Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Stir-Fry

Sauce
1/4 c. Italian dressing
1 tbls soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced

Meat
1 lb boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
OR 1 lb boneless beef sirloin steak, cut into strips
OR 1 lb boneless pork chops, cut into strips

Vegetables
1 each: red, green, and yellow pepper, chopped
2 green onions, sliced

Mix sauce ingredients. Add 1 tbls of the sauce mixture to meat; toss to coat. Let stand 5 min.
Heat oil in large nonstick wok or skillet on medium-high heat. Add meat mixture and vegetables; stir-fry 4 min or until meat is cooked through.
Add remaining sauce mixture; simmer 2 min. Serve over the rice.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Mallow Bars

From Kraft Foods

1 pkg (2 layer size) devil's good cake mix
1/2 c (1 stick) butter, melted
2/3 c cold milk, divided
3/4 c creamy peanut butter
1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow creme
1.2 c. salted peanuts
6 squares semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

Heat over to 350. Mix dry cake mix, butter, and 1.3 c milk until blended; press two-thirds onto bottom of 13x9-inch pan. Bake 12 to 14 min or until center is almost set; cool 3 min.
Mix peanut butter and remaining milk; spread onto crust. Top with spoonfuls of marshmallow creme and remaining cake mixture. Sprinkle with nuts and chocolate; press gently into cake mixture.
Bake 18 mins or just until center is set. Cool before cutting into bars.

Buckeye Bars

1/2 c (1 stick) butter, softened
3/4 c crunchy peanut butter
22 nilla wafers, crushed (3/4 c)
2 c powered sugar
1/2 of 8 oz tub cool whip (Do not thaw)
3 squares semi-sweet chocolate

Line 8-inch square pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides. Beat butter and peanut butter with mixer until blended. Add wafer crumbs; mix well. Gradually add sugar, mixing well after each addition. Press onto bottom of prepared pan.
Microwave frozen cool whip and chocolate in microwaveable bowl on high 1 min; stir. Microwave 15-30 sec more or until chocolate is melted; stir until blended. Pour over peanut butter layer; spread to cover peanut butter layer.
Refrigerate 2 hours. Use foil handles to lift dessert from pan before cutting.

White Chocolate-Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

From Kraft Foods

12 oreo cookies, finely crushed
2 tbls butter, melted
3 squares white chocolate, divided
2 pkg, (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1/2 c sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1/4 c red raspberry preserves

Heat oven to 350. Mix cookie crumbs and butter; press onto bottom of 8-inch square pan. Melt 2 chocolate squares as directed on package.
Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla with mixer until blended. Add melted chocolate; mix well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until blended. Pour over crust.
Bake 25-28 min or until center is almost set. Cool 5 min; spread with preserves. Melt remaining chocolate square; drizzle over cheesecake. Cool cheesecake. Refrigerate 4 hours. Cut into 18 bars.

Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake

This recipe comes from Kraft foods

1 1/2 c. multigrain penne pasta, uncooked
1 pkg. (9 oz) fresh spinach leaves
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1 tsp dried basil leaves
1 jar (14.5 oz) spaghetti sauce
1 can (14.5 oz. diced tomatoes, drained)
2 oz (1/4 of 8 oz pkg) cream cheese, cubed
1 c. shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
2 tbls grated Parmesan cheese

Heat oven to 375. Cook pasta, adding spinach to boiling water for last 1 min.
Cook and stir chicken and basil in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat 3 min. Add sauce and tomatoes; bring to boil. Simmer 3 min. or until chicken is done. Stir in cream cheese.
Drain pasta mixture; return to pan. Stir in chicken mixture and 1/2 c. mozzarella. Spoon into 2-qt. baking dish.
Bake 20 min. Sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Bake 3 min.

Taco Soup

Another recipe for taco soup. This one is from Kraft and is different from the other one I posted. To me this one sounds better so next time I make Taco Soup I will try this recipe

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
3 cans (15.5 oz each) mild chili beans, undrained
1 can (14.5 oz) whole tomatoes, undrained
1 can (14.25 oz) corn, undrained
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 pkg. (1.25 oz) taco seasoning mix
1 1/2 c. water
1 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Brown beef with onions in large saucepan; drain.
Add all remaining ingredients except cheese; stir, breaking up tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Simmer on medium-low heat 5 min., stirring occasionally.
Serve topped with cheese.

