring and scraping, until the water evaporates. The seeds will coated with fine salt crystals so that they look greyish in color, and will no longer be clumpy.

Take the pan off the heat and let the seeds cool in the pan - they’ll dry off better in the warm pan. Once they have cooled down completely and are totally dry, they can packed in an air-tight container. They will keep for about a month in a cool, dry place. (I just keep mine in the pantry, but you could keep it in your refrigerator too.)





Thursday, December 18, 2008

Homemade Applesauce

If you have little ones at home I'm sure applesauce is a staple! I know our little one enjoys a good dose of applesauce daily! Recently we were given a TON of apples and I wanted to put them to good use before they went bad. So I made an apple pie (of course!) then I made applesauce! It is a huge hit with our 1 yr. old and might be with your little tyke as well!

What I used:
For every 4 apples I added 3/4 cup of water. It really does not take much water at all because of the fruits natural juices.
A bit of cinnamon for flavoring

Peel, core and cut your apples. Cut the apple in 1/2 then in 1/2 again, what you want it is nice good chunks of apples. Bring to a boil for about 15-20 min. You will have juice and really soft apples, this is when I add my cinnamon. Stir it all up. Throw them in the blender and there you have it! There really is no need for sugar unless you are a huge sugar fan because the fruit has it's own sugar. I have a few jars of fresh applesauce in my fridge but I also have little tupperware (snack size) that I filled and froze! The perfect healthy snack!

From our table to yours, bon appetite!

Monday, December 15, 2008

Cold Day Chili

A wonderful tasting and easy making chili dish! It takes hardly any time but it tastes like it took all day :)

What I used:
1lb. ground venison (beef would work as well)
a dash of garlic powder
1 can kidney beans (drained)
1 can chili beans (drained)
1 can Italian diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup water
2 tbsp. brown sugar
1 tbsp. chili powder
1 tbs. vinegar
2 tsp. prepared mustard
1tsp. salt, 1 tsp. pepper

Brown your meat. Put all the ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil. Then let let simmer for 10-20 min. Then, you are all done! I added a little sour cream and shredded cheese because we enjoy that, but whatever you want to add is up to your taste buds!

From our table to yours, bon appetite!


Sunday, December 14, 2008

Great Tasting Meatloaf

This recipe makes your meatloaf taste sooo delicious! I got the recipe off of allrecipes.com and I forgot to take a picture of it! However if you want a look at it you can find it under Jackies Meatloaf (or something similar to it:). I did tweak the recipe to my own family's liking so it will look a little different with some of the ingred.

What I used:
1lb. ground turkey (recipe calls for beef)
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tbsp. salt
1 tbsp. garlic powder
ground pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease a baking/bread pan. Place the ground turkey, eggs bread crumbs and 1/2 cup ketchup in a large bowl. Mix by hand, and season with salt, garlic powder and pepper. Form into a loaf shape, and place in the prepared baking pan. Bake 1hr.

From our table to yours, bon appetite!

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Pumpkin Pie

This recipe, honestly, it cannot get any simpler! I did make my own pie crust but you can easily buy a pre-made one if you are hard on time! Simply follow the directions on the can of Pumpkin Pie filling! I used the big can and it only had a few simple ingredients.

The recipe:
1 can (29oz.)
Follow the rest of the directions on the can!
cool whip for the topping!

Simply follow the directions and it is super easy! One tip: use some aluminum foil to cover the top of crust. It helps keep the crust from getting totally brown. Take it off about 15-20 min. before the pie is done.

From our table to yours, bon appetite!

Friday, December 12, 2008

Struesel Topped Apple Pie

A friend of mine made this and posted it on her blog and well, it basically looks so delicious! To good in fact, to pass up! So here it is for your pure pleasure! :) (Thanks Heidi!)

Here's the Recipe-
(Pie Filling):
1/4 C. packed brown sugar
1 1/2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 lbs. apples peeled and sliced
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 refrigerated pie crust(bottom)

(Streusel Topping):
1/2 C. packed brown sugar
1/4 C. all-purpose flour
1/4 C. oatmeal
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
3 Tbsp. butter

1. Combine filling ingredients and then spoon into pie crust. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
2. Combine brown sugar, flour, oatmeal, and cinnamon for topping. Cut in butter with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly. Uncover pie and sprikle with topping. Bake 30 more minutes (I only did for 20) or until browned. Serve warm. Yum! :)

From her table to yours, bon appetite!


Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Cinnamon Rolls

This recipe is from a cookbook that I have containing many restaurant recipes! These are supposed to taste similar to the Cinnabon rolls you can get. I made them just a little different, I didn't add the cream cheese frosting....trying to watch calories and all :) Hope you enjoy them, they really are DELICIOUS!

