Crock Pot BBQ Pork

My Mother introduced us to this meal.  Daniel and I love it for three reasons- it is delicious, simple, and innexpensive.
Ingredients:
1 lb Pork cut in 2"x1" pieces
(I bought boneless pork sirloin in a value pack at Winco.  I then divided the meat and froze it for 4 meals.)
Oil

1 small onion
BBQ Sauce
1/2 tsp. Garlic Salt
1/2 tsp. Pepper

Instructions:
Season pork with pepper & garlic salt and cook in oil until outside is brown.  You just want to brown the outside layer.  Dice onion.  Place browned pork and onion in crock pot.  Cover in BBQ sauce.  Cook on Low for 4 hours or until tender.  I serve this with cheesy potatoes, twice baked potatoes, or seasoned potatoe wedges.

Spaghetti Bake

My Sister in law shared this recipe with me.  I think it is delicious, and it adds variety to the menu without a lot of new ingredients.  It is also a great way to use some of that free pasta!

Ingredients:
1 Package Cream Cheese
16 oz. Sour Cream ( I used about 1/2 that becase I had an open carton) 
12 oz. Cooked Spaghetti
1 lb ground hamburger
Onion (optional)
26.5 oz. Spaghetti Sauce of choice
1/2 c. Grated Cheese

Directions:
Soften cream cheese and mix with sour cream.  Spread in bottom of 9x13 dish. Layer Spaghetti on top of cream.  Brown hamburger & onion.  Add on top of pasta.  Pour sauce over the top.  Sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 min. or until bubbly.

Italian Chicken

This is an easy crock pot meal.  I originally found the recipe from Money Saving Mom.

Ingredients:
Chicken Breast (appropriate amount for # of people eating)
Italian Dressing (about 1/4 cup per chicken breast)
1/2 cup water

Instructions:
Place ingredients in the crock pot on low for 6 hours.  Serve over rice. 

Enjoy!

Valentine's Day Breakfast

Growing up, the food we ate reflected the holiday.  On St. Patricks day, everything was green.  Valentines Day- red, white, & pink.

Every Valentines Day we would wake up to pink heart shaped pancakes- what a way to start off your day!

I will be continuing the tradition this year.  I use the same Pancake Recipe, then add 3 drops of red food coloring- wala! Pink Pancakes 

Start your families day off with a little love.  :D

What Valentine's Day treats or traditions do you have?

Bowtie Pasta Festival- Our Version

Last fall we went to Johnny Corinos with my parents.  We had their Bowtie Pasta Festival and loved it.  I looked up the recipe online and found a great copy cat.  I then adapted it to what we have on hand. 
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon melted butter

1 teaspoon chopped fresh garlic
1/8 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup diced cooked bacon
1/4 cup diced Roma tomatoes
1 cup sliced cooked chicken
1 ounce heavy (whipping) cream
(I used about 1/2 cup extra concentrated milk from powdered milk)
1 jar Alfredo sauce (I use a mix packet)
1/8 cup Asiago cheese
(I use whatever cheese I have.  Once I used mexican & once I used chedar)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
10 ounces precooked bowtie noodles
(I used Penne this time. Last time I used Routini)

Saute butter, garlic, onions, bacon, tomatoes, chicken, and spice mixture. When onions begin to turn translucent, add heavy cream and cheese. Once cheese and cream have reduced by half, add Alfredo sauce and bowtie pasta. Toss until well combined and remove from heat. Allow to cool for a few minutes so the cheese and sauce thicken.

Enjoy!

Overnight Sausage & Egg Breakfast Caserol

My brother-in-law made this for us at Thanksgiving, then my mother made it for us at Christmas.  Daniel and I both loved it, so I decided to give it a try.  It is a pretty simple and delicous breakfast!

Ingredients:
6-8 slices white bread (I made Bread Machine Bread)
about 1/4 C softened butter (just for buttering the bread slices)
4 C grated colby jack cheese
12 oz pork sausage, browned and drained if necessary
(1) 4 oz can green chiles
6 eggs
2 C milk
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp paprika
1 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp dry mustard

Instructions:I cut the recipe above in half for Daniel and I, and we still had left overs.  Because we were doing a half recipe, I left out the chillies to avoid throwing away half a can.

First cut the crust off the bread and put it in a buttered pan.

Then put down the layer of cheese, then the cooked sausage.  In a separate bowl, mix the eggs, milk, and spices.  Pour this over the cheese and sausage.  Be sure to stir as you pour to keep the spices spread out.

