Sprouts & Sparkles

Binoculars and safaris!

2011-05-06T14:29:00.000-07:00

Since we have had a little bit of rain I have needed to come up with things that we can do inside and that won't make a big mess (rainy days are my cleaning/lazy days!).

I decided that we were going to do an indoor safari complete with binoculars.

Here is what you need!

Tp rolls

Construction paper

String

A cutter (or scissors)

Not shown: Stapler/glue/tape

Step 1. Cut the paper down to size (so it will completely cover both rolls).
Step 2. Staple (or glue/tape) one end of the tp roll to the paper.

Step 3. Put the other roll right next to it and staple it down.
Step 4. Roll The paper all the way around making sure you glue (or staple) it down along the way.
Step 5. Make holes on each side for string.
Step 6. Put string in holes and tie.

You could decorate it with stickers (Landon didn't want to. He said he just liked it green)

Then go looking for the animals!! I hid them all over the house but you could do it in just one room. It's hours of fun!

Vacation friendly pets!!

2010-05-27T19:42:00.001-07:00

Landon loves pets, but we aren't home enough to add fish to the list of things people need to take care of when we are gone(not to mention the cats would eat them the first chance they got!). So Landon and I made him a fish tank today! It was super fun and really easy. And it only cost about $5!

Here is what you need!

* A glass jar (we got ours at wal-mart for $3)

* Glass stones (we got ours at wal-mart for $2-3)

* Floss

* Tape

* Cardboard

* Cardstock

* Scissors and/or exacto knife

I drew the castle freehand but printed out the fish since mine looked like crud. (I printed them out on carstock to make them easier to cut out)

Then we added a bit of the rocks.

I cut the cardboard to match the size of the top of the jar, then cut it out.

Then I took the fish, attached them to the floss, taped the floss to the cardboard top.

And that was it!

We now have our very own fish tank. We have a submarine turtle, a pretty lady fish and a sailor octopus. Landon loves it! I also printed out a thing of "fish food" for him.

Chicken Roll-ups

2010-02-20T14:04:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share my favorite places to get recipes real quick then we will get to the recipe!

Favorite Cookbooks (the ones I LIVE by)

The Joy of Cooking

Campbell's (casseroles, one-dish meals and more)

Betty Crocker

Any of my Kraft Foods & Family magazines

Favorite Cooking Websites

Kraftfoods.com

Campbells.com

Tasteofhome.com

Allrecipes.com

Now the recipe!

Italian Chicken Roll-ups

Ingredients:
8 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)
8 thin slices (4 ounces) deli ham
4 slices provolone cheese, halved
2/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Romano or Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1/2 cup milk
Cooking spray

Directions:

Flatten chicken to 1/4-in. thickness. Place a slice of ham and half slice of provolone cheese on each piece of chicken. Roll up from a short side and tuck in ends; secure with a toothpick.

In a shallow bowl, combine the crumbs, Romano cheese and parsley. Pour milk into another bowl. Dip chicken rolls in milk, then roll in crumb mixture.

Place the roll-ups, seam side down, on a greased baking sheet. Spritz chicken with cooking spray.

Bake, uncovered, at 425° for 25 minutes or until meat is no longer pink. Remove toothpicks.

We also had Cesar salad and Texas toast with it.

Porkchops in Mushroom soup

2010-02-19T14:03:00.000-08:00

Happy Tuesday! Click on the button to head on over to Andrea's blog to see who is joining in!

Today I have the recipe for Pork chops in Mushroom soup for you.

This is a recipe that I grew up eatting. I have always loved it. We don't have an exact recipe because my family kinda made it their own.

Also just so you know I HATE MUSHROOMS but you can't taste them in the soup, It just gives it a little extra flavor.

Ingredients

Boneless pork chops (4)

a cup or two of flour

Seasoning salt (I use Johnny's but anything would work)

Pepper

Lots of butter (salted)

Can of mushroom soup

Milk

Cooked white rice (at the end)

(This is the seasoning salt we use. They don't have it on the East Coast so my parents buy the massive jug and send it to us every few years.)

Directions

1. Put flour and seasoning salt (a few shakes, also add pepper to taste) in large ziplock bag. Run pork chops under water to make sure you have no unwanted bones. Toss each pork chop to coat in flour mix.

2. Put a lot of butter (so the pan is coated) in the pan. Brown pork chops on both sides on med. heat. Make sure both sides are nice and brown.

3. After they are nice and brown, add mushroom soup and one can of milk (I like to mix the milk and soup in a different bowl first). And make sure you don't take the extra butter out of the pan it makes the sauce have a better taste.
4. Bring soup to a slow boil. Reduce heat, cover and let simmer on low for about 1-1 1/2 hours. Make sure you turn the pork chops a few times while they are cooking (just not too many times. I normally flip them every 20-25 min)
5. Serve over hot white rice.

The gravy is the best part!

Landon's plate.

My bowl.

You can also do this recipe with boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cream of chicken soup. All of the directions are the same. But I wouldn't cook it for quite so long. Maybe 45 min to a hour.

I hope you enjoy!

Cocoa & Toast

2010-02-18T14:02:00.000-08:00

Hello! It's time for Tuesday's at the Table! This week I'm sharing an old family favorite. We used to eat it all the time no matter what meal, Justin claims that it can only be for breakfast. It might seem a little gross to some but it's SOOO good I swear!

Click on the button to go see who else is sharing today!

What you need

1-4 slices of bread

peanut butter

milk

nesquick

Heat the milk in the microwave while the bread is in the toaster. Add as much cocoa powder as you like when the milk is done. let the bread cool a little bit before you put the PB on. Cut as shown above.

(don't mind my John Deere cups). Take one half and dunk it!

Then EAT!!! It's really good I promise! It kind of tastes like a big Reece's!

