Jeni's Recipe Box

Chocolate Zucchini Bread

2009-09-24T17:13:00.000-07:00

You must really try this recipe. You can find the recipe at OurBestBites.com of course! I have made 10 loaves of this yummy stuff! It is so good it is worth the trip to the store to buy some zucchini if you don't have some from your garden. I shredded and froze zucchini so we could enjoy this later during the colder months!

New Bread Recipe

2009-02-11T22:00:00.000-08:00

This is a sweeter bread that is just so yummy! I recently made a double batch, making 3 loaves and a dozen rolls. The rolls turned out very nicely. This is the only recipe I will use now to make any dinner rolls. Mmmm....

I also sliced a loaf up and made our own homemade french toast sticks and the kids loved them! They were tasty. Homemade bread makes the best french toast ever!

Oat Bread

(Turn on your oven to warm which is about 170 in my oven)
Makes 2 loaves

1 C. Oats
2 C. Boiling Water
1/3 C. warm water with 2T yeast (activate yeast)
1/2 C. Honey
1T Salt
2 T melted butter
1-1/2 C Wheat Flour
3 C. White Flour

In the mixing bowl add oats and boiling water to soak and soften. While the water is still warm add the honey, salt, butter, and yeast mixture. Mix together and then add the flours and continute mixing until dough pulls away from the side of the bowl. I will let my mixer knead the dough for about 10mins. Let rise until double(I skip this step). Spray loaf pans and dust with oatmeal. Put dough into pans and lightly drizzle with honey and then sprinkle oatmeal across the tops. Place in oven to rise until about double, approx. 20 min.

Bake at 350 for 30-40 min.

More yummy chocolate....

2009-02-09T23:43:00.001-08:00

Chocolate Waffles photo courtesty of Our Best Bites.

Oh these waffles do look good and I think the kids will love them on Valentine's Day morning. You can check out the recipe and how-to's over at www.OurBestBites.com! These gals really know how to bring on the treats!

Too good for words...Turtle Brownie

2009-02-09T06:43:00.000-08:00

Turtle Brownies by Sunday Baker

When we lived in Chicago back in 1988, there was a co-worker of mine that would bring these brownies in to the office frequently. I don't know the name of the bakery or even what suburb to look in. But these brownies have lived on in my mind for the last 20 years since I have had them! I have tried all kinds of brownies, homemade and otherwise. I have NEVER come across anything close to what I had in Chicago. Until now that is....

One of the foodie blogs that I follow is Sunday Baker. She has a yummy blog that you must check out! And now she has posted the most decadent brownie that looks as close to that brownie I love from Chicago. So now I must be off to make these brownies!

Menu Planning Ideas....always need more!

2009-02-08T20:59:00.000-08:00

Here is a great link to find some menu planning resources. Some of these I use already, some are new ones I will be checking out. I also love to click through the 200+- links at

Tuna Casserole

2009-02-08T20:45:00.000-08:00

2 cans Tuna
2 cans Creme of Chicken Soup
1 C Sour Cream
1-2 C Cheddar Cheese - shredded
1/2 to 1 Soup Can of milk
1 pkg of pasta (I will use elbow macaroni or egg noodles, spiral noodles, whatever I've got)

Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain noodles and return to the pan. Add the tuna, creme of soup, milk, and sour cream. Mix together with the cooked noodles. Add the shredded cheddar, some salt and pepper. You could make a white sauce, which I do on occasion. But this is much faster and no one knows any different at the dinner table!!!

Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

2009-02-08T20:40:00.000-08:00

2 lbs chicken (I will use thighs or breasts, boneless or not just depends on what you have)
1 C Brown Sugar
1 C Soy Sauce
1-2 T Chopped Garlic
1 C Water

Mix all the ingredients together except the chicken, in the crockpot, then add the chicken. I cook it on high for about 4 - 6 hours. The longer you cook the more the flavors have to marinate the chicken. De-bone the chicken before serving if you didn't use boneless chicken. I will usually serve this with rice and a veggie.

February Menus

2009-02-03T13:13:00.000-08:00

This monthly planning thing has become an addiction. I LOVE having the entire month planned. Now, I don't feel constrained to stick with what is planned on an exact day. There are days that come along that I don't feel like eating or cooking what was planned for that day. Since I have the entire month at my disposal, I will just swap days for what sounds good for that day. The great thing is I have shopped for the menus and I am prepared for it. There is great peace in my mind having dinner plans and I can just go to my menu folder and the planning is already done. I will print off the recipes and put them in the folder. So everything is ready to go! I put the recipes that we like in the back of the folder so they are available for next time. I am starting to build a master menu list and want to get all the regular recipes organized and compiled so I don't have this ever growing pile of single recipe print outs.

February Menu Plans
(Recipe links are here!!)

1 - Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
2 - Ham & Cheddar Casserole
3 - Kraft Slow-Cooker Orange Chicken
4 - Teriyaki Beef
5 - Rice & Black-eyed Bean Soup - Soups Cookbook
6 - Spring Stir Fry in Peanut Sauce
7 - Chili & Cornbread Cups - $5 Dinners
8 - Crockpot Chicken & Rice Casserole
9 - Crockpot Sweet & Sour Meatballs
10 - Crockpot Lasagne
11 - Tuna Casserole
12 - Tortellini & Sausage Soup
13 - Coconut Chicken
14 - Crockpot Sloppy Joes
15 - BLT's & Bean w/Bacon Soup
16 - Shepherd Pie
17 - Shake & Bake Chicken
18 - Hawaiian Haystacks
19 - Breakfast
20 - White Chicken Chili
21 -
22 - Crockpot Swiss Steak
23 - Pizza
24 - Crockpot Meatloaf
25 - Costa Vida Chicken
26 -
27 - Spicy Peanut Chicken
28 -

My FAVORITE Yummy Cold Weather treat!!!!

