Zucchini Brownies oh my are these sooo good!

Zucchini Brownies


2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup baking cocoa
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups shredded zucchini
1-1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

FROSTING:
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup miniature marshmallows
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, optional

In a bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Combine zucchini, sugar and oil;
add to dry ingredients. Mix well. Stir in walnuts and vanilla. Pour into a greased jelly roll sized pan and bake at 350 deg.
Frost when cool. To prepare frosting:
melt butter with sugar and milk, stir in marshmallows and chips until melted, add vanilla and nuts if desired.

Zucchini Bars

Zucchini abounds, huh? Here's a bar recipe that we like for something different...
ZUCCHINI BARS




Combine:

3 cups flour

1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon cloves



Cream together:

3/4 c. margarine

1 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 eggs



Combine both of the above mixtures.



Gradually add:

2 c. peeled, grated zucchini

1/2 c. chopped walnuts

1/2 c. butterscotch chips or

raisins ( I prefer raisins)

Pour into a greased and floured 10x15" pan. Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes. Frost with Caramel frosting.



Caramel Frosting:

1/2 c. margarine

1 c. brown sugar

1/4 c. milk

1 - 1 1/2 c. powdered sugar



The Caramel frosting really makes

these bars taste great. Enjoy!

Differently Delicious Cole Slaw

1 bag cole slaw mix
1 head cauliflower, cut/broken into small pieces
1 onion, chopped
1 lb bacon, fried crisp and crumbled

Mix with the following dressing:
2 c. mayo or miracle whip
1/2 c sugar

Place in serving bowl. Top with 1 - 8 oz pkg. parmesan shredded cheese. (I used the three cheese Italian)
Just before serving, stir the parmesan into the salad.

Peanut Butter Cookies

Gosh, do I wish I wasn't allergic to peanut butter!! I used to love these with cold milk. YUM...now the old body doesn't do peanut butter or dairy. Good heavens!

Peanut Butter Cookies

1 c butter
1 c brown sugar
1 c sugar
2 eggs, beaten
2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
3 c flour
Mix alltogether and drop by teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheet. Bake at 350 deg.

Zucchini Raisin Oatmeal Cookies

ZUCCHINI RAISIN OATMEAL COOKIES




1/2 cup margarine

3/4 cup honey

1 egg

2 cup whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup grated zucchini

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup chopped dates or raisins
Cream margarine with honey. Add egg and beat well. Sift flour with soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and salt. Add flour mixture alternately with zucchini to egg mixture. Stir in oats and dates. Drop by teaspoons onto greased baking sheets. Bake at 375F 10 to 12 minutes.

Refrigerator Pickles

My dad and my grandma both kept these pickles in the refrig. at all times, I think. I made an ice cream bucket of them some years ago and left them in the church fridge since we had "supper" together every Sunday night after the service. They bring back memories ...remember when you ALWAYS had pickles on the table for every meal?

Refrigerator Pickles

4 c sugar
4 c vinegar
1/2 c salt
14-16 cukes, sliced
3 onions, sliced
1 1/2 tsp tumeric
1 1/4 tsp mustard seed
1 1/4 tsp celery seed

Mix sugar, vinegar, salt and spices in a container and mix well. (do not heat this syrup).  In a gallon jar or pail,  place a layer of sliced oniones, then a layer of cukes until all is used. Pour syrup over thsi and put in fridge. Don't use for at least 1 week. (Don't can in jars. They'll keep in the fridge for 9 months.)

Zucchini Banana Bread

I see that Zucchini is at it's plentiful stage :). Zucchini Banana Bread is so good!

Zucchini Banana Bread

1 c grated zucchini
1 c mashed bananas
1/2 c sour cream
1 c veg. oil
2 tsp vanilla
3 eggs
3/4 c sugar
3/4 c brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
3 c. flour
Stir altogether. Add nuts if you wish. Pour into 2 loaf pans (or a 9 x 13 cake pan) Bake for one hour. (45 min. if using 9 x 13)

Crockpot Egg Casserole

1-32 oz bag frozen hash browns
1 lb cooked ham (cubed) or bacon (or a combination)
1/2 c chopped onion
1 green bell pepper (diced)-opt
1 1/2 c shredded cheese
12 eggs
1 c whole milk
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
Spray inside of crockpot. Place 1/3 hash browns in.
 Add  1/3 meat, onion, pepper and cheese.
Repeat layers, ending with cheese.
in large bowl, beat the eggs, milk and seasonings til well mixed
Pour over the ingred. in slow cooker, cover and turn on low. Cook 10-12 hours until "set" and eggs are thoroughly cooked. Serves 12.

Another Greek Salad from Kathy A.

Tabouli Salad




1 c bulgar

1 bunch green onions, chopped

2 or 3 large firm tomatoes, chopped and seeded

1-2 cucumbers, chopped

1 T salt (or to taste)

3/4 - 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1/3 cup olive oil

fresh squeezed lemon - I use about 1/2 lemon



Place cracked wheat in bowl and add 1-1/2 c water (I heat it a bit) - cover and allow to soak for 30 minutes; drain if needed. Mix in rest of ingredients. Season to taste with salt and pepper if needed. Cover and chill.

Greek Pasta Salad

My friend, Kathy, shared a recipe from her past, Greek Pasta Salad. Of course, she still makes it today. Doesn't it sound deeeelcious?
Greek Pasta Salad




(This makes a ton so you may want to cut in 1/2 and I'd advise you to) - Remember I am part Greek - we had lots of feta cheese, greek olives and olive oil used in cooking growing up - Grandpa Barbas (my mom's dad) was an awesome cook -  OK - now are you ready for the recipe after your short history lesson?



2 pkgs of spiral pasta (or cavatappi) - (you can use boring old elbow macaroni if you wish)

2 pints grape tomatoes, washed, halved

1 jar (7 oz) kalamata olives, pitted (I buy the pitted ones, but sometimes you can find the pieces in a jar) - I like them whole and pitted.

10 oz. feta cheese, diced

1 red onion, peeled and diced

1 cucumber, diced

1 large bunch radishes(opt)

1 cup chopped parsley

cut up chicken

(This did not call for chicken but I bought a rotisserie chicken and cut it up and put the whole thing in there. If making the big batch like I did, I would use 2 chickens, cut up and diced.) Also I didn't put the radishes in - whatever you like....but I didn't think they were very traditional.....



Dressing:



1/2 c red wine vinegar

2 cloves garlic, peeled

4 oz. feta cheese, crumbled

1 T dried oregano

1 T sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp all-purpose seasoning

1-1/2 cups olive oil



To prepare pasta: Cook pasta according to pkg. directions. Drain. Rinse with cold water. Meanwhile, prepare remaining salad ingredients. Place in large serving bowl. Add pasta. Toss together.



To make dressing: In blender or food processor, combine vinegar, garlic, feta, oregano, sugar, salt, pepper and seasoning blend. Pulse to chop up garlic and cheese. With machine running, slowly and in steady stream, add olive oil. Process until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Pour dressing over salad.

Potato Salad

Until a few years ago, I'd never had potato salad that had a cooked dressing on it...I kinda liked it :)

Joan's Potato Salad

Boil potatos and eggs and prepare for salad. Grate a few carrots in and mix.
   ( don't ask how many potatoes..never counted..just grabbed some...and I like LOTS of eggs in my potato salad)
Mix with this dressing:

1/4 c vinegar
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 c sugar
1/4 c water
dash pepper
tsp. mustard

Mix all in saucepan. Bring to a boil and add two beaten eggs. Cook til slightly thick, about 3 min.  Cool and add 1 c. Miracle Whip. Stir into potato, egg and carrots.

Green Bay Packer Dip

I enjoyed this dip at an agency potluck while working for Gunderson Lutheran Home Care and Hospice in La Crosse, WI.

Green Bay Packer Dip

3- 8 oz pkg cream cheese
1 can crushed pineapple (almost drained)
2 bunches green onions (chopped..using mostly green tops only)
Mix all together and let chill in fridge. Serve with crackers.

Carrot Cake Bars

Don't ya just love carrot cake? Found this recipe on Taste of Home and am gonna try it tomorrow. YUM.

Carrot Cake Bars

Ingredients


3 eggs

1-1/4 cups canola oil

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt

1 jar (6 ounces) carrot baby food

1 container (3-1/2 ounces) applesauce baby food

1 container (3-1/2 ounces) apricot baby food

raisins (I'm adding raisins to mine)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, optional ( I will sprinkle the walnuts on top ...on 1/2 the pan, anyway...)





FROSTING:

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar

Directions

In a large bowl, beat eggs and oil for 2 minutes. Combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to egg mixture. Add baby foods; mix well. Stir in raisins and walnuts if desired.

Transfer to a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan.

Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

For frosting, in a small bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar. Frost; cut into bars. Store in the refrigerator. Yield: 3 dozen.

Scalloped Chicken

Scalloped Chicken

This is a recipe I had gotten years ago and made a lot of times since. More comfort food!

1 (aprox 5 lb) chicken, cooked and deboned
6-8 c soft bread crumbs
2 stalks celery,chopped
1 med. onion, chopped fine
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp sage, salt and pepper
1 1/2 c milk

Mix dressing. Put layers alternately with chopped chicken. Pour broth over all until you can see it around the edge of the pan. Bake at 350 deg. for 1 hour until dressing is done, but still moist.
Serves 10-12

Shrimp Cauliflower Salad

Yum, this was served to me at a wedding shower and I've made it since. It always gets rave reviews!

Shrimp Cauliflower Salad

1 ( 7 oz) pkg small shell macaroni
1/2 c french dressing
2 c. finely diced cauliflower
1/4 c diced onion
1 c. stuffed olives, sliced
1 can shrimp
1/2 c. chili sauce
1 c mayo
1 tsp sugar
Cook, rinse and drain macaroni. Marinate macaroni with dressing. Toss with cauliflower, onion, olives, shrimp, chili sauce and sugar. Refrigerate several hours before eating. May substitute crab, tuna or salmon for shrimp.

Dorothy's Ground Beef Casserole

My Aunt Dorothy's recipe for this casserole, is one I really like to make. You see if you don't also.

Ground beef Casserole

2 lbs ground beef
2 tsp salt
1 onion, chopped
Brown til meat is done and crumbled

Add:
2 cans tomato soup
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 T. worchestershire sauce
1 tsp chili powder
dash of pepper
bay leaf (opt)
Add the above ingred. to the meat and simmer about 10 min. Cook 1 - 8 oz pkg of noodles. Drain and add to meat mixture along with 1 can of whole kernal corn. Mix in this 1 cup of grated cheese (I usually add more). Mix well and put into two cake pans. Sprinkle grated cheese or buttered bread crumbs on top, Bake at 350 deg. for 50 min.  Freeze one for later use, if you wish.