Popcorn!

2010-02-17T14:00:00.000-08:00

Here are a few recipes for the popcorn seasoning we use on movie nights.

Chocolate & Cinnamon!

You need

1 package chocolate pudding

4 tsp cinnamon

Dump in bowl and mix! Lol.
Sprinkle on popcorn then give a little shake to get some down in the stuff that is hidden.
.
.
Spicy Cheese
(what Landon calls it)
.
You need
1 tsp Chili powder
1/8 tsp Garlic powder
2 Tbs Parm cheese

Dump and mix, then give a little shake. The cheese doesn't stick really well so we use air-pop popcorn and add butter and that works great!

Parmesan Ranch!

You need

1/4 C Parm cheese

1 envelope ranch mix

Dump in a bowl and mix! Again with the cheese not sticking really well, for some reason it separates a little bit (you can still taste it, most of it just goes to the bottom).

Pizza

You need

1/2 C Parm cheese

2 Tbs Italian seasoning (crushed)

Dump andmix. I don't need to tell you about the cheese again....do I? Butter.

Pumpkin Seeds

2010-02-16T13:59:00.000-08:00

Taco Pumpkin Seeds! (these were the best!)

Ingredients
1 cup seeds from freshly cut pumpkin, washed and dried
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon taco seasoning mix
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

Directions
In a skillet, saute pumpkin seeds in oil for 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer seeds to an ungreased baking sheet (if you have extra oil try to get as little of it as you can). Sprinkle with taco seasoning and garlic salt; stir/toss to coat. Spread into a single layer. Bake at 325 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until crisp. Remove to paper towels to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Ingredients
2 cups fresh pumpkin seeds
5 teaspoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or chili pepper)

Directions
In a bowl, toss pumpkin seeds with butter and Worcestershire sauce. Combine the sugar, salt, garlic powder and cayenne; sprinkle over seeds and toss to coat.

Line a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan with foil; coat foil with cooking spray. Spread seeds in pan. Bake at 250° for 45-60 minutes or until seeds are dry and lightly browned, stirring every 15 minutes. Cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

S'More Tarts

2010-02-15T13:59:00.000-08:00

On nights that Justin has duty I try to do fun things with Landon to keep him busy. Last night we made a "camp" out of blankets and chairs in the living room complete with a lantern, we watched A bugs life and made an indoor version of s'mores. We had a really fun time. These are really rich so I don't see us making them again anytime soon.

12 Servings
Prep: 10 min. Bake: 25 min.
Ingredients
1 package fudge brownie mix (13-inch x 9-inch pan size) We used a smaller box since I was only making 6 not 12
12 individual graham cracker shells
1-1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 cup milk chocolate chips
.
Directions
Prepare brownie batter according to package directions. Place graham cracker shells on a baking sheet and fill with brownie batter.

Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.

Immediately sprinkle with marshmallows and chocolate chips.

Bake 3-5 minutes longer or until marshmallows are puffed and golden brown.

Yield: 1 dozen.

Recipe from Taste of home.

Almond Joy cookies!

2010-02-14T13:57:00.000-08:00

These are SOOO good! I made a batch and only got 2 before the boys got to them and Justin took the rest to work with hin the next morning. I guess they were a hit because I have been asked to make more. Haha.
I hope you enjoy them as much as we did!
INGREDIENTS3/4cup Fisher® Roasted and Salted Almonds1 1/2cups coconut1/2cup Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk (from 14-oz can)1package (16 oz) Pillsbury® Ready to Bake!™ refrigerated sugar cookies (24 cookies)1/3cup Hershey’s® baking cocoa1/3cup Hershey's® milk chocolate baking chips
DIRECTIONS1.Reserve 20 almonds; set aside. Chop remaining almonds. In medium bowl, stir chopped almonds, coconut and milk until well blended. Refrigerate mixture 25 minutes for easier handling. Let cookie dough stand at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften.2.Meanwhile, heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, knead cookie dough and cocoa with hands until well blended. Cover with plastic wrap; set aside.3.For each cookie, press 1 rounded tablespoon dough into 3-inch round. Place 1 tablespoon coconut mixture on center of each round. Wrap dough around filling, pressing edges to seal; shape into a ball. Place balls 3 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Press each ball with fingers into 2 1/2-inch round. Press 1 whole almond on each cookie.4.Bake 9 to 12 minutes or until puffed and edges are set. Immediately remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
5.In small microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips uncovered on High 10 to 20 second, stirring every 10 seconds, until smooth. Place in resealable food-storage plastic bag; cut small tip from corner of bag. Drizzle chocolate over cookies. Before storing, let cookies stand at room temperature until chocolate is set. Store in airtight container.

Recipes & bottom photo from Pilsbury.com

Cheesecake brownies!

2010-02-13T13:56:00.000-08:00

I made these on a whim the other night. They were sooo good! It gave me a chance to use my new pan that my sister got me for Christmas! It worked perfect!

You need!
1 (20-23 oz.) pkg. brownie mix
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/3 c. sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp. vanilla
Directions!
Prepare brownie mix as directed on package. Reserve 1/2 cup of batter.

Cream cream cheese and sugar. Add egg and vanilla.

Spread brownie batter (minus 1/2 cup) on bottom of a greased 13 x 9 inch pan.

Cover with cream cheese mixture. Spoon on 1/2 cup brownie batter and swirl. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Easy!

The pan looks like a normal pan...but the bottom lifts out. Once you put the batter in the pan you put the divider on top and bake.

They rise in perfect squares! So you don't have to cut them and get everything all funky looking.

After they are out of the oven you wait 5 min and slide the divider out. Perfect brownies! lol.

Then you put them on the special rack and they come out of the pan! Done!

Pirate cupcakes

2010-02-12T13:55:00.000-08:00

These are the cupcakes I made for Landon to take to school for his Birthday!

