SIMPLIFY

Well the holidays were a little more stressful than normal since my daughter was in the hospital for an appendectomy and some female problems and she wasn't discharged until Christmas day.  Add to that our first white Christmas that was beautiful but added to changes of plans by everyone.  My daughter and my grand-dog stayed with us for a few days until she was back on her feet.  I have been tired, stressed and just feeling overwhelmed looking at all the mess.  The house, car, my purse, the fridge....everything in a huge mess.  I like order and things to be in their place so this has been a trying time and yesterday I just pouted and did a little shopping because I just could not get it going.  I found this book yesterday when we were out and I decided to start it last night at 9 o'clock.  I was immediately absorbed in it and stayed up until I finished it at 2 in the morning.  I NEVER do that!  I am usually in bed by 11 at the latest, but I loved this book.  I am so inspired by the Amish community and how they live their lives.  Family, God and community first.  I love their work ethic and how each member of the family does what is needed to keep things going and helping extended family without question.  In this book they extend their kindness to strangers.  My resolution- now that I think about it- is to live more simply keeping my focus on what is really important and make ALL my choices reflect that.  This can extend to every area of my life- work, cooking, cleaning, clothing, homework, etc.  Today I cleaned out the fridge, freezer, and kitchen cabinets and I plan to continue purging what is wasting space in my life - tangible or not.

Unforgettable Chicken Casserole

This recipe comes from one of my many Southern Living Cookbooks and it is divine. 


3 cups deli roasted chicken
2 cups finely chopped celery
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayo
1 can cream of chicken soup
4 oz. water chestnuts, chopped and drained
french fried onion rings

Stir together first 8 ingredients in a large bowl. Spoon into a lightly greased 11X7 pan. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes. Sprinkle with onion rings and bake 5 minutes more. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Sunni's Pizza Casserole

3-4 cans canned biscuits (not the flaky kind)
spaghetti or pizza sauce
Cheese
Toppings: pepperoni, green peppers, mushrooms, etc.

Cut each biscuit into 4 pieces. Place in 13X9 dish and cover with sauce, toppings, then cheese. Bake til done.

Stuffed Green Peppers

4 green peppers
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 can tomato soup
1 t. worststershire sauce
1/2 t. salt
1 lb ground beef
1 cup cooked rice
1/4 t. pepper
16 oz. can tomato sauce

Cut peppers in half lengthwise. Remove seeds and cook in boiling, salted water for 5 minutes. Drain. Combine ground beef, onion, 1/2 can tomato soup, cooked rice, worst. sauce, s/p and spoon mixture evenly into peppers. Place in shallow baking dish and combine remaining soup and tomato sauce and pour over peppers. Cover and bake for 1 hour at 375 degrees.

Stuffed Cornish Hens

Stovetop stuffing - chicken flavor
cornish hens
butter
sage
garlic powder
oregano
salt/pepper

Prepare stuffing. Boil giblets for gravy. (use cornstarch and broth to make gravy if desired)
Stuff birds with prepared stuffing and place extra stuffing in bottom of pan placing stuffed hens on top. Rub butter inside skin of hen. Sprinkle with sage, garlic powder, oregano, and salt/pepper. Bake one hour (approximately) at 350.

Pizza Casserole

6 oz. fettuccine noodles
3 1/2 oz. sliced pepperoni
15 1/2 oz. jar pizza sauce
1 1/2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
4 oz. sliced mushrooms
1 T. grated parmesan cheese

Boil 8 cups water and cook pasta until tender. Drain. Halve pepperoni and add to pasta with sauce, 3/4 c. mozz. cheese, mushrooms, and parm. cheese.  Top with remaining cheese. Bake til brown.

Deluxe Chicken Breasts

4 chicken breasts
2 egg yolks + 2 T water
salt/pepper/paprika
1/4 cup bread crumbs
3 t. parm.cheese
2 T. margarine

Sauce:
2 T. margarine
2 T. all purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 t. worcestershire (sp?) sauce
3/4 cup cheddar cheese

Flatten chicken breasts between two pieces of wax paper. Whisk egg yolks with water. Combine flour, salt, pepper, paprika, bread crumbs and cheese.  Dip chicken into egg and then roll in crumb mixture. Place in shallow dish and bake 350 for 20 mins.

To prepare sauce: Melt butter in saucepan; stir in flour. Slowly add milk and cook simmering stirring constantly until thickened. Season with worst. sauce, parm and cheddar cheese.  Transfer to serving dish and top with sauce.
Can  garnish with sliced tomato and green pepper rings if desired.

