Butterscotch Treats

Ingredients:

1 - 11 oz. bag butterscotch chips

1/4 C. creamy peanut butter

4 C. cornflakes

Directions:

1. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper.
2. Place butterscotch chips and peanut butter in a large microwave safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds on high. 
3. Stir, repeating as needed in 30 second increments, until melted and smooth.
4. Carefully stir in the cornflakes until they are coated with the butterscotch mixture.
5. Scoop 1 or 2-tablespoon sized scoops of the mixture onto the prepared cookie sheets. 
6. Chill to set the clusters, then transfer for a tin or serving plate and enjoy.

Mustard-Glazed Baked Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

12 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

2 T. coconut oil, melted

2 T. Dijon mustard

3/4 t. poultry seasoning

1/2 t. salt

freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the coconut oil, Dijon mustard, poultry seasoning, and salt.
3. Arrange the chicken thighs in a 9x13” baking dish. 
4. Brush the mustard glaze mixture evenly over the top of each thigh. 
5. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees when inserted into the center of one of the chicken thighs.

Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients:

2 lb. breakfast sausage

1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened

1 (30-32oz) bag frozen tater tots

1 t. salt

1/2 t. pepper

1/4 t. garlic powder

1/4 t. onion powder

2 C. shredded cheddar cheese

8 eggs

2 C. milk

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. 
2. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray.
3. In a large skillet, cook sausage until no longer pink. 
4. Drain fat.
5. Add cream cheese to skillet and mix with cooked sausage.
6. In a large bowl, toss together tater tots, cooked sausage and cream cheese mixutre, and shredded cheddar cheese. 
7. Pour into a lightly greased 9×13-inch pan.
8. Whisk together eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and milk. 
9. Pour over tater tot mixture.
10. Bake uncovered for 60 – 70 minutes, or until eggs are set.

Fluffy Pudding Pie

Ingredients:

1 6 oz. box of instant pudding

1 C. milk

1 8 oz. tub of Cool Whip, thawed

1 graham cracker or Nilla Wafer crust 

Directions:

1. Mix pudding mix with milk.
2. Fold Cool Whip into pudding mixture.
3. Spread mixture into pie crust.
4. Place in freezer for at least an hour prior to serving.

Shrimp Alfredo with Bacon Crumbles

Ingredients:

1 lb. shrimp, precooked

4 C. Alfredo sauce

1/2 lb. bacon

1 lb. Fettuccini pasta

Directions:

1. Cook bacon until crisp, set aside
2. Prepare Fettuccini according to package directions
3. Prepare Alfredo sauce if using homemade.
4. Remove tails from the shrimp
5. Add shrimp to Alfredo sauce to heat through.
6. Combine cooked pasta, Alfredo sauce and shrimp in a large bowl.
7. Crumble bacon over bowl of pasta.

Alfredo Sauce

Ingredients:

1 C. Butter

3 C. Heavy Whipping Cream

4 t. Garlic Minced

1 t. Italian Seasoning

1 t. Salt

1/2 t. Pepper

4 C. Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese

Directions:

1. Add the butter and cream to a large skillet.
2. Simmer over low heat for 2 minutes.
3. Whisk in the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for one minute.
4. Whisk in the parmesan cheese until melted.
5. Serve immediately.

Sensational Seafood Salad

 

One of our local grocery stores has amazing imitation crab salad.  I'm always looking for a good crab salad.  This recipe is not identical to what I'm looking for, but I did enjoy it and don't want to lose it.

Ingredients:

1 - 1.5 lb. Imitation Crab

¼ C. mayonnaise

¼ C. sour cream

Salt & Pepper to taste

¼ t. dried dill

¼ t. lemon juice

Directions:

1. Remove crab from package and separate flakes
2. Chop and shred the crab in a medium bowl.
3. Add all other ingredients and mix well.
4. Refrigerate 2-3 hours or overnight to blend flavors.
5. Serve and enjoy!

Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Ingredients:

1 lb. boneless chicken breast

10 oz. can fat-free cream of chicken soup

4 C. low-sodium chicken broth

16 oz, frozen bag peas, carrots, corn, and green beans

1 C. potato, peeled and diced

1/2 C. onion, diced

1 t. thyme

1 t. pepper

1 bay leaf

2 T. cornstarch

2 T. water

Directions:

1. Place the chicken in a slow cooker, followed by the remaining ingredients except for the cornstarch and water. 
2. Stir to combine. 
3. Cook on high for 5 hours or on low for 7-9 hours.
4. Just before serving the soup, add the cornstarch and water to a small bowl, and mix until the cornstarch is dissolved. 
5. Add the cornstarch mixture to the soup and constantly whisk together until the soup has thickened, just a few minutes.

Cracked Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

1 ¼ C. sugar

1 C. butter

3 egg yolks

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 ½ C. all-purpose flour

1 t. baking soda

½ t. cream of tartar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). 
2. Lightly grease 2 cookie sheets.
3. Cream together sugar and butter. 
4. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla.
5. Add flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Stir.
6. Form dough into walnut size balls and place 2 inches apart on cookie sheet. 
7. Bake 10 to 11 minutes, until tops are cracked and just turning color.

Apple Square Dessert

Ingredients:

1 egg, separated

2/3 C. milk

2 1/2 C. flour

1 t. salt

1 C. + 1T. sugar

1 C. shortening

3 C. apples, sliced

1 t. cinnamon

1 C. powdered sugar

2 T. milk

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Beat egg yolk until light and creamy.
3. Add milk.
4. Sift flour with salt and 1 T. sugar.
5. Cut in shortening.
6. Add egg mixture.
7. Divide dough into 2 parts.
8. Roll half to fit 15"x10"x1" pan.
9. Place dough in pan and put apples on top. 
10. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.
11. Roll remaining dough to cover apples.  
12. Pinch edges.
13. Beat egg white until it peaks.
14. Brush over top of rectangle.
15. Bake for 40 minutes, until golden brown.
16. Blend powdered sugar and milk, drizzle over top of square while hot from oven.

Crab Rangoon

Ingredients:

8 oz. crab meat, (Imitation crab meat is fine)

8 oz. cream cheese

1 large clove garlic , minced

1/4 t. Worcestershire sauce

12 wonton wrappers

1 large egg , beaten

deep frying oil

Directions:

1. Chop up the crabmeat in small pieces.
2. Mix well with the cream cheese, garlic and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of filling to the center of the wonton.
4. Brush the edges with the egg and pinch the corners together (make sure there is NO trapped air) to form a four cornered star.
5. Fry in 350 degree oil until browned and crispy, roughly 1-2 minutes.