Peanut Butter Snack Mix

This one caught my attention. I'm always looking for snacky foods and this one sounded good,

3 tbls honey
2 tbls butter
3 tbls peanut butter
4 c. Chex cereal (assorted wheat and corn)
2 c. mini pretzels
1/3 c. dry roasted peanuts

Preheat oven to 175.
Combine honey, butter, and peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat until smooth. Combine cereal, pretzels, and peanuts in a large bowl. Pour peanut butter mixture over cereal mixture and toss to coat. Spread on baking sheet and bake 1 1/2 hours. Makes 6 cups.

Pork Tenderloins with Asian Peanut Sauce

This recipe I found today and it sounded good.

3 tbls vegetable oil
salt and pepper
2 boneless pork tenderloins
1/2 c. chicken broth
1/2 c. creamy peanut butter
1/2 c. hoisin sauce
2 tbls minced fresh ginger
2 tbls minced garlic
chives or green onion tops, sliced, for garnish

Heat oven to 375. Spray a shallow roasting pan with no-stick cooking spray
Heat oil in large skillet over medium high heat. Season tenderloins liberally with salt and pepper. Brown each tenderloin on all sides in skillet. Transfer meat to prepared roasting pan. Roast 15 mins or until instant-read thermometer reaches 160.
Whisk chicken broth, peanut butter, and hoisin sauce together in a small saucepan, over medium heat, until smooth. Stir in ginger and garlic. Remove from heat.
Transfer roasted meat from oven to cutting board. Tent with foil. Allow meat to rest 10 mins. Slice into medallions and serve drizzled with warm Asian Peanut Sauce; garnish with chives.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Whole Wheat Applesauce Muffins

I tried the muffins last week and they were so good! I really can't think of any changes that might need to be made. I didn't use all of the brown sugar mix so you don't need to mix up as much (unless you like ALOT of brown sugar on top). Other than that - just enjoy!

Artichoke Chicken Salad

This comes from my friend Erin and is really good.

1 package chicken flavored Rice a Roni (prepared)
2 jars marinated artichoke hearts (rinsed good and drained) 14.75 oz total
4 green onions chopped
1/2 c. chopped green pepper
1 c. chopped ripe olives
6 chicken breasts (cooked, boned, and diced)
1-2 c. real mayonnaise (add to taste)

Prepare rice and add everything except mayo. Then add mayo to taste.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Taco Beef Soup

Earlier this week I made the soup and it was really good. It tasted alot like chili which I figured it would. Little Eric wasn't a big fan of it but that is no surprise. The only thing I would change about it is use diced tomatoes instead of stewed tomatoes. I say that because I'm not a fan of tomatoes (although I LOVE spaghetti sauce and ketchup) and I didn't know that stewed tomatoes were big chunks - I can handle diced tomatoes. All in all it was a good and VERY easy soup to make on a cold day.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Taco Beef Soup

Another recipe from "The Essential Mormon Cookbook". I have had a taco soup that my mother-in-law made and it was really good. I can't remember if this has the same stuff but it sounded pretty good.

1 lb ground beef
1/2 c. chopped onion
3 c. water
1 (26 oz) can stewed tomatoes, undrained
2 (16 oz each) cans kidney beans, undrained
1 (16 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (1.5 oz) envelope taco seasoning mix
cheddar cheese, grated
tomatoes, chopped
green onions, chopped
corn chips
sour cream
avocado, chopped

In a large saucepan cook ground beef and onion until meat is browned; drain off excess fat. Add the water, stewed tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato sauce, and taco seasoning. Simmer, covered, for at least 15 minutes. Pass cheese, tomatoes, green onions, corn chips, sour cream, and avocado for each person to top their individual serving. Makes 6 servings.

Whole Wheat Applesauce Muffins

This also comes from "The Essential Mormon Cookbook". I have never tried it but they sound yummy so i could be trying them in the near future. I'll let you know how they turn out

1 c. whole wheat flour
1 c. white flour
1 tbls. baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. shortening
2 eggs, beaten
1 c. applesauce
1 c. chopped nuts (optional)
1/4 c. chopped pecans or walnuts
1/2 c. packed brown sugar

Sift flours, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl. Set aside. Cream sugar and shortening. Stir in beated eggs and applesauce. Blend in sifted ingredients. Fold in chopped nuts if desired. Spoon into greased muffin tins or muffin cups. Mix pecans and brown sugar together and sprinkle over batter. Bake at 375 for about 20 minutes. Makes 18 muffins.