Bandannas are fondant

Sprinkles for the beard

Rolled out tootsie rolls for the eye patch and the moustache

Reece's puff cereal for the nose

The eyes are sprinkles that I had from Halloween.

Then I used white frosting to put the dots on the bandannas.

These were easy!

Blue fondant for the water

White frosting for the Island

Crushed Reece's puffs for the sand

Colored frosting for the tree

Sprinkles for the X (frosting wouldn't stick and was getting messy)

Spinach & Bacon Pasta Toss

2010-02-11T13:53:00.001-08:00

What You Need!
1 pkg. (16 oz.) wide egg noodles
3/4 cup KRAFT Zesty Italian Dressing (I used Tuscan House Italian)
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cups cherry tomatoes (about 1 pt.), halved
1 pkg. (6 oz.) fresh baby spinach leaves (4 cups)
1 cup Finely Shredded Italian Five(my was six) Cheese Blend, divided
8 slices Bacon, crisply cooked, drained and crumbled

Make It!
COOK noodles as directed on package.

MEANWHILE, heat dressing in large skillet on medium heat. Add chicken; cook and stir 5 to 7 min. or until cooked through. .

Add tomatoes; cook 1 min., stirring occasionally

DRAIN noodles, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Add noodles and the reserved cooking water to chicken mixture in skillet; stir.

Remove from heat. Add spinach, 1/2 cup of the cheese and the bacon; mix lightly. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.

This was REALLY good. Sometimes I have no idea how things are going to be when I've never made them before. We all loved this. It makes a lot (8 servings) so if you don't want that much half the recipe.

This would be great at a BBQ or potluck! It's really tasty and easy to make!

Comment on Weeknight Cass.

2009-11-18T22:10:00.000-08:00

I wish I knew where to contact you!

Yes I have made this. I got the recipe from a cookbook that was made by a church back home.

IT says 1C milk 3/4C bisquick and it tasted great when we ate it. Lol. I will have to try it the other way and see if it's better.

TATT. Chicken Parm & Pickle Pasta

2009-04-28T07:23:00.000-07:00

Good morning! It's TATT time! Click on the icon to head over to Andreas blog to see who else is joining in on the fun.

This is the recipe(s) that I make every time we go on a picnic. They travel well and taste great!

Chicken Parm or Ultimate Chicken fingers

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup Original Bisquick mix

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 teaspoon salt or garlic salt

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 Ib), cut crosswise into 1/2-inch strips

• 1 egg, slightly beaten

• 3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted (I add a little bit of lemon juice to this also)

Directions

1. Heat oven to 450°F. Line cookie sheet with foil; spray with cooking spray. In 1-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag, place Bisquick mix, cheese, salt and paprika.

2. Dip half of chicken strips into egg; place in bag of Bisquick mixture. Seal bag; shake to coat. On cookie sheet, place chicken. Repeat with remaining chicken. Drizzle butter over chicken.

3. Bake 12 to 14 minutes, turning after 6 minutes with pancake turner, until no longer pink in center.

Pickle Pasta (I don't really have a recipe that I follow so I'm sorry for the random explanations)

Ingredients

Pasta

Sweet Pickles

Sweet Pickle Juice

Mayo

Italian seasoning

Shredded cheese

Directions

1. Make pasta according to package

2. Mix small glob (that's a word right?) of mayo in with pickle juice. I don't like mayo so I mix a lot of juice. I go until I smell the juice not the mayo.

3.Slice pickles to size you like them. I make the very small, almost relish small.

4. Pour sauce mix over pasta then toss in cheese and pickles.

TATT Tortellini Alfredo

2009-04-07T05:19:00.000-07:00

It's another great Tuesday! Click on the icon to go to Andreas blog to see all of the other great recipes people are putting up today!

I made this last week and it was soooo good! I was a little surprised how much I liked it. I love trying new things and I like it even more when they turn out good!

From: Campbell's Kitchen
Serves: 6

Ingredients:

1 pound Italian-style turkey sausage, casing removed
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)
1/2 cup water
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 pound frozen cheese-filled tortellini
2 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves
Grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Cook the sausage in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until it's well browned, stirring frequently to break up meat. Pour off any fat.

Stir the soup, water and tomatoes into the skillet. Heat to a boil. Add the tortellini and reduce the heat to low.

Cook for about 5 minutes or until the tortellini is tender but still firm.
Stir in the basil.
Serve with cheese if desired.

MPM

2009-04-06T13:29:00.000-07:00

Dinners
BBQ Chicken with corn and fries
Teriyaki chicken bowls white rice and veggies
Grilled Cheese and Tomato soup (Justin loves this)
Potato Chowder with rolls *
Chicken and Pineapple stir-fry on white rice

Lunches
Leftovers
Chickens sandwiches
Dino nuggets
Picnic lunch

Breakfasts
Oatmeal
Cereal
French Toast

Sunday Breakfast
Camp Mix (eggs, ham, potatoes)

So....

2009-04-05T21:54:00.000-07:00

Removing the casing from sausage was i think the nastiest thing I have ever done. Next time I will just get ground sausage...same thing without the nasty process.

Tomato & Spinach Pasta Toss

2009-04-04T15:09:00.000-07:00

Tomato & Spinach Pasta Toss

Prep Time: 5 min
Total Time: 20 min
Makes: 6 servings, 1 cup each

What You Need!

2 cups rotini or penne pasta, uncooked
1/2 lb. hot or mild Italian sausage, casing removed
1 pkg. (6 oz.) baby spinach leaves (7 cups)
1 can (14-1/2 oz.) Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup KRAFT Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese
2 Tbsp. KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese

Make It!

COOK pasta as directed on package.

