Wednesday, October 31, 2018

QUICK AND EASY VEGETABLE NOODLE SOUP

2 1/2 quarts water
2 envelopes dry onion soup mix
2 cups sliced celery
1 cup sliced carrots
2 medium tomatoes, diced
1 large potato, scrubbed and diced
1/4 cup chopped parsley
4 oz medium egg noodles

In a large saucepan or a Dutch oven bring the water to a boil; stir in the dry onion soup mix, stirring well until blended. Add the celery, carrots, tomato, potato, and parsley. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes or until the vegetables are crisp tender. Return the soup to a boil and add the noodles. Cook, stirring occasionally, for another 7 or 8 minutes until the noodles are fork tender.

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

QUICK AND EASY MICROWAVE TACO BURGERS

1/3 cup taco sauce
1/4 cup very fine dried bread crumbs
1 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp garlic salt
1 lb lean ground beef
4 hamburger buns
4 lettuce leaves
4 slices pepper jack cheese

In a mixing bowl combine the taco sauce, bread crumbs, chili powder, and garlic salt. Crumble the ground beef into the mixture and mix together well. Shape the mixture into four equal sized patties. Place the patties in an 8-inch square glass baking dish. Cover loosely with paper toweling or waxed paper. Microwave on high for 3 minutes. Drain off excess fat, turn the patties over and return them to the microwave. Cook an additional 3 to 6 minutes or until the burgers are no longer pink. Remove from the microwave and drain the patties on paper towels. Add a slice of the pepper Jack cheese to each pattie. Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom part of each hamburger bun. Place the patties on hamburger buns atop the lettuce. Top with the top of the buns.

Suggest condiments: pickle, onion slices, salsa, tomato slices, etc

Note: File Photo

Monday, October 29, 2018

CARROT RAISIN SALAD WITH MARSHMALLOWS

3 cups shredded carrots
1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
2/3 cup golden or regular seedless raisins
1/2 cup sliced celery
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup mayo-type salad dressing

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the carrots, raisins, celery and walnuts. Gently stir in the marshmallows. Fold in the salad dressing. Chill until serving time.

Note: File Photo

Sunday, October 28, 2018

GARLIC, CHEESE, and BACON MASHED POTATOES

Approximately 1 1/2 lb potatoes with thin skins, quartered but not peeled
Enough water to cover potatoes
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup milk
6 slices bacon, cooked crispy, drained, and crumbled
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt to taste
Fresh ground black pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 sprig fresh parsley for garnish, if desired

Place potatoes in a saucepan, cover with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and continue to cook until the potatoes are fork tender. Drain.

Mash the potatoes. Add the mayonnaise, milk, bacon, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix together well. Stir in the cheese. Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley, if desired.

Yield: 4 servings
Note: This is a file photo.

Saturday, October 27, 2018

LUNCHBOX PINEAPPLE BARS

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
3/4 cup quick oats (not instant oatmeal)
5 tbsp cold unsalted butter
1/2 tsp almond extract
3 tbsp sliced almonds
1 cup all-fruit pineapple spread

Using a food processor or a pastry cutter, combine the flour, brown sugar, and oats processing until blended. Add the butter and the almond extract to the flour mixture; pulse or cut until crumbly. Remove a half cup of the mixture and set aside in a small bowl. Add the almonds to the half cup mixture.

Press the remaining mixture onto the bottom of a 9-inch square pan that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray or lightly buttered. Spread the pineapple over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture with the almonds over the top of the pineapple layer. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes. The top should be golden brown. Set pan on a wire rack to cool before cutting into 12 bars.

Friday, October 26, 2018

BEETS BAKED IN ORANGE SAUCE

3 cups cooked (or drained canned) beets, sliced (not pickled beets)
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup orange juice
2 tbsp butter, melted

Place the beets in a casserole dish. Combine the flour, sugar, orange juice and butter. Pour flour mixture over the beets. Cover and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 15 minutes.

Note: File Photo

D'S GARDEN PASTA SALAD

Note: This salad is quick and easy. It does, however, taste better after being chilled for a couple of hours. A good make-ahead dish.

