Everything in Moderation

30 minute Valentine's Day meal: Bow Tie Pasta with Vodka Sauce and Chicken

2012-01-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

"One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating." ~Luciano Pavarotti

I can put an entire meal on the table is less than 30 minutes! You can do it too, and even for Valentine's Day!

Here's my Italian Cuisine menu:

Appetizer:Toasted Ravioli with sauce
Entree:Bow Tie Pasta with Vodka Sauce and Chicken
Side Dish:Buttered peas
Salad:Italian Salad
Bread:Garlic bread
Dessert: Angel Food Cake drizzled with Strawberry Sauce

Hungry yet?

Here we go!

Bow Tie Pasta with Vodka Sauce and Chicken

*1 pkg. skinless, boneless chicken strips from the meat dept.
*1 bag Bow-tie Pasta
*3 T. butter (NOT margarine- trust me, it's healthier than "plastic" margarine and tastes 10 times better)
*1 tsp. minced garlic (you can buy it already minced in a small jar)
*i jar VODKA Sauce
*Grated Parmesan cheese

Boil pasta according to pkg. directions.
While it boils...

Saute meat in butter and garlic till all pink is gone and meat is just a bit golden.
When pasta is done, drain and add cooked chicken . Pour jar of sauce over and stir so heat from pasta warms the sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan!
TA DA!

There's your main course. Now, the other dishes are what I call "cheater dishes".

Toasted Ravioli

Purchase a box of frozen ravioli and cook according to pkg. directions.
Serve with a jar of PIZZA sauce for dipping .(I like it better than Marinara for these.)

Sweet Peas with Butter

Drain 1 can sweet peas, put 1/4 stick butter on top and microwave for 3 minutes. Stir.

Garlic Bread
Purchase frozen garlic Texas toast. Add your own grated mozzarella if you like. Bake according to pkg. directions.

ITALIAN SALAD
Purchase a bag of pre-made Italian salad. Add chopped black olives from the can, drained, add a few cherry tomatoes, and sprinkle with Parmesan.

Angel Food Cake with strawberry Sauce

1 store-bought angel food cake.
1 container frozen strawberries, thawed.

Add sugar to taste to the berries, then drizzle over top of cake.

There you have it!

A delicious "optical illusion" of a nice dinner that didn't knock you out, but will knock the socks off your guests when they realize it only took a few minutes to prepare.

If they ask for the recipe, just tell them it's a secret. Then make your family swear to secrecy!

Come back each Friday for my FAST AND FURIOUS FRIDAY MENU!

*If you have a recipe you would like to share or a recipe you would like me to share, email me and I will feature it in a upcoming post.

Caramel topped Brownie Hearts for your Valentine

2012-01-24T17:05:00.000-08:00

Last Valentine's Day, I made this very simple, but wonderful dessert for my husband. When I shared the photo on facebook, I had to laugh as the comments of others were praising me for my culinary efforts, when this was an EXTREMELY easy dish to prepare.

It begins with a BOXED brownie mix. (Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines are my choice).
*Prepare according to directions.

As soon as you take it out of the oven, poke holes over top with a fork. Drizzle choclate sauce and caramel sauce over top (Smucker's is a good brand....ROBERT ROTHSCHILD'S is even better, but pretty pricey).

Let stand at room temp.
Cut heart-shaped pieces with a cookie cutter.

Plate it, add vanilla ice cream then drizzle again with sauces for a nice presentation.

In the photo, you will see a chocolate-covered strawberry that I dipped, then added red sugar sprinkles and whipped cream.

Really- ANYONE can make this. EVERYONE will love it! Give it a try!

Easy Individual Trifles--perfect for your Valentine

2012-01-21T04:28:00.000-08:00

This is so easy I hate to call it a recipe. It's more of an assembly of a few ingredients, but the end result is so nice, it looks impressive enough to serve to someone special.

You will need only four ingredients.

*Cake
*pudding
*Pie Filling or fruit
*Whipped Cream

You can choose any cake recipe you love as the base. I chose store- bought angel food cake, cut into cubes. A pound cake would also work well.

You may also choose your favorite pudding flavor. I chose vanilla and chocolate. I recommend the "cook and serve" packages.(Be certain to cool as directed in fridge) They have the best flavor. But instant pudding (just add cold milk and mix and refrigerate) is fine, and if you have no time, pre-packaged, ready-made will do (but would be my least recommended for this recipe).

Use your choice of canned pie filling. I chose cherry.Sliced strawberries would also go very well with chocolate or vanilla.

Top with whipped cream. (Or use Cool Whip.) For those of you who do not use whipped cream, once you do, that will be your favorite way to top any dessert. Cool Whip is fine, but whipped cream is AMAZING!

Serve in nice stemware for best presentation. (You can get stemware at THE DOLLAR TREE, DOLLAR GENERAL STORE or at thrift stores in your area.)

Enjoy!

THE best lasagna recipe

2012-01-16T15:47:00.000-08:00

Take it from an Italian girl....you must try this recipe!

I love Italian food, but I would be the first to say that although I love pasta dishes (I serve them often at my house), lasagna has never been at the top of my list...until now!

I actually had two servings--two LARGE servings, and so did everyone else when I had a dinner party in my home. (So much for moderation....)

I served it again at an Italian buffet for nearly 30 people at my house on Christmas Eve and again...a big hit!

Although the recipe calls for a very long time to cook the sauce on low, you don't have to cook it that long (30-45 minutes would do), however, the longer it cooks, the more time for that delicious blend of spices to "get to know each other better"....

This makes a filling meal served with garlic bread and a salad.

YOU WILL NEED:

1 pound sweet Italian sausage
3/4 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup minced onion
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
2 (6.5 ounce) cans canned tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
12 lasagna noodles
16 ounces ricotta cheese
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
In a Dutch oven, cook sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until well browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Season with sugar, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons parsley. Simmer, covered, for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain noodles, and rinse with cold water. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, remaining parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
To assemble, spread 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over meat sauce. Spread with one half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with a third of mozzarella cheese slices. Spoon 1 1/2 cups meat sauce over mozzarella, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil: to prevent sticking, either spray foil with cooking spray, or make sure the foil does not touch the cheese.
Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil, and bake an additional 25 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information
Amount Per Serving Calories: 448 | Total Fat: 21.3g | Cholesterol: 84mg

Lisa's Asparagus Rolls

2011-12-28T05:51:00.000-08:00

I presented a New Year's Eve presentation on the Local news this morning,(click here to view the segment) and I featured a recipe shared with me by my facebook friend Lisa Laird--she said it was her most requested recipe that she takes often to parties, potlucks, etc.

This is the Perfect Holiday recipe to take to any party and to serve as a light appetizer at your News Year's Eve celebration.

I prepared it the other night for my man, and Big AL gave it two thumbs up! (He ate SEVERAL of them)

ASPARAGUS ROLLS

1 Bunch of Fresh asparagus (thin)
1 block of cream cheese or a small tube of Garlic flavored Cream Cheese
1/2 pound thinly sliced deli salami
sea salt
pepper
Parmesan cheese

1. Take one asparagus and bend it, it will snap where it needs to be cut off. Cut the remaining spears in the same place.

2. In a pot of boiling water plunge the asparagus for 1 min (longer if thinker asparagus is used)

3. Immediately place the asparagus into a bowl of ice water to shock it, which stops the cooking process and keeps it bright green

4. Dry the asparagus with a paper towel and season with salt, pepper and Parmesan cheese

5. Take a slice of the Salami and spread a thin layer of cream cheese over it

6. Take about 3 asparagus spears and wrap the salami/cream cheese around the spear.

Stack on a platter, chill 15-30 min and serve.
You can also sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top.

Enjoy!

Leftover ham recipes

2011-12-26T05:00:00.001-08:00

I hope everyone enjoyed their Holiday celebration and I hope you were able to enjoy your family and friends as well as DELICIOUS food, as I did!

Here are links to a couple of my previous posts that are perfect for using your ham leftovers from Easter.

Both receive rave reviews from my bunch!

The first is Pasta Primavera with Smoky Ham (an old Bon Appetite recipe)Delicious and not heavy. Especially good after a heavy meal. (It is photographed above)

The next is a simple throw together, Ham/veggie Casserole.

A simple but tasty recipe to mix-up those ham leftovers.

ENJOY!

ChristmasTaffy Apple Salad

2011-12-20T04:00:00.000-08:00

This treat is great anytime of the year, but it is a nice lighter addition to your holiday dessert table which will balance nicely against all the heavy sweets. This is not necessarily a diet friendly recipe, but it is not so rich and heavy which has come as a welcome relief to our family as we have been bombarded with sweet things here lately!

*This needs to chill thoroughly for best flavor overnight in the fridge, however it is still good chilled for just a few hours if you're like me and can't wait!

YOU WILL NEED:

1/2 cup sugar
1 T. cornstarch
2 T. lemon juice
1 egg
1 cup pineapple chunks (drain- save juice)
1 (8 oz.) Cool Whip (you can use the lite version- both are good)
2 med. red apples
2 med. green apples
2 cup mini marshmallows
1 1/2 cup salted peanuts

In pan, heat sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, egg and juice from pineapple until thick after boiling (about 5 minutes).
Cool.
In Large bowl, combine all other ingredients. Toss lightly. Refrigerate overnight (or at least several hours).

Have a wonderful Christmas!

Italian Pizelle Christmas Cookies. (A repost)

2011-12-19T05:05:00.000-08:00

-Photo Jordan Murphy-SQUARED VISION PHOTOGRAPHY

I want to introduce you to the best Southern cook I know. This is my mother, Rose.
My son took this photo of us for a Mother's Day Gift 3 year's ago.
She is a 77-year-old homemaker extraordinaire.

I'm going to be featuring many of her best recipes that she has passed along to me and I'm here to tell you- if I put her name in the title of a recipe...you need to make it. Her food is ALWAYS delicious! Not necessarily the healthiest dishes, but THE BEST recipes.
This is where moderation is key.

Some are pretty simple, but no matter the time it or technique it takes to put one of her dishes on the table, it's ALWAYS worth it.

My Mom was a stay at home mother while my brother and sister and I were growing up. She cooked 3 times each day- DELICIOUS Homemade breakfasts, lunches and dinners. We rarely ate out.

She loves to cook with lots of real butter, full fat chicken broth and cheesy sauces!

But I'm starting off with a traditional Italian pizelle cookie that we make together annually. It's actually not a fattening as most cookie recipes. It's beautiful, crispy and on the lighter-tasting side. This recipe was passed down from her late mother-in-law, my grandmother Amelia, a wonderful Italian cook.

First, you must have one of these. A Pizelle cookie maker.

But don't dispair if you do not own one. These cookies can also be made on a cookie sheet for the same great flavor, they just won't be as pretty.

You will need:
6 eggs
1 cup butter
1 1/2 cup sugar
5 cups flour
5 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. anise oil

Beat eggs and sugar well. Add melted cooled butter. Add anise oil, then dry ingredients. Mix well with a mixer on med. speed. till smooth.

With floured hands, roll dogh in ball (2-3 heaping teaspoonfuls). Place dough slightly off center - just a tiny bit back- close lid and cook for about one minute.

*It is okay to open lid to see if they are done- it will not affect the cookie to check a few times.

They should be slightly golden brown.

They lift very easily off the griddle with spatula.

Cool on flat surface, then start stacking them.

These are delicious served just as they are.

They are also great sprinkled with powdered sugar (especially at Christmas time- they'll look like a big snowflake cookie!)

You can also shape them to make a waffle cone for ice cream, but you need the proper form for this. You can form it to the bottom of a cup, let it cool that way, then it will be a perfect cup to fill with ice cream, drizzled with chocolate...yummmmm.

*Remember to take my cookie challenge and share the wealth!

Cheater Version Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

2011-12-18T05:47:00.000-08:00

As if you can't tell from the photo, this is one of the MOST DELICIOUS treats I've ever tasted! You will be SHOCKED at the taste, the texture and presentation--it truly tastes like a "from-scratch" recipe...and all it needed was a little help from a friend!

My friend Gail shared this recipe with me last Christmas. She brought the warm pan, fresh from the oven to my home for me to serve to my family for Christmas Eve breakfast.

It was a special time for us. My middle son had just graduated from boot camp and was home on leave. And Gail herself had just learned she had breast cancer, but was still going about her business, doing what she does best...cooking up mouth-watering recipes!

We share a love of food--and feeding those we love--along with many other interests, including writing. (Gail and her husband, Michael are the publishers of GOOD LIVING IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS and GOOD LIVING IN WEST FRANKFORT magazines and I am one of the freelance writers.)

* UPDATE: She is now finished with her treatments and is doing very well. She has a great prognosis and amazing strength! I'm honored to be counted among her close friends.

Okay, before I start tearing up, here's the recipe you MUST try--you can thank us later when you WOW your friends and family!

YOU WILL NEED:

1 frozen Bag of Rhodes cinnamon rolls (12)
3/4 cups nuts-broken
*take out the 2 bags of cream cheese icing that comes with rolls (to use in another recipe later)

Spray a 9x13 pan with Pam.

Melt 1 stick butter and 1 cup to 1 1/4 cup light brown sugar. Melt in saucepan until it bubbles. Then add broken nuts.

Pour over bottom of a 13x9 pan. Take slices of rolls and lay flat in pan.
Let rise (about 3 hours if frozen-till they meet together)

Bake at 350 degrees till golden on top (20-25 min.)

Run knife around sides, flip upside down.

Serve warm.

Take a bow.

THANK YOU GAIL!

Festive presentation tips- simple and easy (I'm live on TV3)

2011-12-18T05:27:00.000-08:00

You can watch me display some quick and easy last minute party ideas for Christmas on WSILTV 3 morning news show recently.

Remember, you don't need to spend a lot of time in the kitchen,these quick tips are all about presentation to help make very simple dishes look festive.

Click HERE to watch the short segment.

Super Moist Tyler Florence Meatballs ( a repost)

2011-12-18T05:10:00.000-08:00

I made these meatballs on Christmas Eve last year and served them with pasta for my family and all of them agreed that these were THE best meatballs I've made. My oldest son, who travels all over the country told me they tasted just like the meatballs served in the Fine Italian Restaurants he has frequented during his travels.

The secret to the moistness? Soaking the bread in milk!
The only thing I changed about this recipe, is Tyler makes 10 large meatballs, and I made many small ones.

You can also try them as a meatball sandwich, or serve them with toothpicks as an appetizer for the holidays.

You must give them a try.

YOU WILL NEED:

* Extra-virgin olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 garlic cloves, smashed
* 2 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh parsley leaves
* 1 cup milk
* 4 thick slices firm white bread, crust removed
* 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
* 1 1/2 pounds ground pork
* 1 large egg
* 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more for serving
* Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 4 cups heated Pomodoro Sauce, recipe follows, or good quality jarred tomato sauce
* 1/2 pound mozzarella cheese, cut into chunks
* Leaves from 3 sprigs fresh basil
* 1 pound spaghetti

Directions

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil for the spaghetti. Heat 3 tablespoons oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and parsley and cook until the vegetables are soft but still translucent, about 10 minutes. Take the pan off the heat and let cool.