MEANWHILE, crumble meat into large deep skillet. Cook on medium-high heat 10 to 12 min. or until cooked through, stirring occasionally; drain. Add spinach and tomatoes; cook 2 min. or until spinach is wilted, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat; cover to keep warm.

2009-04-02T05:45:00.000-07:00

Pesto Pasta Salad

Makes: 12 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:
1 lb. orzo pasta
2 cups basil, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup olive oil
1 garlic clove
5 pitted black olives
2 large, ripe tomatoes, diced

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook orzo according to the package directions. Drain and place in a bowl with very cold water and a few drops of olive oil so it cools fast. Drain again.

Step 2: In a food processor, pulse basil, cheese, remaining oil, garlic, and olives until mixed.

Step 3: In a large bowl, stir together pasta, basil mixture, and tomatoes.

Recipe and Picture from parents.com

April Fools!

2009-04-01T05:26:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
Makes 6 cupcakes!

6 Vanilla Cupcakes, baked in silver foil liners

To make the drumstick cupcakes, first download and print the bone template

FOR THE DRUMSTICKS
1/4 cup white chocolate melting wafers, melted
1 cup Vanilla Frosting
3 plain store-bought doughnut holes
1 cup cornflake crumbs

FOR THE MASHED POTATOES
1 yellow fruit chew, such as Laffy Taffys or Starbursts, cut into a 1-inch square
3 tablespoons Vanilla Frosting
1/2 tablespoon store-bought caramel sauce, heated

FOR THE PEAS AND CARROTS
3 orange fruit chews, such as Tootsie Fruit Rolls or Starbursts, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
2 tablespoons Vanilla Frosting
Green gel food coloring
2 tablespoons hard green candies, such as Runts

FOR THE CHOCOLATE PUDDING
3 tablespoons Chocolate Frosting
1 teaspoon colored sprinkles
Directions

To make the drumsticks:

Place the bone template on a baking sheet. Cover with parchment paper; set aside. Place melted chocolate into a resealable plastic bag and snip a 1/8-inch corner from the bag. Following the bone template, pipe an outline onto the parchment paper. Fill the bone in with chocolate and lightly tap pan to smooth top of chocolate. Repeat process 3 times. Refrigerate until firm, about 5 minutes.

Spread vanilla frosting on top of 3 cupcakes, mounding it slightly. Place 1 doughnut hole on top of each cupcake. Spread frosting over the doughnut hole until it is smooth and covered.

Place cornflake crumbs in a medium bowl. Gently press frosted cupcakes in crumbs to cover completely. Place cupcakes in a 6-cup disposable aluminum cupcake baking tray.

Using a sharp knife, make a small slit in the top of each crumbed doughnut hole. Carefully peel 1 chocolate bone from the parchment paper and insert the pointed end into one of the slits. Repeat with remaining 2 bones and cupcakes.

To make the mashed potatoes: Spread vanilla frosting on 1 cupcake, mounding it slightly. Use a small spoon to create a well in the center of the frosting. Place cupcake in aluminum baking tray. Place yellow fruit chew in the well at an angle. Drizzle caramel sauce on top of cupcake so that it fills the well and spills over like gravy.

To make the peas and carrots: Color vanilla frosting with green food coloring and spread on top of 1 cupcake. Arrange orange fruit chews and green candies on top of cupcake, pressing them into the frosting. Place cupcake in aluminum baking tray.

To make the chocolate pudding: Place chocolate frosting in a resealable plastic bag; press out all the excess air and seal to enclose. Snip a 1/4-inch corner from the bag. Pipe chocolate frosting into a spiral swirl onto the remaining cupcake. Top with sprinkles and place in aluminum baking tray. Serve.

Recipe from cookbook "Hello Cupcake" but gotten off Mathastuart.com picture from Cupcakes take the cake (Google image search).

MPM

2009-03-30T05:05:00.000-07:00

Dinners

Slow cooker orange chicken (with green beans and white rice)

Cheesy rigatoni bake (with corn and salad)

Ribs (with homemade BBQ sauce) fries and Texas toast

Turkey and Tortellini (with bread sticks)

Presto Parmesan (with spaghetti and corn)

Lunches

Leftovers

Sandwiches

Poorbois

Pasta

Breakfasts

Waffles

Cereal

Eggs and Bacon

Sunday Breakfast

French Toast

Fresh fruit

Sausage

2009-03-29T05:54:00.000-07:00

Build-a-Train

How to play:

You'll need several cardboard boxes large enough for a kid to sit inside.

Put out a variety of art supplies -- markers, stickers, construction paper, glue -- and tell each child to turn his or her box into a train car.

Once they've decorated the outside of their box with wheels, windows, and whatever else they can think of, help them arrange the cars one behind the other, then hop aboard for an imaginary choo-choo ride.

What it teaches:

Perseverance. Games that require team prep work give kids a sense of accomplishment, says clinical psychologist Sandra McLeod Humphrey, author of Hot Issues, Cool Choices: Facing Bullies, Peer Pressure, Popularity, and Put-Downs. The positive payoff introduces children to the good feeling they get when they achieve their hard-earned goals.

Parent tip:

Be prepared to hang on to those boxes; the kids will want to get together and hit the track again and again.

From Parents.com

Rice Roll-ups

2009-03-28T05:36:00.000-07:00

Rice Roll-Ups

Stir 2 tablespoons shredded carrot,

1 tablespoon sweet-and-sour sauce, and

1/8 teaspoon salt into

3/4 cup cooked brown rice.

Spoon 2 tablespoons of rice mixture onto a thin slice of deli roast beef.

Top with a slice each of red pepper and avocado; then roll up.

Cut rolls in half diagonally. Repeat steps to make 12 pieces.

