HASH BROWN & SAUSAGE BREAKFAST CASSEROLE

This recipe is from the Southern Lady Cooks facebook page.  I like it because it goes together quickly and you can go on about your business while it bakes.  You can also make it the night before, cover and refrigerate it then bake it the next morning.  If you refrigerate overnight you may need to add a few additional minutes of baking.

2 lbs. frozen hash browns, regular or Southern style
1 onion chopped
1 green pepper chopped
2 lbs. sausage or ham (could also use bacon or smoked sausage or any meat you like.
10 eggs beaten
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, Optional
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Oil for cooking hash browns
Heat oil, add hash browns, onion and peppers. Cook till potatoes begin to brown. Spray 9 x 13 baking dish with cooking spray. Spread potato mixture in pan, top with cooked sausage or ham. Pour beaten eggs over all and season with salt and pepper and garlic. Gently stir to coat all ingredients with eggs. Sprinkle with cheese. Can refrigerate overnight and then bake.
Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. Makes 8 servings.  Enjoy.

Note: You can make half this recipe, too. You can use any kind of meat you like.

AMAZING ZITI

1 lb extra-lean ground beef
2 medium carrots shredded
2 cans (10 3/4-oz) reduced-fat condensed tomato soup
2 1/2 cups water
8-oz ziti
2 tsp basil
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Cook the ground beef and carrots in a 4-quart Dutch oven over medium heat until beef is no longer pink; drain off fat.  Add the soup, water, ziti, basil, onion and garlic powders to the Dutch oven.  Bring to a boil and reduce heat.  Cover and cook approximately 25 minutes until the ziti is tender; stir occasionally during cooking.

Stir in the mozzarella cheese.

When serving, sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese.

CREAM CHEESE SAUSAGE BALLS

I got this recipe from a friend who said it is a modified Pinterest recipe.  I am going to make these.  I think the addition of cream cheese sounds good.

CREAM CHEESE SAUSAGE BALLS

1 lb hot sausage, uncooked (or any sausage you prefer)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 1/4 cups Bisquick
4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 400F.

Mix all ingredients until well combined. (I use my KitchenAid mixer with the dough hook attachment) Roll into 1-inch balls. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until brown.

Sausage balls may be frozen uncooked. If baking frozen, add a few minutes to the baking time.

** NOTE - You can use Gluten Free Bisquick for those that are Celiac or eating Gluten Free! 

** Modified from Pinterest Recipe

MICROWAVE PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE

I got this recipe from a cousin.

1 lb box Confectioners sugar
2 T butter
1/3 C milk
1 C peanut butter

Place sugar, butter and milk in a large mixing bowl. Cook in the microwave 2 minutes on high. Take out, beat ingredients with hand mixer until combined. Microwave 30 seconds more, then add peanut butter and mix by hand or mixer until combined. Spread in foil lined 8x8 pan. Let cool then cut and ENJOY! Everyone will LOVE this!!!!!!!

TINY CHOCOLATE CREAM TARTS

10 to 12 (3-inch size) prepared tart crusts
1 can (14-oz) sweetened condensed milk
2 tbsps orange-flavored liqueur or orange juice
2 tbsp cold water
1 pkg (4-serving size) instant chocolate pudding mix
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup whipping cream, whipped

In a large mixer bowl, beat the milk, liqueur or juice, and cold water until blended; add pudding mix and cocoa powder.  Beat mixture until smooth.  Fold in the whipped cream.

Spoon equal portions of the pudding into the tart crusts.

Chill until set.

Garnish with fresh fruit, nuts, or whipped cream if desired.

Leftovers should be refrigerated.