Puppy Chow

 Puppy Chow is super yummy. It is peanut butter and chocolate and who doesn't love that?


Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter(1 stick)
12oz(2 cups or 1 bag) chocolate chips
1-1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
3 cup powdered sugar
12-17 oz. box crispix or rice chex cereal

Melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. You can put everything in a large bowl and microwave for 1 minute, stir and than microwave and stir at 30 second intervals until smooth. Or you can melt on low heat on the stove, stirring constantly.
Pour over the cereal, that is in a really large bowl, and mix well.
Put about a cup of powdered sugar and 1/3 of the cereal in a large container with a tight fitting lid. Shake til coated well. Repeat two more times til all the cereal has been coated with the powdered sugar.
Store your puppy chow in a covered container or big baggie.
Now just sit back and watch it all disappear.

Spicy Black Bean Dip

This is a very flavorful dip. It is not too spicy, but it does have a slight kick.

But the longer it sits it the fridge, the less the kick there is.

Ingredients for step one:

2 cups black beans

6 cups or more water

1 medium onion, chopped

1 Tbs. garlic powder

2 Tbs. salt

Put all the ingredients in a large pot and cook on a simmer for 2-3 hours until beans are tender.

Ingredients for finishing the dip:

1 jalapeno pepper, minced

1 small onion, chopped

1 Tbs. fresh chopped garlic

1 cup sour cream

1 tsp. cumin

When beans are tender, add to the bowl of a food processor or jar of a blender. Leave liquid behind. Puree the beans. Add the rest of the ingredients and puree until smooth.

You may need to scrape down the sides a few times.

Taste and add salt and pepper if you think it needs it.

Tastes great, but you may want to chill before serving.

If you want it spicier, add more than one pepper.

Butterscotch Pudding

I love butterscotch pudding. I love this recipe because it is very smooth and creamy, just like pudding should be.

Ingredients:
2/3 cup brown sugar
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
1/3 cup water
1(12oz) can evaporated milk
1 egg
3 Tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix the cornstarch and brown sugar in a medium sized pan. Add the water and evaporated milk and stir well.
Cook and stir over medium heat until the mixture just starts to boil.
Take off the heat.
In a bowl beat egg and stir in a small amount of the sugar/milk mixture. Pour back into pan and add the heat again. Cook and stir for another minute. Remove from the heat and add the butter and vanilla.
Pour into serving dishes. You will get 4 (1/2 cup) servings.
I love warm butterscotch pudding, but if you prefer it firmer stick it in the refrigerator for an hour or so.

Monster Cookies

Peanut butter, chocolate chips, m&ms- what could be better in a cookie.
They are big on taste and are monstrously big too.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease a couple cookie sheets.

Ingredients:

3 large eggs
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon corn syrup
2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1-1/2 cups chunky peanut butter
4-1/2 cups oatmeal- I like quick cooking but regular oats are fine too.
1/2 cup flour
3/4 cup chocolate chips
3/4 cup butterscotch chips
3/4 cup m&ms- preferably mini

Combine eggs, sugars, vanilla, corn syrup, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the melted butter. Add the peanut butter, oatmeal, and flour mixing until thoroughly combined. Stir in the chips and m&ms. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes so the oatmeal can absorb some of the butter.
Resting is an important step so make sure to do this.
Drop the dough by 1/4 cupfuls onto the greased baking sheets. Flatten slightly with hand, if needed. Bake for 12 minutes until they are a light golden brown.
Cool on a rack.
If you over bake they may end up kinda crunchy.

Homemade Whipped Cream

When you want the real thing and not from a can.
I love fresh whipped cream.
If you store it for later it may deflate some so just grab a whisk and fluff it back up.

Ingredients:

1 half pint heavy whipping cream- not ultrapasteurized
2-4 Tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

About 1/2 hour before whipping the cream you want everything good and cold.
The cold will help the cream beat up fluffier.
Stick you bowl, beater, and container of cream in the freezer.
Now, when the time is up, take the stuff out of the freezer. Put the cream in the bowl and add the sugar and vanilla and turn the mixer on high and beat until soft peaks form. About 5 minutes or so.
If you have it, the whisk beating attachment works great.
This will make enough for garnishing a pie.

