Oddible Sublime

Wickedly Delicious Fudge

2011-06-13T15:15:00.000-07:00

This is posted especially for my family as they all raved about it and asked for the recipe.

2 C. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 tsp. Vanilla
Dash of Salt

Put all ingredients into a saucepan and heat on low. Stir constantly until smoothed and melted. Take from heat and pour into a 9x9 pan coated with wax paper.

Refrigerate for 2-3 hours. Pull out of pan by wax paper and cut into desired pieces.

I served this as an appetizer for people while I figured they would have to wait for the grill to heat up. I served it with kiwi, strawberry, and banana slices. It was an absolute hit!

Freezer Meals

2011-06-02T22:35:00.000-07:00

Check out new freezer meals being added. I am on a big kick of saving money, time and creating a stockpile for my family. Many freezer recipes will be doubled as this creates opportunity to build a freezer stockpile. Doubling simply gives you a meal for that evening and then saving the other half for a later date. It works great. In this freezer meal adventure I am also finding that couponing has become much more benificial so look for posts, tips or links on couponing. I will also post, tip or link to help you better utilize and understand freezer meals.

Barbecue Pulled Pork

2011-06-02T21:31:00.000-07:00

6 lb. Pork
1 C. Coke
1 C. Ketchup
1 C. Barbeque Sauce

Throw in crockpot, cook on low for 8-10 hours. 2 hours before serving shred the pork and place it back in the crockpot.

Freeze:
Ziploc Bag
3-5 Months

Serve:
Unthaw and heat thoroughly.

Grab & Go Option:
Place on preferred roll or bun in serving size and put in baggies then freeze.

Thank you to Rebecca Allen for the recipe!

Chocolate Chip Muffins

2011-06-02T21:28:00.000-07:00

2 C. All-purpose Flour
1 C. Semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 C. Light Brown Sugar, packed
1 Tbsp. Baking Powder
1/2 tsp. Salt
1 C. Milk
1/2 stick Butter, melted
1 lrg. Egg

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease 12 muffin cups with shortening or use cupcake fillers.

Mix flour, chocolate chips, brown sugar, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Mix milk, melted butter and egg in a small bowl. Stir milk mixture into the flour mixture until blended.

Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, divided equally. Bake until golden brown, 18-22 minutes. Transfer muffins to wire racks to cool.

Yields: 1 dozen

Freeze:
Ziploc Freezer Bags
Up to 6 weeks

Serve:
Defrost in microwave on high for 15-20 seconds, as needed.

Cream Cheese Chicken

2011-06-02T09:27:00.000-07:00

2 (.7oz) envelope Italian Dressing Mix
1 C. Butter
4 lbs. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
2 (10.75oz) can Cream of Chicken Soup
2 (8oz.) pkg. Cream Cheese

Turn slow cooker on high. Place butter in bottom of slow cooker. When the butter has melted, add envelopes of italian dressing dry mix. Stir into butter until well mixed. Cut chicken breasts into 1" strips. Place in slow cooker and stir to coat with butter and dressing mix. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours. Remove chicken to plate to cool. Add cream of chicken soups and cream cheeses. Stir to melt and mix well until smooth and creamy. Remove sauce from slow cooker and allow to cool. Place chicken and sauce into a gallon resealable freezer bag. Label. Freeze.

Serve: Thaw. Heat until piping hot and bubbly. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice or hot buttered noodles.

Recipe by: www.30mealsinoneday.com
*Recipe not originally doubled

Shredded Beef Enchiladas

2011-06-02T09:25:00.000-07:00

3 lb. Beef Chuck Roast
1/4 C. Water
1-1/2 C. Beef Broth
3 Tbsp. Red Wine Vinegar
2 Tbsp. Chili Powder
1 Tbsp. Ground Cumin
1 Lrg. Onion, chopped
2 (4oz.) can Chopped Green Chile Peppers
1 Tbsp. All-purpose Flour
2 C. Sour Cream
3 C. Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese, divided
1 C. Oil for frying
20 (6-inch) Corn Tortillas

Place roast in a large saucepan that has a tight fitting lid. Pour water, cover and simmer on low for 30 minutes. Increase heat to med/high, and brown the roast on all sides. Once the water has boiled away, pour in the beef broth, vinegar, chili powder and cumin. Cover tightly and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until the beef falls apart when you try to pick it up. Shred the beef, using forks or your fingers. Place shredded beef back into the saucepan with all the juices, and let it cool to room temperature.

In a large skillet, saute the onion until just soft, not browned. Mix in flour and green chiles. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook the flour taste out. Stir in sour cream and 2 cups monterey cheese. Cook on low for 10 minutes, stirring often, until the cheese is all melted and mixed. Set aside and let cool.

In a large heavy skillet, heat the olive oil. Using tongs dip the tortillas, one at a time, into the oil for 30 seconds each side. Drain on paper towels.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spread 4 Tbsp of sour cream mixture down the center of the tortilla. Top with about the same amount of beef. Roll up and place seam side down in one for two 8x11 inch baking dish. Repeat for each tortilla. Continue until your are out of the filling. Sprinkle with remaining monterey jack cheese.

Bake in a pre-heated oven for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbling.

Frozen:
Only prepare the shredded beef and sauce portion. Freeze and lable in a freezer ziploc bag. Store up to 4 Months.

Serve:
Do the last few steps when preparing to serve the thawed shredded beef.

*This was a recipe from AllRecipes.Com by Christy Campbell

Monster Chowder

2011-05-09T09:53:00.000-07:00

10 bacon strips, diced
1 C. carrots, diced
3 Tbsp. Flour
3 C. Milk
1-1/2 C. Water
2-1/2 C. Potatoes, cubed
1 can Corn
2 tsp. Chicken Bouilion
Pepper to taste
3 C. Cheddar Cheese, shredded
2 C. Fully Cooked Ham, cubed

Cook bacon to crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain and then dice. Pour about 1/3 C. of bacon drippings into large pan. Over medium high heat saute carrots in the bacon drippings until tender.

Stir in flour until well blended. Gradually add the milk and water. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until slightly thickened.

Add potatoes, corn, bouilion and pepper. Reduce heat to low and allow to cook/simmer uncovered for 20 minutes or until potaotes are tender.

Add cheese and ham, heat and stir until cheese is melted. Stir in bacon.

Yields: 10 Servings

HINT: Double the recipe and freeze the other half for a later date.

Nate’s Jalapeño Bagels

2011-04-08T14:26:00.000-07:00

1 3/4 cups lukewarm water
1/2 tsp. dry yeast
2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 Tbsp. sugar
5 to 6 cups flour
1/3 cup jalapeño, chopped
1/4 cup dried red peppers

Mix water, yeast, salt, & sugar. Add flour and jalapeños, mix into a ball. Knead for 10 - 12 minutes adding more flour if necessary, until dough is stiff. Add red peppers and knead for 3 min. Let dough rest 10 min, then cut into 12 pieces with a knife.

Roll each piece of dough on a table to form long cigar like shapes. Then, for each of the pieces, connect the two ends by over lapping them about 3/4 of an inch and rolling the ends together to make a ring shape. Make sure each joint is secure or it will come apart while boiling.

Cover with a damp towel and let rise 1 to 1 1/2 hours in a warm spot. In a large pot, bring 1 to 2 gal of water to a rolling boil. Place bagels in boiling water & boil until they float (15 to 30 sec). Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake @ 400 for 10 - 15 min or brown. Makes approximately 15 odd shaped bagels.

http://www.squidoo.com/chocolate-cookie-recipes

2011-04-07T09:55:00.000-07:00

Looking for the best chocolate cookies? From Monster cookies to Cookie Dough Balls: http://www.squidoo.com/chocolate-cookie-recipes Also, you will find tricks to keeping your cookies SOFT!

Tangled Reggie - Named by my Kids

2011-04-06T15:07:00.000-07:00

I was out of ideas. My cupboard was full (had just gone shopping) but I forgot a few necessities for some of my meals and was without a crock-pot for the other. I had to improvise. I'm so glad that I did! This was a really great meal that my kids actually thanked me for and gobbled up! Oh, and they named it too. Here's the recipe:

Rotini Noodles (about 1 cup)

1 lb Hamburger

Garlic Salt

Salt

Pepper

1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup

1 jr of Bertoli's Four Cheese Rosa

Mozzerrella Cheese (shredded)

Preheat oven to 350

Boil noodles until soft. Drain water. Do NOT rinse. (I actually forgot to and it turned out to be good). Brown hamburger with desired seasonings. After hamburger is browned, add in the mushroom soup and Bertoli's. Mix the noodles and sauce mixture together in an 8x13 pan. Add desired amount of Mozzerrella cheese on the top. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

This goes really well with Garlic Bread!

Peanut Butter Fruit Dip

2011-02-11T15:28:00.000-08:00

Ingredients
2 cups skim milk
1/2 cup light sour cream
1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding
1 cup Reduced Fat Peanut Butter
1/3 cup sugar
Apple and banana slices (or any fruit of your choice) I used Apples, Bananas, Celery, & Pretzels

Directions:
Combine milk, sour cream, and pudding mix in medium bowl. Whisk until smooth. Stir peanut butter until evenly mixed throughout; measure after stirring. Stir peanut butter and sugar into pudding mixture; mix until well blended.
Serve with sliced apples, banana's etc. Store in refrigerator. If dip becomes too thick, stir in additional milk.

This is great for a healthy, quick, afternoon snack for those hungry kids whether just getting home from school or in need of a pick-me-up before dinner. It is to die for, I couldn't quit eating it by the spoonfuls!

Cheesy Ham Bake

2010-12-12T10:16:00.000-08:00

This recipe is from FABULOUS FREEZER MEALS by Jenny Ahlstrom Stanger. You may recognize the title from one of my freezer meals. Very easy to make and store. The step by step instructions make this recipe no contest to use in one of your family planned meals for the month. I won't be postng many of her recipes as she has done the work for you to buy her book - but please try it out and the few others I will eventually post. It will be worth it for your family and pocket book.

1 pkg. (13-16 oz.) Rotini, or other small sturdy pasta
2 C. cubed Fully Cooked Ham
1 can (10 3/4oz.) Cream of Chicken Soup
1 C. (8 oz.) Sour Cream
1/2 C. Chopped Onion
1/2 C. Sliced Olives, op.
1 Tbsp. Mustard
1/2 tsp. Seasoned Salt
1 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce

TOPPING:
1 C. soft Breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
2 Tbsp Butter or Margarine, melted
1 C. Shredded Cheese

Cook noodles for 10 minutes or until they just start to soften in boiling water; drain and place in a large bowl. Add the ham, soup, sour cream, onion, olives, mustard, seasoned salt, and worcestershire sauce.

