Pesto

If you are like me I would never have tried pesto because of the color. Some where along the road someone made me try it and life will never be the same. I prepare bowtie pasta and after it is drained I add either cooked shrimp or chicken, sundried tomatoes, roasted pine nuts (these are wonderful) and parmesan cheese. I have made homemade pesto, but really I think this stuff is just as good. You don't have to heat or anything, just mix into pasta of your choice while it is hot. The flavor is basil, EVOO, garlic, and parmesan cheese- what's not to like.

Chocolate Covered Coconut Balls

These tastes like a Mounds candy bar.  I must be in the spirit of Christmas because this is another one I usually only make around the holidays.

14 oz. coconut
1 can Eagle Brand milk
1 t. vanilla
1 stick melted butter or margarine
1 box 10X sugar
Chocolate for dipping.


Mix well and form into balls. Put in fridge to harden slightly.  Cover with melted chocolate.

Toffee Crunch Cookies

In case you haven't noticed the trend here, I collect recipes-- from everywhere and everyone!!  I seriously have a problem.  I am always trying new recipes.  This is from another coworker and it has been a keeper.  I usually make these at Christmas.

1/2 c. butter or margarine, softened
1 package yellow cake mix with pudding in the mix
2 large eggs
1 T. water
1 6-ounce package toffee brickle chips (near chocolate chips in store)
1/2 - 1 cup chopped pecans


Beat butter on medium speed with mixer until creamy. Add dry cake mix, eggs, and water beating until blended. Stir in toffee/brickle chips and pecans.  Drop by tablespoons on cookie sheet.

Bake at 250 for 8-10 minutes or until edges are browned.  Top will look moist.
yield- 4 dozen.

Note-Sometime I have found the brickle chips called toffee chips or almond brickle chips and at times I have found this difficult to locate altogether, but they are usually plentiful around the holidays so I buy a couple of bags and keep in the freezer.

Chicken Enchiladas aka "Gringos"

A former co-worker who used to live out west gave me this recipes probably 20 years ago and it is still a family favorite.

2-3 chicken breast cooked (salt to taste)
1 can green chiles, chopped
1 can cream of chicken soup
8 oz. sour cream
1 bunch of green onions
cheese
tortillas (heat slightly in microwave before rolling to prevent tearing)

Bake or boil chicken until done.  Grind chicken in food processor with onions.  Add remaining ingredients except cheese and reserving about half of chiles.  Fill tortillas, roll up and place in large baking dish.  Cover with remaining chiles and cheese. 

Bake 350 for 30 minutes.

Scot's Mom's Tuna Salad

My husband's late mother's tuna salad recipe...so I don't lose it.

1 can tuna in spring water
1/2 T. lemon juice
4 T. chopped sweet pickles
2 T. mayo
salt & sugar to taste.

New Recipe - SouthWestern Steak in Crock Pot

I found this recipe and photo at http://eatathomecooks.com.  I tried it yesterday with mashed potatoes and it was really yummy and easy.

2 lbs. sirloin tip steak or round steak or other beef cut
1 box cornbread stuffing mix
1 can tomatoes with green chilis, undrained
1/2 stick butter (4 Tbs), melted

Place the steak in the slow cooker.  Stir the stuffing mix, tomatoes and melted butter together.  Put the stuffing on top of the steak in the slow cooker.  Cook on low for 5-7 hours.

Baked Spaghetti

This makes a really large batch.  I use this when I need to take a meal to someone and I keep one and take one.

2-2 1/2 lb ground beef, browned with onion
1 chopped onion
1 t. salt
3 T. chili powder
1/2 t. pepper
4 t. oregano
1/4 t. garlic powder
2 c. ketchup
1 jar Chunky Garden Ragu spaghetti sauce

1 lb spaghetti noodles
tomato juice (large can, but I usually have some left over)
1/2 lb cheddar cheese
1/2 lb mozzarella cheese

Make sauce with first set of ingredients.  I like to heat in crock pot for several hours to enhance flavors.  When ready to assemble, cook spaghetti and drain.  Mix sauce with noodles. Place in pan and pour tomato juice over top of both dishes.  (You can just add this to sauce, but this is how the person who shared this with me instructed me to do it.)  Top with cheeses.
Bake 450 til bubbly.

