Brownie Balls

Yum! I know I've posted a lot of brownie recipes on here, but I am a chocaholic! I made these for a party the other day and they tasted delicious that night and even better the next day. The dough is to die for too. They don't take long at all to make and they're a nice finger dessert.

Ingredients
1/2 c butter or margarine
2 oz unsweetened baking chocolate
3/4 c sugar
1 egg
1 t vanilla extract
1/4 t salt
1 3/4 c flour
1/2 c chopped walnut or pecan (opt)
powdered sugar

Directions

1Pre-heat your oven to 375 degrees (F).

2Melt butter or margarine and chocolate in medium saucepan over low heat (or melt in the microwave in a glass bowl or measuring cup for 2 minutes or until butter or margarine is melted).

3Set aside to cool for five minutes.

4While you're letting the chocolate cool, stir sugar, egg, vanilla and salt together until well blended.

5Stir the cooled chocolate/butter or margarine mixture until nice and smooth. Then mix it in with the above sugar, etc. mixture.

6Now stir in the flour and nuts.

7Shape mixture into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet.

8Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.

9While warm, roll in powdered sugar.

10Cool on wire racks.

11Once cool, roll in powdered sugar again!

Veggie Pizza

I personally love this appetizer and think it's good enough for a meal. Jackson and Mitchell both ate it like crazy. I used my "vidalia chop wizard" to cut up the veggies because it would have taken forever by hand. I used the smallest grate. I bought generic crescent rolls this time and will never do it again--pillsbury only!

INGREDIENTS
2 (8 oz) pkgs refrigerated crescent rolls
1/2 c sour cream
1/2 c mayo
1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened
1/2 t dried dill weed
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1 (1 ounce) package ranch dressing mix
Desired veggies...the more the better: green onions, broccoli, radishes, carrots, tomatoes, etc.


DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a jellyroll pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Pat crescent roll dough into a jellyroll pan. Let stand 5 minutes. Pierce with fork.

Bake for 10 minutes, let cool.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayo, cream cheese, dill weed, garlic salt and ranch dip mix. Spread this mixture on top of the cooled crust. Arrange the veggies on top of the creamed mixture. Cover and let chill. Once chilled, cut it into squares and serve.

Tres Leches

I loved this cake, but it is a cake that some might love and some might hate. It's called "three milks" cake because of the three different types of milk. The longer it refrigerates the better, so I try to make it the night before or in the morning before I serve it (I've made it twice--cinco de mayo and with the pork barbacoa recipe). It tastes delicious with fresh fruit. This is a really gross looking picture, but I ate it too quickly and forgot to take pictures.

INGREDIENTS
5 eggs (large)
1 t baking powder
1 c white sugar
1/2 t vanilla extract
1 1/2 c all-purpose flour
1/2 c unsalted butter
2 c milk
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 fluid oz) can evaporated milk
1 1/2 c heavy whipping cream
6 T powdered sugar
1 t vanilla extract


DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour one 9x13 inch baking pan.

Sift flour and baking powder together and set aside.

Cream butter or margarine and 1 cup of the sugar together until fluffy. Add eggs and 1/2 teaspoon of the vanilla extract, beat well.

Add the flour mixture to the butter or margarine mixture 2 tablespoons at a time, mix until well blended. Pour batter into prepared pan.

Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes. Pierce cake several times with a fork.

Combine the milk, evaporated milk, and condensed milk together. Pour over the top of the cooled cake.

Whip on high whipping cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 6 T of the powdered sugar together until thick. Spread over the top of cake. Be sure and keep cake refrigerated, enjoy!

Hawaiian Haystacks

The first time I ever had Hawaiian Haystacks (or some call them chicken sundaes) was in college. All present were shocked that I'd never heard of them before, but I'm guessing there might be someone else out there who hasn't tried them.