Then cover it and put it in the fridge over night.  In the morning, preheat the ovento 350 & bake the caserol for 50-60 min.

Enjoy!

I found this recipe on Our Best Bites.

New Free Valentine eBooks!

There are three new Free Valentine eBooks that you can download. These got my brain going. I need to decide on a fun recipe or craft for Valentines Day!

Two Free Valentine's Day Craft Books

Cupid's Handmade Crafts eBook

Valentine's Day Crafts from Famous Bloggers.

Free eCookbook

RecipeLion: Sweets for Your Sweet eCookbook

 22 Cute Dessert Recipes for Valentine's Day, featuring 36 pages of dessert recipes.

Crock Pot Beef Fajitas

We adapted this recipe from several we found online and were very pleased with the results.  We were able to warm up the filling as left overs for several meals.

Beef Fajita Ingredients:
2 lb Beef Roast
2 cups beef broth (mix 2 cups water with 2 teaspoons beef boulion)
1/2 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlice diced
1 diced green or red pepper (I don't like peppers, so these were left out)
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon cillantro
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper

Put all the ingredients in the crock pot on low for 5-7 hours.  Take the roast out and shred it.  Return it to pot and mix it with broth mixture.

Serve on warm tortillas with rice, cheese, and lettuce.

Enjoy!

Bread Machine Rolls

I have recently become a huge fan of my bread machine.  My mom found it for me at a second hand store for $5.00- thanks mom!  This is my mom's favorite bread machine bread recipe.  I have not tried a bunch of recipes, but I have been very pleased with this one.

Ingredients:
1 cup warm water
1 teaspoon yeast
2 tablespoons white sugar
1/4 cup oil
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:
place water, sugar and yeast in the pan of the bread machine.  Let the ueast dissolve and foam for 10 minutes.  Add the oil, flour, and salt to the yeast. 

For Bread: Select basic white bread setting and press start.  Makes one 1 1/2 pound loaf.

For Rolls: Select dough setting.  When dough is done (mine takes an hour and a half), punch down dough and form into rolls.   Let rise to double in size.  Bake at 350 for 10-12 min. (until golden brown)

To Freeze:  Place un-cooked rolls on small pan in the freezer until firmly frozen.  Then place in a freezer bag.
To Cook:  Remove desired number of rolls from freezer.  Let sit at room temperature for about 1 hour until rolls have risen to twice size.  Bake at 350 for 10-12 min.

I have found that using the bread machine saves preparation and clean up time.  I put all the ingredients in the pan, press a button, and work on something else while my perfect dough is formed. 

Pumpkin Pancakes

Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pinch clove
1 cup milk
1/3 cup pumpkin
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 egg

Instructions:
Mix dry ingredients.  In separate bowl, mix wet ingredients.  Add dry and wet ingredients.  Cook on sprayed gridle. makes (6) 6 inch pancakes.

I am a huge breakfast fan, and I love these pancakes.  Enjoy!

Pumpkin Bread/Muffins

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
3/4 cup canned pumpkin
1 3/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
3/4 cup chocolate chips
3/4 cup chopped peacan (optional)

Instructions:
Cream butter, sugar and eggs.  Add pumpkin and mix well.  In separate bowl, mix dry ingredients.  Gradually add to creamy mixture.  When all the dry ingredients are mixed in, add chocolate chips & nuts.

For Large Loaf Bread:  Grease One loaf pan.  Bake at 350 for 1 hr.
For Mini Loaves bread: Grease 4 mini loaf pans.  Bake at 350 for 30-40 min.
For Muffins: Makes 21 muffins.  Bake at 350 for about 18 min.  Check with toothpick.

These muffins freeze great.  Daniel can put a muffin straight from the freezer in his lunch in the morning and it is thawed for lunch.  They make a great snack.

BBQ Chicken Pizza

Daniel really likes BBQ, so naturally BBQ Chicken Pizza gets an A+.

Ingredients:
1 Chicken Breast Grilled, cubed, and smothered in BBQ sauce.
1/4 cup diced onions
1/4 cup bacon bits
1 1/2 cups grated cheese
BBQ Sauce
Pizza Dough

Make pizza dough and cook crust for 5 minutes.  Remove from oven and add toppings:

While dough is in the oven, grill & cube chicken and dice onions.

Cover partly cooked crust in a layer of BBQ sauce.  Then sprinkle onions and bacon bits evenly over pizza. 