Pour enough milk over the bread in a bowl to moisten and let it soak while the onions are cooling.

Combine the meats in a large bowl. Add the egg and Parmigiano and season generously with salt and pepper. Use your hands to squeeze the excess milk out of the bread and add that to the bowl along with the cooled onion mixture. (Hang onto the pan - you'll need it to cook the meatballs.) Gently combine all the ingredients with your hands or with a spoon until just mixed together. Don't overwork or the meatballs will be tough. Divide into equal pieces and shape them into nice looking meatballs.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Heat a 3-count of oil in the frying pan over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides, about 10 minutes. Put them into a baking dish and spoon about half of the tomato sauce over. Shower with the mozzarella and drizzle with olive oil. Put the meatballs in the oven and bake until the meatballs are cooked through, about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in the boiling water until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and put it onto a large serving platter. Pour on the rest of the sauce and mix well. Spoon the meatballs on top of the spaghetti and garnish with basil leaves. Serve immediately along with extra cheese.
Pomodoro Sauce:

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, chopped

2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes, drained and crushed by hand, liquid reserved

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn into pieces

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the vegetables are soft, 4 to 5 minutes. Carefully add the tomatoes (nothing splashes like tomatoes) and about 1/2 cup of the reserved liquid and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the sauce is thick, about 15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring for a few minutes with a wooden spoon to further break up the tomatoes. Reduce the heat and let simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir in the fresh basil and season again.

Yield: 4 cups

Enjoy!

And the winner is....

2011-12-17T19:04:00.000-08:00

And the winner of the free night's stay in the Bed and Breakfast is....JULIE MACIER of West Frankfort!!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS Julie!

I will make arrangements with you through facebook to pick up your gift certicate, and I will call your name into the office there so they know to expect your call!

PEPPERMINT PUNCH

2011-12-17T07:32:00.000-08:00

The gorgeous photo and delicious punch was found on tasteofhome.com, so I made it to serve in the teacher's lounge at my school. LOTS of recipe requests for this refreshing and festive punch.

2 liters of lemon-lime soda
1 10 oz. jar of strawberry jelly
2 quarts peppermint ice cream (I used Kroger brand)
candy canes *Optional

Heat jelly in 2 cups of the soda on stove till jelly is melted. Set aside to cool.
When cooled, add to punch bowl, along with ice cream and soda--stir well.

You can place candy canes on the side of the bowl, and/or on the side of the cup it's served in, like I did in this photo.

YUM!

Devil's Food Cake Mix Cookies!

2011-12-17T06:35:00.000-08:00

Simple and so good- these are great to add to your cookie sampler platter for Christmas.

It's always good to have a box of cake mix handy for those unexpected times when cookies are needed.

I make them with and without nuts, with and without powdered sugar--and they're always a hit.

1 box devil's food cake mix
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 tbsp. water
1/2 c. vegetable shortening
1/2 c. chopped nuts
Powdered sugar

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Mix cake mix, eggs, water and shortening until well blended. Stir in nuts. Shape into small balls, then roll in powdered sugar. Place on greased cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Makes about 48 cookies.

Enter the BED & BREAKFAST FREE NIGHT'S STAY GIVEAWAY TODAY!

2011-12-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

Yes, you heard me correctly. One lucky winner will get to stay in the available room of their choice (up to $200 value) in this luxurious Bed & Breakfast in Metropolis, Il. (the home of Super Man himself!) *

The Summer's Riverview Mansion, is a spectacular retreat that puts the BREAK in Bed and BREAKfast!

My husband and I recently spent a wonderfully relaxing night in a room fit for royalty!(An early Christmas gift from him)We were pampered and well taken care of by the innkeepers who have lovingly put their hearts into making our experience a memorable one.

Our stay included a quick tour through the home on arrival, to late snacks prepared for us and delivered to our door, to delicious food and peaceful surroundings, and beautiful decor with much attention paid to details.

Lovely on the inside and outside, with a delicious full breakfast to boot!

Many people ask me why we choose to stay at a Bed and Breakfast rather than a hotel. Well, take a look at these photos, and I think any questions will be answered. NOTHING compares!

Let me take you on a tour (through my camera's eye)....

Each beautiful suite had a matching Christmas tree and wreaths on the doors and the gorgeous fireplace mantles were beautifully decorated as well.

The gorgeous Parlor

And the all inclusive full breakfast served from this beautiful dining room.

If you're thinking this would be perfect for a honeymoon or anniversary getaway, you are right--but ALSO, a new Wedding Chapel has been added to the property for an intimate ceremony.

So, would you love a great place to spend a romantic New Year's Eve? Or Valentine's Day? Anniversary? Honeymoon? Birthday?

Truly, I could go on and on about this place, and I've many more pictures I could share, but I want to get back to the contest...

Here's the rules:

1.If you enter, PLEASE only do so if you truly plan to take advantage of this special night (or at least give it to someone who you know will enjoy it.) (This is in the Southern Illinois area, and offer is good from now until March 2012.) CONTINENTAL US ONLY.

2. You need only to enter by leaving a comment. ONE ENTRY PER PERSON. Please leave your name and a way to contact you. Winner will be chosen by random draw. Contest closes on Sat., Dec. 17, 9 pm. Winner will be announced on this blog and contacted by email( or facebook)after 9 PM Dec. 17.

*You may use the ANONYMOUS option for commenting, however, you will still need to leave your name and a way top contact you. *IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE LEAVING A COMMENT ON THIS BLOG, email me at asmurphy@clearwave.com

For more info on this B&B, click here.

If you decide to book a night here, even if you are not the winner, tell em Sherri sent ya!

Bed And Breakfast Giveaway!

2011-12-15T05:47:00.001-08:00

This is a teaser for TOMORROW'S Giveaway!

Visit this blog tomorrow (actually, anytime after midnight tonight) for an inside tour of this Luxurious Bed & Breakfast in Metropolis, Il. and you may win a FREE NIGHT'S STAY (up to $200 value)!

All you need to do is leave a comment (on tomrrow's post) and random draw will determine the winner.

More details and photos tomorrow...in the meantime, scroll down for some delicious recipes perfect for the Christmas season.

See you back here tomorrow!

No Fuss Ham (crock pot recipe)

2011-12-11T14:00:00.000-08:00

Need a simple but DELICIOUS ham recipe for Christmas but think it will involve too much of your time watching the oven and testing for doneness?

Try this CROCK POT recipe that I found at this wonderful crock pot recipe site.

If you find yourself hosting a large family dinner in your home, this is a perfect recipe that will need no tending to- once it has started the slow cooking.

And it extremely moist. NO MORE DRY HAM!

Only a few ingredients:

7-8 pound bone-in spiral-cut ham

1 cup dark brown sugar

1/2 cup all natural maple syrup

2 cups pineapple juice

The Directions.

Use a 6-7 quart slow cooker. Unwrap the ham, and discard flavor packet. Place it into your stoneware, flat-side down. Rub brown sugar on all sides. Pour on maple syrup and pineapple juice. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. If possible, baste ham with collected juice from the bottom of the crock an hour or so before serving. When cooking is done, remove carefully and let it rest on a cutting board for 15-20 minutes before carving.

Now, how easy is that?

And your house will smell DIVINE!

Bread Pudding (a repost)

2011-12-10T04:13:00.000-08:00

A wonderful memorable recipe passed down from one generation to another is a deliciously moist bread pudding shared by my friend Nancy Wilburn, an Elementary School teacher who has been making her mother's recipe for many years. "When I make this dish, I always think of my Mother [the late Vertis Vaughn]. She would take it to all the church functions."

Not only is this recipe enjoyed during the Wilburn family holidays, it has been a special request for potlucks, church socials and was also most one of the most requested dishes by the West Frankfort athletes for their sports banquets.

Nancy recently prepared this dish for me and I can honestly say that it is THE BEST bread pudding recipe I've ever tasted! Extremely moist, without being soggy.A subtle blend of mild flavors. This would make a perfect Christmas Brunch entree, or breakfast or dessert, an afternoon snack, midnight snack...you get the idea. This is comfort food at its best!

BREAD PUDDING

1 loaf of white bread
4 eggs
1 1/4 cups sugar
4 cups milk
2 tsp. vanilla
1 stick Parkay Margarine1/2 cup raisins (optional)

VANILLA SAUCE

1 cup sugar
2 Tbs. cornstarch
1 cup boiling water
1 stick Parkay Margarine
1 Tbs. vanilla

Break bread into pieces and put into a buttered (or psrayed) 9x13 pan. Add raisins on top (if desired). Beat eggs, then add sugar, milk and vanilla. Pour over bread in pan. Take spoon and push bread into milk mixture. Sprinkle cinnamon over top and dot with butter. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour. (place on top of cookie sheet to avoid spill over). *This will rise while baking, but will fall after removed from oven.

Sauce directions:
Mix sugar and cornstarch in 2 qt. pan. Gradually add boiling water. Cook until sauce is thickened. Remove from stove. Add butter and vanilla. Stir until well blended. Pour sauce over baked pudding and add cinnamon on top if desired.

Thank you, Nancy!

Mocha Mix ( a repost)

2011-12-04T05:55:00.000-08:00

My good friend Debbie gave me this recipe many years ago, and I always save it for our first REAL snow (you know, the kind that sticks and cancels school and shuts down businesses).

But it's also perfect for a cozy evening at home, when I curl up on the sofa and read a good book, and of course, it is perfect for gift-giving and when entertaining friends.

Debbie's beautiful Mother, Lynn, passed away from breast cancer, and this recipe makes me think of her. So when you make yourself a cup, drink up...in honor of Lynn, who fought a courageous battle and has left behind a wonderful family.

Lynn was a stay at home mother whose life revolved around her family. So, in her memory, make a batch for your bunch to warm up their bodies after a cold day outdoors, and give them a hug to warm their souls!

YOU WILL NEED:
2 cups Swiss Miss powdered Mocha
2 cups powdered non-dairy creamer
1 c. instant coffee granules
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 1/4 cup sugar

Blend all till well mixed. Store in covered jar. Use 2 tsp. mix per cup of boiling water.

Stir well, top with marshmallows.
*If you'll notice in the photo, I sprinkled some little "snowflakes" I had leftover from some Christmas baking supplies I had on hand. I love the touch it added.

Vanilla Coffee Punch

2011-12-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Last year, I was asked to coordinate the Open House for our new Home town College, MORTHLAND COLLEGE. This was a celebration of receiving the state board approval to open the college in the fall of 2011. (Something like this happens once every 50-100 years!)

I was asked to make a "nice punch" to serve with gourmet cookies for the guests that would be touring the administrative offices and this recipe was the first that came to mind. I found it at TASTE OF HOME.

Not too sweet, and has an elegant look. DELICIOUS tasting- even if you're not one that loves a cold coffee flavor. Actually, everyone who tasted it was giving it rave reviews! It was being compared to drinks at STARBUCKS, and it also reminds me a bit of my favorite drink at Dairy Queen, a MOO-LATTE (but fancier).

Honestly, I have never received so many compliments on a punch, and several recipe requests.

You must give it a try.

YOU WILL NEED:

* 4 cups brewed vanilla-flavored coffee, cooled
* 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream, softened
* Ground cinnamon

Directions

* In a large container, combine the coffee, milk and sugar; stir until sugar is dissolved. Spoon ice cream into a punch bowl; pour coffee mixture over the top. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Serve immediately. Yield: 2-1/2 quarts.
Serves 13

Enjoy!

O balls....a 3 ingredient recipe! (a repost)

2011-12-01T04:30:00.000-08:00

An Ever so simple recipe to make with the kids! Delicious and makes 75! Let the kiddos give them as gifts!

My co-worker, Sally, served these in the Lounge at school a couple of years ago, and I had forgotten how simple and delicious they were. Now they are back on my Christmas list of fun treats to make. (You can also make them with the MINT Oreas, and the Peanut butter flavored ones)

A great recipe to make with the kids.

WARNING! These are very rich!

YOU WILL NEED:

1 package Oreo cookies(1 lb. 4 oz.)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
20 ounces almond bark,melted

Directions:

Crush 1 pkg. Oreo cookies. Mix with softened cream cheese. Roll into balls; chill. Dip in 18-20 oz. melted almond bark to coat.

*You can also crush Oreo's in food processor and add in cream cheese cubes to mix. * chill this mixture before rolling into balls.

*You can drizzle with chocolate if desired.

QUICK LAST-MINUTE TIPS for Thanksgiving Dinner

2011-11-24T04:31:00.000-08:00

Quick Tips for the Big Dinner Success:

Breathe.
Be THANKFUL.
Look around at your table and cherish those faces-- trust me- someday, some seats will be empty and you'll regret having stressed over a menu!

Even if you don't normally pray, start a new tradition. Pray. Thanking God for each person at your table- call them out by name.

Be grateful for the blessings you have been given. If you're reading this, you have eyesight and comprehention (many have neither), you have enough money to pay for an internet connection and some sort of computer device to interact...there's your start- you take it from here!

MAKE it a day of gratefulness, YOU have that power!
*If you need a little help being grateful, read my post on my other blog, about the THANKSGIVING FLEA!(How some fleas set the tone for the day....)

Layered Cauliflower Salad ( a repost)

2011-11-23T04:20:00.000-08:00

A beautiful and delicious salad that deserves a high holiday ranking, Of course it can be served anytime, but if you need a salad to serve during the holidays, this one will have your guests raving! The dressing is creamy and sweet- and the crunchy veges make for a perfect recipe. Although this can be assembled ahead of time,if you choose to serve it "mixed up", serve immediately.

YOU WILL NEED:

1 head lettuce (washed and crisped)torn into bite-sized pieces
1 head cauliflower-washed and cut into small pieces
1 lb. bacon, fried and drained, then crumbled
Chopped or dried onions, to taste (optional)
2 cups mayonnaise
3/4 sugar
1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese

In glass serving dish, Layer:
lettuce
cauliflower
mayo
sugar
onion
bacon
parmesan cheese

Cover with plastic wrap and chill in fridge till ready to serve.

ENJOY!

EASY PEASY -Creamed Peas (a repost)

2011-11-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the corny title...I just couldn't resist!

Simple creamed peas jazzed up a baked potato the other night and thought I'd go ahead and share this recipe, although most of you probably have one of your own.

This would be an easy addition to a Thanksgiving menu for a new or BUSY cook!

Give it a try.

YOU WILL NEED:

* 1 can peas
* 1 tablespoon butter
* 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon pepper
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1 teaspoon sugar

Directions

Cook peas on stove till heated through. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in the flour, salt and pepper until blended; gradually add milk and sugar. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Drain peas; stir into the sauce and heat through.

Easy Thanksgiving Sides- Asparagus and Green Beans( a repost)

2011-11-22T04:40:00.000-08:00

"If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough."
-- Meister Eckhardt

Just a couple of simple side dishes for last minute additions to the Thanksgiving table, or any meal.
*Check out my sidebar for many more Thanksgiving recipes you can add to your feast!