2009-01-05T22:47:00.000-08:00

A few years ago I was given a Starbucks gift card. I thought, "What am I going to do with this?" I told my sister about it and she told me about the Caramel Apple Cider, one of the few non-caffeinated drinks that Starbucks carries on their drink menu. Hmm....so I went to Starbucks, hoping no one I knew would see me, since I don't drink coffee, and ordered their Caramel Apple cider and I was hooked for life. Now I don't get this treat but once a year. It is certainly NOT low-calorie or low on sugar! But I will usually treat myself once a year, during the colder months of the year, usually on a day that I have been running around.

Now the reason for this post, I have found a recipe for this delectable treat and thought I would post it so I don't forget where the recipe is when I am ready to make it. It is truly a yummy, yummy drink!!!!

January Menu Plans

2008-12-17T08:32:00.000-08:00

I just about have my entire month of January planned so I thought I would get it posted. I did this for December, just didn't post it. I really liked having the whole month planned. It also gave me more choices if I came to a night's plan that didn't sound good for that night. Planning for the month made my grocery shopping easier and more efficient, knowing what I needed for the month. I have a few days to fill in that I will update as I find what I want to put onto the menu.

1/01 - Leftovers
1/02 - Hamburger Soup
1/03 - Creme Cheese Chicken Wraps
1/04 - Lasagne
1/05 - Carson's Birthday Dinner
1/06 - Chili-Cornbread cups - $5 Dinners.com
1/07 - Breakfast for Dinner
1/08 - Ham & Cheddar Cheese Casserole
1/09 - Spicy Chicken & Rice Soup
1/10 - Tacos & Taco Salad
1/11 - Sweet N Sour Chicken & Rice
1/12 - Tortellini & Sausage & Soup - Your Homebased Mom
1/13 - Crockpot Thai Chicken
1/14 - Bisquick Cheeseburger Pie
1/15 - Cheesy Broccoli Rice & Chicken
1/16 - Pizza
1/17 - White Chicken Chili
1/18 - French Dip
1/19 - Teriyaki Beef - KraftCanada.com
1/20 - Tuna Casserole
1/21 - Green Pepper Soup
1/22 - Spring Stir Fry in Peanut Sauce
1/23 - Shake N Bake Chicken
1/24 - Sausage Spagetti Pie - Taste of Home
1/25 - Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
1/26 - BLTs & Bean w/Bacon Soup
1/27 - Asian Chicken
1/28 -
1/29 - Moroccan Chicken Stew with couscous - www.familyfun.com (This site has some great family friendly recipes)
1/30 -
1/31 - Chicken Pot Pie
Jiffy Cinnamon Rolls

Yummy Holiday Goodies continues.....

2008-12-14T22:45:00.000-08:00

Here are some more links to recipes that I will be trying soon.

Cranberry Fudge - Taste of Home
Chocolate Chex Carmel Crunch - Taste of Home
Peanut Butter Fudge - Taste of Home
Peppermint Candy Cane Brownies - OurBestBites.com

Menu Plan Monday - December 15th

2008-12-14T22:40:00.000-08:00

Monday - White Chicken Chili - OurBestBites.com
Tuesday - Staff Dinner at school
Wednesday - Spicy Chicken Rice Soup in crockpot - Fix It & Forget It Lightly
Thursday - Sloppy Joes in crockpot - Fix It and Forget It Lightly
Friday - Homemade Calezones
Saturday - Baked Chicken & Veggies
Sunday - V-8 Stew in crockpot & Breadbowls

Menu Plan Monday - December 8th

2008-12-14T22:37:00.000-08:00

A little late, oh well.

Monday - Sweet N Sour Meatballs
Tuesday - Fish Sticks, Fries, and veggies
Wednesday - Haystacks
Thursday - Swiss Steak in the crockpot - Fix It and Forget It Lightly
Friday - Coconut Chicken
Saturday - Tuna Noodle Casserole
Sunday - French Dip in the crockpot - Fix It and Forget It Lightly

Menu Plan Monday - December 1st

2008-12-06T08:54:00.000-08:00

I am a little late in posting but I wanted to post it anyway. I have planned my menus for the rest of the month already and will put them into auto-posts so they show up when they are supposed to. It is such a relief to have this done. It takes so much stress off of dinner time. I know what I am doing and have shopped for it so I am ready!

Monday - Pizza
Tuesday - Pot Roast & Veggies
Wednesday - Breakfast dinner
Thursday - Thai Peanut Noodles - Our Best Bites (This was very good!)
Friday - Black Bean Soup - Fix It and Forget it Lightly Cookbook pg. 188
Saturday - Chicken Enchiladas & Rice
Sunday - Pulled Pork - Campbells

Yummy Holiday Goodies...

2008-12-01T12:59:00.000-08:00

Here are a few recipes that looked really yummy. We tried the Peppermint Bark Popcorn from Our Best Bites and it was really good! I think that one will be going around to friends and family this holiday season. I also like to make caramels this time of year. I will have to post that recipe soon. And Steve makes great peanut brittle and does it in the microwave! That recipe will be coming soon too.

Peppermint Bark Popcorn - Our Best Bite s
Holiday Almonds - Taste of home
Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies - Taste of Home

Betty Crocker Warm Delights

2008-11-18T23:18:00.000-08:00

If you haven't tried the Warm Delights Mini Molten Chocolate Cake by Betty Crocker you are missing out. These are individual servings that are microwavable and just delicious. If you sign up for the newsletter over at the Betty Crocker site they will send you a free sample of their Warm Delights Minis.

