Skip to content

Honey Wheat Bread

January 18, 2013

 

Honey Wheat Bread (16)Honey Wheat Bread (13)

Honey Wheat Bread (2)

2 cups warm water (110 degrees)

1/2 T. sugar

1 T. dry active yeast

Add the tablespoon of sugar to the warm water and then add the yeast.  Let this sit for 5 minutes. It will start to get foamy.

Honey Wheat Bread (4)

1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup canola oil

1/3 cup honey

2 tsp. salt

Add 1/3 cup sugar to mixing bowl.

Add oil.

Add honey.  (Adding the oil first and then using the same measuring cup, the honey will just glide out.)

Add salt.

Honey Wheat Bread (5)

Add yeast mixture.

Mix all this up.  (If mixing in a KitchenAid –  use mixing blade.)

Honey Wheat Bread (6)

3 – 4 cups wheat flour  (I used 4 cups)

Add wheat flour one cup at a time and mix well.  The dough should be thick and stick to the beaters.

Honey Wheat Bread (14)

2 – 3 cups bread flour (you can use all purpose) (I used 2 1/2 cups)

Change to a dough hook attachment.

Add bread flour to the mixture 1/2 cup at a time until it cleans the sides of the bowl and is no longer sticky to the touch.

“Knead” the dough for 6 minutes or so.  You could also do this by hand on the counter – just increase the time to 10 – 15 minutes.

Turn your over to the lowest temperature – I put it on the warm setting – and lower racks to a low position.

Lightly oil a large bowl.

With floured hands, form a smooth and elastic ball with the dough and place it in the oiled bowl.  Flip the dough ball over so both sides have oil on them.

Cover the bowl completely with plastic wrap.

Honey Wheat Bread (7)

TURN YOUR OVEN OFF and  then place the bowl in warm oven (if you can’t touch your hand to the inside of the door, it’s too hot – open the door to allow it to cool).  Let it rise until doubled (about 45 minutes).

Honey What Bread

After removing the dough from the warm oven – turn the oven back on warm to reheat it.

Lightly grease 2 standard size bread pans.

Punch the dough down and divide into two equal chunks.  Shape sections into loaves by tucking the dough under itself.

TURN OVEN OFF.  Place the sections in the pans and return them to the warm oven.

Honey Wheat Bread (8)

Let the loaves rise until they are double in size or are about 1 – 2 inches taller than the pans (about 30 minutes).

Pull the loaves out of the oven and preheat to 365 degrees.  Place loaves back in the oven and bake for 25 minutes.  If your loaves start to brown too quickly, cover the tops with aluminum foil or a disposable oven liner.

Place finished loaves on cooling racks.  Allow the loaves to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Honey Wheat Bread (15)

Recipe Source: MeckMom (found on Pinterest)

FULL RECIPE WITHOUT PICTURES —

HONEY WHEAT BREAD

2 cups warm water (110 degrees)

1/2 T. sugar

1 T. dry active yeast

1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup canola oil

1/3 cup honey

2 tsp. salt

3 – 4 cups wheat flour

2 – 3 cups bread flour (you can use all purpose)

Add the tablespoon of sugar to the warm water and then add the yeast.  Let this sit for 5 minutes. It will start to get foamy.

Add 1/3 cup sugar to mixing bowl.

Add oil.

Add honey.  (Adding the oil first and then using the same measuring cup, the honey will just glide out.)

Add salt.

Add yeast mixture.

Mix all this up.  (If mixing in a KitchenAid –  use mixing blade.)

Add wheat flour one cup at a time and mix well.  The dough should be thick and stick to the beaters.

Change to a dough hook attachment.

Add bread flour to the mixture 1/2 cup at a time until it cleans the sides of the bowl and is no longer sticky to the touch.

“Knead” the dough for 6 minutes or so.  You could also do this by hand on the counter – just increase the time to 10 – 15 minutes.

Turn your over to the lowest temperature – I put it on the warm setting – and lower racks to a low position.

Lightly oil a large bowl.

With floured hands, form a smooth and elastic ball with the dough and place it in the oiled bowl.  Flip the dough ball over so both sides have oil on them.

