Taste Test Tuesday Result...

Okay, I have to admit I was a little skeptical about this recipe at first. But, this No-peek Casserole was the bomb!!! My whole family loved it and that's really saying something if my picky bunch will eat it. The only thing I would do different next time is to do like Cindy said and add 2 cans of mushroom soup so there will be more gravy. Other than that very yummy and very tender!

Deceptively Delicious???

I just had to tell you all that I bought the Deceptively Delicious cook book by Jessica Seinfeld and tried a recipe yesterday on my daughter, Madeline. It was the grilled cheese sandwich with sweet potato puree. She took one bite and spit it out!!!!! I didn't think it was that bad but boy could she tell the difference. The baby liked it and so did the dog ;-). So, this morning I was thinking "what am I going to do with all this sweet potato puree?", and I tried another of her recipes. (I'm not giving up!) This time it was Pancakes with sweet potatoes. This went over a lot better than the grilled cheese. My son and the baby ate it with out a flinch. Madeline ate a few bites but I just think she wasn't in the breakfast mood this morning. It's hit or miss with her sometimes with breakfast, but at least she took some bites without spitting it out!!
So, if you are feeling a little adventurous give these a try!!

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sweet potato puree (I think it would be better with maybe just 1/3 cup??)
1 tbsp soft tub margarine spread
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 slices bread (the recipe calls for whole wheat bread but I just use what I have on hand)
** In a medium bowl, mix the cheese, puree, margarine, and salt. Spread two slices of the bread with the cheese mixture and top with the other two slices.
**Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and set it over medium heat. Cook 4-5 minutes per side, until the bread is crisp and the filling is melted. ( I put margarine spread on both sides of my sandwich)

Pancakes
1 cup water
1/2 cup sweet potato puree
1/4 tsp cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
1 cup pancake mix
Nonstick cooking spray
1 tbsp canola or vegetable oil
Maple syrup, for serving

**In a large bowl, mix the water, sweet potato puree, and cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, if using. Add the pancake mix and stir just to combine - the batter should be lumpy.
**Coat a griddle or large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and set it over med-high heat. When the pan is hot add the oil and spoon the batter onto the griddle or pan, using 1/4 cup batter for each pancake.
**Cook until bubbles form on top of the pancakes and the batter is set, 2-3 minutes. Flip the pancake and cook until golden brown on the other side, 2-3 minutes.
( I used Bisquick and instead of water I put milk in mine. I forgot to put in an egg and they still turned out good.)

I'm really excited to try out some more recipes....Although, I can't tell you that my kids are though???!!!!

Kathy's menu - week 5

Sunday - Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry and Egg Rolls
Monday - Potato & Leek Soup and crusty bread
Tuesday - I'll be taste testing this!!!
Wednesday - Beef & Beer Stew and cheese bread
Thursday - Texas Black Bean Soup
Friday - Chicken Marsala, Roasted Garlic Cauliflower, green beans, and rolls
Saturday - Taco Ring

Tara's Menu

Sorry this is so late but I'm really kinda embarrassed to post my lame menu but maybe someone could use an easy week like me. So, here it goes:

Monday: Rotissery chicken with scalloped potatoes and carrots
Tuesday: No-peek Casserole with rice and broccoli (we have not tried this yet, so this is my Taste Test Tuesday)
Wednesday: Chili cheese hotdogs with Fritos
Thursday: Chicken Pot Pie
Friday: eating out
Saturday: Crockpot Chicken Soft tacos with refried beans and mexican rice
Sunday: Lasagna (made with my leftover spaghetti sauce)

How was your Turkey day?

Ours was wonderful! For the first time ever, we brined our turkey! Man, was it tasty!!! Thanks Pioneer Woman for this wonderful idea!

We also made an old favorite of mine - a Wilma Cake!!! This is another recipe from my old college roommate. Actually, it originated from little ol' Wilma who lived down the street in Amy's hometown of Rochelle, Texas. This recipe is a little time consuming but boy, is it worth it!!!


Wilma Cake

1 cup shortening
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup cocoa
2 tsp soda
1 cup hot water

Cream shortening and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and beat thoroughly. Sift dry ingredients 3 times. Add dry ingredients alternating with milk in three portions. Beat well. Add hot water and vanilla. Bake in three pans in a 350 degree oven for 25 minutes.