Menu Plan Monday - November 17th

2008-11-11T21:25:00.001-08:00

Monday: Homemade Noodles & Chicken Soup
Tuesday: BLTs & Soup
Wednesday: Spicy Peanut Chicken from Betty Crocker
Thursday: On the road to Utah
Friday: Utah
Saturday: Utah
Sunday: Utah

This is a light menu week here at home. But it is yummy!

Menu Plan Monday - November 10th

2008-11-11T21:00:00.000-08:00

Well since I didn't get this posted until Tuesday evening I am going to post what we have done so far and the plan for the rest of the week. Steve and I are leaving town for a couple of days so this will be any easy plan week.

Monday - Crunchy Quesadilla Stack from ConAgra Foods
Tuesday - Cream Cheese Chicken Wraps - recipe coming
Wednesday - Grandma's cooking
Thursday - Grandma's cooking
Friday - Ward Dinner/Activity
Saturday - Lion House Chicken Noodle Soup
Sunday - Pulled Pork Sandwiches - This one keeps coming back on the menu. Something always happens on the night I plan it, like going to dinner at my sister's

Menu Plan Monday - November 3rd

2008-11-05T13:17:00.000-08:00

Monday - Dinner by Grandma
Tuesday - Beef Stew with Bisquick Dumplings
Wednesday - Black Bean Soup from Everyday Foodstorage
Thursday - Chicken Enchiladas
Friday - Homemade Pizza Night
Saturday - Hawaiian Haystacks
Sunday - Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Melts in Your Mouth

2008-11-05T13:09:00.000-08:00

This dessert has many names, it just depends on who you talk to. It is so good that I cannot afford the calories more than once or twice a year. It is a fun dessert we like to have at my sister-in-law's when the men go to the priesthood session of conference.

1st Layer - mix the following together, bake at 350 for 15 min. Let it cool.
1 C Flour
1/2 C nuts chopped
1/2 C butter

2nd Layer - Beat until fluffy and spread over 1st layer
8oz box of creme cheese, softened
1 C Cool Whip
1 C Powdered Sugar

3rd Layer - Spread over 2nd layer
Make two pkgs of pudding, your choice flavor, but chocolate is always good!!!

Spread Cool Whip, chocolate shavings, chopped nuts over the top and chill for 4 hours.

A Yummy Family Favorite

2008-11-05T12:54:00.000-08:00

These cookies have always been a family favorite. They are easy to make too!

Magic Cookie Bars from Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 (14 ounce) can EAGLE BRAND® Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)
1 (12 ounce) package semisweet chocolate morsels
1 1/3 cups flaked coconut
1 cup chopped nuts

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (325 degrees for glass dish). In 13x9-inch baking pan, melt margarine in oven. Sprinkle crumbs over butter; pour EAGLE BRAND® evenly over crumbs. Layer evenly with remaining ingredients; press down firmly.
Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. Chill if desired. Cut into bars. Store loosely covered at room temperature.

Heather's BBQ Muffins

2008-11-05T12:26:00.000-08:00

One of my sister's good friends from Georgia, Heather, has this great recipe for BBQ Muffins. These are very yummy, easy, and versatile. You can change the "stuff" in the middle to be taco flavored, Italian, Mexican, or even dessert. But you must try the BBQ version first. It is a little on the sweet side so you might reduce the sugar a little. These freeze pretty well too.

1 can of Pillsbury biscuits - or the generic version
1 lb of ground beef
1/2 C Ketchup
3 T brown sugar
1 tsp cider vinegar
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 C shredded cheddar cheese

Flatten biscuits and put into greased cupcake tins. Cook the ground beef, drain, then add the rest of the ingredients. Fill biscuit cups with hamburger and bake at 400 degrees for 7 min. Sprinkle with cheese and bake for an additional 5 min. until cheese is melted.

If you do the taco version you could top with sour cream, lettuce, and tomatoes.

More Pumpkin!!!!!

2008-10-22T06:45:00.001-07:00

This is one I have never thought of, Pumpkin Waffles! We will be doing this recipe soon! I am not sure if it will be the main course or dessert! I found this recipe at $5 Dinners!

Campbells Kitchen

2008-10-22T06:19:00.000-07:00

I recently came across this website, Campbell's Kitchen, from Campbells, the soup people. They have some great recipes that I will be trying in upcoming menu plans. I don't buy a lot of Campbell's soups unless they are on sale. I usually buy the store brand. The recipes here look tasty and a bonus, quick & easy too! Some of my favorite spots at this site are; a section called "Slow Cooker Favorites" and another called "Delicious Desserts". These are two of my favorite topics on any food blog! Another good section is the 30 Minute Meals. They have a section called "Smart Meal Ideas - Dinners under $10". You can search for recipes by title or ingredient or meal type by category like appetizer, soup, or lunch, etc. Overall, I think this is a site I will use frequently. I have added it to my sidebar for easy access.

Menu Plan Monday - October 27th

2008-10-19T22:33:00.000-07:00

Monday

Slow Cooked - Pulled Pork Sandwiches from the Campbells Kitchen
Tuesday
Costa Vida Chicken & Tortillas from Your Homebased Mom
Wednesday
Swiss Steak & Potatoes
Thursday
Homemade Pizza
Friday
Chicken & Dumplings from Family Circle Magazine
Saturday
Spaghetti Pie from Cooks.com
Sunday
French Dip

Menu Plan Monday - October 20th

2008-10-19T22:13:00.000-07:00

Monday - Shepherd Pie
Tuesday - Chili Chicken Tacos - from Life is like a Cupcake
Wednesday - Swiss Steak & Potatoes
Thursday - Chicken Enchiladas & Rice
Friday - Coconut Chicken
Saturday - French Dip & Tots
Sunday - BLTs & Bean w/Bacon Soup

You Must Try This! - Recipe Review

2008-10-17T08:28:00.000-07:00

I finally won a blog give-away! It guess it pays to stay up late and be the first one to see the posting! I was up late working on my blogs and saw Sara's late night post at Our Best Bites for the Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream Sandwiches! I couldn 't believe I was the first one there and she had a give-away! I hesitated to comment, feeling guilty like I stumbled into an open bank vault.
Sara showed up at my door yesterday with the fun basket filled with everything I needed to make her yummy ice cream sandwiches! So I got busy and made them! I have heard of using cake mixes to make cookies but have never done it! Now I will stock up on cake mixes when they go on sale! The cookies turned out yummy and were easy to make.

