It's 5 O'Clock. . .QUICK! What's for Dinner?

Bears Bake

2010-01-17T12:33:00.000-08:00

January 5, 2010

This is named Bears Bake because I frequently make it for Sunday afternoon Bears games. It tastes a lot better than the offensive line played this year! Maybe we'll have a Jay Cutler sandwich. . . .

1 1/2 lbs ground meat (any kind, any combo)
1 onion
4 cloves garlic
1/4 c chili powder
1 Tbsp cumin
2 15 oz cans tomato sauce
1/4 c fresh cilantro
2 16 oz cans kidney beans
1 c chopped black olives
10 oz bag Fritos
1 lb grated cheddar

Brown meat, onion, and garlic. Drain. Add chili powder and cumin. Cook stirring for two minutes. Add tomato sauce, lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add 2 Tbsp cilantro. Spray 13 x 9 pan. Drain and rinse beans and olives. Spread half the meat in baking dish, half the beans, half the olives, half the chips, and half the cheese. Repeat. Bake 40-45 minutes until bubbling. Sprinkle with remaining cilantro.

No Repeats for 2010

2010-01-02T18:43:00.000-08:00

I have an obsession. I pull recipes out of magazines. Everywhere I go. I buy cookbooks. Everywhere I go.

I stalk recipe websites. This is the result of all that stalking and pulling. Have I actually cooked anything from this pile? Nope.

So here's my challenge. No repeats until I work my way thru all the folders and cookbooks. That's right. Different dinner every night. Well, at least every night that I cook. With little creatures in the house, we will be eating chicken nuggets and PB&J more than once in 2010 but the nights that I actually COOK A MEAL will be no repeats. I wonder how long I can go?!?

Banket

2009-12-25T17:06:00.000-08:00

Well, I did it. I jumped into the Dutch world and learned how to make banket this year. I have always loved it but really had no clue how to make it. Add that to the fact that I have a pastry phobia and you have one Dutch girl who can't make a stick of banket! Well, Judy swooped in to save the day! My first batch turned out pretty good!

Pastry
1 lb COLD butter
4 c flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 c ice water

Mix first four ingredients and drizzle in ice water until dough forms a ball. Chill. Roll into a oblong strip~appx. 6" x 20". Fold into thirds and let rest in the fridge for 20 minutes. Do this 3 times.

Filling
1 lb almond paste~DO NOT use almond pastry filling
2 c sugar
2 eggs, beaten

Mix and chill in fridge. Divide into 8 equal parts.

Cut dough into 8 pieces. Roll into strips about 15" x 6". Place 1/8 of the filling down the center, about the width of a dime. Fold ends over and roll up, sealing with water. Place seam side down and brush with egg wash. Bake at 425 for 10 minutes and then pierce top with a fork about every 1 1/2 inches. Bake at 325 for 10-15 minutes, until golden brown.

Meatballs

2009-12-09T09:45:00.001-08:00

Meatballs are just yummy fun. Round and tasty and easily placed on a stick. This is a great basic recipe without frying! There is very little seasoning so add your own based on what you want~oregano and basil for spaghetti meatballs, thyme and rosemary for swedish meatballs, ect. Or leave out the seasoning completely and let the sauce season them!

4 lbs ground meat with at least 1 lb beef~other can be chicken, pork, turkey, venison, more beef, lamb, ect
1-2 onions, chopped
2 c bread crumbs
1 c egg substitute
2 1/2 c milk
salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients and form into one inch balls. Bake 350 for 25 minutes. These freeze beautifully.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

2009-12-08T16:38:00.000-08:00

It was freezing rain/snowing when I got home from school with the kids today. This soup was simmering in the crock pot and it was perfect! Adjust the level of spice to your family's taste. We had plain cheese quesadillas to go with this thick-ish soup.

1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp butter
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp italian seasoning
1-2 tsp cumin
28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
2 c chicken broth
1 cup water
1 can corn
4 ounce can chopped green chile peppers
15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
rotisserie chicken, shredded

In a medium stock pot, heat oil over medium heat. Saute onion and garlic in butter until soft. Stir in chili powder, italian seasoning, cumin, tomatoes, broth, and water. Bring to a boil, and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in corn, chiles, and beans. Simmer for 10 minutes or place in crock pot for 2-5 hours on low. Top with crushes tortilla chips, avaocado slices, cheese and green onion.

Pumpkin Apple Streusel Cake

2009-12-07T10:12:00.001-08:00

Another cake from the non-baker. This is really a fall dessert but it equally yummy for the holidays.

5-6 cups of slices, peeled, cored Granny Smith apples
1/4 c sugar
cinnamon

CAKE
3 c flour
2 c packed brown sugar
2 sticks butter, room temp, cut into pieces
3/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 c canned pure pumpkin
2/3 c sour cream
1/4 c sugar
3 tsp pumpkin pie spice
2 tsp baking soda
4 large eggs

Mix apples with sugar and cinnamon to taste. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 350. Spray 13x9 cake pan. Combine flour, brown sugar, butter, and salt in a large bowl. Mix until mixture is crumbly. Set aside 1 1/3 c for topping. Add pumpkin, sour cream, sugar, spice, and baking soda into remaining flour mixture until smooth. Add eggs.