1.) MAKE CHICKEN GRAVY (you can buy it in a can or make to taste--see below)
2-3 cans of cream of chicken or celery
1-2 c. of milk or chicken broth (depending on taste and desired consistency)
cooked, cubed/shredded chicken (I usually cook 2 chicken tenders for each person, but that is more chicken than some would like)
1 c. of rice/person

toppings:
green onions (a must I think)
green peppers
tomatoes (for sure)
cheese
pineapple
coconut
chow mein noodles
cashews

Red Sauce Enchiladas

I usually make the standard yummy white chicken enchiladas, but I found this recipe that my friend gave me in college and decided to give it another try. I'm writing the recipe with the alterations I made, which I thought tasted great. By the way, I don't usually care for corn tortillas, but I think they work with the red sauce. I'm sure flour could work well too though.

1 lb. hamburger

1 8-oz. pkg cream cheese

1/2-1 packet of taco seasoning

corn tortillas

grated cheese

2 small cans of tomato paste

1 can of green/mild enchilada sauce

1 medium chopped onion (red/white)

2 T cilantro leaves

2 T chili powder

chopped green onions (opt.)

sliced olives (opt.)

Brown hamburger. Once fully cooked, pour 1/2-1 (depending on preference) packet of taco seasoning and package of cream cheese in with the hamburger. Cook on low until mixed together into a sort of thick paste.

Meanwhile, in a food processor or blender, mix together the tomato pastes, enchilada sauce, onion, cilantro, and chili powder.

Pour a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 pan. Fill each corn tortilla shell with scoops of hamburger mix and top with cheese before rolling and placing (seam down) in the pan. Pour remaining sauce over enchiladas and top with green onions, olives and remainder of cheese. Bake covered 350 degrees for 30 minutes and uncovered for another 5-10 or until cheese is thoroughly melted.

You can serve the enchiladas with sliced avocados, sour cream, and salsa for an especially festive and delicious flair.

DELICIOUS salmon

I love the small grocery store near our home. It is mostly meant for picking up that one item you need on your way home from work. For that reason, they always have their meat marked down because no one buys it. I got a $20+ salmon for $5.17 the other day (it's usually over $5.99/lb lately). I found this recipe a long time ago and was saving it. It was WONDERFUL! I will definitely use it again.

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 pounds salmon fillets
lemon pepper to taste
garlic powder to taste
salt to taste
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup vegetable oil

DIRECTIONS

Season salmon fillets with lemon pepper, garlic powder, and salt.

In a small bowl, stir together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and vegetable oil until sugar is dissolved. Make a pouch out of tin foil and place fish on the bottom pouring the soy sauce mixture on top, seal. Refrigerate for at least 30 mins.

Put pouch on pan and bake at 450 degrees for 10-12 mins and broil on high for 5 mins after that.

Cucumber Salad

Cucumbers have been cheap here--less than lettuce. When we grew cucumbers in our garden growing up my mom and dad would always whip up a cucumber salad. You can prepare them any way you like. This is just one way. I don't measure, so these are guesses, but you really can't mess up. Often I just leave out the dill and go heavy on the pepper.

2 cucumbers

1/4 onion, sliced

1-2 tomatoes

1/2-3/4 c. sugar

3/4-1 c. white vinegar

1/2 c. water

few dashes of dill

pepper to taste

Mix and chill.

Healthier Sloppy Joes

I like to make sloppy joes once in a while, but this time I thought I'd search for a healthier recipe. This was what I found and played with. It was really good; almost like a thick chili. By the way, if you have questions about substitutions, post them on here. One of us can probably answer.

1 pound extra-lean ground beef or ground turkey

1 onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 jalapeno, minced

1 red pepper, diced

1 can small red beans or pinto beans, preferably low sodium drained and rinsed

2 cans no-salt-added tomato sauce

2 T tomato paste

1 T red wine vinegar

1 T molasses

1 T Worcestershire sauce

1 T mustard powder

3/4 T salt

Freshly ground black pepper

8 whole-wheat burger buns

Brown the meat and the onion in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, breaking up the meat into crumbles as it cooks. Pour the drippings out of the pan and discard. Add the garlic, jalapeno, and red pepper and cook 5 minutes more, stirring occasionally. Stir in the rest of the ingredients, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 5 minutes more. Place a half-cup scoop of the mixture onto each bun and serve.

Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

I guess I've been craving cakes lately. I've been trying to make ones that aren't quite as sinful. This one I topped with an easy powdered sugar and lemon juice glaze, but it's good without.