Butterfinger Cake - Don't hate me...it's that good.

1 yellow cake mix
1 can Eagle Brand
1 jar caramel (from ice cream section)
3-4 butterfinger bars
Cool Whip

Bake cake as directed in 9X13 pan.
While hot poke holes in cake with fork or similar object.
Mix Eagle Brand and caramel and pour over cake.
Crush candy bars and sprinkle on top.
Allow to cool and refrigerate.
Top with Cool Whip when completely cool.

Allow plenty of time in fridge for flavors to blend and cake to be saturated.

Chicken Ring (Pampered Chef Recipe)

 

2 cans crescent rolls

1 can premium chicken in water (drained and flaked)

1/2 - 1.c. mozzarella cheese (shredded)

1/2 c. parmesan cheese 

1/2 onion sauteed in EVOO

1 package steamed broccoli

3-6 T. mayo

1 T. lemon juice

This is great on your pampered chef baking stone if you have one, but if not you can use a regular pizza pan. 

Preheat oven to 350-375 

Mix all ingredients and lay out crescent rolls in pan as shown in photo.

Wrap edges up as shown and sprinkle with cheese slightly if desired.

Bake approximately 25 minutes.

Snickerdoodles

I use the recipe from my tried and true Better Homes and Gardens red plaid cookbook.  The recipe is so tattered I thought I better put this one here so I can always find it.  Enjoy!

1/2 c. margarine or butter
1 1/2 c. all purpose flour
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1/2 t. vanilla
1/4 t. baking soda
1/4 t. cream of tartar
2 T. sugar
1 t. cinnamon

Beat butter and add half of flour, the 1 c. sugar, egg, vanilla, baking soda and cream of tartar until combined. Add remaining flour. Chill 1 hour.

Shape into 1 inch balls. Combine 2T. sugar and 1 t. cinnamon and roll each ball in this mixture.
Bake at 375 for 10-11 minutes or until edges are slightly brown.  Cool on cooling rack.

Yield:36

Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake

Cake:
1 (18 1/4-ounce) package yellow cake mix
1 egg
1 stick butter, melted

Filling:
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla 
1 stick butter, melted
1 (16-ounce) box powdered sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine the cake mix, egg, and butter and mix well with an electric mixer. Pat the mixture into the bottom of a lightly greased 13 by 9-inch baking pan.

To make the filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and pumpkin until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla, and butter, and beat together. Next, add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and mix well. Spread pumpkin mixture over cake batter and bake for 40 to 50 minutes (I usually do 45 minutes). Make sure not to overbake as the center should be a little gooey. 

Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired. 

Vegetable Soup

Since yesterday was the first cool day I have been able to enjoy I made a big pot of vegetable soup.

Cook chopped potatoes and chopped tomatoes together with EVOO and 2-3T. sugar until potatoes are done.
(This amounts vary based on how much you want to prepare and you can use fresh or canned.)
Add water or chicken broth.  (I just use water with bouillon cubes).
Add corn, green beans, carrots, and whatever other veggies you like.  I have even added cabbage.
Season with basil, parsley, salt and pepper. 

Simmer for several hours to cook in crock pot.

I place my leftovers in a gallon ziploc bag in the freezer so the next time I want some, I just have to reheat.  I lay them flat to save space and I am trying to have a selection of soups already prepared.