Supercharging Carrot Sticks

Ingredients:

1 lb. fresh carrots

1 garlic clove, sliced

2 T. Celtic sea salt

2 C. filtered spring water

1 cabbage leaf

Directions:

1. Peel and quarter carrots lengthwise into sticks.  Trim them so they fit lengthwise into the chosen jar.
2. Completely dissolve the sea salt in the water to make the brine and set aside.
3. Slice the clove of garlic and add about 3 slices to the bottom of each jar.
4. Add the carrot sticks to the jars.
5. Depending on the size of the carrots, you should fit between 4-5 carrots per jar.
6. Fill the jar with the salt water until the carrots are fully covered, add extra filtered water if you need to.
7. Cut the cabbage laft into a square that's a little bigger than the jar lid.  It's really important for the carrots to always be covered by the brine, so the idea is that the cabbage keeps them tucked below the surface, and stops them from floating up.
8. Place the airtight lid on and place in your panty cupboard for 7 to 10 days.
9. You will need to burp the jars every day to make sure you release the pressure build up.  If all is going well, there wil be quite a lot of fizzing after a few days so be careful that is doesn't overflow.
10. After 7 to 10 days they should be ready to eat.

Baked Eggplant Parmesan Boats with Sausage

Ingredients:

2 medium, 15 oz. each white eggplants, stems trimmed off and halved lengthwise
3 links, 8.4 oz. sweet Italian chicken sausage, casings removed
1/2 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 1/3 C. crushed tomatoes
5 basil leaves, chopped (plus more for garnish)
salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 C. shredded part skim mozzarella cheese
4 t. grated Pecorino Romano

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
3. Hollow out the flesh of the eggplant to create a boat using a melon baller or small knife, leaving a 1/2-inch of the flesh all around to create a shell. 
4. Roughly chop the scooped out eggplant flesh.
5. Drop the eggplant into the boiling water and cook 3 minutes (poking it with a spoon so they stay submerged). 
6. Remove with a slotted spoon and set them on paper towels on the counter.
7. Meanwhile, brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking the meat up while it cooks into smaller pieces. 
8. Add the onions and garlic and cook on a medium-low heat for about 2-3 minutes, until onions are translucent. 
9. Add 1 cup chopped eggplant and cook about 2-3 minutes. Add 1 cup crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper and cook 2 to 3 minutes. 
10. Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil.
11. Pour 1/3 cup of crushed tomatoes on the bottom of a 9 x 12 baking dish and place the eggplant boats on top. 
12. Season the eggplant with salt and divide the sausage and sauce evenly among the 4 eggplant boats.
13. Top each with 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 teaspoon each of Pecorino Romano cheese. 
14. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes until cheese is melted and eggplant is cooked through.

Chicken With Cashews and Snow Peas

Ingredients:

2 chicken breasts, cut into bit sized pieces

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 T. soy sauce

2 T. sherry

4 T. cornstarch

2 T. hoisin sauce

2 T. peanut oil

40 snow peas

1 can sliced water chestnuts

1 C. chicken stock, hot

1 t. salt

1 C. raw, unsalted cashews

Directions:

1. Combine garlic, soy sauce, sherry, cornstarch, and hoisin sauce.
2. Marinate chicken breast in the mixture created in Step 1.
3. Heat oil to about 375 degrees F and stir fry chicken and marinate about 3 minutes. 
4. Add snow peas and water chestnuts and stir fry 30 seconds. 
5. Add stock and salt, stir until thick. 
6. Add cashews, mix and serve.

Beef & Mushroom Lasagna

Ingredients:

1 can (10 1/2 ounces) Cream of Mushroom Soup 

1/4 C. milk

1 lb. ground beef

2 C. Pasta Sauce

9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained(about 4 ounces)

Directions:

1. Heat the oven to 400°F.  
2. Stir the soup and milk in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth.
3. Cook the beef in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until well browned, stirring often to separate meat. 
4. Pour off any fat. 
5. Stir in the sauce.
6. Layer 3 noodles, half the beef mixture, and 1 cup soup mixture in an 11 x 7 x 2-inch baking dish. 
7. Top with 3 noodles, remaining beef mixture, remaining soup mixture and remaining noodles. 
8. Sprinkle with the cheese. 
9. Cover the baking dish.
10. Bake for 30 minutes or until the lasagna is hot.  
11. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing.

Pumpkin Bread

Years ago I found a wonderful Pumpkin Bread recipe.  After a couple of moves, the recipe has gone missing.  I'm still searching for the missing recipe since I don't have it memorized.

Ingredients:

2 C. all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off

½ t. salt

1 t. baking soda

½ t. baking powder

1 t. ground cloves

1 t. ground cinnamon

1 t. ground nutmeg

1½ sticks (¾ cup) unsalted butter, softened

2 C. sugar

2 large eggs

1 (15-oz) can 100% pure pumpkin

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. 
2. Generously grease two 8 x 4-inch loaf pans with butter and dust with flour (alternatively, use a baking spray with flour in it).
3. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk until well combined; set aside.
4. In a large bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until just blended. 
5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. 
6. Continue beating until very light and fluffy. 
7. Beat in the pumpkin. The mixture might look grainy and curdled at this point.
8. Add the flour mixture and mix on low speed until combined.
9. Turn the batter into the prepared pans, dividing evenly.
10. Bake for 65 – 75 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. 
11. Let the loaves cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Thai Green Curry Chicken

Ingredients:

3 T. coconut oil (olive oil may be substituted)

1 medium/large sweet Vidalia or yellow onion, diced small

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces

3 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed

2 t. ground ginger or 1 T. fresh ginger, finely chopped

2 t. ground coriander

1-14-ounce can coconut milk

1 to 1 1/2 C. carrots, shredded

2 zucchini, diced into bite-sized pieces

2 to 8 tablespoons Thai green curry paste, or to taste 

1 t. kosher salt, or to taste

1/2 t. freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

1 to 2 T. lime juice

1/4 to 1/3 C. fresh cilantro or to taste, finely chopped for garnishing

1 to 2 T. granulated sugar, optional and to taste

Rice or naan, optional for serving

Directions:

1. Using a large skillet, add the oil, onion, and sauté over medium-high heat until the onion begins to soften about 5 minutes; stir intermittently.
2. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes, or until chicken is done.
3. Add the garlic, ginger, coriander, and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant; stir frequently.
4. Add the coconut milk, carrots, zucchini, Thai curry paste, salt, pepper, and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to medium, and allow mixture to gently boil for about 5 minutes, or until liquid volume has reduced as much as desired and thickens slightly.
5. Add the lime juice, cilantro, and stir to combine. Taste and optionally add sugar, additional curry paste, salt, pepper, etc. to taste.

