Sweet Chex Mix

   We got this sweet treat gift as teachers in Primary. I figured out who made it, and tracked down the recipe. It was THAT good. It's super easy and quick to make too. 
   Since then, I've made it a lot. I sent some to my missionary, and eaten WAY too much of it. Now that it's the holidays, I'm thinking of making it again. To give away you ask? Hmmmm...of course. Thank you Camille!

Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 1/2 cubes butter

Cook:

Above ingredients in microwave for 5 minutes

Add:

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp vanilla

Pour Over:

2 cups cashews

2 cups coconut

12 oz Rice Chex

Mix together, cool, enjoy.

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Rich & Dense Very Chocolate Cake (Bundt)

I got this recipe while we lived in NY.  They gave it to me to use for a Relief Society
dinner, for those of us that offered to bring desert.  Very yummy!  You can eat it with or without a frosting/glaze/chocolate sauce.  It's great with just a little cool whip on it too!

ingredients:

1 pkg chocolate cake mix
1 small pkg instant chocolate pudding
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup warm water
8 oz. sour cream
4 eggs
12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips/bits

directions:
1.  Mix together cake mix, pudding mix, oil, and warm water.

2.  Add sour cream, then add eggs, one at a time.  Stir in the chocolate chips last.

3.  Grease bundt pan WELL.  Bake 45 minutes at 350.  Toothpick check to make sure it is done.

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Honey "Bourbon" Chicken - Instant Pot

This was the first meal I made in the Instant Pot--and is Kyle's favorite.  He refers to it as "the first meal you made in the Insta Pot."  I always know what he means.  This is a simple "put it in and it's pretty much done" meal.  It's delicious and easy.  BTW--there is no bourbon in this.  It's also known as "Honey Sesame" or "Honey Garlic" chicken

ingredients:
chicken thighs (about 1 per person+, 1.5 lbs.)
salt and pepper
1 1/4 cup honey
3/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
3 Tbsp vegetable oil (I use canola oil for this)
4 garlic cloves 
2 Tbsp minced onion or 1/2 fresh chopped onion
sprinkle of red pepper flakes

2 Tbsp cornstarch
1 Tbsp water

Sesame Seeds 

directions:
1.  Place the chicken in the IP.  Sprinkle salt and pepper over chicken (not too much salt, as there is soy sauce in this recipe).  

2.  Mix together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, oil, garlic onion, and red pepper flakes.  Pour over chicken.

3.  Set IP to manual for 15 minutes (fresh chicken) or 25 minutes (frozen chicken).  Release pressure after done.

4.  Dissolve the cornstarch in the water, and mix with the liquid.  You can remove the chicken and dice it up, or shred it right in the IP.  Serve and sprinkle sesame seeds over chicken.

Serve over rice and with your favorite vegetable.

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Creamy White Chili

I had this at Bunco the other night and Molly was kind enough to share the recipe.  On the recipe she shared, it says it comes from "Terri."  Thanks Molly and Terri.  It was delicious and I can't wait to make it!

ingredients:
1 lb. chicken breasts cut into 1/2" cubes
1 medium onion, chopped
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
2 cans great northern beans, rinsed & drained
1 can chicken broth
2 (4 oz) cans chopped green chilies
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. cayenne
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder

directions:
1. In large saucepan, sauté chicken, onion & garlic in oil until not pink.

2. Add bean, broth, chilies, and seasonings.

3. Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat.  Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.

4. Remove from heat.  Stir in sour cream and heavy cream.

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Mississippi Pot Roast

This has quickly become a family favorite.  For me--it's SO QUICK and SO EASY to prepare.  For everyone--it's delicious.  A win-win for sure!  Wonderful to throw in the crockpot on a Sunday before church--and it's done when you need it!

ingredients:
3-5 lb. chuck roast
1 packet au jus gravy mix (or brown gravy mix)
1 packet ranch dressing mix
5-6 pepperoncini
6 Tbsp. butter (apx)

directions:
1.  Place the roast in the crockpot.
2.  Sprinkle gravy mix and ranch dressing mix all over roast.
3.  Place pepperoncini sporadically over the roast.
4.  Place several pats of butter over the roast.
5.  Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Serve with your favorite side (mashed potatoes, rice, rolls, broccoli, salad, noodles, etc.).

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Favorite Pie Crust

I was always looking for a pie crust that I could do.  I tried Martha’s, and many typical/traditional crust recipes and techniques. This is the ONE. I’ve used it for several years and I love it!  It always works!