Blog Award

I cannot believe I have won a blog award!!  My bloggy friend Jen lives in Vegas with her husband, beautiful daughter Jeven and her dog Teddy and she selected me for this award. I just love reading about her life in Las Vegas and I just know we would be best buddies if we lived close to each other.
Please jump on over and visit her blog.  I know you will be glad you did and you will love her like I do - http://jensplacetovisit.blogspot.com

A "Versatile Blogger" brings everything to the table--a little of this, and a little of that."
Now here are the rules for the award:

Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award. Share 7 things about yourself. Pass the award on to (up to) 15 other bloggers who you have discovered and think are fabulous. Contact the bloggers you chose and let them know about the award. This will be fun!

Here are 7 things about me, in no particular order.

1. I live for Diet Coke.  I love this stuff and rarely drink anything else.  It makes me a happy person.

2. I am a magazine junkie.  My Diet Coke habit now supports this habit because I use my coke rewards points for even more magazine subscriptions.  The mailman must hate me.  I love to sit and read magazines of all kinds and I feel likes it is something that gives me great pleasure.  Add a Diet Coke and it is a really good day.

3. I am never late!  If I am late I am either dead or going somewhere with my husband.  God does have a sense of humor - our marriage is a case of opposites attract!

4. I love to wear makeup.  I have worn makeup since I was about 15 years old and have spent more than I care to admit on these products.  I love trying new eye shadows and lip colors, but I have used the same mascara since I first began wearing makeup and I am loyal to my foundation.  (See favorite things post for more on these.) I rarely leave home without it.

5. I am living one of my dreams as an nurse in the Emergency Department.  I spent most of my life in a career in law enforcement because college wasn't an option for me when I was younger.  I was blessed to be able to return to school and do what I feel was God's plan for me.  Lucky for me He had even better timing than I did - as He always does!

6. My children are spaced 13 years apart. This has presented me with lots of opportunities for creative parenting.  I still don't have it all figured out yet, but my children are the most important thing to me in the world!

7.  I am a true believer in God because I can see all the many ways He has taken care of me and blessed me far beyond what I could have dreamed of.  My gifts from Him are not material, but intangible gifts of strength, character, love, faith, compassion, and a continuous desire to serve Him by my actions and life while here on earth.

Now here are some of my favorite blogs that I have awarding the Versatile Blogger Award for you to visit to have even more fun!

1. Go East Memphis Mama. Visit http://leighannesmith.blogspot.com/

2. Visit Keri at - http://www.foreverfoldinglaundry.com/

3. One of the first blogs I found that got me hooked. Chris at - http://www.justagirlblog.com/

4. Meg at http://megduerksen.typepad.com/ - You will love her blog!

5. Sarah at http://memoriesoncloverlane.blogspot.com/ - one of my favorite blogs of all time.

6. Katie at http://harringtonhouse.typepad.com/

7. And last but not least visit Shawni at her Life blog - http://71toes.blogspot.com/

My New Bucket List

Since I walked without my walking buddy today and I was surrounded by beautiful nature, I had time to think about what I would put on my new bucket list.  I should have done this years ago, because I have achieved some previous dreams which included going back to school for nursing after so many years in my previous career.

1. Run (okay jog) a 5K.
2. Complete my BSN and/or MSN.
3. Travel to Hawaii.
4. Travel to Italy (way on down the list.)
5. Read the Bible in its entirety.
6. Devote time to lessons for enjoyment
(lessons are undetermined at this time but may include: music, tennis, crafts, art,etc.)
7. Get out of debt!
8. Build our dream home.
9. Hot Air Balloon ride.
10. Enjoy every day I am given and have no regrets!!
11. Complete a marathon.

Gotta run and shower before going to a big birthday bash today for special friends who are like family to us.  If you read this list, please take a moment and share your bucket list.  :)

Where I've Been

I have been busy but it was worth it.  I learned a lot that will help me in my work.

Green Beans with Potatoes - One pot meal

This is a favorite cool weather meal that tastes great and is reasonably healthy.  It also makes the house smell wonderful. The first time I made this I could not believe how good it was.  It is great with cornbread.

1. Take one or two of these and drain off the water that is in them.  (You could use fresh green beans if you wanted.)

2. Add these.  (canned or fresh new potatoes halved or quartered.)

3. And some of this.  I use the low-fat / fat free kind and it is really good. I slice it in halve and then cut into pieces.