Snickerdoodles

This was the recipe my grandma used for snickerdoodles. They're the best..brings back many good memories! Grandma was head school lunch cook and never made anything in small batches..I usually cut this recipe in half...but hey if you don't wanna back for awhile...this makes 140 cookies!

Rose Kraft's Snickerdoodles

Cream:
3 c. shortening(I use margarine)
3 c. sugar
4 eggs

Add to creamed mixture:

4 tsp cream of tartar
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
6 c. flour
   (Now, grandma sifted all of those dry ingred...but not her grandaughter..no siree...)
Chill dough. Make into balls. Drip in sugar and cinnamon mixture you have made. Bake at 375 deg. for 6-10 min.

Crockpot Pizza

Can't believe I have posted this here already! Can't remember where I got this recipe but I have one friend who used to write me every so often or call and say..." I need that recipe again". I finally told her to either bronze the darn thing and hang it in her kitchen or make a million copies :)
Makes a wonderful potluck dish!

Crockpot Pizza

1 1/2 lb. ground beef or ground pork
1-14 0z can pizza sauce
1-12 oz bag kluski noodles
4 oz mozzerella cheese
1 pkg sliced pepperoni
1 onion, chopped
1- 14 oz can spaghetti sauce
4 oz shredded cheddar cheese
Canned mushrooms (opt)

Brown meat with onions. Drain. Add sauces and simmer. Boil noodles until tender, drain and rinse.
In crockpot, put a layer of noodles, meat mixture, cheeses and then pepperoni. Add mushrooms if desired. Repeat layers one more time.
Cook on high 30 min adn then on low for an hour or until cheese is melted. Or, layer in a casserole dish and bake at 350 deg. until cheese melts.

Wanita's Pasta Salad

The basic recipe came from my friend Wanita...over the years, I've added to it...combined recipes...but it's basically the same. Once you eat this..you won't make the ol' mac salad anymore!!!

Wanita's Pasta Salad




INGREDIENTS

1 pound rotini pasta -cooked (I use tri colored )

2 carrots, shredded or sliced thin.

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 onion, diced

1 cup distilled white vinegar

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

2 cups mayonnaise

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

shredded cheese

can of drained kidney beans

add whatever veggies you want. Needs to sit in fridge overnight before serving.
 
Made it this week and added kidney beans, ripe olives, onion, celery (lots of it), cauliflower, borccoli and cheese. yum.

Maple Banana Bread

I have quite a few bananas screaming at me...so, found this new recipe. I love anything maple flavored..it's 2nd best to chocolate ;)



1/2 cup butter, melted


1/2 cup maple syrup

1 egg

2 ripe bananas

1/2 teaspoon maple extract

3 tablespoons milk

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 cup chopped walnuts

3 tablespoons white sugar

Directions

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 5x9 inch loaf pan.

2.In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and maple syrup. Beat in the egg and bananas, leaving a few small chunks. Stir in the maple extract and milk. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and baking powder, and stir into the banana mixture just until moistened. Transfer to the prepared loaf pan. Mix the nuts and sugar, and sprinkle evenly over the batter.

3.Bake 50 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean.

Garden Veg. Pasta Salad

I've had this wonderful salad at a quilt retreat for several years. Always deeelicious! Avis, one of the hostesses, shared the recipe with me...I made it yesterday and shared with a neighbor.
Enjoy! Actually, you can omit and add any veggies you have on hand. Yesterday, I omited green beans and peppers...I added broccoli and cauliflower.

Garden Veg. Pasta Salad


1 can red kidney beans

1 box ring macaroni (I use spiral veg. ones)

1 can diced carrots

1 can french style green beans

1 can small peas

1 jar chopped pimento (opt)

1 green pepper, chopped

1 med onion, chopped

diced celery

Dressing:

2 c Miracle Whip

1 c. sugar

1 c unwhipped cream

1 tsp mustard

Put one can of kidney beans in a bowl with juice..and cover with vinegar..let stand one hour. Cook the box of macaroni, drain, cool. Add other drained canned vegetables and diced raw veggies. Drain kidney beans and add. Add dressing. Let salad sit in fridge overnight.

Ramen Noodle Salad

Ramen Noodle salad

This was sent to me by an "old" friend, Nola Bromley. I have had this salad and loved it but had never made it until now. Thanks, Nola!




I use 2 packs of Beef Ramen noodles and crsuh then up,
Use one bag of cole slaw
mix 2 bunches of green onions and what ever other veggies you want to add, I put green pepper and red pepper sometimes celery, depends what I have in the frig.
I sprinkle the seasoning packages over the slaw, noodles and veggies and then I take a bottle of salad dressing, some times Italian, sometimes cole slaw dressing or what ever you like and mix it all together.
You can add either sun flower seeds or sliced almonds to give it crunch or even water chestnuts.

Strawberry Pretzel Squares

A cyber quilting friend of mine shared this recipe...she said she just made it and it was very good. I haven't tried it yet..but will very soon. Sounds ddeeeeeeellllisious! Thanks Fran!

Strawberry Pretzel Squares




What You Need!



2 cups finely crushed pretzels



1/2 cup sugar, divided



2/3 cup butter or margarine, melted



1-1/2 pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened



2 Tbsp. milk



1 cup thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping



2 cups boiling water



1 pkg. (6 oz.) JELL-O Strawberry Flavor Gelatin



1-1/2 cups cold water



1 qt. (4 cups) strawberries, sliced



Make It!



HEAT oven to 350°F.



MIX pretzel crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar and butter. Press onto bottom of 13x9-inch pan. Bake 10 min. Cool.



BEAT cream cheese, remaining sugar and milk until blended. Stir in COOL WHIP; spread over crust. Refrigerate.



ADD boiling water to gelatin mix in large bowl; stir 2 min. until completely dissolved. Stir in cold water. Refrigerate 1-1/2 hours or until barely thickened (spoon drawn through leaves definite impression). Stir in strawberries; spoon over cream cheese layer. Refrigerate 3 hours or until firm.

Pickle (rollups) dip

You know those wonderful little appetizers you get at parties...the dried beef (some use ham) spread with cream cheese and wrapped around a pickle and then sliced? I could founder myself on those...well, my daughter shared this recipe for a dip that's just like the real thing, the roll ups! She had it at a party she attended and the friend shared the recipe with her. Thanks, ladies!

Pickle dip-  from Megan Wright via Michelle


2 (8 oz) crm cheese

5 oz jar dried beef,chopped

Jar dill pickles, chopped

2 or 3 splashes of pickle juice
Mix altogether
and serve with ritz crackers

Triple Berry Pie

Berries were on sale this last week here in town and so bought some of each...ala :

Triple Berry Pie!

2 cups halved strawberries
1 cup blueberries
1 cup raspberries
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup MINUTE Tapioca
2 pie crusts
1 Tbsp. butter or margarine



MIX berries, sugar and tapioca in large bowl. Let stand 15 minutes.



PREHEAT oven to 400°F. Prepare pie crust for 2-crust pie, using 9-inch pie plate. Fill with fruit mixture. Dot with butter. Cover with second pie crust. Seal and flute edge. Cut several slits in top crust to permit steam to escape.



BAKE 45 to 50 minutes or until juices form bubbles that burst slowly. Cool.

Tracy Keefer's Chicken Salad

Received this recipe from my daughter after trying a couple new things at her house last week. She got the recipe from a friend...
So good with wheat crackers!!!

Tracy Keefer's Chicken Salad


2 cans chunk chicken

Sour cream

Mayo/salad dressing

Almond slices

Chopped celery

Chopped/sliced water chestnuts

Upside Down Meatloaf

I received this recipe when we lived in Bangor, WI from a teacher there. Meatloaf..the best comfort meal :)

1/2 c brown sugar
1/2 c ketchup
2 lb hamburger
3/4 c milk
2 eggs, beaten
1 medium onion, chopped
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp ginger
1 scant c. cracker crumbs
Butter a 2 qt casserole dish. Press brown sugar in bottom and spread ketchup evenly over. Mix other ingredients and shape into a loaf. Place on ketchup and bake at 350 deg. for 1 - 1 1/4 hours.
Serve with baked potatoes and a veggie!

Cheesy Pasta Hotdish

Ok, I've been chastised, for not doing a recipe all last week. I was wondering if anyone was watching :)
Today I share this very cheesy pasta hot dish with you. You'll love it!

Cheesy Pasta Hotdish

2 lb. ground beef
2 med. onions, chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
1 lg jar spaghetti sauce
1 can diced tomatoes

1 ( 4oz) can mushrooms (opt)
1 (8 oz) shell macaroni
1 lg carton of sour cream
1/2 lb sliced cheddar cheese
1/2 lb Mozzerella cheese

Brown hamburger and onions, Add garlic, sauce, tomatoes and undrained muchrooms.  Cook noodles, drain and rinse. Layer beef, noodles, sour cream and cheese, then prepeat. Bake at 350 deg. for 45 min.

Keebler Club Cracker Pecan Toffee

I think I first got this recipe when working at Reinhert Foods in La Crosse, WI. The Reinhert family gave us all (like 200 of us) a treat plate for Christmas.

Keebler Club Cracker Pecan Toffee

Line a jelly roll pan with foil and then club crackers.
In a sauce pan, bring to a boil: 1/2 c butter, 1/2 c sugar.
Cool 2-3 min.
Pour over crackers and then sprinkle with finely chopped pecans.
Bake at 325 deg. for 15 min.

Smore's Bars Recipe

I actually just got this recipe today and I'm making them this afternoon...but couldn't wait to share it with you...don't they sound yummy? I'm gonna double it and put in a 9 x 13 though...I doubt if a 9 inch pan would last too long :)...I don't like to bake EVERY day! :)

Smore's Bars

1/2 cup butter, softened


3/4 cup sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/8 teaspoon salt

5 milk chocolate candy bars (1.55 ounces each)

1 cup marshmallow creme

Directions

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; beat well. Combine the flour, cracker crumbs, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Set aside 1/2 cup for topping.

Press remaining mixture into a greased 9-in. square baking pan. Place candy bars over crust; spread with marshmallow creme. Crumble remaining graham cracker mixture over top.

Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Store in an airtight container. Yield: 1-1/2 dozen.

Raspberry Dessert

Wonderful Raspberry Dessert
Mix and Pat into an 8 x 10 pan:
16 graham crackers, crushed
3 T melted butter
3T. brown sugar
Mix and place on top of crust:
1/2 pint whipping cream, whipped
1 small pkg cream cheese
3 T. powdered sugar
1 1/2 c cut up marshmallows
Cook 1 pkg raspberry danish junket dessert with 1 1/2 c. water til thick. Add 2 c. fresh berries. Put this red mixture on top of the whipped cream mixture.
Chill
Serve with a dollap of whipped cream.

