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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.).

Read More

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. 

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More