Transfer to 2 greased 9x13 inch baking dishes or foil pans. In a bowl, toss breadcrumbs and butter; add cheese. Sprinkle over casseroles. Cover one casserole with several layers of plastic wrap, label and freeze.

Bake the second casserole, uncovered, at 325 degrees for 30 minutes or until heated through.

TO SERVE:
Remove wrapping and bake frozen casserole, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 90 minutes. Or thaw in refrigerator overnight and bake, uncovered, at 325 degrees for 55 minutes or until heated through.

YIELD: two 9x13 inch pans (8 servings each)

Italian Loaf

2010-10-27T14:10:00.001-07:00

1 loaf of Rhodes frozen bread
1/2 to 1 lb hamburger (cooked)
sliced olives (desired amount)
2 oz. grated mozzerella cheese
2 oz. chedder cheese
1-2 C. Ragu spaghetti sauce
mushrooms (desired amount)

Thaw bread until it is soft and easy to work with. Roll out on bread board into a 12x13 rectangle.
Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter and cut into the dough from each side about 2 in. every inch to inch and a half. Do not cut into the center too far!
Spread spaghetti sauce all through the middle of the dough. Then place the cooked hamburger and the olives, cheeses and the mushrooms on top of the hamburger.

Braid the loaf.

Bake at 350 for 20 min. Brush top with melted butter.

It will serve 6-8 people.

A Little More Insight

2010-09-16T08:11:00.001-07:00

The freezer meals have been heaven. We have not eaten out once this last week or so (excluding my hubby's B-Day), and there have been many opportunities. I can already see a significant difference in the checkbook and in our home. It's so nice to have regular meals every night and left overs waiting in the fridge for the next day.

It hasn't taken alot of time to get bulk foods prepared and frozen - and the meals as well. At this point, however, I am leaning toward a freezer meal group. I like what I'm doing now but with a freezer group I will be able to get even more new meal options and recipes that perhaps I would have never tried before. I will post a few recipes within the next day or two so you can try it out and see if you like it.

I will also come up with a freezer meal group plan and guideline so you and your friends can start one.

P.S. Have I mentioned how great it is not to be slaving in the kitchen every night!

First Day of Cooking

2010-09-10T12:19:00.000-07:00

This is my first time cooking for freezer meals and it was a bit different but so nice. I can already think of a few things I would like to buy for my kitchen to make this a tad bit easier but all in all it went great. I have kind of a busy schedule today so I was only able to get a few things done.

I completed:
Bulk Cooked Rice
Bulk Bacon
2 Hawaiian Haystack Meals
2 Creamy Chicken and Rice Meals
2 Cheesy Ham Bake Meals

I could have gotten another 2 meals done but I was missing an ingredient that I had forgoten. This took me a total time of about 1-1/2 hours. There was no need for it to take that long except that I had to pick up my son from Kindergarten and make an after school snack for him.

I can see that as I get used to making freezer meals I will be able to lessen the time I spend preparing them - especially as I get used to the recipes and I do like meals on the same cook day. I figure every two weeks I will spend 2 days (2 hours each day) preparing about 16-20 meals. Not Bad! I am also excited to venture into the desserts, appetizers, smoothies and breads ... Freezing!

.... I may need a small deep freeze! :)

Grocery Shopping ...

2010-09-09T14:58:00.000-07:00

Today was my first time for grocery shopping - planning for freezer meal cooking. I have to say - I was rather excited with the outcome.

Grand Total: $98

Includes:
-Recipes From Oddible Sublime
Mom's Chicken Noodle Soup
Fettucine Alfredo
Beef N' Broccoli Stir Fry & Fried Rice
-Recipes From Freezer Meal Cook Book
Hawaiian Haystacks
Creamy Chicken and Rice Bake
Cheesy Ham Bake
Sirloin Tips with Mushroom Gravy
Chicken Puffs
Garlic Mashed Potates

All of these meals are doubled and will be frozen. The price also includes bulk items I bought for freezing and bags and containers as well!

Breaking it down:
16 Meals
4 Side Dishes of Garlic Mashed Potates

I will be using only 12 this month and carrying over 4 to the next. By doing this each month I will build up a supply for those times I don't have time to cook, hot summer months when I don't want to cook, and when our baby comes and I can't cook. Those seem to be my major priorities with this.

That breaks down to about $6 a meal, and the meals are even big enough to leave plenty of left overs for Hubby at work.

... I will be having my cooking day tomorrow and I'll report on how much time I actually spend on cooking for 16 meals, bulk and side dishes. I will also post all the recipes from my freezer cooking book that I have used ... hopefully with some pix.

New Things Are Happening!

2010-09-08T11:20:00.000-07:00

Due to recent events I have decided to undergo a transformation in my kitchen. I am making my way into freezer meals - whether by myself or in a group is yet to be determined. Reasons I am choosing to go this route is listed below and I'm guessing many of you can relate.

1. Busy! Busy! Busy! - We have stuff pop up all the time; soccer games, appointments, the sickies, family events and so forth. Eating out is inevitable!
2. Tired of the Regular! - I am tired of 5:00 rolling around and I've got to stop what I'm doing to get on dinner.
3. Hubby is Hopeless! - I love my husband but I've come to grips with the fact that he is hopeless to take care of himself (meal wise) when I'm gone.
4. Money! Mula! Kizash! - Whatever you want to call it - I'm tired of spending it!

I will post more on this as I get it put together. I will be doing Freezer Meals in my own home for the next two weeks and see how it goes. A few hours of cooking - and eating from it for weeks. What could be better than that! I will report on how it goes!

Manicotti

2010-08-07T09:04:00.000-07:00

8oz. Box of Manicotti
1 Jar Prego Spaghetti Sauce
2 C. Ricotta Cheese
4 C. Mozzerella Cheese, divided
1/2 C. Fresh Parmesan
2 Tbsp. Dry Basil
1 Gal. Storage Bag

Prepare Manicotti as directed on the package. Be sure to not overcook as you want the manicotti shells a little rubbery and tough. This will ensure a little bit easier time of stuffing.

As the manicotti is being prepared coat a 9x13 inch dish with cooking spray. Even spread 1/2 of the spaghetti sauce in the bottom of the dish.

In a one gallon storage bag pour 3 C. mozzerella cheese, basil and ricotta cheese. Seal the bag and begin to smoosh around the contents. Very theraputic for a stressed out mom. LOL. Mix and squish until well blended.

Take manicotti shells out of the pot of water and lay on surface to dry a little. You can immediatley begin filling the shells. Cut a small to medium size hole at the corner of your storage bag. You will then squeeze the cheese mixture into each manicotti shell. By doing this process it will lessen the likely hood of split shells. What a headache that can be! You should only be able to have 12 prepared manicotti when finished.

Lay each manicotti in dish with layered spaghetti sauce. After that you evenly spread the remaining spaghetti sauce over the manicotti. Sprinkle with remaining mozzerella cheese.

Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Take out and sprinkle the parmesan overtop. Return to oven for another 10 minutes. ... Enjoy!

You can also prepare spahetti noodles and extra sauce on the side to add to your Italian dish. Yummers!

Chicken Parmesan

2010-07-04T10:03:00.000-07:00

Another quick and easy Italian dish for the family.

1 sm. box Spaghetti Noodles
1-2 jars Favorite Spaghetti Sauce
4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Halves
Italian Bread Crumbs
1-2 C. Mozzerella Cheese
1-2 Egg(s)
Parmesan (if desired)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Prepare spaghetti noodles for meal. If you need directions on how to do this - use directions on the box of noodles.

Wash chicken, cutting fat off, to prep for dish. I like to cut up the chicken halves as well, giving more to serve - especially when little children are at the table.

Dip each chicken piece in egg - then dipping in Italian bread crumbs - completely coated. Place chicken in a 9 x 13 inch pan. Place pan in heated oven for 20 minutes.

When 20 minutes is complete take out of oven and pour spaghetti sauce over the chicken. I would recommend using more than one jar if you are serving more than 3 people. Remember - you are using this sauce to coat spaghetti noodles as well. Layer chicken pieces with mozzerella cheese. Use the desired amount that you would like. Place back in the oven for 10 minutes.

Serve with prepared spaghetti noodles. To complete your meal I would recommend lime green cottage cheese jello and a garlic french toast. Delizioso and so easy to make.

Cheesy Words

2010-06-28T06:57:00.000-07:00

A fun way to teach your kid how to spell!

I put all the crackers scrambled in front of my son with letters already "cheesed" on. I told him to spell his name with the crackers, then when he was done he had a yummy snack to eat!

Energy V8 Juice

2010-06-24T16:13:00.000-07:00

This will start your day off with a zing. Ten times better than coffee. Fruit and vegetable juices are the cleansers, energizers, builders and regenerators of the human system.

Major Ingredients - adding each to your desired taste.
Carrot
Apple
Beet
Celery
Tomato
Lemon

With all the nutrients, vitamins, enzymes and minerals found in raw whole foods it is common sense that these amazing mixtures that can be concocted and thrown into a juicer can cause energy, clear thinking, weight loss and so so so much more.

Fat Sucking Juice

2010-06-23T22:40:00.000-07:00

I'm going to be real with you on this juice. It WILL NOT be your favorite taste - but it WILL BE your friend. This recipe and a few others will suck fat off you like no other. I will go on to explain in other posts but as for now I will dish the secret.

Ingredient amount is enough to sustain you for a day (as you do not want to store juices any longer than that).
2 cucumber
1 grapefruit
1 bunch Celery
2 Apples
1 Lemon
1 Spinach

Juice Away.

Drink first 8oz. in the morning and store remaining juice in an airtight glass container/jar. Drinking the remaining throughout the day.

More on Juicing for Life Later...

Refreshing Lemon Cake

2010-06-07T15:29:00.000-07:00

1 box lemon cake (I used Betty Crocker brand, seemed to keep moist)
1 3.4 oz box instant vanilla pudding
1 8oz cool whip, thawed

Mix lemon box cake per direction, and let completely cool.
Mix instant vanilla pudding per direction and let set in fridge for 5 minutes; spread over cooled lemon cake, spread cool whip over top and enjoy!! Refreshing and ooh so good!