These ice cream sandwiches are yummy, decadent. I now ask myself why I even bother buying ice cream sandwiches at the store? I am not an ice cream lover at all. I could live my life without it and have no regrets. However, these are a yummy, fun treat. The possibilities of combinations are endless. Use your imagination!

You Must Try This! - Recipe Review

2008-10-16T10:26:00.001-07:00

Lemon Chicken from Satisfying My Sweet Tooth

I made this recipe last night and it was yummy! I doubled the sauce and could have used more as the family loved it. I added a little more lemon juice than was called for because I love the lemon flavor. I also added a little of the Sriracha Chili Sauce to give it a little kick. We will definitely make this recipe again!

More Yummy treats and places to find more....

2008-10-15T12:55:00.000-07:00

In my surfing during the last few days, I have come across two more yummy places to frequent. Sunday Baker had me hooked when she talked about the perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe. And Stephanie's Kitchen had me hooked with the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cake. I have already made two different pumpkin cake/bar recipes and I will be trying this recipe now too. My problem is pacing myself. I would like to try these two new recipes both today and the brownies from Satisfying My Sweet Tooth too. Just not enough day or calories to do it all in one day! Bummer!

Pudding Cookies at Sunday Baker
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cake with a cinnamon creme cheese drizzle at Stephanie's Kitchen

I have added these blogs to my sidebar and to my "Following" list!

Menu Plan Monday - October 13th

2008-10-13T21:15:00.000-07:00

Again, late in posting my menu plan for the week. I have to say I feel lost when I don't have it done. I just don't know where to start in my kitchen without my menu plan!

Monday - Leftovers (not my favorite, but necessary!)
Tuesday - Mexican Rice for 8 - $5 Dinners
Wednesday - Lemon Chicken - Satisfying My Sweet Tooth
Thursday - Chili & Baked Potatos
Friday - Hawaiian Haystacks - (rolled over from last week)
Saturday - Crockpot Taco Soup - A Year of Crockpotting
Sunday - Crockpot Squash Casserole About.com - Southern Food

A new yummy place to go....

2008-10-13T18:42:00.000-07:00

I recently found my recipe blog listed at Blecipes and found this link there too.

She figures the cost of each meal and makes some great meals too. I have added this button to my sidebar and started "Following" her blog.

A Yummy find.....

2008-10-13T18:18:00.000-07:00

Satisfying My Sweet Tooth
Here is a new blog find that I can hardly wait to start trying recipes from. She recently had a week of brownie recipes. These are not your everyday brownie either. Decadence is the word for these brownies. She has these tempting recipes as just an example:

Chocolate Fudge Brownie with Caramel Icing
Cookies and Cream Brownie
White Chocolate Blondies with Lemon and White Chocolate Frosting
CHOCOLATE-PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE BARS

On her post for today, Oct. 13th, she has listed a recipe for Lemon Chicken which looks really yummy too and will be hitting our table this week!

Recipe Newsletter Links

2008-10-08T22:58:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorite Recipe Newsletters that I subscribe to are:

Taste of Home
Pillsbury
Box Tops for Education Recipes

Betty Crocker

There are more, this is just what I remember off of the top of my head.
I think I will add this to my sidebar for easier future reference.

Something new from Pillsbury....

2008-10-08T22:46:00.000-07:00

There is a yummy looking breakfast recipe over at Our Best Bites which uses a new item from Pillsbury, Crescent Recipe Creations I am adding this to my shopping list to try the breakfast braid from Kate & Sara, and maybe for a desert type treat too. The Pillsbury site has some fun recipes to add to my recipe box too. I signed up for the free newsletter. They have coupons on their site as well.

Tuna Noodle Casserole

2008-10-08T22:40:00.001-07:00

This is a quick and easy dinner. Sometimes I will make a white sauce from scratch. If I am in a hurry I will use any kind of "creme of" soup.

2 Cans of "Creme of" soup
Fill both cans with milk and mix with the soup.
2 cans of tuna, stir into soup mix
Add garlic salt to taste
Add pepper to taste
Add shredded cheddar cheese - I don't measure, but I like cheese in/on everthing like this
Sour creme, if I have some on hand I will add it, if not, I don't.

Boil noodles of your choice. Add cooked noodles to the sauce, stir and serve.

My family LOVES this recipe everytime I make it. It is quick and easy! Just my kind of recipe

Hawaiian Haystacks

2008-10-08T22:30:00.000-07:00

This is a family favorite. It can be the ever-growing plate of food too as you pile toppings on. You can try to keep it small but it ends up big anyway. It is mostly a healthy meal depending upon how much rice you start with. I will have to post a photo after tomorrow night's dinner.

This recipe has 3 major components; Sauce, Rice, Toppings

Start by cooking enough brown or white rice for your family.

Sauce
I usually use
2 cans of creme of chicken soup
1-1/2 cans from soup, filled with milk
1 C sour creme
Garlic sat to taste
Chicken, cooked and chopped.
I usually use chicken breast because I only eat white chicken meat. But you could cook the legs or thighs and they would taste fine too.

Combine all the above and cook until hot.