What the recipe called for:
Rolls:
1/2 Cup warm water
2pkgs. dry yeast
3T. sugar
3 1/2oz. pkg. vanilla pudding mix
1/2 cup margarine--melted
2 eggs
1tsp. salt
6 cups flour
Cream Cheese Frosting:
8oz. cream cheese
1/2 cup margarine
1tsp. vanilla
3cups confectioners sugar
1T. milk

To make frosting. mix all ingredients until smooth.
For rolls: In a bowl combine water, yeast and sugar. Stir until dissolved. Set aside. In a large bowl, take pudding mix and prepare according to directions. Add margarine, eggs ad salt. Mix well. Then add yeast mixture. Blend.
Gradually add flour;knead until smooth. Place in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise until doubled in size. Punch down and let rise again.
Roll out on floured surface. Take 1 cup soft butter and spread over surface. In a bowl, mix 2 cups brown sugar and 4teaspsoons cinnamon. Sprinkle over top. Roll up very tightly. With a knife, put a notch every 2". Cut with thread or knife.
Place on a greased cookie sheet 2" apart. Take hand and lightly press down on each roll.
Cover and let rise until double again. Bake at 350 for 15-20 min. Remove when they start to turn golden, don't over bake!
Frost warm rolls with cream cheese frosting.

From our table to yours, bon appetite.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Fried Rice

My hubby has been such a sport about helping out in the kitchen. Since being preggo has really limited my ability to cook these days, (the smells get me every time!) he has been in the kitchen in my stead :) The other day he was having a hankerin' for some fried rice so he whipped up this recipe all by himself! I'd better watch out or he may just take over this blog himself! He really is a great chef!

What he used:
2 cups rice
3 cups water
2tbsp. soy sauce
cut up pork (he just cut up 2 pork chops)
Enough peas to please the eye
3tbsp. oil
2 eggs, whipped

Cook your rice like you normally would. While your rice is cooking go ahead and cook up your pork and peas. Poor the oil into a skillet and add your rice, peas and pork. Saute a few minutes and add your soy sauce. Next, make a circle in the center of your skillet and poor your whipped eggs into it. Let the eggs cook and stir them up with the rest of your mixture. Voila, you have your fried rice! You can add more soy sauce to your own liking.

From our table to yours, bon appetite!

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Deviled eggs

The other day I wanted to make some deviled eggs and these hit the spot! This takes hardly any effort and doesn't cost much!

What I used:
4 hard boiled eggs
A smothering of mustard
A bit of ranch dressing
A good dose of relish

Cut your eggs in half and take out the yoke, put the yoke in a separate bowl. Place the egg whites on a plate to use in a moment. Once all your eggs have been cut in half mash up the yokes. Add just enough mustard and ranch dressing to make the mixture creamy. Add your relish to taste and begin to fill the egg halves. Very tasty and creamy!

From our table to yours, bon appetite!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Easy Pasta Dish

The other day I really wasn't feeling well and wanted to fix something that didn't have much of an aroma :) I remembered a simple dish I had while in college, so you KNOW it must be inexpensive if a college student can afford it!!

What I used:
Bow Tie pasta (you can use any pasta though)
butter
Parmesan Cheese

Get your water rumbling and boil that pasta! Once it is tender drain and put in enough butter to coat the noodles. Once noodles are coated you can sprinkle on the parmesan cheese enough to coat. You can also add something like crab or shrimp if you so choose. It is a light easy meal that doesn't hurt the budget one bit!

From our table to yours, bon appetite!

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Black Bean 'n' Pumpkin Chili

This is a recipe I have not yet tried but my sister in-law sent it to me and she did make it! She said everyone told her it was the best chili they had ever had :) (Go Jenn!) Give it a try and tell me what you think!

What she used:

1 1/2 tsp. minced garlic
3c. chicken broth
2c. cubed cooked chicken
1 can diced tomatoes
2 cans black beans rinsed and drained
2 tsp. dried parsley
2 tsp. chili powder
1 1/2 tsp. cumin
1 1/2 tsp. oregano
1 (15oz.) can pumpkin
Mix all ingredients together and put in slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hrs.

From her table to yours, bon appetite!

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Super Simple Supper

I think I have a similar recipe to this one on here already, but I think I have it for the crockpot. I made this the other night when I wasn't sure what else to make and it was super simple and tasty! Sorry there are no pictures with this one! I forgot!

What I used:
3 chicken breasts
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can mushrooms
enough milk to make it soupy
cheddar cheese

Mix your soup, mushrooms and milk until it looks pretty soupy. Add your chicken and pop it in the oven at 400 for 30 min. Pull it out and put a dash of cheese on top and put back in the oven just long enough for the cheese to melt. Once melted take out of the oven and it is ready to serve! I served this over rice, you have plenty of gravy for both th chicken and rice! You can thicken your gravy by adding corn starch and heating the gravy over the stove.

From our table to yours, bon appetite!