Picture and Recipe from parents.com

Pulled Chicken sandwiches

2009-03-27T06:16:00.000-07:00

Pulled Chicken sandwiches (kraftfoods.com)

What You Need
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 onion, sliced
1/2 cup KRAFT Original Barbecue Sauce
1/4 cup water
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 French bread baguette, 16 to 20-inches long (we used hamburger buns)
4 KRAFT Singles

Make It

COOK chicken and onions in skillet on medium-high heat 8 min., stirring occasionally.

ADD barbecue sauce, water and sugar; stir. Reduce heat to medium; cover. Cook an additional 7 min. or until chicken is cooked through (165ºF).

REMOVE chicken from skillet. Shred chicken with fork or chop into small pieces. Return to skillet; stir until evenly coated with sauce.

Cut baguette crosswise into four pieces. Cut each piece lengthwise in half. Fill with chicken mixture and Singles.

Cheesy Baked Tortellini

2009-03-26T05:49:00.000-07:00

Cheesy Baked Tortellini

Ingredients

Olive oil
2 C. marinara sauce
1/3 C. mascarpone cheese
1/4 C. chopped fresh parsley leaves (1/3 that amount if dried)
2 tsp thyme (1/3 that amount if dried)
1 lb cheese tortellini
2 oz thinly sliced mozzarella cheese
1/4 C. grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 350

Lightly oil an 8x8 dish

Whisk sauce, mascarpone cheese, parsley and thyme in a large bowl.

Cook tortellini in salted boiling water until just tender (about 2 min.) Drain.

Add tortellini to sauce and toss to coat.

Transfer to baking dish and top with Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Cover and bake until the sauce bubbles and the cheese on top melts. (about 30 min)

Italian Chicken Roll-ups

2009-03-25T09:13:00.000-07:00

Italian Chicken Roll-ups

Ingredients:
8 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)
8 thin slices (4 ounces) deli ham
4 slices provolone cheese, halved
2/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Romano or Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1/2 cup milk
Cooking spray

Directions:

Flatten chicken to 1/4-in. thickness. Place a slice of ham and half slice of provolone cheese on each piece of chicken. Roll up from a short side and tuck in ends; secure with a toothpick.

In a shallow bowl, combine the crumbs, Romano cheese and parsley. Pour milk into another bowl. Dip chicken rolls in milk, then roll in crumb mixture.

Place the roll-ups, seam side down, on a greased baking sheet. Spritz chicken with cooking spray.

Bake, uncovered, at 425° for 25 minutes or until meat is no longer pink. Remove toothpicks.

I made these for the first time last night and they were SO good! We also had Cesar salad and Texas toast with it. This is going to be a family favorite!

Easy Chicken and Dumplings (TATT)

2009-03-24T06:11:00.000-07:00

Go to Andreas blog for other great recipes!

Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients:
3 celery ribs, chopped
1 cup sliced fresh carrots
3 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/8 teaspoon pepper
3 cups cubed cooked chicken breast
1-2/3 cups reduced-fat biscuit/baking mix
2/3 cup fat-free milk

Directions:

In a Dutch oven coated with cooking spray, saute celery and carrots for 5 minutes.

Stir in the broth, poultry seasoning and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered.

Add the chicken. For dumplings, combine biscuit mix and milk. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto simmering broth.

Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a dumpling comes out clean (do not lift cover while simmering).

MPM

2009-03-23T05:57:00.000-07:00

Dinners
Italian Chicken roll-ups *
Baked Tortellini*
Tomato & spinach pasta toss with Texas toast *
Stuffing chicken bake*
Beef Stroganoff*

Lunches
Leftovers
Sandwiches
Mac & cheese
Chicken burgers

Breakfasts
Cereal
Waffles
French toast
Smoothies

Sunday Breakfast
Chocolate chip pancakes
Fruit salad

Fish (Tuna) Cakes

2009-03-19T18:08:00.000-07:00

What You Need!

2 cans (6 oz. each) light tuna in water, drained, flaked
1 pkg. (6 oz.) STOVE TOP Stuffing Mix for Chicken
1 cup KRAFT Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese
3/4 cup water
1 carrot, shredded or 1/2 a cup
1/3 cup KRAFT Real Mayo Mayonnaise
2 Tbsp. CLAUSSEN Sweet Pickle Relish

Make It!

MIX all ingredients. Refrigerate 10 min.

HEAT large nonstick skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium heat. Use ice cream scoop to add 1/3-cup portions of tuna mixture, in batches, to skillet.

FLATTEN into patties with back of spatula. Cook 6 min. or until golden brown on both sides, carefully turning patties over after 3 min.

We all really liked these. I didn't really know if we would. We had Cesar salad with it and I think it was perfect! It didn't look too pretty while I was making it but trust me it tasted good.

Substitutes. Switch to mozzarella cheese. Use crab, salmon or chicken meat.

MPM

2009-03-16T05:42:00.000-07:00

Dinners
Pulled Chicken sandwiches with fries *
French dips with fries
Sloppy Joes (from scratch) * with new potatoes & corn
Fish cakes (with Cesar salad)*
Chicken and dumplings *

Lunches
Leftovers
Sandwiches
Chicken nuggets

Breakfast
Waffles
Pancakes
French Toast
Cereal

Sunday Breakfast
Cinnamon & Vanilla waffles
Bacon
Eggs
New potatoes

I didn't like this on my other blog so I'm going to keep it here. If you see anything you would like let me know and I will put the recipe up. If it has a * it means the recipe is on here already.

I make everything mostly from "scratch". Meaning I don't buy anything that I can easily make like sloppy joe mix (it's so east to just make it yourself!). But I don't make all my own bread or anything crazy like that...maybe one day. Lol.

I will try to post a few pictures of the dinners I make this week.