Cover the bowl completely with plastic wrap.

TURN YOUR OVEN OFF and  then place the bowl in warm oven (if you can’t touch your hand to the inside of the door, it’s too hot – open the door to allow it to cool).  Let it rise until doubled (about 45 minutes).

After removing the dough from the warm oven – turn the oven back on warm to reheat it.

Lightly grease 2 standard size bread pans.

Punch the dough down and divide into two equal chunks.  Shape sections into loaves by tucking the dough under itself.

TURN OVEN OFF.  Place the sections in the pans and return them to the warm oven.

Let the loaves rise until they are double in size or are about 1 – 2 inches taller than the pans (about 30 minutes).

Pull the loaves out of the oven and preheat to 365 degrees.  Place loaves back in the oven and bake for 25 minutes.  If your loaves start to brown too quickly, cover the tops with aluminum foil or a disposable oven liner.

Place finished loaves on cooling racks.  Allow the loaves to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Recipe Source: MeckMom (found on Pinterest)

10 Can Taco Chili Soup

January 16, 2013
Rancho Taco Chili Soup (9)
On our way to California for Christmas, we stopped at Janet Gutierrez’s home.  She had this wonderful pot of soup simmering in the crock pot and was kind enough to invite us for dinner.  It is a cross between Taco Soup and Chili, since it has beans in it.  She served it with the best corn bread – Sweet Corn Bread (found in this blog under the Bread tab).  Together they made a most delicious meal.
Rancho Taco Chili Soup (3)
 
1 lb.  ground turkey or hamburger
 
1 large onion, chopped 
Brown ground turkey and onions.  Put in crock pot.
Rancho Taco Chili Soup (4)
2  (14 – 15 oz.) cans stewed tomatoes
2  (14 – 15 oz.) cans Mexican stewed tomatoesRancho Taco Chili Soup (5)
You can drain the juice of the tomatoes into the pot and then cut the tomatoes in smaller, bite-size pieces OR just dump the tomatoes into the crock pot and use scissors to cut the tomatoes into smaller pieces.
2  (14 – 15 oz.) cans pinto beans
2  (14 – 15 oz.) cans chili beans
1 – 2 (14 – 15 oz.) cans corn
Open and dump all the canned goods into the crock pot, including liquids.
1 pkg. Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
Rancho Taco Chili Soup (1)
1 pkg. taco seasoning (4 T.)
Rancho Taco Chili Soup (2)
Add Hidden Valley dressing mix and taco soup mix.  Stir everything together.
Simmer until hot and serve.
Top with grated cheese and a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Rancho Taco Chili Soup (8)
Calories: Entire recipe is 3,815 calories. 1 cup serving = 212 calories per cup.  Does not include cheese and sour cream.
Recipe Source: Janet G.
FULL RECIPE WITHOUT THE PICTURES —
TACO CHILI SOUP
1 lb.  ground turkey or hamburger
 
1 large onion, chopped 
2  (14 – 15 oz.) cans stewed tomatoes
2  (14 – 15 oz.) cans Mexican stewed tomatoes
2  (14 – 15 oz.) cans pinto beans
2  (14 – 15 oz.) cans chili beans
1 – 2 (14 – 15 oz.) cans corn
1 pkg. taco seasoning (4 T.)
1 pkg. Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
Brown ground turkey and onions.  Put in crock pot.
Open and dump all the canned goods into the crock pot, including liquids.
(You can drain the juice of the tomatoes into the pot and then cut the tomatoes in smaller, bite-size pieces OR just dump the tomatoes into the crock pot and use scissors to cut the tomatoes into smaller pieces.)
Simmer until hot and serve.
Makes approximately 18 – 1 cup servings
Calories: Entire recipe is 3,815 calories. 1 cup serving = 212 calories per cup.  Does not include cheese and sour cream.
Recipe Source: Janet G.

