Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

(This is a family favorite and is served at most of our extended family gatherings.)

Dressing:

1 C oil

1/2 C vinegar

1/2 C sugar

1 t poppy seeds

1/2 t dry mustard

1 t onion powder

1 t salt

Mix in blender.  Store covered in refrigerator.

Salad:

1 head lettuce, cut up

1 bunch spinach, washed thoroughly, cut up

1/2 bunch green onions, chopped

2 to 4 hard boiled eggs, chopped

1 C grated Swiss cheese

Bacon bits (optional)

Mix all together.  Add dressing at last minute before serving.

Slow Cooker Creamed Corn

Slow Cooker Creamed Corn

3 cans whole kernel corn, drained

1 c. milk

1 T sugar

1/4 tsp salt and pepper

8 oz cream cheese, cubed

1/2 c. unsalted butter, cut into thin slices (I have also used salted and just omitted the salt above).

Place corn into a slow cooker. Stir in milk, sugar and pepper until well combined. Without stirring, top with butter and cream cheese. Cover and cook on high heat for 2-3 hours. 

Uncover and stir until butter and cream cheese are well combined. Cover and cook on high heat for additional 15 minutes.

Mary Ann's Hawaiian Chicken

Mary Ann's Hawaiian Chicken

Chicken (thighs are delicious)
1/4 c. soy sauce
1 T chopped onion
1/2 t. ground ginger
1/4 c. corn starch

1/4 c. margarine
2 1/2 c. unsweetened pineapple chunks and juice
2 T lemon juice

Place chicken in bowl. Combine soy sauce, onion and ginger and pour over chicken.  Let stand at least 30 minutes. Turning to coat all sides.

Drain chicken, reserving sauce. Coat with cornstarch.
Place margarine in bottom of large shallow pan and place in 425 degree oven to melt. Place chicken in pan. Bake 30 minutes or until bottom is well browed. Turn the chicken over.

Combine pineapple chunks, lemon juice and reserved sauce and pour over chicken. Bake 15-20 minutes longer.

Cilantro Ranch

Cilantro Ranch

1 jar La Victoria Green Salsa
1 pkt. ranch dressing mix
juice of 1 lime
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/3 c. sugar
1/2 c. sour cream
1/2 c. mayo
1 c. fresh cilantro, stems removed
2 cloves fresh garlic

Pour everything into the blender.  Blend until well mixed and cilantro is finely chopped.  Good right away, but better if it stands for a day.

Sweet Rice

Sweet Rice

Ingredients:
1 1/3 cups White Rice
3 cups Chicken Broth
1 TBSP Vegetable Oil 
1/2 White Onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup Sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 bunch Fresh Cilantro chopped (remove stems)

Directions: 
Heat up the oil in a medium sized pot. Saute onions until almost see-through. Add in the cilantro and cook for 1 minute.  Add in rice, sugar, salt, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.  When the pot is boiling, turn down to low or medium low and cover. Cook 20-25 minutes until the rice is fluffy and has absorbed all the liquid.

Grammy's Rolls

Grammy's Rolls
1/2 batch (makes 3 1/2 dozen rolls (give or take))

2 C scalded milk
1/2 C sugar
1/2 C margarine
2 tsp salt
1 1/2 T yeast
6 C flour (approximately)

1/2 - 1 C butter for after rolls are rolled out

Put margarine, sugar and salt in the mixer. Scald milk in microwave (cook for 3 1/2 - 4 minutes until there is a skin on top). Add milk to mixer and mix.  Add 1 C flour and then yeast, then the rest of the flour. Let raise in greased bowl until double. Roll out and cut circles.  Dip in melted butter and fold roll in half on cookie sheets.  Can freeze.

Bake at 390 degrees for 9 minutes.

Pizza Dough

Pizza Dough

Recipe from Brigette Bailey

1 T instant yeast

3 1/2 - 4 cups flour

1 1/4 cup warm/hot water

1 tsp salt

2 T olive oil

Mix water, salt and yeast and let sit, then mix in flour and oil.  Knead for 2 minutes and lightly cover with oil, then a towel and let rise to double in size. Roll out and make pizza as desired.  Fork holes to prevent bubbles before adding topping.  Will make 2 small/medium pizzas.

Cook at 450 degrees for 15 minutes.

Cheddar Ranch Potatoes

You can find this recipe here: https://www.buzzfeed.com/merleoneal/these-cheddar-ranch-potatoes-are-delicious-and-super-easy-to?utm_term=.ngOpve9g7#.cc9pD3knw

But, I wanted to put it on the blog incase it disappears someday.