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Chicken Nuggets

This is a great recipe and it was a huge hit for our little one! It was very easy and a great twist for chicken nuggets!

What I used:
3 Chicken breasts
1 pkg. of shake-n-bake mix
1 jar of cheese dip
enough salsa to dip the chicken in

Preheat the oven to 375. Cut up the chicken into bite size pieces. Put the shake-n-bake mix into a bag and put the chicken in it. Shake it all up! Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15 min. Heat up the cheese and drizzle it over the chicken when done. Serve with the salsa to dip in. (Note: you can also use ketchup)

From our table to yours, bon appetite!















Monday, September 22, 2008

Parmesan Bruschetta

When hunting for something fabulous to fix as an appetizer I searched and searched! I wandered over to this website and am so glad I did! This recipe is not my own but I HIGHLY recommend giving it a try! It is really simple and not very costly but is bursting with flavor! Give it a try and tell me what you think!

What I used:
1 large tomato, chopped
1/2 cup Kraft Grated Parmesan cheese
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup olive oil, divided
1/4 cup sliced fresh basil leaves
1 loaf French bread thinly sliced

Preheat your broiler. Mix tomato, cheese, garlic, 2 tbsp. of oil and the basil; set aside. (I actually made this up 2 hrs. before I heated the bread....tasted GREAT!)
Brush remaining oil onto both sides of bread slices. Place in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Broil, 6 inches from heat, 2 min. on each side or until edges are golden brown. Top each toast slice with about 1 tbsp. of the tomato mixture.

From our table to yours, bon appetite!



















The mess

My husband enjoys a great breakfast! He also enjoys making breakfast! After watching a show on the Food Network he got inspired! A chef was making "The Mess" for his patrons and my husband wanted to give it a try! Here it is in all of it's glory!

What he used:
3 Strips of bacon
2 Sausage links (small)
shredded cheddar cheese
2 Eggs
2 cups hashbrowns
salt and pepper to taste
*You can add peppers, mushrooms etc... whatever you want really!

Cook your meat first then chop it all up, fry your hash browns and drain the grease. Add everything else and add your two eggs on top. Constantly stir while the eggs are cooking. When everything is cooked then add your cheese on top and wah-la! You have your mess!

From our kitchen to yours, bon appetite!















Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Primavera Beefy Pasta

I wasn't really sure what to call this dish, but that name sounds pretty sophisticated to me! It was one of those recipes that started out as one thing but because of my love for "tweaking" it became something totally else! My hubby RAVED about it so it must have turned out pretty decent :)

What I used:
1 lb. ground beef
1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cloves of garlic minced
1 cup (or so) of Zesty Italian dressing
A sprinkling of Mozz. cheese
A sprinkling of Cheddar cheese
Pasta (any small kind you wish really) I used the kind that looks like mini lasagna noodles because they were cute! :)

Get your water going for the pasta. Brown your ground beef then add your garlic and saute together. Add your dressing and tomatoes. Once it is all heated through and your noodles are cooked and drained mix it all together. Sprinkle on your cheeses and a dash of salt if you wish. There you have it!

From our table to yours, bon appetite!
















Monday, September 15, 2008

Pork Chops with Apples and Stuffing

If you are a fan of the Kraft Food and Family magazine you will probably recognize this recipe! I gave it a shot this evening and found it to be tasty and a nice change of pace! We can sometimes get stuck in a rut as cooks and this will certainly be a new taste for your taste buds! The savory sweet mixed with the juicy chops just makes this a delightful meal! The best thing is, it was TOTALLY easy and only include THREE ingredients! Give it a try!

What I used:
1 pkg. Stove top stuffing mix for chicken
1 can (21 oz.) apple pie filling
4 boneless pork loin chops, 3/4" thick

Heat the oven to 375. Prepare stuffing as directed on pkg.
Spread the pie filling onto the bottom of a 9x13 backing dish already sprayed with cooking spray; top with chops and stuffing. Cover with foil.
Bake 30 min.; uncover and bake additional 10 min. or until chops are chops are cooked through.

From our table to yours, bon appetite!















Doesn't it just look yummy?!

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Kitchen Tips

Are you one of those people blessed with an electric stove? Are you always scrubbing away at those burners to keep them that shiny silver? Something my mom always did was to take aluminum foil and wrap the under side plate thing (I can't remember what it is called at the moment!) of the burner and cut out only the necessary holes to place the top part of the burner through. It really looks good honestly and it makes clean up quick and easy! Be sure to replace the foil every now and then. Hope it helps!

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Cheesy Stuffed Shells

These are so full of flavor! They make a perfect meal for company of anytime! It really is not that time consuming to make and the taste in the end makes it all worth it!

