A big thanks to Christy's Granny Jordan!!!

I found this great recipe over at Christy Jordan's Southern Plate. It's a classic recipe with a unique twist - an addition of ritz cracker crumbs and potato chips! We were in such hurry that we just served it cold! Wouldn't this be perfect by the pool!?!

Granny Jordan’s Chicken Casserole/Salad

1 cooked, cut up chicken

1/2 cup mayo
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 boiled eggs, cut up
3/4 cup celery, diced
onion, diced (I used half of an onion)
1/3 cup cracker crumbs (I omitted these)
Potato Chips
Ritz crackers
Lettuce

Mix chicken, mayo, soup, eggs, celery, onion, and cracker crumbs in a bowl. Spread into an 8×8 pan. Top with crushed potato chips. Bake at 350 for twenty minutes. Serve hot or cold. If cold, serve over bed of lettuce with Ritz crackers.

The Perfect Corn Salad

Here is another awesome recipe from our bunko friend Heather! She made this at our last bunko gathering with chicken breast and spinach salad and it was so superb that I told her she HAD to give me the recipe "or else!!". ;o) She gladly emailed it over to me and I had a terrific dinner with it and some grilled fish.
I know there are several kind of corn salad recipes out there, what's your favorite?

Heather's Corn Salad

• 2 cans corn, drained ** Heather had 3 cans of corn in her recipe but I thought 2 were fine!**
  

• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

• Fresh Pico de gallo, (as much as you like) I didn't have this on hand so I just chopped up some onion, tomato, garlic, 1 jalapeno, and cilantro.
• add more cilantro if you'd like...I'm not a very big cilantro fan so I didn't add a whole lot!
• Balsamic vinaigrette dressing (recipe below)...don't add too much!

Mix everything together and refrigerate overnight or at least a couple of hours.

Balsamic Vinaigrette

• 1/4 cup Balsamic vinaigrette
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup white cooking wine
• 2 Tbsp. sugar
• 1 Tbsp. Fresh rosemary
• 1 tsp. ground cumin

Mix together and pour over salad

Tara

Triple "S" Salad

My husband and I were joking about this post so I'm dedicating this to him! We just celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary this past weekend! Wow, it seems like it's been WAY longer than that! (Ha Ha Ha) But, it's been so worth it...3 children later and loving every minute of it!

As, I was posting this recipe my husband was peeking over my shoulder and helping me out on what to name it. We decided it's the Triple "S" salad! Steven's Strawberry & Spinach Salad!! He's absolutely in LOVE with it...almost as much as he loves me!!! I had made it for bunko a couple weeks ago and it was a big hit with the girls as well! I found it on All-recipes and tweaked it just a little to our liking. We also like to put some grilled chicken on top of it too, but believe me it's wonderful all by its little lonesome! Enjoy!!!

Steven's Strawberry & Spinach Salad

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon finely, chopped onion
  
• 10 ounces fresh spinach - rinsed, dried and torn into bite-size pieces
• 1 quart strawberries - cleaned, hulled and sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup feta cheese

Directions

1. In a blender, blend together the sugar, olive oil, vinegar, paprika, Worcestershire sauce and onion. After it's all blended, add the sesame seeds and poppy seeds. Cover, and chill for one hour.
2. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, walnuts, red onion, and feta. Pour dressing over salad, and toss. ENJOY!!

Tara

A Good summer salad...

I'm not really sure if we've posted this recipe before or not but this is one of my faves! We had it for dinner last night and I forgot to take a picture of it before I plunged into it. The longer it sits the better the flavors can soak in, but I do like the crunchiness of the noodles and they will get softer the longer it sits! ENJOY!

Broccoli Slaw

1 pkg Broccoli Slaw

2 pkg Ramen noodles, chicken flavor, crunched up with your hands

1 cup slivered almonds

1 cup sunflower kernels

3-4 chopped green onions

**Sauce**

½ cup sugar

½ cup white vinegar

1 cup vegetable oil (I use a little less, maybe like 3/4 of a cup)

2 tsp. sesame oil

2 pks seasoning from ramen noodles

Mix the first 5 ingredients into a bowl and set aside. In a separate bowl mix the 5 ingredients for the sauce. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. Pour the sauce on top of slaw mixture and mix well. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. ENJOY!!

I LOVE this stuff!!!

I mentioned earlier that my oldest son's favorite thing to get at the Japanese Hibachi restaurants is their onion soup. Well my absolute favorite is their salad dressing!!! I can't get enough of this stuff. We finally decided to make it at home!!! This is very easy to make and definitely worth it!!! Tara and Cindy, too bad we're not neighbors anymore - I need someone to share this with!!!

Ginger Salad Dressing

1/2 cup onion, we used green onion
1/2 cup peanut oil

1/3 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons fresh ginger
2 tablespoons celery
2 tablespoons ketchup
4 teaspoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1-2 garlic cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Mix on high speed for about 30 seconds or until all of the ginger is well-pureed. Keep in fridge until ready to eat. This really thickens up if it sits in the fridge overnight. This recipe makes about 1 3/4 cups.