June's Vanilla Cookies

A friend, also from long ago, June Prentice, shared this recipe with me...so different and pleasantly plain :)

Vanilla Cookies

1 c brown sugar
1 c white sugar
1/2 c butter
1/2 c crisco
1 egg
2 tsp vanilla
2 tsp cream of tartar
2 tsp soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 1/2 c flour
Bake at 350 degrees

Mock Angel Food Cake

Jean Jacobson from Lake Lillian, MN shared this recipe many moons ago. delicious!

Mock Angel Food Cake

2 c sugar
2 c cake flour
Boil 1 c. water and mix together with sugar and flour.
Let stand til cool
Beat and add to first mixture: 8 egg whites   1 tsp salt   2 tsp baking powder    1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp almond flavoring   1 tsp cream of tartar
Beat til very stiff. Fold in sugar mixture gently.  pour into 9 x 13 and bake at 350 deg for 30-30 min. Cool upside down on rack.

Vickie's Turkey Sandwiches for a crowd

My friend, Vickie serves this wonderful sandwich for graduations, confirmations etc.

Vickie's turkey Sandwiches


2o lb turkey, cooked and deboned

3 cans golden mushroom soup

1 can mushroom soup

onion to taste

salt and pepper to taste

and then add enough drippings from the turkey to keep it moist and so it holds together.

YUM

World's Greatest Peanut Butter Cookie

My kids loved these..mostly because "Grandma" Weaver made them for her grandkids, The Tokheims, who shared :)

World's Greatest Peanut Butter Cookie

1 c butter
1 c peanut butter
1 c sugar
1 c brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp baking soda
2 c flour
1 pkg chocolate chips
Drop by teaspoonfuls. Slightly flattern with a fork dipped in sugar.
Bake at 325 deg. for aprox. 15 min.

Harvest Cookies

It's time for digging thru old recipes and making them again...I forget the oldies but goodies sometimes, it seems.  Thanks to Pat Peterson for sharing this chewy cookie with me all those years ago.

Harvest Cookies

1c butter
1 tsp soda
1 c sugar
2 c corn flakes
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 c coconut
1 c brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 c oatmeal
2 c flour
You know me...I throw everything in a bowl, mixing after every few ingredients...call me lazy..but hey, it works!  Drop on cookie sheet and bake at 350 deg.

You may add 12 oz. chocolate chips if you just have to have chocolate in your cookies :)

Double Chocolate Bars

This recipe is also an oldie but goodie. I received it from Mary Emerson whom I used to go to church with when I lived in Swea City. Mary now resides at Algona Manor.

Double Chocolate Bars

Cream 3/4 c sugar, 1/2 c butter, 2 eggs and 1 tsp vanilla
Add: 3/4 c flour, 2 T. cocoa, 1/4 tsp baking powder and 1/2 c chopped pecans.
Press into 9 x 13 and bake at 350 deg. for 15 min.
2nd layer:  2 c. miniature marshmallows
Bake 3 more min.
Top layer:
1 c chocolate chips
1 c peanut butter
1 1/2 c rice krispies
Melt the chocolate chips with the peanut butter. Stir in the rice krispies and "frost' the bars with this.

Lazy Daisy Cake

This recipe came from my MIL some time ago...pretty darn good!

Lazy Daisy Cake

4 eggs, well beaten
add 2 c sugar and beat well
Sift: (which I don't do...I just throw it in and mix well) 2 c. flour, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 tsp baking powder. Mix in well with egg and sugar mixture.
Heat 1 c milk with 2 T. butter and 2 tsp vanilla
(milk and shortening are added last)
Bake in a sprayed 9 x 13 pan at 350 deg. for aprox. 30 min. Cool at last 5 min and frost with:
3/4 c. brown sugar dissolved in 1/2 c melted butter, 1/4 c cream and 1 c coconut.  Top cake and put until broiler until browned...maybe 5 min???

Cupcakes in a mug

I've  made these for bake sales and they seem to hit it off great!  I always thought it'd be fun to send one pkg in a mug with directions to someone having a birthday. Maybe pack a balloon and party hat inside. :)

Cupcakes in a mug

This will make 8 cupcakes

1- 18 oz pkg cake mix (any flavor)
16 baggies
16 labels
8  large microwave safe mugs
8 index cards

Place 1/2 c portions of cake mix into baggies. Close with twist tie. Portion out the glaze mix (see below)
(1/3 cup plous 1 1/2 tsp into another bag and close with twist tie.
Tie the bags together and place in mug with directions for baking.

Glaze mix:
2 2/3 c powdered sugar mixed with 1/4 c cocoa powder or strawberry milk drink mix

Directions to write on index cards and include in mugs:
Spray mug with cooking spray. Empty contents of cake mix intomug and add 1 egg yolk, 1 T. oil and 1 1/2 T. water.  Mix well. Microwabe two min. on full power or til cooked thru. Cool one min,
Glaze:  Mix with 1-2 tsp. water and pour over cake...Enjoy!

For less no of mixes...I use Jiffy cake mixes.

Fruit Bars

Sharon Calender, an old friend, actually called these rhubarb bars, using rhubarb jam but I've used different kinds of jam with success...so I can them fruit bars..whatever name you give them...yummmmy!

Fruit Bars

1 1/2 c flour
1 1/2 c oatmeal
3/4 c butter
1 tsp baking powder
1 c brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
Press 2/3 of above mixture in 9 x 13. Spead on one cup of jam or apple butter (any flavor jam)...
Sprinkle on the rest of the oatmeal mixture.
Bake at 375 deg. for 35 min.

Strawberry Dessert

I received this recipe, wow, over 30 years ago from a friend, Jane Hinrichsen. Have made it often since.

Break an oblong angel food cake into a 9 x 13 pan. Make one large strawberry jello and add pkg of frozen strawberries.  Pour on top of the crumbled cake. Chill until set.
Make one more large package of jello that's been whipped til light and fluffy.
Pour on top of theother layer.
Chill til set and top with cool whip.

Shake Shake Shake

When I did day care the first time around...waaaaaaaaaay back when, the kids loved to make microwave caramel corn which we called "shake shake shake"...we'd do a little dance and "sing" that little phrase while shaking it, of course. Not long ago, one former day care kid (who is now a mom to three of her own girls) reminded me how much fun they had making this...enjoy!

Microwave Caramel Popcorn
1 stick margarine
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 c white syrup
enough popped corn to fill a grocery paper sack 1/2 full
1 tsp salt
Cook margarine, brown sugar,salt and syrup in glass bowl on high power for two min. Remove and stir. Cook for two min. on high Add soda and stir . pour over popcorn in paper sack and stir. Put popcorn mixture in microwave and cook on high for 1 1/2 min. Take popcorn out and shake it in bag (white singing, "shake,shake, shake and dancing)and cook on high for 1 1/2 min. Remove caramel corn from sack and spread on cookie sheet to cool.

Chicken Parmesan

1 3lb fryer chicken, cut up
  or your favorite parts
3/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese
2 c. bread crumbs
1 or 2 crushed garlic cloves
1/2 c. melted butter or margarine
1/4 c. minced parsley

Skin the chicken pieces, then pat dry with paper towels. Combine the bread crumbs with the grated cheese, garlic and parsley. Dip each chicken piece into the melted butter and then into crumb mixture. Lightly grease a shallow baking dish.
Bake uncovered in an ove preheated to 350 deg. for about 1 1/4 hours or until tender. Chicken does not need to be turned.

Layered Rhubarb Dessert

Are you sick of rhubarb recipes yet? I can never get sick of rhubarb!! It's my favorite vegetable (yes, rhubarb is indeed a veggie)!

Layered Rhubarb Dessert

In a 9 x 13, layer the following ingredients and do not mix anything together.
4 c rhubarb
1 c miniature marshmallows
1-3 oz. pkg strawberry jello
1 1/2 c sugar
1/2 c butter or margarine
1 white or yellow cake mix (I use french vanilla)...don't use a cake mix with pudding in the mix..if you can find one without....
1 c water, poured over cake mix.
Bake at 350 deg. for one hour.

Luncheon Casserole

2 c uncooked macaroni
1 can cream of mushroom or celery soup
1 c milk
1 c cheese, shredded
1/4 c finely chopped green pepper
1 T minced onion
1 can (12 oz) spam, cubed
salt and pepper to taste

Prepare macaroni per pkg directions. Drain. Comine soup,milk and cheese. Simmer stirring occ. until cheese is melted. Mix al ingredients togetehr and pout into 1 1/2 qt casserole. Bake 30 min at 325 deg.

Can sub tuna or ham for spam

My Favorite Scone Recipe

1 cup sour cream


1 teaspoon baking soda

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup white sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup butter

1 egg

1 cup raisins (optional)
 
1.In a small bowl, blend the sour cream and baking soda, and set aside.


2.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet.

3.In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt. Cut in the butter. Stir the sour cream mixture and egg into the flour mixture until just moistened. Mix in the raisins.

4.Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead briefly. Roll or pat dough into a 3/4 inch thick round. Cut into 12 wedges, and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

5.Bake 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown on the bottom.
 
Experiment with add ins: cranberries and orange zest, chocolate chips, lemon zest and poppy seeds, fresh berries etc. Can be frozen before baking for a faster finish: Freeze on a cookie sheet, transferring them to plastic ziplocks. Then when needing fresh scones taken from freezer, place on cookie sheet and bake about 45 min. from frozen state.

Mother's Day Egg Casserole

1 pound Monterey Jack cheese, shredded


2 tablespoon all-purpose flour

2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

1 pound sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled

16 eggs

1 1/2 cups milk
 
Toss Monterey Jack cheese with flour; place in the bottom of a greased 13-in.x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Top with cheddar cheese; sprinkle with bacon. Beat eggs and milk; pour over all. Cover and chill 8 hours or overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake, uncovered, at 325 degrees F for 50-60 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting.

A different Rhubarb Pie

Saw this once and had to try it..beats rolling out pie crust :)

EZ Rhubarb Pie

1/2 c flour
1/2 c brown sugar
1/4 c shortening
1/2 tsp vanilla

Filling:
3 c rhubarb, raw
1 - 3 oz pkg strawberry jello
1/2 c flour
1 c sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 c melted butter

Mix 1/2 c flour, brown sugar, shortening and vanilla until crumbly. Press into 9 " pie pan.

Arrange rhubarb over crumb crust. Sprinkle with jello. Combine remaining ingredients and sprinkle on top.  Bake in preheated oven at 350 deg. for 50 min. or until rhubarb is tender.