French Silk Pie

 
This is a very rich pie. It is also a very simple one to make.

Ingredients:

Baked 9" pie crust
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup butter, at room temperature
6 oz chopped semi-sweet chocolate squares(or 1 cup chocolate chips), melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup refrigerated egg product or 3 eggs, beaten

With a mixer, beat the sugar and butter until fluffy. Mix in the melted and cooled chocolate along with the vanilla.
Gradually, add the eggs or egg product, beating mixture on high until it is light and fluffy.
Pour into pastry. Cover and chill for 5- 24 hours.
Serve with whipped cream and chocolate curls if desired.

Pasta Salsa

Pasta is very big in my house. So I am always trying to come up with news ideas for meals.
And this is what I came up with.
You can use any salsa. Either make a double batch of the fresh salsa recipe or just use some from the store.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
2-3 cups pasta of your choice
32 oz. salsa

In a large pan brown the ground meat, seasoning to taste. Drain, if desired.
To the meat in pan, add the salsa and heat to boiling. Add the pasta and cook until pasta is done. Since different shapes cook faster go by the directions for an idea of how long to cook.
Stir occasionally.
Once pasta is done, if the dish is not as thick as you'd like turn down the heat and let simmer for a few minutes longer.
Serves 4-6.
Very quick, simple, and tasty.
I hope you enjoy it.

Corn Bread

I love corn bread. I grew up on it. Many people just have it with ham and bean soup, but my mom made it just whenever.
So, in my opinion, no recipe blog would be complete without a good 'ol fashioned corn bread recipe.

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
Grease a 8x8 or 9x9 square pan.

Ingredients:

1 cup flour
1 cup corn meal
1/4 cup sugar
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt( optional)
1 cup milk
1/4 cup cooking oil or melted butter
2 beaten eggs

Combine, flours, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add milk, egg and oil all at once and stir til moistened.
Pour into baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until it is golden and tests done.
Cut into squares and serve warm.
Great also if you are going to make corn bread stuffing.

Cocoa Mints

If you are fond of chocolate and mint together, you are going to love these candies.
They are great to make with younger children. They will love using cookie cutters to cut them out and you don't use the stove or oven at all.

Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Aluminum foil will work too.
You will also need cookie cutters and a rolling pin.

Ingredients:

1 cup processed cocoa powder- Dutch cocoa is preferred but any kind is yummy.
1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
1 teaspoon creme de menthe or peppermint extract
1/2 cup water
2 pounds powdered sugar- you would need 7-1/2 cups

In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients and knead until well blended. If it is too thick, add some water, a 1/4 teaspoon at a time.
On a counter, place the dough and roll out to 1/4 inch thick.
Using cookie cutters, cut out and place on waxed paper. Chill for 1 hour til firm.
Store in an airtight container.

You will get 2-1/4 pounds of candy.

Pumpkin Bread

This recipe makes two 9x5 loaves or three 8x4 loaves.
This bread is nice and moist.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and grease the bottoms of your loaf pans.
Don't grease the sides.

Ingredients:

2-2/3 cups white sugar
2/3 cup shortening or cooking oil
16 oz pureed pumpkin- if you can just find a 15 oz. can that will work
2/3 cup water
4 eggs
3-1/3 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2/3 cup chopped nuts(optional)
2/3 cup raisins(optional)

Mix sugar and oil or shortening. Add the pumpkin, water, and eggs. To that mix in flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves,and baking powder. Add your raisins and nuts if you are using.
Evenly pour into the prepared pans.
Bake for 1 hour 10 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean when you check it.
Cool in the pans for 5 minutes and than remove to cool.

Fast and Easy Chocolate Fudge

This fudge is the easiest I have ever made. To make it even faster you can make it in the microwave.

Ingredients:

1 pound semisweet chocolate, finely chopped- 2-2/3 cups of semisweet chocolate chips will work perfect.

(1) 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk

1 teaspoon chocolate or vanilla extract

1-1/4 cups chopped pecans- optional

Butter an 8" square pan.

In the top of a double boiler melt the chocolate and milk together, stirring until very smooth. Or add the chocolate and milk to a glass bowl and microwave on high, stirring every 15 seconds, until melted and smooth.

Add to that the vanilla extract along with the pecans- if using.