Sopapilla Cheesecake

Ingredients:

2 (8oz.) pkg. Pillsbury crescent rolls

2 (8oz.) pkg. cream cheese, room temperature

1 C. sugar

1 t. vanilla

1/4 C. butter (melted)

1 T. cinnamon

4 T. sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Spray 9 x 13 baking dish with cooking spray.
3. Press a can of the crescent rolls to the bottom of the dish, making sure to reach edges and keep together.
4. Bake the first layer of crescent roll dough just until done (5-8 minutes). 
5. Combine softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla.
6. Spread mixture over crescent rolls.
7. Roll the remaining crescent roll dough over the top and stretch to the edges and seal.
8. Brush across the entire top of the crescent roll dough with the melted butter.
9. Combine the 1 tablespoon cinnamon with 4 tablespoons sugar.
10. Sprinkle the top with the cinnamon/sugar mixture.
11. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
12. Let cool and chill for several hours before serving.
13. Slice into triangles or squares, drizzle with a little honey if you like and serve.

Kolache

Ingredients:

1 C. butter

4 1/2 C. sifted flour

1 pkg. yeast

1/4 C. warm water

3 T. sugar

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1/2 t. salt

1 C. evaporated milk

1 T. lemon juice

1 can (12 oz.) pastry filling (almond, poppy seed or fruit flavor)

Confectioners' sugar

Directions:

1. Cut butter info flour in a large mixing bowl until mixture resembles course meal.
2. Crumble or sprinkle yeast into warn water in a medium size mixing bowl. 
3. Let stand 5 minutes to dissolve.
4. Add sugar, eggs, salt, evaporated milk and lemon juice to yeast mixture.  
5. Stir to mix well.
6. Add to flour mixture, stirring to blend.
7. Cover tightly and chill overnight in refrigerator.
8. Work with half of dough at a time when shaping pastries.
9. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
10. Roll dough on lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness.
11. Cut into 3-inch squares.
12. Place 1 teaspoon filling on each square.
13. Overlap two opposite corners of each square, pinching to seal.  
14. Place 3 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet.
15. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
16. When slightly cool, sift confectioners' sugar over top to dust lightly.
17. Yield:  about 2 1/2 dozen pastries.

Christmas Trees

Ingredients:

1 C. butter, softened
1/2 C. sugar
1 egg yolk
3 t. vanilla
3 C. flour
1/2 t. baking powder
1 egg white
1 T. sugar

Directions:

1. Mix butter, sugar, and egg yolk together thoroughly.
2. Stir in vanilla.
3. Sift flour and baking powder together.
4. Stir in butter mixture.
5. Chill dough.
6. Roll out chilled dough 1/4 inch thick and cut with Christmas tree shaped cookie cutter.
7. Combine egg white and sugar, beat well.
8. Brush tips of cookies with this mixture.
9. Decorate with green sugar.
10. Bake 375 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes, until lightly brown.

Makes 6 dozen.

Jennifer's Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

2 sticks butter

1 1/2 C. powdered sugar, sifted

1 egg

1 t. vanilla

2 1/2 C. flour

1 T. baking soda

1 t. cream of tarter

1/4 t. salt

Directions:

1. Cream butter and then add sugar a little bit at a time.  Mixture will get very fluffy.
2. Add egg and beat well.
3. Add vanilla.
4. Add sifted dry ingredients and mix well.
5. Chill.
6. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
7. Roll to 1/8 inch thickness and cut out.
8. Bake 6 minutes.

Makes about 4 dozen round cookies.

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting

 Ingredients:

Cake:

2 C. sugar

1 C. canola oil

4 large eggs

2 C flour

1 t. baking soda

1 t. baking powder

1/4 t. salt

2 t. cinnamon

2 C. shredded carrots

1 C. pecan chips plus 1 cup for decorations around the bottom of the cake

Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting:

2-8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1 C. unsalted sweet cream butter, softened

12 C. powdered sugar

2 t. Pure vanilla extract

1 T. ground cinnamon

5 T. heavy whipping cream

Directions:

Carrot Cake Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Spray two 9-inch round cake pans with baking spray and set aside.
3. Using a standing mixer, mix until combined the sugar, oil and eggs.
4. Mix in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon until combined.
5. Fold in the shredded carrots and 1 C. pecan chips.
6. Divide the batter between the two cake pans and bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Allow cake to cool completely on a wire rack.
8. Remove cake from pans onto a cutting board.
9. Using a cake slicer, remove the rounded top from the cake.
10. Cut the cake in half so that you have two rounds.
11. Repeat step with other cake round. You should end up with 4 cake rounds

Frosting Directions:

1. Using a standing mixer, cream together the cream cheese, and butter until combined.
2. Gradually beat in 6 cups of powdered sugar until combined and smooth.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually beat in the remaining 6 cups of powdered sugar and the 5 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream until thick and smooth

Building the Cake:

1. Place the first layer of cake on a serving plate.
2. Spread about 1 cup of frosting evenly on top of the cake layer.
3. Place another layer of cake onto the top of the first layer of frosting.
4. Spread another cup of frosting onto the second cake layer.
5. Place the third layer of cake onto the top of the second layer of frosting.
6. Scoop another 1 cup of frosting onto the third cake layer and spread evenly.
7. Place the last cake layer onto the third layer of frosting.
8. Frost the entire cake with remaining frosting.
9. Sprinkle the remaining pecan chips around the edge of the bottom of the cake
10. Place cake into fridge for an hour before cutting and enjoying.

Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce

Ingredients:

2 T. butter

2 T. olive oil 

4 cloves garlic, minced 

1 medium onion, finely diced 

2 15-ounce cans tomato sauce or marinara sauce 

Dash of sugar, or more to taste

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 1/2 lbs. fettuccine 

1 C. heavy cream 

Grated Parmesan or Romano, as needed

Chopped fresh basil, for serving

Directions:

1. Heat the butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 
2. Add the garlic and onions and sauté for a minute or two. 
3. Pour in the tomato sauce, add sugar, salt and pepper to taste and stir. 
4. Cook over low heat for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. 
6. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
7. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the cream. 
8. Add cheese to taste, then check the seasoning. 
9. Stir in the pasta and thin with a little pasta water if needed. 
10. Add the chopped basil and serve immediately. 

Limoncello

Ingredients:

10 organic lemons, washed and dried
1 750-ml bottle vodka (100-proof preferred, or 80-proof)
2 to 4 cups sugar, to taste
3 C. water
2 C. sugar 

Directions:

1. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the peels from all the lemons. Try to remove only the outer yellow skin and as little of the pith as possible. Trim away any large pieces of pith with a paring knife, but don't worry about trimming every last scrap.
2. Transfer the lemon peels to a 1-quart jar and cover with vodka. Screw on the lid.
3. Let the vodka and lemon peels infuse somewhere out of the way and out of direct sunlight for at least 4 days or as long as a month. The longer you let the vodka infuse, the more lemony your limoncello.
4. Line a strainer with a large coffee filter and set it over a 4-cup measuring cup. Strain the infused vodka through the filter. You may need to stir the vodka in the strainer if the flow stops.
5. Prepare a sugar syrup of at least 3 cups of water and 2 cups of sugar — bring the water to a simmer and stir in the sugar to dissolve; allow to cool. 
6. Pour the sugar syrup into the infused vodka. 
7. Stir gently to mix. 
8. Taste the limoncello, and add additional sugar syrup gradually until you reach a flavor you like — up to 4 cups of water with 4 cups of sugar. More water will dilute the alcohol base, making a less alcoholic, milder, and smoother-sipping liqueur. More sugar will make a sweeter limoncello.
9. Insert the funnel in the neck of one of the bottles and fill with limoncello. Repeat with remaining bottles.
10. Chill the limoncello in the fridge or freezer for at least 4 hours before drinking. Limoncello can be kept in the fridge for up to a month or the freezer for up to a year (and often much longer!).

Beef Stew

Ingredients:

2 lbs. stewing beef, trimmed and cubed

3 T. flour

½ t. garlic powder

½ t. salt

½ t. black pepper

3 T. olive oil

1 onion, chopped

6 C. beef broth

½ C. red wine, optional

1 lb. potatoes, peeled and cubed

4 carrots, cut into 1 inch pieces

4 stalks celery, cut into 1 inch pieces

3 T. tomato paste

1 t. dried rosemary or 1 sprig fresh

2 T. cornstarch

2 T. water

¾ C. peas

Directions:

1. Combine flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. 
2. Toss beef in flour mixture. 
3. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot. 
4. Cook the beef and onions until browned.
5. Add beef broth and red wine while scraping up any brown bits in the pan.
6. Stir in all remaining ingredients except for peas, cornstarch and water. 
7. Reduce heat to medium low, cover and simmer 1 hour or until beef is tender (up to 90 minutes).
8. Mix equal parts cornstarch and water to create a slurry. 
9. Slowly add the slurry to the boiling stew to reach desired consistency (you may not need all of the slurry).  
10. Stir in peas and simmer 5-10 minutes before serving . 
11. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Fried Shrimp Balls

 Ingredients:

1 lb. shelled and deveined shrimp, defrost

1 egg white, lightly beaten

1 t. salt or fish sauce

1 t. sugar

1 T. corn starch

1/2 t. sesame oil

1 T. oil or some pork fat

3 dashes white pepper powder

8 pieces spring roll wrapper (8-inch square)

Directions:

1. In a mini food processor, add the shrimp, egg white, salt/fish sauce, sugar, corn starch, sesame oil, oil and white pepper. Blend until the ingredients form the shrimp paste.
2. Fold the spring roll wrappers up. Cut the spring roll wrappers into tiny strips using a pair of scissors. Cut them into shorter strips. Lay them on a flat surface. 
3. Wet your hands and form the shrimp paste into balls (about 1 tablespoon) and roll the shrimp balls onto the bed of spring roll strips.
4. The spring roll strips will stick to the shrimp ball.
5. Trim off the spring roll strips using a pair of scissors. Make sure that the strips coat the shrimp ball evenly. You can reuse the strips that had been trimmed off.
6. Deep fry the shrimp balls in a deep fryer or wok until they turn golden brown, about 5 minutes. 
7. Drain on paper towels, and serve hot with Thai sweet chili sauce or your favorite chili sauce.

Bao

 Ingredients:

4 C. flour

3/4 t. dry yeast

500 ml water

1 lb. ground pork

1 lb. Chinese cabbage minced

1 carrot minced

2-3 green onion stalks chopped

1 egg

1-2 t. ground ginger

1 t. olive oil

1/2 t. chicken bouillon powder

1 t. oyster sauce

2-3 t. cooking wine

salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Mix flour with yeast in a mixing bowl.
2. Add water and knead until a solid dough ball forms. If it gets too sticky, add more flour. If it’s too dry, add more water.
3. Let the dough rise for about 2 hours.
4. Cook half of the ground pork in a pan, and mix it with the raw pork.
5. Mix the pork with the remaining ingredients.
6. Once your dough has risen, dust your countertop with flour and roll out the dough into a long rope using the “windmill technique”.
7. Cut the dough rope into 1/2 inch pieces. Roll each piece out into a wrapper.
8. Spoon 1/2 tablespoon of filling into the center of wrapper. Then carefully pinch and fold the wrapper closed, twisting the top to finish. Make sure to press the dough tight to seal the top. 
9. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Place the baos in a steaming basket lined with cabbage leaves to prevent sticking and place the basket on top of the boiling pot of water. Close lid. Steam for 15 minutes, then turn off heat and let the baos rest for 5 minutes.

Mosquito Repellant Bracelet

 Ingredients:

1 C. witch hazel

15 drops citronella essential oil

15 drops lemongrass essential oil

5 drops lavender essential oil

5 drops peppermint essential oil

Directions:

1. Add witch hazel and essential oils to a spray bottle.
2. Shake to combine.
3. Spray the essential oil mixture onto both sides of a paracord bracelet until it is thoroghly saturated.
4. Set aside to dry.