 4.  Add water to cover beans and simmer for several hours or place in crock pot for 8-10 hours.  Season with salt / pepper as desired.

Mock Apple Pie

This is one of my daughters favorite things.  It is called "mock" apple pie, because there is really no apple in it, but it tastes like there is.  I always liked it because there was a lot of time spent peeling apples.  It even kind of looks like apple pie.

Bring to a boil:
2 cups water and 1 1/4 c. sugar.

Add in 40 Ritz crackers.  Cook for 10 minutes (med to med-low). DON'T STIR!

Pour into unbaked pie shell.

Sprinkle with margarine and cinnamon.

Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.

(Recipe may be doubled.)

Spaghetti Sauce (to can or freeze)

I have been making this spaghetti sauce every summer for several years.  My cousin gave me the recipe and she always "cans" hers, but I am more of a freezer kind of girl.  This sauce is so flavorful that I just heat and pour over pasta (any type on hand) during the winter months and I don't even add ground beef. 

4 quarts tomatoes (I use Romas)
1 onion, chopped
3/4 c. sugar
3/4 c. vegetable or canola oil
1 large green pepper, chopped
3 T. salt
2 t. oregano
1 t. garlic powder
4 cans Hunts regular tomato paste (the small cans)
4 cans Hunts Italian flavor tomato paste (again, small ones)

Bring tomatoes to a boil.
Simmer one hour.
Add additional ingredients.
Simmer 1 1/2 hours.

To can- process 20 minutes at 10 pounds of pressure.  I freeze in quart sized bags that I lay flat in freezer to make for easier storage and thawing.

Taco Casserole

I don't have a photo because I haven't tried to make this yet.  I had it recently at a Boy Scout function and it was really good and all the kids loved it.

1 package crescent rolls
1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained
1 pkt taco seasoning
16 oz. sour cream
cheddar cheese
Doritos - crumpled

Cook ground beef, drain and season with taco seasoning per package instructions. Meanwhile spread crescent rolls in the bottom of baking dish. Cover with sour cream.  Top with cheese and then crumped doritos.

Bake according to instructions on crescent roll package.

Day in the City

I hit two of my favorite places today. 

Bliss!  Have a good day!

Exquisite Pie

1/3 c. pecans (chopped)
1/3 c. lemon juice
1 can Eagle Brand milk
1 can crushed pineapple
1 container Cool Whip
2 prepared graham cracker crusts

Mix lemon juice with Eagle Brand; let stand 10 minutes.
Drain pineapple and mix into Eagle Brand milk.  Stir in pecans.
Blend in Cool Whip.
Pour into pie shells and chill.

Pineapple Casserole

I love this casserole especially at holidays when we are serving ham. Sorry I don't have a recent photo.

2 cans chunk pineapple, drained
1 cup sugar
6 T. flour
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Mix together and place in a baking dish about 9X9.

Crush 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers and mix them with 1 stick melted margarine. Sprinkle on top of casserole.

Bake for 30 minutes at 400 degrees.

Another Easy Weeknight Dinner - Parma Rosa Pasta

I have used this mix for years.  It only takes about five minutes to prepare and you can serve it over any pasta.  I usually use bow-tie or angel hair.  I also usually add fat free smoked sausage that I just cut up and microwave while it is cooking or I use this with leftover grill chicken.  It is very versatile and easy and even my picky eaters love it ....and have seconds!

Do you have a go to meal that you use when time is short and the family is starving.  Leave a comment and share.