What I used:
One carton of cottage cheese (the tall size)
25 jumbo pasta shells
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
dash of Italian seasoning
1 cup peas
1 can spaghetti sauce

Bring water to a boil and cook pasta. While pasta is cooking combine all your cheeses, Italian seasoning and peas. Pour half of your sauce in the bottom of your baking dish. Once your pasta is cooked and cooled begin filling the shells about 3/4 of the way full. Place in baking dish and pour the rest of your sauce over the top. Cover with foil and cook for 20 min. at 350. Uncover and cook 5 min. longer. You can add more Mozz. cheese at this point if you wish.

From our table to yours, bon appetite!

Friday, July 11, 2008

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

According to a recipe book I have this is really the recipe that Krispy Kreme uses to make their doughnuts. Honest to goodness they really do taste like them! This is not just my opinion, but others that we have given them to! Go ahead and give 'em a try!

What the recipe called for:
2pkgs. regular yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1 1/2 cups lukewarm milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp/ salt
2 eggs
1/3 cup shortening
5 cups all-purpose flour
veggie oil
Creamy glaze

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk, salt, sugar, eggs, shortening and 2 cups flour. Beat on low speed scraping the bowl constantly, 30 sec. Beat on med. speed scraping bowl occasionally, 2 min. Stir in remaining flour until smooth. Cover and let rise in warm place 50-60 min. Turn dough onto floured surface; roll around lightly to coat with flour. Gently roll dough 1/2" thick with floured rolling pin. Cut with floured doughnut cutter. Cover and let rise until double, 30-40 min. Heat veggie oil in deep fryer or electric skillet to 350. Slide doughnuts into hot oil with wide spatula. Turn doughnuts as they rise to the surface. Fry until golden brown, about 1 min. on each side. Remove carefully from oil (do not prick surface); drain. Dip the doughnuts into creamy glaze, set on rack.

Creamy glaze:
1/3 cup butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2tsp. vanilla
4-6 tsp. hot water

Heat butter until melted. Remove from heat. Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Stir in water, 1 tbsp. at a time until desired consistency.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Stromboli

Awhile back my hubby worked close to a pizza place that made Stromboli. He watched closely how they made it and decided to try his own hand at it. He does a FANTASTIC job! Give it a whirl and see what you think!

What He used:
Our family pizza crust recipe :) You can use your own if you wish
He put oregano in the dough for the crust
Pepperoni (one bag)
2 bags shredded mozz. cheese (divided)
One can mushrooms
Italian seasoning

Roll out your pizza dough in a rectangle. Put your pepperoni, cheese, mushrooms and seasonings on one side of your dough. Fold the dough over the ingredients and seal it to the bottom of the side with the ingredients. Cut several slits in the top of the stromboli, melt a small amount of butter and baste the top of stromboli with it. Place on a cookie sheet and bake at 375 for 30 min. or until top is golden brown. Depending on your pizza dough recipe it will make two.

From our table to yours, bon appetite!

This was the piece my hubby made for me. See the secret message?!

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Tomato-Basil Pork Chops

Last night for dinner I wasn't sure how I wanted to fix my pork chops. I went rummaging through my cupboards and an idea popped into my head! Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

What I used:
4 pork chops
1 can tomato soup
1/2 can water
1 can diced tomatoes
minced garlic....just enough to flavor
dash of Basil
Dash of Italian seasoning

Place your chops in a glass baking dish. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over the top of your chops. Place in the oven and bake at 350 for 35 min. Enjoy!

From our table to yours, bon appetite!

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Kitchen Tip #....I don't know :)

Something that helps me have a desire to cook is having a clean kitchen! Sometimes if stuff is all over the counters etc. it makes the thought of cooking very overwhelming. However, if after every use I take the time to wipe down counter tops and keep clutter away it provides a warm and inviting place to make something yummy! Whether you have much counter space or hardly any at all, it is a great idea to keep it clean, not just for the fact of an inviting place to cook but also to keep away germs and bacteria that are lurking in those cracks and crevices! It doesn't take long to swipe the counters with disinfectant each night, give it a try!!
Our kitchen....

Friday, June 27, 2008

Quick and easy doughnut holes.

My mom saw this recipe on a cooking show recently and thought she would share it with all of us :) Enjoy!

You take a container of refrigerator biscuits. Cut each biscuit in fourths. Deep fry them in oil that is 350 degrees. Drain on a paper towel. Put some powdered sugar in a paper bag and shake it up. Then add the doughnut holes' and shake. Quick and easy doughnut holes.

From our table to yours, bon appetite!

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Furity Lemonade

I had a hankerin' for some good ol' Lemonade! Trying to get creative I came up with this easy to make recipe! Hope it keeps ya cool :)

What I used:
2 qt.water
1 cup lemon juice
1 cup sugar
1 packet of Fruit punch kool-aid (you can use other flavors, this is just what I had)

Makes for a nice cool and refreshing drink!
From our table to yours, stay cool!

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Twinkie Cake

This recipe comes by way of my fabulous sister in-law! Thanks so much Kilika! It sounds soooooo delicious!