Yield: 2 large pie crusts

ingredients:
4 cups flour
2 cups shortening (I like the butter flavor)
1 Tbsp sugar
1 1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup COLD water
1 egg
1 Tbsp vinegar

directions:
1. Mix flour, shortening, sugar, and salt altogether in a large mixing bowl.

2. Add cold water, vinegar, and egg to dry ingredients. Mix to combine.  

3. Bake per your pie instruction. 

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Coconut Syrup

This recipe is divine.  I first enjoyed it at a girls weekend up in Winter Park.  It is now a family favorite and rare delicacy (I seldom make it)--but when I do, the fam goes bananas!  Thanks Lori for the great recipe!


ingredients:
1 stick butter (1/2 cup)
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup buttermilk (don't substitute)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp coconut flavoring


directions:
1.  In small/medium pot, melt together butter, sugar, buttermilk, and baking soda.  Bring to a boil

2.  Remove from heat and add coconut flavoring.  

3.  Let sit 30 minutes.  It will be foamy at first.  


Serve over pancakes, crepes, waffles, etc.

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Banana Muffins

I have SO MANY bananas in my freezer--and before I put another bunch in, I took control and made muffins.  This recipe is wonderful!  I originally found it on allrecipes, but I've tweaked it to my liking.

ingredients:
2 cups whole wheat flour
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
2 cups sugar
shake of cinnamon (just a few shakes)--optional
shake of nutmeg (just a few shakes)--optional
6 ripe bananas
2 cups mayonaise
1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 375.  Spray a muffin pan thoroughly.

2.  Add flours, baking soda, baking powder, sugar, and spices in a large bowl and mix/sift together.

3.  Mash bananas well.  Add mayonnaise and stir until combined.

4.  Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients until well combined.  At this point, add the chocolate chips (completely optional, and the muffins are delightful without the chocolate chips too).

5.  Add the batter to the muffin pan cups until each are apx. 2/3-3/4 full.  Bake for 20 minutes.

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Pecan Bars

My friend Patty brought these to church to share.  They were amazing and the family made yummy sounds as they shared some bites.  Thanks for the recipe!

ingredients:
1 box yellow cake mix
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup melted butter
3 eggs
1 8oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 lb. powdered sugar

instructions:
1.  Preheat oven to 325*.  Lightly spray 9x13" pan.

2.  Mix dry cake mix, pecans, butter, and 1 egg until blended.  Press into bottom and up the sides about 1" of pan.

3.  In another bowl, beat eggs and cream cheese until light and fluffy.  Add powdered sugar until smooth.

4.  Pour over cake base. 

5.  Bake at 325* for 40 minutes or until set.  Sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the top.  Enjoy!

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Rice Dish (Use this instead of Rice-a-Roni--it's better!)

This is delicious and easy dish to make.  When you want an easy, yummy rice side...this is it!  

yield:
apx. 5 1/2 cups cooked rice

ingredients:
3 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups rice
2-3 dashes onion powder
4-5 dashes garlic powder
several sprinkles of salt 
few dashes of pepper
5 Tbsp. butter

directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 350 and spray a 9x13" pan with non-stick spray.

2.  Place rice and broth in the prepared pan.

3.  Sprinkle onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over top.  

4.  Cut the butter into 5 separate pieces and place pats of butter throughout the dish.

5.  Cover pan tight with aluminum foil.  Cook for apx. 40 minutes.

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Autumn Fruit Salad

I've had this receipt for a while, and I love it.  It's good any time of year--as these ingredients are always available.  

ingredients:
2 medium granny smith apples
1 lime's zest
1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup halved seedless grapes (red are best)
1 1/2 cup miniature marshmallows
1 cup vanilla yogurt (low-fat or non-fat)
2 Tbsp. chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)

directions:
1.  Wedge apples, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces.

2.  Combine all the ingredients together.

3.  Refrigerate until ready to serve.

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Baked Beans

We had this several years ago at a block party.  They were delicious.  I'm glad I came across this recipe and thought I'd better put it here...where I can find it!  Thanks Colin M. for the good memories and the delicious recipe!

ingredients:
3--28 oz cans pork and beans
2 lbs. seasoned sausage
1 large onion, diced
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup ketchup
2 Tbsp. dried mustard

directions:
1.  Brown sausage and onion, drain.  