Confessions of a Housewife

2010-06-01T15:04:00.000-07:00

...I am an organizer at heart. I love to be very chill but that only happens when things in my life are "together". Is it even possible for an individual to be like that or is it all housewives? I would love to hear your confession to this so perhaps I don't feel so strange.

Don't laugh - but I have templates that I have made up for myself to make organization a little more simple. My Housewife Link to Survival. Just click on the template to view larger or print.

This is the "Calendar". This gives me the overall look of what is happening in a specific month.
-Events to Remember
-Freezer Meals: notable place of what I will be making extra of and storing in the freezer. Excellent place to go back and reference when using freezer meals.
-Projects To-Do: I can't tackle all my projects that I have yet to do and what I want to do - in one amazing month. But I place one or two projects here and I make sure to get them done. That way they don't build up!
-Deep Clean: Write down one or two rooms in your house that will be deep cleaned (aka spring cleaned). Of course keep up on your housework throughout the house but I find that by deep cleaning one or two rooms each month it isn't too much to handle and my house stays pretty clean. Continue to rotate rooms and you will find that by the time you get around to the beginning again, it isn't so disgusting!

Think I'm crazy yet? ... Let's move on!

"Deep Clean Checklist" This template is a generic checklist that one can go by so as not to forget the little things throughout a deep clean. Also helpful when moving.

... it gets better!

"Menu Planner" So helpful when planning meals. Also an excellent link to saving money. Use this when grocery shopping!
Explanation Below:
Meal: Name of Meal
Item: Ingredients needed in meal/or that needs to be picked up at the store
#: Qty of Ingredients needed in meal/or that needs to be picked up at the store
T: Type of Meal = F, frozen (double batch to freeze for later). R, regular

and finally...

"Budgeting" Also Known As - My Peace of Mind. I destress when I see this paper. I love to see things paid off and extra money in savings. This is my tool used to save money and pay expenses off earlier.
Instructions Below:
Write Fixed Expenses First
Min. Pay= List Minimum Amount Due
Due Date= Write Due Date
PP= Pay Period this is paid in. (1st paycheck of the month or 2nd)
Interest= Interest on the expense
$ Added= Can you place anymore money on this expense to pay off sooner.
Total Due= Write down Amount that will be paid that month
Now owe= What’s left owing after payment is made

Using these templates I feel stronger. I don't worry if I am giving my family a good meal, if my house is in shambles, and if my hubby will go to school or retire someday! My hubby and I have been through the stresses and not too many years ago, and we work so hard to keep on top of everything. This is one of my greatest links to chill town for myself and marital bliss for hubby and I.

Crazy? Or Not so Much?

Frog Bellies

2010-05-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again! Hello family reunions and backyard parties. Frogbellies can feed a huge crowd and everyone loves them. I have only been using Rhodes Rolls but it is so much better with homemade bread.

Rhodes Rolls or Homemade Bread
Vegetable Oil
Chili
Homemade Honey Butter Spread
Jelly or Jam

Manipulate thawed dough to a somewhat thin and not perfect circle. Do this buy meshing and pinching them with your palms and fingers. It takes a little practice!

Place in hot oil - either over the oven, dutch oven - or which ever you prefer. Allow to brown on each side. Place on paper towel to soak up some oil and cool.

Garnish with Chili, Honey Butter Spread, Jelly or Jam, or whatever yummy thing you can think of. Have fun with it.

Your family and guests will line up for more! Guaranteed!

One Year Supply for $5.00 a week for 2 people

2010-05-19T11:40:00.000-07:00

If you will notice to your right we will continue to have a weekly plan of what to buy for 2 people to sustain life for 1 year. These ideas come from "Practical Preparedness" by Tina Monson

Each week take $5.00 and then buy the specified items for that week. Remember that some weeks will not use all of the $5.00 and some weeks will use more than $5.00. Plan to set aside $5.00 each week regardless. There are also a few weeks you will have nothing to buy, but set aside the money for those weeks as well. By the end of the 52 weeks you will have 700 lbs of wheat, 240 lbs of sugar, 40 lbs of powdered milk, 13 lbs of salt, 10 lbs of honey, 5 lbs of peanut butter, 45 cans of tomato soup, 32 cans of mushroom soup, 15 cans of tuna fish, 10 boxes of macaroni and cheese, 500 aspirin, 730 multiple vitamis, 6 lbs of dried yeast, and 6 lbs of shortening. This should sustain 2 people for 1 year.

**Remember to add $5.00 more for every 2 additional people in your family. You do not necessarily need to purchase these items in the week listed. If you find the items in Week 17 on SALE, buy them and move the current weeks items to Week 17.

Hawaiian Haystacks or Chinese Sundaes

2010-05-06T19:33:00.000-07:00

Gravy:
2 (10 3/4 oz.) cans cream of chicken soup
1 c. chicken broth
2 c. cooked and diced or shredded chicken
Combine soup and chicken broth in medium saucepan to make gravy, stir to blend. Add cooked chicken, simmer 8 to 10 minutes. 4 c. cooked long-grain rice
1 bag show mein noodles. On serving plates layer first rice, noodles, and chicken gravy, top additional ingredients to your tastes

Additional ingredients:
3 med. chopped tomatoes
1 c. chopped celery
1/2 c. chopped green pepper
1 (20 oz.) can cheddar cheese
1/2 c. slivered almonds
1.2 c. coconut

Weekly/Monthly Menu Planning

2010-05-03T08:08:00.000-07:00

Go on over to Donna Young's web site http://donnayoung.org/household/fullsize/kitchen-planner.htm and check out her variety of printable menu planners! It's the first week in May, so get started now - and don't forget to take recipes from Oddible Sublime!

Low-Fat Low-Carb Turkey Wrap

2010-04-30T13:00:00.000-07:00

I just found my new favorite lunch! and yes, that does imply that I am tired of Mac n' cheese!

Serves 1

1 large leaf green lettuce
1/4 tsp mustard (just enough to spread on you leaf of lettuce)
1 slice low-sodium oven-roasted turkey breast
1 slice of tomato (or chopped)
Black pepper to taste

Lay the lettuce leaf flat, and evenly spread mustard on it. Lay down the turkey and tomato. Season with pepper to taste. Tightly roll up the lettuce leaf and enjoy!

Calories 195
Fat 3g
Protein 35g
Sodium 120mg
Carbohydrate 13g

{Maximizing Your Results}

2010-04-30T12:52:00.000-07:00

"You should never exercise intensely for more than two hours at a time" Jillian Michaels states from her book "Making the Cut. It is important not to overdo it in a single exercise session, you can maximize your results by splitting your workout into two separate sessions. For example, you can resistance-train in the morning, and cardio-train at night. This means you burn calories not only during exercise but afterward. Jillian states "for hours afterward your body will continue to burn up to 25% more calories, thus elevating your BMR (basal metabolic rate).

I know that sometimes life can get so hectic and busy that you're lucky if you get to work out at all. So if you can't split your workout in two, do not fret. If you're working out once a day five days a week, be happy at least you're doing it!

Getting down to the "nitty-gritty"

2010-04-16T08:51:00.000-07:00

I have been in complete frustration over my body weight going on two years now. I haven't gained but I have not lost any either. I hear all the time the recommendation for macro nutrient ratios, little did I know that it was different for every single person's metabolic rate. So, I broke down ($12.43, at walmart, I know I'm cheap) and bought Jillian Michaels' new book, "Making the Cut." Wow, what an eye opener; turns out there are three different ways that we as people use food for fuel. What this means is that there are actually three different macro nutrient recommendations one could choose to follow, depending on how your body burns.

1. Fast oxidizers

Your ideal macro nutrient ratio is 20 percent carbs, 50 percent protein, 30 percent fat.

2. Slow oxidizers

Your ideal macro nutrient ratio is 60 percent carbs, 25 percent protein, and 15 percent fat.

3. Balanced oxidizers

Your ideal macro nutrient ratio is 40 percent carbs, 30 percent protein, and 30 percent fat.

There are pretty substantial differences between the three so it's no wonder I was not loosing any weight and often times I would find myself giving up. I mean there is only so much working out to do and not seeing results that it was frustrating.

I would suggest everyone WHO IS NOT HAVING ANY SUCCESS AT LOSING to visit this web site http://caloriecount.about.com/metabolic-types-eating-ft93247 and read the following excerpt , take a simple test, and find out what exactly your body prefers to run on. This author has gotten permission from Jillian Michaels to post the test on her web site. It came from the book "Winning by Losing" by Jillian Michaels. Same test as the "Making the Cut" only difference is the book I bought is for those looking to lose 20 lbs or less. Trust me, it could make a world of difference in your weight loss efforts!
After the simple test (~49 questions) you'll find out if you are a:

1. Fast oxidizers
2. Slow oxidizers
3. Balanced oxidizers

Just Google Metabolic Typing. You'll find lots of interesting stuff about it. For instant I am a slow oxidizer, I googled slow oxidizer diets to see what google brought up, you'll be amazed. In Jillian Michaels book "Making the Cut" I found out why I was not loosing any weight, I was doing the total opposite than what the results from the test were. I was avoiding carbs and eating more protein.

Right Snacks when Calorie Counting

2010-04-09T12:41:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, snacks can actually strengthen your calorie-counting efforts. Simply making a healthy snack choice could keep you happier and more successful with your diet. I find that if I go too long without eating, I am hungrier than I would be without a snack. Starve yourself and you are likely to overcompensate at your next meal. A 150-calorie snack will save you more than that at dinner.

Calorie Counting and Snacks

* Count the calories in those snacks. You have to include the calorie count of each snack in your total calorie count. Seems like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to forget about a handful of pretzels or nuts here and there.
* Be picky. You shouldn’t snack on just anything — you still want to find healthy, diet-friendly options.
* Plan ahead. Expecting that you’ll be hungry and figuring out what to eat ahead of time will make you more successful when hunger strikes. If you tend to get ravenously hungry in the mid-afternoon, be ready for a snack attack.

Best Snacks for Your Diet

A combination with a bit of fat, carbohydrates, and protein is likely to help ward off hunger longer, making it a smart use of calories:
* Yogurt and fruit
* A very small handful of nuts — it’s easy to get carried away with nuts, which are healthy but pack a calorie wallop
* Low-fat cottage cheese and fruit
* Sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and cottage cheese.
* Fruit slices or chunks topped with a tablespoon of peanut butter

Best Vending Machine Snacks

It’s almost inevitable that one day you will find yourself with no option but to faint from hunger or put your dollar in a vending machine. Have no fear — you can still make a choice that will not ruin your calorie counting. The best thing is to get a bottle of water and a granola bar. Almost every vending machine offers granola bars, but if you are faced with one that doesn’t, choose pretzels over chips.