Easy Quesadillas

 Ingredients:

1 T. vegetable oil

1 onion, finely chopped

1 lb. ground beef

1/2 t. ground chili powder

1/2 t. ground paprika

1/2 t. ground cumin

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

8 medium flour tortillas

1 1/2 C. Monterey Jack, shredded

1 avocado, sliced

2 T. cilantro, chopped

Directions:

1. In a large pan over medium heat, heat oil. 
2. Cook onion until soft, 5 minutes. 
3. Add ground beef and spices, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, and season with salt and pepper. 
4. Stir occasionally and cook until the meat is cooked through and no longer pink, about 8 minutes.
5. Remove pan from heat and drain excess fat. 
6. Season mixture with salt and pepper to taste. 
7. Clean pan and return over medium heat.
8. Meanwhile, assembly quesadillas: Divide cheese between 4 tortillas. 
9. Top with beef mixture, avocado, and cilantro then top each tortilla with a second tortilla.
10. Working one at a time, transfer quesadillas to hot pan and cook until golden-brown underneath, about 3 minutes. 
11. When ready to flip, cover the pan with a large plate. Invert pan to transfer the quesadilla onto the plate, then slide the quesadilla back onto the pan (golden side up). 
12. Cook until golden-brown on other side. 
13. Slice into wedges before serving. 

Cheesy Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole

Ingredients: 

1 32-oz. bag of hashbrowns defrosted

18 oz. kielbasa thawed and cut into small pieces

1 small onion, diced

1/2 C. butter, melted

2 1/2 C. shredded cheddar cheese

10.5 oz. can cream of chicken soup

1 C. whole milk

1/2 C. heavy cream

1 t. black pepper

1/2 t. onion powder

Directions:

1. Combine hash browns, seasonings, kielbasa, onion, and 2 cups of the cheese in a greased crock pot.
2. In a separate bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, butter, cream and milk. 
3. Pour over hash brown mix.
4. Sprinkle remaining cheese over top.
5. Cook on high for 3 hours.

Tip:  Great recipe to use up those homemade hashbrowns.

Shower Door Cleaner

Ingredients:

2 C. Original blue Dawn

2 C. white vinegar

Also need a spray bottle

Directions:

1. Pour Dawn and vinegar in a glass bowl, stir.
2. Heat for 4 minutes in the microwave.
3. Remove and stir again.
4. Using a funnel, pour the solution into the spray bottle.
5. Shake well to mix the solution.
6. Use as needed on the shower doors.

Note:  This can also be used on a glass stovetop.

Homemade Vanilla Extract

 A very simple recipe that just takes time...a year is good!

Ingredients:

5-6 vanilla beans

8 oz. vodka

Also needed, an airtight glass bottle or jar.

Directions:  

1. Slit the vanilla bean pods down the center and submerge in the vodka. 
2. Be sure the vanilla beans are covered.
3. Store at room temperature, out of sun light.
4. Shake the jar once a week or so.
5. Let vodka infuse for a minimum of six months, ideally a year.
6. Remove bean pods from vodka and use as normal.

Ham and Potato Casserole

 Ingredients:

2 lbs. Russett potatoes

2 C. cubed ham

1 1/2 C. shredded sharp white cheddar cheese, divided

3 T. unsalted butter

3/4 C. chopped yellow onion 

3 garlic cloves, minced

3/4 t. salt

1/2 t. fresh ground pepper

1/2 t. smoked paprika

1/2 t. ground mustard

1 t. dried parsley (or 2 t. fresh chopped parsley)

3 T. all-purpose flour

2 C. whole milk

optional, for garnish: chopped fresh parsley, green onion, chives, or hot sauce

Directions:

1. Peel potatoes, cut into 3/4-inch pieces. You’ll have just over 6 cups chopped potatoes. 
2. Cover with water in a medium pot. 
3. Bring to boil. Once boiling, boil for just 5–6 minutes. Potatoes should be only slightly softened.
4. Drain. 
5. Grease a 9×13-inch or any 3–4-quart oven-safe dish. 
6. Add warm drained potatoes, ham, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. 
7. Gently stir together. 
8. Set aside.
9. Preheat oven to 375°F.
10. Melt the butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. 
11. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions have softened, about 3 minutes. 
12. Stir in salt, pepper, smoked paprika, ground mustard, parsley, and flour until combined and flour has absorbed any liquid. 
13. Reduce heat to low, and then slowly stir in the milk. 
14. Simmer for 3–5 minutes or until thickened into a gravy consistency. 
15. Remove from heat. 
16. Taste and, if desired, add more salt, pepper, paprika, mustard, or parsley to taste.
17. Pour warm sauce over ham and potatoes. 
18. Toss gently to coat.
19. Bake, covered with aluminum foil, for 30 minutes. 
20. Remove aluminum foil, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, and return to the oven for 5–10 more minutes or until cheese is melted and casserole is bubbling around the edges.
21. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley, green onion, chives, or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Sweet and Spicy Pickled Radishes

Ingredients:

1 lb. radishes, sliced thin

1/4 C. cilantro, chopped

1 jalapeno, stem removed, finely diced

1 C. distilled white vinegar plus more as needed

2 T. sugar

2 T. kosher salt

1 t. red pepper flakes, optional

1 T. mustard seed

Directions:

1. Wash and dry the radishes.
2. Thinly slice the radishes and add to a large bowl along with the chopped cilantro and diced jalapeño, set aside.
3. In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar with the sugar and salt and stir until dissolved. 
4. Bring mixture to a low boil on the stove, then turn off and allow to cool completely. 
5. Pack a quart canning jar to the top with the radish/cilantro/jalapeño mixture. 
6. Pack tightly. 
7. Sprinkle the red pepper flakes and mustard seed on the top of the packed radishes.
8. Pour the cooled vinegar mixture over the top of the mixture in the jar, if needed, top off with additional vinegar and a pinch of salt.
9. Place the lid and ring tightly on the jar and allow to sit at room temperature for 24 hours before placing in the refrigerator.
10. Consume within 7-10 days.