Apple Crisp

This recipe comes from "The Essential Mormon Cookbook". Eric loves this and we have had many missionaries fall in love with it and asked me to make it every time they came over for dinner. I haven't made it in a while....anyone want to come over so I can make it for you?

3 large apples (they suggest Golden Delicious or Rome Beauty but I prefer Granny Smith apples)
3/4 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. butter or margarine
3/4 c. rolled oats
ice cream or whipped cream, if desired

Peel, core, and thinly slice apples. Arrange in buttered 9-inch baking dish. Combine brown sugar and flour. Cut butter into mixture as for pastry. Stir in rolled oats. Spoon topping over apples, pressing down lightly. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Tortellini Soup

This is a recipe that I got from my husbands family. It is so easy and so good!

All you need are these noodle mixes (any flavor)
and any variety of tortellini. (now my in-laws swear by a certain brand of tortellinis that you can only get up in Massachusetts but these or any brand or flavor will have to work)

Follow the instructions on the box of soup and add the tortellinis when you add the soup mix. I might suggest putting alittle more water then what is called for. When I made this last night the water started to boil out (or maybe I put too many tortellinis in) so there wasn't as much broth as I would have liked. My in-laws also add cut up carrots which is really good.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

It was yummy!

The pizza burgers that me and Erin made (well she made - I just watched) were SO good and very easy. You could even add mushrooms and anything else you like on a burger or pizza. This is a recipe that I know I will be making alot in the future. Little Eric even loved it so that is a plus!!

Pizza Burgers

This comes from my friend Erin so I haven't tasted it but we are cooking as we speak. I'll let you know.

1 1/2 lb ground beef
1 lb sausage
1 egg
1/4 c. cracker crumbs
1/2 tsp. crushed oregano
1/4 tsp. garlic salt
1/4 tsp. onion salt

Mix all together and make 16 thin patties. Set aside

In small bowl mix together
1 c. mozzarella cheese (4 oz)
1/2 c. chopped tomato
1/4 c. chopped onion

Spoon cheese mixture over half of the patties. Put the remaining patties on top and seal well (cheese will melt out if not sealed properly)

Cook for about 10 minutes on each side. Eat on hamburger bun with condiments of your choice and enjoy!

I'll let you know how they are later.

Monday, September 22, 2008

I Tried It

Okay so I tried the Apple Stuffed Pork Tenderloin and I have to say it was really good. I did have a few problems but I overcame them. I couldn't find the kitchen string but I figured I would figure something out with that. My friend thought of using dental floss and I guess you could - I would just be afraid that the wax off of it would melt. I also thought of using twine (which I think is pretty much the same thing as kitchen string) but I couldn't think of where in Walmart I might find it and I had to use the bathroom so bad I couldn't think straight. Anyways - if anybody knows of where you could buy it let me know.
Back to the recipe - if you can't find kitchen string or twine toothpicks worked for me. The other problem I had was when I opened up my pork tenderloin it was actually 2 different pieces. but I made it work. I put one piece down, put the stuffing on top of that and then put the other piece of pork down - like a sandwich. It worked fine; just wish it was 1 piece. It wouldn't have caused me stress (I was having friends come over to try it).
I would suggest not chopping up the apple into really small pieces (which I did with my food chopper). I would have liked to have more of the apple taste. And next time I will add more apples than what it calls for.
Overall it was REALLY good (and easy) and it is something that I will be making for many more dinners!

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Okay - it's right

I heard back from my aunt and she looked over the recipe of the Spicy Oat Pancakes and she said that it was correct. So happy cooking! They are delicious!!

Might have messed up

My sister brought to my attention that I might have left some stuff off the spicy oat pancakes so you might not want to try them until I can double check with my aunt. I'll let you know when I have it right. Sorry!

Friday, September 12, 2008

Simple Italian Grilled Chicken

This is a fast easy way to do chicken and it is really good. I used my George Forman grill to cook it; but you could probably cook it any way you want.

3 tbls olive oil
1 tbls lemon juice
1 tbls italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Heat pan over medium heat
Combine olive oil, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, garlic salt, and pepper in medium microwavable bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir.
Dip chick in olive oil mixture to coat evenly. Place on hot grill pan. Cook 6 to 8 minutes per side until juices run clear and thermometer reads 165F. Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.