1 pkg (16-oz) whole-grain rotini pasta
1 pkg (8-oz) sliced pepperoni
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber
1/2 cup diced tomato OR cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup Italian salad dressing (sugar-free or low-sugar)

Cook pasta according to package directions omitting any salt and/or butter called for; drain well.

Place the pasta in a large bowl with the remaining ingredients and toss together well.  Chill for a couple of hours or so before serving.
clipart library

Thursday, October 25, 2018

TACO SALAD NO-BAKE CASSEROLE

1 1/2 lb lean ground beef
1 can refried beans
1 small can tomato sauce
1 pkg taco seasoning mix
1 small can green chilies, chopped
2 cups chopped lettuce
1 cup chopped onion
2 medium tomatoes, diced
1 small can sliced black olives, drained
1 bottle mild taco sauce
2 cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese
1 bag taco chips
sour cream for garnish, if desired

In a large skillet cook ground beef until no long pink; drain well. Wipe out skillet with a paper towel and return meat to skillet over a low heat. Add the refried beans, tomato sauce, taco seasoning mix, and green chilies. Continue cooking slowly, stirring frequently until heated thoroughly. Spread the taco chips on the bottom of an oblong casserole dish. Spoon the ground beef mixture over the chips. Drizzle the taco sauce evenly over the beef mixture. Layer the remaining ingredients as follows: lettuce, tomatoes, onions, black olives, and shredded cheese. Serve topped with sour cream, if desired.

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

PICANTE CHICKEN CASSEROLE

2 cups cubed or shredded cooked chicken
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 1/2 tsp dried onion flakes
10 corn tortillas
1 can cream of celery soup
1 pkg (10-oz) frozen broccoli, thawed
1 cup picante sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 x 11-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Quickly dip half the tortilla shells in water then cover the bottom of the prepared baking dish with the tortillas.

Combine the chicken, soups, onion flakes, broccoli, and picante sauce together in a bowl. Spread half the chicken mixture over the tortilla shells. Top with half the cheese. Repeat the process ending with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

CHEESY CHICKEN NOODLE BAKE

3-oz of medium egg noodles cooked and drained
1 can (10 3/4-oz)low-fat cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup low-fat milk
1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
2 cups cubed or shredded cooked chicken (leftover works well; so does a deli chicken)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a medium mixing bowl combine the chicken soup, milk, pepper, vegetables, chicken, noodles and Parmesan cheese. Mix together well and pour into a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish that has been lightly sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes or until bubbly. Remove from oven and top with the Mexican blend cheese before serving.

Note: File Photo

NO BAKE LEMON PIE

This is one quick to make pie but it does need a couple of hours to chill before serving!

Ingredients
1 Pie Crust
2 cans (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
3/4 cup lemon juice
Directions
Pour two cans of sweetened condensed milk into a mixing bowl
Add Lemon Juice and Stir
Pour into the Pie Crust and refrigerate for a couple hours
Whipped cream for garnish
 
Recipe Source and probably picture, too:geniuskitchen.com

Monday, October 22, 2018

ORANGE MARSHMALLOW FRUIT DIP

1 pkg (8-oz) low-fat cream cheese, softened
1 jar (7 to 8-oz) marshmallow cream or fluff
1 tbsp fresh orange juice
1 1/2 tsp fresh finely-grated orange peel

Combine all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl and beat at medium speed of an electric mixer until well blended. Serve with fresh fruit for a light dessert or as a party food.

Yield: about 1 1/2 cups

Note: File Photo

Sunday, October 21, 2018

FRIED ZUCCHINI CAKES

1/3 cup biscuit/baking mix
1/4 cup American or Cheddar Cheese, shredded
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups grated zucchini
2 tbsp butter

In a medium mixing bowl combine the biscuit mix, cheese, salt and pepper until blended. Add the beaten eggs to the mixture then the zucchini. When mixed well, shape into 8 to 10 patties.

Melt the butter in a heavy skillet and add the patties. Cook 2 to 3 minutes per side or until done to your liking.
Note: File Photo

Saturday, October 20, 2018

PEANUT BUTTER BUTTERSCOTCH FUDGE

1 pkg (6-oz) butterscotch chips
1 cup peanut butter
1 regular can sweetened condensed milk (ie Eagle Brand)
1 cup chopped salted peanuts

In the top of a double boiler over hot, but not boiling water, melt the butterscotch chips. Add the peanut butter; stir well to mix and melt the peanut butter. Add the sweetened condensed milk; mix well. Pour into a buttered pan and allow to cool. Cut into small squares once the candy has cooled.