Cheese and Pepperoni Pizza Stromboli

Ingredients:

Pizza Crust Dough

Pizza or spaghetti sauce

Mozzarella cheese

Pepperoni

Note:  Thinly sliced toppings work the best.  Also toppings that do not produce a lot of moisture also work better.

Directions:

1. Make the pizza dough and roll it out into a thin rectangle.
2. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
3. Cover 2/3 of the dough (left side) with a thin layer of pizza or spaghetti sauce; make sure to leave a 1-inch edge without sauce and the 1/3 of the dough (right side) without sauce to allow the dough to seal properly.
4. Sprinkle with an even, yet thin layer of cheese.
5. Layer on the pepperoni or other toppings.
6. Starting with short edge of rectangle on the left side of the dough, roll the dough up and pinch the edges closed to seal in the ingredients.
7. Place the Stromboli seam side down on a foil lined baking sheet.
8. Bake for 15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown.
9. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before slicing.

Homemade Pickled Ginger (Gari)

 Ingredients:

8 ounces fresh young ginger root, peeled

1 ½ t. sea salt

1 C. rice vinegar

⅓ C. white sugar

Directions:

1. Slice ginger into paper-thin slices. 
2. Place in a bowl, sprinkle with sea salt, and stir to coat. 
3. Let stand for about 30 minutes.
4. Rinse most of salt from ginger slices, then transfer to a clean lidded jar.
5. In a saucepan, stir together rice vinegar and sugar until sugar has dissolved. 
6. Bring to a boil, then pour the boiling liquid over ginger slices in the jar.
7. Seal the jar. 
8. After a few minutes, the liquid may change to a slightly pinkish color; don't be alarmed. 
9. Store in the refrigerator for at least 1 week.

Tamale Pie

 Ingredients:

1 box corn muffin mix (such as Jiffy)

1 large egg

1/2 c. sour cream

1/2 c. canned creamed corn

1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 onion, chopped

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. chili powder

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded.

1/2 c. red enchilada sauce

1 c. shredded cheddar

1 c. shredded Monterey Jack

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°. 
2. Grease a large oven-safe skillet with cooking spray. 
3. In a large bowl, whisk together corn muffin mix, egg, sour cream, and creamed corn. 
4. Transfer to prepared skillet and bake until golden, 20 minutes. Let cool.
5. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. 
6. Add onion, cumin, and chili powder and season with salt and pepper. 
7. Cook until soft, 5 minutes. 
8. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more. 
9. Add chicken to onion and garlic mixture.
10. Add 1/3 cup of enchilada sauce.
11. Poke entire surface of cornbread with a fork and pour over remaining enchilada sauce. 
12. Spread chicken mixture over crust.
13. Sprinkle with cheeses.
14. Cover with foil and bake until cheese is melty, about 20 minutes. 
15. Switch oven to broil, remove foil, and broil until cheese turns golden, about 5 minutes.

Homemade Flour Tortillas Made From Scratch

Ingredients:

1 3/4 C. All-purpose Flour

1/2 C. Water

1/4 C. Coconut Oil

1 t. Salt

1/2 t. Baking Powder, optional

Directions:

1. Heat the water in the microwave. 
2. Then mix the oil into the water until it is all melted. 
3. In a large mixing bowl add flour, salt, and baking powder and mix well.
4. Pour the water-oil mixture over the flour, using a fork mix it together well. 
5. Using your hands, knead the dough several times. It should look and feel like a big ball of playdough. 
6. Divide that dough into 9 balls. 
7. Flatten each ball with your hand trying to keep it as round as you can.
8. On a clean suffice or plate add a light dusting of flour then place one of the flattened balls on top. Lightly dust the top of the ball with flour. 
9. Using a rolling pin (or a tortilla press if you have one) slowly start working around in a circle to flatten it out. You want to get it as thin as you can without ripping it. 
10. After you have it flattened heat a non-stick or cast iron skillet on medium to high heat on the stove. Cook it about 40 to 60 seconds on each side. 
11. Repeat for each tortilla.
12. When you remove from the pan, place in a warmer or on a plate with a lid over it to keep them hot and moist do they do not harden or dry. 

Impossibly Easy Cheeseburger Pie

Ingredients:

1 lb. extra lean ground beef

1 C. onion, diced

1/2 t. salt

1 C. shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 C. Bisquick Baking Mix

1 C. milk

2 eggs

Directions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Spray 9" pie plate with cooking spray.
3. Cook ground beef and chopped onions until beef is brown; drain.
4. Stir in salt
5. Spread in pie plate and sprinkle with cheese.
6. Stir remaining ingredients until blended.
7. Pour into pie plate.
8. Bake 25 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.

Zucchini Fritters

 Ingredients:

2 zucchini

2 carrots

1 onion

salt, pepper and spices to taste

4 T. flour

1 egg

Directions:

1. Grate the zucchini, carrots, and onion into a bowl.
2. Remove excess moisture from mixture.
3. Add salt, pepper, flour and egg, and mix well.
4. Form into pancake shapes.
5. Place into hot oil to cook

Party Pretzels

 

Ingredients:

4 to 4 1/2 C. all-purpose flour

1 pkg. active dry yeast

2 T. sugar

2 1/2 T. salt, divided

1 C. milk

1/2 C. water

2 T. vegetable oil

2 eggs, lightly beaten with 1 T. water

Vegetable cooking spray

Coarse salt, Parmesan cheese, poppy, sesame or dill seeds

Directions:

1. In a large bowl thoroughly mix 1 1/2 cups four, undissolved yeast, sugar and 1/2 teaspoons salt.
2. Heat milk, water and oil to 120 to 130 degrees.
3. Add to dry ingredients and beat 2 minutes at low speed of an electric mixer.
4. Increase speed to high, beat an additional 2 minutes.
5. Stir in enough additional flour to make a soft dough.
6. Knead dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
7. Place in a bowl coated with vegetable cooking spray.
8. Cover; let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 30 to 40 minutes.
9. Punch dough down. Divide dough into 12 portions.
10. Roll each piece into a 12-inch rope.
11. To make pretzels, curve ends of each rope to make a circle; cross ends at top.  
12. Twist ends once and lay down over the bottom of the circle.
13. Cover shaped pretzels; let rest in a warm, draft-free place for 5 to 10 minutes, until risen slightly.
14. In a large pot bring 2 quarts of water and remaining 2 tablespoons of salt to a boil; reduce heat to simmer.
15. Place 4 to 5 pretzels in water; cook 20 seconds, turning once to cook both sides. 
16. Remove and drain on a wire rack.
17. Repeat with remaining pretzels.
18. Place pretzels on baking sheets coated with vegetable cooking spray.
19. Brush with beaten egg mixture and sprinkle with desired toppings.
20. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 35 minutes or until done. 
21. Cool pretzels on wire rack.  
22. Serve with various spreads or dips, if desired.