Sweet Corn Bread

January 16, 2013
Sweet Corn Bread (1)
This Sweet Corn Bread can be compared to what you would have at Marie Calendars or Famous Dave’s.  The  cake mix gives it and light sweet flavor that you will just love.  My friend Janet shared it with us when we stopped for a visit at Christmas time.
It can also be made into muffins.
Sweet Corn Bread
Sweet Corn Bread (3)
2 Jiffy Corn Bread mixes
1 yellow cake mix
1 1/2 c. water
3 eggs
1/3 c. milk
cupcake liners (if making into muffins)
Mix all ingredients together.
Sweet Corn Bread (4)
Pour into greased 9 x 13 pan or cupcake liners. (makes 36)
Sweet Corn Bread (5)
For 9 x 13 pan – bake at 325 for 40 – 45 mins or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
For cupcakes – bake at 325 for 17 mins or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Sweet Corn Bread (2)
Makes 36 muffins
Calories: Entire recipe is 3,643 calories.
Cut into 12 pieces – 303 calories each
Cut into 16 pieces – 227 calories each
36 muffins – 101 calories
Recipe Source: Janet Gutierrez
FULL RECIPE WITHOUT PICTURES —
SWEET CORN BREAD
2 Jiffy Corn Bread mixes
1 yellow cake mix
1 1/2 c. water
3 eggs
1/3 c. milk
cupcake liners (if making into muffins)
Mix all ingredients together.
Pour into greased 9 x 13 pan.
For 9 x 13 pan – bake at 325 for 40 – 45 mins or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
For cupcakes – bake at 325 for 17 mins or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Makes 36 muffins
Calories: Entire recipe is 3,643 calories.
Cut into 12 pieces – 303 calories each
Cut into 16 pieces – 227 calories each
30 muffins – 101 calories
Recipe Source: Janet Gutierrez

Gyoza (Japanese Potstickers)

January 1, 2013

Gyoza (14)

Our son Craig has the most wonderful in-laws – Bryan and Karen Ostermiller.   Bryan went to Japan on his mission and their family has been making Gyozas ever since.  They have made Gyoza for us twice – once when we went camping and again when we spent Thanksgiving together at Craig and Corinne’s in Idaho.  For Christmas a few years ago, they gave us all of the sauces to make Gyozas.  It such a fun treat and fun to make as a family.

Gyoza (2)

Gyoza (3)

Close up of the sauces

1 pound ground pork

1/2 head cabbage, chopped very fine

3 – 4 green onions, chopped very fine

1/2 tsp. garlic granules

round won ton wrappers

Sesame oil

Ponzu – Citrus Seasoned Soy Sauce

Chili oil 

PREPARING:

Chop cabbage and green onions very fine.

Gyoza (4)

Mix vegetables into the pork.  The best way to do this is with your hands – kind of slimy but it does the job.

Lay a won ton skin down and put a small spoonful of pork mixture on top.

Gyoza (8)

Dip your finger in a small bowl of water and run it along one half of the skin.

Gyoza (6)

Bring the two sides together and squeeze to seal.  You can put a few little tucks in it to make it look pretty.

Gyoza (7)

Set all the gyoza aside.

Gyoza (9)

COOKING:

Heat about a tablespoon of  sesame oil in a fry pan – cast iron works the best.

Lay gyozas on their sides and brown each side.

Gyoza (13)

Once the second side is browned, pour 1/2 cup water in the pan and cover with a lid.  Keep lid on until all the water is gone.

Gyoza

Gyoza (12)

EATING:

Pour some Ponzu in individual cups.  If you want it a little spicy, add a few drops of Chili oil.

Using chop sticks (or your fingers) dip gyoza in Ponzu sauce. Eat and Enjoy!

Gyoza (1)

FULL RECIPE WITHOUT PICTURES —

GYOZA

1 pound ground pork

1/2 head cabbage, chopped very fine

3 – 4 green onions, chopped very fine

1/2 tsp. garlic granules

round won ton wrappers

Sesame oil

Ponzu – Citrus Seasoned Soy Sauce

Chili oil

Chop cabbage and green onions very fine.

PREPARING:

Mix vegetables into the pork.  The best way to do this is with your hands – kind of slimy but it does the job.

Lay a won ton skin down and put a small spoonful of pork mixture on top.

Dip your finger in a small bowl of water and run it along one half of the skin.

Bring the two sides together and squeeze to seal.  You can put a few little tucks in it to make it look pretty.

Set all the gyoza aside.