Note: File Photo

Friday, October 19, 2018

QUICK WHOLE WHEAT APPLE SPICE MUFFINS

2 cups whole-wheat pastry flour
1 tsp salt
3 tsp baking powder
2 eggs
1/3 cup honey
3/4 cup low-fat milk
1/2 cup melted salt-free butter
1 cup grated apple
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Lightly grease 12 muffin cups; set aside.

In a small mixing bowl combine the flour, salt and baking powder; combine well; set aside.

In a medium mixing bowl, beat the eggs. Add the honey, milk, melted butter, grated apple, cinnamon and ginger, mixing well. Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture blending well. Pour the mixture into the prepared muffin cups and bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the muffins center comes out clean.

Note: File Photo

Thursday, October 18, 2018

BANANA-MOCHA MILK SHAKE

3 medium bananas
2 cups (1 pint) coffee ice cream
1 cup milk
1/4 cup chocolate syrup

Peel bananas and place in a blender container with the ice cream, milk, and chocolate syrup; process 1 minute or until smooth--stopping to scrape down the sides. Pour into 4 chilled glasses and serve immediately.

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

HOMEMADE STRAWBERRY JAM IN MINUTES

1 qt ripe strawberries
4 cups sugar (or Splenda for diabetics)
3/4 cup water
1 box sure-jell or other fruit pectin (for diabetics they make one for sugar substitute products)

Mash the strawberries, being sure you have 2 cups. Put into a large bowl and add the sugar OR Splenda granular. Set aside for about 10 minutes if using sugar or 15 minutes if using Splenda, stirring occasionally.

In a small saucepan stir the fruit pectic into the water. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute. Stir the hot mixture into the fruit mixture in the bowl. Stir together for about three to five minutes until the sugar or Splenda is completely dissolved.

Pour the jam into freezeable plastic containers to a half-inch from the lid. Cover with lids and let stand at room temperature for 24 hours. Store one container in the refrigerator (it is now ready to use) and freeze the remaining containers.

Yield: 6 cups

Note: Jam may be kept in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 weeks. May be kept in the freezer for a year. Thaw frozen jam in the refrigerator.

Note: File Photo

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

QUICK AND EASY TANGY COLESLAW

1 pkg (16-oz) cabbage/carrot slaw mixture
1/2 cup low-fat mayonnaise
1/2 cup plain fat-free yogurt
3 tbsp sugar or Splenda granular
1 tbsp + 1 tsp prepared horseradish
2 tsp dry mustard
1/2 tsp salt

Combine the mayonnaise, yogurt, sugar OR Splenda, prepared horseradish, dry mustard, and salt in a medium to large bowl. Add the slaw and toss together well. Cover and chill before serving.

Note: This makes a great dressing for pork sandwiches, wraps, etc.

Note: File Photo

Monday, October 15, 2018

CHOCOLATE SCOTCHEROOS

1 cup sugar
1 cup white corn syrup
1 pkg (12-oz) chocolate chips
1 pkg (12-oz) butterscotch chips
1 cup creamy peanut butter
6 cups crispy rice cereal

In a 3-quart saucepan, combine the sugar and corn syrup. Cook the mixture over a medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to boil. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the peanut butter until melted, mixing well. Add the crispy rice cereal and stir until well blended. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. In the microwave or on the stove over hot, not boiling, water, melt the chocolate chips with the butterscotch chips. When completely melted and blended, spread the mixture evenly over the cereal mixture. Allow to cool. Cut into squares or rectangle bars.

Note: In extremely hot weather, keep refrigerated.
 

Sunday, October 14, 2018

STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM PARFAIT PIE

1 baked pastry crust or graham cracker crust
1 pkg (4-serving size) strawberry gelatin
1 1/4 cup boiling water
1 pint vanilla ice cream
1 cup strawberries, halved or sliced
Whipped cream for garnish, if desired
Whole strawberries for garnish, if desired.