ASPARAGUS
Ingredients

* 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
* 1 bunch fresh asparagus
* 3 cloves garlic, chopped
* sprinkling of Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Melt the butter or margarine in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and asparagus spears; cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until asparagus is tender.Top with parmesan. If you like your asparagus well done, reduce heat and cook an additional 10 minutes.

GREEN BEANS

Ingredients

* 5 (15 ounce) cans green beans, drained
* 7 slices bacon
* 2/3 cup brown sugar
* 1/4 cup butter, melted
* 7 teaspoons soy sauce
* 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder

1. Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place the drained green beans in a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. Cook bacon in a microwave on microwave-safe plate for 2 minutes until slightly cooked. Lay the bacon on top of the green beans.
3. Combine the brown sugar, melted butter, soy sauce, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Pour the butter mixture over the green beans and bacon. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.

Both recipes adapted from Allrecipes.com

Cranberry Pineapple "muffins" (a repost)

2011-11-22T04:00:00.000-08:00

I found this little tangy tart sweet in a magazine, which sent me to Kraftfoods.com for the recipe.

I love the presentation. It's perfect to serve on your Holiday table- SO festive!. A tasty side to any chicken, turkey or pork recipe. The Thanksgiving turkey or the Christmas Ham would love it as a sidekick!

When I served it, it was delicious and a big hit, however, I did not have luck removing them from the liners, but I still thought they were very pretty presented in the foil muffin liners.

1 can (20 oz.) DOLE Crushed Pineapple, in juice
2 pkg. (3 oz. each) JELL-O Raspberry Flavor Gelatin
1 can (16 oz.) whole berry cranberry sauce
2/3 cup chopped PLANTERS Walnuts
1 DOLE Apple, chopped

DRAIN pineapple, reserving juice. Add enough water to juice to measure 2-1/2 cups; pour into saucepan. Bring to boil. Add to gelatin mixes in large bowl; stir 2 min. until completely dissolved.

STIR in pineapple, cranberry sauce, nuts and apples. Spoon into 24 paper-lined muffin cups.

REFRIGERATE 2-1/2 hours or until firm. Remove desserts from liners before serving.

You may also prepare these by using JELL-O Cherry Flavor Gelatin or JELL-O Raspberry Flavor Sugar Free Gelatin.

Sweet potato casserole (a repost)

2011-11-20T05:15:00.000-08:00

I never was a fan of sweet potatoes, even at Thanksgiving when covered in brown sugar and marshmallows. Then, my friend Pam brought this recipe to a church Thanksgiving dinner and I was won over by the deliciously sweet flavor of this dish. The crunchy topping texture is a nice contrast to the smooth texture of the potatoes. I make it every year now for our table at Thanksgiving, and it always a hit when I take it to potlucks.

Prepare for rave reviews!

YOU WILL NEED:

2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (2 16 oz. cans)
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 eggs
3/4 stick melted butter
1 cup milk
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

topping

3/4 cup crushed cornflakes
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup. chopped pecans
3/4 stick butter, melted

In Lg. bowl mash potatoes with mixer. Add remaining ingredients, Excluding topping. Mix well. Pour into 8 x8 baking dish sprayed with Pam. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until a dull sheen forms on top. Mix topping ingredients all together. Spread evenly over top. Return to oven for 5- 10 min.

Let set a few minutes before serving.

If you need to prepare a larger quantity, just make another 8x8 dish - as doubling the recipe did not work well for me in a 9X13" pan. It took forever for the center to set up.

Have a wonderful holiday.

*Check out more delicious Thanksgiving Dishes on my side bar.

People who live the most fulfilling lives are the ones who are always rejoicing at what they have.
-- Richard Carlson

NEVER-Fail Dressing casserole (a repost)

2011-11-19T05:31:00.000-08:00

When I was younger, I had a hard time getting the perfect texture when I made dressing. I tried this recipe at a church dinner that everyone raved over, and later the cook submitted it into our church cookbook. It is simple to prepare and tastes wonderful. Nothing fancy, just a simple dish that can be enjoyed at a main dish any time of year, and would also impress guests around your Thanksgiving table.

So, thank you Mary Darnell for this wonderful recipe.

1 chicken (boiled and deboned, save broth)
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 small pkg. Pepperidge Farm Dressing with herbs
2 eggs
1 medium onion
3/4 can milnot 2 stalks celery, diced

Boil chicken, save broth. Place shredded meat on bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Pour soup over meat. Mix dressing, eggs, onion, celery and milnot together until well blended. Spoon over soup. Pour chicken broth over all to 1/2 inch of the dish top. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour.

Enjoy.

Easy Pumpkin Pancakes (a repost)

2011-11-19T04:39:00.000-08:00

Perfect Autumn breakfast without all the fuss! My guys loved them and it was SOOOO quick and easy.

These make a heavier pancake, but very tasty!

Serve with maple syrup and butter.

YOU WILL NEED:

2 cups favorite pancake mix (plus water, or eggs/milk, as indicated on box)
1/2 cup canned or fresh pumpkin
1/4 cup water
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp ginger

Substitution Options:
Substitute 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice for the cinnamon, allspice and ginger

Directions

In mixing bowl, combine pancake mix with water or eggs/milk. Whisk. Then whisk in canned pumpkin and water. Finally, whisk in spices.

Pour batter in 1/3 cup portions onto griddle. Let cook until bubbles form. Flip and let cook another 1-2 minutes.

Now how simple is that?

Just another Fast and Furious Friday recipe so you can enjoy your weekend!

My video tuturial (of sorts) on PRESENTATION IS EVERYTHING

2011-11-17T12:48:00.001-08:00

This morning I was in featured a short presentation on PRESENTATION on our local news morning show. (You can read the last post for more details).

YOu will find the Glazed Carrot recipe here that I shared in the video.

The glassware used in this presentation was from thrift stores (as was my table cloth and runner) and the other gorgeous dishes were from a wonderful product line I happen to represent, BLESSINGS UNLIMITED.
Simple ways to make a dinner special.

Click HERE to view video and enjoy a SPECIAL Thanksgiving holiday meal , whether or not you consider yourself a great cook.)

A Feast for the Eyes...or Presentation is Everything!

2011-11-05T06:09:00.000-07:00

We eat with our eyes first. It's true. Especially me, a visual person. I eat with my smeller next, it has to smell good, too, but first I must be drawn to the dish with my eyes before I ever try to sneak a smell and before I take the first bite.

The photo above is from a small wedding party I had in my home for my son and his wife. They were married out of state, and plan to have a reception later for everyone, however, we wanted to celebrate their marriage in a non-fancy way before-hand, so I made up my son's favorite dishes and added a few more simple things, but served them on all nice serving pieces and it became special.

I remember back in 1979, my Freshmen year of high school, Mrs. Pappas instructed us on the importance of contrasting colors and textures for our meals. She explained how no one wants to eat an "all-brown meal" (beef, brown gravy, brown rice, chocolate cake)or an all-smooth textured one (dumplings,mashed potatoes, applesauce, pudding).At this point in my life, these are no-brainers--I rarely have to stop and think about these lessons anymore- it is automatic while choosing my menu selection.

However, something I notice often, is how many very ordinary dishes, can look EXTRAordinary just by serving them from a not-so-ordinary dish!

This is just yogurt with fruit and granola, that was first served to me at a Bed and Breakfast as a first course. (I've never served mine any other way now!)

Simple dessert can be revved up much the same way.I often go to thrift stores to purchase interesting stemware to serve pudding, ice cream, etc. It makes such a difference!

My Pumpkin Mousse is much more appealing served this way, don'tcha think?

And here, I served simple fruits and marshmallows to be dipped from a chocolate fountain. I used pretty vintage glass dishes (from an antique shop)to serve them and it took on a more elegant look, although there is really nothing fancy about this at all!

Simple pretzel rods dipped in almond bark and rolled in colored sprinkles, served on nice glass apothecary jars, even looked fancy.

Or simple veggies can look much more appetizing served in a bright contrasting colored dish ( or bright veggies served in a contrasting colored dish).

Do me a favor...DON'T serve the dish you bring to the Thanksgiving table in your plastic Tupperware (great products, just not for the serving table)or old chipped, faded dishes. Make your guests feel special just by putting some thought into the serving pieces.

You don't have to spend a lot of money. Thrift stores, yard sales and Dollar stores are FILLED with great finds.

IF you don't have time to scour the deals, and prefer to shop online, I happen to be a consultant for BLESSINGS UNLIMITED- a FABULOUS line of entertaining products, home decor, etc. all with inspirational messages or scriptures adorning them.

These are a few of my favorite pieces:

The dishes are GORGEOUS! Such beautiful detail...

This stand will hold various cookies I am making for Thanksgiving. I will use it again at Christmas- probably decorating the top. It will also hold plates and bowls full of your favorite recipes! And what an eye-catcher!

*I keep this on my island in the kitchen. SOmedays it serves as a large grocery list or to-do list, but most days, I write inspirational messages on it to remind me of the really important things!

And of course, every good cook, needs a good apron.

The best thing is you can order them securely online, and they will be shipped directly to your home and you will receive them QUICKLY-normally, just a few days- NO HASSLE! While you're shopping the online catalog, you may also find some Christmas gifts for others on your list.

The products are TOP QUALITY and really must be seen to be truly appreciated. I receive so many compliments on mine- and my sales increase each time I use them to serve some of these delicious recipes from them. :)

Click on my website SHOP ONLINE to view the products and have them delivered directly to your door!

Pumpkin Creme Muffins

2011-11-04T16:02:00.000-07:00

My friend and co-worker Glenda, shared this recipe with me recently and it has become a favorite of the masses! I whipped up a batch of the DELICIOUSLY moist muffins that are a cross between pumpkin bread and pumpkin cheesecake -- very moist and perfectly sweet.

You gotta try them-- I get rave reviews everytime I make them.

So, here's what you need:

BATTER:
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
1 1/4 cups flour
2 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 oil
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

FILLING:
1 (8 oz.) pkg. creme cheese
1 egg
1/3 sugar

STREUSEL TOPPING:
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
3 T/ flour
2 T. butter

Mix together batter ingredients; set aside.

Blend filling ingredients till smooth;set aside.
Combine streusel ingredients; set aside.

Pour pumpkin batter into greased or lined muffin tins. Fill 2/3 full. Spoon heaping tsp. cream mixture in center. Sprinkle with 1 tsp. streusel topping.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 18 min. Makes 18 muffins.

Pumpkin Spice Mousse ( a repost)

2011-10-26T04:00:00.000-07:00

What a yummy treat! Smooth and delicious with the perfect blend of pumpkin and cream.

This was also supposed to have pecans on top, but my grown sons must have found the HIDDEN bag, because there were none to add. But it still tasted great and I went ahead and added the butter to the brown sugar sans the nuts just for more texture and it was awesome!

1 cup cold milk
1 3.4 0z pkg. of Jell-O brand Pumpkin Spice Instant pudding and pie filling
*Beat together with whisk for 2 minutes.

1 cup thawed cool whip ( or whipped cream) + more for garnish
*Stir into the above mixture.

Spoon into 4 dessert dishes.
refrigerate until ready to serve.

To serve:
Add
1 T. melted butter and 1/4 cup pecan pieces and
2 T. brown sugar. Mix well and sprinkle on top of mousse. Add a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with dash of brown sugar.

Enjoy!

Mom's Secret Recipe Meatloaf

2011-10-24T14:10:00.001-07:00

I have told you in the past, ANYTIME I post a recipe from my Momma, you all should immediately stop what you are doing and print or write it out!

They are ALWAYS wonderful, mouth-watering reipes that are not too fussy.

The surprising secret in this recipe is SALSA- but it only adds to the moistness, it does NOT make it spicy or Mexican-flavored.

For this recipe, you will need:

2 eggs, beaten
1/2 of small jar of mild salsa
1 cup finely crushed saltine crackers
2 lbs. ground beef
1/3 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup chopped green pepper

Mix altogether- put into a loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes (uncovered). Bring out of oven and put on topping and bake 15 min. more.

Topping1/4 ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar brown sugar
1 tsp. dried mustard

Enjoy!

Best Ever Cherry Tortilla "Cobbler"

2011-10-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

Today I will be preparing this recipe for our local Morning News WSILTV 3 Station. I will be making the Apple version. YOU CAN WATCH IT HERE.
I have been making this dish (or one of the other varieties I'll mention later) for years- taking it to church socials, parties, neighborly gatherings, dinners or just for supper and I'm here to tell you that I've not taken it once to a gathering where my dish didn't return to me empty with nothing but recipe requests in it!

I'll make the cherry version for Valentine's Day, or Independence Day or Christmastime, and I'll make the apple version in the fall. I've also tried the peach, and I guess you could substitiute YOUR favorite pie filling (blueberry, strawberry, etc.)

It is very simple, just a few steps for assembly and you're on your way to making an absolutely delicious and surprisingly "from scratch" tasting "cobbler", but you will have cheated! Ssshhhh, you're secret's safe with me!

This recipe originally came to me from my cousin Angie who found it in her church cookbook when she lived in Carlsbad, New Mexico.

You will need:

1 pkg. flour tortillas (8-10)
small pkg. (4 oz.) cream cheese
2 cans Cherry Pie Filling (or flavor of your choice)
1 T. butter (for buttering baking dish)

Sauce:

1 1/2 sticks butter (do not substitiute-trust me)
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 cups water
1 tsp. Almond extract ( *If using other fillings, vanilla extract would be used)

Butter bottom and sides of 13 x 9" naking dish. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spread cream cheese over tortilla.(Enough to cover, 1-2 T.)

Place about 3 T. of pie filling down center of each tortilla.

Roll up tortilla, enchilada style.

Place side by side in dish.

Add any remaining pie filling to the top of dish and set aside.

In a saucepan over med-high heat, bring butter, sugar, water and extract to a boil.
Remove from heat and pour over tortillas in dish.

Bake at 350 for about 40 minutes. Remove and let cool a few minutes before serving.

Serving suggestions:

*Serve warm with a scoop of French Vanilla Ice cream on top.
or
*Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
or
*Top with Cool Whip
You can serve hot,room temp. or cold from the fridge. It's ALL good!

*When I make the apple version, I sprinkle top with cinnamon-sugar mixture and sprinkle with nuts . After baking I drizzle with caramel Ice cream topping.

Go ahead-Give it a try with YOUR favorite pie filling or topping. If you do, be sure to come back and let me know and I'll add your link to the post!

I'm GOING TO PUBLISH A COOKBOOK!

2011-08-06T06:49:00.000-07:00

I've decided to self-publish an EVERYTHING IN MODERATION COOKBOOK filled my my favorite recipes.
Although the majority of recipes will be mine, I also wanted to include some recipes from my friends and family.

If you would like to submit a recipe for inclusion, email me your favorite at : asmurphy@clearwave.com

If I choose to include it, you will receive your book at 50% off regular price! (ONE discounted book per person that is included in the book.)

Please send me ONE of your favorites--any category--Appetizers, beverages, desserts, main dishes, veggies and or misc.

Hurry! I have to get started so this is done in time for Christmas delivery!

A "JOHN DEERE" Baby Shower

2011-08-01T04:31:00.000-07:00

I LOVE to cook, but there is one thing I almost love even more...throwing showers for friends and family!