FAvorite Things - Fall Edition

1. Fall Leaves

2. Bath and Body Works Creamy Nutmeg

3. Roasting Marshmallows

4. Pumpkin Bread

5. Mums

6. Pumpkins and Hayrides

7.  Jack-o-lanterns

8. Fall Decorations

9. Candy Corn

10.  Apple cider

Chili's Salsa

Ingredients:
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can tomatoes and green chilies
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can whole canned tomatoes (plus the juice)
4 teaspoons jalapenos (canned,diced, not pickled)
1/4 cup yellow onion (diced)
1/2-3/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/4 t. cilantro(optional)
juice from 1/2 lime (optional)

Directions:
1- In food processor place jalapenos and onions.
2- Process for just a few seconds.
3- Add both cans of tomatoes, salt, sugar, and cumin.
4- Process all ingredients until well blended but do not puree.
5- Place in covered container and chill.
6- A couple of hours of chilling will help blend and enrich the flavor.
7- Serve with your favorite thin tortilla chips.

Murphy's Famous Stuffing Recipe

This recipe originally came from a local DJ on the radio. It is very flavorful and moist and it makes a large amount.  I still make a regular cornbread stuffing, but this stuff is out of this world.

1 1/2 bags Pepperidge Farm or Brownsberry CROUTONS
1 box Uncle Ben's Wild Rice mix (prepared)
2 eggs
1 large chopped onion
1 bunch of celery, chopped
1 can sliced/slightly chopped
1 lb Jimmy Dean sausage with sage
1/2 t. black pepper
2 cans chicken broth
1/4 lb. real butter
1 clove garlic

1. Soak croutons in a large bowl with chicken broth while completing additional steps.
2. Saute sausage, drain and remove from heat.
3. Saute onion in the butter.  Add garlic then add sausage back with celery.
4. Add water chestnuts, cooked wild rice.
5. Combine above mixture with soaked croutons that have now absorbed most of the liquid. Stir in eggs until mixed through.

Bake at 400 degrees for 25-35 minutes in a VERY LARGE pan or two smaller pans.

Turkey Marinade (The Best Turkey EVER!!!!)

This marinade makes a wonderful, flavorful, moist turkey. The marinade can also be used for chicken or fish but I save it for this special time of year.

1/2 - 1. cup dijon mustard
1 cup EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
juice of 4=6 lemons
1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
salt and pepper
2 sprigs rosemary
2 sprigs thyme
oregano (optional)

Combine all ingredients with a whisk. Stuff bird (both ends) with juiced lemons and additional fresh rosemary and thyme.  Pour marinade over top and place some inside bird. Bake at 400 degrees covered for 1-1/2 hours and then remove cover and based every 30 minutes until brown and done.   (Cook until thermometer registers "poultry" which will be approximately another 3 hours depending on size of bird.



I have also made this in my counter top roaster that fits a 20 lb turkey so I keep my oven free for other side dishes.  (It just cooks it much faster!)

Chili for a Crowd

3 lb ground beef

1 lb sausage with sage

approximately 3 cups chopped green pepper (or less to taste)

approximately 3 cups chopped onion (or less to taste)

3 12oz cans diced tomatoes (I use petite diced)

3 8oz cans tomato sauce

3 T. chili powder

3 t. salt

3/8 t. cayenne pepper

3 T. salt

3/8 t. paprika

3 cans light red chili beans (I use only one...picky eaters you know)

6 T. sugar

Brown beef, sausage and peppers / onions.  Add to crock pot with remaining ingredients and stir.  Cook on low all day.

(I have made 1/3 of this recipe for a normal serving, but it is nice to make the large batch and keep some in the freezer for those cold nights.)

Easy Dinner

Okay so I didn't make any "recipe" tonight, but this was a surprisingly good weeknight meal that takes all of about 25 minutes from start to finish.  My son (Picky Eater #1) even ate all of it without even questioning what it was.  This is also good if you don't want all the mess of actual tacos.

Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese

1 box elbow macaroni
1/2 stick margaring
2 1/2 c. cheddar cheese
2 eggs
1 large can evaporated milk
1 1/2 c. milk
salt/pepper

Cook and drain macaroni.  Place in crock pot with remaining ingredients using 1/2 c. cheese for topping.  Cook 3 hours on low heat.