Another Family Favorite...

Paula Deen's Georgia Cracker Salad

• 1 sleeve saltine crackers
• 1 large tomato, finely chopped
• 3 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 hard boiled egg, finely chopped

In a medium size bowl, crush the crackers, add all of the ingredients, mix well, and serve immediately. Prep time: 10 minutes Yield: 6 servings

* We usually have this with burgers in the summertime! Great poolside dish!!!
* You might add the mayo 1/2 cup at a time, to get just the right consistency. It can be a bit much - it depends on how rich you like your food!!!
* A little chopped celery might be nice added to this!

Broccoli Salad

This is another fave of ours from Mama Nise. She makes this all the time and even my 9 year old devours it!!! I wish I had a picture to post but I don't....so, trust me, it's delish!

5 cups Broccoli florets, cut into bite sizes
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup golden raisins, we use Craisins
1 cup low fat mayo
1/4 cup sugar
3 Tbsp vinegar

Put the first 3 ingredients into a bowl and set aside. In a separate bowl add the next three ingredients and whisk together until creamy. Pour the mayo mixture in with the broccoli mix and stir together. It's better if you can chill it for about 30 minutes but if not just dig in!

** I think Mama Nise adds pecans to her's too. But honestly I don't add anything but the broccoli and the mayo mix and it is still awesome!!
ENJOY!!

Dinner with the family...

We had my husband's brother, his wife, and their kids over for dinner last night. We all had a great time - nothing like good food and great company! :o) We've enjoyed this meal a few times this summer, so I figured I should just go ahead and post it. Please give them try and let us know how you like them! Happy eating...

Grilled Buttermilk Chicken

1 quart buttermilk

1/2 cup chopped shallots
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon pepper
6 chicken thighs (about 2 1/2 lb. total)
6 chicken drumsticks (about 1 3/4 lb. total)

In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, shallots, garlic, salt, sugar, cumin, and pepper. Rinse chicken thighs and drumsticks and pat dry. Trim off excess fat. Submerge chicken pieces in buttermilk brine. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours, or up to 1 day (see notes). Lift chicken from brine; discard brine. Wipe excess from chicken with paper towels. Lay chicken pieces on a barbecue grill over medium coals or medium heat on a gas grill (you can hold your hand at grill level only 4 to 5 seconds); close lid on gas grill. Cook, turning frequently, until browned on both sides and no longer pink at the bone (cut to test), 20 to 30 minutes. Serve hot or cold. Serves: 6

NOTES: Brine the chicken up to 1 day before grilling; grill up to 1 day before serving (chill airtight). Transport in brine when grilling on-site. Keep the meat well chilled in an ice chest until ready to serve or grill. *We used all drumsticks. **We also found that it's important to keep the skin on - you can always pull it off afterwards, if your chicken gets too dark.

Red Skinned Potato Salad

2 pounds clean, scrubbed new red potatoes
6 eggs
1 pound bacon
1 onion, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
2 cups mayonnaise
salt and pepper to taste

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain and set in the refrigerator to cool. Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil and immediately remove from heat. Cover and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, peel and chop. Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside. Chop the cooled potatoes, leaving skin on. Add to a large bowl, along with the eggs, bacon, onion and celery. Add mayonnaise, salt and pepper to taste. Chill for an hour before serving.
Serves: 12



We also had a pot of pinto beans with homemade salsa on top, my cheddar beer bread, and even some mac-n-cheese for the kids who didn't like potato salad.

Hot Fudge Ice Cream Bar Dessert

16 oz. chocolate syrup
3/4 cup peanut butter
19 ice cream sandwiches
1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 cup salted peanuts

Pour the chocolate syrup into a medium microwave safe bowl and microwave 2 minutes on high. Do not allow to boil. Stir peanut butter into hot chocolate until smooth. Allow to cool to room temperature. Line the bottom of a 9x13 inch dish with a layer of ice cream sandwiches. Spread half the whipped topping over the sandwiches. Spoon half the chocolate mixture over that. Top with half the peanuts. Repeat layers. Freeze until firm, 1 hour. Cut into squares to serve.
yield: 18 servings

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This looks sooo good!!!

I can't wait to try this! If any of you beat me to the punch - let me know how it turns out!!!

Pineapple Chicken Salad Pitas
(photo and recipe from Cooking Light)

Almonds add crunch to the filling, though you can substitute toasted walnuts or pecans, if you prefer.

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast (about 1 pound)
1/2 cup matchstick-cut carrots
1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/3 cup light mayonnaise
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1/4 cup plain fat-free yogurt
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice, drained
4 (6-inch) whole wheat pitas, each cut in half
8 Romaine lettuce leaves

Preparation

Combine first 11 ingredients in a large bowl, stirring well. Line each pita half with 1 lettuce leaf; fill each half with 1/3 cup chicken mixture.

Yield

4 servings (serving size: 2 stuffed pita halves)

Bunko Recipes...

Well, Bunko is at my house this month. I've got lots of goodies planned!!! Here ya go Tara - hope this helps you plan your points!!! ;) See my menu for week 9 down below for the full Bunko menu!