Our Toppings - Each family has their own favorites that may differ from my list.
chopped celery
chopped onions
shredded cheddar cheese
coconut
chow mein noodles
chopped tomatos
peas
almonds
pineapple in chunks or pureed(goes farther)

Start with a pile of rice, pour your sauce over that and then add the toppings of your choice. We usually serve this in bowls for the children to try and keep it all in one place.

You Must Try This! - Recipe Review

2008-10-08T22:17:00.000-07:00

Barbequed Chicken Breasts

Tonight we had a GREAT recipe from this cookbook! I bought it at Sams Club and have marked many recipes to try and this was the first one I tried. I often think of doing crockpot recipes, too late! This book has tons of great recipes for breads, soups, casseroles, and desserts too. One thing I like about the index is that it is not only an alphabetical listing of the recipes, but by category too. The categories are not just the type recipe like dessert, but by ingredient also like chicken, or cranberries, or corn. I just think that is cool! There is nutritional info on each recipe as well.

Since this book is copyrighted and expressly forbids the re-publishing of any of their material I won't put their recipe on my blog. But the idea is to put chicken and a barbeque sauce in the crockpot for 4-6 hours. You could put together your own sauce or buy your favorite from the store.

Yummy Snacks

2008-10-08T05:40:00.000-07:00

I found these recipes when I signed up for the BoxTops for Education newsletter. They have a recipes section that I am going to check-out futher. These are the ones that were sent in the "Welcome to" email.

Chocolate Chip Popcorn Bars
School Day Pencil Cookies
Chicken in a Sleeping Bag

Menu Plan Monday - Oct. 6th

2008-10-06T23:59:00.000-07:00

My menu plan is a little late in posting. We have enjoyed a couple of new recipes this week and will be sure to do them again.

Monday
Sweet N Sour Meatballs from Everyday Food Storage

Tuesday
Tuna Noodle Casserole * recipe to come

Wednesday
Barbequed Chicken Breasts from the Fix-It and Forget-It Lightly cookbook

Thursday
Hawaiian Haystacks *recipe to come

Friday
Homemade Pizza

Saturday
Shepherd Pie

Sunday

Halloween Treats

2008-10-01T22:13:00.000-07:00

Halloween Pumpkin Bars

Now that my Fall decorations are out I am in the mood for some fall food fun! I get a newsletter from Taste of Home and they have all of these fun snack/treats in their issue this time around.
I am craving all things pumpkin right now, so this just might take the edge off, ..... for now!

You Must Try This! - Recipe Review

2008-10-01T21:33:00.001-07:00

White Chicken Chili - Our Best Bites

I am a little off from my menu plan this week. We had the White Chicken Chili from Our Best Bites tonight instead of Monday night. I have to tell you it was QUICK & EASY to make and tasted great! My kids loved it! One of them told me it was "Phenomenal"! One child had three servings. My husband couldn't get enough of it either! We had all of the fixings suggested in the recipe, even the avocado and it was awesome. There was just a little spice to the chili with the Pepper-Jack cheese and the green chilis. I used mild green chilis. I suppose you could raise the "heat" of this chili using hotter chilis. We have found another family favorite!
(Photo is copyright by and used with permission from www.ourbestbites.com)

Soup, Soup, and more Soup!

2008-09-28T23:51:00.001-07:00

It is fall, kind of, and I want soup. I could eat soup everyday but my family would probably complain a little. My menu plan this week has some fun soups we are going to try.

After church today I wanted a good soup, but I wanted it done quickly. So my mother opened up canned chicken noodle soup and strained the noodles and set them aside. The broth of the soup went into the pan. She then added a bunch of fresh veggies like carrots, onions, celery, and tomatoes. Cooked them until tender and then returned the noodles to the pot. She added a little bit of Tabasco sauce too. It was so good! A great way to dress up the canned soups and do it quickly!

We also had this Quick Cheese Bread that is a new family favorite.

Foodie BlogRoll - I'm In!!!!!

2008-09-28T23:41:00.000-07:00

I recently click on the Foodie BlogRoll link over at Our Best Bites to see what it was all about. I have seen this widget on a few pages now and wanted to see it. It is a great place for food bloggers to get their sites listed on. There are contests and giveaways, forums, recipes and ideas for cooking. There are over 2000 blogs listed at Foodie and now I am one of them too! You have to submit your food blog and they decide if they will add you to their BlogRoll. So click on over using the link in my sidebar and check it out. I am sure you won't go away without clicking on something fun for you try!

Menu Plan Monday - Sept. 29th

2008-09-28T23:00:00.000-07:00

We have been eating much better since I have been doing menu planning. My husband knows that the stuff in the fridge is part of a planned meal and that's cool. I am really wanting to do a whole week of soups. I was looking at a cookbook of Soups this afternoon trying to decide on some good selections. Then Sara & Kate at Our Best Bites come through again with a tasty looking soup! So I am going to start my week with their White Chicken Chili and then alternate nights of soup with other fun meals. Between the two sites, A Year of Crockpotting and Our Best Bites, my menu plans could be full for a very long time. You really should check out their sites!

Monday: White Chicken Chili from Our Best Bites
Tuesday: Crockpot Chicken Nuggets from A Year of Crockpotting
Wednesday: Crockpot Thai Coconut Soup from A Year of Crockpotting
Thursday: Asian BBQ Chicken from Our Best Bites
Friday: Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup from A Year of Crockpotting
Sunday: Jalapeno Pot Roast from A Year of Crockpotting

Yummy Snack - Chocolate cake in 5 min.

2008-09-24T08:31:00.000-07:00

Here is another yummy snack recipe found over at Make and Takes.

Microwave Chocolate Cake in 5 min.

I love this blog. Fun crafts and ideas like this cake. Now I don't really need a way to have some cake in 5 minutes. Really this could be dangerous. But I will be giving it a try! I think the kids will love it too! I'll let them mix their own cake! Yum!

