CRACKER BARREL BISCUITS

I do not know that this is the actual Cracker Barrel biscuits, but it is being put forth as such. They are biscuits that taste like Cracker Barrel's so you Cracker Barrel diners, me included, will enjoy them.

2 1/4 cups biscuit baking mix (ie: Bisquick)
2/3 cup buttermilk
1 tsp sugar
1 tbsp melted butter + additional for brushing tops

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Mix the baking mix, buttermilk, and sugar together in a bowl; add the melted butter and stir to make a soft dough.

On a floured flat surface, knead the dough 20 times. Roll out to a thickness of around 1/2-inch and cut out with a 2-inch biscuit cutter or a glass. Place close together on an ungreased baking sheet (I like to cover my baking sheet with parchment paper but that is a personal opinion.). Brush the tops with melted butter.

Bake at 450 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from oven and brush again with melted butter.

Note: File Photo

SPINACH, ARTICHOKE & ALMOND DIP

3/4 cup Fisher Sliced Almonds, divided

1 pkg (10-oz) frozen spinach

1 can (14-oz) artichokes, drained and coarsely chopped

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1 tbsp unsalted butter

2 garlic cloves, grated

1 brick (8-oz) cream cheese

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated

Cook spinach in a medium saucepan according to package directions. Transfer to a strainer and drain well. Set aside.

In the same saucepan, combine the butter and garlic. Cook over medium-low heat until the garlic is softened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the cream cheese, sour cream and Parmesan cheese. Heat another 3 to 4 minutes until melted and blended. Stir in the drained spinach and artichokes and heat until hot, another 3 to 4 minutes.

Chop 1/2 cup of the almonds and stir into the spinach mixture. Transfer mixture to a 9-inch pie plate. Top with the remaining almonds and serve warm.

Note: If you want to brown the top, place in broiler for 1 to 2 minutes.

This is not only a good dip, cooled, it makes a tasty spread for a ham sandwich.

Recipe and photo from Fishernuts

EASY ALFREDO SAUCE

8 Tbsp butter

1 pint heavy cream

1 tsp garlic powder

Black Pepper, optional

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

2 Tbsp cream cheese, softened

In a saucepan, over medium heat, lightly brown butter. Add remaining ingredients and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes or until all ingredients are well blended. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and scorching.

Serve over your favorite pasta and garnish as desired.

Yield: 2 1/2 to 3 cups

file photo

Linda Update

Dear readers,

I fell on the morning of August 31 and broke my femur. I had surgery that day and I am now in therapy. I appreciate any prayers you feel led to pray on my behalf. Therapy is going well, and I hope to be back to normal in a few weeks. In the meantime, that is the reason for fewer posts. Thank you for your patience.

Linda