Marshmallow Icing

I found it!!! Here's the recipe for icing that my mom always used on the Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake...but hey, it's good on any kind, chocolate especially!

Marshmallow Icing

Add 2 beaten egg whites to 1 c. white Karo syrup and beat in heavy saucepan over low heat until thick.

Add 110 miniature marshmallows. When melted, remove from heat and beat until icing holds up in peaks.

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

This has got to be at the top of the list that would be called:
My favorite chocolate cakes!
I remember my mother making this a few times in my childhood. YUM. So tasty and moist.

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

3 1/2 c. flour
1 1/2 c sugar
1/2 c. cocoa
4 tsp soda
1 3/4 c. water
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 c. mayonnaise (not fat free)

Mix dry ingredients together. Add liquid ingredients and stir until smooth. Pour into greased 9 x 13. Bake at 350 deg. for 20-30 min.

She used a marshmallow frosting which I will keep searching for and share. It HAS to be around here somewhere, I used it a little while ago.

Coconut Rhubarb Dessert

Coconut Rhubarb Dessert



4 cups sliced fresh or frozen rhubarb
1½ cups sugar
1½ cups water
1/8 tsp red food coloring-optional
1 pkg. butter pecan cake mix
1 cup flaked coconut
½ cup chopped pecans
½ cup (1 stick) melted butter

In a large saucepan, combine the rhubarb, sugar, water and
food coloring. Cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes or
until rhubarb is tender; cool slightly. Transfer to a greased
13 x 9 baking dish; sprinkle with dry cake mix. Top with the
coconut and pecans. Drizzle with butter.
Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted
near the center comes out clean. Serve with ice cream or
Cool Whip.


And here is where I strayed from the recipe..........
My cooked rhubarb looked really runny, so I added a couple
tablespoons of tapioca to help thicken it a little. After it came
out of the oven, I drizzled about a quarter cup of caramel/
butterscotch ice cream topping over top.

Cordon Bleu Casserole

6 chicken breasts
6 slices ham
6 slices swiss cheese
1 c flour with 1 tsp salt and pepper mixed
3 eggs, slightly beaten
1 c fine bread crumbs
2 T. butter
1 T. vegetable oil
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 soup can of water
Pound breasts to 1/2 inch thickness (or I sometimes use the frozen chicken breasts that are thinner). Place cheese and ham on half of each ( or between two pieces of the frozen ones) and fold over. Drip in seasoned flour adn then in egg, then crumbs. Heat butter and oil in large skillet. Saute breasts 6 min. on each side or until tender. Cover with thinned soup and bake one hour uncovered at 350 deg.

Rosy Red Rhubarb Cupcakes

Always looking for new recipes for rhubarb and here's one we really liked.

Rosy Red Rhubarb Cupcakes


1/2 cup shortening
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup buttermilk
1-1/2 cups finely chopped fresh or frozen rhubarb, thawed
Cream cheese frosting, optional
Directions
In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg. Combine the flour, baking soda and nutmeg; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition. Fold in rhubarb.
Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Frost if desired. Yield: about 1-1/2 dozen.

Grapenut Bread

I was given this recipe after tasting this different sounding bread, when I worked at the Fabric Shoppe in St. Ansgar, Iowa. It was a favorite of "grandma Colette's".

Grapenut Bread

1/2 c. grapenuts
1 c buttermilk
1 c sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp salt
2 c. flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
Topping:
1/4 c sugar
1/8 tsp butter
Let grapenuts and buttermilk soak one hour. Add sugar, egg, vanilla, salt, flour, baking powder and soda. mix by hand. Add topping, which has been mixed with a fork, just before baking. Bake in a well greased and floured loaf pan for 50 min. at 350 deg.

Chow Mein Casserole

Haven't made this one in years...am gonna have to make it again soon, I really liked it. This blog is making me look at some old recipes and deciding to make them again. whoot whoot!

Chow Mein Casserole

l lb ground beef
1 1/2 c. celery, diced
1 med. onion, chopped
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 1/2 c. water
2 Tbls. soy sauce
1/2 c minute rice, uncooked
1 can chow mein noodles

Brown beef, crumbling as it cooks. Add celery and onions and cont. to cook until transparent. Drain. Add rest of the ingredients except noodles and place in a 9 x 9 baking dish. Bake uncovered 1/2 hour at 350 deg. Reduce heat to 300 deg. and cover with noodles. Bake 1/2 hour longer.

Rhubarb Strawberry Crisp

4 c diced rhubarb


4 c fresh strawberries...hulled and halved , if large

1 c sugar

2 tsp orange zest

2 T cornstarch

10 T cold butter, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

1 1/4 c flour

1/4 c light brown sugar

pinch salt



In large bowl, combine rhubarb, strawberries, 3/4 c sugar, orange zest, and cornstarch. toss to mix.

grease a 9 x 13 with one T of the butter and transfer the fruit mix to the prepared casserole. preheat the oven to 375 deg. in mixing bowl, combine remaining 9 T of butter, flour, remaining 1/4 c sugar, brown sugar and salt..cut together until resembles coarse crumbs. sprinkle topping evenly over fruit and bake til topping is golden brownand crispy and fruit is bubbly in places..about 45 min.

cool briefly and serve warm with whipped or ice cream.

Rhubarb Swirl Dessert

The rhubarb season is one of the first signs of spring that I watch for!!!
Rhubarb Swirl Dessert

Crust:
1/2 c butter, melted
1 1/2 c oatmeal
1 c coconut
1/2 c brown sugar
1 c chopped nuts (opt)

Filling:
3 c. rhubarb
3/4 c sugar
1- 3 oz pkg strawberry jello
1- 4 0z pkg vanilla instant pudding
1 1/2 c milk
1- 8oz container cool whip

Crust: Mix butter, oatmeal, sugar and coconut with nuts. Place into 9 x 13. Bake at 375 deg. for 8-10 min. Watch closely. Stir twice

Filling: Simmer the rhubarb and sugar til tender. Stir in Jello while hot, stir til dissolved . Cool. Mix the pudding mix with milk. Fold in cool whip. Fold in cooled rhubarb mixture. Pour on cooked crust. Refrigerate 2 hours. Serves 12-15.

8 can soup

Doesn't sound good when just reading the directions but boy oh boy is it delicious and easy. Makes a big batch so you can freeze some for a quick meal. It's best after the flavors are allowed to blend so like in the next day or two after it's made. I dare you, try it before the weather gets too hot for soup!

8 can soup


1 1/2 lbs ground beef, browned (or use ground turkey if you wish) with one onion
1 can chili with beans
1 can chili w/o beans
1 can corn
1 can kidney beans
1 can veg all
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can rotel tomatoes
and 1 can of campbells old fashioned vegetable beef soup


Mix althogether is a large pot (I use my dutch oven) ...do not drain the veggies..all the packing juices go right into the soup.
Can be frozen for later meals. Like I said, I first ate it when I served it as a leftover and it is delicious..pretty good for someone who doesn't like veggies :)

Banana Crush Punch

It's graduation and then weddings are right around the corner...so thought I'd share a punch recipe or two.



Banana Crush Punch

3-4 c sugar

6 c water

7 bananas

2 (12 oz) cans frozen orange juice

1 (12 oz) can frozen lemonade

1 (46 oz) can pineapple juice, unsweetened

3 qts ginger ale or sprite

Boil sugar and water three min. Cool. Blend and add gradually in blender: bananas and juices, pouring into another container as blender fills up. Mix well and pour into three empty 1/2 gal. milk cartons or plastic ice cream containers. Freeze. (The longer frozen-the better). When ready to serve,let soften slightly and chop up in a punch bowl with knife. Add and stir to blend the gingerale or Sprite. (one to each carton of frozen punch mixture. Serves 75-100 Or aprox. 25-30 per carton. Best when served slushy.

Paprika Chicken with sour cream gravy

Oh boy...this is a keeper, you people are gonna love this and make it again and again, I promise!


Paprika Chicken with Sour Cream Gravy

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground red pepper
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast half (about 1 pound)
1/4 cup butter
1 can (10 3/4 ounces)  Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup 2 green onions, sliced (about 1/4 cup)
1 container (8 ounces) sour cream

Directions

Stir the flour, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper and red pepper on a plate. Coat the chicken with the paprika mixture.

Heat the butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 10 minutes or until well browned on both sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet.

Stir the soup and green onions in the skillet and heat to a boil. Return the chicken to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Stir in the sour cream. Yield: 4 servings.

Salted Caramel Crunch Brownies

This is what I'm gonna whip up today! Just received this recipe from a friend who got it from another mutual friend. Thanks Tammi and Barb! Can't wait to try these bad things :)

SALTED CARAMEL CRUNCH BROWNIES


14 oz. pkg. caramels
1/4 c. milk
1 box brownie mix for 9x13" pan
12 oz. pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 t. shortening
1 c. lightly salted peanuts
1 c. gently broken pretzels


Bake brownies as directed on package and let cool
In a medium microwave safe bowl, combine caramels and milk. Heat on high in 30-second bursts, stirring between, until melted and smooth. Pour mixture over the brownies and spread to the edges. Set aside to cool.
When caramel layer has cooled and firmed up a bit, make the next layer. In a medium microwave safe bowl, combine the chocolate and shortening. Heat on high in 30-second bursts, stirring between, until melted and smooth. Add peanuts and pretzels, then stir gently. Top caramel with the chocolate mixture, spooning it over the entire surface. Let cool and harden before cutting. Wrap tightly or store in an airtight container.

Oven Shy Cookies

This was my grandma's recipe. So deliciously wonderfully chocolate!
I now, with my allergy to peanuts, substitute walnuts.

Oven Shy Cookies

1 lb. marshmallows

2 c. (12 oz) semi sweet chocolate chips
1/4 c butter
3 c. rice krispies cereal
12 oz. walnuts..chopped (or you can use salted peanuts)

Over low heat, cook and stir marshmallows, chips and butter til melted (I use the microwave) and mixture is smooth. Remove from the heat. stir in cereal and nuts. drop by rounded T. onto waxed paper...makes 6 1/2 doz.

Tammy's Swedish Meatballs

A long time friend and former co-worker, Tammy, brought this dish to an office potluck..ahhh, the good ol' days :)

Tammy's swedish meatballs

2 lbs ground beef

1 egg
1 onion, chopped
cracker crumbs
garlic salt
salt and pepper
1/2 c sauce

sauce:
2 cans cream of mushroom soup..diluted
diced pickles ( I use pickle relish)

brown balls and simmer in sauce

M & M Cookies

These are the M & M cookies I made the other day with my day care boy. These same to stay fresh/soft longer than some of the other recipes I've tried over the years. Of course, I double the recipe!