COOKING:

Heat about a tablespoon of  sesame oil in a fry pan – cast iron works the best.

Lay gyozas on their sides and brown each side.

Once the second side is browned, pour 1/2 cup water in the pan and cover with a lid.  Keep lid on until all the water is gone.

EATING:

Pour some Ponzu in individual cups.  If you want it a little spicy, add a few drops of Chili oil.

Dip gyoza in Ponzu sauce. Eat and Enjoy!

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

January 1, 2013

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

One of Ken’s favorite soups is Chicken Gnocchi, so today he came up with a great recipe.  Served with crusty bread, this made a great winter meal.  Gnocchi is a dumpling, usually made from potatoe.  It is pronounced “no-key “.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup (2)

5 T. Brummel and Brown butter (not shown in pictures)

4 T. olive oil

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

Melt butter and olive oil together with salt and pepper.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup (3)

1/2 cup onion, chopped

1/2 cup celery, chopped

3 cloves garlic, chopped or 1 T. bottled minced garlic

Add celery, onion and garlic.  Saute for 2 minutes.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup (4)

1 cup mushrooms, coarsely chopped 

Add mushrooms.  Saute for an additional 2 minutes.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup (5)

1/4 tsp. celery salt

1/4 tsp. thyme

1/4 tsp. oregano

Add seasonings.

1/3 cup flour

Add the flour slowly while stirring to form a roux.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup (6)

2 cups half and half

2 cups milk

Stir in the half and half and milk.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup (7)

14 – 16 oz. package mini gnocchi (Note: The pictures show the regular size gnocchi but we have decided that we like the mini gnocchi better.)

Chicken Gnocchi Soup (1)

Meanwhile in another pan, cook the gnocchi according to the package. (Package says to add gnocchi to salted boiling water.  When the gnocchi floats to the top – it is done.  This takes about 2 – 3 minutes. We could have used a much smaller pan too, as the gnocchi just needs to be heated – is doesn’t foam up like pasta does).

Chicken Gnocchi Soup (10)

1 cup carrots, shredded

2 cups chicken

Add carrots and chicken to the stockpot.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup (8)

1 (14.5 oz.) can chicken broth

1 1/2 cups spinach

Stir often and when the soup gets thicker, add the chicken broth, gnocchi and spinach.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup (9)

Chicken Gnocchi Soup (11)

Chicken Gnocchi Soup (12)

Heat through.  Top with grated parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve with crusty bread.  Enjoy!

RECIPE SOURCE:  Ken Allred

FULL RECIPE WITHOUT PICTURES —

CHICKEN GNOCCHI SOUP

5 T. butter or margarine

4 T. olive oil

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

Melt butter and olive oil together with salt and pepper.

1/2 cup onion, chopped

1/2 cup celery, chopped

3 cloves garlic, chopped or 1 T. bottled minced garlic

Add celery, onion and garlic.  Saute for 2 minutes.

1 cup mushrooms, coarsely chopped 

Add mushrooms.  Saute for an additional 2 minutes.

1/4 tsp. celery salt

1/4 tsp. thyme

1/4 tsp. oregano

Add seasonings.

1/3 cup flour

Add the flour slowly while stirring to form a roux.

2 cups half and half

2 cups milk

Stir in the half and half and milk.

14 – 16 oz. package mini gnocchi (Note: The pictures show the regular size gnocchi but we have decided that we like the mini gnocchi better.)

Meanwhile in another pan, cook the gnocchi according to the package. (Package says to add gnocchi to salted boiling water.  When the gnocchi floats to the top – it is done.  This takes about 2 – 3 minutes)

1 cup carrots, shredded

2 cups chicken

Add carrots and chicken to the stockpot.

1 (14.5 oz.) can chicken broth

1 1/2 cusp spinach

Stir often and when the soup gets thicker, add the chicken broth, gnocchi and spinach.  Heat through.

RECIPE SOURCE:  Ken Allred

Crusty Artisan Bread

January 1, 2013

Crusty Artisan Bread (1)

I have loved buying Artisan bread in the past and now I can make it myself.  It is so easy, but does take some time because it has to sit for 12 – 18 hours – so you need to plan ahead – but is so worth it!