2.  Heat in sauce pan: sugar, ketchup, and mustard. 

3.  Add meat and onions to beans.  Add sauce.  

4.  Cook at 300-degrees for 1-2 hours, covered.  

5.  Refrigerate overnight and reheat to serve.

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Zucchini Muffins - Healthy & Delicious

I wanted something healthy and delicious to do with my garden zucchinis (or my friend's garden zucchini's).  This is IT!  Very yummy.  My family has been LOVING muffins lately--with school back in, it is a great option for a healthy school snack to take to school, a quick breakfast, a substitute for a sandwich in the lunch box, or a great after-school snack.  Muffins have been wonderful!

These are fabulous.  My first batch I added walnuts and just a small handful of chocolate chips, but it really didn't need it! This is like Zucchini Bread in a Muffin!  Yum!!

YIELD: 3 dozen muffins (normal cup-cake size)

ingredients:

     DRY
3 cups whole-wheat flour
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 Tbsp. cinnamon
1 Tbsp. +  3/4 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. salt

     WET
4 1/4 cups (apx) shredded zucchini (apx. 1 large, 2 regular)
1 1/2 cup fat-free milk
6 Tbsp. oil
6 Tbsp. honey
3 eggs

     OPTIONAL
Walnuts (a cup or so)
Chocolate Chips (1-2 cups)

directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400*F.  Prepare a muffin pan/stone with cooking spray--spray it thoroughly (or use cupcake liners).

2.  Mix all of the dry ingredients together in a large bowl, whisking until sifted through and combined.

3. Mix together the wet ingredients.  Pour into the large dry ingredient bowl--just until it is moist.  At this point, add any optional ingredients and stir in.

4.  Scoop batter into the prepared muffin pan, filling 2/3 full, and bake for 15 minutes.  Remove from muffin pan quickly.  Let cool. 

*Although I haven't (yet) frozen these, I have frozen muffins and zucchini bread in the past with much success!

this recipe was adapted from: Kathie's Zucchini Muffins

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Crockpot Split Pea and Ham Soup

I love this recipe!  This is my "go to" for pea soups.  If you don't want ham in it, simply leave it out and add a little more salt (to taste).  Very yummy!

ingredients:
1 ham hock or shank*
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves
2 carrots, diced
1 stick of celery, finely diced
3 bay leaves
500g dry split peas
1 1/2 litres water
1/4 tsp. ground pepper
1 tsp. salt (more to taste)

directions:
1.  Chop all the ingredients and place in your crock pot.

2.  Let cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.  

3.  Remove ham hock/shank, let cool for apx 10 minutes.  Harvest the meat off the hock/shank, set aside.

4.  Peas and soup will be very soft and mushy.  With a potato masher, mash them to the desired consistency.  If you like a very smooth soup, you can use an immersion blender.  Add the ham back into the soup.  

Serve with a fresh loaf of bread, dinner rolls, crescent rolls, etc.

*Hocks or Shanks are sold in the store where you find the ham!  They are very inexpensive (under $3 for 2 hocks or shanks).  I have found shanks are meatier.  

*Shanks/Hocks can be found where you buy ham--there's usually a special ham case near the meat department.  Shanks/Hocks are very affordable $2-$3 for two!  I've found ham shanks have more meat than hocks do.  If you don't want to use a shank/hock, or if you like even more ham, add a small bag of the pre-diced ham you can buy in the deli or ham section of the store.  Yum!

 

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Egg Casserole

This was made at our ward Christmas party--and it was delicious!  I am definitely keeping this recipe and I will be shortly serving it up for my family.

ingredients:
1 stick butter
1/2 cup flour
6 eggs
1 cup milk
1 lb monterey jack cheese, shredded
3 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups cottage cheese
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar

1 lb. sausage (optional)

directions:
1.  Melt butter, add flour and cook until smooth.  
2.  Beat eggs, then add milk, cheeses, baking powder, salt, sugar and butter to the flour mixture.
3.  Stir until well blended.  Pour into a well greased pan.
4.  Bake uncovered at 350* for 45 minutes.

optional: 
Pre-cook about 1 lb of sausage and add to the recipe.

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French Toast Casserole

I made this for our ward Christmas party, and again on Christmas morning--it was really yummy and I don't want to lose the recipe! 


ingredients:
1 loaf bread (any type will do, but a nice loaf of French is preffered)
6 eggs
1 3/4 cups milk
1/2 cup half and half or cream
3/4 cup sugar
2 Tbsp vanilla

1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 stick butter, cubed

directions:
1.  Tear the bread into chunks and place them in a greased 9x13" pan.  
2.  Mix together eggs, milk, half and half or cream, sugar and vanilla.  
3.  Pour the mixture evenly over the bread.
4.  In another bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt.
5.  Add the butter and mix until the batter comes somewhat together.
6.  Sprinkle the flour/sugar mixture evenly over the top of the egg-soaked bread.
7.  Bake at 350* for 45-55 minutes.  