M&M Cookies

2 sticks butter
2 eggs plus 2 yolks
1/2 c sugar
1 1 /4 c brown sugar
1 Tablespoon vanilla
3/4 tsp soda
1/2 tsp salt
3 1/3 c flour

Melt butter. add sugar and then eggs, one at a time.
add vanilla, salt and soda
then flour 1/2-1 c at a time
stir only til combined..don't overmix
add 1 bag of M&Ms (I also add 1/2 a bag of mini choc chips)

Bake at 375 deg
3-4 doz.

Sour Cream Drop Cookies

Pretty for Easter with pastel colored frosting and oh so delicious!

Sour Cream Drop Cookies

2 c sugar


1 c shortening

1 c sour cream

2 eggs, beaten well

1 tsp salt

2 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp soda

3 tsp baking powder

5 c flour

Cream sugar and shortening. Add sour cream, eggs, and vanilla. sift together salt, soda, baking powder and flour. Add to above mixture. Drop by tspfuls onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 deg. until done about 10 min. May frost with vanilla glaze.

Pat's Zucchini Jam

Looking at those seed catalogs and planning a garden? Don't forget to plant zucchini!  This is one way to use it that you'll enjoy all year 'round. Thank you Pat Peterson for sharing this recipe, oh like...30 some years ago!


Zucchini Jam

6 c. ground squash

boil 5 min.
add:
6 c. sugar
1/2 c. lemon juice
1 c. crushed pineapple , slightly drained
boil 10 min.
Stir in:
6 oz apricot or any flavor jello
put into jars and seal.

the squash has no flavor excepting whatever the jello flavor is.

Cocoa Cola Cake

2 c. flour


1 c. butter, soft

2 c. sugar

3 T. cocoa

1 tsp soda

2 eggs, beaten

1 tsp vanilla

1 c. cola (not diet)

1/2 c. buttermilk

1 c. miniature marshmallows



Mix and bake at 350 deg.

Icing:

6 T. cola

3 T. cocoa

1/2 c. butter

3 1/4 c. powdered sugar

1 c. nuts

Combine butter, cocoa nd cola. Bring to a boil. Sti rin sguar. Spread over hot cake. Sprinkle nuts on.

Joan's Quesadilla Casserole

Tried this one the other night..it was a hit! Thanks Joan!

Quesadilla Casserole


1 lb hamburger
1/2 onion, chopped
1 - 8 oz can tomato sauce
1 - 8 oz can Rotel tomatoes and peppers
1 - 15oz can black beans, drained
1 - 8.75 oz can corn, drained
2 - 4.5 oz cans of green chilis
1 package of taco seasoning
6 flour or corn tortillas (i used 3 of each)
2 cups shredded Cheddar Cheese

Brown hamburger and onion in a large skillet, drain. Add tomatoes, beans, corn, green chilis and seasoning, simmer for 5 minutes.

Layer mixture, tortillas and cheese in 13x9 baking dish with a little oil on the bottom, ending with the cheese on top. (kinda like a lasagne).

Bake 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, let stand 5 minutes.

Rhubarb cake with Lemon Sauce

Sorry, no St. Pat's food here today, but...I will share this new recipe that I'm gonna try today. I found one more pkg of rhubarb in my freezer and I LOVE rhubarb...one of the best things about spring! I love Lemon too so...try this with me...sounds like a winner!

Rhubarb Cake with Lemon Sauce

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups chopped fresh or frozen rhubarb
1 tablespoon cinnamon-sugar

LEMON SAUCE:
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/3 cup water
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and baking soda; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk. Fold in rhubarb.

Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Place on a wire rack.

For sauce, in a small saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, water and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Whisk a small amount of hot mixture into the egg; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Cook and stir until mixture is thickened and coats the back of a spoon. Stir in lemon peel and nutmeg. Serve warm with cake. Yield: 12 servings (1-1/2 cups sauce).

Special Delivery Chicken

Special Delivery Chicken

2 c. sour cream

1 can cream of chicken soup
2 tsp poppy seeds
2 1/2 c cooked chicken, diced
1 1 /4 c. butter flavored crackers (I just use one sleeve)
1/2 c. margarine, melted

In bowl , combine sour cream, soup and poppy seeds, sitr in chicken. Put in greased 7 x 11 x 2 baking dish. combine cracker crumbs and melted margarine. sprinkle over top. bake uncovered at 350 deg for 25-30 min. or til heated thru.

I think this could be served over rice or noodles...very nicely and would be more filling plus less rich.

Grandma's pancakes

How about Sunday morning pancakes? Makes very good waffles too.

large batch:


4 c. buttermilk
4 c. flour
4 eggs
4 tsp baking powder
4 tsp soda
4 tsp oil
4 tsp sugar
pinch of salt


small batch
2 c buttermilk
2 c flour
2 eggs
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp soda
2 tsp oil
2 tsp sugar
pinch of salt

Grape Salad

OH my word, this is a salad, you must try. Grapes are on sale this weekend at our local store so, it's on the menu! Thanks Karen for this recipe a few years ago. I've made it quite often to take places since.

Grape Salad


3 lbs seedless grapes (red or green or a combination)
1/4 - 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
8 oz sour cream
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (opt)
1/2 - 1 cup light brown sugar (adjust to taste)

Wash and stem grapes; drain. In large mixing bowl, combine sugar, sour cream, cream cheese, and vanilla till smooth. Pour over grapes; mix till thoroughly combined. In separate bowl, mix nuts and brown sugar together. (I use the maximum amount of brown sugar, because I love the mix of the flavor with the sweet/sour of the grapes.) Pour grape mixture into serving dish; sprinkle top with sugar and nut mixture. Chill and serve.
Keeps well in refrigerator for several days (if it lasts that long).


Warning: This stuff is addictive!

Shepherd's Pie

One son doesn't like meatloaf but loaves Shepherd's Pie..imagine that! HA!

Shepherd’s Pie


2 pounds potatoes ~6 medium potatoes
1/8 tsp salt
½ cup milk
2 Tbsp butter
1 pound ground beef
½ medium onion, diced
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 cup water
½ beef bouillon cube
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce


1. Peel potatoes and wash. Cut into quarters. Place into pot and cover with water by a ½ inch. Add 1/8 tsp. salt. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a gentle boil and leave lid ajar. Cook for ~20 minutes or until tender. Drain water and replace cover. Return pot to burner and let sit a few minutes. Meanwhile warm milk in microwave on high for 30 seconds. Mash the potatoes. Add margarine and slowly add milk while mashing. Set aside and keep warm.


2. Brown the ground beef and onion in a large frying pan. Drain fat. Add garlic, water, bouillon cube, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to mix and simmer 5 minutes or until potatoes are done.



3. Place meat mixture in a baking dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top and spread to the edges of the baking dish.



4. Bake in a preheated 350ºF oven for 30 minutes.

Note: You can add a pkg of frozen mixed veggies or a can of veggies of your choice.

Ho Ho Bars

Don't ya just love those little HO HO cakes? Then, you'll love these bars...and so great to get ya over hump day :)...or any day, for that matter! A friend, Tammi, shared this recipe with me quite some time ago.

HO HO Bars
Cake:

1 stick butter or margarine, melted
1/2 c. oil
1 c. water
3 T. cocoa
2 c. flour
2 c. sugar
1 t. baking soda
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 c. sour milk
1 t. vanilla


Filling:
1 c. sugar
1 c. buttered flavored Crisco
1/2 c. milk
1 T. water
1/2 t. salt
1 t. vanilla
1 c. powdered sugar


Frosting:

1 c. sugar
6 T. butter or margarine
6 T. milk
1 lg. c. chocolate chips
1 t. vanilla


For cake: Mix first 7 ingredients together. Add beaten eggs, vanilla, and sour milk; mix well. Bake in a large greased cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool.

For filling: Mix first 5 ingredients and beat 5 minutes. Add vanilla and powdered sugar and beat well. Spread on cooled cake.

For frosting: Mix sugar, butter, and milk in a saucepan and boil 1 minute. Add chocolate chips and vanilla and beat with spoon until thick and cool. Spread over filling.

Layered Pistachio Dessert

Need a dessert for the upcoming St. Pat's holiday? P:istachio dessert is yummy! Or I use it with any flavor puddings...or even mix like chocolate and butterscotch! Make some, your family will be excited!

Layered Pistachio Dessert
Crust Layer:


½ c. flour

¾ c. butter (softened)

¾ c. chopped toasted pecans

1 T sugar



First Layer:

8 oz. cream cheese (softened)

2/3 c. powdered sugar

6 oz. whipped topping



Second Layer:

2 pkg. instant pistachio pudding

2 c. milk

4 oz. whipped topping



Final Layer:

8 oz. whipped topping

chopped, toasted pecans (optional)



Directions:

Crust Layer Directions - Mix ingredients together and spread in 9x13 pan. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes. Let cool at least 2 hours. First Layer Directions - Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar together until creamy. Stir in whipped topping. Spread evenly over crust layer. Chill for 30 minutes. Second Layer Directions - Beat pudding and milk together until thick. Fold in whipped topping. Spread over first layer. Chill for 30 minutes. Final Layer Directions - Spread 8 oz. whipped topping over the second layer. Sprinkle with chopped, toasted pecans (if desired). Chill at least 4 hours or overnight.

Crockpot Potatoes Euphoria

I received this recipe from a friend, Carrie. Oh my heavens...what a wonderful dish..for company, your family meals or even a potluck. ENJOY!

Crockpot Potatoes Euphoria

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
8 med. potatoes (2 lbs) scrubbed and sliced
8 oz. cream cheese (cut in 1 in. cubes)
4 scallions finely chopped


In one small bowl combine scallions and garlic. In another small bowl combine salt and pepper.
In greased crock, layer 1/4 potatoes.
Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp salt and pepper and top with 1/3 cream cheese, then 1/3 scallion/garlic mix.

Make a second layer of 1/4 potatoes, sprinkle with 1/4 tsp. salt and pepper. Top with 1/2 remaining cheese and scallion/garlic mix. Repeat with third layer of potatoes, sprinkle with 1/4 tsp. salt and pepper, top with remaining cheese and scallion/garlic mix. Make final layer of potatoes and sprinkle with remaining salt and pepper.

Cover, cook on high for 3 hrs. Stir to distribute melted cheese, cover and cook for about an hour longer. Stir well to mash slightly and serve.

Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

I must be on a raisin kick lately. Still trying to decide what to serve at youth group on Weds...Thinking about these now..but do most teens like raisins?
Probably not, huh?