Note:  I tried making this bread in a regular camping type Dutch oven and because oil seeps into the porous of the cast iron, when heating it to 450 degrees – I set the fire alarms off in the house!! Not a good pot to use.

Crusty Artisan Bread (11)

You do not need to oil the pot.

A large mixing bowl is needed because the dough will rise.

Crusty Artesian Bread (1)

Only 4 ingredients –

In a large mixing bowl, add:

3 cups + 2 T white flour (you MUST use regular flour – Bread Flour is too sticky)

1  3/4 tsp. salt 

1/2 tsp. yeast

Whisk the flour, salt and yeast together.

* If you are adding any additional ingredients, this is when you would do that. Stir into dry ingredients.

Crusty Artesan Bread (4)

Mix in:

1  1/2 cups warm water Crusty Artesan Bread (5)

Mix well.

Crusty Artesan Bread (6)

That’s it!  Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it set for 12 – 18 hours on the counter top.  This is not optional.  It takes that much time to proof the dough.   DO NOT REFRIGERATE!!!

This is what the dough looks like after the 12 – 18 hours.

Crusty Artisan Bread (2)

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.  As soon as it is heated to 450 degrees, place your pot with the lid on, in the oven and pre-heat the pot for 30 minutes.

Right after you put the pot in the oven, cover your hands with flour and lift the dough out of the bowl.  Shape it into a round ball.  Place the dough ball on a floured surface.  I put my dough ball on a piece of parchment paper to make it easier to lift in and out of the pot.  This is not necessary – I am just afraid that I will burn myself on the hot pot when removing the loaf.

Cover dough ball with the plastic wrap you used to cover the bowl (dry it off if necessary or turn it over), and let it sit for 30 minutes while the pot is heating.

Crusty Artisan Bread (6)

You can take your chance and just put your dough in the pot, cover it and be surprised when it comes out (picture at the very top) or you can score (cut) slightly into the dough before cooking it to plan your design – such as the picture below. At this point, the dough kind of bounces back when you try to cut into it.  I found it easiest to use a sharp floured knife to cut a design into the dough.  Just “dip” or “stab” your knife into your flour container before each slice. You can also use a sharp razor blade.

Crusty Artisan Bread (14)

Remove the pot from the oven. I like to fold a piece of parchment paper to put in the bottom of the pot to prevent the bottom from getting too hard. Carefully pick up the ball of dough and place it in the pot, or lift the edges of the parchment paper.  If not using parchment paper, you may want to have flour on your hands since it is a bit sticky.  Remember, your pot is 450 degrees, so be very careful.  Put the lid on the pot and return it to the oven and bake for 40 minutes.

Crusty Artisan Bread (7)

This is the bread after the 40 minutes of baking.  Is this beautiful or what??!!!

But it is not done yet.

Crusty Artisan Bread (8)

Remove the lid from the pot and continue to bake for another 10 -12 minutes. (I put a piece of parchment over the top to prevent burning.

This is the finished product.

Crusty Artisan Bread (9)

Place the bread on a cooling rack until completely cooled.

If you put an Artisan loaf of bread in a regular plastic bag, it will soften the crust.  To keep the crust crunchy, it needs to be put in a bag that has perforations in it.

Crusty Artisan Bread (15)

NOTE:  When making bread that has any candy chips in it – fold about 5 pieces of parchment paper into a square and place it in the bottom of the dutch oven.  Also, place one folded sheet on top.  This helps prevent burning.  Also, increase the baking time (with the lid on) by about 5 – 10 minutes or so.  Take the lid off and only bake another 2-3 minutes – only if needed.  Anything with sugar in it tends to burn very easily.

* Now that you have mastered Artisan Bread making – try some of these variations:

Roasted garlic, pepper jack cheese – cheddar cheese – raisin, nut, cinnamon – sunflower seeds, poppy seeds – rosemary, lemon, Gruyère – lemon, thyme, Asiago – rosemary chives, thyme.

Use your imagination – please leave me a comment on what you tried and what you liked.  The possibilities are endless!