Wilma's Frosting

2/3 cup cocoa
3 cups sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup margarine
1 1/2 cups evaporated milk

Boil until soft ball stage on candy thermometer. If you don't have one, drop some of the liquid in a glass of cold water and then roll it in your fingers and when the texture is like a soft ball. Once you get to this stage you are through heating. Put the pan in cold water and hand beat mixture until it is at a good consistency. Spread on cake very fast! If frosting is too stiff, add some hot water.

Enjoy and then run as fast as you can to the nearest gym!!! ;o)

Carnitas (soft tacos)

I keep getting asked to post this... so here ya go.

3 pounds thick, meaty country style pork ribs, pork butt or pork shoulder
2 pounds lard, or enough to cover the meat (I have never needed 2 pounds! Also, I use Crisco shortening instead of lard, just because that's what I have)
1 cup water
1 orange, zest removed with a vegetable peeler in wide strips
1 lime, zest removed with a vegetable peeler in wide strips
5 cloves garlic, smashed
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
Tortillas (we prefer flour, but this is great on corn too. If you use corn, be sure to soften them in a bit of vegetable oil)

Optional:
2 jalapeño peppers, cut in half length-wise (add these along with the other ingredients)
Pico de gallo goes very well on these


Trim most of the fat from the meat, leaving a thin layer. Cut into 4-inch pieces.

In a large, heavy saucepan, melt the lard over medium-low heat. When it has melted but is not yet very hot, add the pork, water, orange zest, lime zest, garlic, and salt. Cook at a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally so that the meat evenly cooks, for about 2 hours, or until the meat is tender. If the meat needs more time and all of the water has evaporated, add a bit more water and continue to cook until the meat is tender.

Once the meat is tender, raise the heat to medium-high. (Don't panic if the lard comes to a rolling boil – this will diminish as the water evaporates and will become small bubbles.) After the boiling lard changes to small bubbles, cook the meat for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until light golden brown and crispy all over. Remove the meat with a slotted spoon or tongs and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with the salt. When the meat has cooled slightly, pull the meat apart using 2 forks into shreds and smaller pieces and discard the bones.

Menu Plan Monday...

For the week of November 19th...
Well, we're on strike this week! We're all having yoyo nights (you're on your own) and scrounging together what's left in our pantries. So, no menu plans for this week. Sorry!

We all hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday - Be careful and travel safe! :o)

I just had to post this...

One of our bunko buddies made this at bunko a couple weeks ago and it was a big hit!! I can't wait to make this for Thanksgiving!!! This was soooo yummy! Thanks Susan for an awesome recipe!!!

Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings

2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored
2 (10 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
1 cup butter
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle Mountain Dew

Heat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
Cut each apple into 8 wedges and set aside.
Separate the crescent roll dough into triangles. Roll each apple wedge in crescent roll dough starting at the smallest end. Pinch to seal and place in the baking dish.
Melt butter in a small saucepan and stir in the sugar and cinnamon. Pour over the apple dumplings. Pour Mountain Dew™ over the dumplings.
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown.

My mouth is watering already!!!!!

Another one from Mama Nise

I made this last night and it was pretty darn good, and it was easy to put together! I didn't serve it with pasta, I made mashed potatoes and green beans! YUMM-:0)

Chicken Marsala

6-8 boneless, skinless, chicken breasts
1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
1 cup flour
¼ cup butter
¼ cup cooking oil
1 bottle Marsala cooking wine
2 cups sliced, fresh mushrooms
Fresh parsley (optional)
Wash and pat dry chicken breasts. Mix together the flour and breadcrumbs; press crumb and flour mixture onto the chicken. Brown the chicken in butter and oil. Remove to a baking dish when browned. Sauté the mushrooms in remaining oil (you may need to add more butter). Pour (1/2 bottle or so) Marsala wine into the skillet and scrape around to get up the crusty bits; pour over chicken. Bake, covered, in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake 20 minutes more. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley; serve over angle hair pasta (optional).