Soft Chewy Oatmeal Cookies


1/2 cup or 1 stick butter softened

1/2 cup vegetable shortening

1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar

2 eggs

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 3/4 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp ground nutmeg

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1/2 tsp ground allspice

2 1/2 cups quick cooking oatmeal

1 cup raisins

1 tsp pure vanilla extract



Preheat oven 350* Green cookie sheets. Using electric mixer, cream together butter, shortening and sugar in a bowl until fluffy. Add eggs and beat until mixture is light in color. Add buttermilk. Sift together flour and all spices and stir into creamed mixture. Fold in oatmeal, raisins, walnuts, and vanilla blending well. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto cookie sheet. Bake 12-15 minutes.



Drizzle with Brown Butter Icing:

1/2 cup butter

2 cups powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

3 to 4 TB water

Sour Cream Raisin Bars

Seth needs to take treats for this Weds night youth group so was pouring over bar and cookie recipes today. Came upon this one that I LOVE, however, the kids, I don't think, will...but thought I'd share it with you. An old friend, Aunt Jean, shared this recipe with me.

Sour Cream Raisin Bars
  

3/4 c oatmeal
1 tsp soda
1 c oleo

1 3/4 c flour
1 c brown sugar

Mix and pat 2/3 of mixture into 9 x 13. bake at 350 deg. for 15 min.

filling:

2 c raisins
1/2 c water
1 tsp salt

boil 5 min.

cook following til thick:

4 egg yolks
 3 T. cornstarch
1 1/4 c sugar
1 c sour cream
1 c half and half

add raisin mixture.

Put on baked crust.Top with crumbs. Bake 20 min.more.

Taco Soup ala Vickie

I am gonna try this -  this weekend. My friend Vick' says this is wonderful!

2 lbs. browned sausage or hamburger
2 cans whole kernal corn with packing juice (undrained)
2 cans diced tomatoes with chiles
2 can diced tomatoes
2 cans black beans (rinsed) or chili beans
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 pkg valley ranch
Mix altogether and simmer.

Serve with a dallop of sour cream, shredded cheese and a few crushed tortilla chips.

Susan's Butterhorns

Oh my goodness..these are the best! I first had them at Susan's wedding way back in oh...the '70s, right Susan?(of course I was just a child-ha!).. I've made them ever since and showed others how to make them too.

Susan's Butterhorns

1 c milk, scalded

1/2 c sugar
1/2 c shortening or butter (I use butter)
1 tsp salt
1 pkg yeast
3 beaten eggs
4-1/2 c flour

Combine scalded milk, butter, sugar and salt; cool to lukewarm. Add yeast and stir well. Add eggs, then flour; mix to smooth, soft dough. Knead lightly on floured surface. Place dough in greased bowl; cover and let rise until doubled in bulk. Divide dough in thirds; roll each third on lightly floured surface in 9" circle. Brush with oil. Cut each circle in 12 wedge-shaped pieces for sandwiches or and cut in 16 pieces to use for bread with a meal; roll each wedge, starting with wide end and rolling to point. Arrange on baking dish and brush with oil. (I didn't brush with oil cuz too much fat) Cover and let rise until very light (doubled in size).
Bake at 350 degrees for around 12-15 minutes.
Makes 3 dozen - 4 dozen rolls.



I cut almost in 1/2 and freeze so they are ready to put meat or great also with melted cheese in them and serve when taken out of the freezer.

Aunt Sally Cookies

Oh my goodness, remember these? A molasses  type cookie with white icing and they were always cut in rectangles. I haven't seen them around for years but..I have made these. They take a little extra work but they are soooo worth it!

Aunt Sally Cookies

1 c white sugar

1 c shortening
2 eggs
1/2 c molasses
2 tsp cream of tarter
4 tsp baking soda (yup, 4 tsp)
1 tsp salt
5 c flour
1 c milk or buttermilk

Chill one hour. Roll out dough and cut with empty Spam can. Bake at 350 deg just until done..don't overbake...Cool and ice with following recipe:

Aunt Sally Icing:

1 1/2 c white sugar
1/2 c water
1 tsp vinegar
a little parafin (or one pkg knox gelatin)
2 stiffly beaten egg whites
12 marshmallows

Boil sugar, water, and vinegar until med. ball stage. add parffin. pour hot syrup over beaten egg whites. add marshmallows and beat til smooth.

Myrtle's Corned Beef Casserole

From an older friend and mentor in my young married years, Myrtle Peterson who lived in Swea City, Iowa. If you want to make something different for St. Pat's day or just whenever...try this...




6 oz. macaroni
1/4 lb. cheese
1 c. milk
2 oz. can corned beef, chopped
1 can cream of chicken soup 1/2 c. chopped onion
3/4 c. buttered crumbs

Cook macaroni, rinse and drain.
Combine all ingred, except crumbs.
Alternate with macaroni in 2 qt casserole.
 Top with crumbs.
Bake at 350 deg. for one hour.

Rhubarb Berry Crisp

The longer winter wears on..the more anxious I am for spring and that means Rhubarb season!!! I love rhubarb!  Here's a recipe to tuck away for those first rhubarb stalks. It's deeeelicious (as my grandaughter says)!

Rhubarb Berry Crisp

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup old fashioned oats
Pinch of salt


Fruit Filling
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut up
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 pounds strawberries, trimmed and sliced (about 6 cups)
1 1/2 pounds rhubarb, trimmed and sliced into 1/2 inch pieces (about 6 cups)
2/3 cup orange juice
2 Tbsp. lemon juice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.


For the topping, in a large mixer bowl combine the 1 1/2 cups flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 3/4 cup brown sugar, oats, and salt. Add the butter; beat with an electric mixer for 1-2 minutes or until butter is mixed with the dry ingredients and broken into small pieces.


For the fruit filling, in a mixing bowl stir together the 3/4 cup sugar, 3/4 cup brown sugar, and 3/4 cup flour.
Add fruit; toss to coat evenly. Stir in orange juice and lemon juice.

Place filling in bottom of a 13x9-inch pan. Sprinkle topping evenly over filling. Bake for 35-45 minutes or until topping is crispy and edges are bubbling. Cool slightly.

Butter Pecan Bread

My friend Bette made this for a quilt day once when we lived in the St. Ansgar/Osage, IA area.
You'll love it!


Butter Pecan Bread

1 butter pecan cake mix

4 eggs
1- 3.4 oz instant coconut cream pudding
1 c hot water
1/2 c oil

After beating this mixture..then fold in:

1/2 bag Hershey's english toffee bits

Using the smaller bread pans...bake for 15 min at 325 deg.

Makes three loaves

Strawberry Pretzel Salad (or Dessert)

Who woulda thought. I went to a potluck of just 6 quilters not long ago. One person was to bring dessert and one a salad..guess what? We had strawberry pretzel salad and then strawberry pretzel dessert :). No matter..I loved them both !

I promised I'd post the strawberry version of the salad I posted earlier...


Strawberry Pretzel Salad

2 cups crushed pretzels

3/4 cup butter, melted
3 tablespoons white sugar
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
2 (3 ounce) packages strawberry flavored gelatin
2 cups boiling water
2 (10 ounce) packages frozen strawberries



1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees F 

2.Stir together crushed pretzels, melted butter and 3 tablespoons sugar; mix well and press mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.

3.Bake 8 to 10 minutes, until set. Set aside to cool.

4.In a large mixing bowl cream together cream cheese and 1 cup sugar. Fold in whipped topping. Spread mixture onto cooled crust.

5.Dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Stir in still frozen strawberries and allow to set briefly. When mixture is about the consistency of egg whites, pour and spread over cream cheese layer. Refrigerate until set.

Pretzel Salad

I recieved this recipe after a potluck lunch when I worked at Gunderson-Lutheran Home Care and Hospice in La Crosse, WI. The Hospice Volunteer that helped me in the office brought it. Thanks Virginia Amendt for sharing it!

Pretzel Salad

1 c. crushed pretzels
1 stick butter, melted
1/4 c. sugar
Mix and spread on cookie sheet or cake pan and bake at 350 deg. for 5 min.

Cream together:
1/2 c sugar
8 oz. cream cheese
1-20 oz can crushed pineapple-drained
1 8 oz cool whip
Mix altogether and add pretzels just before serving.

Smothered Chicken

This recipe came to me a couple of days ago from the people at Taste of Home Magazine. Tried it for dinner tonight.. All three of us liked it!  I changed how I  prepared it from theirs due to time factors...

Smothered Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (I actually used bone-in breasts)

1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
8 bacon strips
1 medium onion, sliced
1/4 cup packed brown sugar ( I used about two T. instead & it was plenty)
1/2 cup shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese

Directions

Sprinkle chicken with salt and lemon-pepper. In a large skillet, cook chicken in oil for 6-7 minutes on each side or until a meat thermometer reads 170°; remove and keep warm. (I sprinkled them and then just put them in the oven at 350 for an hour)

Cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels; drain, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings.

In the drippings, saute onion and brown sugar until onion is tender and golden brown. Place two bacon strips on each chicken breast half; top with caramelized onions and cheese. Yield: 4 servings.
 
We agreed that next time I'll use two onions. I put the cheese on top of the chicken as I took it out so that it melted and then added the bacon and onion.

Tuna Burgers

First had these at my aunt's house when I was a child. Have made them ever since. Great for lent for those of you who need fish type meals, but wonderful anytime. Can be made ahead so just before mealtime, you pop them in the oven.

Tuna Burgers

Boil 4 -5 eggs...cool , peel and chop
add 2 cans drained tuna
add a little onion to taste
mix in 1/2-3/4 c. grated or chopped cheese (American or Velvetta work good)
dump :) in 1 T. pickle relish (my aunt uses sweet or lime pickles chopped if she has any left from the year's canning )

Mix with enough mayo to hold it all together.

Fill hamburger buns with mixture. Wrap each hamburger (or hotdog) bun in tin foil and place in oven on a baking sheet until heated thru and cheese is melted.YUM.

5 Cup Salad

Ever need a really fast something to take to a potluck or to add to a meal? I try to keep the ingredients for this salad on hand at all times. It's one of my favorites! Maybe you'll enjoy it too.

5 Cup Salad

3 cans mandarin oranges (drained)
3 cans chunk pineapple (drained)
2 c. coconut
3 c. mini marshmallows
2 c. sour cream
Mix it all together in a large bowl. Chill.
  Serves 15 people.

Pulled Pork (or Beef)

I first got this recipe when I went to my first quilting class about 25 years ago, in Swea City, IA. Have made it ever since.