Recipe Source: Revised from Simply So Good (found on Pinterest)

FULL RECIPE WITHOUT PICTURES —

CRUSTY ARTISAN BREAD

I have loved buying Artisan bread in the past and now I can make it myself.  It is so easy, but does take some time because it has to sit for 12 – 18 hours so you need to plan ahead – but is so worth it!

If you do not have an enamel covered cast iron pot, you can use anything with a lid that can be put in the oven.

You do not need to oil the pot if it is an enamel covered cast iron or regular cast iron pot.

A large mixing bowl is needed because the dough will rise as it sets.

In a large mixing bowl, add

3 cups + 2 T. white bleached flour.

To the flour add:

1 3/4 tsp. salt 

1/2 tsp. yeast

Whisk the flour, salt and yeast together.

* If you are adding any additional ingredients, this is when you would do that. Stir into dry ingredients.

Mix in:

1  1/2 cups water 

That’s it!  Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it set for 12 – 18 hours on the counter top. DO NOT REFRIGERATE!!!  This is not optional.  It takes that much time to proof the dough.

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.  As soon as it is heated to 450 degrees, place your pot with the lid on, in the oven and pre-heat the pot for 30 minutes.

Right after you put the pot in the oven, cover your hands with flour and lift the dough out of the bowl.  Shape it into a round ball.  Place the dough ball on a floured surface.  I put my dough ball on a piece of parchment paper to make it easier to lift out of the pot.  This is not necessary – I am just afraid that I will burn myself on the hot pot.  It also keeps the loaf in a nice round shape.

Cover dough ball with the plastic wrap you used to cover the bowl, dry it off if necessary or turn it over, and let it sit for 40 minutes while the pot is heating.

You can take your chance and just put your dough in the pot, cover it and be surprised when it comes out or you can score (cut) slightly into the dough before cooking it to plan your design. At this point, the dough kind of bounces back when you try to cut into it.  I found it easiest to use a sharp floured knife to cut a design into the dough.  Just “dip” or “stab” your knife into your flour container before each slice. You can also use a sharp razor blade.

Remove the pot from the oven. I like to fold a piece of parchment paper to put in the bottom of the pot to prevent the bottom from getting too hard.  Carefully pick up the ball of dough and place it in the pot.  You may want to have flour on your hands since it is sticky.  Remember, your pot is 450 degrees, so be very careful.  Put the lid on the pot and return it to the oven for 35 minutes.

Remove the lid from the pot and continue to bake for another 10-12 minutes.

Place the bread on a cooling rack until completely cooled.

NOTE:  When making bread that has any candy chips in it – fold about 5 pieces of parchment paper into a square and place it in the bottom of the dutch oven.  Also, place one folded sheet on top.  This helps prevent burning.  Also, increase the baking time (with the lid on) by about 5 – 10 minutes or so.  Take the lid off and only bake another 2-3 minutes – only if needed.  Anything with sugar in it tends to burn very easily.

Now that you have mastered Artisan Bread making – try some of these variations:

Roasted garlic (you can buy garlic already roasted at Harmons grocery store), pepper jack cheese – cheddar cheese – raisin, nut, cinnamon – sunflower seeds, poppy seeds – rosemary, lemon, Gruyère – lemon, thyme, Asiago – rosemary chives, thyme.

Use your imagination – please leave me a comment on what you tried and what you liked.  The possibilities are endless!

Recipe Source: Revised from Simply So Good (found on Pinterest)

Ham and Green Noodle Casserole

December 31, 2012

Ham and Green Noodle Casserole (14)

My very oldest, dearest friend, Janet Gutierrez shared this recipe with me.  When I say oldest, I don’t mean in age.  Janet and I have been friends since the 2nd grade and we are still great friends today.  I remember her Mom, Eleanor Adamson making this casserole when we were kids.  It is fast and easy – a great way to use leftover ham.  If the color of the green noodles bother you, regular noodles can be used.

Ham and Green Noodle Casserole (11)

Janet Gutierrez

Ham and Green Noodle Casserole (3)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

12 oz. uncooked green noodles, cooked and drained (You can use regular noodles or a mix of the two)

Cook noodles according to the package.  If using Spinach Fettuccine, once the water is boiling, it only takes 3 minutes to cook.  Regular noodles take longer.