Pour into the pan and cool until set.

Cut into bite size pieces.

Enjoy!

Snickers Salad

This is a really good dessert. Kids and adults alike love the stuff.

Ingredients:

(1) 3.8 oz. box instant vanilla pudding

1 c. milk

8 oz. Cool Whip

3 apples

3 Snickers regular size candy bars

Mix the pudding mix and the milk and blend in the Cool Whip.

Core and chop the apples. Chop the candy bars. Add both to the Cool Whip/pudding mixture.

There you have it. Very simple.

Store any leftovers in fridge.

Enjoy!

Cinnamon Cookies

 This is a simple drop cookie that is big on cinnamon flavor. If you love cinnamon, you will love these cookies.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.

You will need a couple cookie sheets.
 

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 cups sugar
1 egg
1-1/2 Tablespoon molasses
2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1 Tablespoon cinnamon

Cream the butter and sugar. Beat in the egg and the molasses. Add dry ingredients and mix well.
Drop by teaspoon or a small size cookie scoop onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Take off cookie sheets immediately.
Cool cookies on a wire rack.
Enjoy!

Makes about 4 dozen cookies.

Cajun Crab Spread

This can be made as a mold by lining a bowl with plastic wrap and putting the spread in and chill for a few hours. Place a plate over the bowl and invert and remove plastic.
I just like to put it in a bowl and serve it that way.


Ingredients:

2- 8 oz packages cream cheese, softened
2 Tablespoons sour cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper, also known as cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
1 cup cooked crab meat- tastes fine with imitation crab
1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper

Mix the cream cheese, sour cream, and spices until well blended. Add the crab and green pepper.
Put into serving dish or a mold that you are using. Refrigerate for three hours for flavors to meld.
Serve with your favorite crackers.
Makes 3 cups.

Whole Wheat Cookies

These are a different cookie. Pretty healthy and somewhat addictive.

Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F
You will also need an ungreased cookie sheet.

Ingredients:

1 cup cooking oil
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp maple flavoring
1/4 tsp salt
1-1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup oatmeal

Mix all ingredients in the order given. Form the cookies in the bowl of a tsp and place on cookie sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes.
Remove from cookie sheet and cool on rack.

Blueberry Syrup

This is great for pancakes, blueberry or just plain. Great to make when you have extra blueberries on hand. You can use frozen or fresh for this.

Ingredients:

1-1/2 cup blueberries, divided
2 Tbs. lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 cinnamon stick, optional

Puree 1/2 cup blueberries with the lemon juice in a blender or food processor. Pour into a medium saucepan and add everything but the rest of the blueberries. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes. Add the remaining blueberries and simmer another 2-3 minutes.
Discard cinnamon stick if you used it.
Store in refrigerator.

Cheesy Chicken Breast with Onions and Peppers

This reminds me of food you can get when out to eat. It is very simple and very delicious.I came up with this one year when I had so many bell peppers I didn't know what to do with them all.

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F

Ingredients:

4 chicken breast halves
1/2 cup cheddar or Monterey jack cheese or a mix of the two
1 bell pepper, sliced into strips
1 medium size onion, halved and sliced
garlic powder
salt
pepper

In a bowl mix the peppers and onion strips and set to the side. On a baking sheet, lay out the chicken breasts and season lightly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and put the bell pepper and onion strips on the tops of the chicken breasts. Do the same with the cheese. Return to oven for 5 minutes. Take out and serve.

Serves 4.

Works best with flatter chicken breasts.

Cucumber Slicers

I love these. They will get stronger over time.
The amount of ingredients you use determines how much you want to make.

Ingredients:

Cucumbers, peeled and sliced into rounds
1 part water
1 part white vinegar
1 part sugar

I usually make just a small amount at a time using 3-4 small cucumbers and using 1/3 water, 1/3 vinegar, and 1/3 sugar. Make enough vinegar mix to cover the cucumbers. Put the cucumbers in a bowl and mix the vinegar, water, and sugar and pour that over. Refrigerate for a bare minimum of 3 hours for good flavor.

Bacon Smokies

Good stuff, unless you are on a diet.