Pulled Pork (or beef)

1 (5-6 lb.) roast
1 can tomato soup
1 small bottle ketchup
1 c. drippings from roast (or water)
2 T. Worchestershire sauce
2 T. brown sugar
1/2 tsp dry mustard (I just throw in a blob :) of yellow mustard)
1 onion, chopped
2 T. lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste

I cook my roast in the crockpot for 8-10 hours on low which usually yields plenty of drippings (but if you don't have enough, you can use water or part drippings and part water).
Let it cook and then shred apart with two forks.
Combine all ingredients except meat and simmer 1/2 an hour (or I just combine with meat and put back in crockpot to simmer). Stir in meat. Serve on buns with dill pickles.

Loaded Mashed Potatoes

I needed to take mashed potatoes to a Thanksgiving meal at church. I didn't wanna take just plain ol' mashed...so...

Loaded Mashed Potatoes

5 lbs. potatoes, peeled and boiled.


Drain.

Whip in 1/2 stick butter and 1/2 c milk with mixer.
Add 1 1/2 c. french onion (chip) dip,
1 1/2 tsp. salt,
1/4 tsp black pepper,
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese,
and 1/4 c fried, crumbled bacon pieces.
I put it all in my crockpot and topped with more shredded cheddar and some more bacon pieces.
even good with gravy over.

Cream Puffs

After being at a silent auction where 8 huge cream puffs went for almost $300.00, I decided it was time to make my own again...
This recipe came from my friend, Barb O. Enjoy and the next time you have to furnish something for a silent auction..make these :)

Cream Puff's

1 c. water

1/2 c. butter or margarine
1 c. flour
4 eggs

Heat oven to 400º. Heat water and butter to a rolling boil in saucepan. Stir in all the flour at once. Stir vigorously with wooden spoon until mixture leaves the pan and forms ball (about 1/2 minute). Remove from heat. Beat in eggs thoroughly, one at a time, with mixer. Beat mixture until smooth and velvety. Drop from spoon onto ungreased baking sheet, forming eight mounds three inches apart. Bake 45-50 minutes. Allow to cool slowly, away from drafts. Cut off tops with sharp knive. Scoop out soft dough. Fill with one of the following:


1. Vanilla ice cream, put top on, drizzle with hot fudge sauce
2. Vanilla or Chocolate pudding
3. Custard (recipe below)

Custard Filling
1/2 c. sugar
1/3 c. flour
1/2 t. salt
2 c. milk
4 egg yolks (or 2 eggs), beaten
2 t. vanilla

Mix sugar, flour, and salt in saucepan. Stir in milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring until it boils. Boil one minute. Remove from heat. Stir a little over half of mixture into egg yolks. Then blend this mixture into hot mixture in pan. Bring just to a boil. Cool and blend in vanilla. Fill shells, put top on, frost with chocolate frosting.

Or..make them smaller and use with tuna salad, egg salad or chicken salad for a special lunch.

Snicker Bars

A friend once made these and then gave me the recipe. One of my sons has asked for these and I've not gotten around to making them for him...I will do it...one of these days :)

Snicker Bars
2 c real chocolate chips


1/4 c butter

1/2 c peanut butter

1 1/2 c. dry roasted peanuts

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 c milk

2 T. water

20 caramels

1/4 c peanut butter

1 c. marshmallow creme

1/2 c butterscotch chips

1 c sugar

first layer: melt 1 c choc. chips, 1/4 c butterscotch chips, and 1/4 c peanut butter..spread in buttered 9 x 13 pan. cool.

2nd layer: boil 5 min: the sugar, milk and butter. add marsh. creme, 1/4 c peanut butter and vanilla. pour over first layer. sprinkle peanuts on.

3rd: melt caramels iwth water and spread on

last layer..

repeat the first layer.

Pizza Burgers (Just like Algona Schools used to make)

For those of you who went to school in Algona, IA...remember the wonderful pizza burgers? YUM! I've recreated them...maybe those will be on the menu tonight for something different.

Pizza Burgers

1 lb. hamburger, browned with one small onion, chopped
1 tsp salt
1 T. sugar
1/2 can spam, ground
1 c water
1 sm can Italian flavored tomato paste
1 tsp worchestershire sauce

Mix all and spread on a hamburger bun 1/2. Top with a slice of american cheese.
Bake at 350 deg until heated thru and cheese melts.

Kelsey's E Z Banana Bread

I have a couple of bananas that need my attention today...so..
I got out this recipe from Kelsey, a 4H girl, who won first place...it's sooo easy and sooo good

EZ Banana Bread

3/4 c sugar

1/4 c shortening
2 eggs
1 c. crushed very ripe bananas
1 pkg Jiffy ( or martha washington) biscuit mix


Cream sugar and shortening. Add eggs and bananas. Mix with pkg of biscuit mix. Stir until well mixed. Pour into greased bread pan and bake for 50-55 min at 350 deg.

Crockpot Salisbury Steak

Do you all use your crockpots as much as I do? It's always nice to have dinner ready when your family is ready to eat.


Crockpot Salisbury Steak
2 pounds lean ground beef
1 (1 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix
1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup
1 (1 ounce) packet dry au jus mix
3/4 cup water

In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, onion soup mix, bread crumbs, and milk using your hands. Shape into 8 patties.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Dredge the patties in flour just to coat, and quickly brown on both sides in the hot skillet. Place browned patties into the slow cooker stacking alternately like a pyramid. In a medium bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, au jus mix, and water. Pour over the meat. Cook on the Low setting for 4 or 5 hours, until ground beef is well done.
 
I sometimes throw potatoes in around the meat or I serve with mashed potatoes..the gravy is ready for ya! (Might have to thicken just a little).

Wanita's Fudge Stripe Salad

My friend, Wanita, is almost sure to have this salad at any "doings". It's so sweet and creamy, you could also serve it as a dessert!
What? Of course it's healthy...why it has fruit and milk products in it...:)

Wanita's Fudge Stripe Salad
Mix one pkg instant vanilla pudding mix with two cups buttermilk.
 Let set until "soft set".
Add one carton cool whip.
Mix in two cans (11 0z each) mandarin oranges,drained.
Now crush a whole pkg of fudge striped shortbread cookies, (coarsely crushed) and mix into the mixture. Chill until set.

Aunt Dorothy's Fat Free Pie

For those of you whose new years resolution to lose weight, here's a special valentines treat to make for your family for tomorrow. You'd never know it's fat free!!

Dorothy's Fat Free Key Lime Pie
   (or any flavor)

1 pkg sugar free lime jello (or any flavor)

1/4 c boiling water

Dissolve jello in boiling water (may have to reheat to get dissolved completely)
Stir in two cartons reduced fat key lime yogurt (or flavor to match or compliment jello)
add one carton ( 8 oz) fat free cool whip

pour into graham cracker crust and refrig. until firm (aprox two hours)

YUMMMY! And without guilt!
Of course, you can make this using full fat ingredients (or regular caloric values) too.

1-2-3 Mexican Pasta Salad

One time I needed to make a salad to take to a potluck and was combing thru my extensive bunch of cookbooks and happened upon this recipe. I had everything on hand to make it so...I did and it was wonderful!

Mexican Pasta Salad

1 (16 oz.) pkg. of macaroni

1 1/2 cups chunky salsa
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. salt
ground black pepper to taste
1 (6 oz.) can sliced black olives, drained
minced onion
shredded cheddar

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes or until al dente; rinse under cold running water, and drain.
In a large bowl, combine the salsa, mayonnaise, green pepper, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and olives; mix well. Pour pasta into mixture, and stir to coat thoroughly. Cover, and refrigerate at least one hour before serving.

Makes: 10 servings

Margaret's Brownie Caramel Pie

Valentines Day is coming, why not treat your loved ones to this very special pie. What is better than chocoalte and caramel together? My friend Margaret brought this to a quilter's meeting. Oh boy, it's to die for!


Margaret's Brownie Caramel Pie



1- 9 inch unbaked pie shell
1/2 c walnuts
20 caramels (I use the "new" caramel bits by Kraft-no unwrapping caramels!)
1-14 oz Eagle brand sweetened conds. milk
1 egg, beaten
2 T. margarine or butter, melted
1-6 oz semi sweet chocolate chips,melted

Preheat over to 325 deg. sprinkle nuts into pastry shell. In small saucepan,or double boiler, over low heat, melt caramels with 2/3 c eagle brand milk. spoon over walnuts. In mixing bowl, combine egg, margarine, and remaning eagle brand. mix well, stir in chips. Pour chocolate mixture over caramel layer. Bake 35 min or til center is set. cool and serve. Refrigerate left overs.

Banana Split Dessert

Now isn't that a tempting title? I received this recipe after tasting this at a church function. It was made by my friend, Sharon McElwee, I post this in memory of her.

Combine and beat 15 min., 1 c. butter (or margarine), 2 eggs, 1 lb. powdered sugar. Set aside.


Now combine 1/2 c butter(melted) and 2 c . graham cracker crumbs.
 Pat this into a 9 x 13 pan that has been sprayed.

Spread the filling that you'd set aside, on top

Slice 4-5 bananas over and pour on 1 can (drained) crushed pineapple.
Top with a large coolwhip. Refrigerate at least 3 hours before serving.

I have also added a layer of fruit (thawed and drained) such as raspberries, strawberries, etc.

Bryan's Chicken Tortilla Soup

My son, Bryan, served this to us at our family Christmas this year. Yummy! I thought it might be an easy, yet delicious, way to feed your family on a busy Monday. Hope you enjoy it!

Bryan's Chicken Tortilla Soup


2 cans nacho cheese soup
1 can cheddar cheese soup
chicken- two breasts (or any chicken)
1 soup can milk (less if wanting a thicker soup)
1/2 can beer (opt)
green chilies or jalepenos to taste

Bryan cooks the chicken and then shreds it with two forks. (Great use for leftover chicken or maybe cook a whole chicken and divide it up for different meals).
In your soup pot, stir together the three cans of soup and the milk. Add the beer (opt), the chicken and the jalenpenos or chilies. Simmer, letting the flavors blend and serve with tortilla chips and a dallop of sour cream.

If it's thick, you can eat it with tortilla chips such as you would a dip or you could also cut 4-6 flour tortillas and add to the soup and simmer until cooked before serving.

Creamy Olive Dip

Quick, you still have time to whip this up before the guests arrive or before you head out the door to the big party... (or before you hide away in your sewing room , like me, while the others watch the game)!




2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 (4.25-ounce) can chopped black olives
1/2 cup chopped pimiento-stuffed olives
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
Crackers or pita chips

Stir together first 6 ingredients and, if desired, salt. Serve with crackers.

Note: To make ahead, place spread in an airtight container, and chill for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw in refrigerator. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes, and stir before serving.

Bacon Dip

Oh my goodness, who doesn't LOVE bacon? I once "heard" one of my son's say it was a food group. :)
I couldn't help but share this one more appeitzer for tomorrow's parties.