INGREDIENTS
1/8-1/4 cup poppy seeds (depending on preference)
1/4 cup milk
1 (18.25 ounce) package lemon cake mix
1 (3.4 ounce) package instant lemon pudding mix
1 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs


DIRECTIONS

Soak poppy seeds in milk for 2 hours (opt). Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Grease and flour a 10 inch Bundt pan.

In a large bowl, stir together cake mix and pudding mix. Make a well in the center and pour in water, oil, and eggs. Beat on low speed until blended. Scrape bowl, and beat 4 minutes on medium speed. Blend in poppy seed mixture. Pour batter into prepared pan.

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely.

Dump Cake

This is an easy and delicious cake for those nights when you just need a quick and yummy treat. And, it can't be THAT bad for you, right?

1 lg. can of cherry pie filling and/or 1 lg. can pineapple
1 pkg. yellow cake mix
1/2 c. butter

Pour the can(s) into a 9x13 pan. Evenly sprinkle cake mix directly on fruit and cut up butter over the top. Bake at 350 for about 40-45 minutes. Top with ice cream or whipped cream.

Chocolate Cake with German Chocolate Frosting

I needed chocolate last weekend, so I made this delicious cake. The cake is extremely moist (a reason I don't usually like cakes) and stands well on its own. You won't be needing ice cream or milk to go with this cake--it's awesome. The frosting is really good too, but you can put whatever frosting you want on this cake. I used 3/4 c. coconut and maybe 1/2 c. of crushed walnuts when I made the frosting, since that's all I had. Oh, and I went ahead and used the whole can of evaporated milk and it worked fine.

INGREDIENTS for cake

3 c. packed brown sugar
1 c. butter or margarine, softened
4 eggs
2 t. vanilla extract
2 2/3 c. all-purpose flour
3/4 c. baking cocoa
1 T. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
1 1/3 c. sour cream
1 1/3 c. boiling water

DIRECTIONS

1. In a mixing bowl, cream brown sugar and butter. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat on high speed until light and fluffy. Blend in vanilla.

2. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; add alternately with sour cream to creamed mixture. Mix on low just until combined. Stir in water until blended.

3. Pour into three greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

INGREDIENTS for frosting

1 c. evaporated milk
1 c. white sugar
3 egg yolk, beaten with 1 teaspoon water
1/2 c. margarine
1 t. vanilla extract
1 c. chopped pecans
1 c. flaked coconut

DIRECTIONS

In a large saucepan combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, margarine and vanilla. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thick. Remove from heat and stir in pecans and coconut. Let the frosting sit for 30 mins or so to thicken up before spreading.

Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole

This recipe came in the mail with some coupons when we were first married and while it isn't too different from other chicken and rice recipes, it is easy and good. Chad's Grandma requested it, so we took a casserole over to her last week, but I forgot to take a picture. I usually line the pan with foil and it makes it MUCH easier to clean the pan afterwards. Often I'll substitute the vegetables for whatever veggies I have on hand.

2 c. rice
2 cans condensed cream of chicken (you can mix it with mushroom or celery too)
2/3 c. water
1 t. seasoned salt
2 medium carrots, sliced
1 medium bell pepper, cubed
1 small onion, thinly sliced
6 skinless chicken pieces
Seasoned salt, paprika, and pepper

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. For easy clean-up, line a 13x9 pan with heavy duty aluminum foil. Spray foil with nonstick spray.

2. Combine rice, soup, water, and 1 t. seasoned salt. Add carrots, bell pepper and onion. Arrange vegetables and rice in an even layer in foil-lined pan. Place chicken over rice mixture in an even layer; sprinkle chicken with additional seasoned salt, paprika and pepper.