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Ingredients:

About 3/4 pound bacon- Don't use thick cut for these.
14-16 oz package little smokies
3/4 cup brown sugar
toothpicks

Take out the bacon and cut the slices into thirds. Wrap each smokie with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
Place on a baking sheet with sides and sprinkle brown sugar over all the smokies.
Bake for 40 minutes until the sugar is bubbling.
Serve.
Lining the baking sheet with foil will help with cleanup.

Chicken Enchilada Dip

This dip is to die for. Serve it with tortilla chips and it tastes just like you are eating chicken enchiladas.
It is a hot dip. I hope you enjoy.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F/ 175 C.

Ingredients:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken meat
1-8oz package softened cream cheese
1 cup mayonnaise
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese OR cheddar/jack cheese
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1- 4 oz can diced green chili pepper- you can also use half of a fresh Anaheim chili
1 Jalapeno OR Serrano pepper, finely chopped- optional

Bake chicken in oven for about 20 minutes or until done. Take out, cool and shred or cube.
In a mixing bowl add all of the ingredients and blend well.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. A 2 quart casserole works really well.
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. It will be bubbly and the edges will be golden.

BLT Ranch Dip

This is a dip for snack crackers. It is very addictive. This is the time of year that is perfect for making this dip. The tomatoes are in season and oh so yummy.
It doesn't have lettuce like the L would imply, but it's so good, who cares?

Ingredients:
1 Tablespoon Ranch dressing mix
1 Tablespoon water
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled- don't forget to let it drain
2 cups chopped tomatoes- about 2-3 tomatoes

Mix dressing mix and water in a bowl and let it stand for a few minutes. Add the sour cream and mayonnaise and blend well. Add the crumbled bacon and the chopped tomatoes. Chill until serving.

Black Bottom Banana Bars

These are so good. They are very moist. If you love bananas and chocolate, you will love these bars.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
You will need a greased 13x9 baking pan.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup softened butter or margarine
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups mashed bananas- you will need 3 or 4 bananas
1-1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup baking cocoa

Cream the butter and sugar.
Add egg and vanilla and mix well.
Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until smooth. Pour half of the batter into another bowl.
To the mixing bowl add the cocoa powder and mix well.
Spread the cocoa mixture into greased pan.
Carefully spread the reserved batter over the top and use a knife to swirl the batter.
Bake for 25-30 minutes til bars test done when a toothpick is inserted in the middle.
Cool before cutting.

Makes 12-16 bars.
They are very moist so don't stack together for storage, without putting a paper towel in between layers.

Jalapeno Cheese Balls

These are tasty little snack bites. They don't have a ton of heat, but there is a bit.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. You will need one large cookie sheet.

Ingredients:

1 egg
1/2 cup softened butter
3-4 finely chopped jalapeno peppers
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 cup cheez whiz
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
2 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups flour

Beat egg well. Add he rest of the ingredients in the order given. Roll in 1" balls and place on the cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or til light brown on the bottom. Remove from the pan to paper towels or a rack to cool. Sprinkle with paprika or chili powder.
Makes about 2-3 dozen. You can make them smaller and get up to 72 if you truly want them bite size.

Potato Salad

This is just a simple potato salad. This is basically how my mom always made it. I have just tweaked it a bit to suit my tastes.

Ingredients:

1 small red onion, chopped
3 large hard boiled eggs, chopped
2 large potatoes- I prefer Yukon Gold but will also use Russets.
Approximately 1/3 cup mayonnaise
1-2 Tablespoons mustard
salt and pepper to taste

For variety cook and crumble 2 slices bacon

Peel and cube the potatoes. Cook in a pot of lightly salted water til tender. Drain and cool. Do not rinse them off.
In a bowl add the potatoes, chopped onion, and chopped egg.
Add mayonnaise and mustard. Blend in. If it seems dry add more mayonnaise, just a little bit at a time. Salt and pepper to taste. Now is the time to stir in the bacon if you intend to add it.
Let meld for at least a few hours for best taste.

Unbaked Cookies

These cookies are known by many names.
They can also be called chocolate drop cookies or minute cookies.
Whatever you call them, you have to include the word good to describe them.

Ingredients:

2-1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup evaporated milk
2 cups powdered sugar

Line a baking sheet with waxed paper or aluminum foil.
Combine the oatmeal and cocoa powder and set aside.
In a large pan melt the butter and peanut butter over low heat. Stir it constantly til mixture is smooth.
Remove from the heat and stir in the milk. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar. Blend in the oatmeal and cocoa powder.
Drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper.
Let cool until firm.
You will get 4-5 dozen.