Transfer batter to pan. Scatter apples evenly over the top and sprinkle with reserved topping. Bake 65-75 minutes until knife comes out clean. Serve warm or room temp with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.

Pasta e Fagioli

2009-08-25T10:34:00.000-07:00

Olive Garden is famous for their soup, salad, and breadsticks lunches. My favorite is the pasta e fagioli and this recipe is almost exactly the same!

1 lb lean ground beef
1 c EACH diced carrot, onion, celery
2 Tbsp minced garlic
1 can kidney beans, undrained
1 can great northern beans, undrained
2 15oz cans tomato sauce
1 can beef broth
1 Tbsp vinegar
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp Italian seasoning
8 oz small pasta

In large soup pot, brown beef with carrots, onion, and celery. Drain. Add remaining ingredients except pasta. Simmer 30 minutes. Cook pasta al dente. Add to soup and simmer another 7-9 minutes.

Flank Steak with Confetti Salsa

2009-08-03T12:53:00.000-07:00

You can never have too many grill recipes unless it's a cold wet summer like it's been here this year. I figure it'll be 85 in late October.

1 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 glove garlic, minced
1 avocado, chopped
1 c diced fresh mango
2 Tbsp lime juice
1/2 c cilantro
salt and pepper
2.5 lb flank steak

Combine red pepper, onion, garlic, avocado, mango and lime juice in a small bowl. Add cilantro.

Rub steak with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill to desired doneness. Remove from grill and tent with foil for 10 minutes before slicing thin across the grain. Serve with salsa, rice, and chips.

Chicken Tetrazzini

2009-06-19T05:55:00.000-07:00

Another chicken casserole. . .yippee. I know they are not exciting but they are cheap and the fam likes 'em.

1 1b. chicken
12 oz spaghetti, cooked
1 can cream of mushroom
1/2 shredded parmesan cheese
1 1/4 c sour cream
10 oz frozen peas
3 Tbsp sherry

Cook and dice chicken. Combine chicken, spaghetti, soup, parmesan, and sour cream. Stir in frozen peas. Spread into 13x9 and drizzle with sherry. Top with more parmesan. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

Sausage and Red Pepper Pasta

2009-02-02T16:07:00.001-08:00

Lots of color and veggies and each girl CLEANED HER PLATE. They loved this. Packed with fiber and vitamins, this dish is good hot for dinner and as a cold pasta salad for lunch the next day.

1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, shells)
1 1/2 c broccoli
olive oil
1 pkg. turkey smoked sausage
1 c coarsely chopped roasted red peppers
dash salt

Cook pasta is salted water, adding broccoli in the last few minutes of cook time. Drain and return to the pot. In a skillet, heat olive oil to steaming. Slice sausage on diagonal in 1 inch pieces and add to the skillet. Cook til well browned and heated through. Add sausage to the pasta mix, scraping the pan to get all the oil. Add red peppers. Toss well to combine and heat thru. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

Tortellini and Sausage Soup

2009-01-04T07:02:00.000-08:00

It's time to eat healthy again! After all the rich food and drink of the past 6 weeks, I am ready to eat like a rabbit. This is a great quick soup that is low in fat too. Perfect with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

8oz turkey or vegetarian sausage
9 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
28 oz crushed tomatoes
14 oz diced tomatoes
2 medium zucchinis chopped
1 small onion chopped
1 red pepper chopped
4 beef bouillon cubes dissolved in 4 cups water

Microwave sausage and crumble. In a large soup pot, melt 1 Tbsp butter and 1 Tbsp olive oil. Add zucchini, onion, and pepper. Saute until tender. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Smoky Orange Chicken

2008-12-13T13:13:00.000-08:00

This is a really simple way to prepare chicken and it smells awesome. I am always looking for sauces and marinades that are lower in sodium and ARE NOT BBQ SAUCE! This fit the bill. This recipe makes enough for 3 meals so I often freeze them for a busy night.

10 chicken breasts
1 jar of orange marmalade
2 Tbsp soy sauce
2 Tbsp liquid smoke

Combine orange marmalade, soy sauce, and liquid smoke. Season chicken with pepper and a teeny pinch of salt. Brown chicken in a large skillet in batches til brown on both sides but raw in the middle. Place all the chicken in the skillet and top with sauce. Cover and simmer 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

2008-12-08T10:42:00.001-08:00

Tis the season for cookies! I do not have the patience to make batch after batch of cookies so I tend to make bars cookies. This is a simple and quick recipe when you have to bring a dozen cookies somewhere.