Impossible Coconut Pie

This pie is named "impossible" because it makes its own crust.  You can omit the coconut for an egg custard variety.

4 eggs, beaten
1 3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup self rising flour
2 cups milk
1/2 t. vanilla
1/2 stick melted margarine
1 can flaked coconut
 (or 2 cups)

Blend sugar and flour, stir in eggs then remaining ingredients. Pour into two greased 9 inch pie pans. Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes until coconut is browned and pie is set.

Individual Cherry Cheesecakes

2 packages (8 oz) cream cheese
2 eggs
3/4 c. sugar
7 T. lemon juice
1 T. vanilla
vanilla wafers
cherry pie filling

Place a vanilla wafer in each muffin liner. Soften cream cheese and mix with mixer with next 4 ingredients. Fill cups 2/3 full. Bake 15-20 minutes at 325 degrees. Cool and top with cherry pie filling.

Crescent Sweet Rolls

So simple yet soooo delicious!!!

2 packages crescent rolls
8 oz. cream cheese
1 cup sugar
1 stick real butter
cinnamon to sprinkle

Unroll one roll of crescent rolls into 9X13 pan. Melt cream cheese in microwave and add sugar. Stir until mixed well. Pour over rolls. Unroll second roll of crescents and place of cream cheese/sugar mixture. Melt butter. Pour butter over top. Sprinkle with cinnamon.  Bake according to label instructions.    Cool and then cut into squares.

FABULOUS!!

Chocolate Eclair Cake

1 box graham cracker crumbs
12 oz container Cool Whip
2 packages vanilla instant pudding
3 cups milk

Topping:
2 oz. unsweetened chocolate, melted
3 tsp vanilla
4 T. milk
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Mix pudding and milk with mixer. Blend in Cool Whip. Layer graham crackers in 13X9 pan. Spread 1/2 mixture over crackers. Spread another layer of cracker crumbs. Spread remaining mixture and end with another layer of cracker crumbs. Frost with topping. Refrigerate overnight.

Cherry Yum Yum

1 1/2 c. sugar, divided
1 1/2 sticks margarine
2 1/2 c. crushed graham crackers crumbs
8 oz. cream cheese
2 packages Dream Whip
2 cans Cherry pie filling

Combine 1/2 c. sugar and crumbs. Mix well. Beat cream cheese with 1 cup sugar; add milk and dry dream whip powder. Mix well.  Line bottom of 12X8 dish with half of crumbs. Spread 1/2 cream mixture. Spoon 1 can cherries over cream mixture. Top with remaining crumbs, cream mix, and end with cherries. Refrigerate.

Welcome Home Bars

1/2 c. butter
1 1/2 c. graham cracker crumbs
14 oz sweetened condensed milk
1 c. chocolate chips
1 c. butterscotch chips

Preheat oven to 350. Melt butter in 13X9 pan. Sprinkle crumbs evenly over butter. Pour condensed milk evenly over crumbs and then add chips. Bake 25-30 minutes. Cool, cut into bars.

Oatmeal Fudge

 Similar to no-bake cookies but in bar form...

2 c. sugar
3 T. cocoa
1/2 c. milk
1/4 c. butter or margarine
1/2 c. peanut butter
3 c. quick cook oats
1 t. vanilla

Combine sugar, cocoa, milk and butter. Heat in saucepan until in a full boil.  Remove from burner and add peanut butter, oats, and vanilla. Pour into greased pan. Let cool and cut into squares. 

Lemon Chess Bars

1 box lemon cake mix
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1 stick margarine
8 oz cream cheese
1 box 10X powdered sugar

Grease 9X13 pan. Mix cake mix, 1 egg, vanilla, melted margarine and nuts. Spread into pan. Mix 3 eggs, powdered sugar, and softened cream cheese. Spread mix and bake at 350 for 50-60 mins.  Cool and cut into squares.

Punch Bowl Cake

1 box yellow cake mix
large can cherry or strawberry pie filling
large crushed pineapple
large can mandarin oranges
large box instant vanilla pudding
large Cool Whip (possibly a small one too)
small package pecan chips

Bake cake in two round cake pans per label instructions. Make pudding and allow to set while cake is cooking. Drain pineapple and oranges. Place thin layer of cool whip in bottom of punch bowl or trifle dish. Top with one layer of cake pieces. Spread 1/2 of pudding on cake. Add half of fruits and then layer cool whip on top Add second cake layer and repeat steps.  Sprinkle pecan chips on top. Refrigerate several hours or overnight.