Mama Nise's Italian Meat Sauce

Sorry about the delay on the spaghetti sauce, but it's worth waiting for! I have to tell you that I recieved this recipe from my neighbor (Denise Moore) who is a great friend and whose family has become our second family. She is such a great cook and I strive every day to be as good as she is!!! I love everything she makes and you'll probably see her name a lot from my posts because I get quite a few recipes from her! Here's to you Mama Nise!!!! We love ya!

2 lbs. Italian Sausage
2 cups finely chopped onion
6 cloves garlic, minced
105 oz. crushed tomatoes
18 oz. tomato paste
1 ½ cups red wine (divided, 1c and ½ cup)
5 tsp oregano
5 tsp basil
1½ cups water
½ cup parsley, chopped
2 tsp thyme
1 whole bay leaf, crumbled
2 tbsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
Freshly ground pepper

Remove sausage from casing.
Brown sausage and remove from pan. Reserve 2 tbsp drippings.
Sauté onion and garlic in drippings for 10 minutes.
Add crushed tomatoes, paste, 1 cup red wine, 4 tsp oregano, 4 tsp basil and remaining ingredients. Mince browned sausage in food processor/blender and add to pot.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 3 hours. Stir occasionally.

May be frozen at this point!

30 minutes before serving add remaining basil, oregano, and wine.

Serve with generous amounts of Parmesan cheese.
ENJOY!!!!!!

Taste Test Results - Week 2

Kathy - Well, I was making Marlboro Man's Second Favorite Sandwich from Pioneer Woman. I felt like it was good, but I don't think we'll ever make it again. Or if we do I think we'll skip the lemon pepper seasoning. It was a tied vote in our house - one child and I gave it 4 stars, and No1here and another child gave it 3 1/2 stars. The other two don't count!!! I didn't get around to making her Best Chocolate Sheet Cake. Ever. - I have been so busy with activities at my kids' schools this week! Hopefully I'll get to that this weekend!

Cindy - Ooops.... Cindy's is down below! Sorry, I'm late getting this going!!!

Tara - My Taste Test for Tuesday was the Pioneer Woman's Orange Mini-Muffins with Brown Sugar Glaze. They were just "okay". I don't think I will be making them again. My husband and neighbor gave them a 4. My kids did not like them at all! To me the were more like a cake, maybe would be better in a bunt pan??

For me, (Kathy) I definitely give them 5 stars!!! I happened to go over there the next day and there were still a couple left. I just had to take them off her hands!!! ;)

What's your favorite... Enchilada recipe?

This is awesome and it comes from an old Bunko friend. Thanks Kelly!!! :o)

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

1 T. butter
1 med. onion, chopped
1 (4.5 oz.) can chopped green chilies
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
3-½ c. cooked, chopped chicken breast
8 (8-inch) flour tortillas (she uses at least 12)
2 (8 oz.) pkgs. shredded Monterey Jack cheese (she uses a little less)
1 c. whipping cream
1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup

Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat; add onion and sauté 5 minutes. Add chilies; sauté 1 minute. Stir in cream cheese, ½ of shredded cheese and all of chicken; cook stirring constantly until cream cheese melts. Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of mixture down center of each tortilla. Roll up and place seam side down in a slightly greased 9x13 inch-baking dish. Whisk together whipping cream and soup and pour over enchiladas. Sprinkle remaining cheese. Bake @ 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

This one is a little time consuming, but sooo worth it!!! I know you're thinking - pecans?!?! You don't even taste them and they give it such a wonderful texture! Don't be such a food snob! Give it a try - you'll be glad you did!!!

Southwestern Chicken Enchiladas

1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 Tbs. margarine or butter
1 (3-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 Tbs. milk
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
6 8-inch flour tortillas
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 (8-oz.) carton sour cream
1 cup milk
5 or 6 chopped pickled jalapeno peppers
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 Tbs. chopped pecans

In a medium skillet cook the 1/4 cup pecans and onion in butter till onion is tender and pecans are lightly toasted. Remove from heat. In a bowl combine the softened cream cheese, the 1 Tbs. milk, and cumin. Add nut mixture and chicken. Stir together till well combined. Spoon about 1/3 cup chicken mixtures onto each tortilla near one edge; roll up. Place filled tortillas, seam side down, in a greased 2-quart square baking dish. In a bowl combine soup, sour cream, the 1 cup of milk, and the pickled jalapeno peppers. Pour the soup mixture evenly over the tortillas in the baking dish. Cover with foil; bake in a 350 degree oven about 45 minutes or till heated through. Remove foil. Sprinkle enchiladas with cheese and the 2 Tbs. pecans. Bake for 4-5 minutes more or till cheese is melted. (I even like to turn on my broiler to get the cheese a little golden).