Yesterday, I helped a friend with a shower for her daughter's childhood friend.

Kecia wanted a "John Deere" tractor themed shower. We stretched it a bit by making it a farm/country style John Deere theme.

First item on the list was the cake. We found a cake we like online, then sent the photo to my favorite cake maker, Dorothy Stone from West Frankfort. She replicated the look, but did an even better job! Half of the main layer was chocolate, the other half was lemon.

Next,we decided on the decor. Green and yellow with country touches. Green table cloths, with yellow runners. Scattered raffia. We used the decorated gifts for the games, as added centerpieces to each table. Plates were green, napkins were yellow and John Deere napkins. Forks were served from a green plastic pail that Gena added Tractor stickers to.

Diana had a great idea--Mason jars tied with raffia and ribbon and filled with assorted old-fashioned candies. Each jar was filled with something different. Guests enjoyed going from table to table filling their plates with their favorites.

Also, I added yellow cupcake liners that were filled with animal crackers.

Instead of punch, we opted for assorted sodas, bottled water and COUNTRY TIME lemonade served from a "farmish" galvanized bucket.

The food was simple. In addition to the cake, Diana made "haystacks" (Rice Krispie treats with a "B" for BRAXTYN, I made white chocolate covered pretzels with yellow and green sugar sprinkles,

assorted fruit/dip, veggies/dip, "It's a Boy" mints and assorted nuts.

When the guests arrived, the signed a "diaper", a keepsake for Kecia to remember the special day. The diaper was surrounded by John Deere Tractors.

Diana created an Adorable "DIAPER CAKE" which was made with PAMPERS and assorted baby accessories.

We played three games. The first was "Animals and their Babies Name game. This was much harder than it sounds. We listed 25 animal names, and guests filled in the baby names accordingly. However, several stumpers...including, OWL and Turtle. Do you have any idea what those babies are called?

Game number two was simple-- guests wrote the name JOHN DEERE vertically, then wrote a baby boy's name next to each letter than began with that letter (J-Joe, O-Oliver, etc.) The winner was the guest that chose the highest number of the same names Kecia chose.

The third game, yellow and green yarn and a pair of scissors were passed around to each guest. They chose a yarn and cut to the length they thought were fit around Kecia's growing belly. The winner was Delta whose yarn length was closest to Kecia's belly diameter (trust me- it wasn't much-- Kecia is due in 2 weeks and from the back you can't even tell she's with child!)

Door Prize was awarded to the guest who had a simple JOHN DEERE TRACTOR sticker on the bottom of her plate.

Kecia's childhood friend Gena, helped write down gifts/giver's so Kecia could thank her guests later on.

Some of the guests...

Now, we're all just waiting for this DEERE Baby's arrival.

*The shower was held in the Sam Mitchell Community Room. A room that a local lawyer has set aside for community members to use AT NO CHARGE! (I LOVE it when people decide to give back to their community!)

*For more Baby shower ideas, click here:
SHE'S ABOUT TO POP! Baby Shower

BABY BOY shower

Easy Homemade Ice cream Video (Kids version)

2011-07-25T04:04:00.000-07:00

I found this simple way to make homemade ice cream on video- simple- but easier to understand while watching it being prepared as opposed to reading the instructions.

You don't even need an ice cream freezer, and kids can easily prepare this one themselves.

I think this would be a great idea for a kid's party (let each child make their own flavor), or something fun to do with the kids on a sweltering hot summer day (such as EVERY DAY here lately in southern Illinois!)

CLICK HERE to watch the short video and cool off!

Enjoy your summer.

An Organized Kitchen....HELP!

2011-07-24T07:14:00.000-07:00

An organized kitchen once seemed but an elusive dream for me-- I have been called many things in my life, but "organized" has never been used to describe me.

Recently I had a kitchen fire, and after two months of kitchen renovations, I am finally beginning to see the light at the end of the Tuscan Tunnel (I am getting the Tuscan dream kitchen I've been dreaming of for many years!).

Since the kitchen is looking so very dreamy, I thought this would be a good time to get it organized properly. And maybe, just MAYBE, I will be inspired from my Italian roots to keep this gorgeous kitchen in proper working order. (Well, a girl can dream, anyway.)

Unless you are a creative, unorganized girl like me, you wouldn't understand how difficult the concept is. To even begin seems overwhelming, so I began my cyber hunt to give get me started.

If you are like me, I think I've found a wonderful starting part. A simple "how-to" that broke it all down for me and made sense of what is otherwise a mystery to me.

If you are one who is already very organized in the kitchen, go ahead and click on the link, then come back and add any of your favorite kitchen organization tips.

In a couple of weeks, I will post the before, during and after photos of the renovation. I think you'll like what you see, and hopefully it will inspire some dreaming for all of you.

So go ahead-- read the tips here, and add your own if you can.

Oh, yeah, I almost forgot. This book looks pretty good, too.

LAZY BERRY SALAD- Pineapple Salsa- watch me prepare it on TV!

2011-07-15T18:52:00.000-07:00

This morning, I was asked to prepare a couple of simple, beat the heat recipes on our local news morning show (WSILTV-3).

What a blast hanging with this morning crew who made my time there enjoyable, and made me feel at ease. I'm sharing the link to this morning's show so you can try the LAZY BERRY SALAD and PINEAPPLE SALSA for yourself.

CLICK HERE to see the video--grab a pen enjoy a lazy summer day without fussin in the kitchen.

ENJOY!

*Visit my other blog, MATTER OF FACT by clicking here.

Italian Chicken Kabobs ( a repost)

2011-07-09T05:01:00.000-07:00

I created this deliciously simple recipe using many of my favorite ingredients that I always have on hand. It was wonderful, and was devoured within minutes of calling my men to the table!

You would have thought my Irishmen were full blooded Italians!

You will need:

Chicken strips- cut into bite size pieces
red bell pepper
green bell pepper
small zucchini
I pkg. Italian seasoning mix
Bottle of Italian dressing (I used East Main Market's Creamy Italian)
(Reserve some for basting)

Sprinkle Italian seasoning on chicken and place in glass dish. Cover with Italian dressing. Marinate for at least one hour.

Cut vegetables into bite size pieces. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, then cover in dressing, marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Alternate chicken, and vegetables on skewers and grill over med. heat for about 5 minutes on each side, or until chicken is no longer pink. Brush with remaining dressing and let cook for a few more minutes.

Serve with Roasted Garlic Alfredo Rissoto (or your favorite Italian rice recipe).
Garlic bread and an Italian salad are the perfect side dishes to this super easy meal.

Grilled Hungry Man Pork Chops (an encore presentation)

2011-06-14T04:05:00.000-07:00

Here's a great grill recipe to make to delight your Dad for Father's Day--and, if you live in an area that has high heat and humidity (as southern Illinois normally does), this will keep you from using your oven and heating things up even more!

Humidity and I are NOT close friends- I never did like her.

She's cruel.

She zaps my strength, she makes my hair all frizzy and she makes my house unbearable when I want to cook a large meal!

So, when my old enemy rears her ugly head, I let my old friend Mr. Grill do most of my cooking.

I made these delicious and thick-as-a-limb pork chops on the grill and although I only cooked two chops, two of my sons showed up and the chops were so large, it fed all of us!

I served them with some grilled red and green peppers, fried potatoes, and baked beans (from a can warmed up in the microwave- I wasn't about to turn on my oven!)

If you have a hungry man that needs his belly filled and it's too hot in your kitchen, try this delicious dish.

YOU WILL NEED:

2 GINORMOUS pork chops!
Rub with generous amounts of Garlic salt and
pepper to suit your tastes.

Cut up strips of red and green pepper.
Sprinkle peppers with olive oil and salt/pepper and place in foil packet.

Put meat directly on med. flame on grill. Place veges in packet on grill.

Turn meat with tongs when brown, then turn again. Mine took at least 25 on my gas grill because they were so thick, but you may need to adjust the time on your grill.
Actually, I only prepare the food, then take it out to Big Al, and he grills it for me- bless his heart!

When done, arrange peppers around the meat on your serving tray.

Call for your Big Hungry men to come and get it!

Chicken Enchiladas

2011-05-10T17:23:00.000-07:00

My friend Tracy made this recipe at a party I attended and it was delicious! She was kind enough to share it with me so I could pass it along.

It looks so nice served in an Celebrating HOME baking dish, that another friend, Theresa Winters, sells--so I thought I'd give her a plug as well.

If you'd like to give it a try and put some smiles on some hungry faces,

YOU WILL NEED:

4 cups chicken (cooked and diced)
1 small red onion, chopped (optional)
1 cup shredded Mexican Blend cheese
3/4 can enchilada sauce

Mix altogether and fill 8 lg. tortillas and roll up.

Put in a 13X9 baking dish.

Pour another 1 1/4 cup enchilada sauce over top. Sprinkle with mixture of

1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp. Cajun spices

Top with 1 cup of cheese.

Bake at 400 degrees for 15-18 min.

Serve warm with sour cream.

Enjoy!

Are you ready for this? 3 ingredient Croissant Bread Pudding (a repost)

2011-05-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

Here's a SIMPLE, yet MOTHER'S DAY Worthy recipe that even kids can make!

Yep! You heard me correctly. Only three ingredients- but tastes like you really fussed.

Mom made this the other day- just whipped it up and it was so good and so easy. Just had to share it.

She said the original recipe called for chocolate croissants, but she couldn't find them, so she went with the regular.

Of course, a traditional bread pudding from scratch can't be beat- but this is very good- especially considering it only requires 3 ingredients.

Perfect to serve as a special breakfast, or brunch or a dessert.

You will need:

4 ( 4 oz. ) Croissants
2 pkgs. ( 3oz. each) Cook and Serve Vanilla pudding and pie filling.
4 cups whole milk

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 3 qt. shallow baking dish. Whisk pudding mix and milk in bowl till thoroughly blended. Cut croissants into 1 " pieces. Arrange in baking dish. Pour pudding mixture over croissants. Push bread down into liquid to make sure it is covered. Bake for 50 minutes(till bubbly around edges or knife inserted in center comes out clean).

Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy!

Happy Cinco de Mayo! (repost)

2011-05-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

These recipes come via my cousin Angie who lived in New Mexico and also happens to be a fabulous cook.

Perfect to help celebrate Cinco De Mayo or to serve for any Mexican feast!

They are simple, tasty and fun...MY kind of entertaining recipes!

The first is a delicious dip from Chli's restaurant.

Chili's Skillet Queso

16-ounce box Velveeta Cheese *1 C. milk

2 teaspoons paprika *½ tsp. ground cayenne pepper

15-ounce can Hormel Chili (No Beans) * 4 tsp. chili powder

1 tablespoon lime juice *½ tsp. ground cumin

Cut the Velveeta into cubes. Combine the cheese with the remaining ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until cheese melts.

Enjoy with tortillas!

Guacamole

2 Avocados, peeled, pitted *½ tsp. salt

⅛ C. (oil or less) *½ tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. lemon juice *¼ C. thick and chunky salsa, drained

Blend until smooth.

Chi-Chi's Mexican Fried Ice Cream (serves two)

1/2 C oil 6-inch flour tortillas *1/4 C. cornflake crumbs

2 6-inch flour tortillas *2 large scoops ice-cream

1/2 tsp. cinnamon *can whipped cream

2 Tbsp. sugar *cherries with stems

optional toppings:

honey

chocolate syrup

strawberry topping

1.) fry tortilla in the hot oil in a frying pan over med/high heat. fry each side about one minute until crispy. drain on paper towels.

2.) combine cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl.

sprinkle half the sugar mixture on both sides of the tortillas, coating evenly.

3.) combine other half with cornflake crumbs in wide shallow bowl.

4.) place a large scoop of ice cream in crumbs, roll around until entire surface is coated. you should not be able to see ice cream. place scoop on center of tortilla.

5.) top with whip cream and cherry. serve with a side of honey, chocolate syrup or strawberry topping.

Here is a photo I wanted to share ,to show you some great South of the Border serving dishes I purchased to help set the perfect mood for your Mexican feast. Any olorful plates will do!

If you get a chance, be sure to check out my website BLESSINGS UNLIMITED, to find more wonderful dishes and decor for your home, all inspirational items to set the perfect, peaceful mood today, and everyday! CLICK HERE.
ENJOY!

Oven Fried Chicken and Biscuits

2011-04-26T01:00:00.000-07:00

This one comes from a good ole country cook who lives in Creal Springs, a tiny town here in southern Illinois. NORMA LINDSEY shared this delicious recipe in our COAL COUNTRY COOKIN' cookbook. She is the sister-in-law of one of my cousins and is known for her good southern-style cookin.

This is a simple recipe that is finger-licken good!

Try it and add it to your "comfort foods" file.

YOU WILL NEED:

1/4 cup butter
1/3 cup flour
2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 1/2- 3 lb. frying chicken, cut up
1 can biscuits
2 T. milk
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. garlic salt (or garlic powder if you'd rather)

Melt butter in 9x13" baking pan. Combine flour, salt, pepper and paprika in a paper or plastic bag. Shake to blend. Add meat 2-3 pieces at a time. Shake to coat. Place meat, skin side down in butter. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes. Turn meat. Sprinkle with salt and bake 15 minutes more. Move meat to one end of pan. Dip biscuits one at a time in milk, then Parmesan/garlic salt mixture. Place at other end of pan. Bake 15-20 minutes longer.

Tastes like you made em from scratch Cinnamon Rolls

2011-04-25T18:38:00.000-07:00

As if you can't tell from the photo, this is one of the MOST DELICIOUS treats I've ever tasted! You will be SHOCKED at the taste, the texture and presentation--it truly tastes like a "from-scratch" recipe...and all it needed was a little help from a friend!

My friend Gail shared this recipe with me this past Christmas. She brought the warm pan, fresh from the oven to my home for me to serve to my family for Christmas Eve breakfast.

It was a special time for us. My middle son had just graduated from boot camp and was home on leave. And Gail herself had just learned she had breast cancer, but was still going about her business, doing what she does best...cooking up mouth-watering recipes!

We share a love of food--and feeding those we love--along with many other interests, including writing. (Gail and her husband, Michael are the publishers of GOOD LIVING IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS and GOOD LIVING IN WEST FRANKFORT magazines and I am one of the freelance writers.)

She is now in the middle of Chemo treatments and is doing very well. She has a great prognosis and amazing strength! I'm honored to be counted among her close friends.

Okay, before I start tearing up, here's the recipe you MUST try--you can thank us later when you WOW your friends and family! (And it wouldn't hurt to say a little prayer for my friend-continued health, strength and peace is always welcomed)

This would be a perfect MOTHER'S DAY TREAT! Just print out the recipe and hand it to your kids or husband! :)

YOU WILL NEED:

1 frozen Bag of Rhodes cinnamon rolls (12)
3/4 cups nuts-broken
*take out the 2 bags of cream cheese icing that comes with rolls (to use in another recipe later)

Spray a 9x13 pan with Pam.

Melt 1 stick butter and 1 cup to 1 1/4 cup light brown sugar. Melt in saucepan until it bubbles. Then add broken nuts.