Kimba's French Toast

I found this recipe today while blogging around at www.asoftplace.net and I think it looks fabulous. 



4 eggs
2/3 cup milk
1/3 cup flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
12 slices of bread
Butter 
Syrup

• Mix together dry ingredients in a medium-sized bowl
• Beat together eggs, milk and vanilla then add to dry ingredients and combine
• Heat a large skillet or griddle
• Add butter to skillet
• Dip each slice of bread in egg mixture and flip once
• Cook each slice for about 1 minute per side or until golden brown

Cleaning...

I learned something about myself today.  I could not get in the "cleaning mood" as I like to call it because I really like a nice spring day full of sunshine and these chilly temps just were not cutting it.  I learned that even though I have spent the last couple of years making sure I have cleaning supplies in all my bathrooms and kitchen for convenience; I really prefer to just tote my little cleaning caddy from room to room.  This makes it feel official that I am on a mission to tackle all the messes.  I also learned that when I am fully dressed in "going out" clothes after taking the kitty to the vet I cannot get  in the mood.  I changed into a long sleeved t-shirt, sweat pants and tennis shoes and armed with my caddy I am now finally making much needed progress on my mission.  I did not realize until today that my process controls so much of my productivity.  Just thought I would share!

Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole - Meredith's favorite

2 packages frozen chopped broccoli, thawed
1 small jar cheese whiz
1 stick melted margarine
1/2 c. onion
3/4 c. chopped celery (optional)
1 cup minute rice
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 soup can water

Melt margarine and add onion and celery if used and saute until onions are clear.  Add to remaining ingredients and place in baking dish and bake at 350 for 45-60 minutes.

All Season Bread

3 c. flour
2 t. soda
1 t. baking powder
1 1/2 t. cinnamon
3 eggs
2 c. sugar
3/4 c. oil
2 t. vanilla
8 oz crushed pineapple
Add 2 cups seasonal fruit (blueberries, strawberries,etc.)

Combine flour, soda, salt, baking powder, cinnamon and set aside. Beat eggs lightly in large mixing bowl and add sugar, vanilla, oil, and beat until creamy. Drain pineapple, reserving juice and stir in pineapple and fruit. Add dry ingredients. Spoon batter into 2 well greased and floured 9X5 pans. Bake 350 for 1 hr. Cool 10 minutes.

Turkey Roll Ups

12 flour tortillas
8 oz. cream cheese
1 head lettuce
6 oz. package deli sliced turkey
2 c. shredded carrots
2 c. minced tomato

Spread cheese on tortilla and top with lettuce leaves. Arrange turkey in even layers and then sprinkle with carrots and tomatoes. Roll. Cut on diagonal for sandwich option.

Spinach Roll Ups

10 tortillas
2 packages chopped, drained, thawed frozen spinach
1 package ranch dressing mix
1 cup mayo
1 cup sour cream
1/2 c. bacon bits
3 T. chopped onion

Mix and spread on tortillas. Slice into 1 inch sections no more than  3 hours before serving.

Scot's Favorite Sausage Balls

1 lb Neese sausage
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/2 c. Pepperidge Farm Herb Stuffing
1/2 t. sage

Sauce:
1/4 c. ketchup
1/2 c. chili sauce (near ketchup in store)
1 T. soy sauce
2 T. brown sugar
1 T. vinegar
1/2 c. water

Make meatballs and bake at 450 for 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and then place in crock pot with sauce mixture and heat through until ready to serve.  I usually double this recipe because they are so popular.

Salsa Roll Ups

8 oz. cream cheese
1 jar salsa
10 tortillas

Mix salsa and softened cream cheese. Spread on tortillas and slice into 1 inch section when ready to serve.

Roasted Nuts - Yummy at Christmas

1 pound pecan or walnut halves
1 egg white
1 t. cold water

1/2 c. sugar
1/4 t. salt
1/4 t. cumin
zest of 2 limes or lemons (I use limes)

Beat egg white and water until frothy and not in stiff peaks. Mix separately sugar, salt, cumin, and then add to egg white mixture.  Stir in nuts. Add in zest and mix to evenly coat.  Pour onto a butter jellyroll pan. Bake at 225 for 1 hour turning every 15 minutes.  They are much more delicious than they sound!