Weeknight Pizza Casserole

2009-03-15T10:04:00.000-07:00

Weeknight Pizza Casserole

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 3 1/2 oz package sliced pepperoni
1 2 1.2 oz can sliced olives, drained
1 14 oz jar pizza sauce
1 8 oz package shredded mozzarella cheese
3/4 C. biscuit mix (Bisquick)
1 C. milk
2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Directions

Brown beef in large skillet over med-high heat; drain.

Stir in pepperoni and olives.Spoon into a lightly greased 8x8in baking dish.Top with sauce and cheese.

Combine biscuit mix, milk and eggs, stirring until smooth. Pour over cheese, spreading evenly.

Bake uncovered at 400 for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.

Let stand 5 min before serving.

You can make this with any toppings that you like. Sometimes I don't add the ground beef and I just use whatever kind of pizza toppings we are in the mood for.

Pecan Pie

2009-03-12T23:47:00.000-07:00

CHOCOLATE PECAN PIE

Ingredients

1 (9-inch) unbaked pie shell
2 cups pecan halves
3 large eggs, beaten
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup dark corn syrup
1 cup sugar
3 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Cover bottom of pie crust with pecans.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and melted butter.

Add the corn syrup, sugar, and the chopped chocolate. Stir until all ingredients are combined.

Pour mixture into the pie shell over the pecans and place on a heavy-duty cookie sheet.

Bake for 10 minutes.

Lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees F and continue to bake for an additional 25 minutes or until pie is set.

Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.

Crock Pot Chili

2009-03-11T11:16:00.000-07:00

Crock pot Chili
makes 8-10 servings

Ingredients

2 lbs. ground beef
1 lg onion, diced
1 28oz can diced tomatoes
2 6oz cans tomato paste
1 16oz can refried beans
2 16oz cans chili beans
2 16oz cans black beans
1 4oz can diced green chillies
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 C. water
2 T. mild chili powder
2 tsp salt
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp black pepper

Directions

In a skillet, brown beef and onion: drain.

Place meat mixture in crock pot on high and stir in remaining ingredients.

Cook on high for 30 min then reduce heat to low; cook 4-6 hours.

Top individual servings with grated cheese and chopped onion.

Beef Stroganoff

2009-03-10T12:27:00.000-07:00

Beef Stroganoff

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef

1 large bag wide noodles, cooked

2 cans french onion soup

16 oz sour cream

Directions

Brown and drain ground beef.

Warm french onion soup. DO NOT BOIL!

Whisk sour cream into soup until blended together.

Add to beef; Simmer.

Add the noodles or pour over when ready to serve.

The total time is under 30 min. It's so easy to make and it tastes so good!

Beef Stir Fry

2009-03-06T20:33:00.000-08:00

Beef Stir-Fry

From: Campbell's Kitchen
Prep/Cook: 25 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

1 lb. boneless beef sirloin steak OR beef top round steak, 3/4" thick*
2 tbsp. cornstarch
1 can (10 1/2 oz.) Campbell's® Condensed Beef Broth
2 tbsp. soy sauce (I add 1/4 spicy miso teriyaki sauce by Kikkoman also)
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
3 cups cut-up vegetables **
1/4 tsp. garlic powder OR 1 clove garlic, minced

Hot cooked rice

Directions:
SLICE beef into very thin strips. Mix cornstarch, broth and soy until smooth. Set aside.

HEAT oil in skillet. Add beef and stir-fry until browned and juices evaporate. Push beef to one side of skillet.

ADD vegetables and garlic powder and stir-fry until tender-crisp.

STIR cornstarch mixture and add. Cook and stir until mixture boils and thickens. Serve over rice.

TIP: *To make slicing beef easier, freeze beef 1 hr.

**Use broccoli flowerets, sliced carrots and green or red pepper strips. (we like broccoli, carrots, snap peas and water chestnuts)

cookie surprise cupcakes!

2009-03-05T14:55:00.000-08:00

COOKIE SUPRISE CUPCAKES

These are the most amazing things in the world!

You take any kind of chocolate cake mix and mix according to the box

Fill muffin pans about half full and then take chocolate cookie dough (the pre made kind, about 1 TBP) and put down in the batter . I use my cookie scoop, I don't fill it all the way though.

Then bake for 18-20 (I did 18 and they were perfect!) minutes at 350 and when cooled - top with chocolate frosting (& mini chocolate chips!).

Things I want to do today 2/27

2009-02-27T11:48:00.000-08:00

Fold laundry (again)
Do dishes
Put groceries away*
Tidy Living room*
Clean upstairs bathroom*

I have some really great recipes I have to post so I will try to do it over the weekend!

Supreme Pizza Pasta!

2009-02-22T08:54:00.001-08:00

Here is the recipe for Supreme Pizza Pasta Salad

1 pound wagon wheel pasta. cook al dente, cool under cold water

Salad:2 plum tomatoes: seeded and chopped
1/2 medium red onion: chopped
8 fresh white button mushrooms: sliced (I don't put these in)
1 small green bell pepper: seeded and chopped
1 pepperoni stick, casing removed and cut into small dice
1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese or fresh smoked mozzarella cheese shredded
20 leaves fresh basil: torn or thinly sliced

Dressing:1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves or Italian dried seasoning
1 rounded tablespoon tomato paste
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Combine tomatoes, onion, mushrooms, bell pepper, pepperoni, mozzarella, basil and pasta in a big bowl. In a medium bowl, whisk garlic salt, oregano or Italian seasoning, tomato paste, and vinegar together.

Stream in olive oil while continuing to whisk. When oil is incorporated, pour dressing over pasta salad, add a few grinds of black pepper, then toss to coat evenly.

Adjust seasonings and serve.

Makes 8 servings as a side.

Things I want to do today. 2/20

2009-02-20T10:11:00.000-08:00

I need to start making list of everything I want to get done in a day. And just maybe if everyone else sees it I will be more motivated to get it all done! hahaha yeah right! So here we go!