3. Cover pan with a sheet of foil.

4. Bake about 45 minutes or until chicken reaches 170 degrees; stir rice before serving.

Angel Food Cake

This was AMAZING! Seriously try it. It's way better than store bought--I can't stop eating it! It calls for 12 eggs, but all you'll end up needing are the egg whites (1 1/2 c. worth). I buy egg whites in a carton (they're usually next to the eggs at the store), and that's a lot easier to measure out. I made fresh whipping cream:

1 c. whipping cream

3 T. powdered sugar

1/2-1 t. vanilla

Beat on high speed until stiff peaks form

ANGEL FOOD CAKE

Ingredients:
12 eggs
1 1/4 c. confectioners' sugar
1 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 t. cream of tartar
1 1/2 t. vanilla extract
1/2 t. almond extract
1/4 t. salt
1 c. sugar

Directions

1. Separate eggs; discard yolks or refrigerate for another use. Measure egg whites, adding or removing whites as needed to equal 1-1/2 cups. Place in a mixing bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, sift confectioners' sugar and flour together three times; set aside. Add cream of tartar, extracts and salt to egg whites; beat on high speed. Gradually add sugar, beating until sugar is dissolved and stiff peaks form. Fold in flour mixture, 1/4 cup at a time. Gently spoon into an ungreased 10-in. tube pan (I used a bundt pan). Cut through batter with a knife to remove air pockets. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40-45 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Immediately invert pan; cool completely before removing cake from pan.

Nutritional Analysis: One slice equals 101 calories, trace fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 59 mg sodium, 23 g carbohydrate, 0 fiber, 3 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.

Conference Time Biscuits and Gravy

Each conference time my dad would get up in the morning and make us a biscuits and gravy breakfast. It was always so exciting to wake up to the smell, and tasted delicious. We make biscuits and gravy as dinner sometimes because Chad loves it, and we always are sure to prepare it for breakfast on conference weekend. I like this gravy recipe because it's simple. I usually just buy tubes of biscuits since it's so much easier and not too expensive, but I've included a simple and fast biscuit recipe for you extra-milers! :) Enjoy and be thinking of us as you eat it and listen to the prophet's voice.


Gravy:

6 T butter
6 T flour
3 c milk
12 oz. ground sausage
salt and pepper

Brown sausage and set aside on a paper towel. Melt butter in skillet and mix in flour. When bubbles appear, lower heat and add milk. Stir until even consistency. Add sausage and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer until desired consistency. (Will thicken upon cooling.)

Biscuits:

3 c. flour
4 1/2 t baking powder
2 T sugar
1/2 t salt
3/4 t. cream of tartar
3/4 c margarine
1 beaten egg
3/4 c milk

Combine dry ingredients. Cut in softened margarine with dough hook. Add milk and egg. Pat to 1 inch thickness. Bake at 450 degrees on greased cookie sheet for 10 minutes.

Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce with Shrimp

This is a healthy meal that tastes fabulous. There is a similar dish at Olive Garden although Chad and I thought this was better. I found 1 lb bags of frozen shrimp at Walmart for $3.98 and bought a few, so look for sales on shrimp otherwise it can be kind of pricey. I usually buy whole grain pasta since it has fewer calories, about the same protein, and at least twice the fiber. I didn't have fresh herbs on hand, although I'm sure it would taste that much more amazing. Also, I didn't have any, but I think it would taste fabulous to add some heavy cream (maybe 1/4-1/2 c) to make the sauce creamy--just a suggestion. This was not that spicy. Jackson ate it just fine, but he's probably used to spiciness by now.

INGREDIENTS

1 t olive oil
1 c chopped onion
4 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
3/8 c shrimp juices or chicken stock (see directions)
2 T white sugar
1 T chopped fresh basil
1 t crushed red pepper flakes
2 T tomato paste
1 T lemon juice
1/2 t Italian seasoning
1/4 t ground black pepper
2 (14.5 ounce) cans peeled and diced tomatoes
2 T chopped fresh parsley

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Saute onion, garlic, and shrimp in oil for 5 minutes.

2. If most of your "shrimp juices" cook out of the saute, then add chicken stock. If there appears to be enough "shrimp juices" after sauteing then add sugar, basil, red pepper, tomato paste, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, black pepper and tomatoes ; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, and simmer uncovered about 15 minutes.

3. Stir in parsley. Ladle over the hot cooked pasta of your choice.

Taco Soup

I'm not sure what your weather has been like, but it is still pretty chilly here. So I'm still making a lot of soup--I love it! I'm sure you all have a taco soup recipe and they're pretty much all the same, but just in case you've never tried it, here goes one. I like my food spicy, so I added cilantro, garlic, and some salsa verde to my soup. You can top with sour cream, cheese, and tortilla chips if desired. Also, as in all recipes ground turkey can be substituted without affecting the flavor too much for a lighter alternative.