Sweet-N-Tangy Pork Chops

1/4 c. chicken broth
2 Tbls brown sugar
2 Tbls soy sauce
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
4 boneless pork loin chops
1 tsp olive or canola oil
2 tsp cornstarch
2 Tbls water
1/4 c. diced green pepper
1/4 c. diced sweet red pepper

In a bowl, combine the chicken broth, brown sugar, soy sauce and red pepper flakes; set aside. In a large nonstick skillet, brown the pork chops in oil. Pour sauce over pork chops. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-12 mins or until meat juices run clear. Combine the corn starch and water until smooth; add to the skillet. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 mins or until thickened. Garnish with peppers.
Yield: 4 servings

This comes from my mother-in-law and sounds way yummy. I'll let you know how they turn out.

Dinnertime Quesadillas


2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1/2 cup drained canned whole kernel corn
1/2 cup sliced green onions (scallions)
1/2 cup drained canned black beans, rinsed
1 cup Thick 'n Chunky salsa (we used regular so it was runny)
1 cup Mexican Style Shredded Four Cheese
8 Flour Tortillas
LAYER: Chicken, corn, onions, beans, salsa and cheese evenly over one half of each tortilla.
FOLD: tortillas in half to enclose filling.
COOK: one or two quesadillas at a time in a large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat 3 min on each side or until quesadillas are lightly browned on both sides and cheese is melted.
Makes 4 servings, two quesadillas each
This comes from kraftfoods.com

Apple Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

6 Tbs chicken broth
2 Tbs raisins
1/2 C chopped apple
1 celery rib, chopped
2 Tbs chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 C Caesar croutons
2 Tbs sliced almonds, toasted
1/8 tsp pepper
1 lb pork tenderloin

In a small saucepan; bring 4 Tbs broth to a boil. Remove from the heat; add raisins. Let stand for 5 mins. In a nonstick skillet coated with nonstick cooking spray, saute the apple, celery, onion and garlic for 3-4 mins or until tender. Remove from the heat; stir in the raisins with broth, croutons, nuts, pepper and the remaining broth.
Make a lengthwise slit down the center of the roast to within 1/2 in. of bottom. Open roast so it lies flat; cover with plastic wrap. Flatten to 1/2 in. thickness. Remove the plastic wrap; fill with stuffing mixture. Close roast; tie at 2-in. intervals with kitchen string and secure ends with toothpicks.
Place on a rack in a shallow baking pan coated with nonstick cooking spray. Bake at 425 for 25-30 mins or until a meat thermometer reads 160. Let stand for 5 mins. before slicing. Yields 3 servings.

I got this recipe from my mother-in-law and have never tried it but it sounds delicious so I think when I go grocery shopping I'm going to get all the ingredients for it.
Cathy - have you tired it? How does it taste?

Foil-Pack Taco Chicken

This takes me back to my Girls Camp days doing foil dinners. I have made this and it is really good. I didn't put enough taco seasoning on the chicken so it was alittle bland. Just make sure you put on alot.

4 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves
4 tsp taco seasoning mix
1/2 lb. red potatoes, peeled, thinly sliced (about 2 cups) I used regular potatoes and it tasted fine
1/2 c. salsa
3/4 c. shredded cheese (it calls for mexican style)
1/4 c. sour cream

Preheat oven to 400. Place 1/2 c. of the potatoes on center of each of 4 large sheets of heavy duty foil (spray foil with cooking spray to prevent potatoes from sticking); top evenly with chicken, salsa, and cheese.
Bring up foil sides. Double fold top and both ends to seal each packet, leaving room for heat circulation inside. Place in 15x10x1-inch baking pan
Bake 30-35 min. or until chicken is cooked through. Remove packets from oven. Let stand 5 min. Cut slits in foil to release steam before opening. Serve with sour cream.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Spicy Oat Pancakes

From the kitchen of my Aunt Lynn

3/4 c regular oats, uncooked
3/4 c. whole wheat flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 c. milk
1 egg
2 tbls oil
1 tbls honey or molasses

In a bowl, combine first 6 ingredients. In another bowl, mix egg, milk, oil, and honey; mix until blended and smooth. Combine dry and liquid ingredients and stir just until blended. Coat hot griddle with cooking spray. Pour a scant 1/4 cup of batter onto griddle. Cook until bubbles start to burst on the first side; flip pancake and cook other side.
Yield 10 pancakes

Note: Lynn adds no ginger and less cinnamon and adds chopped nuts. The added nuts are so yummy!

