SPINACH-PARM CASSEROLE

2 lb fresh baby spinach

5 tbsp unsalted butter

3 tbsp olive oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 400-degrees.

In a stockpot, bring 5 cups of water to a boil. Add spinach and cook, covered, 1 minute or just until wilted. Drain well.

In a small skillet, heat butter and oil over medium-low heat. Add garlic, Italian seasoning and salt; cook, stirring, 1 to 2 minutes or until garlic is tender.

Spread spinach in a greased8-iinch square baking dish. Drizzle with the butter mixture and sprinkle with the cheese. Bake 10-15 minutes or until cheese is lightly browned.

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SMOKED SALMON CHEESECAKE

2 cups soft breadcrumbs

2 tbsp butter (no substitution), melted

3 eggs

1 15-oz carton ricotta cheese

6-oz Swiss cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups)

1/2 cup fat-free evaporated milk

4-oz smoked salmon, finely flaked, with skin and bones removed

1 tsp dried dillweed

1/8 tsp white pepper

1/8 tsp salt

Dairy sour cream, optional

Fresh dill, optional

For Crust: Combine crumbs and melted butter in a small mixing bowl. Press the crumb mixture onto the bottom of a 9-inch quiche dish. Set aside.

For Filling: Beat eggs slightly in a large mixing bowl. Stir in ricotta cheese and Swiss cheese. Stir in evaporated milk, salmon, dillweed, pepper and salt.

Pour filling into the quiche dish and bake at 350-degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or until the center is nearly set when shaken. Remove and cool slightly in pan on a wire rack. Serve warm.

To serve, cut into wedges. Top with sour cream and fresh dill, if desired.

Yield: 16 servings

old BH&G

HAMBURGER-VEGETABLE SOUP

1 lb ground beef

1 cup chopped onion
3 cups water
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup diced celery
1 cup cubed potatoes
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp Kitchen Bouquet sauce
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 bay leaf
1/8 tsp basil
1 can (28-oz) tomatoes

In a large saucepan or a Dutch oven, cook the ground beef with the onion, stirring to break up, until the beef is no longer pink; drain well.  Stir in the water, carrots, celery, potatoes, salt, Kitchen Bouquet, pepper, bay leaf and basil and heat to boiling.  Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.  Add the can of tomatoes with their juice, replace lid and continue to simmer for another 20 minutes.

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EASY BREADED CHICKEN CACCIATORE

4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves

1/3 cup sour cream
1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs*
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 can (14 1/2-oz) diced tomatoes with Italian herbs
1 can (6-oz) tomato paste
2/3 cup water
Hot whole-wheat pasta

Pound the chicken to a thickness of 1/4-inch. Dip chicken into the sour cream then roll in the breadcrumbs until well coated. In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add the chicken and cook about 4 minutes on each side to brown. Place chicken pieces in a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish or pan and cover. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

While chicken bakes, heat the undrained tomatoes, tomato paste, and water in a saucepan. Heat for about 3 minutes until combined and heated through.

Place hot pasta on serving platter; top with the chicken pouring the sauce overall.

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HOMEMADE CINNAMON TWIST

1 sheet puff pastry dough

1 large egg
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp cinnamon
1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Cut the pastry sheet into quarters. Cut each quarter into 6 strips. Take 2 strips and twist them together. Combine the brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Whisk the egg as an egg wash for the twists. Apply the egg wash to the twists then dip them in the brown sugar mixture. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.

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JOHN WAYNE CASSEROLE

'John Wayne Casserole'

Source: Adapted from Mississippi Magazine

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef, cooked and drained
1 (1.25-ounce) packet taco seasoning
4 ounces sour cream
4 ounces mayonnaise
8 ounces Cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
1 yellow onion, sliced
2 cups biscuit mix
2 tomatoes, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 (4-ounce) can sliced jalapeno peppers

Directions

1. Heat oven to 325. Brown ground beef and add taco seasoning and water, according to packet instructions; set aside.

2. In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, 4 ounces of cheddar cheese, and half of the onions; set aside.

3. Stir biscuit mix and water (directions on box) to form soft dough. Pat dough on the bottom and one-half-inch up the sides of an 9 x 13 in. greased casserole dish.

4. Saute remaining onions and bell peppers until slightly tender.

5. On top of biscuit mix, evenly distribute ingredients in the following order: ground beef, tomato slices, green peppers, onions, jalapeno peppers, sour cream mixture and end with remaining shredded cheese.

6. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until edges of dough are lightly browned.

DOUBLE DECKER MARBLED MELTAWAY FUDGE FROM HERSHEY'S

 

SWEET AND SOUR HONEY MUSTARD SAUCE AND DRESSING

This tasty sauce is similar to the honey mustard sauce found at restaurants to use as a dipping sauce for chicken nuggets, etc. but with half the calories, fat, and carbs.

1/4 cup olive oil mayonnaise
1/4 cup light sour cream
2 tbsp Splenda or Stevia Granular*
1 tbsp hot water
1 tbsp + 1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tsp vinegar
2 tsp honey

Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate to thicken. (May be used immediately as a sandwich spread by eliminating the hot water)

To use as a salad dressing add more hot water, one tablespoon at a time, until thin enough to suit you.

*Sugar measures the same as Spendia or Stevia, if you prefer.

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CHOCOLATE SYRUP BROWNIES WITH ICING

1 cup sugar

1 stick butter
4 large eggs
1 can chocolate syrup (I prefer Hershey's)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream the sugar, butter, and eggs together; add the syrup and mix well.  Add the flour, salt, and baking powder mixing well.

Spray 9 x 13-inch baking pan and pour the batter evenly into the pan.  (Or use a cookie sheet with sides for thin brownies, if desired.)  Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until done.

ICING:
1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
6 tbsp milk
6 tbsp butter
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Combine the sugar, milk, and butter in a small saucepan and bring to a boil; boil for 1 minute.  Stir in the vanilla and chocolate chips.  Cool slightly and spread over the brownies.

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SPICY AMBROSIA

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup sugar
1 piece (1 to 2-inches) fresh ginger, peeled and sliced thin
1 tbsp grated orange zest
1 cinnamon stick
3 whole black peppercorns
1/2 tsp vanilla
10 navel oranges, peeled, sectioned
1 can (8-oz) pineapple tidbits in juice
3/4 cup flaked coconut
1/4 cup maraschino cherries

In a small saucepan, over medium heat, bring the water, sugar, ginger, orange zest, cinnamon stick, and peppercorns to a boil; remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.  Cover and allow to stand for half an hour.

Poor the cooled syrup through a strainer into a small bowl.  Discard remains in the strainer.  Allow to cool completely and refrigerate.

Combine the oranges sections and pineapple tidbits, undrained, in a large bowl.  Gently stir in the chilled syrup.  Spoon into individual servings clear glasses dishes.  Sprinkle the coconut evenly over the tops and then add the cherries. 

This is another of my old Oxmoor House recipe ideas.

HOT LINKS AND POTATOES SKILLET MEAL

1 tbsp butter

1 bag (20-oz) refrigerated potatoes and onions
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 pkg (1 lb) beef hot links. sliced
1/2 cup your favorite bottled bbq sauce

In a large skillet melt the butter over medium-high heat.  Stir in the potatoes and onions along with the bell pepper.  Place lid on skillet and cook for 12 to 15 minutes.  Add the sliced hot links to the skillet and cook another 4 minutes or so until the hot links are heated through.  Stir in the barbecue sauce and serve while hot.

Serves 4

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CUP OF WARMTH (HOT CHOCOLATE)

1/2 large box (25.6-oz) instant milk = 12.8 oz

1/2 box (1 lb) powdered sugar = 8-oz

1 box Nesquick = 30-oz regular box or 16-oz sugar free

1 container Coffee Mate = 15-oz regular or 10.2-oz sugar free

Use Coffee Mate flavors such as Vanilla Caramel, Hazelnut, French Vanilla, etc

Mix all ingredients together well. Spoon into bags or plastic containers. Can be stored in freezer indefinitely. Makes approximately 10+ cups with the sugar free ingredients. 

To prepare one cup of hot chocolate, stir 2 level tablespoons of mix into 1 cup (8-oz) of hot water. Add more mix for a stronger taste. Stir between sips as the mix settles quickly and easily.

Makes a nice gift when put in a pretty jar and tie the directions on with a pretty ribbon.

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FOCACCIA ROAST BEEF SANDWICHES

1 cup mayonnaise

1 cup sour cream
2 tsp dill weed
1 tsp onion powder
1 round (8-inch) focaccia bread
fresh lettuce leaves
tomato slices
3/4 lb deli sliced roast beef

Mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, dill, and onion powder together in a small bowl.