Pour over bottom of a 13x9 pan. Take slices of rolls and lay flat in pan.
Let rise (about 3 hours if frozen-till they meet together)

Bake at 350 degrees till golden on top (20-25 min.)

Run knife around sides, flip upside down.

Serve warm.

Take a bow.

THANK YOU GAIL!

A couple of DELICIOUS Ham Leftovers Recipes

2011-04-25T03:33:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone enjoyed their Easter celebration and I hope you were able to enjoy your family and friends as well as DELICIOUS food, as I did!

Here are links to a couple of my previous posts that are perfect for using your ham leftovers from Easter.

Both receive rave reviews from my bunch!

The first is Pasta Primavera with Smoky Ham (an old Bon Appetite recipe)Delicious and not heavy. Especially good after a heavy meal. (It is photographed above)

The next is a simple throw together, Ham/veggie Casserole.

A simple but tasty recipe to mix-up those ham leftovers.

ENJOY!

Glazed Carrots

2011-04-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

A delicious versatile side dish perfect for a weeknight meal, or add it to your Holiday dinner menu.

Only 4 ingredients- what could be simpler?

Another food I have a hard time eating in moderation. (So, sue me ;)

YOU WILL NEED:
1 (16 ounce) package baby carrots
1/2 cup butter
3 tablespoons honey
1/2 cup brown sugar

Directions:

Place the carrots into a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and allow to steam dry for a minute or two.
Return the pot to the stove; reduce the heat to medium-low. Melt the butter in the pot. Stir in the honey and brown sugar; add the carrots and stir until evenly coated; cook another 5 minutes.

This makes a lot of juice, you may want to reduce the sauce just a bit, unless you're like me and know a good sauce when you taste one and choose just to savor the flavor!

Resurrection buns

2011-04-21T08:01:00.001-07:00

Making these buns for Easter morning breakfast has been a tradition in our home since ours boys were small.

Although our Easter mornings have always been rushed, we would still enjoy these great tasting buns that bring back some wonderful memories.

It's a great way to teach the Easter story to children!

Resurrection Buns

Each child takes a Grand (or other large ) canned biscuit.
1. They flatten the biscuit out until it's about 5 inches across.

2.They spread melted butter, sugar and cinnamon on it.
*We explain that the spices represent the spices used to anoint Jesus' body before His burial.*

3.Then each child gets one large marshmallow.
*The marshmallow represents Jesus.
It is white because it stands for His purity and His sinless life.

4. They place the marshmallow in the center of the biscuit, then fold the sides around it forming a "tomb".

(You may need to help the younger children pinch the sides of their tombs closed and then place them crease side down on a baking sheet so they will not open while cooking).

5. Put more butter, cinnamon and sugar on the outside.

* We talk about the sweet taste of the spices and how Jesus gave us the sweetest gift we will ever receive.*

6.At this point you can go ahead and bake the buns. (according to pkg. directions.)

Remove when done and cool.

When the children bite into their buns they will be surprised to find the center empty! The marshmallow has melted.

As each child discovers the empty tomb, we repeat : "He is not here for He is risen!"

It can become a wonderful Easter morning tradition in your home, that only takes minutes to prepare but the memories will last a lifetime.

Fruit Salsa

2011-03-16T15:49:00.000-07:00

My friend and co-worker Tracy shared this recipe with me, after I ate two helpings at a party she hosted recently. Very refreshing--and pretty healthy, too.
It is called a "salsa", but really it is just a finely chopped fruit salad.

YOU WILL NEED:
1 lg. red apple
1 lg. green apple
5 kiwis
1 lb. fresh strawberries
1 small cup mandarin oranges (drained)
2-3 T. Apricot jelly
1 T. Brown sugar
1 T. white sugar

Cut up all fruit in tiny pieces (or put in food processor like photo above)
Serve with cinnamon tortilla chips or graham crackers.

St. Patty's Day Celebration

2011-03-16T13:02:00.000-07:00

EVERYONE is Irish on St. Patrick's Day.
We celebrate in style every year-- as we proudly honor my husband's Irish heritage.

I decorate the house

*My soldier son could not be with us, but he had sketched this pic of an Irish boy years ago--I displayed it prominently and pretended he was here with us.

*My brother wrote to the Mayor of Dublin, Ireland and he wrote back!

Irish Music plays in the background.

We serve Irish food (and some green food just for fun)

My Irish brood loves to tell a good story....

This year, I wrote out an Irish blessing to each family member on their own personal placecard. I read them aloud and it was actually very touching (I didn't expect to tear up as I read them).

You can google IRISH BLESSINGS as I did and read or write a blessing for those you love...and then enjoy green eggs and ham, green pancakes for breakfast...green milk with cereal, or an authentic Irish menu for supper.

Whatever you choose to do to celebrate the day...make it memorable--bless those who have been placed in your life. Let them know they are loved, and valued. Then, you won't need luck---you will be blessed beyond measure!

Enjoy the holiday!

Crunchy Rice Krispie Sandwiches

2011-03-05T14:12:00.000-08:00

This delicious little treat was shared with me recently, by my friend Glenda, who got it from a mutual friend of ours who passed away many years ago, Evelyn Newcomb.These were also known as "Brian cookies" because Evelyn used to make them every Sunday for her son Brian. She loved having all of her kids home for Sunday dinner.

They are crispy, sweet with a little change of pace from the ordinary rice Krispie treat.

You will need:

1 (12 0z.) bag butterscotch chips
1 cup peanut butter
9-10 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 (12 oz.)pkg. chocolate chips
2 T. water
1/2 stick butter
3/4 cup powdered sugar

Melt butterscotch chips and peanut butter in microwave. Then add cereal. Mix well. Grease a 9x13" pan. Put 1/2 the cereal mixture in it.

Melt chocolate chips, water, butter in microwave (1-1/2 minutes). Add powdered sugar to choco mix. Pour over cereal mix in pan. Add rest of cereal mix on top of chocolate. Press down gently. Refrigerate 3-4 hours before cutting into squares.

Lemon Cookies (from a cake mix)

2011-02-26T07:44:00.001-08:00

I made a couple of batches of these sweet/tart crisp cookies for a presentation I am doing today on GOODWILL HUNTING at our Local Library.

* For those of you that don't know it...I am QUEEN of shopping for bargains at local thrift shops (like the GOODWILL) and today I am teaming up with an EXTREME Coupon Guru and we are offering a free presentation, sharing our money-saving tips that will help folks stretch a dollar so thin they could see through it!

So, We decided to serve refreshments, to also show how you can make a nice treat and not have to spend a lot of time or money in the kitchen. Rachel is making cupcakes (from cake mixes she paid pennies for) and I am offering these wonderful cookies from a cheap cake mix as well!

EASY and delicious and rather light tasting.

You will need:

* 1 (18.25 ounce) package lemon cake mix
* 2 eggs
* 1/3 cup vegetable oil
* 1 teaspoon lemon extract
* 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar for decoration

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Pour cake mix into a large bowl. Stir in eggs, oil, and lemon extract until well blended. Drop teaspoonfuls of dough into a bowl of confectioners' sugar. Roll them around until they're lightly covered. Once sugared, put them on an ungreased cookie sheet.
3. Bake for 6 to 9 minutes in the preheated oven.

YUM!

MAKE some memories this Valentine's Day

2011-02-08T15:35:00.000-08:00

I'm hoping this year, those that don't normally cook on Valentine's Day will try making something from your kitchen for those you love. It could be a nice breakfast,brunch or lunch, a delicious romantic dinner or a sensational dessert and it can be all be found on my side bar if you scroll down far enough on the right.

If you decide on something from this blog, let me know. I'd love to know what you're serving up!

Enjoy this special day to honor those you love!

Are you ready for some football?

2011-02-05T05:41:00.000-08:00

Super bowl Sunday is right around the corner....if you check out my sidebar, I have MANY delicious recipes just waiting to be served up at your SUPER BOWL PARTY.
Simply scroll down on the right, and click on the photo of the recipe you'd like to try.

Appetizers, soups, sandwiches, side dishes and desserts that will SCORE with hungry football lovers, regardless which team their rootin' for.

So check it out and enjoy the game!

Steak with Mushrooms

2011-02-02T16:18:00.000-08:00

SO, my husband calls me from work and says, "Will you cook some steaks with some mushrooms, and I'd like some potatoes and something else really good to go with it, OK?"

So I did what any good wife who runs her own 24 hour family style restaurant from her humble kitchen does...I began cooking his dinner with a smile! :)

Really- I would prefer him to tell me what he wants, because last night I made one of my favorite dinners (kielbasa and sauerkraut) and he ate only one serving (a cook's nightmare!)

SO, if you want to whip up a weeknight steak dinner, here's a good one to try.

I love the crunchy topping on the mushrooms. Very tasty!

Ingredients

* 1 beef T-bone or Porterhouse steak, cut 1 inch thick
* 1 tablespoon butter
* 2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs (I used Italian-seasoned)
* 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 1/4 teaspoons steak seasoning blend
* 8 ounces button mushrooms, cut into quarters (drain a can of mushrooms)
* 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions ( I used minced onion)

Directions

Melt 1 teaspoon butter in large nonstick skillet over medium heat; stir in bread crumbs and cheese. Cook and stir 3 to 6 minutes or until lightly toasted. Remove from pan. Set aside.
Press 2 teaspoons steak seasoning evenly onto beef steak. Place steak on rack in broiler pan so surface of beef is 3 to 4 inches from heat. Broil 15 to 20 minutes for medium rare (145 degrees F) to medium (160 degrees F) doneness, turning once.
Meanwhile, melt remaining 2 teaspoons butter in same skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms, onions and remaining 1/4 teaspoon steak seasoning; cook and stir 4 to 6 minutes or until mushrooms are just tender and lightly browned; keep warm.
Remove bone from steak; carve crosswise into slices. Serve with mushrooms. Sprinkle crumb mixture over mushrooms and steak.

*I served it with boiled potatoes, asparagus (recipe is on my sidebar) and a side salad.

Enjoy!

Mexican Braid

2011-01-28T14:43:00.000-08:00

I had a CELEBRATING AT HOME party this week and the distributor brought this delicious entree that all my guests raved over! And what made it even better? I earned the gorgeous serving dish for FREE!!!!! (Along with about $200 dollars of other beautiful merchandise!)

I promised my guests I would get the recipe, and I'll share with you too!

And, seriously, if you want to place an order online,SHIPPED DIRECTLY TO YOUR HOME, you can do so . CLICK HERE

Whether or not you order, be sure to browse the catalog.....lots of GORGEOUS pieces!
Okay- so here's the recipe:

Three packs crescent rolls.
1 1/2 pounds of hamburger.
1 small can of diced tomatoes with green chillies.
and 2 cups finely shredded Mexican blend cheese.
1 pack of taco seasoning mix.

Brown hamburger and drain blend in taco mix and tomatoes mix thoroughly. Line hospitality tray with crescent rolls, small part of crescent lays over the sides of tray. Spread a layer of cheese on the bottom then add hamburger mixture over crescents then add remaining cheese on top. Crisscross the crescents over the top and bake for 20 to 25 min at 350 degrees. No need to preheat oven if using hospitality tray. Best served right out of oven with sour cream.
ENJOY!

Pinapple Salsa--a FAST AND FURIOUS FRIDAY RECIPE!

2011-01-28T03:57:00.000-08:00

3 simple ingredients are all you need to make this SUPERB SALSA that will tantalize your taste buds!

Perfect for a weekend meal, Super Bowl Party or just whenever you want to crunch and munch on something NOT so traditional.

You will need:

*1 jar Salsa (your favorite brand and choice of heat level- I chose MEDIUM)
*1/2 lg. can (15 oz.) of crushed pineapple, drained
*sugar to taste (I used 1 T.)

Mixed together and serve with your favorite tortilla chips, or pour over a block of cream cheese and serve with crackers.

Impress your guests and ENJOY!

Roasted Garlic Rosemary Onion Potatoes

2011-01-26T08:32:00.000-08:00

Here's a quick and easy side dish that is full of delicious flavors that turn ordinary potatoes into a real treat.

Only FOUR ingredients so it's easy on your budget, too!

YOU WILL NEED:

1 pkg. Onion soup mix (like Lipton's, or a store brand)
3-4 med. potatoes, cut into wedges
1 T. Rosemary-garlic seasoning
1/2 cup canola oil )or olive or your preference)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Combine all in baking pan until well coated.

Bake and turnover potatoes every ten minutes until golden brown (about 30 min.)
Serve warm.

ENJOY!

The PERFECT Philly Steak and Cheese Sandwich

2011-01-23T10:02:00.000-08:00

This DELICIOUS sandwich recipe was inspired by Emeril Lagasse--but of course I had to tweak it to suit MY tastes.

One of THE BEST sandwiches I have ever eaten! EVER! This one you MUST-TRY!
(It would also be perfect to serve for a SUPER BOWL Party. Guys and gals will love it!)

This recipe makes 2-4 sandwiches (depending on size of rolls you choose and how much filling you like to add in between.) You'll need to double this recipe even if only two of you are planning to eat it--take my word for it--you'll want to eat TWO!

YOU WILL NEED:

* fresh Italian sandwich rolls or Kaiser buns, split in half crosswise
I used Kaiser rolls.

* 1 white onion, thinly sliced
* 1/2 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced

*I used frozen, chopped green onions and peppers to save time)

* 1 teaspoon minced garlic
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
* Seasoned salt* (to taste)

*I added this- was not in original recipe.

* 1/2 pound rib-eye steak, very very thinly shaved or sliced

I used a top sirloin steak and cut it into strips.
* 1/3 pound thinly sliced white American cheese, or Provolone cheese OR 4 ounces melted cheese whiz

(I used provolone)

DIRECTIONS:

Heat skillet over medium-high heat. When hot add the oil, onions and bell peppers, and cook, stirring, until caramelized, about 6 minutes. Add the garlic, salt, and pepper, and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.Keep on warm.

Sprinkle a generous amount of seasoned salt on the meat slices.Add the meat to the hot pan and cook, stirring until almost no longer pink, about 2 minutes. Mix in the Sauteed vegetables.

Take buns (that have been split in half) and lay a slice of cheese on all halves. Broil on low just till cheese melts and is bubbly.

Take out and spoon meat mixture into the buns and serve while warm.

I served mine with Roasted potatoes (I'll share that recipe soon).

Fantabulous!!! It makes me want to shout!
(Sorry, I tend to get a little excited about food.)

Chicken (or Turkey) Fettuccine SKillet

2011-01-21T07:43:00.000-08:00

SO you already know I don't enjoy eating "diet food"....I'm a comfort food sort of gal, and TASTE OF HOME always has recipes I love.
I came a cross a new cookbook that caught me eye and made me take a chance...
It was a TASTE OF HOME "Comfort Food Cookbook Diet".

Whoa! Stopped me in my tracks!

I bought it and came right home and made the recipe on the cover.

I must confess, I did use FULL-FAT half and half instead of the lighter version but ONLY because it was the only version available in the store, and the weather here is snowy-freezing and I didn't want to go back out on the bad roads (okay, and I like my "full-fat half and half)!