1 c peanut butter
6 tbsp butter
3/4 c brown sugar
1/2 c white sugar
1 tsp vanilla
3 eggs
1 c flour
2 c chocolate chips

Cream peanut butter, butter, sugars, and vanilla. Beat in eggs. Add flour. Stir in 3/4 c chips. Spread in 13x9 pan and bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with remaining chips. Let stand for 5 minutes. Spread chips.

Sausage Stars

2008-12-07T19:57:00.000-08:00

Tis the season for appetizers! This one is really tasty but I haven't eaten them since Christmas 1997. You see, I was 8 weeks pregnant that Christmas and I made these for a Christmas party. The smell and the raw sausage was too much for my tender tummy. That "pregnancy" is now a 10 year old girl who LOVES to cook so we're going to make these next week. Hopefully she'll love them!

1 pound bulk sausage
1 1/2 c cheddar
1 1/2 c monterey jack
1 c ranch dressing
1/2 c chopped red pepper
1 pkg. won ton wrappers

Brown and drain sausage. Combine all ingredients except won tons. Spray muffin tins with Pam. Press won tons into cups. Spray again. Bake for 5 minutes at 350. Remove from tins, fill and bake 5-7 minutes. Serve HOT!

Caramel Apple Cider

2008-10-08T11:25:00.001-07:00

I hate coffee. I know, it's not normal but I really hate it. In our coffee-obsessed culture I have found alternatives so I can still carry around my Starbucks cup and look cool. In the fall, I love their Caramel Apple Cider. This is as close as it gets!

1/4 c heavy cream
1/4 c brown sugar
3 c apple cider
1/2 water

Bring cream and brown sugar to a boil. Stir in the cider and water. Heat until it begins to steam, about 4-5 minutes.

1/2 c heavy cream
1 Tbsp brown sugar. In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream with brown sugar until soft peaks form. Add to the top of each cup of cider.

Pineapple Bars

2008-10-01T06:49:00.000-07:00

Good change from brownies or other typical bars. These are really good in January when you need some sun!

2 c flour
2 c sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp baking soda
1 can crushed pineapple, undrained
1 tsp vanilla

Preheat over to 350. Beat together and pour into greased and floured 13x9 pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes.

Frosting~
8 oz cream cheese
1/2 stick butter
1 3/4 c powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Beat until creamy. Frost bars when cool.

Marshmallow Krispie Brownies

2008-09-23T15:57:00.000-07:00

These are a little tricky since you can't under-bake them as I love to do! I would reccomend a glass baking pan instead of metal. Also make sure you allow them to cool all the way before adding the top layer.

19-21 oz brownie mix
10 oz mini-marshmallows
1 1/2 c chocolate chips
1 c peanut butter
1 Tbsp butter
1 1/2 c rice krispies

Prepare bownie mix according to directions for fudge-like brownies. Sprinkle baked brownies with marshmallows and return to oven 3-5 minutes. Cool. Combine chips, peanut butter, and butter til melted. Stir in cereal. Pour over marshmallows. Refrigerate til set.

Oreos

2008-09-22T19:54:00.000-07:00

These are so so so so good! They are a zillion times yummier than regular Oreos. Use food coloring to tint the filling any color you want.

2 boxes devils food cake mix
4 eggs
2/3 c oil
8 oz cream cheese
1/2 c butter
3/4 c powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
food coloring

Preheat oven to 350. Beat cakes mixes, eggs, and oil. Batter will be really stiff. Roll into one inch balls and flatten slightly. Bake for 8-9 minutes. Cool on wire rack.

Beat cream cheese and butter. Add sugar and vanilla. Add food coloring and spread on cookies. Make sandwiches.

Hawaiian Egg Rolls

2008-09-21T10:02:00.000-07:00

I hated my deep fryer. It totally smelled up the kitchen so we could only use it outside. Hated it so I sold it in my garage sale. This was one of the only recipes I ever needed it for but it works just as good in a deep skillet.

10 fresh spinach leaves
1/2 tsp ginger
2 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 lb chopped ham
4 water chestnuts
1/4 undrained crushed pineapple
2 Tbsp green onion
1 Tbsp soy sauce
7 egg roll wrappers

Saute spinach and ginger in oil. Combine remaining ingredients. Add spinach. Place 3 Tbsp on the mixture in the center of an egg roll wrapper. Roll and moisten edges to seal. Fry in oil til golden.

Beef Burgundy

2008-06-29T13:56:00.000-07:00

I made this for our small group Christmas party a few years back and it was yummy! It's a great party meal since it bakes for so long and smells just divine.