Finish doing dinner dishes from last night*
Start laundry*
Fold laundry
Clean laundry room*
Tidy up Landon's room*

I think if I do 5 things a day big or small I should be good. Its so great having my husband home from deployment but everything gets so messy so fast!

Coconut Rice Krispy Treats!

2009-01-02T21:17:00.000-08:00

Coconut Rice Krispy Treats!

3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 package (10 oz., about 40) toasted coconut marshmallows
6 cups Rice Krispies®

1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.

2. Add KELLOGG'S RICE KRISPIES cereal. Stir until well coated.

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

These were soooo good! I never knew they made different marshmallows!

Blondies!

2008-12-13T13:02:00.000-08:00

Blondies!

6 tablespoons butter
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chocolate OR peanut butter flavored chips

Combine melted butter and brown sugar; stirring until dissolved. Beat in eggs and vanilla.

In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the butter mixture. Spread the batter evenly in a well-buttered 9-inch square pan. Sprinkle chips over the top.

Bake at 350*F. for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center is set. Cool before cutting.

Makes 16 squares.

Hello!

2008-12-12T18:13:00.000-08:00

I have been so busy getting ready for the Holidays that I haven't been posting recipes. I swear I will get to it! But in the mean time, if anyone has a great cookie recipe they would like to share I would love to put it up here! I'm going to be posting my Ginger Snap recipes here in a few days! So once again if you have one to share please do!

Slow-Cooker Orange Chicken

2008-11-16T08:05:00.000-08:00

Slow-Cooker Orange Chicken (Kraftfoods.com)

Prep: 10 min Total Time: 6 hours 10 min

Makes: 4 servings

What You Need
1/3 cup KRAFT Original Barbecue Sauce
1/3 cup orange marmalade
3 Tbsp. flour
2 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 tsp. grated gingerroot
8 bone-in chicken thighs (3-1/2 lb.), skin removed

Make It

TOSS Chicken with flour in slow cooker.

STIR in all remaining ingredidents; cover with lid.

COOK on LOW for 4-6 hours

I made the one on top but saw that a lot of people didn't like it online so they rewrote it. I liked the top one, mostly because it didn't have a strong orange taste it was more a BBQ orange. But I also added the one that was rewrote below.

Slow-Cooker Orange chicken

Prep Time:20 min Total Time:3 hr 20 min

Makes:8 servings, one thigh each

What You Need

1/2 cup KRAFT Original Barbecue Sauce
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup orange marmalade
3 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 tsp. grated gingerroot
8 bone-in chicken thighs (3-1/2 lb.), skin removed

Make It

STIR barbecue sauce and flour in small bowl with wire whisk until well blended. Add all remaining ingredients except chicken; mix well.

POUR sauce mixture evenly over chicken in slow cooker. (Do not stir.) Cover with lid.

COOK on LOW for 3 to 5 hours. Serve chicken topped with the sauce.

Bacon, Cheese & Potato Chowder

2008-11-13T16:58:00.000-08:00

Bacon, Cheese & Potato Chowder (Kraft food & Family)

Prep Time:20 min Total Time:30 min

Makes:1-1/2 qt. or 6 servings, 1 cup each

What You Need

3 cups fat-free milk
1 can (10-3/4 oz.) condensed cream of potato soup
2 cups frozen Southern-style hash browns
1 cup KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
2 slices OSCAR MAYER Bacon, crisply cooked, drained and crumbled
2 green onions, thinly sliced

Make It

MIX milk and soup in large saucepan. Stir in hash browns. Bring to boil on high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 10 min., stirring frequently.

SERVE topped with cheese, bacon and onions.

This is what it looked like tonight when I made it.

Landon LOVED it!

We added a bit of pepper and a tiny bit of salt at the end and it was great. We also had biscuits with it.

Unbeatable Sloppy Joes

2008-11-07T16:53:00.000-08:00

Unbeatable Sloppy Joes (Craft food & Family)

So I never thought that I would like them, but here I am loving every minute of our dinner!

Prep Time:10 min
Total Time:25 min

Makes:6 servings, one sandwich each

What You Need

1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1/2 cup ketchup (I added a little more)
1/2 tsp. chili powder (again a little more)
1 large tomato, chopped
6 hamburger buns, split
6 KRAFT Singles
12 slices OSCAR MAYER Center Cut Bacon, cooked, drained

Make It

BROWN meat in large skillet on medium heat; drain. Add onions; cook 5 min. or until tender, stirring occasionally.

ADD ketchup, chili powder and tomatoes; cook 5 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally.

SPOON meat mixture onto bottom halves of buns. Top evenly with Singles, bacon and tops of buns.

Chicken Bake

2008-11-06T17:02:00.000-08:00

Chicken Bake (Kraft food & Family with a few changes)

You need

1 pkg. (6 oz.) STOVE TOP Stuffing Mix for Chicken
1-1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces (not cooked)
1 can (10-3/4 oz.) condensed cream of chicken soup
1/3 cup Sour Cream
1 pkg. (16 oz.) frozen corn and peas (or really whatever you want) thawed, drained

Make It

HEAT oven to 400°F. Prepare stuffing mix as directed on package.
MIX chicken, soup, sour cream and vegetables in 8x8-inch baking dish; top with stuffing.
BAKE 45 min. or until chicken is cooked through.

Halloween

2008-10-31T16:59:00.000-07:00

This is what Landon and I did for Halloween. It was so much fun! The black frosting was a pain to get off of everything but that's alright, lol.

Tailgate Sandwich Ring

2008-09-09T20:31:00.000-07:00

Tailgate Sandwich Ring Enjoy this recipe from Harvest Kitchen Cookbook.