Ingredients:
CAKE
Cake Mix - any flavor. I used chocolate
Eggs
Oil
Milk
Follow directions on box except add an extra egg and use milk instead of water.
Bake according to box and allow to completely cool. Either bake layers separately or cut layers after cake has cooled.

INNER ICING
1 cup Crisco shortening
2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup (1 stick) butter, softened, not melted
Mix shortening into sugar until well blended. Add butter until smooth.
Be careful not to overmix, as it will melt the oils and will be hard to recover.

FROSTING
One container of any ready-made frosting
2 cups of sugar
Mix until smooth

Frosting tips:
Dipping a butter knife into cool water before spreading will help frosting to smooth out over the cake.
Start from the middle and smooth frosting onto the top surface and sides.
Leave cake in refrigerator for a few hours before serving to let the icing set up.

Monday, June 9, 2008

Meow Mix

This is a recipe that some family members enjoy and I hope you do as well!

What they use:
15 ozs. Cheerios

Melt together:
1 - 12 ozs bag chocolate chips
1 - 12 ozs. bag butterscotch chips
1 stick Marg (1/2 c.)

Place Cheerios in a large brown bag. Pour chocolate mixture over Cheerios. Pour in 1 - lb. powdered sugar. Shake to mix.

From our table to yours, bon appetite!

Saturday, June 7, 2008

CHOCOLATE CLAY

Ingredients:

  • 10 ounces chocolate, almond bard or candy discs
  • 1/3 cup corn syrup

Directions:
Slowly melt candy and stir until smooth. Add syrup and blend thoroughly. Pour onto waxed paper and spread with fingers until about 1/2 inch thick. Cover loosely with waxed paper and allow it to stiffen (couple of hours). Then play and eat.

To make flower petals, roll out little balls and flatten them, then pinch the petals together and these make wonderful "I Love You" gifts, even if it isn't Valentine's Day.
Compliments of Kim Swanger

CHOCOLATE PLAY DOUGH

Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces semisweet chocolate
  • 1/4 cup plus one tablespoon light corn syrup

Directions:
Melt the chocolate in a metal bowl set over a pan of simmering water (a double boiler). Stir the chocolate with a spoon until smooth, then stir in the corn syrup. The chocolate will stiffen almost immediately but stir until completely combined. Transfer the chocolate to a sturdy plastic bag and refrigerate until firm; the consistency will be that of Play Dough.

When firm, the dough can be worked by kneading. If it is too hard, cut off small pieces and knead until pliable. If the dough sticks to the counter when rolling, lightly spray counter or breadboard with vegetable spray or lightly grease with a vegetable oil.
1) Hand shape the dough into a rope or braid, making two or three long ropes and twist or braid them together -- can be used as the outside edge on top of the cake or around the base.
2) Make ribbons to cover the cake. To do this, pat your dough into a disk shape and roll dough out to desired thickness using a rolling pin or else use a manual pasta machine.
3) Flowers, too!
Compliments of www.joyofbaking.com

SMOOTH PEANUT BUTTER PLAY DOUGH

Ingredients:
2 cups smooth peanut butter
2 cups rolled oats
2 cups dried milk
2/3 cups honey

Directions:
Mix all ingredients until thoroughly combined.

Storage:
When not using, MUST be stored in an airtight container.

Grandma's Apple Pie

This recipe is a sure fire hit with friends and family alike! It is so moist and delicious! Give it a try!
This recipe is from Great American Home Baking


What I used:

The recipe called for 1 pkg. refrigerated pie crusts, I made my own but you can do whatever
2 1/2 lbs. Granny Smith Apples
1/2 tsp. grated lemon peel
2 tsp. lemon juice (I actually didn't have any lemon peel so I just added a little extra lemon juice)
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. butter

1. Preheat the oven to 400 and get your crust ready, whatever kind you are using. Place in a 9" pie plate, allowing excess to hang over the edge.
2. Peel and core the apples, then cut into 1/4" slices. In a large bowl toss the apples in the lemon juice. In a small bowl combine the next 4 ingredients. Add to the apple mixture and toss to coat.
3. Spoon the Apple mixture and any juices into the pie crust. Cut the butter into pieces; dot over the filling.
4. Roll out your remaining pie crust and place over top of the pie and put several slices in the top. Trim the pie crust around the edges leaving just enough to pinch together and seal the crust closed. You can do decorative edges if you wish. Place aluminum foil around the crust and bake for 30 min. Remove the foil and bake another 15-20 min. until the crust is slightly browned and the juices begin to bubble.

From our table to yours, bon appetite!

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Tuna Salad Pockets

Sorry for the lack of photos recently, but these really are great recipes! I just forget to take the pictures :)

What I used:
1 can tuna (6oz.) drained and flaked
1/4 cup sliced celery
1/4 cup plain yogurt
3 Tbsp. sweet pickles
a bit of minced garlic (just to taste)
2 pita breads halved

In a small bowl combine the first 6 ingred. Spoon into pitas.