Tempting as chocolate might be, avoid it. High-sugar snacks will simply put you back in the cycle of sugar highs and lows, which means that kind of snack won’t help you hold off hunger for long. The peanuts or almonds in some candies may be good for you, but they don’t make up for the total damage.

Though it doesn’t offer any nutrition, that old standard, sugarless gum, may be a good choice. A recent study of 115 adults showed that those who chewed sugarless gum about once an hour for three hours between lunch and a mid-afternoon snack ate 40 fewer calories in snacks than those who did not chew gum.

The bottom line on snacks: Making the right choices can keep your calorie counting and weight-loss goals on track.

Frogeye Salad

2010-03-30T08:34:00.000-07:00

Looking for a Salad for Easter dinner, look no further!

1 c. sugar
2 T. flour
1 ¾ c. pineapple juice
3 egg yolks, beaten
½ tsp. salt

Combine and cook over medium heat. Stir constantly until thick. Cool completely. Boil 1 ¾ cups Acini macaroni in salt water for 5 to 8 minutes. Blanch and cool. Place in large bowl. Add cooked mixture. Seal and let set in refrigerator overnight.

Next morning stir in:
1 pkg. miniature marshmallows
2 cans mandarin oranges, drained
1 can crushed pineapple
1 can pineapple tidbits, drained
2 med. Cool Whip

This is a very big salad!

G ma's and G pa's Sunday Lasagne

2010-03-30T08:23:00.000-07:00

1 bx. lasagna noodles (12 strips)
Cook as directed on the box. When boiling noodles remember to pour in about a Tbsp. of oil so the noodles won't stick together. Noodles are done when white. Place in cool water to separate.

Sauce:
1 lb. Hamburger - Brown & Drain
1 Jar Spaghetti
1 Cello Sliced Mushrooms
1 Can Diced Olives

Mix sauce and simmer 1 hour. Just a thought: Prepare sauce the night before serving for added flavor.

1 lb. Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded
1 lb. Pepper Jack Cheese, Shredded
1 (24oz) Cottage Cheese
(Add more mozzarella cheese and less pepper jack cheese if you don't like the hotter spice to it.)

Put Together:
Coat 9x13 pan with Pam
Layer 4 noodles on bottom
Sauce
Cottage Cheese
Mozzarella
Pepper Jack

Repeat 3 X's with cheese as the top layer.

Bake at 350 degrees for 1-1/2 hours. Make sure to place tinfoil over top as it cooks.

-Lime Green Cottage Cheese Jello goes incredible with this Lasagna and don't forget the garlic toast. You certainly won't be disappointed with this recipe.

My Apologies

2010-03-30T08:19:00.000-07:00

... for having not posted any new recipes for nearly three weeks. I just completed online school and it has been nice to take a break from the computer. I'm not sure how on top of this I will be as the liberation from the computer has been so nice, but I will certainly make more of an effort than I have been.

Snicker Apple Salad

2010-03-04T07:25:00.001-08:00

Looking for a easy side dish for dinner or a get together. I have just the salad for you.

Snicker Apple Salad
1 1/2 c. milk
1 pkg (3/4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 carton (8 oz) frozen whipped topping (thawed)
4 large apples (I use green)
4 snicker candy bars

In a large bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes or until soft set. Fold in whipped topping. Fold in apples and candy bars. Refrigerate until serving. And ENJOY! Yummy

Steak With Broccoli

2010-03-03T13:11:00.000-08:00

3 to 4 oz flank steak, or sirloin
Olive oil
Sea salt and pepper to taste
1 small baked potato
Dijon mustard
1 cup steamed broccoli
Lemon juice to taste

Brush steak with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Grill or broil steak on both sides for 5-7 minutes, or until degree of doneness is achieved. Serve steak with a small baked potato topped with country Dijon mustard and steamed broccoli topped with fresh lemon juice.

Nutrition Breakdown:
304 calories
30 grams protein
33 grams carbohydrate
6 grams fat
7.5 grams fiber

Kreativ Blogger award

2010-02-26T15:05:00.000-08:00

Unbeknownst to us We Save and U Save awarded us the Kreativ Blogger award we are so excited as this is our first award. Thank you, We Save and U Save for the award! We do have to follow some guidelines to help "Pay It Forward".

1.Post the award.

2.Thank and mention the person who gave you the award.

3.Pass the award on to seven bloggers whom you think embody the spirit of the Kreativ Blogger Award.

4.Name seven things about yourself that others don't know.

5.Don’t forget to notify your seven Kreativ Bloggers about their AWARD and post links to their blogs.

I award the Kreativ Blogger to......

1. Make and Takes - fun craft ideas for all ages!

2. Make ahead Meals for Busy Moms - always has a variety of fun and yummy recipes!!

3. Couponers United - a coupon site that is very creative!

4. The Idea Room - Always thinks of something to make that’s easy, quick, and cheap!

5. Little Birdie Secrets - creative ideas for cheap!

6. My Food Storage Deals - Has helped save money on groceries and get a start on food storage all at the same time.

7. The Krazy Coupon Lady - a coupon site that helps keep those grocery bills down.

Now, it's time to list seven things that you don't know about us.

1. We are sisters on a mission to help those “hard to find ideas for dinner” easier.

2. Brook is a mother of 4, wife to one, student, housekeeper, and loves to spice up life a little.

3. Brook would love to travel and see the world.

4. Katie is a little bit crazy mixed in with a lot of loud.

5. I love the outdoors and of course taking care of and spending time with my family. I am a mother of 1, sahm, and just finishing up school.

6. Tiff is a mother to a 4 year old son and 9 year old and 2 ¾ year old step-daughters and a boy arriving soon, also finishing bachelors in Psychology.

7. Tiff enjoys being creative with as many things as time will allow.

Rewards Jar

2010-02-21T20:45:00.000-08:00

I am sure many of you have read and have your own opinions on the controversial topic of whether or not reward systems are good for children. We have been doing this little rewards jar with our four year old and I am still up in the air about it.

Pro: He is so proud of himself when he earns beads for doing good things or having good behavior. He also understands what he did wrong when we are having to take a bead away.

Con: We wonder if he eventually got into the mind frame of "what do I get out of it". That's not the point!

How it works: Get a bag of beads and an empty jar with a lid. Mark lines that the child has to reach before they can get into the treasure box. The treasure box can contain little toys from the dollar store or whatever you like. Good behavior is rewarded with a bead and bad behavior, a bead is taken out. When there is a really bad habit or problem you may be dealing with your child allow them to earn extra beads or have extra beads taken away. This certainly got the problem under control for my child. Make sure you have your child put the bead in or take it out so they are aware and understand their behavior. (The picture shows an almost full jar but quite a few marks have been past and treasures rewarded).

I would love to hear what you think on this subject; everyone's comments are very welcomed.

Don't Cut Everything Out At Once.

2010-02-18T19:24:00.000-08:00

If it's slimming-down your looking for, counting calories, or just trying to eat healthier Don't Be to Tough On Yourself: When you are trying to shed pounds, there will probably be times when you will make a mistake or two and with that you begin to eat foods you miss. When this happens you may gain some of that weight back. Make sure that you don't take it too badly and do not be overly hard on yourself if it happens. If you surrender to the temptations and eat something you should not eat, just get back to your diet again and try to avoid the next temptation.

Don't Diet With No Options: It is extremely hard to go without all your favorite foods, whether it be french fries, ice cream, pizza, cheesecake, fried chicken, or potato chips, so you should look for some healthy options to eat instead.

What works for me...

2010-02-17T11:05:00.000-08:00

might not work for you! I have always been a breakfast eater, and always will be. I did not know the benefits of eating breakfast were so substantial until my nutrition class. When you skip breakfast, you are likely to become tired when your brain and body run low on fuel. By mid-morning, you might grab a cup of coffee or wolf down a sugary candy bar to wake up again. This might work for a few minutes, but by lunch time you are hungry, crabby, and perhaps your mood might make you a little more prone to make unhealthy choices at lunch. So, what should you have for breakfast? A good breakfast should provide a quarter to a third of the day’s nutrient needs.

#1. Eat Breakfast "I have 1/2 cup oatmeal, 1/2 cup 1% milk, 1 tsp flax seed (for fiber, which causes fullness), 2 Tlbsp sugar or honey (tastful). I add my carbohydrates in with 1 whole wheat toast spread with 1 tsp. butter. Total calories for my breakfast ~380 calories.

Breakfast is my big meal of the day with the most calories because I have all day long to burn it off. Therefore if I were to eat this many calories in the evening, the fat content in the food will sit contributing to the obese factor.
Look for #2 tip tomorrow!

Pizza Preference

2010-02-17T09:35:00.000-08:00

Oh the many ways you can make pizza! We love to mix it up in our home as we enjoy variety.

Large Pizza
1 Boboli Crust
1/2 bottle Pizza Sauce
1 C. Cheddar Cheese
1 C. Mozzerella
Desired Toppings

Spread pizza sauce over boboli crust. Layer 1/2 of each cheese, putting aside the other half for layering throughout. Layer evenly with desired toppings. Bake as directed on Boboli crust package. Serve.

Mini Pizza
1 pkg. of 3 Mama Mia Mini Crusts
1/2 bottle Pizza Sauce
1 C. Cheddar Cheese
1 C. Mozzerella
Desired Toppings per Individual

Prepare and cook just as you would with the large pizza. Get your kids in there and have them make there own. Having your children help with dinner will cut out the whining about eating dinner dramatically, and of course it is fun to make faces and show off what they can create.

Mini Calzone
Refrigerated pie crusts
1 egg, beaten
Parmesan, grated
Pizza Sauce
Cheeses
Desired Toppings per Individual

Preheat Oven to 375 Degrees.

Allow pastry shell to reach room temperature to be able to manipulate the dough better. Stuff with ingredients and seal well at the edges. Lay each on a greased pan. Baste each mini calzone with beaten egg then sprinkle parmesan over top. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Fun Idea: Mix cooked meatballs, sauce and some mozzerella cheese for a hot meatball sub.

What are some of your favorite ways to make pizza?

Boredom/Fun Bottle

2010-02-15T21:33:00.000-08:00

This bottle has been a life saver at many times and in others we have had so much fun.

Decorate an empty bottle of a decent size. Get your children involved in the decorating and ideas. Fun Family Night! Write on strips of paper and place in the bottle.