Anyway, this was VERY good--and I'm sure you could make it either way for the same great results.
Give this one a try!(The book AND the recipe)

You will need:
8 oz. uncooked fettuccine
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp. Canola oil
1 cup sliced, fresh mushrooms
2 cups fat-free milk
1 tsp. salt-free seasoning mix (Like Mrs. Dash)
1/4 tsp. salt
2 T. Cornstarch
1/2 cup fat-free half and half (or reg. if you're not counting your fat intake)
1/3 cup grated Parmesan
3 cups cubed COOKED chicken or turkey
3/4 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella (or reg. mozzarella)

Cook noodles according to pkg. directions. Meanwhile, cover a large, oven-proof skillet with cooking spray. and saute' onion, celery and garlic in oil for 3 min. Add mushrooms; cook and stir till veges are tender. Stir in milk, seasoning blend and salt. Bring to a boil.

Mix cornstarch and half and half until smooth;stir into skillet. Cook and stir for 2 min. (or until thick & bubbly);stir in Parmesan just till melted.
Stir in meat. Drain noodles;add to mixture. Heat through. Sprinkle with mozzarella. Broil 2-3 min.

The Sopranos Soup

2011-01-09T13:07:00.001-08:00

I let my husband name this one, because he went on and on about how good it was and he said no one would want to try something called "Spinach Tortellini Soup" because (he said) that name didn't do it justice.

So he said it needed a good Italian name...like The Sopranos.

It was very good and filling but not in the "Uh-Oh I just clogged another artery" sort of way. :)

I made it yesterday along with a nice big fruit salad and enjoyed a healithier meal than usual...and it felt good.

So, if you want to give it a whirl.

YOU WILL NEED:

1 box tri-color cheese tortellini
1 bag (9-10 0z.) pre-washed leaf spinach (in the salad section)
4 cans chicken broth
1 bouillon cube
1 carrot (thin slices)
5 pinches Good Season's Italian Seasoning mix
*Boiled chicken pieces (optional)-I only put chicken in because my husband wouldn't consider it a main dish without meat in it)

Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS:

Boil tortellini, and spinach in water for about 7 minutes. Drain. Heat broth and bouillon and add spinach, carrots boiled chicken and seasonings and simmer for about 20 minutes. Serve with sprinkled Parmesan cheese on top.

YUM!

We're making memories...literally.

2010-12-24T03:56:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas Eve morning....most of my baking/cooking is done and treat trays are prepared to give to my neighbors. The house is all decked out and all of my sons will be home for Christmas!

This evening, my next-door neighbors and my family will once again enjoy our holiday tradition of exchanging gag gifts and treats, and my sons will (hopefully) spend the night and we will all enjoy Christmas breakfast together.

I host the big family dinner here (around 30 are expected) and we will eat, and laugh, and hug, and clean up spills and watch the teens and tweens roll their eyes at their parents and us "oldies but goodies"!

This year, we will enjoy an Italian Christmas feast.

Our menu is buffet style and will include Home made Spaghetti and meatballs (Tyler Florence recipe), Mostaciolli w/pepperoni, Fettuccine Alfredo, a big Italian Salad, garlic bread,Italian Cheese Ball, Italian Creme Cake, Italian Pizelle Cookies and a few appetizers, and of course, a vast array of Christmas cookies and candies.

If you scroll down my sidebar on the left, you should find recipes you may want to serve at your feast!

Remember, though, it's not WHAT you serve but WHO you serve that matters!

Have a wonderfully blessed Christmas holiday and I pray for PEACE to all of you. In your hearts and in your home.

Taco Soup

2010-12-20T13:56:00.000-08:00

Here's a very good taco soup recipe that I'm preparing for a Mexican Christmas party in our teacher's lounge tomorrow. (I will triple the recipe).

It has just a bit of a kick, not too spicy--just right.

YOU WILL NEED:

1 can corn
1 can kidney beans
1 can pinto beans
1 can tomato sauce
1 can Rotel (tomatoes and green chilies)
1 can diced tomatoes w/garlic (or stewed tomatoes)
1 pkg. taco seasoning
1 pkg. Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
1 lb. cooked hamburger.

Sour cream
Shredded Cheddar cheese
Taco chips

Combine all except last 3 ingredients (do NOT DRAIN any cans) in a pot on stove (simmering) or in a crock pot.

When done, serve in bowls- top with sour cream , cheddar and taco chips.

Cranberry Pork Loin

2010-12-12T04:34:00.000-08:00

What a perfect recipe to serve for Christmas!

It is delicious, easy to prepare (only 4 ingredients) and it's made in a crock pot so the tireless cook can attend to decorating, wrapping last minute gifts or visiting with guests.

*NOTE: For a better presentation, I would have warmed up a bit of cranberry sauce in the microwave and drizzled over top right before serving--after cooking for so long, the sauce lost its color and "moved off" the top of the meat. My guys didn't care--they devoured this roast!

YOU WILL NEED:

1 (5-8 lb.) Pork loin
1 can cranberry sauce
seasoned salt
1/2 cup brown or Dijon mustard

Sprinkle roast with seasoned salt to taste. Place in crockpot. Spread mustard over top of pork as if "icing" it. Stir cranberry sauce and pour over top. Cook on high 1-2 hours, then on low for 6 hours (180 degrees on meat thermometer).

*I cooked mine on high the whole time because I needed to serve it earlier--but it led to the meat falling apart--which normally is not a problem, but it doesn't look as good when you plate it.
Delicious!

ENJOY!

Devil's Food Cookies (from a cake mix)

2010-12-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

O-Balls (a 3-ingredient recipe)--reposted

2010-12-03T04:18:00.000-08:00

An Ever so simple recipe to make with the kids! Delicious and makes 75! Let the kiddos give them as gifts!

A co-worker served these in the Lounge at school, and I had forgotten how simple and delicious they were. Now they are back on my Christmas list of fun treats to make.
WARNING! These are very rich.

YOU WILL NEED:

1 package Oreo cookies(1 lb. 4 oz.)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
20 ounces almond bark,melted

Directions:

Crush 1 pkg. Oreo cookies. Mix with softened cream cheese. Roll into balls; chill. Dip in 18-20 oz. melted almond bark to coat.

*You can also crush Oreo's in food processor and add in cream cheese cubes to mix. * chill this mixture before rolling into balls.

*You can drizzle with chocolate if desired.

Best Ever Pumpkin Bread

2010-11-23T06:30:00.000-08:00

Extremely moist- and filled with treats- all of which are optional, but makes it so much more interesting.

My Mom has made this recipe every Thanksgiving and Christmas as long as I can remember! It always receives rave reviews and someone always requests the recipe.

She prepares it in a bundt or tube pan for the best presentation. I've also baked it in mini loaf pans and given them as small thank you gits, and also muffin and mini-muffin size to share with a crowd. (*Remember- cooking times would need to be adjusted when cooking in smaller pans)

Give it a try and start a new holiday tradition in your home!

YOU WILL NEED:
3 c. sugar
3 1/2 cups flour.
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 small can pumpkin
1 tsp. vanilla
4 eggs, beaten
1 c. oil
3/4 cups water
3/4 cups nuts (walnuts or pecan_
1 c. raisins (optional)
1 c. maraschino cherries, halved (optional)

Sift together dry ingredients. Set aside. Mix pumpkin, eggs, oil, vanilla and water. Add to dry mixture and mix well with blender. Fold in nuts, raisins and cherries. Grease and flour a tube/bundt pan. Pour in pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Cool on wire rack for 15 minutes. Tastes even better the next day!

CHECK OUT MY SIDEBAR FOR MORE DELICIOUS THANKSGIVING RECIPES!

And the winner is.....

2010-11-21T06:14:00.000-08:00

The winner of the COOKBOOK GIVE-AWAY is.......

Teri Schloss!

Terri entered on facebook on the "Event" posting.
She will be receiving her cookbook this week!

*If you are not a friend of "Everything in Moderation" on facebook, what are you waiting for? (Link provided on the sidebar)

Thanks all, for entering.

It's TOO Easy and TOO Fattening & TOO Good Casserole!

2010-11-07T07:43:00.000-08:00

I'll admit it. I love a good ole throw together as much as the next person, but even more so when it "sticks to your ribs" with a creamy cheesy sauce! Obviously, I can't eat this way too much because at this rate, it will be awhile before I ever seen those ribs of mine again! I know they're there--hiding under a layer (or two) of flesh.

I realize Velveeta cheese is frowned upon by snooty foodies, but people, there is NOTHING that says comfort like VELVEETA. No. thing.

So, before you turn up your nose at this simple dish, just imagine the warm creamy cheesy sauce, melting nicely with the Italian flavored meat and soft noodles.

After imagining it, whip some up for yourself. Serve it with a nice fresh GREEN salad with LOW-fat dressing and hop on the treadmill if that makes you feel better. But be prepared...this dish is haunted! I heard it calling my name a time or two after dinner.

YOU WILL NEED:

*1 bag pasta shells (boil and drain)

*1 lb. hamburger.
*Good Season's Italian dressing pkt (to taste--I use A LOT!)
*1 clove minced garlic (optional) Unless you're Italian- it's NOT optional then!
* 1/2 to 1 lb. Velveeta, cubed (guess which amount I used?) ;)
* Milk (to desired consistency- start with 1/4 cup and go from there)

Brown meat with seasonings. Drain fat. Add cheese and let melt while stirring.
Add shells, then add milk to make desired consistency.

Add to 13x9 baking dish and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.

(I know- it's REALLY fattening, but as Paula Deen would say...I'm not your Doctor, I'm a cook!")
Bake just till cheese melts (350 degrees).

ENJOY!

Chicken Pot Pie

2010-11-06T07:33:00.001-07:00

Chicken pot pie...ahhh. This truly is comfort food at its best!
Today was a crisp fall day and I needed a hearty warm meal to nourish my body and soul and this definitely did the trick!

I started to make Paula Deen's recipe, but opted out and created my own.
The sauce is her recipe though. I loved the HEAVY cream factor...yep! It made all the difference!

Come on- give it a try!

YOU WILL NEED:

* 2 pie crusts (your own recipe or Pillsbury)
Lay bottom in a pie plate-crimp edges, set aside.
With top layer, cut out designs with cookie cutters (I used a diamond shape but your favorite shape will do)
Set aside.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

* 4 chicken breast halves, or 2 cups leftover cooked chicken
Add * Seasoned salt and pepper
* 2 tablespoons butter
* tsp. minced garlic

Cook chicken in skillet till brown and cooked through. Cut into bite-size pieces.

2 bags frozen veges of your choice (I used frozen carrots, celery and potatoes with a bit of onion).

Parboil till tender crisp. Drain. Set aside.

For filling:

* 1/3 cup butter
* 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 quart heavy cream
* 1/4 cup chicken base
* 1 tablespoon minced garlic

In a large saucepan, melt butter and then slowly add flour, stirring until consistency of peanut butter, but not brown like a roux. Slowly add cream and keep stirring. Add chicken base, garlic, and stir until thickened. Add vege mixture and cut up chicken. Remove from heat. Add mixture to the pie crust, and then top with a design of your choice for top pie crust. Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly. *WATCH crust after about 15 min. If it looks brown enough, cover with foil for the rest of the baking time.

Serve warm with a nice salad. Very filling.

Enjoy!
\

*BEFORE YOU LEAVE: CLICK HERE to enter my cookbook giveaway!

It's Time to CELEBRATE!!!!

2010-11-03T20:30:00.000-07:00

I'm celebratin' for many reasons...

The holidays are fast approaching...my soldier gets to come home for Christmas and I've changed my blog around a little.

SO, in honor of my celebratory spirit, YOU get a chance to Win this:

This book is filled with muffin and bread recipes to make your own gifts. Each mix fits into a quart jar. The book even includes tags complete with recipient directions with each recipe. Just cut it out, personalize and attach to the jar. Fun to make and affordable, gifts in a jar make great gifts for neighbors, teachers and friends!

And all you have to do is check out my sidebar on the right and tell me which recipe you would like to try!
(Only U.S. residents)

It's that simple.

You can leave the comment here, or on facebook, but hurry! The contest ends NOV.Sat. Nov. 14th at midnight. All commenters who followed directions will have their name entered into the drawing by the good ole "hat method".

Winner will be notified on this Site and on facebook.

So come on, what are you waiting for?

Simple yet Elegant Filet Mignon

2010-10-30T11:29:00.000-07:00

Hey- we all could use a bit of pampering now and then, so I decided today would be BIG AL day. That's my oft neglected husband who quietly stands by as I get myself involved in too many things at times- and he never complains about a house that needs cleaning (actually, he just starts in on it himself!)

I feel as if he has been put on the back burner (pardon the pun) so I vowed to spend a leisurely weekend with him--JUST him. So far so good...

I treated him to a nice supper. Filet Mignon, creamed peas and potatoes, glazed carrots, garlic toast and a salad and his favorite sweet tea!

This was a simple, yet delicious menu that can be served for a special occasion or just serve it when you want to make someone you love feel special.

I love you Big AL!

If you want to give it a try--YOU WILL NEED:

* 2 (8 ounce) beef tenderloin steaks, cut 1 inch thick (about 1 pound total)
* 2 teaspoons olive oil
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons minced shallot
* 2 slices bacon

Directions:

Place oven rack in it's highest position. Set oven to Broil.
Rub steaks all over with olive oil. Sprinkle with onion powder, then with salt and pepper. Wrap one slice of bacon around each steak, and secure with a toothpick.
Place steaks onto a broiler pan, and broil for 5 to 7 minutes. Turn the steaks over, and sprinkle the tops with shallots. Broil for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the steaks are cooked to your liking.

Enjoy!

Hot German Potato Salad

2010-09-19T14:04:00.000-07:00

I love this sweet/tangy potato salad that goes well with just about anything. It can be eaten cool, however, you'd have to change the name, so why even bother?

I just made it this afternoon to serve with some pork chops. It had been awhile since I made this recipe-the recipe card actually fell out of one of the cookbooks I was getting ready to read, so I took it as a "sign"!

Ummmm...it just hit the spot! (Score one for the "signs"!)

It looks a bit "soupy" cuz...it is. I only had about 4 cups potatoes but we love the sauce so I didn't adjust the recipe. Yours will not be as soupy if you use the proper amount of potatoes.

So, here ya' go:

YOU WILL NEED:
5 slices bacon
3/4 cup. onion, chopped
2 T. flour
2/3 c. apple cider vinegar
1 1/3 c. water
1/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
6 c/ sliced, cooked potatoes

DIRECTIONS:
Fry bacon till crisp and remove from skillet- drain on paper towels and reserve 2-3 T. drippings. Cook onions in dripping till tender. Stir in flour;blend well. Add vinegar and water;cook, stirring until bubbly and slightly thick. Stir in sugar, salt and pepper; simmer 10 minutes. Crumble bacon and add to hot mixture, then carefully pour over potatoes. Coat well.

*Can refrigerate leftovers. Use double boiler to heat through when reheating.

FIRST PLACE Cappuccino mix

2010-09-05T16:00:00.000-07:00

Recently I was asked to speak at a FIRST PLACE Victory Celebration as several ladies who had been working on becoming healthier the good old fashioned way(by eating right and exercising- and choosing to put Christ First in all they do)celebrated their collective weight loss of over 100 lbs.!

