Salted Caramel No-Bake Pie

Ingredients:

1 (6-oz,) pre-made graham cracker crust or pecan crust

8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature

½ c. powdered sugar

½ t. vanilla extract

1 (3.4-oz.) box instant vanilla pudding

1½ c. half & half cream

½ c. jarred salted caramel sauce

4 oz. whipped topping

Additional salted caramel and 2 tablespoons of chopped pecans for garnish

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, with a hand mixer on low, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract for 2 to 3 minutes or until creamy and smooth.
2. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly onto the bottom of the prepared pie crust. 
3. Place your pie into the refrigerator to chill while you make your next layer.
4. In another large bowl, beat together, on medium speed, the instant vanilla pudding and 1½ cups half & half for 2 minutes. 
5. Fold the salted caramel into the vanilla pudding until evenly incorporated. 
6. Spread the salted caramel pudding layer evenly over the cream cheese layer.
7. On top of the caramel layer, spread the whipped cream topping. 
8. Garnish with an extra drizzle of caramel and chopped pecans.
9. Refrigerate your salted caramel pie for 4 hours, or up to overnight, before slicing and serving.

Tip:  If you cannot find jarred salted caramel sauce, you can easily stir ¼ teaspoon salt into your standard caramel sauce.

Chicken Pot Pie

 Ingredients:

1 crust (make from scratch or buy premade)

⅓ c. butter or margarine

⅓ c. chopped onion

⅓ c. all-purpose flour

½ t. salt

¼ t. pepper

1 ¾ c. chicken broth

½ c. milk

2 ½ c. shredded cooked chicken or turkey

2 c. frozen mixed vegetables, thawed

Directions:

1. Place pie crust in an ungreased 9-inch pie plate.
2. In 2-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. 
3. Add onion; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender. 
4. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper until well blended.
5. Gradually stir in broth and milk, cooking and stirring until bubbly and thickened.
6. Stir in chicken and mixed vegetables until thoroughly combined. 
7. Remove from heat.
8. Spoon chicken mixture into crust-lined pie plate.
9. Place second crust over the chicken mixture. 
10. Fold excess top crust under the edge of the bottom crust, pressing edges together to seal and create a thick rim.
11. Flute the edge of the pie crust by placing your thumb and index finger about 1 inch apart on the outside edge. With your other thumb, push the pastry toward the outside to form a scalloped edge.
12. With a small knife, cut slits or shapes in several places in top crust to allow steam to escape while baking.
13. Bake 15 minutes. Then cover edge of crust with foil to prevent excessive browning.
14. Bake an additional 15 to 25 minutes or until the top crust is golden brown and filling is at least 165°F. 
15. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Note:  Cut pie crust into smaller circles and line cupcake pan to make mini chicken pot pies.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

 

Ingredients:

1 lb. spaghetti, cooked and drained

1 T. olive oil

1 lb. ground beef, or turkey

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 14.5-oz. can diced tomatoes

1 15-oz. can tomato sauce

1 T. Italian Seasoning

1 t. salt

½ t. pepper

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

½ c. sour cream

1½ c. mozzarella, shredded

½ c. Parmesan cheese, shredded

½ c. cheddar cheese, shredded

fresh parsley leaves, chopped (optional)

Directions:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
2. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. 
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes. 
4. Add the ground beef (or turkey), breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. 
5. Drain any excess fat.
6. To the cooked meat, add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. 
7. Simmer for 10-15 minutes on low heat, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld. 
8. Remove from heat.
9. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. 
10. Mix until smooth and creamy. If necessary, microwave the cream cheese for 20-30 seconds to soften it more easily. Set aside.
11. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the meat sauce, stirring to combine. 
12. Then, gently fold in the cream cheese mixture, ensuring the pasta is coated evenly with the creamy sauce.
13. Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish. 
14. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. If using, add the shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavor and a golden topping.
15. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 
16. Bake the casserole uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
17. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. 
18. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

TIP: Corn On The Cob In The Microwave

Cooking corn on the cob in the microwave is very easy.  

Place one ear in the microwave for 3 to 4 minutes.  Two ears can be cooked for 5½ to 6 minutes.

Remove the corn from the microwave and place on a cutting board.

Cut off approximately ½-inch from the stem end.  

Now you can easily remove the cob from the husk.  You may need to give it a shake or two.  The best part is, there is usually very little silk that needs to be removed.