Welcome Fall with this yummy treat!

2008-09-24T05:52:00.001-07:00

I was just thinking of posting my sister's Sticky Corn recipe and Sara over at Our Best Bites posted her yummy recipe for Caramel Corn ! Her photo makes my mouth water. You must stop by her site and make some for yourself. Because I am not going to share. Well ok, come over after school and you can have some with the kids!

Cornmeal Crepes

2008-09-23T22:55:00.000-07:00

Delicious with any Mexican-style or any main dish fillings:

1/2 C yellow cornmeal
1/2 C boiling water

Combine, stir until smooth and let cool slightly,

Then add:
3 eggs
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 C all-purpose four, presifted
2 T margarine or butter, melterd

Mix until smooth, then add:
3/4 C milk and mix until smooth. Stir batter occasionally when dipping if cornmeal tends to settle on the bottom.

Mexican Crepe Enchiladas

2008-09-23T22:41:00.000-07:00

We love chicken enchiladas. If I made it every night of the week my husband would be happy! Recently my mother gave me an electric crepe maker. I have made crepes a few times for breakfast and the family loved them and ask for them. Another item if made daily would make the hero. My mom found the recipe book and gave it to me and this is a recipe that I thought sounded really good using my crepe pan.

12 corn meal crepes **recipe to follow
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 C chopped green or yellow onions
10 pitted ripe black olives, sliced
1 tsp. salt
1 clove garlic, minced
1-2 teaspoons chili powder
1-3/4 C cubed sharp cheddar cheese

Sauce
1 16oz. can tomatoe puree or sauce
1 6oz. can tomato paste
1 small onion, minced
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. sugar
1 clove garlic, minced
1-2 teaspoons of chili powder

Preheat oven to 350.
1. In large skillet, cook ground beef and onions until onions are soft and meat is browned.
2. Remove from heat, drain excess fat.
3. Stir in olives, garlic, chili powder and 1 cup of cheese.
4. Place 1-2 heaping spoonfuls across center of each crepe, brown side out.
5. Place seam side down in buttered 9x13 baking dish. Pour sauce down center of crepes.
6. Bake 20-25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

To make sauce:
1. Combine ingredients in saucepan.
2. Bring to boil and simmer 10 minutes.
3. Stir in remaining 3/4 C of cheese.
Taste for seasoning, add extra chili powder if desired

Menu Plan Monday - Sept. 22nd

2008-09-22T12:36:00.000-07:00

We are finding all kinds of new family favorites with my menu planning.

Monday: Sweet N Sour Chicken & Brown Rice
Tuesday: Swiss Steak & Whole Wheat Noodles
Wednesday: Mexican Crepe Enchiladas **Recipe to follow
Thursday: Buffalo Wing Soup
Friday: Homemade Pizza
Saturday: Dad's Choice - I am going to eat at Women's Gen. Broadcast dinner
Sunday: Chicken & Rice Casserole **Recipe to follow (A Family Favorite)

Yummy Mexican Rice

2008-09-22T12:25:00.001-07:00

This is another recipe book I only use one recipe from, 365 Easy Mexican Recipes. This is a favorite on our Mexican food nights.

2 T vegetable oil
2 C long-grain white rice (I use brown rice, it just takes a little longer to cook)
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
3/4 C canned pureed tomatoes (I will use the equivalent measure of salsa)
1 14.5 oz. can of reduced sodium chicken broth ( I will use chicken bouillon cubes instead)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

1. In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add rice and cook, stirring, about 1 minute to coat with oil. Stir in onion and garlic. Cook, stirring, until onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.

2. Stir in cumin, tomatos(salsa), chicken broth, salt, pepper, and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 15 to 18 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes. Add cooked carrot and stir gently to combine.

You could do it as directed above but I do all of this in my rice cooker. Just dump it all in, mix it up and add the water and push the cook button!

Yummy Sweet N Sour Chicken

2008-09-22T12:12:00.000-07:00

I have this Weight Watchers cookbook from YEARS ago (inscribed on the inside cover "Murphy '89"). And I have only ever used one recipe from it and it is still my favorite. I LOVE sweet-n-sour chicken and this is a healthy recipe!

1 tsp. each of margarine and vegetable oil
1/2 lb chicken, cut into cubes
1/2 C each sliced green or red bell peppers, sliced onion, and quartered mushrooms
1 small clove garlic
1/2 C drained canned crushed pineapple
1-1/2 tsp. ketchup
1 tsp. each firmly packed light or dark brown sugar and cider vinegar
1/2 packet (about 1/2 tsp) instant chicken broth and seasoning mix(never used the seasoning mix)
1 large plum tomato, blanched, peeled, seeded, and sliced (I just chop up a tomato)
1/4 C diagonally sliced scallions

1. Heat margargine and oil together in a skillet until bubbly and hot
2. Add chicken and saute, stirring frequently, until lightly browned, about 5 min.
3. Add peppers, onions, mushrooms, and garlic and cook until veggies are tender-crisp, about 5 min.
4. In a blender combine pineapple, ketchup, sugar, vinegar, and broth mix and blend until pereed, scraping down sides as necessary.
5. Pour pureed mixture over chicken and veggies in skillet and stir to combine; bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low; add tomato and scallions, stir to combine, and cook until flavors blend, about 5 min.

Nutrition Info for those that like to know:
Calories per serving: 249
Protein per serving: 28 g
Fat per serving: 6g
Carbs per serving: 21g

Another yummy crockpot recipe

2008-09-17T05:56:00.000-07:00

Steve is going to LOVE this one! This looks like a great Sunday recipe. Another crockpot recipe from A Year of Crockpotting
Jalapeno Pot Roast

Some Yummy berries anyone?