From our table to yours, bon appetite!

Honey Dijon Chicken

I hadn't planned a meal for the other day and I was at a loss as to what to fix. I leafed through my cookbooks and found this simple one that took not a lot of effort on my part :) I'm not sure where it is from because it is one that I wrote down in a recipe book of my own.... Hope you enjoy it!

What I used:
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup honey
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 Tbsp. light soy sauce
1 tsp. Dijon mustard

Place chicken in an ungreased baking dish. Combine remaining ingredients, pour over chicken. Bake uncovered at 350 for 35 min. turning once and basting chicken every 15 min.

From our table to yours, bon appetite!

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Puppy Chow

Looking for a quick and easy snack idea? This is it!

What I used:
1 box of rice square cereal
1 pkg. chocolate chips
2 tbs. chocolate syrup
1/4 cup butter
1 tbs. vanilla
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1. In a saucepan put your chocolate chips, choco. syrup and butter altogether. Melt them on low-med. heat and stir constantly. Once it is all melted add your vanilla and remove from heat.

2. In a lightly greased bowl pour out your cereal then pour your chocolate mixture over the cereal and toss lightly to coat evenly. Once cereal is all coated place 2 cups powdered sugar in a plastic ziploc bag and pour cereal in bag. Seal closed and shake to coat with sugar. Once cereal is coated pour it out onto waxed paper and let dry for 30 min. If you wish you may sprinkle more sugar on once dry. Store in a ziploc bag.

From our table to yours, bon appetite!

Best Potato Salad!

"This is the best potato salad I've ever had!" are the words my hubby used to describe this great American classic. I had yet to try my hand at Potato Salad but had really been craving it for awhile. I made it up last week and even our 10 month old enjoyed it!

What I use:
6 med. potatoes
1 1/4 cup mayo.
1 Tbsp. prepared mustard
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 cup thinly sliced celery
1/4 cup sliced dilly pickles
3 hard boiled eggs, coarsely chopped
dash of paprika

1. Peel and cube potatoes. Place in water and boil around 20 min., drain.

2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl combine the mayo, mustard, salt and pepper.

3. Stir in celery and pickles. Add the potatoes and eggs. Toss lightly to coat. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

4. Just before serving sprinkle on your paprika.

From our table to yours, bon appetite!

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Cherry Cheesecake Trifle

We had company over yesterday and I thought it a perfect opportunity to try my hand at a new trifle! Was it ever delicious! I made it up with a little help from another recipe, but it is a wower and a great dessert for spring or summer!

What I used:
1 pkg. White Cake Mix
1 pkg. cream cheese
1/4 Cup powdered sugar
2 cups whipped topping
1 can cherry pie filling
6 oz. chocolate chips, divided

1. Prepare and bake the cake according to directions. Cool; cut into 1" cubes. In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. In a trifle bowl, layer 1/2 of cake cubes, 1/2 can of pie filling, 1/2 of cream cheese mixture and 1/2 of chocolate chips. Repeat layers. Refrig. for 4 hrs. or overnight.

From our table to yours, bon appetite!

Before.....














After...I would say it was a success :)

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Berry Cream Muffins

We are getting some new neighbors this week and I thought I would welcome them in with a fresh batch of homemade muffins! It also gave me an excuse to bake again! My hubby and I tried these muffins as soon as they came out of the oven and both of us just loved them! They are not very good for you so obviously they taste great :) They are a great every once in a while recipe though! The recipe can be found from Taste of Homes Baking Book.

What I used:
4 Cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
3 cups fresh or frozen raspberries or blueberries
4 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups sour cream
1 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp. vanilla extract

1. In large bowl, combine the first 5 ingredients. Add the berries and toss gently. In another bowl, combine the eggs , sour cream, oil and vanilla; mix well. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.

2. Fill greased muffin cups 2/3 of the way full. Bake at 400 for 20-25 min. or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 min. before removing to wire racks.

From our table to yours, bon appetite!















Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Mar-a-Lago Turkey Burger

My mom sent this recipe to me and said it just sounded so good so I thought I would send it along to everyone else! If anyone has tried this please let us know how it tastes!


1/4 c. scallions, thinly sliced
1/2 c. celery, finely chppd.
3 Granny Smith apples, peeled & diced
1/8 c. canola oil
4 lbs. gr. turkey breast
2 T. salt
1 T. black pepper
2 t. chipolte Tabasco
1 lemon, juice and grated zest
1/2 bunch parsley, finely chppd.
1/4 c. Major Grey's Chutney (pear and apple), pureed.