Tip:

If you are looking for Pretzel Buns, but are having a hard time finding them in the store, try using the recipe above, but instead of shaping them into pretzels in Step 10, shape them into round buns.  We did this and they were quite good.

Microwave Sticky Buns

Ingredients:

3 T. butter
1/3 C. brown sugar
1 T. water
1 t. cinnamon
1 can refrigerator biscuits
1/2 C. chopped nuts (optional)

Directions:

1. In 8 inch round glass dish combine: butter, sugar, water, and cinnamon. 
2. Microwave on high for 1 minute. 
3. Stir as soon as butter is melted. 
4. Stir in nuts. 
5. Separate biscuits. 
6. Cut each into quarters. 
7. Place into sugar mixture. 
8. Stir carefully to coat each piece. 
9. Push biscuits to outside of dish and place a custard dish in center upside down. 
10. Cook on high 2 1/2 to 3 minutes. 
11. Remove custard dish and let stand 2 minutes before pulling sections apart. 

Tip: dump sticky buns onto a serving platter, put round plate over buns upside down then turn over. Remove custard dish afterwards.

Crock Pot Beefy Potato Taco Casserole

 

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef
2 cloves garlic minced
1 oz. packet taco seasoning
10.5 oz. cheddar cheese soup
4 C. potatoes sliced
2 C. shredded cheddar cheese

1 C. beef broth

Directions:

1. Brown your ground beef with garlic and drain.
2. Place your potato slices in the bottom of a slightly greased 4-quart crock pot.
3. Spread your ground beef evenly on top of your potatoes.
4. Sprinkle your taco seasoning on top of everything.
5. Spoon your soup evenly on top.
6. Sprinkle your cheese evenly across the top of the everything.
7. Gently pour your beef broth evenly around your crock pot.
8. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-2.5 hours.
9. Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Kimchi

Ingredients:

1 medium head Napa cabbage (about 2 pounds)

1/4 C. iodine-free sea salt or kosher salt 

Water, preferably distilled or filtered

1 T. grated garlic (5 to 6 cloves)

1 t. grated, peeled fresh ginger

1 t. granulated sugar

2 T. fish sauce or salted shrimp paste, or 3 tablespoons water

1 to 5 T. Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru)

8 oz. Korean radish or daikon radish, peeled and cut into matchsticks

4 medium scallions, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

Directions:

1. Cut the cabbage lengthwise through the stem into quarters. 
2. Cut the cores from each piece. 
3. Cut each quarter crosswise into 2-inch-wide strips.
4. Place the cabbage in a large bowl and sprinkle with the salt. 
5. Using your hands, massage the salt into the cabbage until it starts to soften a bit. 
6. Add enough water to cover the cabbage. 
7. Put a plate on top of the cabbage and weigh it down with something heavy, like a jar or can of beans. 
8. Let stand for 1 to 2 hours.
9. Rinse the cabbage under cold water 3 times. 
10. Set aside to drain in a colander for 15 to 20 minutes. 
11. Meanwhile, make the spice paste.
12. Rinse and dry the bowl you used for salting. 
13. Add the garlic, ginger, sugar, and fish sauce, shrimp paste, or water and stir into a smooth paste.
14. Stir in the gochugaru, using 1 tablespoon for mild and up to 5 tablespoons for spicy; set aside until the cabbage is ready.
15. Combine the vegetables and spice paste. 
16. Gently squeeze any remaining water from the cabbage and add it to the spice paste. 
17. Add the radish and scallions.
18. Using your hands, gently work the paste into the vegetables until they are thoroughly coated.  The gloves are optional here but highly recommended to protect your hands from stings, stains, and smells!
19. Pack the kimchi into a 1-quart jar(s). Press down on the kimchi until the brine (the liquid that comes out) rises to cover the vegetables, leaving at least 1 inch of space at the top. 
20. Seal the jar.
21. Place a bowl or plate under the jar to help catch any overflow. Let the jar stand at cool room temperature, out of direct sunlight, for 1 to 5 days. 
22. You may see bubbles inside the jar and brine may seep out of the lid.
23. Check the kimchi once a day, opening the jar and pressing down on the vegetables with a clean finger or spoon to keep them submerged under the brine. 
24. Taste a little at this point, too! 
25. When the kimchi tastes ripe enough for your liking, transfer the jar to the refrigerator. 
26. You may eat it right away, but it's best after another week or two. 

The Original Fantasy Fudge

 Ingredients:

3 C. white sugar

¾ C. margarine

⅔ C. evaporated milk

1 (12 oz.) bag semisweet chocolate chips (3 C.)

1 (7 oz.) jar marshmallow cream

1 C. chopped walnuts, optional

1 t. vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Line a 8x8 pan with aluminum foil.
2. Mix sugar, margarine, and evaporated milk in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. 
3. Bring mixture to a full boil and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Remove from the heat and add chocolate chips; stir until chocolate chips are melted and mixture is thoroughly combined. 
5. Stir in marshmallow cream until incorporated. 
6. Mix in walnuts and vanilla.
7. Transfer fudge to the prepared pan and use an offset spatula to spread out and flatten. 
8. Let cool for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares.

Tteokbokki – Spicy Korean Rice Cakes

 

Ingredients:

1 C. rice cake (dduk/tteok) for tteokbokki (5-6 oz.)

2 t. Korean spicy bean paste (gochujang)

2 t. sugar

1 t. soy sauce

3/4 C. water

Sesame seeds (optional)

Sesame oil (optional)

Directions:

1. If your tteok/dduk is frozen, defrost by soaking in cold water for a few minutes and drain.
2. Add water, gochujang and sugar to a pan and bring to a boil on medium high heat.
3. Add the tteokbokki tteok to the gochujang water and lower the heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes until broth is reduced and sauce is thick.
4. For extra flavor, sprinkle some sesame seeds and/or a swirl of sesame oil.