Makes 6 servings.

Cream of chicken & rice soup

Kathy insisted I actually post something... so here's what I cooked last night. I drive Kathy crazy because I rarely follow a recipe to the letter...to me a recipe is a suggested starting point! lol I've made this particular recipe many times, and I change it just about every time (generally to use what we have on hand). So here's how it happened last night:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup chopped carrots (I pretty much dice mine)
1 cup chopped celery (diced, again for me)
1/2 cup leeks or onion (last night I used green onions, so we've used all three before)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp fresh thyme (I've used dried before, use what you have)
1/2 cup rice (we use Uncle Ben's converted rice, but wild rice would be good here)
32oz chicken stock
1 "tub" of mushrooms
1 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp oilve oil
Salt & pepper to taste

2 Tbsp butter
3 Tbsp flour
1 to 1 1/2 cups half & half (I've used both cream & milk -- use what you have!)

First change last night was to pan fry the chicken (it is normally boiled). So, I took 1 Tbsp of butter and 1 Tbsp of olive oil and I pan fried the chicken. Reserve the chicken and throw in the carrots, celery, and onions/leeks. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and cook another minute or two. Add the rice, and stir to coat the rice. Add the stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes.

While it is simmering, cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. Add the chicken back to the pot at about the 30 minute mark, along with the mushrooms.

Near the 45 minute mark, in a saucepan melt the 2 Tbsp butter. Once it is popping hot, stir in the flour. Mix well, and then gradually add the half & half. You're making the cream part of the recipe, which will also act as a thickener.

Pour the cream mixture into the pot and stir to combine. Bring it back to a boil to thicken a bit, and that's it. Oh, don't forget the salt & pepper.

Kathy's menu - week 4

Monday - Take-out (1 kiddo has gymnastics & 1 kiddo has tumbling)
Tuesday - Taste Testing... This and This from Pioneer Woman
Wednesday - Baked Tortellini from Mommy Cooks
Thursday - Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Chicken
Friday - Baked Potato bar

Tara's Menu

Monday - Baked Pork Chops (I don't really have a recipe for this, but they turn out really good...I just salt and pepper 4-6 pork chops and fry them in a pan with a little oil until brown. When all the chops are browned I put them in a glass baking dish. Then I take a packet of pork gravy mix and mix it with 1 cup water, and put it in the pan that I just browned the chops in scraping all the bits off the bottom of the pan. I add some chopped, fresh mushrooms and pour the gravy mix on top of the chops and mushrooms. **Sometimes I add 1/4 cup of white wine** Bake in 350 degree oven for 45 mins., and the meat will melt in your mouth!!!!!) We like our chops with mashed potatoes and veggies.
Tuesday - Sausage with beans and cornbread
I like this recipe for beans: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Terrys-Texas-Pinto-Beans/Detail.aspx (the only thing I do different is I don't add the jalapeno or green salsa and it still turns out good!)
Wenesday - Tuna helper ( Football game night, need something quick)
Thursday - Chicken Marsala (New recipe... I will let you know how I like it)

Cindy's Menu - TASTE TEST "wednesday" RESULTS

Monday - Pizza - having soccer party....woo hoo, 2 sports are over!!!
Taste Test Tuesday - moving my taste test to Wednesday - I have a church function and need an easy meal....we are having Bar-B-Que Stuffed Baked Potato
Wednesday - Sesame Chicken Stir Fry http://anon.doubleclick.edgesuite.net/anon.doubleclick/IMP_USA/RD/110507/pf110507.html
Thursday - YOYO (your own your own)...I have Fall Fundraiser duties at the school this evening and will not have time to get a good dinner in...probably sandwiches and soup!
Friday - Will be going out to eat!!