1/4 c olive oil
2 1/2- 3 lbs lean sirloin, cut in chunks
3 Tbsp flour, plus some for dredging
salt and pepper
1/2 lb bacon, chopped
2 lg carrots, peeled and chopped
1 lg onion, peeled and chopped
1 bay leaf
5-6 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped
one bottle French burgundy wine
2 c beef stock
5 Tbsp butter, divided
1 c frozen pearl onions
1 Tbsp sugar
1/2 mushrooms
1 Tbsp orange zest
1 Tbsp lemon zest
1/4 c flat leaf parsley

Preheat oven to 375. In a oven proof stock pot with tight fitting lid, heat olive oil til very hot. Dredge beef in flour and add to pan. Season with salt and pepper. Working in 2 batches, brown meat evenly. Remove to a plate. Add chopped bacon to pan. Cook bacon til it starts to crisp. Add carrots, onions, and bay leaf. Cook veggies 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Add beef back to the pot. Pour in wine and beef stock. Cover pot and transfer to the oven for 90 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small skilelt, melt 3 Tbsp butter. Add 3 Tbsp of flour and whisk to make a roux. Transfer to a small dish and reserve. Return pan to heat and add 1 Tbsp of butter. Add pearl onions and sugar. Cook until evenly caramelized, set aside. Cook mushrooms in butter til tender. Add citrus zest. Reserve.

Remove beef from oven. Place over medium heat on the stove top. Whisk in roux to thicken and add pearl onions and mushrooms. Stir in parsley. Serve over almond rice pilaf.

Avocado Corn Salsa

2008-06-09T08:32:00.000-07:00

It's summer so it's time for salsa recipes. This one is particularly good with those Hint of Lime tortilla chips. Next time you make corn on the cob, throw an extra few on the grill for this salsa. You could also roast it under the broiler but who would want to do that in the summer?

2 ears of corn, roasted
2 avocados, diced
1/2 c red onion, chopped
1/2 c red pepper, chopped
1 tsp minced garlic
2-4 dashes hot pepper sauce
2 tsp cumin
1/4-1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 c chopped cilantro (Kim, you can leave this out and it's still good!)
2 Tbsp lime juice

Cut the kernels off the cob and mix with all the ingredients. Keep covered and refrigerated but serve quickly as the avocado will turn brown.

Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Salad

2008-06-09T07:41:00.001-07:00

I hate pepperoni. I know, it's un-American but I really do hate it! But I love pasta salads and am always scouting new ones. I tried this a few summers ago as an alternative to the traditional oil and vinegar salads and it was a hit. I even liked the pepperoni!

10 plum tomatoes, chopped
3 medium green peppers, chopped
2 c cubed mozzarella
3.5 oz sliced pepperoni
2 oz can sliced black olives
1/2 c onion, chopped
1/3 c tomato juice
1/4 red wine vinegar
1/4 c olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
3 Tbsp fresh basil, shredded
2 c rotini pasta, cooked and cooled

Combine tomatoes, green peppers, cheese, pepperoni, olives and onions. In a small bowl, combine tomato juice, vinegar, olive oil, and garlic. Pour over tomato mixture. Add pasta and basil and toss. Cover and refrigerate for at least a few hours.

Skillet Shrimp and Rice

2008-06-04T17:09:00.000-07:00

This is like a jambalaya. But there's no sausage. Or okra. And it's not spicy. OK, so it's not really a jambalaya, but it's yummy! The girls love it and it's super duper easy!

1 pkg bacon bits
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lg. green pepper, chopped
2 c brown rice
1 14 oz can diced tomatoes
3 1/2 c chicken broth
2 tsp Old Bay
1 lb frozen, cooked shrimp

In a large skillet saute onion, garlic, and green pepper in butter or olive oil until soft. Add rice and cook 1 minute, while stirring constantly. Stir in tomatoes, broth, and Old Bay. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer until rice is tender~about 15 minutes.

Thaw shrimp under cold water and remove tails. Add to the skillet, cover, and simmer another 5-7 minutes. Top with bacon bits.

Roasted Spring Veggies

2008-04-29T05:35:00.000-07:00

This is the perfect side dish with any grilled meat or fish.

1 lb green beans
1 lb baby carrots
3 medium red onions, cut in eighths
2 red peppers
2 yellow peppers
salt and pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 c olive oil
1 1/2 tsp italian seasoning

Preheat oven to 400. In a large bowl whisk together olive oil and seasonings. Chop veggies into pieces and toss to coat. Roast for 40-45 minutes, stirring once during cook time.

Marinated Steak Sandwiches

2008-03-21T13:35:00.000-07:00

Can't have too many marinade recipes.

3 T white wine
2 T sugar
2 T honey
1 t dry mustard
1 t salt
1 t celery salt
1 t tarragon
1 t onion powder
1/2 t pepper
1.2 c olive oil

Combine all ingredients. Place in bag with your choice of steak. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Grill and serve on toasted buns with lettuce and tomato.

Spinach and Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

2008-03-19T13:12:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law hates my cooking. But she LOVES mushrooms so I made these for Christmas Eve and she loved 'em.

12oz Stouffer's spinach souffle, defrosted
2 1/2-3 lbs mushrooms
1/2 lb Italian sausage
2 Tbsp butter
3 Tbsp onion
3/4 c water
2 1/3 c stuffing
1/4 c parmesan

Brown sausage, drain. Clean and de-stem mushrooms. Saute onions in butter. Add water and heat to boiling. Turn off heat. Add stuffing and stir. Add spinach, sausage, and parmesan. Stir well. Place mushrooms on cookie sheet and fill with spinach mix. Sprinkle with extra parmesan. Bake 10-15 minutes.