Cut the focaccia bread into 4 pieces; split for sandwiches.  Spread the dressing on the cut pieces of  focaccia.  Add lettuce leaves and tomato slices.  Top with the roast beef and add the top slice of the bread to make a sandwich.

Yield: 4 sandwiches

NOTE:  Don't like focaccia bread?  Use Kaiser rolls or onion rolls instead.

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SLOW COOKER SHORT RIBS

Note: I am posting this as a quick recipe even though it cooks for 9 hours in a slow cooker. It only takes minutes to assemble so the preparation is quick and the meal it is ready when you get home.

2/3 cup flour
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
4 to 4 1/2 lbs boneless beef short ribs
1/4 cup butter
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 1/2 cups beef broth
3/4 cup cider vinegar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup chili sauce
1/3 cup catsup
1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tsp chili powder

In a 1-gallon size zip-top plastic bag, combine the flour, salt, and pepper; add ribs in batches and shake to coat well.

In a large skillet, brown the ribs in the butter then transfer to a 5-quart slow cooker or crockpot. In the same skillet, combine the remaining ingredients. Cook, stirring, until mixture comes to a boil. Pour the mixture over the ribs.

Cover the ribs and cook on low heat for 9 hours or until the meat is tender.

Yield: about 12 servings.

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SPARKLING STRAWBERRY LEMONADE WITH OR WITHOUT ALCOHOL

3 cups quartered fresh strawberries

1 cup cold water
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 (6-oz) can frozen lemonade concentrate, undiluted
2 cups chilled sparkling water or Champagne, if preferred

In a blender combine the strawberries, cup of cold water, and sugar; process until smooth.  Combine the strawberry puree and lemonade concentrate in a pitcher, stirring until the lemonade dissolves.  Add the sparkling water and serve over ice.  Garnish with a fresh mint sprig or a lemon slice, if desired.

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BARBECUE GROUND BEEF MIXTURE FOR A CROWD OR TO FREEZE

4 lbs ground beef

1 cup chopped onion
1 bottle (14-oz) catsup
1 cup water
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp dry mustard

Place the ground beef in a large skillet with the chopped onion.  Cook the mixture until the meat is brown and crumbly and the onion is tender.  Pour into a large colander and drain mixture well.  Return to the skillet and add the remaining ingredients. 

Bring the mixture just to bubbling, reduce heat to low and simmer for a half hour.  If serving a crowd, place mixture on buns and set out an assortment of toppings.

Can be placed into pint or quart size zip-top freezer bags and frozen for a quick meal later.  If you freeze, label bags with contents and date before freezing.  To thaw place in the refrigerator overnight or all day to thaw and heat on low to medium heat in a saucepan.

Yield: 5 pints

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QUICK PICKLED BEETS

1 can sliced beets

1/4 cup vinegar
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp cloves
dash of pepper

Drain the juice from the beets into a saucepan. Add the vinegar, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and pepper into the juice. Bring the mixture to a boil; pour over the beets. Chill and enjoy

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MEATY MUSHROOM LASAGNA

8-oz ground beef

8-oz mushrooms, chopped

2 (15-oz) cartons ricotta cheese

8-oz shredded mozzarella cheese

1 egg

2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp dried oregano

1 (24-oz) jar marinara sauce of your choice

12 oven-ready lasagna noodles

Preheat oven to 375-degrees.

In a large nonstick skillet, cook beef and mushrooms over medium heat, stirring until beef is no longer pink, about 10 minutes, drain.

Combine the ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, egg, Parmesan and oregano. Thin the marinara sauce with 1/2 cup water.

In a 13x9-inch dish, spread 3/4 cup of sauce and top with 4 of the lasagna noodles, overlapping, then half the cheese mixture, half the beef mixture. and 3/4 cup of sauce. Repeat once. Top with the remaining noodles and sauce. Spray under side of foil with cooking spray and place, spray side down over the lasagna. Bake at 375 for 45 minutes. Uncover and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake about 10 minutes more to melt the cheese.

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COMFORT BREAKFAST BAKE

This is a repeat post from 2013. I have friends who have made it for Christmas breakfast and said it was good.