2008-09-17T05:45:00.000-07:00

Stop by Your Home Based Mom's site to check out this yummy recipe!
Blackberry Cobbler and Cinnamon Whip Cream
I am wanting to make this for breakfast. However, I don't have any berries in the freezer! I am adding berries to the shopping list!

Some Very Yummy Blogs

2008-09-16T09:11:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon these blogs from another new blog I found this morning, Just Another Hang Up
These blogs have some great photography and very, very, yummy recipes I am adding to my recipe box! The kids will be getting these cupcakes for after school snack this week! Oh my I can hardly wait to make them!

Bake or Break
Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

Bakerella

More yummy crockpot recipes!

2008-09-14T20:51:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have been browsing around the new to me blog, A Year of CrockPotting, and have found some recipes I don't want to forget. So I am going to put links to them here. This blog has some really awesome stuff. She's got a very popular blog and for good & tasty reasons too!

CrockPot Chili & Cheese
Chicken Nuggets
Crockpot Fudge Pudding Cake
CrockPot French Toast Bake
Crockpot Macaroni & Cheese

There are so many good recipes at this site, I will just have to keep going back! I have added this one to my Yummy Blogs section to the right.

Buffalo Wing Soup

2008-09-14T20:28:00.000-07:00

Buffalo Wing Soup
I found this recipe over at A Year of CrockPotting . I will be adding it to my menu plan for next week. I love soups and Steve LOVES hot wings, so we both should be happy. The kids will just have to have MacNCheese that night!

One Bowl French Bread

2008-09-14T20:07:00.000-07:00

This is another favorite, yummy recipe from my friend Joella.

1-1/8 C - Warm water
1 T - Honey
1 T - Active dry yeast
1/2 t - Salt
1 T - soft shortening
3 C - Flour

1. In a large bowl combine warm water and honey
2. Add the yeast, allow to soften
3. Add salt, shortening and 1-1/2C of flour, stir to combine
4. Add remaining flour, stirring well
5. Leave the spoon in the batter and allow to rest 10 min.
6. Stir down & rest until you have done this 5 times.
7. Turn onto floured board and knead 2 or 3 times
8. Divide into two equal parts.
9. Roll into 9x12 rectangles
From here I will do different things depending upon the meal. Sometimes I will make a double batch so I will have 4 loaves to feed everyone. Sometimes I will put cheese and meat onto the rectangle and then roll up. OR I will make a desert bread by putting cinnamon and sugar onto the rectangle before I roll it up.
10. Roll up from the long end, pinch the ends shut.
11. Put onto a greased and cornmeal dusted cookie sheet
12. Cover and raise for 30 min. You could do this in a warmed oven. Or turn your oven on the lowest setting while you are preparing the batter then shut it off while raising the bread.
13. Cut slashes at an angle, bake at400 for 30 min.

Chopped Chicken Salad

2008-09-14T19:59:00.000-07:00

There is a Italian restaurant in the Seattle area, Cucina!Cucina! that makes this very yummy salad. The recipe makes a huge amount of salad which is tossed with this vinaigrette, so you pretty much need to eat it the same day or just don't mix in all of the vinaigrette at once. All you need to complete this meal is some fresh bread sticks and a lemonade!

Vinaigrette
6T - Red wine vinegar
2T - Fresh lemon juice
2T - Minced garlic
1T - Dijon mustard
2t - Dried oregano
1/2 t- Dry mustard
1/2 t - Sugar
1 C - Olive Oil

1. Whisk the 1st seven ingredients to blend.
2. Add in the oil
3. Season with salt & pepper to taste.

Salad
8 C - Chopped iceberg lettuce
2-1/2C - Cooked chicken, diced
1-1/4C - Chopped tomatoes
8 oz. - Dry salami, chopped
1 C - Mozerlla cheese, shredded
3/4 C - Provolone cheese, shredded
2/3 C - Garbanzo beans
1/2 C - Fresh Basil
3 - Green onions, chopped

1. Mix all of the above ingredients together
2. Toss with the vinaigrette.

Pasta E Fagioli Soup (like Olive Garden's)

2008-09-14T19:49:00.000-07:00

1lb - Ground Beef
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 Med. Onion, chopped
1 - 16oz. can whole tomatoes
2 - 8oz. cans of tomato sauce
6 C water
6 t Beef boullion
3 carrots, shredded
6t - Italian seasoning
1 t - Garlic powder
1/4 t - Salt
1 - 15oz can of red beans
1 C dry pasta, cook it to add towards the end.

1. Brown the beef with the onions and celery. Rinse and drain, return to the pot.
2. Add remaining ingredients to the beef and veggies except the beans and pasta.
3. Simmer for 30 to 45 min.
4. Add beans and cooked pasta.
5. Simmer for 5-10 min until beans and pasta are hot.

Hamburger Soup

2008-09-14T19:43:00.000-07:00

I got this recipe years ago from my good friend Joella, whom I have known since we were Targeteer 8's (old Primary class name). I absolutely love this soup. It is one of my comfort foods.

1lb hamburger
2 C - Potatoes, cubed
2 T - Parsley
3/4 C - Celery, diced
1 Qt - Tomato juice
2 Med. onion, chopped
1 - Bay leaf
2 T - Green pepper - minced
1/2 t - Garlic powder
1 t - Worchestershire sauce
1 Qt - water
3 t - Salt
1/2t - Allspice
1/4 C - Rice up to 1 cup

Cook hamburger, rinse and return to the pot. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer for 1 hour.