Baked Brie with Mushrooms and Almonds

2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon crushed garlic
2 tablespoons slivered almonds
1 (8 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
1 tablespoon brandy
1 teaspoon dried tarragon
1 (8 ounce) wedge Brie cheese, coating removed

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Mix in garlic and almonds, heating until almonds are lightly browned. Stir in mushrooms and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Cover with brandy and sprinkle with tarragon. Place Brie in a small baking dish. Pour the mushroom and brandy mixture over Brie. Bake in the preheated oven 20 minutes, or until bubbly.



Baked Vidalia Onion Dip

3/4 C. finely chopped Vidalia onions -- (3/4 to 1)
1/2 C. mayonnaise
1/2 C. grated sharp cheddar or swiss cheese
1/8 t. Tabasco sauce -- (1/8 to 1/4)
1/4 C. grated Parmesan cheese (not the powder!)
paprika -- to taste

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Mix onions, mayonnaise, cheddar or swiss cheese and Tabasco.
Spread into small baking dish or pie plate. Top with Parmesan cheese and sprinkle with paprika to taste. Bake in preheated oven at 350°F. for approx. 30 min. Serve warm with crackers like Wheat Thins, Triscuits, etc. For our group of 12 ladies - I will be doubling this recipe!

Roquefort Pear Salad

• 1 head leaf lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
  
• 3 pears - peeled, cored and chopped
• 5 ounces Roquefort cheese, crumbled
• 1 avocado - peeled, pitted, and diced
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup pecans
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons white sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons prepared mustard
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• fresh ground black pepper to taste
  

1. In a skillet over medium heat, stir 1/4 cup of sugar together with the pecans. Continue stirring gently until sugar has melted and caramelized the pecans. Carefully transfer nuts onto waxed paper. Allow to cool, and break into pieces.
2. For the dressing, blend oil, vinegar, 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar, mustard, chopped garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. In a large serving bowl, layer lettuce, pears, blue cheese, avocado, and green onions. Pour dressing over salad, sprinkle with pecans, and serve.

White Chicken Lasagna

1 large can cream of chicken soup
1 cup whole milk
1 tsp. Italian seasonings
1 cup butter
2 cups diced green onion
1 cup diced celery
1 clove minced garlic
1 pound cream cheese
2 cups cottage cheese
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
1 small can diced pimento
12 cooked lasagna noodles
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Mix chicken soup, whole milk, and Italian seasonings in a bowl and set aside. Saute the celery, green onion, and garlic in the butter in a skillet. Then combine the cream cheese, cottage cheese, shredded chicken, and pimentos with the rest of the above ingredients. Then layer mixture and noodles filling your oblong pan, ending with the Monterey Jack on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.

Luscious Slush Punch

• 1-1/4 cups white sugar
• 3 cups water
• 1 (3 ounce) package strawberry flavored gelatin mix
• 1/2 (46 fluid ounce) can pineapple juice
• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• 2 cups orange juice
• 1 (2 liter) bottle lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage

1. In a large saucepan, combine sugar, water, and strawberry flavored gelatin. Boil for 3 minutes. Stir in pineapple juice, lemon juice, and orange juice. Divide mixture in half, and freeze in 2 separate containers.
2. When ready to serve, place the frozen contents of one container in a punch bowl, and stir in 1 bottle of lemon-lime soda until slushy. (serves:25)
   

Favorite Chicken Salad

My mom use to make this chicken salad all the time and it's my all time fave!! Enjoy!!

Moms' Grape and Chicken Salad

1 Box Uncle Ben's Seasoned long-grain rice, cooked as directed on box
1 cup Mayo
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 small can chopped water chestnuts
1 small pkg. almond slivers (about 1/2 cup)
2 chicken breasts, cooked, and chopped
2 cups green grapes, sliced in halves ( I always put more because I likes me some grapes!!!)

Combine everything and chow down!! YUMMO!

What's your favorite... Chicken Salad?

This is my absolute favorite that I got long ago from an old neighbor!

Greek Chicken Salad

4-6 chicken breasts, boiled
4 eggs, boiled and finely diced
mayo, to taste
sweet relish, to taste
Cavender's Greek Seasoning, to taste

Put chicken in food processor, shred, then add to mixing bowl. Dice eggs in food processor, then add to chicken. Add all other ingredients to chicken mixture, and mix well. (Taste frequently when adding so that you don't add too much mayo, relish, or seasoning.) Serve with crackers or on your favorite bread.

* IMO, you can never have enough of the Cavender's Greek Seasoning - if you think you have enough - ADD SOME MORE!!!! Don't play it safe - this chicken salad is like none you've ever had! Be brave!!! :)




This is also a very different version from an old Bunko friend!

Polly's Chicken Salad

1 bx. of Uncle Ben's Wild Rice
1 c celery, chopped
1 c mayo
1/2 c French Dressing
2 tsp. salt
4 c chicken, cooled and chopped

Mix the first 5 ingredients well and then add the chicken. Chill and enjoy!