Boredom Bottle: Each time your child comes to you (this happens a lot in the summertime), whining that they are bored, without question have them grab a strip of paper from the boredom jar. The rule is that they must do it because they came to you telling you they are bored. (We hate that, right?!) The jar will contain a mixture of whatever you like. I put in strips of paper that contain chores that need done and I often don't get to (ie. dusting, washing walls). I have also put in strips of paper that are active outside things (ie. running around the house 5 times, jumping jacks) If they whine or complain about doing what the strip of paper said then they pull another. This will eliminate arguments with your children, headaches for you, and possibly stop the "Boredom Whine" altogether!

Family Fun Bottle:
We use this a lot for various reasons. When we can't decide together on what to do as a family, or when the kids want some ideas of what to do for fun time. Place some strips of paper in here of different game and activity ideas. Challenge: Place more active ones in the bottle rather than sitting down.

Introduction

2010-02-15T17:34:00.000-08:00

I would like to introduce myself, as I am a contributor to Oddible Sublime, my name is Brook and I will be focusing on Healthy for Life(see below post)! I am taking a Nutrition SCI 241 class through University of Phoenix and will be giving tips on Nutrition and more importantly I will be giving HEALTHY recipes to incorporate into our daily eating. Become a follower as this New Year with bring a New YOU!

~Food has many roles. It's a source of fuel, energy and nutrients. It affects your body weight. It alters your health and vital indicators, like cholesterol and blood pressure. Food is social and food is emotional. But the primary purpose of food is fuel. Your body needs fuel to function: proteins, fats and carbs. Your goal is to eat healthy, learn about balanced nutrition, and feed your body what it needs to survive. Hopefully you can eat healthier and live healthier every day through tips that I will share.

Healthy for Life

2010-02-15T15:49:00.000-08:00

We normally don't announce when we are adding new things to Oddible Sublime but this is worth Time & Attention. We are getting Healthy for Life. Calories will be shown at the end of a recipe post. There will also be labels of specific calories you may be looking for and many, many other great ideas for a meal rather than raking in the 1080 calories from the Fettuccine Alfredo OG Style. Ouch! I'm sure many more healthy ideas will be piled on top of the ones mentioned so follow and find out!

Golden Graham Smores

2010-02-15T12:53:00.000-08:00

3/4 c. light corn syrup
3 tbsp. butter
1 pkg. milk chocolate chips
1 tsp. vanilla
9 cups Golden Graham cereal
3 c. miniature marshmallows
Grease 9 x 13 pan. Heat syrup, butter and chocolate chips to boiling, stir constantly. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla. Pour over cereal in bowl, toss until coated. Fold in marshmallows 1 cup at a time. Press into pan with buttered back of spoon. Let stand 1 hour, or for quicker time set in fridge for 30 minutes. Cut into 2inch squares. Store at room temperature

Food Blocks

2010-02-15T12:14:00.000-08:00

I find it hard to limit the amount of snacks I eat throughout the day. The list of food blocks are 100-calories and are great for those in-between meals.
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup yogurt
1/2 an apple with a low fat mozzarella cheese stick
1 hard-boiled egg with baby carrots
1 banana
12 raw almonds
1 cup of skim, almond, rice, or soy milk
2 oz of sliced Turkey on 1 slice of light style whole wheat bread
1/2 of a whole-grain English muffin topped with 1 slice of tomato and a thin slice of reduced-fat cheese
1/2 cup nonfat pudding

Roast Beef Wrap

2010-02-11T09:30:00.000-08:00

4 oz. Deli sliced Roast Beef
1 oz. Feta Cheese, crumbled
1/2 oz. Black Olives, sliced
1 oz. Tomato, diced
1 Tomato Wrap (or preferred wrap)
1 oz. Cream Cheese

Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on one side of the wrap. Layer ingredients as you would on a pizza, in the followin order:
Roast Beef, Feta crumbles, Olives, Tomatoes

Tightly roll the wrap tucking ingredients as you roll. Slice and serve.

I got this from the Boar's Head Website. There are many excellent and relatively healthy ideas

Health Info:
Calories for whole wrap 485

Chocolate Delight Cake

2010-02-06T09:14:00.000-08:00

Cream Together:
2 C. Sugar
3/4 C. Shortening

Add one at a time, 2 eggs and beat well after each. Add 1 cup milk. Add alternately with 3 cups flour, 1/2 cup cocoa, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix very well. Add 1 cup boiling water with 2 teaspoons soda...real thin batter.

Makes 3 layer cakes or 2 layers and 1 dozen cupcakes. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Frosting:
3 heaping tsp. Cocoa
1/2 C. Cream
2 Tbsp. Butter, very soft
1 tsp. Vanilla
2 C. Powdered Sugar

Add first 4 ingredients, mixing well. Add powdered sugar to creamed mixture.

*This recipe was originally my Grandmothers. My mom taught all of her kids to make a cake from scratch on this cake. Now we get to enjoy my Mom baking this cake almost every Sunday.

*If you love cake batter this is an excellent recipe.

Healthy Info:
For 36 cupcakes - each is 129 Calories. This does not include the frosting.

Grandpa's Chum Bucket

2010-01-29T09:45:00.000-08:00

Original Recipe:
2 lb. Little Smokies
2 C. Ketchup
2 C. Brown Sugar

Mix ketchup and sugar together well. Pour into medium size crock pot and blend together well with little smokies.

Crockpot: low 6 hours, high 3-4 hours

Added on:
15 oz. can Pineapple Chunks
1 pkg. Polish Sausage, sliced slightly thick

Add ingedients to the mixture, perhaps making a little bit more sauce if needed. Stir well and allow to cook a little longer in Crockpot.

*My Dad loves to experiment in the kitchen and this is one of his more favored recipes. We decided to turn away Rootbeer Pancakes and Chili with Icecream. Ick!

California Casserole

2010-01-29T09:33:00.000-08:00

1 lb. Ground Beef
1 can whole kernal Corn
1 can Spaghetti Sauce
1-1/2 - 2 C. Macaroni Noodles
3/4 - 1 lb. Cheddar Cheese, grated
Salt & Pepper to taste

Brown hamburger in medium sized skillet.

Prepare macaroni noodles as directed on pacakage.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a 9x13 casserole dish, combine beef, corn, spaghetti sauce, macaroni noodles and 1/2 of the cheese. Blend together well and salt and pepper to taste.

Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. Take from oven and spread remaining cheese over top. Bake for another 5 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes and serve.

*This is something my husband concocted, trying to remember what he used to eat when growing up in San Diego many years ago.

Cream Pie Varieties

2010-01-24T11:46:00.000-08:00

I don't always find the time around those holidays that require pies. Here are a few quick and different kinds that will delight your whole family - atleast those with a sweet tooth.

CRUST:
1-1/2 C. Honey Grahams, crushed
2-1/2 Tbsp. Butter, melted
1 Tbsp. Sugar

Mix all together and form crust in pie pan.

FILLING:
6oz. Instant Pudding, (chocolate, coconut, banana, and more)

Prepare as directed on the box. Pour onto prepared crust. Refrigerate 4-6 hours.

Before serving take a can of spray whipped cream and design your pie. My son loves to help on this part!

*For a quick fun treat that doens't require the holidays, layer this little dessert inside the wide plastic see through cups.
-KIDS: Top with a worm and use oreos instead of prepared crust for a dirt cup. Let them build a snowman on top with slightly frozen whipped topping.
-Parties: Top with whipped topping and sprinkle with chocolate shavings or other flavored complimentary toppings.

Hello Dolly's

2010-01-22T21:01:00.000-08:00

I love this quick little treat for it's Delicious taste but I can't help but love it even more for the movie it reminds me of. Absolutely one of my old time favorites. So as you enjoy one of these yummy little bars you could slip this fun movie in and enjoy the best of both worlds.

Quote from the movie: As my late husband, Ephraim Levi, used to say, 'If you have to live from hand-to-mouth, you'd better be ambidextrous.'

1-1/2 C. Honey Graham's, crushed
1-1/2 C. Milk Chocolate Chips
1-1/2 C. Shredded Coconut
1-1/2 C. Butterscotch Chips
1 (14oz) Sweetened Condensed Milk
8 Tbsp. Butter, melted

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in an 8x8 pan. Mix well and form a crust. Layer chocolate chips, coconut, and butterscotch chips on top of crust. In whatever order you choose. Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over dish.

Bake in oven for 25-30 minutes, top should be lightly browned.

This is extremely yummy when warm or cooled.

Ham & Cheese Log

2010-01-22T10:21:00.000-08:00

1 Pillsbury Pizza Dough, Refrigerated
5-6 thick slices Ham
1 C. Cheddar Cheese, shredded
1/4 C. Mayonnaise
1 egg, beaten
1-2 Tbsp. Parmesan Cheese, grated (preferably fresh)

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Lay out pizza dough on counter, over top of flour so as not to stick. Shape should be about a 8x12 inch rectangle. Use rolling pin if needed.

Top with ham to within 1/2 inch of edges.

Mix the cheese and mayonnaise together and spread evenly over the ham.

Fold lengthwise into thirds, pinching seams together to seal. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet.

Brush with egg and sprinkle with Parmesan.
Bake 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 5 minutes before slicing.

*My son had not been eating dinner very well for the past 2 weeks. I had him help me make this easy to fix dinner and he loved it. I couldn't believe how much he scarfed down. My husband said it tasted like a 5 star hot pocket. I served it with steamed broccoli because that was all I had in the house at the time; but enjoy thinking of some creative ideas for sides.

Health Info:
Makes 7 slice servings. Each slice is approximately 325 calories

Army Jeep

2010-01-20T09:19:00.000-08:00

Take a medium to large size cardboard box. Sealed on all sides.
Cut a small door nearing the back of the box. Don't cut completely down to the bottom - leave about a 1/4 inch.
Cut out top, leaving about 6-12 inches in the front of the jeep.
Make a wind shield out of extra cardboard that has been cut out.

Let your child decorate as they like and they will play for hours.

I find it funny that my son made sure to find the american flag stickers I had.

Ginger-snap Cookies

2010-01-19T15:36:00.000-08:00

Here are the ingredients used to make these delicious old-fashioned cookies!

4 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 Tbs. cinnamon
1 Tbs. ginger
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. salt
3 sticks butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar, plus extra for rolling the balls in
1/2 cup molasses
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
Mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl and set aside. In a mixer bowl, cream the butter and sugars. Add the molasses, eggs and vanilla mixing well. Gradually add in the flour mixture and mix until it’s well combined. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or over night.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Shape the dough into 1″ balls and roll them in sugar. Place them on a baking stone or ungreased cookie sheets. Press the balls down with the bottom of a glass that is lightly greased and dipped in sugar. Bake for about 10-12 minutes.