Bathtub Cleaner

 Ingredients:

1/4 C. baking soda

1 T. liquid detergent

Vinegar

Directions:

1. Combine baking soda and detergent.
2. Add vinegar to give it a thick, creamy texture.

Easy Ham and Swiss Pie

 Ingredients:

1 1/2 C. cubed fully cooked ham

1 C. shredded swiss cheese (4 oz.)

1/4 C. chopped green onion or chopped onion

1/2 C. Original Bisquick mix

1 C. Milk

1/4 t. salt, if desired

1/8 t. pepper

2 eggs

1 tomato, sliced

1 green bell pepper, cut into rings

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Grease 9-inch pie plate.
3. Sprinkle ham, cheese, and onions in pie plate.
4. Stir Bisquick, milk, salt, pepper, and eggs until blended.
5. Pour into pie plate.
6. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
7. Cool 5 minutes.
8. Garnish with tomato and bell pepper.

Rice Krispies Treats

 Ingredients:

3 T. butter

10 oz. Jet-Puffed Marshmallows (about 40) or 4 C. Jet-Puffed Marshmallows

6 C. Kellogg's Rice Krispies cereal

Directions:

1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat.  
2. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted.  
3. Remove from heat.
4. Add cereal.
5. Stir until well coated.
6. Using bettered spatula or wax paper, evenly press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray.
7. Cool.
8. Cut into 2-inch squares.
9. Best if served the same day.

Homemade Vapor-Rub

 Ingredients:

1/2 C. olive oil, coconut oil, or almond oil

2 T. beeswax pastilles

20 drops of Eucalyptus Oil

20 drops Lavender Oil

10 drops Rosemary Oil

Directions:

1. Melt beeswax with oil of choice in a double boiler until just melted.
2. Add the essential oils (use half the amount for a baby version or dilute with canola oil before using).
3. Stir until will mixed and pour into some type of container with a lid to store.  Little tins work well, as do small jars.
4. Use as needed to help sooth coughing and congestion.

Crustless Crab Quiche

 Ingredients:

8 oz. imitation crab meat, chopped

1 C. low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded

1 C. onion, chopped

4 large eggs

1 C. evaporated skim milk

1/2 t. salt

1/2 t. dry mustard

1/8 t. pepper

1 dash paprika

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. (375 degrees for glass pie plate)
2. Spray 9" pie plat with non-stick spray.
3. Combine chopped crab, onion and cheese.
4. Press into pie plate.
5. Beat together remaining ingredients except paprika and pour over the crab.
6. Sprinkle with paprika.
7. Bake for 30 minutes.

Banana Crumb Muffins

 Ingredients:

1 1/2 C. all-purpose flour

1 t. baking soda

1 t. baking powder

1/2 t. salt

3 bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)

3/4 C. white sugar

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1/3 C. unsalted butter, melted

1 t. vanilla

1 t. cinnamon

1/2 t. nutmeg

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). 
2. Lightly grease 12 muffin cups, or line with muffin liners
3. In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. 
4. In another bowl, beat together bananas, sugar, egg, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and melted butter. 
5. Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture just until moistened. 
6. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.
7. For the crumb topping: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, 1/4 cup flour and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. 
8. Cut in 2 tablespoons butter until mixture resembles wet sand. 
9. Sprinkle topping over muffins.
10. Bake in preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean. 
11. Cool and store in an airtight container.

Easy Pizza Dough

Ingredients:

1 C. warm water (110 degrees F.)

2 1/4 t. Active Dry Yeast (1 packet)

1 t. granulated sugar

2 1/2 C. all-purpose flour

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

1 t. kosher salt

1/4 t. garlic powder

Directions:

1. Place warm water, yeast and sugar into bowl of a stand mixer with dough hook attachment attached.
2. Mix gently then let sit until doubled in size, about 5 minutes. 
3. With mixer on low, add flour, olive oil, salt and garlic salt. 
4. Scrape sides of bowl and let mixer knead dough for 5 minutes. 
5. Dough should clean the sides of the bowl. Add sprinkles of flour or water if needed to get the bowl cleaned while kneading. 
6. After 5 minutes of kneading, remove dough from mixing bowl with floured hands, and transfer to a floured countertop. 
7. Fold dough over itself a couple times then form into a round ball.
8. When ready, place dough onto a pizza pan, pressing or rolling to a 12 inch round, or larger for a more thin crust. 
9. Spoon pizza sauce of your choice over dough leaving a 1 inch border around edges. 
10. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and toppings of your choice. 
11. Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F. for 15 minutes, until crust is cooked through. 
12. Remove and let cool for 5 minutes before slicing.

Shepherd's Pie

 Ingredients:

3 large (1 1/2 to 2 lbs.) potatoes , peeled and quartered

1 t. salt 

8 T. (1 stick) butter, divided

1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)

1 to 2 C. mixed vegetables, such as diced carrots, corn, or peas

1 1/2 lbs. ground round beef

1/2 C. beef broth

1 t. Worcestershire sauce

Pepper and/or other seasonings of choice

Directions:

1. Boil the potatoes.
2. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
3. While the potatoes are cooking, melt 4 T. of the butter in a large sauté pan on medium heat. 
4. Add the chopped onions and cook until tender, about 6 to 10 minutes.
5. Add your vegetables according to their cooking time. Carrots should be cooked with the onions, because they take as long to cook as the onions do.
6. If adding peas or corn, add them toward the end of the cooking of the onions, or after the meat starts to cook, as they take very little cooking time.
7. Add ground beef to the pan with the onions and vegetables. 
8. Cook until no longer pink. 
9. Drain the pan of excess fat, if necessary (anything more than 1 tablespoon). 
10. Season with salt and pepper.
11. Add the Worcestershire sauce and beef broth. 
12. Bring the broth to a simmer and reduce heat to low. 
13. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, adding more beef broth if necessary to keep the meat from drying out.
14. When the potatoes are done cooking, remove them from the pot and place them in a bowl with the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. 
15. Mash, taste, and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper.
16. Spread the cooked filling in an even layer in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
17. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top of the ground beef mixture. 
18. Rough up the surface of the mashed potatoes with a fork so there are peaks that will get well browned. 
19. Place in oven and cook until browned and bubbling, about 30 minutes. 
20. If necessary, broil for the last few minutes to help the surface of the mashed potatoes brown.