Saute' scallions, celery, and apples in the canola oil until tender. Let cool. Place the ground turkey in a large mixing bowl. Add sautee'd items and the remaining ingredients. Shape into eight 8 - oz. burgers. Refrigerate for 2 hours. Season turkey burgers with salt and peper. Place on a preheated lightly oiled grill. Grill each side for 7 mins. until meat is throughly cooked. Let sit for 5 minutes. Serve with Major Grey's Chutney.

I hope it tastes as good as it sounds.
From our table to yours, bon appetite!

Friday, May 16, 2008

Lemon Bars

I whipped these up yesterday and they are so yummy! There is just something about Lemon...makes you feel like it is spring or summer outside! (Even if it is down pouring with rain!)
I got the recipe from Taste of Home's Baking Book on pg. 84

What I used:
1 C. all purpose flour
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 C. confectioners sugar
Filling:
2 Eggs
1 C. sugar
2 TBS. all purpose flour
1/2 Tsp. baking powder
2 TBS. lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp. lemon extract
Additional confectioners sugar

1. In a bowl, combine your flour, butter and sugar. Pat into an ungreased 8" square baking dish. Bake at 350 for 20 min.
2. For filling, in a small bowl, beat eggs. Add sugar, flour baking powder, lemon juice and lemon extract; beat until frothy. Pour over crust. Bake 25 min. longer or until golden brown. Cool on wire rack. Dust with confectioners sugar and cut into bars.

From our table to yours, bon appetite!














Thursday, May 15, 2008

Angel Food Cake

I got this recipe from a Kraft Food and family magazine and my hubby loves it! He is a big fan of Angel Food Cake and this recipe is so incredibly simple! Enjoy!

What I used:
14 oz. Angel Food Cake
1 good size can of crushed pineapple
1 pkg. vanilla pudding mix
1 cup of cool whip
Fresh strawberries, sliced

Slice your cake into 3rds. In a bowl mix your dry pudding mix and crushed pineapple (with juice) then fold in cool whip. You may need more than 1 cup, I tend to use more than that. On the bottom layer of your cake spoon some of the mixture, repeat with two other layers until mixture is gone. On the top layer place your sliced strawberries cut side down. Voila! You are ready to chow!

From our table to yours, bon appetite!



















Chicken Nuggets

What I used:

2 cut up chicken breasts
1 cup milk (in own bowl)
Flour as needed (on a plate)
2 eggs whisked (in own bowl)
2Tbs. Oil

Cut your Chicken breast up into small small pieces, a little bigger than bite size. Dip in milk, roll in flour, dip in egg, roll in flour then place in heated skillet. Fry until they are cooked through and a light brown on both sides. Repeat process until all the chicken is cooked.

From our table to yours, bon appetite!

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Crockpot Pork Chops

Sorry it has been a long time since I have gotten around to updating this blog! We have been so super busy as of late! Hope you can use this recipe, even though it doesn't have a picture!

What I used:
2 Pork chops
1 can cream of mushroom soup
about 1/4 cup sour cream
1 cup milk
and a bit of water ( you want it to be soupy)


Place all ingredients in a crockpot and have it cook on low for 8 hrs. When it is dinner time your chops will be literally falling off the bone and will just melt in your mouth. So delicious and super easy! You will have a gravy from it and it goes great over rice or mashed potatoes.

From our table to yours, bon appetite!

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Lemon-pepper Chicken

What I used:

2 chicken breasts
Lemon Pepper seasoning
1 -2 tbs. oil

Pour your oil in a skillet and warm it up. Sprinkle as much seasoning on as you wish and place in the skillet. Cook on med. heat turn over once until juices run clear. Once the chicken was cooked I placed it in a bowl of steaming hot water to keep it from drying out. Just before eating remove from water and sprinkle with a little more seasoning if desired.

From our table to yours, bon appetite!














Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Ham and Cheese wraps

This recipe came from a Taste of home magazine, however I did tweak it a little. It tasted so great and made us feel so healthy!

What I used:
4 flour Tortillas
Sliced deli ham
Shredded cheese
lettuce
tomato
green pepper
Dressing:
2 Tbs. milk
2 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. prepared mustard
3/4 cup mayo
1 tsp. celery salt

Put 5 slices of deli ham on tortilla with about 1/4 cup of cheese. Roll up and seal closed with toothpicks. Bake on a cookie sheet at 350 for 14-16 min. In the meantime get your dressing ready as well as the rest of the ingredients. Once the wraps are cooked remove from oven and open your wrap up 1/2 way in order to place your lettuce, pepper and tomato mixture inside the wrap. Top with dressing and roll back up. The taste is amazing!!

From our table to yours, bon appetite!

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Sweet-n-sour chicken

This was my first attempt at making this dish, simply because sweet-n-sour anything is not a favorite of my hubbys. However, yesterday I decided to break away and "just do it". I was pleasantly surprised with how well it turned out! I started with a recipe, but tweaked it myself.... :) Hope you all enjoy it!