Chewy Cereal Cookies

2010-01-18T15:19:00.001-08:00

6 C. Corn Flakes (or desired cereal)
1 C. Sugar
1 C. Corn Syrup
1 C. Peanut Butter (creamy or crunchy)
1 Tbsp Vanilla

Measure Corn Flakes and pour into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Set aside. In a medium sized sauce pan bring sugar and corn syrup to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat and add peanut butter and vanilla. Stir until peanut butter is melted. Pour the mixture onto the Corn Flakes and mix together. Can pour onto tin foil or wax paper. Enjoy munching when it has cooled and hardened together.

Banana Berry Smoothie

2010-01-11T20:54:00.000-08:00

1 C. low-fat Plain Yogurt
3 C. frozen Strawberries
2 Bananas, chopped
3/4 C. fat-free milk
1/4 C. Crushed Ice
1/4 C. Honey

Mix all ingredients in a blender. Serve chilled.

*Freeze left over fruit to use in future shakes and smoothies.

Calories figured in about a 10 oz. glass is 170.

Scotcheroo's

2010-01-11T20:37:00.000-08:00

1-1/2 Creamy Peanut Butter
1 C. Sugar
1 C. Corn Syrup
6 C. Rice Krispies
1-2/3 Butterscotch Morsels
1 C. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Coat 13x9 pan with cooking spray.

Combine peanut butter, sugar and corn syrup in a medium sauce pan. Heat until well melted. Remove from heat and pour over rice krispies. Press into pan.

Melt butterscotch and chocolate chips in microwave for 1-1/2 minutes or until completely melted, stirring often. Spread over top. Serve and enjoy!

*Thanks Amelia, for making this incredible treat.

Baloo's Root Beer Float

2010-01-11T14:17:00.001-08:00

Vanilla Ice Cream
Rootbeer Soda

For each person that you want to serve, place 1 scoop ice cream in a tall glass.

Pour in enough rootbeer to nearly fill the glass.

*This is from a family favorite 1990's Disney Cookbook. Yummy!

Shere Khan's Orange Float

2010-01-11T14:13:00.000-08:00

Vanilla Ice Cream
Orange Soda

For each person that you want to serve, place 1-2 scoops of ice cream in a tall glass.

Pour enough orange soda to nearly fill the glass.

*This is from a family favorite 1990's Disney Cookbook. Enjoy!

Minnie Mouse's Chocolate Frosting

2010-01-11T14:03:00.000-08:00

4 sqrs. Unsweetened Chocolate
1 (15oz). Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 Tbsp. Water

Microwave to melt chocolate. Heat and stir every 30 seconds. Once melted slowly stir in milk.

Heat again and stir constantly. Stir in water. Spread.

*This is from a family favorite 1990's Disney cookbook. Enjoy!

Positive Parenting - Redirection & Charts

2010-01-09T18:58:00.000-08:00

My husband and I have decided it was imperative to take a different approach to our parenting. We are a very close knit family and hate it whenever we raise our voices to our child just to get him to listen. Redirection makes a world of difference and the chart makes him feel so important and needed. Another reinforcement for this approach to parenting is the Love and Logic Classes or Book.

Click on image to see or print in full view.

If you are interested in learning more or have advice to give please leave a comment - this could make a great discussion for all parents.

Toast It Up

2010-01-08T10:45:00.000-08:00

Toast can be used for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Snack Time. Try some of these toast varieties... you know you want to.

Peanut Butter n' Banana
2 slices Bread
1/2 Banana
1-2 Tbsp. Peanut Butter

*This is one of Elvis Presley's faves.

Toasted Tomato
2 slices Bread
Butter spread
3-4 slices Tomato
1 Tbsp. Mayonnaise

*Don't forget a little salt

Scrumptious Holiday Toast
1 slice Bread
Butter spread
1/2 tsp. Sugar
1/4 tsp. Cinnamon

Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato & sometimes Cheese
2 slices Bread
1 Tbsp. Mayonnaise
Lettuce slice
1-3 pieces Bacon
1-2 slices Tomato
1 slice Cheese (optional)

Peanut Butter & Jelly
1 slice Bread
1-2 Tbsp. Peanut Butter
1-2 Tbsp. Jelly or Jam

*Enjoy Open Face

Whoo Pudding

2010-01-08T08:32:00.000-08:00

1 (6oz) Cook n' Serve Vanilla Pudding
1 (6oz) Raspberry or Strawberry Jello
1 (8oz) Whipped Topping
4 C. Water

Place water in medium pot until beginning to warm. Pour in pudding and jello, stirring often until it comes to a rolling boil. Pour in a serving dish and place in the refrigerator for about 4-5 hours to set.

4-5 hours later - take from fridge and with beaters, blend in whipped topping until completely mixed in. Serve chilled.

*This is an excellent side Salad/Jello and it's not just the kids who love it. We can't even count how many times this has been served at big family functions.

Morning Cocktail

2010-01-07T19:03:00.000-08:00

If you have never been acquainted with a juicer you have to try it out. I recommend borrowing a friend's before buying as this may not be your cup of tea. I could go on and on about the healthiness of juicing but if you are interested I'm sure I will see comments.

My Favorite Mix & The Benefits

Morning Cocktail
Apple (2): Cravings, herpes simplex, infections and weight issues
Celery (1): Infection & weight issues
Carrot (2): Allergies, canker sore, cellulite, cravings, depression, diabetes mellitus, eczema, herpes simplex, infections, weight issues & stress

This mix makes about 8-10 oz. The benefits named above are ones that I was more interested in. There are clearly so many more benefits that these fruits and veggies help with.

*Not long ago I used juices (morning cocktail in particular) to lose weight. I would replace 1-2 meals a day. I was surprised a few days after starting it that I didn't struggle at all with cravings and I was running crazy with energy. -Who doesn't need that with kids? This drink is so yummy and gets your day starting off on the right foot.

-You would be shocked at all the benefits that come along with juicing.

Health Info:
148 Calories for a 7 ounce cup.

Crock Pot Roast & Gravy

2010-01-06T19:30:00.000-08:00

3 lb. Rump Roast
2 Tbsp. Oil
1 Lipton Dry Onion Soup Mix
1 sm. can Cream of Mushroom
1/2 C. Water
Pepper to desire

Pour oil onto skillet and brown roast on all sides. Sprinkle with desired amount of pepper and place in a crock pot. With the remaining oil add water and grab a fork or whisk to stir around and grab the drippings from the browning.

Pour dry onion soup mix and cream of mushroom soup into crock pot. Stir around the roast a little. Add oil and water mixture and stir a little more.

Cook for 4-5 hours on high or 7-8 on low - stirring around occasionally and even turning the roast.

Serve with mashed potatoes as this makes the very best gravy. So simple and so tender and yummy. My little boy ate it up like crazy!

Health Info:
Serving 8 people with a 1 Cup Serving of both Mashed Potatoes and of Gravy and Roast approximate caloric intake is 518 Calories. This is when using skim milk and some butter in the mashed potatoes.

Chicken Enchiladas

2010-01-05T09:11:00.000-08:00

12-16 Flour Tortillas
1 lb. Sour Cream
1 lrg. can Cream of Chicken Soup
1 lb. Grated Cheddar Cheese, divided
1-1/2 lbs. Boneless Chicken Breasts
Desired Toppings

Boil chicken breasts for about 7-9 minutes, or until cooked through. Cut chicken in cubes and stir together sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and half of grated cheese. Mix well.

Place by large tablespoonfulls onto flour tortillas. Wrap each and place in a greased casserole dish.
Heat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 25 minutes. Take out and place remaining cheese over top of the tortillas and bake for another 5 minutes.

Place on desired toppings. Ideas: Tomato, Olives, Sour Cream, Salsa, Ranch.

*This makes quite a bit so if your family is not a fan of left overs only use half of mixture and freeze in an airtight container for another night. The picture above is from my frozen batch. I often make double of meals and serve 3-6 weeks later when I have some busy days or nights and unable to make a meal for my family. It tastes just as yummy as if I had made it that night!

Mom's Easy Breezy Cheesecake

2010-01-05T08:58:00.000-08:00

Graham Cracker Crust
2 (8oz) Cream Cheese, softened
1 tsp. Vanilla
1 C. Sugar
2 C. Whipping Cream
1 can Pie Filling

Beat cream cheese, vanilla, and sugar together until well mixed.

Beat whipping cream alone until soft peaks form.

Combine whipping cream and cream cheese mix.

Layer over graham cracker crust and top with pie filling.

*This is so easy to make and such a crowd pleaser.

Floating Taco's

2009-12-26T20:23:00.000-08:00

1 lb. Hamburger, browned
1 med. Chopped Onion
1 (8oz) Tomato Sauce
1 (6oz) Tomato Paste
3 C. Water
2 Tbsp. Sugar
1/4 tsp. Garlic Powder
1 tsp. Accent
1 tsp. Chili Powder
1 tsp. Salt
1 C. Cooked Rice
1 (15oz) Kidney Beans
Corn Chips
Cheddar Cheese, grated
Desired Toppings (Lettuce, Olives, Avocado, Tomato, Onion)

Simmer first 10 ingredients for 40 minutes. Add rice and kidney beans. Heat thoroughly. Serve on plates; corn chips, meat sauce, desired toppings & dressing.

Dressing:
1 pkg. Ranch Dressing; mixed as directed.
Add 1 package (8oz) Cream Cheese
Mix together well with mixer and allow to chill for 30 minutes prior to serving.

Freeze: Make double and freeze half. Up to 4 months.

Better Than Sex Cake

2009-12-26T20:06:00.000-08:00

1 Chocolate Cake mix or your own favorite homemade chocolate cake
1 bottle of Caramel, warmed
1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk
12 oz. Cool Whip
4 Candy Bars (Heath, Butterfinger, Skor)

Follow directions on the cake mix box of make your own homemade cake. Let cool till warm. Poke holes with a fork; pour bottle of topping over top of cake and can of sweetened condensed milk. Top with cool whip. Crumble candy bars and sprinkle over the top of cool whip.

...Now, ask yourself if the title is true?

Baked Potato Bar

2009-12-26T10:04:00.000-08:00

To really make some sizzlin' good baked potatoes, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Poke each large potato with a fork. Rub with olive oil and salt slightly. Cook for 1 hour. You can also wrap in tin foil and avoid the olive oil and salt entirely. Both are sure to serve your family with yumminess.