Pizza Casserole ..then no more casseroles for awhile

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1/2 pound pepperoni, halved
1 pound cooked rigatoni pasta
1 (45 oz) jar spaghetti sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degree. In a large skillet, brown ground beef and add peppers and onions. Drain. Add pepperoni, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Add sauce and heat through. Mix with cooked pasta and place in 3 quart baking dish. Top with cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted.

P.S. I am experimenting with enlarging my photos.

FAMILY FAVORITES :)

I use this blog to compile many of our family favorites in addition to things I may only try one time. I also post various versions of recipes so I can find them easily since I have soooooooooo many cookbooks and hand written note. A friend suggested I have a "favorites" section and I can't believe I had not thought of it before now. I went through my posts since this is a new blog that doesn't have too many recipes yet and edited the recipes to form the "family favorites category to help you know if this is a recipe I use regularly.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie (NO BAKE)

Ingredients:
1 large prepared graham cracker crust
1 package chips ahoy chocolate chip cookies
1 large tub Cool Whip
1 cup milk

Dip 8 cookies in milk and arrange in bottom of crust. Add 1/3 cool whip.
Repeat for three layers ending with cool whip.
Chill for 8 hours.

Garnish as desired with crushed cookies, chocolate or caramel sauce.

This is a great no bake dish that tastes wonderful

Hot Tamale Pie

(This is not really HOT, it is just part of the name)

1 lb ground beef
1 can mexicorn (drained)
small jar ragu spaghetti sauce
1 small box Jiffy corn bread mix
chili powder
onions/green peppers (optional)

It is preferable to make this in a cast iron skillet to take from stove top to oven. I can't do that with my stove now so I have to use a skillet and then a baking dish.

Brown beef with onions and peppers if using them. Drain. Add corn and spaghetti sauce and chili powder to taste. (It should taste more chili-like than spaghetti)
Prepare corn bread mix in small bowl per label instructions.

Place meat mixture in baking dish if not using cast iron skillet. Pour corn bread mixture over top being careful to cover entire dish and spread gently to sides to try and seal.
Bake according to corn bread instructions.

This is great one dish meal that I have cooked for many, many years.

EZ Chicken Pie

3-4 chicken breast (boiled and shredded/chopped)
Spread in dish and season with salt/pepper.

1 1/4 c. chicken broth
1/2 stick melted butter/margarine
1 can cream of chicken soup
(Mix this together and pour over chicken in casserole dish.)

Mix:
1 c. milk and 1 c. + 2 T Self rising flour.
Pour over above mixture.

Bake 350 for 30 minutes

Ground Beef Casserole

1 1.2 lb ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 c. chopped celery
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 c. uncooked rice
2 soup cans water

Brown beef with onions. Mix all ingredients and pour into casserole dish.
Bake at 350 for 1 1/2 hours.

Company Casserole

2 (3oz) packages cream cheese (softened)
1/2 c. evaporated milk
2 t. lemon juice
1/4 t. Worcestershire sauce
5 c. cooked noodles
1/2 c. onion, chopped
1/2 c. green pepper, chopped
1 T melted butter
1 lb ground beef.
8 oz can tomato sauce
1/2 c. ketchup

Mix together softened cream cheese with milk, lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce. In a 1/2 quart casserole dish add this to noodles.
In a skillet, cook onion, green pepper, and butter until tender. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Add tomato sauce and ketchup. Cook over medium heat for about 8 minutes until thickened. Spread over noodles.
Bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes, just til bubbly.

Country Fair Casserole

8 oz. macaroni noodles, cooked
1 lb hamburger
1 chopped onion
1 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1 can cream of celery soup
8 oz. sour cream
1 can leseur peas drained

Cook macaroni; drain.
Combine hamburger meat, onion and seasonings in skillet and brown. Drain.
Stir soup in meat and simmer. Add remaining ingredients.
Place in 2 1/2 quart baking dish.
Bake at 350 for 35 minutes.