Crab Melts

2 cans drained crab meat
1/2 back shredded colby-jack cheese
1/4 c. mayo
1 T. dill weed
1 loaf cocktail bread (rye or pumpernickel)

Mix all ingredients and spread 1/2 T or so onto each slice of bread.  Make sure mixture is moistened like a tuna salad. Broil until bubbly. Can slice diagonally and serve.

Cheese Straws

8 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 sticks margarine, softened
1/2. t. salt
1/4- 1/2 t. cayenne pepper
2 cups plain flour

Mix and roll into 1 inch balls and flatten with fork. Bake 350 15-30 minutes.

Appetizer Time - Chocolate Chip Cheese ball, BLT dip

These are recipes from Kelly's Korner Blog...they look yummy

CHOCOLATE CHIP CHEESE BALL
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. butter, softened
3/4 c. confectioners' sugar
2 T. brown sugar
1/4 t. vanilla
3/4 c. miniature semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 c. finely chopped pecans

DIRECTIONS

1. In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Mix in confectioners' sugar, brown sugar and vanilla. Stir in chocolate chips. Cover, and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
2. Shape chilled cream cheese mixture into a ball. Wrap with plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
3. Roll the cheese ball in finely chopped pecans before serving. But it can be hard to form a ball so  skip the nuts and just put the mixture in a bowl for a pretty presentation.

B.L.T. Dip

1/2 Jar Mayonnaise
16 oz sour cream
12 bacon strips cooked and crumbled
2 small tomatoes - diced
2 Teaspoons Garlic Salt

Mix ingredients together and serve with crackers.

Appetizer Time - Shrimp Dip

I have not made this yet, but my friend has let me try it and it was wonderful.  I cannot wait to make it.  This photo is the closest I could find to what is will look like, but it tastes much better than this photo depicts.

2 8oz cream cheese, softened
Mix cream cheese with:
1 t. Worcestershire sauce
1 t. Old Bay seasoning
1 t. garlic powder
Spread this mixture in the bottom of serving dish.
Cover with 1 bottle Cocktail sauce
chopped onion
1 lb precooked shrimp (with tails removed and cut in half)
Sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning and the juice of one lime and one lemon


Serve with crackers.

Peanut Butter Pie

 I found this recipe at Meadowbrook Farm's blog and I plan to make it in the future.


Peanut Butter Pie

1-1/4 cup chocolate cookie crumbs (Nabisco Famous Chocolate Wafer cookies)
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup melted butter
Mix and press into a 9 inch pie plate. Bake at 375* for ten minutes. Cool completely.


1 - 8oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon softened butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup heavy cream, whipped
Beat first five ingredients and then fold in the whipped cream. Spread over cookie crust and chill till firm.

Great Gift Ideas Under $20

1. Amaryllis - If you have never done this you must go straight to Walmart or Target and get one.  Kids and adults love them.  You start with just a bulb, pot, and dirt which is all provided for $4-7 and you can see it grow DAILY.  They make great gifts because they are beautiful and fun.

2.  Scarves- These are the new sweater.  You can use them in place of jewelry and you can dress a simple outfit up in a flash.  The extra warm across your shoulders now also provides an instant layer of warmth. $4 and up.

3. Williams Sonoma Mulling spices - This scent is wonderful for just making the house smell yummy or you can make the cider for a cozy drink.  I am going out to get some for myself today!  under $10

4. Tervis Tumbler- If you can't find these at you local gift shop or Bed Bath and Beyond you can go to their website.  They are basically a plastic cup that keeps your beverage HOT or COLD and they have a lifetime guarantee and you can buy lids for them and a logo to fit the person.  $11.50

5. Mrs. Hanes moravian sugar cookies.  This is a local company that still makes their cookies by hand and they are wafer thin packed with delicious goodness. They also made Oprah's favorite things list this year.  $19.50 for a pound on their website. Of course if you are lucky like me you can go to the store and get them for a little less.

Prayers Needed

I use this blog for my simple enjoyment and I love posting and following other bloggers.  I am writing today to ask for prayer.  I am blessed in so many ways, but I am on day 15 of being sick. I have to work 3 twelve hour days starting tomorrow and I just have no energy and I am still coughing my head off yet I have to go and take care of others and try not to let them know how miserable I am.  I have mile high pile of laundry, my decorations are not up and no shopping has been done.  I want to enjoy this season and time with my family, but instead I am still sick and I am just tired and irritated that I am not better.  If you stumble upon my blog please don't think I am selfish for asking because I know there are many other greater needs, but I ask if you have time to please pray for me and my family so I can get back on my feet.  We all know when Mom is sick things just don't flow.

Blessings,
Anita