Dec 31, 2010

Reese's Peanut Butter Bars (no bake)


I found this recipe on Our Best Bites. It is quite amazing and always requested when we are looking for dessert ideas.

Reese's Peanut Butter Bars (No Bake)
 (adapted from Our Best Bites)

1 1/2 C graham cracker crumbs
1 lb (3 1/2 C) powdered sugar
1 1/2 C creamy peanut butter
1 C (2 sticks) real butter, melted
1 12oz bag chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark, you pick!)
2 tsp peanut butter

In a large mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar and peanut butter and butter and beat until combined. Press into a parchment (or waxed paper or foil) lined 9 x 9 square pan. If you want them thinner, use a 9 x 13 pan.

Place chocolate chips and 2 tsp peanut butter in a microwave safe bowl and heat in 30 second intervals, stirring after each one, until melted and smooth. Pour chocolate over peanut butter mixture and spread out evenly. Place pan in the fridge just until chocolate is set and then cut into bars.

Tip:  If the bars chill until the chocolate is too hard to easily cut, use a hot sharp knife and score the cuts first, then gently cut through.  Can be stored in the fridge or at room temp.  They will stay firmer if stored in the fridge.

Dec 30, 2010

Toasted Raviolis










Toasted Ravioli
Ingredients:
1/2 package meat or cheese ravioli (thawed)
1 beaten egg
2 TBSP milk
3/4 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese + more for garnish (optional)
3 cups vegetable oil for frying
1 jar marinara sauce for dipping

Directions:
1.  Combine milk and egg in a small dipping bowl. In a separate bowl combine bread crumbs and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional).


2.  Dip thawed ravioli in egg mixture then in breadcrumbs.


3.  In a large heavy pan, pour oil to depth of 2 inches. Heat over medium heat until a small amount of breading sizzles and turns brown. Fry breaded ravioli in oil, a few at a time, for 1 minute on each side or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with extra parmesan cheese (optional).


4.  Serve immediately with heated marinara sauce.


Tip: If you want to make a few packages at a time they freeze very well. Store in a freezer bag until ready to use. To warm: heat on cookie sheet in a 450 degree oven for 5-10 minutes on each side. They will taste freshly made and wonderful!

Nov 1, 2010

Tomato Cream Pasta with Spinich


 One of my favorite meals is pasta. I love all types of sauces and noodle varieties. This is very easy to make and it has a nice deep flavor. A co-worker from last year gave me the recipe. She said they liked to have a "meat-less" meal every week to save a little money. This pasta sauce is meant to be meat free but I have added some shredded chicken and it tastes just as good.


Start by cooking some minced garlic and onion in olive oil. I used1 small onion and 2 cloves of garlic. If you like more or less feel free to change the amounts. Add 1-2 cans of diced tomatoes. I use the tomatoes flavored with garlic or the "fire roasted" tomatoes. Plain work great as well.


 Once the tomatoes have been cooked and simmered 5-10 minutes, add in spinach. I use half a bunch from the grocery store. Let that simmer until the spinach is cooked down.


Add in some heavy whipping cream. I use about 1/2 a pint. If you are cooking for a lot of people put in more. If your tomatoes were flavored you may want to add in some Italian spices. The onion and the garlic should have flavored it enough but try it to see if you like more flavor.


Serve over noodles (I had a very great assortment of different types of noodles so I used those). Serve with garlic bread and a salad. Enjoy!


Oct 27, 2010

Rosemary Fries



I love fries but sometimes they are just too plain. My friend, Haley, made these amazing waffle fries for me. You can use any frozen french fry you want, but the waffle shape held the spices better I think...


 Mince some rosemary and garlic.


Sprinkle olive oil, rosemary, garlic and salt over frozen fries.


Cook according to fry directions. I flipped mine over half way through the cooking time.


Cook until golden brown and crispy. Serve with a yummy sandwich or burger.

Enjoy!



Oct 25, 2010

Chicken Rolls


Sorry there has been a lack of posting lately. With Chels having a baby and I don't have internet except at school it has been difficult to bring you our tried and true recipes.

This recipe is one of my all time favorites! It is a have once a week kind of recipe to me. Start with 2 large or 3 small chicken breasts cooked and cubed (or shredded). Add to this 4 T butter and 4 oz cream cheese. Using a hand mixer, mix until the butter and cream cheese are well blended in. It is ok if there is still cubes of chicken involved (in fact - that is better).


Roll out some croissant rolls (we buy store bought in those cans that pop). Distribute the chicken mixture on the large end of the triangle so each has about the same amount. If you used more chicken you may have a little left over.