Chicken Casserole

1 whole chicken cooked and de-boned
1 can cream of celery soup (or mushroom)
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 c. chicken broth from cooked chicken
1 stick margarine (melted)
1 bag pepperidge farm dressing

Butter dish. Spread 1/2 chicken in pan. Mix soups and broth and pour 1/2 over chicken.
Repeat layers.
Mix melted margarine with bag of dressing and sprinkle over top.

Bake 30-45 minutes at 350.

EZ Chicken Tetrazzini

3-4 chicken breast or whole chicken boiled until done.
Small box thin spaghetti noodles (cooked in chicken broth)
Drain and chop/shred chicken.

Mix chicken with one can cream of mushroom soup and can of cream of chicken soup.
optional- add sauteed peppers, onions, or pimento)

Mix chicken mixture with cooked spaghetti. Top with cheddar cheese.

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. (May need to cover with foil need the end to prevent overbrowning.)

Serve and cut like lasagna. Great with salad and bread.

Baked Chicken and Rice

I have not made this in a really long time, but it was one of my daughters favorites.

3-4 chicken breast or strips
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup raw rice
1 1/2 c. water

Preheat oven to 450 and grease/spray baking dish
Please cut up chicken in bottom of pan and season with salt and pepper.
Add rice, with soups mixed with water.
Cover and bake one hour.

Chicken PAN pie

3 chicken breasts (cooked and chopped or shredded)
2 cans mixed vegetables (drained)
1 can cream of celery soup
1 soup can chicken broth or canned broth
1 stick margarine (melted)
1 c. self rising flour
1 c. buttermilk

Place chicken in bottom of greased/sprayed baking dish. Add drained vegetables evenly over top. Mix broth and cream of celery soup and pour/spread over chicken.
Mix margarine, buttermilk, flour together to form a batter and pour over top sealing edges if possible.
Bake at 350 until done - 30-60 minute.

* note to make buttermilk if only milk is on hand- set 1 c. buttermilk on counter and add 1 t. vinegar- allow to set for 15 minutes then stir.

Salisbury Steak

1 can GOLDEN mushroom soup (not cream of mushroom)
1 1/2 lb. ground beef
1/2 c. bread crumbs
1/2 t. salt
1/8 t. pepper
1 onion, finely chopped (I usually sprinkle dehydrated onion instead)
1 egg, slightly beaten,
1/3 c. water

Heat oven to 350 degrees.
In a medium bowl, combine one fourth of the soup with remaining ingredients except water. Mix well. Shape into 6 oval patties and arrange in single layer in 13X9 baking dish.
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Skim off any fat. (not a problem with 93% lean meat.)
In a small bowl combine remaining soup and water (I do this while it is baking)
and spoon over cooked patties. Return to oven for 10 minutes.
Additional mushrooms could be added if desired.

The Blank Post

I was going to edit my blog and remove the empty post before my universal truths, but I thought you would want to know that my cat did it. You read me right---I walked away before typing the post and my beloved Lucy stepped up to the job and pressed the publish post button all on her own. She is usually jealous that I am typing and not petting her anyway so I guess she wanted her two cents in. I just grabbed the first photo on my computer I could find to show you my lovely kitty.

Universal Truths 2010 Version

I read this in a local magazine that was taken from one of those circulating emails.
I edited it list to a top 10.

1. I totally take back all those times as a child when I did not want to take a nap.

2. There is a need for a sarcasm font.

3. Mapquest should start their directions on #5- we do know how to get out of our own neighborhood.

4. Can we all agree to just ignore what comes after BlueRay? We cannot restart our collections yet again.

5. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

6. I wish google maps had an "avoid ghetto" routing option.

7. The only time I look forward to a red light is when finishing a text.

8. Bad decisions make good stories.

9. Nothing is worse than that moment in an argument when you realize you were wrong.

10. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble finding their keys, cell phone, etc. -- but I'll bet everyone can find that snooze button from 3 feet away, in 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, in the dark, first time, every time!

.