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Turkey Club Pizza

This was among several recipes I have, and I thought I'd give it a try.  It was fast and delicious!  What a hit and a nice change to traditional pizza.  Yum!


ingredients:
1 pkg refrigerated pizza dough or Mom's Pizza Dough
1 Tbsp. sesame seeds
1/3 cup mayonnaise
zest from 1 lemon
2 cups shredded jack cheese
1/2 Tbsp. basil
6 oz. deli sliced turkey
8 slices bacon - cooked and crumbled (I bought pre-cooked and it was delightfully quick)
1 tomato - thinly sliced (optional)
1/2 cup swiss cheese

directions:
1.  Place pizza dough on large cookie sheet or stone.  
2.  Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
3.  Bake at 425* for 10 minutes.

4.  Mix mayonnaise and lemon zest.  Spread over cooked pizza crust.
5.  Top with reaming ingredients in order listed.
6.  Bake at 425* for 8 minutes.

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Pasta & Meatball Stroganoff

We had this for dinner last night, and it was EXCELLENT.  All the kids yummed it up!  I found the recipe online, but I tweaked it a bit for our liking.  My daughter helped me make it...it was quick and easy which I love in a recipe.  Yum!

ingredients:
precooked Italian meatballs (enough for your family)
2-3 cups beef broth (you can use bouillon/water)
1 tsp basil
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt (regular would be ok too)
1 tsp oregano
pepper
1 cup milk with 1 Tbsp corn starch--mixed together
4 oz. cream cheese (I use light)
1 cup sour cream (I use light)
3/4 lb pasta (fettuccine, egg noodles, etc)












directions:
1.  Put a tablespoon of olive oil on the bottom of a large skillet.  Warm the oil and add the meatballs.  Cook on medium-high until meatballs are thoroughly warmed. Add  broth and seasonings.  Add in milk, cream cheese and sour cream.  Let this get to a simmering boil.

2.  Cook pasta to al dente.

3.  Add the pasta to the meatball sauce.  Enjoy!  

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Baked Sweet & Sour Chicken

This dinner is excellent.  It takes longer than most of my dishes, but it is WELL worth it.  I love that I have the ingredients on hand almost always, and I love that my kids will yum this down without a fight!  

Servings:  6-8

ingredients:
8-11 chicken breast tenderloins or 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 1/4 cup cornstarch
3 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup oil (I use olive oil but any veggie oil will do)

sauce:
1 1/2 cup sugar
6 Tbsp. ketchup
1/3 cup white vinegar
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 1/2 tsp. garlic salt

directions:
1.  Cut up chicken into small bite size pieces.  Coat them in cornstarch and then dip them in beaten egg.

2.  Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Place the coated chicken in skillet and cook until nicely browned.

3.  Meanwhile, mix together the sauce ingredients--whisking together all the ingredients.

4.  When then chicken is browned, place chicken in a large greased baking dish, 9x13" or 9x15".

5.  Pour the sauce over the chicken and bake in a 325* oven for 55 minutes.

Serve over rice and with your favorite veggie!  Delish!

 

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Zuppa Toscana Soup

I had this first up at a ladies retreat--delicious! At least as good as the Olive Garden's.  Mind you, this is not a quick recipe, but it is well worth it!  Thanks Lori for the delicious meal, and the recipe!  5-Star Soup!!

ingredients:
1/2 lb bacon, diced
1 onion, diced
5 cups chicken stock/broth
2 or 3 carrots, diced
1 cup pasta (precooked) - I used ditalini
1 tsp. thyme (opt) or rosemary or bay leaf
1 lb sausage
3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
3-4 large potatoes, large dice
2 large handfuls of spinach or kale
2 cups cream, 1/2 & 1/2, or whole milk
parmesan cheese

directions:
1.  In large pot, brown bacon, add sausage & onions when bacon is half done.  Add garlic.  Cook 2-3 minutes, drain fat.

2.  Pour chicken stock in pot with meat, then add vegetables (except spinach/kale), and herbs.  

3.  Simmer until vegetables are tender.  Add pasta and spinach.  Cook 2-3 minutes.

4.  Just before serving, stir in cream.  Heat but don't boil.  Serve with Parmesan cheese.

If you are doing this in a crockpot, follow step 1, and then put everything in the crockpot.  Cook on High for 4 hours or low 6-8 hours.  Add cream just before serving.

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