Diane Bowen Chocolate Cake (also known as Texas Sheet Cake)

This cake is to die for! This also comes from my mom (as you will be able to tell I got alot of recipes from her. She is a GREAT cook!)

Heat together
1 stick butter
4 tbls cocoa
1/2 c. oil
1 c. water

Bring to a boil and pour over the following in a large bowl
1 tsp baking soda
2 c. flour
2 c. sugar

Add
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 c. buttermilk
2 eggs

Beat together well.
Bake at 350 for 20 minutes in a large greased cookie sheet.

Frosting
melt together
4 tbls. cocoa
1 stick butter
6 tbls milk

Remove from hear and beat in
about 4 1/2 c powered sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Pour over warm cake. Add nuts if desired.

Chicken Enchilades

This comes from the kitchen of my mom and is so yummy!

cooked chicken
flour tortillas
2 can of cream of chicken
1 can chopped green chilies
1 can of water
sour cream

Mix cream of chicken soup, chilies, water, and a couple spoonfuls of sour cream. Mix until smooth. Pour some sauce into bottom of pan.
Wrap chicken in tortillas, fold, and put in 9" x 13" pan.
Pour the rest of the sauce over the tortillas.
Spread grated cheese over top and cover with aluminum foil.
Bake in oven at 350 for about 45 mins or until you can hear it bubbling.
Enjoy!

Jeff's Peanut Butter Brownies

This one came from my mom who I think got it from my Grandma. I love it and my friend Denise has also fell in love with it.

2 sticks butter
2 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
2 c. flour
2 c. quick oatmeal

Mix all ingredients in the order given and then pat into a cookie sheet with sides. Bake for 22 minutes at 350.
Remove from oven, spread with peanut butter and top with chocolate icing. While still warm cut into squares and let cool.

I have found that this is easiest if you have a food processor to mix it up in. Add 1 ingredient at a time and then mix

White Chicken Chili

Thanks Elizabeth for this great recipe!

Spice Blend
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/8-1/4 tsp ground red pepper
1/2 tsp oregano leaves
1/2 tsp cilantro leaves
Chili
2 tbls olive oil
1 c. onions
3 garlic cloves
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp cumin seeds
6 c chiken broth
1 lb gound turkey sausage
3 c. cooked chicken
1 can (4 oz) green chilis undrained
2/3 c. barley (i suggest quick barley)
2 cans (16 oz. each) garbonzo beans
1 can (15 oz) navy beans, undrained
1/2 c. cheese
green onions
sour cream

1. Heat oil in pan and cook chicken.
2. Remove chicken. Add onion and garlic. Saute 5 minutes.
3. Add cumin, cumin seed and turkey sausage. Cook until sausage is browned.
4. Stir in chicken broth, chicken, green chilis, spice blend, barley, and beans. Bring to a boil. Thicken up with corn starch if desired. Simmer about 20 minutes or until barley is cooked.
5. If not eating it right away, put it in crock pot on warm until ready to eat.
6. Serve topped with cheese and sour cream.

This recipe makes alot so I always eat some that night and then freeze a couple containers. It's delicious!

Jambalaya

This is a favorite in our house! Thanks Susannah for giving us the recipe so long ago!


1 box spanish rice
2 c. water
1 c. onion
1 c. green pepper
2 cloves garlic
1 can diced tomatos
polska kielbasa/ham/chicken/shrimp
Brown rice with onion and garlic according to box. Add water, tomatoes with juice and seasoning packet. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer 10 minutes, then stir. Add meat and green peppers. Cover and cook 8-10 minutes.

In Need of Good Food

I have gotten to a point where cooking dinner is a big headache. I'm all out of ideas! I've been thinking for a while to start a blog to kind of use as a recipe swap. My friend Jessica started doing this and I thought it was a great idea (click here to go to her blog - she has some great recipes). Thanks Jessica - and sorry for copying you! If you have any recipes your want to share please email them to me at lostinthekitchen@gmail.com. Check back often to get if you ever feel lost in the kitchen and need some help!