INGREDIENTS
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 (16 ounce) can black beans, with liquid
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans with liquid
1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, with liquid
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
3-4 cups water
2 (14.5 ounce) cans peeled and diced tomatoes
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chile peppers (opt.)
1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning mix

DIRECTIONS

In a medium skillet, cook the ground beef until browned over medium heat. Drain, and set aside.

Place the ground beef, onion, chili beans, kidney beans, corn, tomato sauce, water, diced tomatoes, green chile peppers and taco seasoning mix in a slow cooker or in a pan on the stove if short on time.

Mix to blend, and cook on Low setting for 8 hours or until flavors are blended and soup is warm.

Peppery Bean Salad

This is probably my personal all-time favorite recipe. Whenever I smell it I start salivating like Pavlov's dog. The smell of onions, tomatos, avocados and beans is heavenly! I personally LOVE beans and put them on/in everything. My kids really like them too and always love this salad even though it is a bit spicy. Beans are a wonderful source of fiber and protein and are low in fat and calories--the perfect food. (Your body eventually gets used to the extra fiber :)) Enjoy!

1 can chick peas (garbonzo beans)
1 can black beans
1 can corn
1 can kidney beans
1/2 red onion, chopped finely
2 tomatoes, chopped finely
1 green pepper (opt.)
2 avocados, chopped

Open cans and rinse under cold water. Shake off excess water, add veggies.

DRESSING:
1 t. cumin
1 T. ketchup
2 T. olive oil
1 T. white wine/cider vinegar
1 garlic clove, crushed
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. ground pepper
5 drops of hot pepper sauce

Mix together and pour over bean mixture; chill for an hour to allow flavors to mix.

HINT: Add avocados right before serving because they become mushy. They're still delicious, just brown after refrigerated in the bean mix.

Pineapple Chicken

This basically tastes like a lighter sweet and sour chicken. It is super good and SO easy. My mother-in-law doubles this for a big crowd and it goes a long way. I like to add big chunks of green peppers and onions into it for color and taste. Yesterday I happened to have a fresh pineapple too, so I used that in place of canned and it was beautiful. As far as the call for russian dressing--I've only ever seen one size (8 oz). I cooked mine at 250 for like 2 1/2 hours because I had other things going on and it worked out fine. I bet you could even pour it into the crockpot and cook on low for 3+ hours.

6 chicken breasts (+/-)
salt and pepper to taste
1 pkg. onion soup mix
1 (about 16 oz) jar of apricot preserves
1 bottle russian dressing
1 can chunk pineapple

Preheat oven to 350 degrees; place breasts in pan and season with salt and pepper according to taste.

Mix ingredients and pour on top. Bake uncovered 30-45 minutes. Serve over rice.

Baked Ziti

This is one of those recipes that is so easy you think, "Why didn't I think of that?" I'm sure that a lot of your families are like mine--they love anything with pasta and red sauce. All my boys will usually eat a few servings of anything "spaghetti-ish." This is nice because it is a little different than your traditional spaghetti meal. I just used whatever cheese was in the fridge when I made this (swiss and monterey jack--odd combo, I know) and it still tasted fabulous.

1 lb. ziti pasta (you can use penne or rigatoni too)
1 onion, chopped
1 lb. lean ground beef
2 (26 oz) jars of spaghetti sauce
6 oz. provolone, sliced
1 1/2 c. sour cream
6 oz. mozzarella, shredded
2 T. parmesean

1. Bring a lightly salted water to boil in a pan. Add ziti pasta and cool until al dente (it means to the bite--slightly firm), about 8 mins; drain.

2. In a large skillet, brown onion and ground beef over medium heat. Add sauce and simmer about 15 mins (if time).

3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and butter a 9x13 pan. Layer: 1/2 ziti, all of provolone, sour cream, 1/2 sauce, remaining ziti, mozzarella, and rest of sauce. Top with parmesean.

4. Bake 30 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Garlic Cheese Bread

This recipe was made frequently by my mom growing up, so there aren't too many specific measurements. Just play with the ingredients until you get your favorite mix. It is always loved by guests. It goes great with spaghetti, lasagna, etc.