5 eggs
1/4 cup milk
16 oz refrigerated breakfast biscuits (I used the Pillsbury flakey kind) ***DO NOT COOK FIRST!!!***
4 scallions (green onions, spring onions, whatever you prefer to call them)
1 cup shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
If you’re into the meats – cooked center cut bacon or cooked sausage
11×17 pan, sprayed with cooking spray (Note: I think a 9×13 works better, but it might need to bake a little longer)

1. Mix your eggs and milk in a large bowl. Cut each biscuit (I’m all about scissors in the kitchen) into fours and add it to the bowl. I like to do this before I cook the bacon or cut up the scallions – give the biscuits some time to really soak in the eggs.

2. Cut up your scallions, shred your cheese, cook and break up your bacon (or sausage). Add everything to the bowl. 

3. Mix it all up and pour into your pan. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes .. closer to 30 so it isn't runny 

BLC Hint/Tip *** - If you want to make this the night before, leave it in the mixing bowl covered with saran and put in fridge overnight. The next morn, give it a good stir and bake as directed!!

YUMMY!! Serve with Fresh Fruit Salad and lotsa coffee/tea and assorted juices 

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AIR FRYER MEDITERRANEAN MEATBALLS

2 eggs

1/2 cup Italian-style dry breadcrumbs

1/2 cup diced roasted red peppers

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

1 small shallot, grated

2 tbsp chopped capers

2 tsp grated lemon zest

1/4 tsp pepper

1/8 tsp salt

1 lb ground pork

1 lb ground beef

Finely shredded Parmesan cheese, optional

Line a rimmed baking sheet with wax paper. 

In a large bowl, lightly beat eggs; stir in breadcrumbs, red peppers, basil, shallot, capers, lemon zest, pepper and salt until combined. Add ground beef and pork, gently stir until just combined. Using moist fingers, divide mixture into 36 portions. Gently shape into balls.

Place crisper plate in basket of a 7-quart air fryer; coat with spray. Place basket in air fryer and coat with spray. Place basket in air fryer; heat to 350-degrees. In batches, air-fry meatballs in a single layer until cooked, 10 minutes per batch, shaking halfway. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese, if using.

recipe and photo Woman's World 2025

MICROWAVE RANCH DIJON HALIBUT STEAKS FOR 2

1/2 cup ranch salad dressing

1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 halibut steaks (at least 1-inch thick)

In a small bowl, combine the salad dressing mustard. Brush 1/4 cup of the sauce on the fish, covering both sides. Reserve the remaining sauce.

Arrange the halibut on a microwave-safe baking dish. Arrange so the thickest portion of the fish is toward the outer edge of the dish. Cover with plastic wrap and cut a vent slit. Microwave on high for 4 to 7 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve with the reserved sauce.

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WHAT-A-KICK SPICE BLEND

This is a tasty spice mix to keep in your pantry or to put in a shaker bottle and give as a giftl

2 tbsp onion powder

2 tbsp dry mustard

2 tsp ground cumin

1 1/2 tsp ground allspice

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp ground red pepper

In a small bowl, combine ingredients. Spoon into a shaker with a lid. Cover, store in a cool, dark place. Yield: 1/4 cup

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FIZZY CHAMPAGNE SORBET COCKTAIL

I cannot speak for this recipe as I do not drink any alcohol. For my readers who do, perhaps you will like this recipe. 

Assorted sorbets such as lemon, coconut, peach
Champagne

Place 6 martini glasses in the freezer for 30 minutes or until quite cold. Remove from freezer right before serving and add 5 to 6 mini scoops of the sorbets to each glass. Top with champagne for a pretty, tasty, and cool cocktail.

file photo raspberry cocktail

 

JOY FRESH VEGGIE PLATTER

I saw this on a Christmas page I belong to. I love it but don't see myself having the patience to do this. Saving this here to show my granddaughter. Maybe she will do it for me! I have the dish!

FRUIT SALAD WITH COLORFUL MARSHMALLOWS

2 red apples

2 firm bananas
1 small can mandarin oranges, drained
1 large can fruit cocktail, drained and juice saved.
12 maraschino cherries, cut in half
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
2 cups miniature colored marshmallows (white mini marshmallows may be used)

Wash, core, and cut apples into bite-size pieces.  Stir into the reserved fruit cocktail juice.

Peel bananas and cut into bite-size slices.

Combine the apples that have been drained, bananas, and fruit cocktail.  Add the cherries, nuts, and marshmallows.  Stir gently to combine well.  Chill, if desired.

Yield: 2 quarts.

