GREEN BEANS AND POTATOES WITH BACON

4 tbsp stick butter

1 small sweet onion, cut into thin wedges
1 medium regular red potato, unpeeled, ½-3/4″ dice
¼ tsp. coarse ground black pepper
3 strips crisp-cooked bacon, thinly sliced
½ tsp. finely minced garlic
1½ tsp. dry Hidden Valley Ranch Salad Dressing or Dips Mix (either work)
1 (14.5 oz.) can green beans, drained

In medium saucepan or small frying pan, melt butter. Add onion, potato and pepper. Sauté over medium heat until potatoes are fork tender.

Add bacon, garlic, and Ranch Mix to the mixture; stir to blend.

Fold in green beans and heat through. Simmer, stirring gently occasionally.

Add pepper and salt to taste. I suggest tasting before adding salt as there is salt in the Ranch mixtures.

This recipe and photo were sent to me by a friend a few years ago.

MEATBALL HEROES

1 1/2 lbs ground beef

1/2 cup Italian-style dry breadcrumbs

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1/4 cup chopped parsley

2 garlic cloves, minced

6 hoagie rolls, split

1 1/2 cups tomato-basil pasta sauce, warmed

6 slices mozzarella cheese

Thinly sliced fresh basil for garnish

In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, parsley, and garlic. Coat a nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. In batches, cook meatballs, turning occasionally until browned, about 5 minutes per batch.  Return all meatballs to the skillet and reduce heat to medium low. Cover and cook 15-20 minutes, until cooked through.

Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Dividing evenly, fill rolls with the meatballs and sauce. Top with the cheese. Place on baking sheet. Broil until cheese melts, about 3 minutes. Garnish with the basil.

Yield: 6 servings

recipe and photo First for women 2023

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!!!!!!!

The following picture is for reference, not an indorsement of a particular peanut butter brand.

 

FRIED BOW-TIE PASTA SNACK

8-oz bow tie pasta

1/3 cup cornmeal (yellow preferably)
3 tbsp Creole seasoning
Canola oil

Cook the pasta according to package directions, omitting the salt.  Drain well and blot dry with paper towels.

In a large bowl combine the cornmeal and seasoning.  Toss pasta, a handful at a time, in the mixture to coat; shake off excess.

In a Dutch oven, pour oil to a depth of 2-inches.  Over medium heat, heat the oil to a temperature of 375 degrees.

Fry the pasta in batches 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown; drain on paper towels.

Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to a week.

file photo

MAPLE-ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH PUREE

A tasty dairy-free side dish.

6  lbs butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cubed (about 6 cups) 

3 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

3 tbsp maple syrup

1/3 cup lite coconut milk

1 tsp minced fresh chives 

Heat oven to 350-degrees. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss squash with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Roast, stirring once, until tender, 35 to 40 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool slightly.

In batches, in food processor, pulse squash with the maple syrup, remaining oil and coconut milk until smooth and creamy. If necessary, reheat in the same pot over low heat. Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with the chives.

Yield: 6 servings

file photo and recipe First for women 2023

TOH'S CHICKEN TORTELLINI SOUP

2 cans (14.5-oz each) chicken broth

2 cups water

3/4 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-in cubes

1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables

1 pkg (9-oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini

2 celery ribs, thinly sliced

1 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp garlic salt

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/4 tsp pepper

In a large saucepan, bring broth and water toa boil, add chicken. Reduce heat and cook 10 minutes.

Add the remaining ingredients to the pan and cook 10 -15 minutes longer or until chicken is no longer pink and vegetables are tender.

Yield: 8 servings 1 cup each

Per serving: 170 calories, 4g fat (2g sat),37mg chol, 483mg sod, 20g carb, 14g protein Note: this recipe and nutritional figures are from a Taste of Home magazine. 

TOH photo and recipe idea

LEMON TARTLETS

Tart Shells:

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg white
1 1/4 cups flour

Filling:

2 eggs
1/3 cup sugar
1 Tbs. butter melted & cooled
2 tsps. lemon zest
3 Tbs. lemon juice
powdered sugar

Preheat over to 325 degrees F. 
Spray 2 mini muffin pans with cooking spray. 

In mixer bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg white; blend well. add flour; mix just until well blended. Divide into 24 pieces and shape into the muffin cups.

For filling, lightly whisk eggs. Whisk in sugar, butter, lemon zest and juice. Mix well. Pour filling evenly into tart shells. 

Bake 20-22 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Remove pan to cooling rack for 5 minutes before removing from the pan to cool completely. Store tightly covered in refrigerator. 

Dust with the powdered sugar before serving.