Cover with grated cheese and chicken pieces.

Cook for another 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and crust is golden brown.

Enjoy!

My Favorite Brownie Recipe

I grew up in a home where everything was made from scratch.  We did not use very many mixes.  This was always my favorite treat to make, and it still is.  It is simple, quick, and I have never had a batch of brownies not turn out.

Ingredients:
2 cubes butter
6 tablespoons cocoa
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups flour

Directions:
Melt butter in a medium size sauce pan on the stove top.  Mix in cocoa & sugar & remove from heat.  Add vanilla and eggs and mix well.  In a separate bowl mix baking powder, salt, and flour.  Combine wet & dry ingredients and mix well.  Cook in a greased 9x13 pan @ 350 for 20-25 minutes.  Test center with toothpick.  The toothpick should come out clean.
Enjoy!

Morning Cake

Breakfast is probably my favorite meal of the day.  Growing up, this was one of the meals we had when it was dad's turn to cook breakfast. 

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup flour
3/4 cup sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup shortening (or margarine)
3/4 cup milk
1 egg

Instructions:
Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.  Mix shortening with dry mixture until crumbly.  Add milk and egg and mix well.  Place in greased 9x9 pan. Sprinkle with topping. 

Topping:
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
3 tablespoons butter

Mix ingredients till crumbly.  Sprinkle on top of cake batter.  Bake in oven at 375 degrees for 25 min. Check with toothpick.  Serve warm with peaches.

I made this on Monday and totally forgot to take pictures.  I will update with pictures soon!

Taco Soup- Quick Winter Meal

I love a hot bowl of soup for dinner on a cold winter day!  Taco soup is one of my favorite quick, easy soup recipes.

Ingredients:
1/2 lb ground hamburger
1 can corn (or 1 cup frozen corn)
1 can kidney beans (about 1 cup cooked beans)
1 can diced tomatoes (1 cup)
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2- 3/4 packet Taco Seasoning (to taste)

Brown hamburger, add onions and let them cook together.  Add tomatoes, beans, corn, and bring to a simmer.  Add seasoning to taste.  Serve with tortilla chips and cheese as desired.  Serves 2-3 adults.

Pie Crust Recipe

I really enjoy pies for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  My mother makes 5 or 6 different kinds of pies each year, so it is part of the holiday season for me.

It took me a while to feel comfortable making pie crust.  There is an art to making pastries- and I definately have not figured it all out, but I am still suprised at how quick and simple it is to make a pie crust.

8 or 9 inch One Crust Pie
(if you are making a two crust pie, just double the ingredients)

Ingredients:
1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon shortening
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 to 3 Tablespoons cold water

Cut shortening into flour and slaut until particles are size of small peas.

Sprinkle in water, 1 Tablespoon at a time, tossing with fork until all flour is moistened and pastry almost cleans side of boal.  The water is tricky.  I usually add a few extra Tablespoons.  You want to have a rollable dough. 

Gather pastry into a ball. (If you are doing a 2 crust pie, divide dough in half) Flatten on lightly floured surface.  Roll pastry 2 inches larger than pie plate.

Fold pastry into quarters & carefully transfer to pie plate.  Unfold in pie plate and press firmly against the bottom and side.

Trim overhanging edge of pastry 1 inch from rim.  Fold & roll pastry under until even with edge of plate.  Use your fingers or a fork to flute the edges.

Fill crust as directed in recipe

Bake at 475 until light brown (or according to recipe)

Easy Little Cheese Cakes

I needed to make a dessert for a dinner party tonight, so I decided to use some of the free cream cheese we got and make cheesecake.  I have never made cheesecake before- so I decided to go with a very simple recipe from my mother.

Filling:
(2) 8 oz. packages of cream cheese
1 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
2 teaspoons corn starch
3 eggs

Mix softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and corn starch. Add eggs to mixture and beat until mixed.

You are supposed to use vanilla waffers for the crust (place on in the bottom of each wrapper), but I did not have any.  So I used a graham cracker crust.

Graham Cracker Crust:
1 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers
2 Tablespoons sugar
3 Tablespoons butter

Mix sugar with crushed graham crackers. Mix in butter to form a crummy mixture.  Pack one spoonfull in the bottom of each cupcake wrap.  Bake @ 350 for 3 min.  Let cool.

Add about 1/2" of filling on top of each crust. Bake @ 375 for 10 min.