Mix the gelatin and boiling water. Spoon in the ice cream, stirring until melted. Place in the refrigerator until thickened but not set (15 to 20 minutes). Remove from the refrigerator and stir in the strawberries. Pour mixture into the pastry shell or graham cracker crust. Before serving pipe a decorative border of whipped cream around the outer edge of the pie. Top whipped cream with whole strawberries, if desired.

Note: File Photo

Friday, October 12, 2018

CITRUS BLUEBERRY MUFFINS

2 pkgs (7-oz each) blueberry muffin mix (I used Martha White)
2/3 cup milk
1 egg, beaten
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp orange juice
1 tsp grated lemon peel
1 tsp grated orange peel

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray 12 muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

In a medium bowl combine the milk, egg, lemon juice, orange juice, lemon peel and orange peel. Stir together to blend then add the muffin mix; stir together just until moistened. Fill the prepared muffin cups about 2/3 full each. Bake 12 to 16 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan about 2 to 3 minutes then add the glaze to the warm muffins.

Glaze: Mix together 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of lemon or orange juice. Drizzle over the warm muffins.
Note: File Photo

Thursday, October 11, 2018

DOTTIE'S FRUIT COCKTAIL CAKE

1 can fruit cocktail
2 cups sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and lightly flour a 9 x 13-inch baking pan; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl combine the fruit cocktail, including juice, sugar, and eggs. Sift together the flour, salt, cloves, cinnamon, and baking soda. Mix into the fruit cocktail mixture. Blend together well. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until done.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar, serve with a dollop of whipped topping and fruit, or frost with your favorite frosting.

Note: File Photo

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

CHICKEN MARINARA STIR-FRY

1 tbsp cornstarch
1 can (14 1/2-oz)diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8-oz)tomato sauce
1/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup dry red wine (or additional chicken broth)
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp basil
1/4 tsp salt
1-lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tbsp canola oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 medium green bell pepper, julienned
1 small eggplant, peeled and cut into cubes
Hot cooked spaghetti
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Drain the tomatoes, pouring the juice into a medium bowl. Set the tomatoes aside. To the juice in the bowl stir in the cornstarch and add the tomato sauce, chicken broth, wine-if using, basil, thyme, and salt; combine until smooth. Set mixture aside.

In a large nonstick skillet or Chinese wok, heat the canola oil. Stir-fry the chicken and garlic in the hot oil until it is no longer pink. Remove chicken and keep warm.

In the same skillet, stir-fry the onion and bell pepper for 4 minutes. Add the eggplant to the skillet and stir-fry for another 4 to 5 minutes or until tender. Stir the sauce in the bowl and add to the pan. Bring mixture to a boil, cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add the chicken and tomatoes to the skillet and heat through. Serve over the hot spaghetti; sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese.

Yield: 4-servings

Note: This dish is also suitable for diabetics as it contains 17 carbs to 30 g protein per cup, including the spaghetti. Even better for you if make it with whole-wheat spaghetti.

Note: File Photo

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

OATMEAL PANCAKES WITH BLUEBERRIES

1 cup Bisquick-type baking mix
1 cup raw quick oats
2 tbsp brown sugar
3/4 cup milk
2 eggs, beaten
 2 tbsp butter, melted and slightly cooled
1/2 cup fresh blueberries, washed and drained

In a medium bowl combine the baking mix, oats, sugar, milk, eggs, and butter; mix together well.  Gently fold in the blueberries.

Heat a lightly greased griddle or large skillet until  hot; add batter and cook until the edges are slightly dry and surface is bubbly.  Turn and cook on other side until golden brown.




Note: File Photo



Monday, October 8, 2018

QUICK AND EASY BAKED BEEF AND POTATO LOAF

2 cans sliced potatoes, drained
1 tbsp dried onion flakes, divided
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 lb lean ground beef
1/4 cup quick cook oats
1/4 cup milk
2 tbsp catsup
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese, optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a glass loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Layer the drained potatoes, sprinkled with 1 teaspoon of the dried onion flakes and the black pepper, in the bottom of the prepared loaf pan.