1 loaf of french bread, halved
shredded cheese as desired
1/4-1/3 cup of butter/margarine
1 (8 oz) cream cheese
basil/italian seasonings
garlic salt/powder

Put margarine and cream cheese in a microwave safe dish and cook until soft enough to mix. After mixing, spread on each half of french bread. Lightly season with those listed above (or whatever sounds good to you) and top with cheese. Bake at 450 OR broil until cheese is melted.

Corn Bread

Get ready, this is so easy you might miss it! :) My sister taught me this trick. It goes great with chili, tortilla soup...anything with a little kick.

Make a jiffy box of cornbread as directed
add a 1/3 c. of sugar to the mix

Preheat oven to 400 degrees as directed on the box. Put about 1 T. of butter/margarine in the baking dish to melt in the preheated oven. Then when the butter is melted and the oven warmed, pour the mix in the pan and bake as directed.

SO EASY and 100x better than the normal. I always get asked how to make cornbread and they always seem so unimpressed after I tell them how I made it. :)

Chili

I make this chili about once/month, sometimes less. It is so yummy and goes a long way. The nice thing is you can adjust the flavor to your preference, so if you like spicy chili, you might add some jalapeno peppers, cilantro, etc. If you don't like any spice, you might take out some of the cumin and chili powder. As it is, it's the right amount of flavor for most everyone. Also, sometimes if I've made a roast I'll use the leftovers in place of the ground beef and it is awesome. This makes a lot, so you can either half the recipe or freeze the leftovers for another day.

2 lbs. ground beef
2 onions, chopped
8 oz. sliced mushrooms (opt)
1/2 green pepper, chopped (opt)
29 oz. can whole or diced tomatoes
29 oz. can tomato sauce
30 oz. can chili beans
15 oz. can kidney beans
2 tsp. cumin
4 tsp. chili powder

Brown beef and onions (and mushrooms and grn. pepper); drain fat. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for at least 20 mins. Top with sour cream, cheese, onions, etc--to your preference.

Crockpot: Cook hamburger and onions (and peppers) until cooked through and soft. Then put in crockpot with remaining ingredients and cook as long as needed.

Famous Restaurant Pancakes

I don't want to get sued, so I'm just going to say that these taste the same as a famous pancake restaurant. They're so good. I usually half this recipe too. Let us all know if you try them and any adjustments you make.

1 1/4 c. flour
1 egg
1 1/4 c. Buttermilk (1 1/4 c. milk with 1 tsp. vinegar--let sit for a few minutes)
1/4 c. sugar
pinch of salt
1 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
1/4 c. oil

Mix together. Flip pancakes over when bubbles appear. Cook on medium-low.

Oh Boy Waffles

I always make my pancakes and waffles from scratch--it's really almost as simple as a mix and tastes great. I usually half this recipe when it's just our small family.

2 1/4 c. flour
4 t. baking powder
3/4 t. salt
1 1/2 T. sugar
2 beaten eggs
2 1/4 c. milk
1/4 c. oil

Just mix ingredients together and pour onto griddle.

Mint Chocolate Brownies

I just made my brownie recipe (double batch--see "The Best Brownies" recipe below) in a 9x13 and then added the green topping (first part of recipe) on top and then poured the chocolate mixture on (second part of recipe). You can use brownie mix too. I think next time I might reduce the mint mixture because it was pretty thick, but oh so yummy!

1/2 cup butter, softened
4 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons milk, or as needed
1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract
6 drops green food coloring

1 1/3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
6 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon vanilla extract


DIRECTIONS

To make the middle layer, beat 1/2 cup of butter with confectioners' sugar in a large bowl using an electric mixer. Add milk as needed to get a spreadable consistency. Stir in the peppermint extract and green food coloring. Spread this over the cooled pan of brownies. Refrigerate for 30 minutes (or freeze if in a rush).

In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave chocolate chips with the butter until melted. Stir every 20 seconds until chocolate is smooth. Stir in vanilla and then pour over the chilled brownies and quickly spread to cover the surface. Cool again until firm, about 10 minutes, then cut into squares and serve.