Bacon Dip

2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, cubed
4 cups (16 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup half-and-half cream
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried minced onion
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
16 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
Tortilla chips, crackers or French bread slices

In a 1-1/2-qt. slow cooker, combine the first six ingredients. Cover and cook for 2 hours or until cheeses are melted, stirring occasionally. Just before serving, stir in bacon. Serve warm with tortilla chips, buttery crackers or bread. Makes 4 cups.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread

Oh wow, make this one...a little different from the usual fare, again but oh so wonderful!!!

Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread


1 (12 ounce) package fresh cranberries
1 cup white sugar
1 cup apricot jam
1 cup chopped pecans (opt)
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese


Preheat  oven to 350 degrees 

Combine cranberries with sugar in a 2 quart baking dish with a lid, stirring well to coat all the berries. Bake in the preheated oven, covered, for about 30 minutes, until the cranberries pop and release their liquid.

Remove from oven and stir in the apricot jam and pecans. Refrigerate overnight to blend the flavors. To serve, allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature, and pour dip over the block of cream cheese on a serving dish. Serve with buttery round crackers or small pretzels.

Cucumber Spread

Looking for something a little out of the ordinary hum drum taco dips etc for the big game party? Try this.
This one is refreshing and just makes such a fresh/cool taste for winter.


Cucumber Spread

1 cucumber, peeled and seeded, grated and drained

1-8oz pkg cream cheese

1/2 c finely chopped onion

1 T. dill weed

Dash of garlic powder

Mix inged. and chill. Serve on slices of party bread.

Tuna Dip

How about some super bowl appetizers? Claudia's tuna dip is from a friend and is the most delicious..yum. I even had to go buy cooking wine to make it :). (They don't card you for that.) lol.

Tuna Dip


2 cans of tuna with oil (we've tried it with water and it doesn't work!)

2 lg cream cheese

2 T lemon juice

2 to 8 T wine wine

parsley

dill

1 or 2 T soy sauce

Mix it all up and serve with crackers or raw veggies

Stroganoff meatballs

Monday morning is here again. And guess what? It's snowing AGAIN here in NW Iowa! Enough already!!
How about some meatballs is a comforting creamy sauce over mashed potatos or rice to warm the inards of your family tonight?

2 lbs ground beef

1 small to med. onion, chopped
1 sleeve of soda crackers, crushed
2 eggs
salt , pepper and garlic powder to taste
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 c. sour cream
Preheat oven to 350 deg.

Mix first 5 ingred and make into meatballs. Place in greased cake pan. Thin soup with 1/4-1/2 can water and pour over. Bake for approx. 45 in or until done.Remove from oven and stir in sour cream.

Serve over noodles , potatoes or rice.

Sweet Chex Mix for Superbowl parties!

2 boxes rice chex (or a mixture of chex cereals or crispix)
1 lb. butter (no substitutes)

3 c. brown sugar
 3/4 c. karo syrup
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
2 tsp baking soda
M& Ms

Place Chex in a large brown paper bag. Now, in a saucepan, bring to a boil for three min.:
Butter, br. sugar and karo.
Remove from heat and add vanilla and soda.
Pour over chex...shake. Microwave 2 min. at a time ....3 times..shaking between cooking times. Pour onto waxed paper and let cool. Add M&Ms.

Want to come home, after being away all day, to a wonderful smelling dinner awaiting you? Your family will rave over this meal!

Crockpot Lasagna


1 lb. ground beef

2 tsp minced garlic

1 onion

1-28 oz can tomato sauce

1- 6 oz can tomato paste

1 1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp oregano

1 pkg (12 oz) lasagna noodles

12 oz cottage cheese

16 oz. Mozzerella cheese

1/2 c. grated parmesan

Brown beef,onion, and garlic. Add tomato paste and sauce, salt and oregano. Stir until well mixed. Cook until heated thru. Now in a bowl, mix the cottage cheese, mozzerella adn Parmesan. Put a layer of the sauce in the bottom of the crockpot. Now put layers in this order until used up:

raw noodles (broken to fit crockpot )

Cottage cheese

sauce

Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Throw in a loaf of frozen garlic bread and dinner will be ready in a matter of min.

Note: I first got this recipe from a friend, Kathy and we made it in the microwave.

I spray my crockpot with a cooking spray before i put anything in it....saves on the soaking and scrubbing later :)

It's a Homemade Chicken Soup kinda day!

I know we've had quite a few chicken recipes but since we have colds, it's time to whip up a batch of comforting, healing chicken soup. It's sooo easy and soooooooo delicious!
Homemade Chicken Soup

1 whole Chicken (the bigger the chicken, the more tasty!)
2  Carrots, Diced
2 stalks Celery, Diced
1 Onion, Diced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoons turmeric
¼ teaspoons ground Thyme
2 teaspoons Parsley Flakes

Cover chicken in water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 30 minutes.
Remove chicken from pot, remove meat from the bones, slightly shredding meat . Add the meat to the pot.

Add the carrots and celery and onions to the pot, followed by the spices.
Add cooked noodles to the soup....simmer combining flavors.
Now for the noodles..I kinda just "wing it" but this is what the real recipe calls for :
6 eggs
3 c flour
I add a tsp of salt to this mixture, but you don't have to.


Mix altogether in a bowl..You may end up using your washed hands to mix it well.
Divide dough into 2 parts and roll each part thinly on your floured counter or cutting board. Now,our grandma's used to let these noodles dry and dry..but it's really not necessary if you want soup NOW! :). Cut the noodles into strips (I use my pizza cutter for this)...let dry if you wish, if not, drop into your boiling soup or boiling water if you prefer not to have your soup thickened by the flour.
Cook until desired tenderness (we like ours cut big and pretty chewy). Add to soup if you've boiled in water.
Enjoy!

Another day has dawned! Today, I'm gonna share a recipe for a casserole dish that I had at a Christmas party this year. Pretty simple fare, hope your family loves it!

9 Layer Casserole

6 slices white bread
4 c. cooked chicken, cut into bite sized pieces
8 oz. sliced mushrooms (optional)
2 T. butter
1-8 oz can water chestnuts (drained and chopped)
1/2 c mayonnaise or salad dressing
6 oz. sliced Monterey Jack cheese
4 oz. sliced American cheese
3 beaten eggs
1 1/2 c milk
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/4 c butter, melted
2/3 c. fine bread crumbs
Butter a 9 x 13. Line with bread slices. Sprinkle chicken over bread. In a saucepan, cook mushrooms in 2 T. butter, using a slotted spoon, spoon over chicken. Combine water chestnuts and mayonnaise...spoon over top. Top with cheeses. Combine eggs and milk; pour into dish. combine soups, spread ofover cheese. cover and chill at least 3 hours.

Bake uncovered in a 350 deg. oven for 1 1/4 hours. Combine melted butter and crumbs. Sprinkle over casserole. Bake 10 min. Serves10-12.

Bread machine Banana Bread

Mornin' everyone! It's so exciting to see more and more fans here. How fun! Today, I'm gonna make a favorite of mine in the bread machine. Why would I work hard making bread when I have a machine to do it? Answer me that! LOL
Can't remember where I found this recipe but it's deeelicious as my grandaughter would say. Toasted with peanut butter is even better (or in my case sunflower butter due to my peanut allergy).


Try it! Let me know if you like it!

Bread Machine Banana Bread (yeast bread)

1.5 lb loaf
2/3 c water...
3/4 c. mashed bananas
2 T. butter
1 egg
3 1/4 c. flour
3 T. sugar
1 1/4 tsp salt
2 1/2 tsp. yeast


"bake" on sweet bread setting. I use light crust.

Stuffed Pumpkins or Squash

A tea room in St. Ansgar, Iowa used to grow their own pumpkins for this and then served them in the fall. You had to order ahead because on stuffed pumpkins for lunch days, they always ran out. I was "lucky" enough to obtain the recipe. The tea room has since closed, but now I can make these at home. We have them at least once every fall.  File this recipe away for next fall when you can get small pie pumpkins at your local farmers market or pumpkin patch. Can also be used with other varieties of squash that you can get now.

1 med. onion, chopped

2 T. oil
1 1/2 lbs. browned hamburger
2 T. soy sauce
2 T. brown sugar
4 oz sliced mushrooms
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 1/2 c. cooked rice
8 oz. water chestnuts, sliced
4 individual sized pumpkins (or use with other types of squash..such as acorn, etc.)


Saute onion with oil. Add browned hamburger, soy sauce, brown sugar and simmer 10 min. Add mushrooms, rice, soup and water chestnuts. Cut cap from pumpkins; clean out seeds. Spoons immered mixture into pumpkins. Cover with pumpkin caps and bake 1 1/2 hours at 350 degrees.

The cookie jar is empty already again! So... I'll be making my favorite chocolate chip cookies one of these next days...
I once saw a recipe contest in the Taste of Home magazine for a cookie recipe. The winner was called MMMMMM Minnesota (something or others). It listed ingredients but not amounts...so...I came up with this recipe. Upon visiting the Reiman Center/Taste of Home in Greendale, WI a couple years later...I and a neighbor had the chance to taste that cookie. The neighbor said that mine was actually better..I imagine that is a matter of taste.:)..but anyway...here's the recipe:

Charla's version of Mmmmmm Minnesota Munchers


3 sticks of butter, softened
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 c. brownsugar
2 tsp soda
1 c. chopped pecans
1 pkg. semi sweet chocolate chips
1/2 pkg. Skor toffee bits
4 1/2 c. flour
Again, you know me...dump the ingredients in a few at a time and mix...
Bake at 375 degrees. Take them out while they're just a little underdone. Let cook on pans a few min and transfer to (as a friend, Pat taught me years ago) a brown paper bag tore open and lying on your counter. This absorbs extra "grease/oil"

Sauced up Beef (for burgers or steaks)

It's burger day here in my house so the guys can watch their football! Oh my, I can't wait for you to try this sauce on your burgers (or your steaks, which is how the recipe was first used when it was given to me)! Two of my kids would faint dead away with all these onions, but they don't know what they're missin'!

Sauced up Burgers


2 lb. hamburger
4 Tablespoons Butter
1 whole Very Large Yellow Onion, Sliced
1 cup Heavy Cream
½ cups Crumbled Blue Cheese (yes, use it, even if you don't like blue cheese...I promise..you'll love it in this!)


Make your hamburgers the way you normally do, and then serve this sauce on...
Saute onions in 4 tablespoons butter over high heat. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until golden brown. Turn heat down and pour in cream. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes,until thickened (and the mixture is reduced by 1/2). Stir in blue cheese until melted.