Sliders

2008-03-19T08:08:00.001-07:00

If you are from the midwest you know exactly what sliders are. White Castle burgers. Yum. When I was very pregnant with Amelia I forced friends to eat some with me in hopes of going into labor. Christine called me the next morning to inform me that I was the only one NOT in labor. These are as good of a recreation as I have found. Be sure to blot the meat before you put the cheese on or you will have a greasy mess!

1 lb ground beef
1 envelope onion soup mix
1 egg
1/3 c bread crumbs
1/2 tsp pepper
2 Tbsp water
3/4 lb Velveeta
12 dinner rolls

Preheat oven to 400. Mix meat, soup mix, egg, bread crumbs, pepper, and water. Press into 13 x 9 pan and bake 10-15 minutes. Drain and blot. Slice Velveeta over the meat and melt. Serve on buns with chopped onion and pickle chips.

Grilled Mac and Cheese with Veggies

2008-03-18T19:52:00.000-07:00

Tim is addicted to BBQU. Loves it. This is by far the best recipe we've tried from there and it isn't even meat! The perfect side dish for any grilled meat!

Coarse salt (kosher or sea)
2 cups (about 8 ounces) elbow macaroni
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
2 ears sweet corn, shucked
1 medium red onion, peeled and quartered
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted, plus 2 tablespoons butter
Freshly ground black pepper
6 to 8 New Mexican green chiles or Anaheim or California peppers, or
2 to 4 poblano peppers
1 yellow bell pepper
1 red bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 shallot, minced
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups half-and-half, light cream, or milk
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 cups (about 8 ounces) grated smoked cheese, preferably smoked Cheddar
1/4 to 1/2 cup dried bread crumbs (preferably homemade)

Bring 8 quarts of lightly salted water to a rapid boil in a large pot over high heat. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain the macaroni in a large colander, rinse with cold water until cool, and drain again. Toss the macaroni with the oil to prevent sticking.

Set up the grill for direct grilling and preheat to high.

When ready to cook, lightly brush the corn and onion with half of the melted butter and season with salt and pepper. Place the corn and onion on the hot grate and grill until nicely browned, 2 to 3 minutes per side (8 to 12 minutes in all) for the corn, and 3 to 4 minutes per side (9 to 12 minutes in all) for the onion, turning with tongs as needed. Add the chiles and peppers to the hot grate and grill until the skins are charred, 3 to 5 minutes per side (6 to 10 minutes in all) for the New Mexican chiles, or 3 to 5 minutes per side (12 to 20 minutes in all) for the poblano peppers, and 4 to 6 minutes per side (16 to 24 minutes in all) for the bell peppers. Transfer the corn and onion to a cutting board and let cool.

Transfer the grilled chiles and bell peppers to a baking dish and cover with plastic wrap. Let the peppers cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes (the steam trapped by the plastic wrap helps loosen the skin from the peppers). Scrape the skin off the cooled peppers, then core and seed them.

Cut the corn kernels off the cobs using lengthwise strokes of a chef’s knife. Thinly slice the onion quarters crosswise. Cut the chiles and peppers into 1/4-inch dice. The recipe can be prepared to this stage up to 2 days ahead.

Melt the 2 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and shallot and cook until soft but not brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the corn kernels and grilled onion, chiles, and bell peppers. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the half-and-half and increase the heat to high. Let the mixture boil for 3 minutes, stirring well; it should thicken. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the mustard and cooked macaroni, followed by the cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste; the mixture should be highly seasoned. Spoon the macaroni and cheese into the cast iron skillet or oiled aluminum foil pan. Sprinkle the top of the macaroni with the bread crumbs and drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter over the bread crumbs. The recipe can be prepared to this stage up to 24 hours ahead.

Set up the grill for indirect grilling and preheat to medium-high. If using a gas grill, place all of the wood chips in the smoker box or in a smoker pouch and run the grill on high until you see smoke, then reduce the heat to medium-high. If using a charcoal grill, preheat it to medium-high, then toss all of the wood chips or chunks, if desired, on the coals.

When ready to cook, place the macaroni and cheese in the center of the hot grate, away from the heat, and cover the grill. Cook the macaroni and cheese until the sauce is bubbly and the top is crusty and brown, 40 minutes to 1 hour. Serve at once.

Scalloped Carrots

2007-12-18T16:13:00.000-08:00

Here's a good side dish for all your holiday dinners. It goes great with beef, pork, chicken, or turkey.

1 1/2 lbs carrots
1/2 c onion
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp flour
1 c milk
4-5 oz. Velveeta
1 1/2 c stuffing mix
salt
pepper
celery salt

Cook carrots in boiling water. Drain. In saucepan saute onion in butter. Stir in flour and seasons. Add milk and stir til bubbly. Stir in Velveeta until melted and smooth. Add carrots and transfer to casserole dish. Top with stuffing. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

Sweet and Sour Citrus Chicken

2007-10-22T14:24:00.001-07:00

This is a great change from plain old BBQ chicken.