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

I left out the chocolate chips since I'm not a big fan of them in ice cream. I think next time I might add crushed up oreos though. It is super yummy just by itself. I like that it doesn't have raw eggs in it. Also, out of every ice cream recipe I've tried, this one freezes the best. Even after two days, it still scoops up so effortlessly. Easier than storebought even! I will use this as my base from now on and try other flavors.

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups 2% milk
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
3 drops green food coloring (optional)
1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a large bowl, stir together the milk, cream, sugar, salt, vanilla extract and peppermint extract until the sugar has dissolved. Color to your liking with the green food coloring.

2. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker, and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions. After about 10 minutes into the freezing, add the chocolate chips. After the ice cream has thickened, about 30 minutes later, spoon into a container, and freeze for 2 hours.

Banana Crumb Muffins

These are delicious and so easy. They take about 30 minutes to make and bake, so not too bad. The main problem is I can't stop eating them! :) Also, whenever you try a recipe, post a comment and let us know if you liked it or not, and if you made any changes. This is supposed to be a community forum.

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 bananas, mashed
3/4 cup white sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease 10 muffin cups, or line with muffin papers.
2. In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, beat together bananas, sugar, egg and melted butter. Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture just until moistened. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.
3. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour and cinnamon. Cut in 1 tablespoon butter until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Sprinkle topping over muffins.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean.

The Best Brownies

I got this recipe from a friend when I lived in Italy and it has been my favorite brownie recipe ever since. In fact, I don't really care for brownies much except for these. They take just as long as mixing a box of brownies up. Although I haven't made them in awhile, Chad was surprised I hadn't posted them on here yet. They taste even better the next day, if you have any left!

Ingredients:

1/2 c. butter, melted
1 c. sugar
1 t. vanilla
2 eggs
1/2 c. flour
1/3 c. cocoa
1/4 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt

Cream butter, sugar, vanilla, and eggs. Then add flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Put in greased 9x9 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 mins.

Cream Cheese Chicken

I've seen several versions of this recipe, but this one is fastest and easiest; plus it doesn't have butter in it like the others do. My mother-in-law gave me this one.

Ingredients:
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 8oz cream cheese
1 envelope of Good Seasons Italian Dressing (sometimes I use ranch packets instead)
6 to 8 chicken breasts

Empty 1 can of soup into crockpot. Place chicken in pot, then slice cream cheese over top. Add additional can of soup and sprinkle dry dressing mix over top. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low all day. Serve over rice.

Pasta E Fagioli

This soup is so delicious, and although it looks like a lot of ingredients (and work) it really isn't too bad. I can whip this up in an hour--cooking time and all. It tastes so delicious with homemade rolls. On the kidney beans...I usually just either pick red or white since one can has two cups in it. Also, it isn't super important to be exact on any of the ingredients. It always turns out no matter what. If I don't buy fresh parsley I use dry too.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 teaspoon oil
1 pound ground beef
7 ounces carrot -- slivered or chopped
6 ounces onion -- chopped
7 ounces celery -- diced
24 ounces tomatoes, canned -- diced
1 cup red kidney beans
1 cup white kidney beans
44 ounces beef stock
1 1/2 teaspoon oregano
1 1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 1/2 tablespoons fresh parsley -- chopped
3/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
24 ounces spaghetti sauce
4 ounces dry pasta shell macaroni

Directions:

Saute beef in oil until beef starts to brown. Add onions, carrots, celery and tomatoes and simmer for about 10 min. Drain and rinse beans and add to pot. Also add beef stock, oregano, pepper, Tabasco, spaghetti sauce and noodles . Simmer until celery and carrots are tender, about 45 min.

Molten Chocolate Cakes

My cousin Cami had this recipe from Kraft Foods on her website and I made it 3 times in 5 days after I saw it. It is awesome! It can easily be halved for just two people. You have to eat it right away, so don't plan on making these early. These are SO super easy and to die for!