2 11-oz. tubes refrigerated French bread dough
1/2 lb. bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled
3/4 c. mayonnaise
1 T. green onion, chopped
1/2 lb. deli sliced turkey
1/2 lb. deli sliced ham
1/2 lb. sliced provolone cheese
2 tomatoes, sliced
2 c. lettuce, chopped

Spray a Bundt® pan with non-stick vegetable spray. Place both tubes of dough into pan, seam-side up, joining ends together to form one large ring. Pinch edges to seal tightly. Lightly spray top of dough with non-stick vegetable spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes, until golden. Carefully turn out; cool completely. Combine bacon, mayonnaise and onion; mix well. Slice bread horizontally. Spread half the bacon mixture over bottom half of bread. Top with turkey, ham and provolone. Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees until cheese melts. Top with tomatoes and lettuce. Spread remaining bacon mixture on top half; place over lettuce. Slice into wedges. Serves 8

30 Minute Almond Chicken

2008-09-09T20:28:00.000-07:00

30 Minute Almond Chicken (from Craft Food & Family)

Prep Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Makes: 4 servings

8boneless skinless chicken thighs
1/4cup Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing
1cup chicken broth
2cups green beans, trimmed, halved
1cup instant white rice, uncooked
1/4cup Planters Sliced Almonds

TOSS chicken with dressing in resealable plastic bag. Add chicken with dressing to large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat; cook 4 min. on each side or until browned.

STIR in broth; bring to boil. Cover. Simmer 10 min. Add beans; cook 5 min. or until chicken is cooked through.

REMOVE chicken from skillet. Add rice and almonds. Remove from heat; cover. Let stand 5 min. Serve chicken over rice mixture.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories 400, Total Fat 19 g, Saturated fat 4 g, Cholesterol 100 mg, Sodium 560 mg, Carbohydrate 24 g, Dietary fibre 3 g, Sugars 2 g, Protein 32 g, DV Vitamin A 10 %, DV Vitamin C 8 %,DV Calcium 6 %, DV Iron 20 %

Easy Cheesy Chili Dip

2008-09-07T11:18:00.000-07:00

Easy Cheesy Chili Dip

1 c. onion, chopped
2 T. margarine
10-3/4 oz. can cream of mushroom soup
15-oz. can chili without beans
8-oz. pkg. shredded Cheddar cheese
tortilla chips

Sauté onion in margarine over medium heat until tender. Stir in remaining ingredients except chips; cook over low heat until bubbly and cheese is melted. Serve warm with tortilla chips. Serves 8.

From Autumn in the Country Cookbook by Gooseberry Patch

All Aquiver Caterpillar

2008-09-06T19:54:00.000-07:00

Landon and I are going to do this tomorrow.

Supplies Required (from craftplace.org)

Black chenille stems
Cardstock - black, lime green, orange, yellow
Glue
Small 12" dowel rod
String
Wiggle eyes
Scissors

Instructions

1. Cut six 4" circles from orange paper. Edge circles using Volcano Paper Edgers.

2. Cut six 3" circles from green and yellow paper.

3. Cut one 1-1/2" circle from black paper. Edge circle using Volcano Paper Edgers.

4. Create a foot pattern and trace 12 times on black paper, cut out.

5. Glue two feet on each green circle. Glue green circles on orange circles. Glue yellow circles on the other side of orange circles.

6. Run body pieces through Paper Crimper so that the end with the feet goes through last.

7. Glue wiggle eyes on one body piece.

8. Glue small black circle (nose) on same body piece as eyes.

9. Wrap chenille stem around finger or pencil to curl. Glue on face.

10. Punch a hole at the top of each body piece. Run 12" of string through each hole. Attach to dowel rod.

- Fun Facts:

• A butterfly caterpillar may eat many times its own weight in food in one day.

• Certain types of caterpillars have stinging hairs that are hollow-like miniature straws and when the hair is touched a stinging chemical comes out of it that causes the attacker's skin to burn and itch.

• Groups of tent caterpillars build large silken tents as resting sites and shelters from enemies and the weather. These are permanent homes for the caterpillars until they change into moths.

• The milkweed caterpillar feeds on milkweed plants which have a milky-white, poisonous sap in the stems and leaves. The caterpillar stores the poison in its own body, protecting itself from the birds and animals that eat caterpillars. Even after the caterpillar turns into a monarch butterfly, it has the milkweed's poison in the body so it remains protected.

Chicken Fried Chicken

2008-09-06T18:00:00.000-07:00

Chicken Fried Chicken

Needs to make (8) pieces, or (4) servings:

(4) Chicken breast (large boneless)
(1 or 2) packs of Saltine Crackers
(3) eggs
(1 or 2) cubes of butter or Margarine
Seasonings: (Johnny’s, Garlic powder)

To Prepare:

1. Split the (4) Chicken breast in half, or you can use Chicken tenders
Option: (cover with plastic wrap and flatten with tenderizing hammer)
2. Beat eggs
3. Crush Crackers with rolling pin or food processor.
4. Pan on stove top with butter on med-hi level (7 or 7.5)

Ready to cook:

1. After Butter is melted n the pan, take each piece of chicken and dunk in the eggs and then place it in the crumbled crackers to coat both sides.
2. Place the coated chicken in the pan (make sure you have enough butter)
3. After you have (4) pieces in the pan, ad seasonings.
4. Cook one side to golden brown. Then ad more butter before turning over to cook other
Side and season again (remember that butter has salt in it, so do not over do the Johnny’s)
5. After both sides are golden brown, place them in the oven at 200 deg. F, to keep warm while the others are cooking.
6. Ready to eat. (goes great with twice baked potato, or stuffing)

Note: Try adding some Parmesan cheese to the crackers for a different taste.

Options: Try this with Beef cube steak, or Pork cube steak also.