2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
juice of 1/2 lime
juice of 1/2 lemon
1/3 c brown sugar
2 tbsp dijon mustard
1/3 c honey
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
4 tbsp olive oil
4 chicken breasts

Whisk together all ingredients except olive oil and chicken. Slowly add olive oil. Reserve some sauce for dipping. Add chicken and marinade for at least 2 hours. Grill.

Crock Pot Beef Stew

2007-10-21T12:27:00.001-07:00

It is fall! Or at least the calendar says it is. Mid October and it is 81 degrees out now! I love stews and soups in the fall. This is another great Joanna Lund recipe which comes about to about 4 points per serving. Great with a good crusty whole grain bread.

16 oz lean round steak
1 lb baby carrots
1 c chopped onion
1 1/2 c chopped celery
2 c diced raw potato
1 c frozen peas
1 can Healthy Request tomato soup
8 oz can cream corn
2 tsp grill seasoning

In crock pot combine meat, carrots, onion, celery, potatoes, and peas. In a small bowl mix soup, corn, and seasonings. Stir into the meat mixture. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.

Polish Sausage Sandwiches

2007-10-02T10:03:00.000-07:00

When Tim and I were first married I worked at a bridal shop. You would think that would be a fun job. Um, not so much. I lived in an episode of Bridezillas. The one bright spot was my co-worker Tonya. She and I both loved to cook and soon spent our "free" time swapping recipes. I have lost touch with Tonya over the years but this is one of her recipes that I still use A LOT!

10-12 Kaiser rolls
2 c shredded mozzarella
1/2 can cream of mushroom soup
large polish sausage

Preheat oven to 350. Chop sausage in food processor. Mix with cheese and just enough soup to "glue" it together. Spread filling on rolls and wrap in foil. Bake 30 minutes.

Toffee Treasure Cake

2007-09-29T12:13:00.000-07:00

Remember that scene in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" where the mother in law bring a bundt cake and the Greek family had never seen one before? I love the way she says "BoooondT! cake" This is a bundt cake. I normally do not bake. Too much work and too much precision for my liking. This cake is about the only thing I bake from scratch.

1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 c sugar
6 Heath candy bars
2 c flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 c unsalted butter
1 c sugar
2 eggs
8 oz sour cream
1/4 c butter, melted

Preheat oven to 325. Grease and flour bundt pan. Combine cinnamon and 1/4 c sugar and set aside. Smash Heath bars and set aside. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add butter and mix til crumbly. Add sugar, eggs, and sour cream. Blend well. Spoon 1/2 batter into bundt pan. Top with 1/2 the cinnamon sugar and 1/2 the candy. Repeat layers. Pour melted butter over the top. Bake 45-50 minutes. Invert and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Sonora Chicken Casserole

2007-09-28T05:13:00.001-07:00

So many of my friends hate casseroles. I love 'em. Easy and cheap. Warm and filling. This one is like a cheesy chicken burrito.

3 c cooked shredded chicken
10 tortillas, corn or flour
15 oz can chili
can of cream of chicken
can of cream of mushroom
1/2 c salsa
1/3 c milk
1/3 c onion
8 oz cheddar jack cheese

Preheat oven to 350. Layer 1/2 chicken and 1/2 tortilla pieces. Combine chili, soups, salsa, milk and onion. Spoon 1/2 sauce over tortillas. Sprinkle with cheese. Repeat layers ending with cheese. Bake 40-45 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Herbed Chicken and Mushroom

2007-09-27T06:34:00.000-07:00

If you love fungus as much as we do, this recipe is for you!

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8-10 oz sliced mushrooms
1/4 c white wine
1/4 c chicken broth
1/4 tsp thyme
1/4 tsp tarragon
1/4 tsp marjoram
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Saute chicken with in butter or olive oil. Set aside. Add more butter to skillet and saute mushrooms. Add wine, broth, and spices. Simmer 3-5 minutes. Add chicken and simmer another 5-10 minutes.

Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Squares

2007-09-25T05:28:00.000-07:00

This is one of those recipes that everyone thinks is really complicated. I have made them and the taste and look like you slaved for days. Love that! So next time you have to bring cookies or bars somewhere, try this one. Cheap and easy~kinda like me. :-)

2 8oz. pkgs cream cheese
1/2 c sugar
2 1/2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
2 tubes of chocolate chip cookie dough

Freeze cookie dough for 30-45 minutes before starting. Combine cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and eggs til smooth. Press one tube of cookie dough into 13x9 pan. Pour cream cheese mixture over the top. Slice cookie dough into slices and then into fourths. Flatten slightly and place on top of cream cheese mixture. Bake 30-35 minutes at 350. Chill for at least one hour before cutting.