What I used:
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut up
1 cup ketchup
3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tsp. dijon mustard
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar

Preheat oven to 350. Put last 4 ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Once it has boiled turn it down to low and simmer for 30 min., stirring every now and then. Grease a baking dish and put your cut up chicken in it then pour sauce over the chicken. Bake for 30 min. I served this dish over rice and with a fresh garden salad. It was so yummy! My hubby even enjoyed it!

From our table to yours, bon appetite!

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Italian meatballsSimple

Simple, easy and bursting with flavor!


What I used:
1 lb. ground turkey
1/4 cup Italian salad dressing
10 crushed saltine crackers
1/4 cup sour cream
Fettuccine pasta
1 beef bullion cube
Sprinkling of cheddar cheese

Take your crushed crackers and 2 tbs. salad dressing and mix it well with your meat. Form several meat balls. Pour the rest of the dressing (add more if needed) into a skillet and heat up. Place your meatballs in the skillet once warmed. Be sure to get your pasta cooking while your meatballs are cooking as well. Brown and cook the meatballs through then add your bullion cube. Once everything is cooked, add your sour cream and cook only 30 seconds or so. Serve over pasta and you are Ready to eat!!

From our table to yours, bon appetite!

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Popover Pizza Casserole

This dish was a hit with my hubby, but honestly it was not my favorite. I suppose it all depends on your taste buds :) It was pretty simple to make!

What I used:
1 lb. ground turkey
1 jar pizza sauce
1 bag (12oz) mozzarella cheese
1 can mushrooms
1 cup flour
1 cup milk
2 eggs

Brown your meat, pour in pizza sauce and mushrooms. Bring to a boil then remove from heat for 2-3 min. Spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and pour in your meat mixture. Top with cheese. In a bowl combine the flour, milk and eggs, beat well. Pour this mixture on top of the layer of cheese. Bake at 425 for 25-30 min.
(This recipe came from the book 6 ingred. or less, I added the mushrooms, not in original recipe.)
















Friday, March 21, 2008

Breakfast in bed

On the days my hubby has off work I try to make him breakfast in bed :) A little spoiling never hurt anyone right? With this french toast recipe it can be whipped up in no time!

What I used:
Sandwich bread (you can use french bread if you wish)
3 eggs
1 cup milk
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
maple syrup
powdered sugar

In a bowl beat the three eggs. Add milk, cinnamon and nutmeg to eggs. Heat up a sprayed skillet. Dip your bread into the egg mixture, covering both sides. Place in your skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Top it off with syrup and a sprinkling of powdered sugar. Completely delicious!

From our table to yours, bon appetite!

Thursday, March 20, 2008

6 Ingredients or less

Shortly after getting married my mom gave me a cookbook entitled "6 Ingredients or less". Many times when I wasn't prepared for a meal, this book has come to my rescue! All the recipes are pretty basic and come with things already in your cupboard. I made the Parmesan Chicken recipe last night and it was great! I didn't serve it with a sauce, but a red sauce would go fabulous with it!

What I used:
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tbs. melted butter
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1/4 cup Italian dry bread crumbs

Preheat your oven to 350. Coat the chicken with the melted butter then dip it in the parmesan cheese and bread crumb mixture. Coat evenly. Bake for 30 min. If you think it is starting to look dry, you can use a pastry brush to add more butter on top.

From our table to yours, bon appetite!














Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Grilled Chicken

Since the weather has begun to warm up a bit, we had been craving a good juicy piece of grilled chicken!! So last night we pulled out the good old charcoal grill (our favorite way to grill) and my hubby went to work! He is the master grillsman when it comes to cooking out doors :) He enjoys it and I enjoy eating his creations! Here is his recipe for a great tasting mouth watering meal!

What he used:
2 pieces of boneless skinless chicken breast
2 tbs. melted butter
Lowerys seasoned salt

Get your coals nice and hot. Brush your chicken on one side with the melted butter and place a generous covering of seasoned salt. Put that side down first on your grill. Do the same to the other side and cook until the juices run clear. It has always been a crowd pleaser!

From our table to yours, bon appetite!















Monday, March 17, 2008

Hashbrown Casserole

Looking for a great side dish to that "perfect" meal? This is such a yummy dish, though I must admit, it is not all that healthy! I rarely make this delicious casserole simply for that reason, but when I do we make sure to savor every creamy bite :)

What I used:
1 can creamy potato soup
1 cup sour cream
1 tbs. all purpose flour
1/2 tsp. garlic salt
1 pkg. frozen hashbrown potatoes
2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
1/3 c. grated parmesan cheese
Paprika

In a bowl combine soup, sour cream, flour and garlic salt. Stir in potatoes & cheddar cheese. Pour into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with paremsan cheese and paprika. Bake uncovered at 350 for 50-60 min. or until potatoes or are tender.