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FRUIT AND VEGGIE CHICKEN STIR-FRY

1 tbsp olive or coconut oil

1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-size chunks
2 cups fresh sugar snap peas, trimmed
1 large red bell pepper, cut into bite-size pieces
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
1/4 cup Asian Toasted Sesame Dressing
1 tbsp lite soy sauce
2 green onions, cut diagonally into thin slices

Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken, snap peas, bell pepper, and garlic; stir-fry 4 to 5 minutes or until the chicken is done.

Add the pineapple to the skillet and stir-fry another 2 minutes or until heated through.

Combine the dressing and soy sauce; stir into the pan.

Remove from the heat and stir in the onions.

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STUFFED YELLOW PEPPERS

1/2 lb lean ground beef or chicken

3/4 cup uncooked whole-wheat couscous
1 tbsp olive or canola oil
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
3 cups fresh spinach*, chopped
1 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp salt
2 1/4 cups water, divided use
4 large yellow** bell peppers
1/2 cup roasted bell peppers
1/2 cup tomato sauce
dash of ground red pepper

In a small nonstick skillet that has been sprayed lightly with nonstick cooking spray, brown the ground beef or chicken until no longer pink; drain and set aside.

In a large nonstick skillet, over medium-high heat, lightly toast the couscous.  This will take about 5 minutes, stirring often during this time.  Remove from skillet and set aside.

In the large skillet, heat the oil and add the onion; cook a couple of minutes until translucent.  Add the spinach, oregano and salt; cook until the spinach is wilted.  Add 2 cups of the water and bring to a boil.  Stir in the couscous and bring back to a boil.  Reduce the heat to simmer and cook, covered, for about 8 minutes or until the light is absorbed.

Cut a half-inch off the tops of the bell peppers; remove the seeds and membranes.

Combine the browned meat with the couscous mixture; use to fill the bell peppers then replace the tops.  Place the peppers in a deep skillet or pan that will allow peppers to stand upright with the lid on.  Pour the remaining 1/4 cup of water into the bottom of the pan or skillet.  Bring the water to a boil; place a tight-fitting lid on pan and cook on medium to medium low for 8 to 10 minutes or until the peppers are slightly soft.  Remove peppers to a serving plate with sides or a shallow dish.

While peppers cook, make the sauce by combining the roasted bell pepper, tomato sauce, and red pepper in a blender or food processor.  Process until the mixture is smooth.  Transfer mixture to a small microwave-safe bowl and cook in microwave for 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute.

To serve, pour the sauce over the peppers or divide the sauce onto 4 serving plates and set a pepper in the center of each.

*Or 4-oz chopped frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
**red or green bell peppers may be substituted

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BLUEBERRY KETCHUP

This homemade fruit ketchup is amazing on meats, especially grilled meats.  And blueberries are so good for you, they are loaded with antioxidants. Surprise your family and friends with this special treat.

2 cups fresh blueberries (or frozen unsweetened, thawed)
1 garlic clove, minced
1 small shallot, minced
3 tbsp brown sugar
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 tsp ground coriander
1/8 tsp ground ginger

Bring all the ingredients to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat.  Lower heat to simmer and cook, uncovered, about 30 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

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CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI SALAD

This is a quick fix recipe but does need to be chilled a couple of hours before serving. Since I am posting this on Thanksgiving Day, you can use leftover turkey, if you want.

2 cups cubed cooked chicken breasts
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sugar
5 tbsp raspberry vinegar
1/2 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
4 cups small broccoli florets
1/2 cup dry-roasted cashews
1/2 cup sunflower kernels
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup golden raisins

In a small bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar to make the dressing.  Whisk until well blended; set aside.

In a large bowl combine the chicken, bacon, broccoli, cashews, sunflower kernels, chopped onion, and raisins.  Add the dressing and stir until well coated.  Cover and chill a couple of hours to let the flavors blend.

Yield: 8 cups of salad

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QUICK AND EASY CHICKEN NOODLE CASSEROLE

 If you have leftover turkey after tomorrow, this recipe is a good one for you. Simply change the word turkey to chicken and make a tasty leftover meal.

QUICK AND EASY CHICKEN NOODLE CASSEROLE

1 can (10 3/4-oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup low-fat milk
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables or California blend
2 cups cubed or shredded cooked chicken
2 cups curly egg noodles, cooked and drained
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish, stir together the mushroom soup, milk, pepper, Parmesan cheese, mixed vegetables, chicken, and noodles. Bake at 400 degrees for about 25 minutes until hot and bubbly. Remove from oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

This is an old America's Top 40 recipe.