The Possibilitites:
+Butter melted with a dollop or two of sour cream, sprinkling with chives or bacon bits.
+Prepared cheese and broccoli or another preferred veggie.
+Pizza Potatoes: use your favorite pizza toppings, including the cheese.
+Philly Style: steak and cheese - perhaps even using sauteed onions and mushrooms.
+Favorite chili and cheese topping.
+A plain and simple fettuccini alfredo covering your baked potato; laced with fresh parmesan and a side of steamed broccoli. Add more with some prepared alfredo chicken and warm garlic bread.

*There are so many possiblities with baked potatoes. Go crazy on the ideas - you will find this is so much easier on your budget than most meals; especially for larger families.

Smore Dip

2009-12-26T09:52:00.000-08:00

1 bag Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1 (8oz) Whipped Topping
2 Candy Bars of Choice
1 bag Mini Marshmallows

Melt chocolate chips and tub of whipped topping together in the microwave. Stir often.

Chop up two candy bars and line the baking pan with them. Pour above mixture over the candybars and top with as many mini marshmallows as your heart desires.

Cook at 375 degrees until the marshmallows have browned.

Use graham crackers or pretzels for dipping.

*Recipe is courtesy of Marci Fredricks. An old real world favorite!

Pretty Package Cake

2009-12-23T17:43:00.000-08:00

Idea credit goes to family fun.

Frosted 9x13 inch cake
Spree Candies
Fruit by the Foot

Ribbon: Cut 12-inch and 16-inch lenght of fruit by the foot and drape them across the cake and down the sides to resemble ribbon. Tuck the ends under the cake, using a spatula to gently lift it just a little.

Bow: Top the ribbon with two 8-inch lengths of fruit by the food fashioned into loops and 5-inch long streamers with notches snipped into the ends. Add a small oval to resemble a knot.

Polka Dot Gift Wrap: Press randomly spaced spree candies into the frosting (perhaps about 36 pieces).

Be sure to take cake from the original cake pan and lay it on a tinfoil wrapped piece of cardboard. Easy does it!

*I won an award on this cake decoration. It was so simple and an absolute thrill to make. I was just tickled with the turn out. I forgot to take a pic of my own cake but I used the family fun pic on it as mine turned out the exact same. You would be surprised too of how easy and exactly the same yours will turn out to be too. Thanks Family Fun!

Homestyle Bowls

2009-12-23T17:31:00.000-08:00

3/4 lb. Ground Beef
1 bottle Heinz Savory Beef Gravy
1 can Whole Kernal Corn
Prepared Mashed Potatoes

Brown meat in a medium size pot. Drain all liquid from it. Pour Gravy into pot with beef and turn burner on low-medium; stirring occasionally. Allow to come to low boil.

Prepare corn as you normally would to eat serpartely with a meal. Set aside once hot.

At this point the mashed potatoes should be ready to serve.

Combine prepared corn and prepared gravy mixture together. Serve over warm mashed potatoes.

*This is an absolute yummy favorite of my hubbies. I like to put my corn on the side and not always mixed in but it is truly savory. Try it with baked potatoes as well. Awesome!

Freeze: Make double of this recipe and save for a later time. Perfect quick dinner.

Reindeer Yummies

2009-12-23T13:13:00.000-08:00

1/2 C. Dried Oats
1-2 Tbsp. Sugar Sprinkles
Ziploc Bag
Tag

Place oats and sprinkles in a ziploc bag. Seal and shake. Place the following tag on the bag.

"Take this magic reindeer food and sprinkle it on the lawn,
On Christmas, Santa’s reindeer travel miles before the dawn.
The smell of oats and sugar path will guide them on their way,
And you’ll wake up to Santa’s gifts next morn on Christmas Day!"

*A fun little thing to do with the kids before christmas. Also a great idea to give to other family members or neighbors.

Chocolate Almond Bark

2009-12-23T13:00:00.000-08:00

2 (9.5 oz) bags Dove Dark Chocolate Bars
1-1/2 C. Chopped Almonds
Waxed Paper

Unwrap chocolate bars and chop in half. Chop Almonds.

Melt chocolate in microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until nearly all melted. Stir until completely smooth.

Mix in chopped almonds and stir well.

Layer over waxed paper in a 9x13 pan. Spread to a med-thin coat. Place in refrigerator.

After 20 minutes or until completely hardened take from freezer and break up bark with a mallet or end of a butter knife. Break to desired size pieces.

Place in a ziploc bag or airtight container.

*You can substitute the almonds for cashews or other desired nuts. I have heard of others even using dried fruit. Go Nuts!!!

Pigs in a Blanket

2009-12-21T19:08:00.000-08:00

8 Hot Dogs
8 Singles Cheese
1 pkg. Croissants

Lay out croissants. Place a hot dog on each, layering with cheese. Roll and place on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Fun. Fast. Kids will love to help!

Sweet N' Sour Chicken

2009-12-21T08:41:00.001-08:00

1 C. Sugar
1/2 C. White Vinegar
1/2 C. Pineapple Juice
3 Tbsp. Ketchup
1/2 Tbsp. Soy Sauce
1/2 tsp. Seasoned salt
1/2 tsp. Salt
3 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Egg
Cornstarch

Cut breasts in half if desired. Sprinkle powdered garlic on chicken. Let set for an hour. Coat chicken with egg and dip in cornstarch. Fry in oil till brown. Place chicken in pan. Bring sauce to a boil and pour over chicken. Bake, uncovered, for 1 hour at 350 degrees.

*This is the famous family recipe that is loved by all. Not necessarily a chinese dish at all but I suppose can be used that way. I would definately recommend the potato casserole with this.

-Double or Triple the batch for big family get togethers.
-Use your dutch oven, it is so much fun.

Chewy Chocolate Cookies

2009-12-21T08:32:00.000-08:00

2/3 C. Shortening
1-1/2 C. Brown Sugar, packed
1 Tbsp. Water
1 tsp. Vanilla
2 Eggs
1-1/2 C. Flour
1/3 C. Cocoa
1/4 tsp. Soda
1/2 tsp. Salt
2 C. Chocolate Chips

Cream together shortening and sugar. Add water, vanilla, and eggs. Mix. Add flour, cocoa, soda, and salt. Mix. Add chocolate chips and blend through well. Drop by tablespoon onto cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

Orange Julius

2009-12-21T08:24:00.000-08:00

1 tsp. Vanilla
1 tray Ice Cubes
1 can frozen Orange Juice
1 C. Milk
1 C. Water
1/4 C. Sugar

Place all ingredients in the blender. Blend. Serve.

*Thanks Uncle Russ - you rock at Breakfast

Dad's Rootbeer

2009-12-21T08:19:00.000-08:00

9 C. Sugar
4 gal. Water
3/4 bottle of Rootbeer Concentrate
5 lb. Dry Ice

For a 5 gallon container.

Pour sugar in container, add water and rootbeer concentrate. Stir until well mixed. Put gloves on for the dry ice and place in container. Leave lid off till dry ice has simmered a little.

*Every Halloween Dad is always making this "witch's brew" as the dry ice is bubbling over the container. So fun for the kids. Add a witch laugh and you've got halloween made for the kids.

Beef N' Broccoli Stir Fry with Fried Rice

2009-12-18T19:26:00.000-08:00

3 Tbsp. Cornstarch, divided
2 Tbsp. Water
1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder
1 lb. Boneless Round Steak, cut into thin 3-inch strips
3 Tbsp. Vegetable Oil, divided
4 C. Broccoli Florets
1-1/2 Tbsp. Chopped Onion
1/3 C. Kikomans Soy Sauce
2 Tbsp. Brown Sugar
1/2 C. Water, (possibly add)
1 C. Uncooked Rice
2 Eggs, stirred
2 Tbsp. Kikoman's Soy Sauce (or desired amount)

Cook uncooked rice as directed on the package. Set aside and allow to cool.

In a medium size Tupperware combine 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 tablespoons water and garlic powder until smooth. Add the beef and toss until evenly coated.

In a large skillet or wok, over medium-high heat, stir-fry beef in 1-1/2 tablespoons of vegetable oil until beef reaches desired doneness. About 3-5 minutes. Remove and keep warm.

Stir-fry broccoli and onion in another 1-1/2 tablespoons of vegetable oil for about 4-5 minutes. Return the beef to skillet or wok.

Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1/2 cup water until smooth; adding to the skillet or wok.

Cook and stir for about 2 minutes. Allow to simmer while preparing the fried rice.

FRIED RICE:
Stir eggs in a small bowl and pouring onto med-high heated pan. Scramble eggs well, making sure they are not too done and dry. Set aside in a small bowl.

Pour cooled rice onto the med-high heated pan and stir-fry for about 3 minutes. Add desired amount of soy sauce and prepared eggs to the rice. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes. Add fried rice to the stir-fry mixture in the skillet or wok. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.

YIELDS: 4 Servings
Beginners Recipe: So easy to make

*I have never tried this recipe without Kikoman's soy sauce so I don't know the difference. However, I do know that without a doubt this is an incredible meal to serve your family. Have fun with it and eat with chopsticks.

Cheesy Chicken Chowder

2009-12-14T07:01:00.001-08:00

2-3 cups cooked chicken
3 boxes chicken broth
1 onion, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
3-4 carrots, chopped
2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
3/4 cup white rice
1/2 lb. Velveeta cheese, cubed
salt and pepper
Bring the broth to a boil in a large pot. Add the veggies and rice cook about 30 minutes until the rice is tender. Stir in the chicken and Velveeta, stirring often as the cheese melts. Be careful not to boil the soup. Add salt and pepper to taste.

We tend to eat a lot of soup in the winter. How often do you eat soup? Do you have a favorite?

7 Layer Dip

2009-12-13T11:00:00.000-08:00

1 (16oz.) Refried Beans
1-1/2 C. Salsa
1 C. Guacamole
1 (8oz.) Sour Cream
1 Tbsp. Mild Chili Powder
1-2 C. Shredded Medium Cheddar Cheese
Black Olives (sliced)
Tomato (sliced)

Spread refried beans in bottom of a 9x13 serving dish. Top evenly with salsa, then adding guacamole. Stir together the chili powder and sour cream then spreading over guacamole layer. Sprink cheese next and topping it off with black olives and tomato.

This recipe is not always made into seven layers as each person does not always like certain ingredients. I seem to never serve the same ingredients twice as I realize later that I am missing something. It is deliscious everytime.