Ham and Green Noodle Casserole (4)

3/4 cup sour cream                                                        

1/2 can cream mushroom soup                              

1 can cheddar cheese soup                                       

3/4 tsp. dry mustard    

1/2 tsp. garlic granules

pepper to taste                                                

3T. milk                                                                                   

Mix together above ingredients.

Ham and Green Noodle Casserole (5)

1  (4 oz.) can black sliced olives                                      

1  (4 oz.) can mushrooms                                                  

3 cups diced ham                          

Add above ingredients to the soup mixture.

Ham and Green Noodle Casserole (6)

Add noodles – stir completely.

Ham and Green Noodle Casserole (7)

Place mixture in a 9 x 13 casserole dish.

Ham and Green Noodle Casserole (8)

I divided this recipe in two smaller casserole dishes.  I lined one with foil to prepare it for the freezer.  After adding the ham mixture, I tucked the excess foil around the edges.  This half was placed in the freezer, in the glass casserole pan, until it was frozen solid and then it was taken out of the pan.  When I thaw it, I will put it back in the same pan to cook it.

Ham and Green Noodle Casserole (10)

Top with 8 oz. grated sharp cheddar cheese.       

Ham and Green Noodle Casserole (9)

Bake covered at 350 degree for 30 – 40 minutes.

Top with French Fried Onion rings (canned).  Put it under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp the onions.

Ham and Green Noodle Casserole (12)

Ham and Green Noodle Casserole (13)

Recipe Source: revised from Janet Gutierrez

FULL RECIPE WITHOUT PICTURES —

HAM AND GREEN NOODLE CASSEROLE

3/4 cup sour cream                                                      

1/2 can cream mushroom soup                             

1 can cheddar cheese soup                                         

3/4 tsp. dry mustard    

1/2 tsp. garlic granules

pepper to taste      

3 T. milk                                                                                  

Mix together above ingredients.  Then mix in the following:

1  4 oz. can black sliced olives                                      

1  4 oz. can mushrooms                                                 

3 cups diced ham                                                             

12 oz. uncooked green noodles, cooked and drained (You can use regular noodles or a mix of the two)

season to taste

Mix everything together and put in 9 x 13 casserole dish.

Top with 8 oz. grated sharp cheddar cheese.     

Bake covered at 350 degree for 30 – 40 minutes.

Top with French Fried Onion rings (canned).  Put it under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp the onions.

Recipe Source: revised from Janet Gutierrez

Ken’s Savory Pot Roast

December 17, 2012

Savory Pot Roast (2)

3 – 4 pound chuck roast

garlic granules

pepper

salt

italian seasoning

Rub roast with the seasonings and let sit in the frig overnight or several hours.

Drizzle oil in a dutch oven to cover the bottom.  Over medium heat, braise roast on all sides until nice and brown.

Ken's Savory Pot Roast (3)

Remove roast and set aside.

2 cups carrots, cut in big chunks or use baby carrots

2 onions, cut in quarters

Brown carrots and onions.  Remove and set aside.

Ken's Savory Pot Roast (4)

3 – 4 potatoes

Brown potatoes. Add a little butter, if needed, to brown potatoes.  Remove and set aside.

Ken's Savory Pot Roast (5)

1 can beef broth 

1 can cream mushroom soup

1/4 package of dry brown gravy mix

Mix soups and gravy mix together.

Put roast and veggies back in the dutch oven.  Make sure there is enough liquid to cover 1/2 of the roast .  If needed, add more beef broth.

At the last minute, I added some fresh mushrooms.

Ken's Savory Pot Roast (2)

Cook in a 350 degrees oven for 40 minutes then turn down to 250 degrees for 1 1/2 hours. OR 275 degrees for 3 1/2 hours.

Savory Pot Roast (1)

Savory Pot Roast (3)

FULL RECIPE WITHOUT PICTURES —

3 – 4 pound chuck roast

garlic granules

pepper

salt

italian seasoning

Rub roast with the seasonings and let sit in the frig overnight or several hours.

Drizzle oil in a dutch oven to cover the bottom.  Over medium heat, braise roast on all sides until nice and brown.