They shared several recipes and healthy-eating tips and encouraged each other and prayed together for many weeks then celebrated with a wonderful and healthy dinner/potluck that was WONDERFUL!

Now- you all know my philosophy about diet food...I normally don't like it at all- I'm an "Everything in Moderation" girl- literally. But I must admit- their buffet that evening was delicious!

And what was I doing there speaking to women who know how to eat properly? Well, I was encouraging them to keep the faith!!!!

I was given a bag full of goodies for my efforts and included in the bag was this YUMMY cappuccino mix! (Thank you Shelley Wilburn!)

You can make it too- and although they didn't give the fat/cal. info, by the looks of the ingredients, it can't be all that bad...especially in moderation.

So- here's what you need:

1 1/2 c. powdered fat-free non-dairy creamer
1/2 c cocoa powder
3/4 c. Splenda
2/3 c. decaffeinated instant coffee
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
Combine all; mix well and store in an air-tight container. When ready to use, add 3 level Tablespoons of mix to 1 1/2 c. boiling water. Stir and enjoy!

*Makes 16 servings.

Visit my website: MURPHY'S LAW to learn more about my public speaking.

Well, Hello there!

2010-08-15T01:59:00.000-07:00

Just had to pop in and share a photo of my birthday cake my friend Gail made for me.
a chocolate layer cake with REAL whip cream icing topped with chocolate covered strawberries!

I'm devouring later this afternoon with family as I celebrate my 7th anniversary of my 39th birthday!

A few years ago, I was sportin' this look....

This year, Big AL and I have been enjoying the weekend together and I promised I would NOT sit/lie/pose on the table next to my cake!

I have had a WONDERFUL year- filled with many things that have kept me busy (like a trip to Haiti) and away from my food blogging but never fear, I shall return!

Thank you all for hanging in there with me. Enjoy your Sunday.

Fluffiest Ever Scrambled Eggs

2010-06-10T19:08:00.000-07:00

I don't prepare many recipes in my microwave, it's usually used for reheating, however, I ALWAYS use the microwave to cook my scrambled eggs because they never fail to turn out light and fluffy!

Here is an easy recipe for you to try this weekend. I don't think you'll go back to preparing them in the skillet after this one!

YOU WILL NEED:

2 eggs
1 T. Butter (not margarine- I HATE margarine!)
1 - 1 1/2 T. milk
S & P to taste

Melt butter in microwavable dish.
Add eggs and beat together with fork, add milk and beat together.

Cook for two minutes on high. If needed, break up with fork and continue cooking till desired consistency.

Add S & P.

*I also add shredded cheese when I'm feeling stressed. ;)

Enjoy a leisurely weekend.

AWESOME Gourmet Tuna Salad!

2010-06-03T20:00:00.000-07:00

I found this recipe at allrecipes.com and had to try it because of the fantastic reviews it received from so many of those who had tried it. It was a recipe from a caterer and it did not disappoint!

I have several ways I prepare mine, this one was very different, though. Secret ingredients are PARMESAN CHEESE and CURRY! Who knew these flavors would blend so nicely with tuna?!

Not a believer? Don't take my word for it- prepare it yourself and wow the crowd!

Yield 4 servings

Ingredients

* 1 (7 ounce) can white tuna, drained and flaked
* 6 tablespoons mayonnaise or salad dressing (this makes a very creamy salad- use less if you prefer a not-so creamy salad)
* 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
* 3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
* 1/8 teaspoon dried minced onion flakes
* 1/4 teaspoon curry powder
* 1 tablespoon dried parsley
* 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
* 1 pinch garlic powder

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, stir together the tuna, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and onion flakes. Season with curry powder, parsley, dill and garlic powder. Mix well and serve with crackers or on a sandwich.

*I ate my first sandwich, on 7 grain bread with lettuce added.
Sandwich #2 was made using flour tortillas and lettuce.
Then I ate some with crackers. IT IS ADDICTING and I'm not a tuna salad lover at all!
*In the photo, I had also added some green apple. It didn't need anything extra but I needed to use up the apples!

Frozen Lemonade Pie

2010-05-29T04:00:00.000-07:00

This pie actually tastes like lemon cheesecake. Very refreshing on a hot, muggy, sticky day that late spring/early summer can throw at you- especially if you live in the south, or here in So. Illinois!

This would be perfect for your Memorial Day get-together.

This was a simple and delicious recipe that was easy for me to put together recently while juggling too many things that have been on my do-do list lately.

YOU WILL NEED:

1 (6 oz. can) frozen lemonade
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 (10 oz. ) tub cool whip, divided
1 graham cracker pie crust
*1 pair of pants that is one size larger! (Optional)

Put lemonade, cream cheese and milk in a blender, and whip until smooth and creamy. Pour into bowl and fold in 8 oz. Cool Whip. Pour into crust, top with remaining Cool whip and freeze 2 hours.

Serve frozen and refrigerate leftovers...if there are any.
Enjoy!

The Ronald, The Big Mac and Me.

2010-05-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

I wanted to brag about my brush with greatness.

This is a photo from last fall of me with fellow community volunteer Jamie, with none other than Ronald McDonald himself!

I was asked to be a judge of our local kiddie and Pet Parade which was sponsored by our local McDonald's and they brought in The Ronald to be the parade Marshal.

I really didn't realize how great Ronald was with the children. He performed magic tricks, was very generous with the many photos ops and answered any questions while keeping that famous Ronald smile of his the entire time. The kids were in awe of him.

This icon has been around since the sixties (so have I!) and continues to wow those he comes in contact with (me...not so much, anymore).

Our local McDonald's Owners, John and Mary Moreland are extremely generous to our community- always giving back and helping meet needs and putting smiles on faces of children and adults alike. The McDonald's corporation are also involved in helping with the needs of children -going above and beyond helping busy mothers feed their hungry kids- pronto!

And besides getting a quick meal when you need it- I have found that in my travels across several states, McD's are the cleanest and the most well run fast food restaurants of any chain across the nation.

Having said all that, I will give you my version of their famous BIG MAC which is THE most popular burger in America- making its debut back in the sixties. (Their burger, not mine)

1 sesame seed hamburger bun
Half of an additional bun
1'4 lb. ground beef
1 T. Kraft Thousand Island dressing
1 tsp. finely diced onion
1/2 cup chopped lettuce
1 slice American cheese
2-3 dill pickle slices

With serrated knife, cut the top off the extra bun, leaving about a 3/4 " thick slice. This will be the middle of your sandwich.
Place 3 bun halves on hot griddle or pan, face down. Toast to a light brown. Keep pan warm but set buns aside.

Divide beef in half and press into two patties, slightly larger than the bun.

Cook patties in pan over med. heat 3 minutes each side (or until no longer pink in center). Salt lightly.

Build burger in this order:
Bottom bun
1/2 of dressing
1/2 of onion
1/2 of lettuce
cheese
patty
middle bun
remainder of dressing
"" of onion
"" of lettuce
Pickle slices
patty
top bun.

Makes 1 burger.

ENJOY your Memorial day weekend!
Make your own memories and be sure to hug the necks of those you love.

*Sadly, My friend Jamie lost both her mother and husband Richard on the same day, just a few days ago. Please keep her in your prayers.

Cole Slaw

2010-05-27T05:53:00.000-07:00

Howdy, foodies! It's been awhile, hasn't it?
I wanted to share this delicious cole slaw recipe just in time for your Memorial Day picnic!

You'll love the sweet/sour taste and it's much safer than the mayonnaise-style recipes when you are eating outdoors!

The recipe is from my Aunt Kathryn Wall- a wonderful cook.

YOU WILL NEED:
1 med. head cabbage
1 thinly sliced onion
1 green pepper (diced)
1 carrots, shredded
7/8 cup sugar
1 c. vinegar
3/4 cup salad oil
2 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. dry mustard
1 tsp. celery seed

Shred cabbage; put in covered dish. Mix cabbage with onion, green pepper and carrot. Cover with 7/8 cups sugar. Bring to a boil the vinegar, oil, 2 tsp. sugar, salt, dry mustard, and celery seed. Immediately pour over onion/cabbage/sugar and cover. LET STAND 4 HOURS; then stir and serve. Will keep in fridge for two weeks.

ENJOY!!!!

Leftover Ham recipes

2010-04-05T05:41:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone enjoyed enjoyed their Easter Weekend, and I hope you were able to enjoy your family and friends as well as DELICIOUS food, as I did!

Here are links to a couple of my previous posts that are perfect for using your ham leftovers.

The first is Pasta Primavera with Smoky Ham (an old Bon Appetite recipe)Delicious and not heavy. Especially good after Easter's heavy meal. (It is photographed above)

The next is a simple throw together, Ham/veggie Casserole.

A simple but tasty recipe to mix-up those ham leftovers.

ENJOY!

Easter Ideas

2010-03-29T19:22:00.000-07:00

I LOVE celebrating Easter! Springtime is alive with all the beautiful colors and warmer temps, and the Easter Sunday service is always special to me and my family.

Check out my sidebar on the left (scroll down just a bit) to find some great Easter recipes and ideas to make this celebration extra special.

CROCK POT HAM-Paula Deen's Corn Casserole, Asparagus, Resurrection Buns (great to make with the kids to tell the Easter story), Meringue cake, Hot cross buns, and more!

For the Christian community, of which I'm proud to be a part, this event changed the world as we know it. This week is Holy week- set aside to reflect on Jesus' great sacrifice.

We must make a intentional effort to give honor to Him as we are pulled in so many directions.

A few things that help keep Christ at the forefront is to re-read the Easter story in the Bible. You can read it online here. Share it with your family the night before, or read it before dinner on Easter Sunday.

If you have small children or grandchildren, telling the story with RESURRECTION EGGS is a fun project to do with the kids. You can watch an instructional video here.

Rent THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST or JESUS OF NAZARETH to give yourself a visual of His life, death, burial and Resurrection!

Attend an Easter drama or Cantata at a local church.

Attend a sunrise Easter service with a local congregation.

Google Easter ideas and create a new tradition for your family.

Here's to a wonderful Easter celebration for you and yours!

Three Ingredient Thursday- Cranberry Mustard Pork Chops

2010-03-25T02:57:00.000-07:00

This little experiment worked out really well. This came from the mind of a bored cook with a nearly empty cabinet right before a food shopping spree, while she was trying to use up some ingredients she had on hand.

I'm bored easily and because my sons are frequent guests at my dinner table, my cabinets get emptied on a regular basis. SO this one was easy to come up with.

Who says cranberry sauce must be a seasonal ingredient? It was wonderful!
You will need :

*Pork Chops ( I like a thicker cut, but your preference will work)
*Dijon mustard
*whole berry cranberry sauce (from the can)
(We won't count S&P and oil for cooking)

Season chops with S & P and brown slightly in skillet in 1-2 T. oil. Brush on mustard and cook on med.heat on stovetop covered for 5 minutes. Turn over and brush other side with mustard and cook for 5 more minutes on Med. High heat while covered. Turn heat to med., till meat is thoroughly cooked and spoon cranberry sauce over top. Heat through.

It's that simple.
Something a bit different for when you're bored and your cabinets are bare.

Enjoy!

My Irish Blessing

2010-03-16T04:05:00.000-07:00

I believe we should do everything within our power to promote strong family ties, and in my family (coming from an Italian background) that usually means family get-togethers that revolve around food!

When I married into my husband's Irish family, I decided to make a huge deal of St. Patrick's Day! The result? My three grown sons are very proud of their Irish heritage and it strengthens our family as a whole!

I invite My parents, Big Al's mother, my brother and sister and their children and my sons, of course.

My house is decorated for the special day

Simple table decor---and we eat on paper plates (let's face it...the Irish are NOT pretentious!)

Lots of traditional Irish music in the air (I have about 7 CDs now)

ANd we dance an Irish jig or two....

We enjoy traditional Irish recipes (corned beef and cabbage and Irish soda bread)

along with some other favorites that aren't necessarily Irish, but green in color and delicious! (Like the green ITALIAN creme cake (lest my boys forget their Italian heritage!)

And you know how the Irish enjoy story tellin'.....

My son Jordan is full of Blarney...he was awarded the Blarney Stone!

We look up interesting Irish facts and have an Irish trivia contest.

MY IRISH BLESSINGS-
My brother and Mom....

My Mom and sister

My niece Cortney and I....I hope she grows up with fond memories of St. patty's Day at her great Aunt Sherri's house.

When the dancin' is over, we "sweep the floor" with the child with the longest hair! (A Murphy family tradition)

Any good Irishman helps his wife clean up after a big shindig!

Don't let these opportunities pass you by- celebrate ANYTHING and Everything with those you love most!

And may your house always be too small to hold all your friends!~ An Irish blessing.

"A Lil Taste Of Cuba"

2010-02-20T13:46:00.000-08:00

Who knew you could reach Cuba by Harley, in under 30 minutes from Southern Illinois?
Well, Big AL and I did today!

Today is my husband's birthday, and I told him I'd take him out for a nice lunch or supper and he recommended a new small Cuban Diner in Marion, Illinois. I had never eaten Cuban food, and quite honestly didn't even know much about this cuisine, so before we left, I googled "Cuban Food" so I would know what I was getting myself into. Basically, Wikipedia stated that it is a blend of Spanish (NOT Mexican), African and Mediterranean food and the only recipes that sounded familiar to me were plantains and black beans and rice. I also know Ricky Ricardo was Cuban, and Cuba is South of Florida...besides the name of their leader, Castro, I was pretty much in the dark when it comes to my knowledge of anything Cuban.

We braved the chilly temps and my cousin and her husband joined us as we traveled around 20 minutes from our home and pulled up to the tiny establishment. Upon first inspection, I wasn't immediately impressed, however, after noticing the long line and many cars in the parking lot ,I felt was a good sign and we just may have been in for a treat.

When we entered, we discovered there was only seating for 8 people (4 tables for two) as it mainly a carry-out establishment with the added bonus of a few seats.

Next I noticed the cleanliness-EXTREMELY clean , both the dining area, and the kitchen (that could be could viewed from the counter).

We were given a menu filled with dishes I've never tried before but sounded delicious! The smart owners, realizing that Southern Illinoisans are not familiar with Cuban Cuisine) gave detailed descriptions of each dish in the menu and there were photos of each item on the wall to aid in the decision-making process.

I chose THE CUBAN sandwich:

"Slow roasted, mojo marinated pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard, pressed on Cuban bread" ($7.99 for a HUGE sandwich!) and Yuca fries (pronounced yoo-ca) which tasted somewhat like seasoned fries, but not as spicy.($1.99)

Big Al chose the PORK COMBO:

Slow roasted mojo marinated pork (shredded) served with black beans rice and sweet fried plantains. ($7.99)

My cousins enjoyed the same, but Angie ordered a CAFE' CON LECHE (sweet Cuban coffee with milk) that she loved. Her husband Phil said it was the best coffee he had ever tasted!