Chicken Rice Casserole

2009-12-08T14:23:00.000-08:00

1-1/2 lrg. Breasts of Chicken
1/2 C. Frozen Broccoli, allow to thaw a little
1 lrg. Cream of Chicken
1-1/2 C. Uncooked Rice
1-1/2 C. Water
1 sm. can chicken Broth
Salt & Pepper (desired)

Put uncooked rice in an 11-1/2x15-1/2 inch dish. Add chicken broth and 1/2 cup of water. (Add more later if necessary. Place in oven at 250 degrees while chicken is cooking.

Place chicken in a pot of water and allow to boil for 7-9 minutes. Once Rice has absorbed much of the liquid and looks done, take out of oven. Add a little more water if needed here but you want the rice to be ready and no liquids showing.

Cube the chicken and place in the the casserole dish. Mix in cream of chicken soup, frozen broccoli, and adding salt and pepper to taste. Once all well blended place in oven on 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

*Keep in mind broccoli can be optional.

This is so good when served with a bread bowl.

Moose Bars

2009-12-08T12:05:00.000-08:00

Cookie Foundation:
1 pkg. of Betty Crocker double chocolate chunk cookie mix

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, stir cookie ingredients together as directed on the package. Spread dough into a 13x9 inch pan, ungreased. Bake about 14 minutes. *You do not want the foundation hard and it will still continue to cook as it is out of the oven. Allow to cool for about 25 minutes.

Filler:
1 (8oz.) Cream Cheese, softened
1/4 C. Sugar
1 (8oz.) Whipped Topping
2 C. Mini Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, Chopped in half

In medium bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Blend in whipped topping and candies. Spread over cooled cookie foundation.

Topping is still to be decided. There is much you can do with this. I have tried chocolate chips melted like in the picture - however the dressing is not always elegant and falls in clumps when doing this - and it also gets really hard and difficult to cut when ready to serve. Still really good. Let me know some of your ideas on a topping. It is excellent even without a topping!

Enjoy this yummy, rich dessert.

Whoo Pudding

2009-12-06T12:33:00.000-08:00

1 (6oz) Jello (flavor of choice)
1 (6oz) Cook n' Serve Vanilla Pudding
4 C. Boiling Water
1 (8oz) Whipped Topping

Pour 4 cups of water into a medium saucepan on medium heat. Once warmed up pour both Jello's into the water, stirring often. Bring to a boil.

Pour mixture into a medium-large serving dish. Place in the refrigerator 3-4 hours or until well set.

Add whipped topping to mixture and blend together well. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Mud Puddles

2009-12-06T12:27:00.000-08:00

1 (6oz) Cook n' Serve Chocolate Pudding
Vanilla Ice cream

Prepare chocolate cook n' serve pudding as directed.

Scoop ice cream into as many dishes as you are serving.

Pour hot pudding over ice cream & serve.

Sounds so simple doesn't it it! It is! This is a yummy family favorite that I believe began in the years of cake and milk. Mmmm! Thanks Dad & Mom.

Rice Krispie Treats

2009-12-01T11:54:00.000-08:00

3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 package (10 oz., about 40) regular marshmallows
- OR -
4 cups miniature marshmallows
6 cups Rice Krispies

1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
2. Add RICE KRISPIES cereal. Stir until well coated.

3. Using buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with butter. Cool. Cut into 2-inch squares. Best if served the same day.

Note

For best results, use fresh marshmallows.
1 jar (7 oz.) marshmallow crème can be substituted for marshmallows.
*A fun variation is to add frozen M & M's! or food coloring!

Lime Green Cottage-Cheese Jell-O Salad

2009-12-01T10:38:00.000-08:00

3 oz Lime & Lemon jell-o
Dissolve in two cups boiling water
Mix:
1 can evaporated milk
1 20 oz can crushed pinapple
1 24 oz carton cottage cheese
1 cup miracle whip
Beat together, set overnight
Enjoy!

Chex's Muddy Buddies

2009-12-01T10:15:00.000-08:00

9 cups Corn Chex, Rice Chex, Wheat Chex, or Chocolate Chex cereal (or combination)
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1. Into large bowl, measure cereal; set aside.
2. In 1-quart microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter uncovered on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag.
3. Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

Candied Cereal

2009-12-01T10:11:00.000-08:00

Mixture:
1/2 box Corn Chex
1/2 box Golden Grahams
2 cups coconut
1 small package sliced almonds
Candied Sauce:
1 cup Karo Syrup
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 sticks butter
1 tsp. vanilla
Bring candied sauce to a boil for 2 minutes, then immediately pour over mixture.
Good for a couple of days, store in an air tight container.
Great for the holidays!!

Buscuits N' Gravy

2009-11-25T08:08:00.000-08:00

1/2 Lb. Sausage
1 packet McCormick Country Gravy
1 C. Milk
1 C. Water
1 pkg. Grands Buscuits

Place Grands buscuits in preheated oven and follow directions.

Brown Sausage and set aside.

Over medium heat, with a wire whisk, gradually add ingredients stirring well to avoid clumps. Stir often over medium heat until slightly bubbling. Add sausage to the gravy and mix thoroughly.

Serve over warm buscuits.

Freeze: Make double and freeze half for a later date. Perfect for a last minute dinner or breakfast. Freezes up to 5 months.

Chocolate Mousse

2009-11-23T16:13:00.000-08:00

7 oz. Semi-sweet Chocolate, chopped
7 Egg Yolks, beaten
7 egg whites
2 Tbsp. Sugar
1/4 tsp. Cream of Tartar
1 Tbsp. Corn Syrup
1 pinch Salt
1-1/4 C. Heavy Cream
1 tsp. Vanilla

Place chocolate in a bowl and put in microwave. Heat for 20-30 second increments and stir. Make sure not to burn. Once nearly melted stir until smooth. Stir in corn syrup (this will help the chocolate not to get clumpy when cooling). Set aside.

In a separate smaller bowl whip heavy cream to medium stiff peaks, but do not allow to become grainy. Set aside.

In a separate larger bowl, whip egg whites with salt until soft peaks form. Add cream of tartar after you've begun to froth them. Sprinkle in the sugar, and continue whipping to medium stiff peaks. Fold in egg yolks and vanilla.

Fold in the melted chocolate until completely blended, then fold in whipped cream until evenly incorporated. Spoon into dessert cups, and chill until firm - about 1 hour.

*Keep in mind that this dessert is meant to be consumed within an hour or so, but not more than six.

Kate's Ideas:
Use this as a chocolate pie with a graham cracker crust.

Bake 2 8-inch round cakes and serve mousse as the middle and frost all around with your favorite frosting.

Mix or Layer in a fun little cup for kids using crushed oreo's or other complimentary chocolate favorites.

Pretzel Salad

2009-11-23T10:50:00.000-08:00

Crust:
2 C. mashed Pretzels
3 Tbsp. Sugar
3/4 Tbsp. Butter, melted

Melt butter in microwave, adding sugar and stirring well. Mix in with mashed pretzels. Press onto bottom of 9x13 pan. Bake 5 minutes at 400 degrees. Let cool.

Cream Cheese Layer:
1 (8oz.) Cream Cheese
1 C. Sugar
1 (8oz) Cool Whip

Mix cream cheese, sugar and cool whip and spread over the cooled crust. *Make sure it is cooled as you do not want it to melt your cream cheese layer. Place in fridge until your gelatin layer.

Gelatin Layer:
1 (6oz.) Jell-O (flavor of choice)
2 C. Boiling Water
1 sm. bag Frozen Fruit (your choice) -do not thaw

Place gelatin in a medium size bowl - adding boiling water and stirring until completely dissolved. Add the frozen fruit of your choice to the gelatin mix and stirring thoroughly. Place in fridge to allow the gelatin to set a little. About 5 minutes.

Layer slightly set gelatin mix over top of cream cheese layer. Chill until firm.

*I have even allowed my gelatin to sit in fridge for 10 - 15 minutes for a more layered top.

*It is fun to mix up the gelatin and the fruit.
Try: Strawberry gelatin with frozen mixed berries.
Raspberry gelatin with frozen strawberries.

This is as easy to make as it is deliscious to eat. Mmmm!! Is Thanksgiving here yet?

Health Info:
If cutting into 20 squares each piece is 124 calories

Deviled Eggs

2009-11-23T10:36:00.000-08:00

6 hard boiled Eggs
1/4 C. Mayonaise or Salad Dressing
1 tsp. Mustard
1 tsp. Vinegar
Salt & Pepper (to taste)
Paprika or Parsley Sprigs (op.)

Length wise, halve hard boiled eggs. Remove yolks and set whites on serving platter. Place yolks in a medium size bowl.

Mash yolks with a fork to smaller granules and chunks. Add mayonaise, mustard and vinegar, mixing well. Salt and pepper to taste. Make sure mix is well blended.

Fill each white cavity until all the mix is used up. Garnish paprika or parsley sprigs if desired.

Creamed Corn

2009-11-23T10:13:00.000-08:00

1 C. Whipping Cream
1 C. Milk (divided)
1 tsp. Salt
6 Tbsp. Sugar
3 Tbsp. Butter (melted)
2-1/4 Tbsp. Flour
1 lrg. bag Frozen Corn
Pepper (to taste)

Stir 1/4 Cup and flour together until smooth, set aside.

In a saucepan heat corn with the whipping cream and remaining milk. When warm, add salt, sugar and butter.

Stir in flour mixture and continue stirring until thick and bubbly. Place on a low simmering heat, stirring occasionally, until ready to serve.

*Set out bag of frozen corn about one hour prior to use - as this will heat up and make second step quicker.

*This recipe was by Marie Harris. Thank you Marie!

Southern Corn

2009-11-23T10:03:00.000-08:00

1 (8oz) Cream Cheese
1 stick Butter
1 lrg. bag Frozen Corn
Salt & Pepper (to taste)

Place cream cheese, butter and then frozen corn in a crock pot. Do it in this order as you will want the cream cheese and butter to melt first.

Set on high for 2 hours stirring occasionally.

Salt and pepper to taste. Change to low setting for another hour and stir occasionally.

Serve warm.

This recipe is wickedly delicious and far too fattening for anyone. Your family will devour it in seconds. Yum!

HOLIDAY PUNCH

2009-11-22T14:54:00.000-08:00

1 (12 oz) can frozen orange juice
1 (12 oz) can frozen lemonade
2 liters Sprite or 7-up
2 cups sugar
1 gallon water
1 tsp. Vanilla extract
1 tsp Almond extract

Mix all together and chill.