Yield: 24 tartlets

 

file photo

SKILLET SHRIMP AND ORZO

1 tsp lemon zest

2 large cloves garlic, grated, divided

3 tbsp olive oil, divided

Kosher salt

1 lb large peeled and deveined shrimp

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)

1 cup orzo

1 can (28-oz) whole peeled tomatoes

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped

2-oz feta cheese, crumbled

In a medium bowl, combine lemon zest, half of garlic, 1 tablespoon oil and 1/2 tsp salt. Add shrimp and toss to coat; let marinate.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat red pepper flakes and remaining garlic and 2 tablespoons oil on medium until sizzling. Stir in wine and simmer 1 minute. Stir in orzo to coat, then the tomatoes and their juices (crushing with your hands) and water. Simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until orzo is just barely tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the shrimp and cook, covered, until opaque throughout, 3 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and feta.

Yield: 4 servings

recipe and photo Woman's Day 2024

SPECIAL CORN CASSEROLE

1 can (14 3/4-oz) cream-style corn
2 eggs
1/2 cup crushed saltines
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/4 cup evaporated milk
1/4 cup shredded carrot
1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
1 tbsp chopped celery
1 tsp chopped onion
1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Spray a 1-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

Combine all ingredients except cheese in a bowl and stir to blend well. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish and sprinkle the cheese over the top.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Yield: 4 servings

File Photo

QUICK AND EASY NUTELLA MOUSSE CRUNCH

1 jar (13-oz) Nutella or another brand of hazelnut spread

1 carton (8-oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 pkg (6.88-oz) bittersweet chocolate-dipped biscotti (or your favorite biscotti)

Being sure to have removed the foil wrap, microwave the Nutella, uncovered, on High for 30 seconds.  Fold the Nutella into the thawed whipped topping in a large bowl; leave some chocolate streaks.  Using a cake decorating piping bag or a plastic bag with a hole cut in the corner, pipe the mixture into 6 individual parfait serving dishes.  Crush some biscotti and sprinkle over the tops for a crunch effect.  Serve the remaining biscotti with the mousse. 

file photo

CREAMY ZUCCHINI CELERY SOUP

3 green onions, sliced thin

2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp butter
4 ribs of celery, chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 cups water
3 vegetable bouillon cubes (may substitute chicken bouillon cubes)
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp dried thyme
1 lb red potatoes, diced
3 cups milk
2 cups shredded zucchini
2 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup cold water
Sour cream for garnish, optional

In a large saucepan melt the butter. Add the onions and garlic to the saucepan and saute until tender. Add the celery and carrots; cook while stirring for about four minutes. Stir in the 2 cups of water, bouillon, salt, and thyme. Add the potatoes and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for around 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Stir in the milk and add the zucchini. Return the mixture to a boil. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and the 1/4 cup of cold water until smooth. Using a whisk, gradually add the cornstarch mixture to the soup. Return to a boil and cook for two minutes or until slightly thickened.
Garnish each bowl with sour cream before serving, if desired.

Yield: 6 servings.

 

File Photo

1980s CHILI-RONI

1 lb ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp paprika
1 can (28-oz) whole tomatoes, do not drain
1 can (15-oz) kidney beans, do not drain
1 can (8-oz) tomato sauce

In a large skillet, cook and stir the beef, onions and bell pepper until beef is browned and crumbly; drain well. Add the remaining ingredients and break up the tomatoes with a fork. Heat mixture to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, 20-30 minutes until macaroni is tender.

Yield: 6 servings

file photo

 

PENNE PASTA WITH FRESH TOMATO SAUCE

1 tbsp olive or coconut oil

1 small red onion, chopped very fine
1 garlic clove, minced
1 1/4 lbs fresh cherry tomatoes
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
8-oz whole-wheat penne pasta
4 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
6 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. When the oil is hot add the onion and sauté about 5 minutes until tender. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant - about half a minute.

Stir the tomatoes into the saucepan along with the salt and pepper; cook while stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and the sauce is slightly thickened. This will take about 10 minutes.

Transfer the sauce to a bowl and keep warm.

In a large saucepan cook the penne according to the package directions. Drain in a colander and return to the pan.

Add the sauce to the penne along with half the Parmesan cheese and the basil; toss to combine well.

To serve, sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan.

Yield: 4 servings

file photo

TOWN HOUSE CRACKER CHICKEN CASSEROLE

This recipe is a family favorite of an Indiana facebook friend. She has had lots of requests for it so I am sharing it here for those who would want it.

4 chicken breasts cut in chunks

2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 1/2 sticks butter
1 c. sour cream
2 tubes Town House crackers, crushed
1 tbsp. poppy seeds
1/2 c. chicken broth

Cook chicken breast in a skillet with oil until thoroughly cooked. Set aside and spray 13 x 9 inch baking dish with pan.

1st Layer: Melt 1 stick butter. Add poppy seed and Town House crackers. Place 1/2 of cracker mixture in baking dish, saving the rest for the top layer.