Guess I'm getting out pretty easy this week.....LOL!

Made the Sesame Chicken Stir Fry tonight, and it was the BOMB!! All 3 of my kiddos asked me to make it again tomorrow...lol! It was soo easy and yummy!! YOU HAVE TO TRY IT!!!! I served it with Asian Rice, which they also loved!! This is a KEEPER!!

My weekly meal planner...

I have a confession to make - I am such a clutter bug!!! Just about the only thing that I am organized with is my menu planning - that is if I don't loose my print out! Thank goodness we now have a blog!!! ;) lol...

Anyway, years and years ago I had no1here design this weekly planner that I'll share with y'all now. I usually write in all my meals on the front side, fold it closed, and then use the back side for my grocery list. That's what I take to the store with me and I usually refer back and forth between both sides.

Enjoy! I hope y'all get as much use out of it as I have! :o)

Taste Test Results are in from Tuesday!

Kathy - Marlboro Man's Favorite Sandwich is definitely a "keeper"! I give it 5 stars for sure!!! no1here filled his sandwich so full that he had to eat it with a knife and fork. So, he only gave it 4 stars. That doesn't count in my mind because he didn't follow the "eating directions"!!!! ;) Typical!!! lol...

Tara - The Best Lasagne. Ever. - The Pioneer Woman's Lasagna turned out pretty darn good! I would have to give it a 5. My husband gave it a 4 because he doesn't like the meat so chunky and he said it needed another layer of noodles. My kids both liked it...I tried to get them to rate it but they didn't quite understand. I'm thinking if they ate it it's about a 4 or 5. Definitely a keeper in my recipe box! And it was really easy to make!!

Cindy - No Peek Casserole - so yummmy...the whole family loved it!! it was so easy....although next time, i will use 1 can cream of mush soup, 1 pack of lipton soup mix and 1 can of water to make the gravy a little thinner and less salty...it is a keeper here!!! The Great Cobbler Debate - sorry, didn't do it....didn't have time or energy!!!


Thanks Pioneer Woman for an awesome Tuesday!!! :)

Taste Test Tuesday....

Sorry for not posting a rating for my 'Taste Test Tuesday' meal!! We all rated it a 5...well, me, my hubby and one of the kiddos, the other two are lost in that area! We will for sure make it again, and I PROMISE to get the The Great Cobbler Debate done....can not wait for that one!!
Thanks for reading!!

Chicken "Keepers"...

Chicken Spaghetti

1 pkg. chicken breasts, on the bone
spaghetti noodles
1 can cream of celery soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can Rotel
1 lb. mild Mexican Velveeta
salt and pepper to taste

In a dutch oven on the stove, stew your chicken breasts. When done, take the chicken from the broth and set aside to cool. Cook spaghetti noodles in broth. Debone chicken while noodles are cooking. When spaghetti is done, add all the other ingredients. Stir frequently so it doesn't stick. (It's also a good idea to reserve some of the broth after the spaghetti is done and then add back in as needed - that way you don't end up with runny spaghetti!) We eat this with garlic bread and a side salad! Yummm....

* This is another favorite of mine from my mother-in-law!!!!
** You can also turn down the heat by adding mild rotel.



King Ranch Chicken

2 cans chopped chicken
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can rotel
2/3 cup chopped celery
2/3 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup water
1/2 pkg. crushed Doritos, but not too fine!
1-2 cups grated cheddar

Cook your chicken, cook, chop, then measure in one of the empty soup cans. Mix all the ingredients except for the cheese. Put the cheese on top and cook for 30 minutes in a 350 degree oven. (I usually add more Doritos because I HATE this casserole runny!!!)

* This recipe came from my college room mate's mother! She would always send Amy back to college with the most amazing leftovers or desserts!!! She was so sweet to share some of her recipes with me. She died several years ago from cancer but she is always in my thoughts every time I pull out one of her recipes. She was a wonderful woman!



I know these two are very similar. I've made both and they're both awesome! I'll have to make them back to back sometime and let y'all know the difference. Both are definitely worth a try!!!

Chicken Danielle

Chicken Marsala