You are going to roll them up and dip them... YUM


Roll up tight so the filling doesn't fall out. Push any escaping chicken mixture back inside and fold over the ends.


In separate bowls or pie tins melt butter (4 T) in one and in the other put crushed croutons. I was in a pinch and didn't have any so I used crushed Corn Flakes. You may also use bread crumbs but I've never tried that.


Dip the chicken rolls in the melted butter then cover with the crushed croutons.


Place on cookie sheet and bake according to croissant roll directions. Usually 350 for 13-15 minutes.


Serve with cooked egg noodles and cream of mushroom sauce.

Cream of mushroom sauce for chicken rolls:

Mix together 1 can cream of mushroom soup and about 1 cup milk (i just fill the used can with milk instead of getting another dish dirty).
Cream of chicken soup may be substituted. 

Enjoy!

Oct 4, 2010

Chicken Rice and Broccoli Cassarole


 This is a very easy casserole to make for a quick dinner. 

Bottom Layer:  Cook 1 c rice, 2 c water on stove top until rice is done. Spread on the bottom of a greased 9x13 pan. 

Middle Layer: Spread 1 lb frozen broccoli on the top of the rice. It can be frozen or thawed.

Top Layer: Mix together 
2 chicken breasts (cubed or shredded)
1 and 1/2 c cheddar cheese grated
1 c milk
1/2 tsp lemon juice
2 cans cream of chicken


Sprinkle 1/2 cup cheddar cheese on top and cook with foil for 20-25 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Take off foil and cook another 10 minutes until cheese is melted.


Enjoy!



Sep 30, 2010

Taco Soup


This is a great soup for any time of year. It is perfect to dip chips into, or to crumble chips on top, or to just eat with out the chips!

You will need the following along with 1 lb ground beef and any toppings you may like:
-sour cream
-cheese
-chips (tortilla or fritos)
-peppers
-hot sauce
-etc


Brown the hamburger and drain off the grease. Add in 3 cans of tomatoes (I used Hunts Fire roasted), two cans of beans (I used one each of pinto and black),  one packet of taco seasoning and a can of corn drained. Cook until the mixture is hot.


Serve with chips, cheese and any other topping you may have in your fridge or cupboards!


Enjoy,



Sep 23, 2010

Homemade Croutons


Homemade croutons are amazing. They can be as crunchy or as soft as you like, as seasoned as you like, as big or small as you like, and you can use any type of bread you like.

Cut any type of bread (I recommend sourdough or french bread) into little cubes. Toss with olive oil, seasonings, salt and pepper. I used Italian seasonings.

 

Cook the croutons on 300 degrees for up to an hour. I flipped them over every 15 minutes and did a little taste test to see if they are crunchy enough.



Serve on a salad or just eat straight out of the oven. (I prefer the latter) 

ENJOY!

 

 

Sep 15, 2010

Bruschetta


Bruschetta is a Italian appetizer made up of small circles of toasted bread, tomatoes, basil, garlic and olive oil.
First take a loaf of bread (a thin baguette French bread or similar Italian bread) and cut into ovals.
Place on a cookie sheet or and drizzle with a little olive oil. Bake at 300 for about 5-10 minutes depending on how crispy you like your bread.


 Cut up 2 medium sized tomatoes, a small handful of basil and 1-2 cloves of garlic. Drizzle with a little olive oil. If you put too much olive oil you will have very soggy bread. I added a bit of salt and pepper and mixed it all up.

  

Rub the cooked bread with a pealed clove of garlic to give it a little flavor. This step is optional - if you don't like garlic then you may skip it. We forgot this step and it was still very good! You may also add in some mozzarella cheese, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top, spicy red peppers, etc to spice it up a bit.

Serve right away or the bread will get soggy and fall apart. 
 Enjoy as an appetizer, a side dish, or just an afternoon snack, with some pasta, with some chicken, or with anything that would go good with bread and tomatoes.

Sep 13, 2010

Steak Fajitas


Fajitas are very easy to make and are great any time of year.


Saute together in olive oil:
1 green bell pepper
1 red pepper
1 medium onion

Remove from heat and set aside to rest.


In same pan brown together a steak or two cut into strips. I just bought one from the grocery store with no bones and it was perfect. I also added in some cilantro and garlic while it cooked for additional flavor.


Warm up small tortillas. You do not want to skip this step because if the tortillas are cold they will crack when you try to eat them.


Once the beef is done add back in the peppers for a few minutes to let the flavors combine. Serve with some lime wedges, sour cream, guacamole, etc.







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