Shrimp Dip

This is a very simple dip that has great flavor. My friend Jacque shared this with me. Serve with snack crackers.

Ingredients:

1 4-1/2 oz can tiny shrimp or 4 oz of frozen salad shrimp
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
3 green onions, chopped- tops and all
1 cup mayonnaise

Drain canned shrimp and mash with a fork. If using frozen, thaw and chop finely in a food processor. Add the rest of the ingredients and chill until serving. If you don't have green onions, use about 1/4 cup chopped onion.

Coconut Diamonds

If you love coconut and nuts, this is a bar that was just made for you.
It is a 2-step bar. That means you partially bake the crust and add another layer and finish baking.

Preheat your oven to 350 degree F.
You will need a 9x9 square pan.

Ingredients:

CRUST-
6 Tablespoons butter
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup flour

TOP LAYER-
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup brown sugar
2 Tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Cream together butter,1/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir in 1 cup flour and pat into your baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes til lightly browned.
While the crust is baking, mix the top layer.
Beat the eggs lightly and add the vanilla and brown sugar. Blend well. Add the 2 Tablespoons flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir in the coconut and walnuts.
When the baked layer is done, pour the coconut mixture over the top.
Bake for 20 more minutes or til toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the middle.
Cool and cut into diamonds.

Cereal - Peanut Bars

These are so very yummy. I have had them with and without the chocolate chips and they are great either way.
If you love peanut butter and cereal bars, you are gonna love these.

You will need to butter a 9x9 square pan.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup light, or golden, brown sugar
dash salt
1 cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups Rice Krispies
1 cup corn flakes, slightly crushed
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

In a large pan combine the corn syrup, brown sugar, and a dash salt. Bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and add the peanut butter. When it is blended in stir in the vanilla and both cereals. Stir in the chocolate chips.
Press the whole thing into the buttered pan.
Chill for 1 hour and cut into bars.
Store in the fridge.

Serves about 16.

Homemade popsicles

My mother made these ever since I can remember and I make them for my daughter.
They are extremely flavorful.
This will make from 16-20 popsicles approximately.

You can buy popsicle containers or you can buy dixie cups and when popsicles are slightly frozen stick wooden sticks in them. The sticks I mean are the ones from popsicles or fudge bars you buy or the kind you get for making caramel apples.

Ingredients:

1 small package jello
1 package unweetened kool-aid
1 cup sugar
2 cups boiling water
2 cups cold water.

Make sure the kool-aid and jello are the same flavor. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and stir til dissolved. Pour into dixie cups or popsicle containers.
They should be frozen firm in about 4 hours. If adding sticks to dixie cups, do that after about an hour and a half.

Raisin Bread

This raisin bread recipe is an old family recipe.

Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven.
3 greased 8"x4" loaf pans

Ingredients:

2 cups warm milk
1 Tablespoon dry yeast
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup margarine or butter
2 eggs
5 teaspoon cinnamon
3 cups raisins
Approximately 6 cups flour

Proof yeast in bowl with warm milk. Let stand 5-10 minutes til frothy.
Mix sugar, butter, eggs salt, and cinnamon in separate bowl and than pour into yeast mix. Stir well. Add raisins and flour. I like to mix the raisins with about 3 cups of flour and add it together. Stir that and gradually add the rest of the flour. When it gets to thick to stir, now it it time to knead the dough. Add flour as needed. Do not add too much flour over 6 cups even if it seems to take it. It will not bake right. Knead for about 5 minutes. Put in greased bowl and cover. Let rise for an hour or two. Punch down and make loaves. Put in pans and let rise again. The second rise takes about 45 minutes.
Bake for 25-30 minutes. If you like you can bake for 35 minutes, but no longer.
Turn out of pans immediately.

Lemon Cookies

These are really good. You can bake them a little longer to make them crispy, or take out sooner for softer cookies.