Cool in the refregerator.  To serve, remove wrapper and top with cherry pie filling, chocolate sauce, or other topping of choice.

These turned out great!  I guess we will see if our friends like them tonight...

Dinner in a Pumpkin

One of my favorite parts of any Holiday is the fun food that comes with it!  A friend shared this Halloween recipe with me a few years ago.  It is a fun, festive meal to enjoy on Halloween.

Ingredients:
1 Medium size pumpkin (or multiple smaller pumpkins)
1 Small Onion
1 lb Hamburger
5 or 6 medium potatoes
3 or 4 carrots
1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
Salt
Pepper

Instructions:
Cut top off pumpkin and remove insides as if you were going to carve it.
Poke pumpkin with a fork & rub inside with butter.
(Use a Marker to draw a face on your pumpkin if you want)
Bake in oven for 45 min to 1 hr. (depending on size)

While pumpkin is baking-
Brown hamburger
Saute diced onions.
Wash & peal potatoes & carrots & boil.  Let cool, then cube.

Mix hamburger and onion with carrots and potatoes in a bowl.  Salt and pepper as desired.  Mix in cream of mushroom soup.  Add a little bit of milk if mixture seams too dry.

Once pumpkin has baked for an hour, place stew mixture inside of the pumpkin and bake for an additional 30 min or until stew is warm.

Enjoy!

Visit Food on Fridays for more dinner ideas!

Homemade Apple Pie with Fresh Apples!

Picking Apples

It is the apple harvest season! My parents have several apple trees that were loaded with apples this year.  It is such a fun family activity to pick fresh apples. You can find an apple orchard near you at  Taste of Home.com.  Pillsbury and Taste of Home are sponsoring Love the Pie baking demonstration events across the country.

My mother, sisters, and I were able to make & can apple sauce and apple pie filling to use throughout the next year.  Hurray!  We have also made fresh apple pie- Yummy!

Baking Apple Pie
Apple pie is definitely one of my favorites.  It is especially rewarding knowing that you picked the apples!  There are a lot of good apple pie recipes to choose from.  I tried an apple pie recipe from Pillsbury.  Here are a few other recipe ideas for the apples you pick this fall:

Festive Apple-Berry Pie
Topsy-Turvy Apple Pie
Easy Apple Pie Fold over
Cinnamon-Apple Pie with Carmel-Pecan Sauce

Pillsbury and  My Blog Spark provided me with a "Love the Pie" Prize pack (pictured above).  They also gave me a "Love the Pie" Prize pack to give to one of my readers and asked me to write a review on the Pillsbury refrigerated pie crust.  I usually make my own pie crust, so I was interested to see how it turned out.

Go here to enter to with the "Love the pie" Prize pack!

Apple Pie Filling Ingredients:
6 cups thinly sliced, peeled apples (6 medium)
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 425°F. Place 1 pie crust in ungreased 9-inch glass pie plate. Press firmly against side and bottom.

Peel, core and slice apples in thin slices.

In large bowl, gently mix apples with other filling ingredients

 Spoon into crust-lined pie plate.

Top with second crust. Wrap excess top crust under bottom crust edge, pressing edges together to seal; flute.

Cut slits or shapes in several places in top crust.  I like to attempt to cut the shape of an apple.  :D

Cover edge of crust with 2- to 3-inch wide strips of foil after first 15 to 20 minutes of baking to prevent excessive browning. 

Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until apples are tender and crust is golden brown. 

Pie Crust Review:
I am a big fan of making things from scratch.  Growing up, we spent a lot of family time in the kitchen baking together.  I do not feel that making one or 2 pie crusts from scratch takes a huge amount of time.  For that reason, I am not sure if I would purchase rolled refrigerated pie crust on a regular basis. 

However, the refrigerated pie crust was very simple and tasted great.  It was nice to be able to make a pie without the mess of the dough.  My husband was a huge fan of having fewer dishes to wash!  I had never used a rolled pie crust before.  I do prefer the rolled refrigerated pie crust to the refrigerated ones that come in the tin pans.  The rolled refrigerated pie crust allows you to make the pie just the way you want it- so it really taste & looks homemade.

If I am ever cooking a large number of pies, buying a pie crust would definitely be a time saving option.  I will also be keeping my eyes open for coupon deals on these pie crusts.  An apple pie would make a great homemade treat for a holiday get together this fall, and I could use a refrigerated pie crust and canned pie filling to make a pretty quick pie!