In a small mixing bowl, mix together the ground beef, oats, milk, catsup, salt, garlic powder, and the remaining dried onion flakes. Spread this mixture over the potatoes. Place in the preheated 350 degree oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the beef mixture is done. Sprinkle with the grated cheddar cheese, if desired.

Sunday, October 7, 2018

BUTTERED PARMESAN RICE

3 cups water
1/4 tsp salt, optional
1 1/2 cups uncooked long grain rice
1/2 cup butter (not margarine)
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp minced fresh parsley

In a large saucepan that has a lid, bring the water and salt (if using) to a boil; stir in the rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes or until tender. While the rice cooks, in a medium skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter and cook until browned but not burned.

Place the hot rice in a serving dish and top with the grated Parmesan cheese. Pour the browned butter overall cover with foil or a plate and let stand for about 3 minutes. Sprinkle the fresh parsley over the top before serving.


Yield: 6 to 8 servings.
Note: File Photo

Friday, October 5, 2018

QUICK AND EASY CHICKEN TACOS

1 can (12.5 oz) chicken breast meat, drained
1 tbsp dry taco seasoning mix
1 tbsp canola oil
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1/2 cup sliced red onions
1/2 cup yellow bell pepper strips
1/2 cup red bell pepper strips
4 flour tortillas (6-in size), warmed
fresh cilantro, chopped

Sprinkle drained chicken meat with 1 teaspoon of the taco seasoning mix; set aside. In a 10-inch non-stick frying pan, heat the oil on medium heat. Add the onions and peppers to the oil; sprinkle with the other two teaspoons of the taco seasoning mix. Stir-fry over medium heat until the vegetables are crisp tender. Carefully toss the chicken into the onions and peppers until heated through. Stir about 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture onto one side of each of the warmed tortillas; fold over. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.

Thursday, October 4, 2018

ORANGE TERIYAKI GLAZED SALMON FILET

1/3 cup orange marmalade
3 tbsp teriyaki marinade
1/8 tsp fresh ground black pepper
1 lb salmon filet, approximately 1-inch thick

In a small saucepan combine the orange marmalade, the teriyaki marinade, and the fresh pepper. Stir the mixture together over low heat until the marmalade is melted and the mixture is well combined. Allow mixture to cool to room temperature. Take out 3 tablespoons of sauce and set the rest aside.

Place the salmon with the skin side down in a glass baking dish. Brush the 3 tablespoons of the sauce of the top of the salmon. Marinade in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes.

Prepare the grill for direct cooking by oiling the grid. Grill the salmon over medium-high heat for 5 minutes on each side or until the salmon begins to flake with a fork. Serve with the remaining sauce.

Yield: 4 servings at 283 calories, 23 g protein, and 19 g carbs per serving.


Note: File Photo

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

UPDATED VERSION OF GRANDMA'S CHICKEN POT PIE

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
2 tbsps Italian salad dressing
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
1 can (10 3/4 oz) cream of chicken soup
1/4 lb Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 sheet frozen puff pastry dough, thawed
1 egg, beaten

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Put the Italian salad dressing into a large skillet and add the cubed chicken. Cook the chicken over medium heat for 5 minutes or until cooked through. Stir in the vegetables, soup, and the cheese. Put the mixture into a 9-inch square baking dish that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.

Unfold the pastry sheet and place over the chicken mixture; fold the edges of the pastry under and press down onto the edges of the baking dish. Brush the pastry with the beaten egg. Cut slits in crust to vent. Set baking dish on a cookie sheet (to catch any boil-over that might happen). Place casserole in oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the crust is browned and mixture is bubbly. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Yield: 6 servings


Note: File photo

Monday, October 1, 2018

HOMEMADE CARAMEL CORN

28 vanilla caramels, unwrapped
2 tbsp cold water
2 1/2 quarts freshly popped corn

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Lightly butter a cookie sheet that has sides; set aside.

In a large glass measuring cup, put the caramels and water. Microwave on high for 1 1/2 minutes; stir. Continue microwaving on high for another 30 seconds to 1 minute or until the sauce is smooth and the caramels melted. Immediately pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn; toss until popcorn is well coated. Spread onto the prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Break into bite-sized pieces.