SKINNY BROCCOLI SALAD

I got this recipe from a Pampered Chef lady several years ago.  It is really good.

2 heads fresh broccoli, chopped
1 head fresh cauliflower, chopped
1/2 cup chopped red pepper
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 red onion, chopped
1/2 cup green olives
1 cup tomatoes, chopped
1 cup reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup reduced-fat ranch dressing

Mix all ingredients, except dressing, together in a large bowl and toss with reduced fat ranch dressing.

Refrigerate until serving.

 

EASY CORN CHOWDER

6 slices bacon, fried crisp and crumbled

1 cup chopped onion
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 1/2 cups milk
2 cans (approx. 15 oz. ea) diced potatoes, drained
1 can (15 oz) creamed corn
1 can (15 oz) whole-kernel corn
1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
1/8 tsp red pepper
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups chicken broth

Saute the onion and bell pepper in the bacon drippings cooking until tender. Remove to a large saucepan or small stockpot, scraping the skillet to get all the flavor. Add the diced potatoes, creamed corn, whole-kernel corn and seasonings. Slowly stir in the milk until well blended. Add the chicken broth. Heat over low heat until thoroughly heated through but do not boil. Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the top.

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HOMEMADE LOW-FAT CHOCOLATE SHAKE

2 cups low-fat chocolate ice cream

1 1/3 cups fat-free milk
1 container (3.75-oz) sugar-free refrigerated double chocolate pudding cup
2 tbsp sugar-free chocolate syrup

Combine all ingredients in blender and blend just until thick, smooth, and frothy.

Yummy!

Yield: 2 servings

Note: This shake tastes almost like famous restaurant shakes but has about half the calories of most

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ICE CREAM VANILLA BUNDT CAKE

1 box French vanilla cake mix

1 pint Butter-Pecan Ice Cream, melted

Lightly grease and flour a Bundt pan; set aside.

Prepare the cake mix according to the package directions but substituting the melted ice cream for the water called for.  Bake according to the package directions for Bundt cake.

Remove cake from pan and cool completely on a wire rack.

To serve, slice and serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

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KOSHER POTATO PANCAKES

2 large eggs

Kosher salt to taste
pepper to taste
1 lb medium-sized russet potatoes, peeled and cut in half lengthwise
2 medium yellow onions, quartered
1/2 cup matzo meal
4 tbsp olive oil

In a large bowl, using a wire whisk, whisk together the eggs, teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

Using a large grating disk in food processor (the large size of a box grater) grate the potatoes and onion; add to the egg bowl; toss to combine.

Add the matzo meal to the mixture and mix to combine.

Heat half the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Using 1/4 cup measure, drop mixture into the hot oil.  Mash gently with spatula to flatten into pancake shapes and cook until browned, about 4 to 6  minutes per side.  Transfer to plate and repeat with more mixture until all is used.  Add the additional oil as needed.

Serve pancakes with applesauce, if desired.

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OPEN-FACED GROUND BEEF PHILLIES

1 lb lean ground beef (no fatter than 80/20!)

1 med-size green bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch strips
1 med-size red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch strips
1 small onion, cut into thin wedges
1/2 cup low-sugar creamy Italian salad dressing
1 loaf (12-inches long) whole-grain French or Italian bread, halved lengthwise
4 slices thinly sliced Provolone cheese, quartered

In a medium to large skillet, crumble and cook the ground beef with the bell peppers and onion. Cook until the beef is completely browned, stirring occasionally; drain well.

Stir half of the salad dressing into the beef mixture. Spread other half of dressing on the cut sides of the bread.

Place both halves of the bread, cut sides up, on an ungreased cookie sheet; broil 4 to 6-inches from the heat for 3 to 5 minutes until lightly toasted. Remove from broiler.

Evenly divide the beef/peppers mixture between the two halves of bread and spread to cover. Top with the cheese pieces and return to the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until cheese is melted.

Cut each half of the bread into 2 pieces to serve 4.

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FRUITY SOY MILK SMOOTHIE

1 medium banana, cut into chunks

1/4 cup frozen unsweetened blueberries
1/4 cup frozen unsweetened strawberries
3/4 cup vanilla soy milk
1/2 cup pomegranate juice
1/2 cup vanilla frozen yogurt

Combine all the above ingredients in blender container and blend until smooth.

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