Kansas City BBQ RIbs

2007-09-24T15:14:00.000-07:00

We are big fans of BBQ here at our house. Real BBQ~not the sloppy joe like things that Dutch folks around here call BBQ. There is always much debate about BBQ. Wet or dry? Memphis or Carolina? Patio or Charlie Robinsons? Well, this is about the best recipe I have found for making them yourself. Tasty enough with minimal work.

3 racks baby back ribs
1 onion
1 orange
1 Tbsp whole peppercorns
1 Tbsp coriander

Place all ingredients in sauce pan with just enough water to cover. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer 50-60 minutes, until ribs are fork tender.

SAUCE
3 Tbsp butter
1 onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
15 oz tomato sauce
1/4 c cider vinegar
1/4 c packed brown sugar
salt and pepper

Melt butter, add onion and garlic. Saute til soft. Add remaining ingredients and heat til boiling. Reduce heat and simmer til thick.

Grill ribs 8-10 minutes. Flip and grill 5-10 more. Baste with sauce.

WW Zero Point Veggie Soup

2007-09-16T12:38:00.001-07:00

2/3c. sliced carrot
1/2c. diced onion
2 minced galic cloves
3 c. fat free broth
1 1/2 c diced cabage
1/2 c. green beans
1tbspn tomato paste
1/2 tsp each of dried basil, oregano and salt
1/2c diced zucchini

Saute in non-stick pan in order listed until onions and carrots are soft then simmer everything for a few minutes.

I like to add bok choy (chinese cabbage) instead of the regular cabbage just to change it up a bit. You can use almost any vegetables in season.

Makes 4 1c. servings

Chunky Veggie Dip

2007-09-14T13:36:00.000-07:00

16 oz FF cottage cheese
1 med celery stalk
1 med carrot
1 med red pepper
1/4 c chopped shallots
few shots of hot sauce
dash fresh ground blk pepper

Chop veggies. Mix all together and season to taste. Serve with whole wheat cracker or more veggies.

8 servings~1 WW point each

Creamy Chicken Burritos

2007-09-12T18:10:00.000-07:00

Do you ever pull recipes out of magazines at the doctor's office? Do you ask the receptionist if it's OK? Yes to both. This is one I pulled from Midwest Living at one of my zillion OB appts. in the past 9 years. I added the roasted red peppers for zip.

2 c cooked, chopped chicken
8 oz Mexican blend cheese
15 oz cream corn
15 oz refried beans
chili powder
tortillas
12 oz roasted red peppers

Combine chicken, cheese, corn, and chili powder. Spread beans into tortillas and top with chicken mixture. Roll up and place in 13x9 pan. Top with drained peppers. Cover and bake 40-50 minutes at 350.

Gi Gi's Taco Dip

2007-09-11T15:52:00.001-07:00

Here it is. Grandma's famous taco dip. It is awesome.

15 oz refried beans
8 oz cream cheese
taco seasoning mix
8 oz sour cream
2 Tbsp lemon juice
chopped onion
16 oz salsa
small can olives
8 oz cheddar

Mash beans on a platter. Mix next 4 ingredients. Spread over beans. Top with remaining ingredients. Serve with tortilla chips.

Raspberry Brownie Ice Cream Cake

2007-09-10T18:08:00.000-07:00

This is a twist on a recipe I found in a magazine years ago. We love brownies and ice cream so I combined two different things to come up with this. A great alternative to traditional birthday cake!

2 18oz pkgs brownie mix
1 pint chocolate ice cream, softened
1 c seedless raspberry jam
1 10 jar of hot fudge sauce

Prepare brownies according to directions for cakelike brownies. Line 2 13x9 pans with heavy foil. Spray with Pam. Divide batter between 2 pans and bake for 25 minutes. Cool completely.

Spread softened ice cream on top of one pan of brownies. Freeze until firm. Spread jam over ice cream. Invert second brownie on top. Spread fudge sauce over the top. Freeze at least 3 hours or overnight. Using foil, pull from the pan. Slice and dust with powdered sugar.

Chili Joes

2007-09-06T14:34:00.000-07:00

These are a different twist on sloppy joes or what the Dutch folk call BBQ. These are a great way to add veggies to your kids diet.

1 lb ground sirloin
15 oz can kidney beans
10 oz tomato soup
1 c celery
1/2 c green pepper
1/2 c onion
1/4 c ketchup
1 T brown sugar
1 T chili powder
salt and pepper
dash cayenne
dash garlic salt

Brown ground sirloin with celery, onion, and green pepper. Drain and rinse in HOT water to remove fat. Add remaining ingredients and combine. Reduce heat and simmer 30-40 minutes. Serve on buns with potato chips. Freezes well.

Fish Tacos

2007-09-04T18:31:00.000-07:00

Every time someone in our house asks the age-old question "What's for supper?", Tim responds with "Fish tacos." Heck, he uses it for a response to ANY question.

"What do you want for your birthday?"

"Fish tacos."

"What did so-and-so give you for that job?"