2nd Layer: Mix the chicken with the soup, sour cream, chicken broth and 1/2 stick butter. Place on 1st layer.

Sprinkle the rest of the cracker mixture on top add additional poppyseeds. Bake at 350 degrees until golden brown, approximately 35-45 minutes. (This can be made ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.)

file photo, not exactly this recipe

 

HOMEMADE MAYONNAISE

This recipe works best when you use a food processor. Don't mess with the basic ingredients but feel free to use flavored vinegars, use garlic for some of the mustard, etc. But remember this, if you use mayo to make a cake or other sweets, you may want to keep the mayo more subtle by eliminating or reducing the Tabasco sauce and paprika. Feel free to play with this recipe to suit your taste and occasions you will be using the mayo.

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 extra-large eggs

1 tbsp sugar

2 tsp salt

2 tsp ground yellow mustard

1/8 tsp paprika

6 dashes Tabasco sauce

2 cups sunflower oil

2 tbsp white vinegar

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp water

All ingredients should be at room temperature.

In the bowl of a food processor, pulse the olive oil, eggs, sugar, salt, mustard, paprika and Tabasco until combined. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in 1 cup of the sunflower oil in a thin stream. Turn off the processor and pour in the vinegar, lemon juice, and water.

Turn the processor back on, and after the acids and water are just blended (after a few seconds), add the remaining cup of sunflower oil.

Place the mayo into a storage jar, refrigerate and enjoy.

file photo for reference

SALSA PORK CHOPS

6 boneless pork loin chops (6-oz each)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 cups fresh or frozen whole-kernel corn
1 can (15-oz) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/4 cups chunky salsa
2 tbsp water
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

Sprinkle the salt and pepper over the pork chops.

Spray a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Add the chops and brown on both sides.

Add the corn, beans, salsa, water and cumin to the skillet; bring mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer 8 to 10 minutes until chops are cooked through or meat thermometer reads at least 145 degrees.

Allow chops to stand 5 minutes before serving.

To serve, place chops on platter, spoon salsa over chops and sprinkle with the chopped cilantro.

My version of an old TOH recipe. The picture is from TOH.

 

ENGLISH MUFFIN BREAD

Obviously, this bread cannot be mixed and baked within an hour. It is, however, a rather quick and easy bread recipe. I have not made it, but it looks delicious. (For health reasons I have to limit my bread intake, but I do intend to make this.) I am part of an Olden Days of Christmas recipes, etc blog and this recipe was posted there today, so I am stealing it. But I wasn't sneaky. I told them I was going to post it. If you make it, let us know how you liked it.

English Muffin Bread.

Ingredients

4 ½ cups flour (you may need less or a little more)
2 tablespoons yeast, or 2 packets
1 tablespoon honey, or sugar
¼ cup warm water, 110F
2 teaspoons kosher salt
¼ teaspoon baking soda
2 ¼ cups warm milk, 110F
Butter and cornmeal for greasing and dusting the pans

Instructions

Mix the yeast, honey, and water. Set aside.
Stir the salt, baking soda, and 1 cup of flour together.
Add the milk to the yeast mixture.
Blend well.
Add the remaining flour, OR ENOUGH TO GIVE YOU A SOFT GOOPY DOUGH and beat.
You should have a very soft, goopy dough. Yes. I said goopy.
Spoon the dough into 2 8-inch loaf pans that have been greased and dusted with the cornmeal.
Set aside in a warm place until the batter has doubled and is at the top of the pans, or a little above. This may take 30 to 45 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 425F
Dust the tops of the loaves with cornmeal and bake for 15 minutes or so. Loaf will sound hollow when tapped. Interior should register 190F-200F on an instant-read thermometer stuck in the center.
Bake for 20-25 minutes if you want a crisper, more golden crust.
Cool and slice.

I got this phot from the above-mentioned blog with the recipe.

MAPLE MASHED SWEET POTATOES

2 (29-oz) cans cut sweet potatoes

1/4 cup butter, cut into pieces

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Salt and ground black pepper

Chopped toasted pecans and additional maple syrup, optional

Drain sweet potatoes and place potatoes in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave on high (100% power) 5 minutes. Drain well.

Stir in butter, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice. Use a potato masher to mash potato mixture. Season with salt and pepper. If using, sprinkle with the chopped toasted pecans and drizzle with additional maple syrup.

Note from Linda: I would not add salt, especially if you use salted butter.

recipe and  photo Sandra Lee

CHICKEN VEGGIE STIR-FRY

3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 tbsp canola oil
2 green onions, sliced
1 tbsp minced garlic
3/4 tsp salt
1 tsp ground ginger
1 pkg (16-oz) frozen Oriental mixed vegetables
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp water

Slice the chicken breasts into 1-inch strips. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat until a drop of water sizzles when dropped onto pan. Add the oil. Place chicken in skillet and stir-fry about 5 minutes. Add the green onions and garlic; cook while stirring for 2 minutes. Stir in the salt and ginger. Add the mixed veggies and the chicken broth. Bring to a boil and cook until vegetables are heated through. This will take about 3 to 4 minutes.