There were three Cuban sandwiches to choose from, 2 different rice entrees, 4 combos, empanadas , many interesting side dishes , soups and delicious beverages (including non-alcoholic Pina Coladas, Daquiris and Mojitos). Daily specials for those watching their wallets closely, and nothing on the regular menu tops $7.99.

To see more of their menu, click on their website www.alilltasteofcuba.com

Our food was fabulous! Familiar tastes, but perfectly blended flavors. Nothing really spicy or overpowering. Very friendly and quick service and the owners are happy to answer any questions you may have about this interesting cuisine.

They offer catering services for small events.
Hours of operation are: Mon-Thurs. 9-7, Fri.-Sat. 9-4
Closed on Sundays.

Located across from Papa Murphy's in Marion , Illinois, 607 N. Court St. (Rt. 37)
Call ahead, Walk-in-carry out- or dine in if seats are available.

If you are near Southern Illinois, it is SO worth the drive! (Or bike ride).

Enjoy a Lil slice of Cuba and tell em Sherri sent ya!

Marshmallow Love

2010-02-12T04:30:00.000-08:00

I made these little Valentine's Day Marshmallow treats to take to my class today at school.

Soooo easy- also a fun one for kids to participate in the preparation.

YOU WILL NEED:
Large Marshmallows
White Chocolate
Red food coloring
Sugar sprinkles

Melt chocolate in microwave. Add a couple of drops of red food coloring.
Place marshmallows on wooden skewers. Dip tops only in chocolate. Immediately sprinkle with festive red or white sprinkles. Place in Styrofoam base and decorate base.

Enjoy!

Enjoy other recipes for Valentine's Day by checking out my sidebar.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-10T03:45:00.000-08:00

Check out my sidebar for many delicious Valentine's Day worthy recipes!

Valentines come in all shapes and sizes- could be your spouse, or significant other, a child, grandchild or good friend or pet! Whomever you find yourself loving on Feb. 14, make the day special for them.

Don't EVER leave someone wondering...tell them of your love. Hug their neck. Show them that you care. Listen to their hearts.

Have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Black Bean Salsa

2010-02-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

It doesn't get any easier than this!

Here's an easy throw together salsa that would be perfect for a Super Bowl Party or to serve as a side for a Tex-Mex meal.

* 1/4 Cup Hellmann's or Best Foods Light Mayonnaise

* 2 Tbsp. lime juice

* 1/2 tsp. ground cumin

* 1 can (19 oz. ) black beans, rinsed and drained

* 1 can (11 oz. ) whole kernel corn, drained

* 1 Cup quartered grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes (or dice your own, remove seeds)

* 1/2 Cup chopped red or purple onion

* 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro

* 1 tsp. chopped jalapeno pepper (optional)

Steps

* In medium bowl, blend t Mayonnaise, lime juice and cumin. Stir in remaining ingredients. Serve chilled or at room temperature with tortilla chips.

Taco Cups

2010-01-31T10:10:00.001-08:00

This is a great throw together snack that is Super Bowl Party worthy and easy for the kids to assemble.

I borrowed a friend's daughter, Lexi, to help me out since I am daughter-less and those sons of mine don't want to help much in the kitchen. (Unless it requires making food disappear!)

You will need:

1 lg. bag taco cups (dippers)
1 lb. ground beef
Onion flakes (1 T.)-optional*
1 pkg. taco seasoning mix
Shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese
Sour cream
Sliced black olives
Salsa
*Your favorite Mexican toppings

Brown beef with onion flakes and drain.
Add taco seasoning and add water and cook (according to package directions)
Place taco cups on a large baking sheet.

Place A spoonful of beef mixture in each cup.

Top with cheese. Bake in a preheated 300 degree oven until cheese melts.
Remove from oven and add your favorite Mexican toppings.

Serve warm.

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

2010-01-30T14:49:00.000-08:00

Panera Bread is one of my favorite restaurants, and their soups are so comforting- and even more comforting is to know that I can make one of them that I love in my own kitchen!

I found several recipes, but this one I found on allrecipes.com and tweaked it a bit and I think most closely resembles the restaurant version.

Try it for yourself- you won't be disappointed.

Even the leftovers (if you have any) are delicious!

You will need:

* 4 cups chicken broth
* 2 cups water
* 2 cooked, boneless chicken breast halves, shredded
* 1 (4.5 ounce) package quick cooking long grain and wild rice with seasoning packet
* 1 carrot, shredded
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
* 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup butter
* 2 cups heavy cream

Directions

In a large pot over medium heat, combine broth, water and chicken and carrot. Bring just to boiling, then stir in rice, reserving seasoning packet. Cover and remove from heat.

In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper and flour. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in contents of seasoning packet until mixture is bubbly. Reduce heat to low, then stir in flour mixture by tablespoons, to form a roux. Whisk in cream, a little at a time, until fully incorporated and smooth. Cook until thickened, 5 minutes.

Stir cream mixture into broth and rice. Cook over medium heat until heated through, 10 to 15 minutes.

Serve with some crusty bread for dipping, or place in a bread bowl.

Perfect for a cold winter's night!

Easy Chocolate Bundt Cake

2010-01-27T16:23:00.000-08:00

When I make a trip to the grocery store, I always purchase a box of cake mix when they are on sale.

Devil's Food is my flavor of choice, because it is so versatile, and HELLO, ummmm, it's chocolate!

I can whip together a simple yet elegant looking dessert just by using a bundt pan instead of a regular cake pan, and I can make the recipe according to the directions on box, or add a few of my own simple extras to make it seem as if it were from scratch.

Here is a tweaked version of the recipe on the box- extra moist and always delicious.
Perfect when unexpected guests arrive, and nice enough to serve your Valentine,

1 Devils Food cake mix
1 (4 1/2 oz.)chocolate pudding mix (instant)
1 c. sour cream
1/2 c. oil
1/2 c. warm water
1/2 c. semi chocolate chips
4 eggs (extra lg.)
Powdered sugar
Chocolate frosting

Combine all ingredients. Mix well. Put in greased Bundt pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Invert and while still warm, spread chocolate frosting on top, and it will drizzle down sides nicely. When cool, sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Applebees Fiesta Lime Chicken

2010-01-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

Applebee's changed the name of this popular dish from Tequila Lime Chicken to Fiesta Lime Chicken and registered the name. Whatever name you know this dish by here is the Super Secret Recipes version to enjoy at home!

Marinade
1 cup water
1/3 cup teriyaki sauce
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon mesquite liquid smoke flavoring
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 cup tequila

4 chicken breast fillets

Mexi-Ranch Dressing
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon milk
2 teaspoons minced tomato
1 1/2 teaspoons white vinegar
1 teaspoon minced canned jalapeno slices (nacho slices)
1 teaspoon minced onion
1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon Tabasco pepper sauce
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon dried dill weed
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon cumin
1/8 teaspoon chili powder
dash garlic powder
dash ground black pepper

1 cup shredded cheddar/Monterey jack cheese blend
2 cups crumbled corn chips or fried tortilla strips

Prepare marinade:
Combining marinade ingredients in a medium bowl. Add the chicken to the bowl, cover and chill for no more than 4 hours.

Mexi-Ranch Dressing:
Combine all of the ingredients in a medium bowl. Mix well until smooth. Cover and chill it until needed.

Preheat the oven to high broil, and preheat your barbecue grill to high heat. When the grill is ready grill the marinated chicken breasts for 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until they're done.

Arrange the cooked chicken in a baking pan. Spread a layer of mexi-ranch dressing over each piece of chicken followed by 1/4 cup of the shredded cheese blend.

Broil the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes, or just until the cheese has melted.

Spread a bed of 1/2 cup of the tortilla strips or crumbled corn chips on each of four plates. Slide a chicken breast onto the chips on each plate and serve with your choice of rice, and pico de gallo, or salsa.

Yield: 4 Servings

ENJOY!

Dirt Pie

2010-01-14T18:42:00.000-08:00

No, this one isn't made with the traditional Oreo cookies...this is a meal prepared in a poor Haitian village BEFORE the earthquake. I cannot even fathom the conditions at this time.

PLEASE click over to my blog, Matter of Fact, and read a short story of a girl from my hometown,Alecia Vaughn Settle, who has been traveling there for several years and knows first hand the many needs of the people of Haiti. She also has provided several links to legitimate organizations that she KNOWS are being good stewards of the money sent to aid those in need.

What she saw there, and caught on film, transformed her life. A woman baking "dirt pies," literally baked dirt and flour that the poorest residents would eat. Children with distended stomachs and the red hair of malnutrition. Settle ended up returning to Haiti a dozen times, experiencing the death of a Haitian orphan and, in 2005, adopting another orphan girl, Angeline.

~Excerpt from Visualize publishing.com

Crissy's Sausage Bread

2010-01-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

My friend and co-worker Crissy, shared this delicious recipe after I devoured more than my fair share in the teacher's lounge during the holidays. She was kind enough to give me some extra portions AND the recipe to share on my blog.

Perfect for breakfast or brunch, and is pretty much a meal in itself, rather than just "bread".

You must give it a try.

SAUSAGE BREAD (makes 2 loaves)

YOU WILL NEED:

Frozen bread dough
6 oz. Shredded/grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs
1 green pepper, chopped
1 pkg. sausage (hot or spicy- depending on your taste)

Take bread dough out of freezer the night before and let rise (cover with wax paper). The next morning, flatten dough and spread filling down center. Lift sides and roll down (so no filling comes out of sides) and seal. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
WHen done, remove from oven and butter top.

Serve with a smile.

Chili Chicken casserole.

2010-01-11T17:00:00.000-08:00

This is one of those casseroles that only needs to be made once a year, because, well, it is fat/calorie laden and it just tastes too good to eat small portions. It is also on my list of comfort foods, and you all know how I love to be comforted!

This would be my suggestion...only prepare this meal after you have had a great week dieting/starving, or have reached some sort of huge milestone or surpassed a goal or something else deserving of a splurge. Then, clean your dinner plate and don't look back. Not for at least, another year!

This delicious casserole was another winner from the Southpoint Church of God cookbook and was submitted by my friend Susan Darnell.

YOU MUST make this dish. It is rich, creamy, with a little kick of Mexican flavor.

My neighbor DJ called me the other day for the recipe and after she made it she took a photo for me so I could post this one. (Cause I still have a few months before I can make it myself!)

SO thank you Susan and DJ for allowing me to share this keeper!

YOU WILL NEED:

1/2 chopped onion
4 T. butter
3 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 4 0z. can green chilies, drained and mashed
1 10 oz. pkg. wide noodles, boiled
4-6 cups diced chicken
4 cups of grated, sharp cheese
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. cumin powder
i small jar red pimientos
Saute onion in butter. stir in soup, pimientos, peppers and spices. Heat thoroughly. Add 1/2 cheese and heat till melted. Put into greased 9x13 baking dish. Layer noodles, chicken and soup mixture. Cover with rest of cheese. Bake at 350 for 30-40 min.

ENJOY! (Then go run about 5 miles!)

Elsie's Light and Fluffy No Bake Cheesecake

2010-01-10T08:55:00.000-08:00

My fantabulous Mother-in-law Elsie, is forced to bring this to every Murphy family gathering. It hits the spot perfectly after even a heavy meal, unlike the traditional heavier version, which I have also been known to fantasize about!

The "LIGHT" in it's title is not meant to mislead. It is not light as in fat and calories, but light as in - not heavy- this melts in your mouth!

Try it out .

YOU WILL NEED:

1 (3 oz. pkg) lemon Jello (or lime)
1 c. boiling water
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese
1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tall can milk,(Milnot) whipped
1 sm. can crushed pineapple, drained
3 c. graham cracker crumbs
1/2 c. butter, melted

Dissolve Jello in boiling water. Chill until slightly thickened. Cream together cream cheese, sugar and vanilla. Add Jello and drained pineapple and blend well. Mix graham cracker crumbs and butter together. Pack 2/3 of mixture on bottom and up sides of a 9x13 pan. Add filling and sprinkle with remaining crumbs. Chill several hours or overnight.

Enjoy!

Mocha Mix

2010-01-06T18:49:00.000-08:00

My good friend Debbie gave me this recipe many years ago, and I always save it for our first REAL snow (you know, the kind that sticks and cancels school and shuts down businesses).

Well, here in So. Illinois, that has usually happened already, but tonight is the weatherman's first prediction for a snow storm, so I went ahead and made it-I can't wait any longer!

Debbie's beautiful Mother, Lynn, passed away from breast cancer, and this recipe makes me think of her. So when you make yourself a cup, drink up...in honor of Lynn, who fought a courageous battle and has left behind a wonderful family.

Lynn was a stay at home mother whose life revolved around her family. So, in her memory, make a batch for your bunch to warm up their bodies after a cold day outdoors, and give them a hug to warm their souls!

YOU WILL NEED:
2 cups Swiss Miss powdered Mocha
2 cups powdered non-dairy creamer
1 c. instant coffee granules
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 1/4 cup sugar

Blend all till well mixed. Store in covered jar. Use 2 tsp. mix per cup of boiling water.

Stir well, top with marshmallows.
*If you'll notice in the photo, I sprinkled some little "snowflakes" I had leftover from some Christmas baking supplies I had on hand. I love the touch it added.

Oriental Salad and Egg Drop Soup

2010-01-02T04:49:00.000-08:00

Since many of you will be starting diets to usher in the year (and you realize I'm not a diet fan, just a fan of EVERYTHING IN MODERATION, I thought I'd repost one of my delicious salad and soup recipes- not necessarily a diet recipe (check out the dressing ingredients)but still a healthier alternative to....let's say Fried chicken smothered in white gravy!

If you have already found yourself on Day Two of a Failed New Year's Resolution, don't give up or be too hard on yourself. Maybe you should try making a resolution you can actually work with like, "I can't give up all fat and sweets, but I will make healthier choices in 2010 like not having them as often, or eating smaller portions, still enjoying everything, but in MODERATION!" How's that? Works for me!

This is a recipe that I started making years ago when I first was introduced to its sweet and sour tastiness at a church social.

My friend Jennifer submitted it in the Southpoint Church of God Cookbook (the pages are falling out because I continually make recipes out of it!) and it quickly became a hit at every potluck . There is usually NONE left to take home and someone is always asking for the recipe.

SO here it is:

1 large Nappa (Chinese) cabbage. (Rinse thoroughly).
1 bunch green onions.
1/2 stick butter
small bag slivered almonds
1 container sesame seeds (yes, the entire container )
2 pkgs. Ramen Noodles

Dressing:

1 cup oil
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
2 T. teriyaki sauce
dash of garlic salt

Chop Nappa and green onions. Combine in large salad bowl. On stove, melt butter and add noodles, sesame seeds and almonds. Brown till golden.

Mix all dressing ingredients together then shake vigorously. Pour over greens. Add browned mixture evenly over salad. Serve immediately.

*I served this for supper with pork egg rolls (from the freezer sections) and a quick easy egg drop soup recipe.

Egg Drop Soup

5 cups chicken broth (no fat)
2 T. lemon juice
1 whole egg, whisked
slices of green onion

Bring liquids to a boil. Add egg stirring vigorously. Heat until egg is cooked, about 1 minute. Add the onions to the soup bowl, then add the soup.

Enjoy!