Menu Plan Monday - Sept. 15th

2008-09-14T19:36:00.000-07:00

Monday: Pasta Fagioli Soup & Homemade breadsticks
Tuesday: Tuna Noodle Casserole
Wednesday: Mexican Chicken Soup
Thursday: Swiss Steak
Friday: Chicken Wraps
Saturday: Tacos
Sunday: Breakfast for dinner

2008-09-09T15:16:00.000-07:00

Carmel Apple Bars

Who doesn't love a carmel apple? And the fall season just screams carmel apples to me!
Oh this recipe does look yummy! We will be trying this very soon.

Menu Plan Monday - Sept. 8th

2008-09-09T05:47:00.000-07:00

Monday: Chicken & Stuffing Casserole
Tuesday: Hamburger Soup & Cornbread
Wednesday: Breakfast for dinner - Waffles & Sausage
Thursday: Porcupine Meatballs
Friday: Sweet N Sour Chicken - Chef Steve
Saturday: Lunchbox Pizzas

Sunday: BLTs & Soup

**Recipes to come....

Yummy Recipe Links......

2008-09-05T05:45:00.000-07:00

Here are some links to some yummy recipes I'm adding to my recipe box!

Pan Seared Green Beans - Your Homebased Mom

Homemade Oatmeal Mix - Taste of Home

Carrot Muffins - Solomon Family Delights

Carrot Soup - Solomon Family Delights

Carrot Cake - Solomon Family Delights
Apple Pastry Squares - Taste of Home
Lunch Box Pizzas - Taste of Home
Chicken & Stuffing Casserole - Kaboose Recipes Newsletter
B's Best Cookie Ever - The Queen B
Coconut Chicken - The Queen B

The Queen B has a great recipe list that I will be adding to my recipe box too, some I have added here. I am finding so many great recipes! I can hardly wait to cook dinner and that is just not like me. I will bake all day, no problem. You want some bread, some brownies, some good-ole chocolate chip cookies? I will be in the kitchen to make them. Dinner has been a different story until now!

More to come.....

Porcupine Meatballs

2008-09-02T10:59:00.000-07:00

My sister makes this recipe and it is a family favorite. I was too lazy to type it in so I found the recipe online instead. However our recipe differs from this one with just a couple of ingredients. We like to line the pan with rice before placing the meatballs in the pan. We also like to give it a little kick by adding Tabasco to the tomato sauce/soup. Of course this is done sparingly as we are feeding children too! One hint of spice and the whole table quits eating!

Porcupine meatballs are made with ground beef, rice, onion, tomato soup, and seasonings.

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 pound lean ground beef
2/3 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 large can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 cup water
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

PREPARATION:

Combine the ground beef, rice, onion, salt, and pepper. Shape meat mixture into 1-1/2in. balls, place in greased casserole dish. Combine the soup, Tabasco/chili powder, and water and pour over the meatballs. Cover and Bake at 350 for about 1 hour.

If you like extra rice, add another 1 cup of rice and sprinkle over the bottom of the casserole dish and adjust your water accordingly.

Menu Plan Monday - Sept 1st

2008-08-31T22:22:00.000-07:00

I didn't post a menu plan last week and I was lost! I had my menu calendar filled out. I just didn't post it and so I didn't follow it. I won't be doing that again. Menu planning has helped me enjoy making meals and I feel like I am in control during the dinner hour instead of the dinner hour controlling me! So here is for his week:

Monday: Pizza Pull-aparts
Tuesday:Teriyaki Chicken & Veggies
Wednesday:Porcupine Meatballs
Thursday: Baked Potato Bar
Friday: Phad Thai - Chef Steve
Saturday: Leftovers
Sunday: Crockpot Thai Chicken

I just wanted to get this posted, now that it is Tuesday and I will link/add recipes later today.

BYU Brownies

2008-08-30T23:02:00.000-07:00

I have gone down to BYU's Women's Conference off and on for many years. It is a great week spent with my sister-in-law, Mary, and her family. Everytime we go to the conference we have to have the BYU brownies. There is always a line-up waiting! It is worth waiting for. I have never really thought about trying to make these yummy treats. I am not sure why either! Included in our food storage is all the makings for brownies. Brownies cure everything, I am sure of it!

One of my new favorite blogs is Your Homebased Mom. She has great recipes and beautiful photography. I have made a couple of her recipes and just love them! This time she really made my day when she posted the recipe for the BYU brownies! I think this will become our Sunday afternoon treat! I try to save deserts to Sundays and Family Nights on Mondays.

BYU Mint Brownies

from the BYU Magazine

1 C butter

1/2 C cocoa

2 Tbsp honey

4 eggs

2 C sugar

1 3/4 C flour

1/2 Tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 C chopped walnuts (optional)

12 oz. chocolate icing (You could use the recipe for the mint icing below just add about 1/3 C of cocoa and leave out the mint extract and green food coloring)

Mint Icing|

5 Tbsp butter

dash of salt

3 Tbsp milk

1 Tbsp light corn syrup

2 1/3 C powdered sugar

1/2 tsp. mint extract

1-2 drops green food coloring

Melt butter and mix in cocoa. Allow to cool. Add honey, eggs, sugar, flour, baking powder and salt. Mix well. Add nuts. Pour batter into a greased 9 x 13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Cool.

Prepare mint icing. Soften butter. Add salt, corn syrup and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Add mint extract and green food coloring. Mix. Add milk gradually until the consistency is a little thinner than cake frosting.

Spread mint icing over brownies. Place brownies in the freezer for a short time to stiffen the icing. Remove from the freezer and carefully add a layer of chocolate icing.

My new blog - Jeni's Recipe Box

2008-08-30T22:47:00.000-07:00

I really don't need another project. However, I have had so much fun finding great recipes and blogs with recipes that I thought I would start a new blog to showcase those recipes. Some of the recipes will come from my own recipe box. Others will be linked from blogs that I have found and recipes from family too. So, stay tuned for some yummy stuff! My first recipe will be an awesome brownie recipe!