"Fish tacos."

"What should we give so-and-so for a wedding gift?"

"Fish tacos."

You get the point. So I decided I needed a good recipe for fish tacos. I couldn't find one that sounded good and was also sorta healthy. So I made up my own tonight. They turned out awesome. Even Amelia scarfed 'em back. I also "invented" a low point rice and beans side.

FISH TACOS

1 box of Gortons Garlic and Herb Fish Fillets
flour or corn tortillas
broccoli slaw
1/2 c of Newman's Own Light Lime Vinagrette

Bake fish according to pkg. directions. Toss broccoli slaw with dressing. Slice each fish fillet in half the long way. Place one fish fillet (two halves) on a tortilla. Top with slaw.

RICE AND BEANS

1 c brown rice, cooked
1 can pinto beans, drained
3/4 c salsa

Warm beans. Add salsa til cooked through. Stir into rice.

That's it. AWESOME and loaded with fiber.

Italian Beef Sandwiches

2007-08-31T08:58:00.001-07:00

I have tried lots of variations of this recipie and this the best one.

3-4 lb boneless roast
3 Tbsp basil
3 Tbsp oregano
1 can beef broth
1 envelope onion soup mix

Place roast in crock pot. Combine basil, oregano, and broth. Pour over roast. Top with soup mix. Cover and cook on low 7-8 hours. Shred with fork and return to crockpot. Serve on hard rolls with onions and peppers and provolone cheese. This freezes very well.

Chocolate Double Crunchers

2007-08-30T16:48:00.000-07:00

These are just yummy. This recipe only makes 24 cookies so double it if you are feeding a crowd.

1/2 c butter
1/2 c sugar
1/2 c brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 c flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 c oats
1 c cornflakes
1/2 c shredded coconut

Preheat oven to 350. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Cream butter and sugars. Add egg and vanilla. Add flour mixture to creamed mix. Add oats, cornflakes and coconut. Shape into 1 inches balls and flatten slightly. Bake 8 minutes. Let sit on cookie sheet 1-2 minutes. Cool on wire rack.

FILLING
6 oz cream cheese
1 1/2 c powdered sugar
2 c chocolate chips~melted

Beat cream cheese and sugar. Add chocolate and mix well. Spread on cookies and make sandwiches. Store in the fridge.

Zesty Chicken Dip

2007-08-30T05:42:00.001-07:00

This one is for Linda. This was one of the few recipies that my mom made. She was NOT a cook but she was what my dad called a "good food warmer." She didn't really like to cook but this dip was awesome. It is also great on a sandwich as a good alternative to tunafish.

6 oz cream cheese
8 oz can chicken
2 Tbsp yellow mustard
3 Tbsp sweet pickle juice
1 tsp Worchestershire
pinch onion powder
pinch celery seed
pinch dill

Beat cream cheese til smooth. Add chicken. Blend in mustard and pickle juice. Add seasonings. Chill overnight to blend flavors.

Chicken Breasts with Iowa Stuffing

2007-08-29T14:27:00.000-07:00

I should probably call this "white meat chicken with Iowa stuffing" since my sister in law would not allow us to say "breast" for fear one of her sons would pick up on that word. We said it constantly to drive her nuts. We also enjoyed asking her to "please pass us a chicken boob."

This is also a low points meal. 4 points per serving. It freezes well and is easily doubled.

1 c chopped celery
1/2 c chopped onion
1 can Healthy Request Cream of Chicken
3/4 c frozen corn
1 1/2 c seasoned dry stuffing mix
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Preheat oven to 350. Saute onions and celery in 1 Tbsp olive oil. Stir in soup, corn, and stuffing mix. Spread into 8x8 pan sprayed with Pam. In same skillet brown chicken breasts 3 minutes per side. Evenly arrange chicken on top of stuffing mixture. Cover and bake 25 minutes. Uncover and continue baking 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Pizza Pot Pie

2007-08-28T13:44:00.001-07:00

I got this dish from a cookbook by author Joanna Lund. She makes great midwestern food for low WW points. This one is 4 points per serving.

1/2 lb ground sirloin
1 c chopped onion
1 c chopped green pepper
1 c mushrooms
15 oz. can pizza sauce
3/4 c FF sour cream
3/4 c low fat mozzarella
1 can reduced fat crescent rolls

Brown beef with onions, green pepper, and mushrooms. Drain. Stir in pizza sauce and heat through. Pour into sprayed 13x9 pan. Drop sour cream over the top. Top with mozzarella. Unroll crescent rolls on top. Lightly spray top with olive oil. Bake 350 for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve with~green beans and salad.

Shredded Beef Tacos in the Crock Pot

2007-08-26T17:44:00.001-07:00

2 lbs flank steak
15 oz can stewed tomatoes
1 cup chopped onion
apprx. 2 tsp cumin
apprx. 2 Tbsp chili powder

Place all in the crock pot. Cook on low for 8 hours. Shred beef and serve on tortilla with all the taco fixing.