Blend the cornstarch and water together until smooth. Add to the skillet and bring to a boil. Boil until the sauce is thickened. Remove from the heat and serve while hot. Serve over white rice.

file photo for reference only 

APPLE-BUTTER PECAN COBBLER

2 cans apple pie filling

1 box (2-layer) butter pecan cake mix
brown sugar
butter
cinnamon
pecans halves

Place pie filling in a casserole dish or cake pan.

Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the top then sprinkle a thin layer of brown sugar over cake mix. Dot with some thin pats of butter over the top and sprinkle a little cinnamon overall.

Place pecans over the top.

Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 45 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.

file photo

PARMESAN HERB CLOVERLEAF ROLLS

NOTE: This is an easy recipe but not a quick one. Your active time on this recipe is around 20 minutes. However, there is thawing and rising times that make the total time almost 3 hours. You cannot just come home and pop these in the oven, unless you have done thawing and rising while you are going about your other business.

1/4 cup grated Parmesan

2 tbsp dried garden herb seasoning blend

2 (1-lb) loaves frozen bread dough, thawed

1/2 cup unsalted butter

Coat 18 muffin cups with cooking spray. In a small bowl, combine Parmesan and herb seasoning blend. Cut dough into 18 pieces; cut each piece into 3 pieces. Roll pieces into balls. Roll each ball in butter, then in the Parmesan mixture. Place 3 balls in each muffin cup. Let rise in a warm place (85-degrees) free from drafts, until doubled in size, about 2 hours. 

Heat oven to 375-degrees. Bake rolls until golden brown and baked through, 12-15 minutes. Cool in pans 2 minutes. Transfer from pans to a basket or bowl and serve warm.

Yield: 18 rolls

file photo of a very similar recipe for reference only

STUFFED CHEESY PEPPERS

This recipe was given to me by a friend several years ago. Quick, easy, and healthy!

6-8 green, orange, or yellow bell peppers
1-2 pounds ground beef
1 medium white onion, chopped
1 large can of diced tomatoes
2 garlic wedges, minced
1 cup of cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Cut the tops off the peppers and remove all the seeds and white stuff. Simmer peppers in boiling water for 5 minutes

Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Stir in onions, garlic and diced tomato and fry for about 3 minutes. Stir in ground beef. Cook the meat until it is no longer pink.

Stuff the mixture into the hollowed-out peppers. Place stuffed peppers onto a baking tray

Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. Top with cheddar cheese and bake for 5 additional minutes. 

Note: I believe my friend got this from Carmen's Kitchen.

CRANBERRY RELISH

Note: This recipe is quick to make but it does require at least 4 hours.

1 cup chopped pecans

2 (16-oz) cans whole-berry cranberry sauce

1 1/2 tsp grated orange zest

1/3 cup fresh orange juice

1 tbsp lemon juice 

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon 

 In a small nonstick skillet, heat chopped pecans over medium-low heat, stirring often, for about 5 minutes, or until fragrant and toasted. Scrape out of pan onto a plate to stop cooking.

In a small saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice and cinnamon over medium-low heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in pecans. Cool slightly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Yield: 8 to 10 servings

recipe and photo Sandra Lee Woman's World 2025

QUICK AND EASY BRAN MUFFINS

I love this recipe from King Arthur Flour as it will keep in the refrigerator for a week. You can scoop out as much batter as you want at a time allowing you to make anywhere from one to twelve muffins at a time.

• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup bran cereal (not flakes, preferably a wheat bran)
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup raisins
• 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups bran cereal (not flakes)

1) In a small mixing bowl, pour the boiling water over the half cup of cereal. When cooled, mix in the vegetable oil and egg.

2) While the water/bran mixture cools, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the raisins.

3) In a large measuring cup, combine the buttermilk and brown sugar, and stir into the dry ingredients. Stir in remaining cereal, then the softened bran mixture. Cover the batter and refrigerate it overnight.

4) When you're ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F for 15 minutes. Line a muffin tin with papers and spray the insides of the papers. Or just grease the muffin cups themselves, if you like a crustier muffin edge.

5) Stir the batter once or twice, then scoop a heaping 1/4-cup of batter into each prepared muffin cup.

6) Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.

7) Remove from the oven, cool in the pan on a rack for 10 minutes before removing the muffins from the pan.

Baking Note: 

• If you only want to bake one or two muffins, you can use greased custard cups instead of the muffin tin. If you use the muffin tin, put an inch of water in the empty wells to keep the pan from warping.

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