Molten Chocolate Cakes
4 squares Baker's semi-sweet baking chocolate
1/2 c. butter
1 c. powdered sugar
2 eggs
2 egg yolks
6 T. flour
1/2 c. cool whip

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Butter four 3/4-cup custard cups or souffle dishes. Place on a baking sheet. (I use a mini-bundt pan)
2. Microwave chocolate and butter in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1 min. or until butter is melted. Stir with wire whisk until chocolate is completely melted. Stir in sugar until well blended. Blend in eggs and egg yolks with wire whisk. Stir in flour. Divide batter among prepared custard cups.
3. Bake 13-14 mins. (10 mins in mini-bundt pan; YOU MUST NOT OVERCOOK) or until sides are firm but centers are soft. Let stand 1 min (important). Carefully run small knife around cakes to loosen. Invert cakes onto dessert dishes. Serve immediately, topped with whipped topping.

Spinach Salad

This is a terrific spinach salad with a spicy and sweet taste. Sometimes I half the dressing because it makes so much and I don't like it to be soggy.

Spinach Salad

1 head lettuce (I use romaine)
1 bunch spinach
3/4 lb. grated swiss cheese
1 red onion, sliced
1/2 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled (I sometimes use the Hormel in a bag bacon from Costco)

Dressing:
3/4 T. poppy seed
1/3 C. white vinegar
3/4 c. oil
1/3 c. sugar
1/4 c. grated onion
3/4 t. salt
2 tsp. prepared mustard

Toss together lettuce, spinach, cheese, onion, and bacon. Mix together rest of dressing ingredients and pour over spinach.

Chicken Pot Pie

This is THE BEST I've ever had.

Chicken Pot Pie--Ready in about 1 hour 15 mins.

1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breasts--cubed
1 c. sliced carrots
1 c. frozen green peas
1/2 c. sliced celery
1/3 c. butter
1/3 c. chopped onion
1/3 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. black pepper
1/4 t. celery seed
2 c. chicken broth
1 c. milk
2 (9 inch) unbaked pie crusts.

1. Preheat oven to 390 degrees
2. In a saucepan, combine chicken, carrots, peas, and celery. Add water to cover and boil for about 15 mins. Remove from heat, drain, and set aside.
3. In the saucepan over medium heat, cook onions in butter clear. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and celery seed. Slowly stir in chicken broth and milk. Simmer over medium-low heat until thick. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Press one pie crust in a deep-dish pie pan and baste with egg whites (to keep from getting mushy). Then place chicken mixture in bottom pie crust. Pour hot liquid mixture over. Cover with top crust, seal edges, and cut away excess dough. Make several small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until pastry is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cool for 10 mins before serving.

Fruit Pizza

This is a super easy version of fruit pizza. I'm not super excited about the cream cheese part, but it's not bad and I seem to always have the ingredients on hand. I usually like kiwi, strawberries, and bananas for toppings. Raspberries and blueberries are great when they're in season and not too expensive.

Fruit Pizza--Ready in 1 hour'ish

1/2 c. butter, softened
3/4 c. white sugar
1 egg
1 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1 t. cream of tartar
1/2 t. baking soda
1/4 t. salt
1 (8 oz) pkg. cream cheese
1/2 c. white sugar
2 t. vanilla

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter & 3/4 c. sugar until smooth. Mix in egg. Combine the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt. Stir into the creamed mixture until just blended. Press dough into an ungreased pizza pan.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 8-10 minutes OR until lightly browned. Cool.
4. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with 1/2 c. sugar and vanilla until light. Spread on cooled crust.
5. Arrange desired fruit on top of filling, and chill.

Pork Barbacoa

This is a recipe that feeds 6-8 people and is easily adjusted. I usually warm my tortillas on a pan before serving them. Items I include to put in the burrito are: rice, black beans, monterey jack cheese, green onions, tomatoes, and lettuce. Feel free to experiment. The sauce combined with the pork in the burrito is amazing. I personally enjoy sans tortilla--salad style.

Pork Barbacoa:

4 lb. pork roast
1 c. salsa
3/4 c. brown sugar
1 c. 7-up

Cook in a crock pot on low for eight hours. Shred pork before serving.

Cilantro Lime Tomatilla:

1 pkg. ranch dressing mix
1 T. Salsa verde
1/8 t. Tabasco
1/3 bunch of cilantro
2 cloves of garlic
3/4 c. mayo
3/4 c. sour cream
1/2 c. buttermilk
1 lime, zest and juice

Blend ingredients in blender until smooth.