Preheat oven to 375 degree F.
ungreased cookie sheet

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, shortening, or a mix of the two
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1-1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
3 cups flour
1 Tablespoon baking powder

Cream the butter and sugar. Mix in eggs and lemon extract. Gradually stir in flour and baking powder.
The dough will be stiff.
Roll into balls, put on cookie sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.
You should get about 3 dozen.

Fresh Salsa

It is that time of year for many of us. Time to start thinking about making that first batch of fresh salsa.
There is nothing to it.

Ingredients:
2 medium size ripe tomatoes
1 small white onion- You will need about 1/4 cup.
3-5 Serrano peppers- You can substitute jalapenos to get the same heat.
1 large clove garlic
A dozen or so sprigs of fresh cilantro
1-1/2 teaspoon lime juice
3/4 teaspoon salt

To prepare the onion, chop finely and put in a strainer and rinse under cold water.
Chop all the vegetables as finely as you can get them. Scoop into a bowl and add the lime juice and salt.
Stir and let meld for a few minutes before eating.

Chocolate Frosting for Chocolate Cookies

Here is the recipe for the frosting for the chocolate drop cookies.

2 squares unsweetened chocolate
2 Tablespoons margarine or butter
3 Tablespoons water
About 2 cups powdered sugar

Heat the chocolate and margarine over low heat until melted. Take off the heat. Stir in water and powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable.
Frost the cookies.
If you have cocoa powder, but not chocolate squares you can substitute. You will need 6 Tablespoons of cocoa powder and 2 Tablespoons of shortening or cooking oil.

Chocolate Drop Cookies

These are very soft and fluffy cookies. My husband says they are like little chocolate cakes.
You can frost them, but I never do. I will include the frosting recipe if you do want to frost them.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Cookie sheets, ungreased

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar
2/3 cup margarine or butter
1/3 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1-3/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix sugar, margarine, water, vanilla, egg, and cocoa powder. Stir in flour, baking soda and salt.
Using a teaspoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto cookie sheets.
Bake for 8-10 minutes until almost no indentation remains when you touch a cookie. Remove from cookie sheet right away and let cool before frosting, if you are doing so.

What's In a Tablespoon? Cooking Measurements

When you are cooking and you want to double the recipe or you are substituting, this guide can help you out.


What's In a Tablespoon? Cooking Measurements

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Ground Turkey Casserole

This is a great dish, especially on a rainy or cool day.
It is my daughter's favorite.
Originally it was made using ground beef, but I use ground turkey most of the time.


Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Uses a 2 quart casserole dish

Ingredients:

1 (10-1/4 oz.) can condensed cream of celery soup
1 (10-1/4 oz.) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 (10-1/4 oz.) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 lb ground turkey or ground beef
1 large chopped onion
1/2 cup minute rice soaked in 1-1/2 cups warm water for 1/2 hour. Or cook 1/2 cup long grain white rice in 1 cup water for 15 minutes until water is absorbed.
salt and pepper are optional.

Brown the ground meat with the onion. In the casserole dish mix the meat, rice, and soups. Season with salt and pepper if you wish.
Cover the casserole and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover the casserole and bake for 30 minutes more.
Serve.

Serves 6.

Using low fat soup works wonderful in this.
Enjoy!

Rhubarb Shortcake

We are in the depths of rhubarb season. It is not easy finding rhubarb recipes, so I thought I'd share one today.
My mom has made this every year for as long as I can remember.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Grease an 8" or 9" square pan.

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar
2 cups flour
1 cup sour milk or buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking soda
A pinch of salt
A dash of nutmeg
2 cups rhubarb

Mix sugar and sour milk. Add baking soda and salt. Stir. Add flour and rhubarb and mix well. Pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle with the nutmeg.
Bake for 30 minutes, until it tests done with a toothpick inserted in the middle.

Cinnamon Bread

 
This is a very simple quick bread to make. The great taste of cinnamon is swirled throughout.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Grease an 8"x4" loaf pan.

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar
1/4 cup oil
1 egg
1 cup buttermilk or sour milk
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

1 Tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 cup sugar

Mix the 1/2 cup sugar and 1 Tablespoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.
Mix the rest of the ingredients in a large bowl.
Alternate batter and cinnamon/sugar mixture in loaf pan. Make a few layers.
Bake for 50-60 minutes. Test for donenes with a toothpick inserted in the middle.
Let it rest for 5 minutes in the pan before loosening and turning out.