Remove roast and set aside.

2 cups carrots, cut in big chunks or use baby carrots

2 onions, cut in quarters

Brown carrots and onions.  Remove and set aside.

3 – 4 potatoes, cut in large chunks

Brown potatoes.  Remove and set aside.

1 can beef broth (perhaps more)

1 can cream mushroom soup

1/4 package of dry brown gravy mix

Mix soups and gravy mix together.

Put roast and veggies back in the dutch oven.  Make sure there is enough liquid to cover 1/2 of the roast .  If needed, add more beef broth.

Cook in a 350 degrees oven for 40 minutes then turn down to 250 degrees for 1 1/2 hours. OR 275 degrees for 3 1/2 hours.

Chicken Nachos

December 17, 2012

Chicken Nachos (2)

These nachos were so simple and easy to make – and tasted great!  Easy meal to throw together in the crock pot before taking off for the day.

Chicken Nachos (3)

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 T. taco seasoning

1 (15 oz.) can black, pinto or kidney beans, drained

1 (14.5) oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 (4.5 oz.) diced green chilies

2 T. lime juice (more needed to sprinkle on top if desired)

Chicken Nachos (4)

Chicken Nachos (5)

tortillas chips

shredded cheese

salsa

Additional toppings:   guacamole, olives, sour cream

Place chicken in slow cooker and sprinkle with taco seasoning.

Top with beans, tomatoes, chilies and lime juice.

Cover and cook on LOW for 4 – 6 hours.

Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred with two forks.

If you want to thicken the sauce a little bit, smash some of the beans.

Original recipe says to mix chicken with all of the sauce in the crock pot.  We thought that would be way too runny so we put the shredded chicken in a bowl and mixed in a desired amount of sauce. (We had enough sauce leftover to freeze and will put it over more chicken in the crock pot at a later date.)

To serve, spoon chicken mixture on top of chips.  Sprinkle with cheese.  Melt cheese under the broiler until melted.

Top with salsa.  Tasted really good with lime juice sprinkled on top!

 

Grandma Anona’s Chocolate Cream Cheese Cake

December 16, 2012

Chocolate Cream Cheese Cake (10)

Corinne asked me what recipe made me think of Grandma Anona.  It has to be this Chocolate Cream Cheese Cake.  She made it all the time for birthdays and family parties.  It is one of our favorites.

Chocolate Cream Cheese Cake (1)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

FILLING:

16 oz. cream cheese, softened

2 T. butter

¼ cup sugar

1 T. cornstarch

1 egg

2 T. milk

½ tsp. vanilla

Mix filling ingredients until smooth and creamy.  Set aside.

Chocolate Cream Cheese Cake (2)

 

CAKE:

1 Devils Food pudding cake mix

3 eggs

1/3 cup oil

1 cup water

Mix cake mix ingredients.

Grease and flour a 9×13 pan.

Pour 2/3 of the cake batter in the cake pan.

Chocolate Cream Cheese Cake (3)

Drop filling ingredients over cake batter – smooth out the best you can.

Chocolate Cream Cheese Cake (4)

 

Chocolate Cream Cheese Cake (5)

Pour remaining cake batter over the filling.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Cool completely.

Chocolate Cream Cheese Cake (7)

Don’t be afraid if your cake comes out looking kind of weird and bumpy – that’s ok.

Ice with chocolate or cream cheese icing.

Chocolate Cream Cheese Cake (8)

Tanner loved it!

FULL RECIPE WITHOUT PICTURES —

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

FILLING:

16 oz. cream cheese, softened

2 T. butter

¼ cup sugar

1 T. cornstarch

1 egg

2 T. milk

½ tsp. vanilla

 

CAKE:

1 Devils Food pudding cake mix

3 eggs

1/3 cup oil

1 cup water

Grease and flour a 9×13 pan.

Mix filling ingredients until smooth and creamy.  Set aside.

Mix cake mix ingredients.

Pour 2/3 of the cake batter in the cake pan.

Drop filling ingredients over cake batter – smooth out the best you can.

Pour remaining cake batter over the filling.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Cool completely.

Ice with chocolate or cream cheese icing.