Caramel Corn

Caramel corn is a great sweet treat.
This is an old family recipe. It makes a lot.

Preheat your oven to 200 degrees F.

Ingredients:
7-1/2 quarts popped corn- If you use an air popper 2-3 batches will give you the amount you need.
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup butter
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda

In a large pan or dutch oven combine the brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt. Bring to a boil, and let it continue to boil for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the baking soda quickly.
Pour the brown sugar mixture over the popcorn and mix well.
Divide the popcorn among 3-4 large baking pans. Put in the oven and stir every 15 minutes. After an hour take it out of the oven and let it cool.

Dutch Apple Bread

This is my grandma's recipe for Dutch Apple Bread.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Grease an 8"x4" loaf pan

Ingredients:

1 Tablespoon sour milk
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup chopped apples
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon orange extract 
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping- 1 teaspoon sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Mix topping in small bowl and set aside. Cream the shortening and sugar. Add eggs and extracts and blend. Add flour, baking soda, and salt. When
you have it all mixed well, add the apples.
Scrap into the prepared pan and sprinkle with the topping.
Bake for 50-60 minutes or til a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Let rest for 5 minutes before loosening and turning out of the pan.

Super Easy Guacamole!

This is so simple.

Ingredients:
Salsa- up to 1/4 cup, any heat
2 ripe avocados
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt (optional)

Peel and mash the avocados with a fork.Add the lemon juice. A teaspoon at a time, add the salsa. Only add til you get the consistency how you like. Taste and add salt if needed.

Put a piece of plastic wrap right on top of the guacamole and let the flavors meld. Covering it is a must or the avocados will turn a brownish color.
Now grab some chips and dig in.

Yummy Queso Dip

This is a simple dip. You can make it on the stove or in the crockpot. All up to you. I like to do it in the crockpot and keep it on warm once it is done.

Ingredients:

10-1/4 oz. can cream of mushroom condensed soup

16 oz. Velveeta cheese

12 oz. cooked ground sausage. Any kind is good. Italian or breakfast both work.

16 oz. jar of your favorite salsa

On top of stove, or in a crockpot, combine the soup and Velveeta. When cheese is melted add the cooked and crumbled sausage.
Stir til combined and add your salsa. Mix well and heat through.

Best served warm.Great with tortilla chips.

Enjoy!

Blueberry - Banana Bread

If you love banana bread and you love blueberries, here is a delicious combo for you.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
Grease the bottom only of 8"x4" or 9"x"5 loaf pan
Ingredients:

1 cup sugar
1/3 cup margarine or butter, softened
2 eggs
1-1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas( 3-4 medium)
1/3 cup water
1-2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Mix sugar and margarine in a large mixing bowl. Add eggs and blend. Add the bananas and water and beat well. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Add the blueberries.
Pour into pan and bake until toothpick comes out clean. An 8" loaf will take about 75 minutes and a 9" loaf will take about 55-60 minutes.
Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Loosen sides of loaf from pan an turn out to cool.

The Best Brownies Ever!

These brownies have everything you'd ever want in a pan of brownies.They are chocolaty, moist, and a mix of cake like and fudgy.

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F.
Grease a 9-inch square pan.


Ingredients:

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 Tablespoons water
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter or margarine
1- 12 ounce package semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/2 cup chopped pecans- optional

Combine sugar, butter, and water in a sauce pan. Bring it to a boil and remove from heat. You can also use a microwave to bring it to a boil. It will take about 2 minutes on high if you choose that method.
Put half the chocolate chips in a bowl with the vanilla extract. Pour the hot sugar/butter/water mixture over the chips and vanilla. Stir until smooth.
Let that mixture cool. While you are waiting: mix the flour and baking soda in a small bowl.
After the mixture has cooled, add your eggs one at a time. Beat well after each one.
Add the flour mixture and stir until smooth.
Now, you add the remaining chocolate chips and the nuts, if you are using them.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Put into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean when you stick it in the middle.

These will come out of the pan best if you cool completely before cutting.
If you cannot wait til the batter is cooled before adding the eggs and rest of the ingredients, they will still taste good. But the chocolate chips may melt into the rest of the batter.

I hope you enjoy these brownies as much as my family and I do.