9 red potatoes
½ cup ranch dressing
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1 cup cheddar, shredded
¼ cup chives, chopped

PREPARATION

1. Preheat oven to 400°F/200˚C.
2. Slice the potatoes in half, lengthwise, then slice each half lengthwise three times and across four times, to cube. 
3. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and drop in chopped potatoes, cook 10 minutes. 
4. Drain potatoes and mix in ranch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until nicely browned.
6. While still hot, mix in cheddar and chives.
7. Allow to cool for 5 minutes.
8. Serve warm and enjoy!

Brown Sugar Muffins

1/2 c. melted butter
1 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
2 c. flour
1 c. milk
1 T vanilla

Cook at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.  Makes about 18 regular muffins.

Jill's Hot Ham Sandwiches

12 rolls

deli ham

cheese of choice (I use cheddar)

1/2 c. melted butter

1 tsp. mustard

20 shakes worchestershire sauce

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

poppy seeds

Make sandwiches with rolls, ham, and cheese. Place in 9x13 pan. Mix butter, mustard, worchestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Pour over sandwiches and sprinkle with poppy seeds. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Uncover and bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Red and White Pasta

1 recipe alfredo (or jar)

1 jar spaghetti sauce (20ish ounces)

1 lb ground sausage (we like spicy)

1 box penne (cooked according to package directions)

Grated mozzarella cheese

Pour drained pasta into greased 9x13. Spread alfredo over pasta. Cook sausage according to package directions and add spaghetti sauce.  Spread over alfredo layer.  Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.  Bake 20 minutes at 350 degrees.

Enjoy!

My favorite alfredo:

1/2 c. butter

2 cloves garlic

8 oz. cream cheese

2 c. cream

3/4 c. grated parmesan cheese (grated, not from the green can)

1/2 tsp. salt

sprinkle of nutmeg

Melt butter.  Add garlic and saute for 30 seconds.  Add cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth.  Add cream, parmesan cheese, salt, and nutmeg.  Stir and simmer for 20-30 minutes until thickened.

KaLee's Dinner Schedule

KaLee’s Dinner Schedule

Week 1

Spaghetti

Lemon Pepper Chicken (grill chicken with Lemon Pepper seasoning/spice from spice aisle)

Pancakes

Italian Chicken

Porcupine Meatballs

Beef Pepperoncini

Week 2

Stir fry/Fried Rice

Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Tortellini Sausage Soup

Baked Artichoke with Penne (this was good, but for the sake of my kids I'm leaving out the artichoke next time)

French Dip Sandwiches

Golden Chicken

Week 3

Ritz Chicken

Cheesy Potato Soup

Shepherds Pie

Hawaiian Haystacks

Cheryl’s Lasagna

Cafe Rio Burritos/Salad

Week 4

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Harvest Soup

BBQ Chicken

Chicken Crescent Pockets

Tinfoil Dinners

Tunnel Spaghetti

Week 5

Cheesy Tortellini Spinach Bake

Homemade Pizza (Dough Recipe)

White Chicken Chili

Coconut Chicken Fingers

Taco Soup

Roast/Potatoes

Week 6

Balsamic Chicken

Swiss Cheese Chicken

Baked Potato Soup

Ham and Cheese Sliders

Ham/Potatoes

Week 7

Hamburgers/Hotdogs

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Asparagus and Chicken Stir fry 

Mongolian Beef 

Baked Chicken Taquitos

Pork Roast

Week 8

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Frisco Burgers

Poppy Seed Chicken

Crispy Asian Chicken Salad

Navajo Tacos

Crescent Wrapped Chicken Parmesan

Week 9

Tacos

Chicken Cordon Bleu

30 minute Chicken Noodle Soup
Jill's Hot Ham Sandwiches
Red and White Pasta
Sweet and Sour Catalina Chicken

Week 10
Apple Butter Pork Chops needs Carmelized Onions as well
Orange Chicken - Similar recipe here but I use the one in the first Our Best Bites Cookbook and omit the snow peas
Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes - Similar recipe here but I use the one in the first Our Best Bites Cookbook and add chicken
Waffles
Sloppy Joes
Mary Ann's Hawaiian Chicken

Week 11
The Buy Guide Sausage Skillet
Mini Meatloaves
German Pancakes
Grilled Cheese and Soup
Chicken Pot Pie
Elk Steaks

Week 12

Thai Peanut Noodles

Pizza Rolls

Other Recipes
Jill’s Best Breadsticks (make these with any and every soup, or everyday really.  You will LOVE me (and Jill) for them).
Brown Sugar Muffins
Cheddar Ranch Potatoes
Ginger Spice Cookies (Chewy)
All Butter Pie Crust
Easy Ham and Cheese Quiche
Grammy's Rolls
Sweet Rice
Cilantro Ranch
Slow Cooker Creamed Corn
Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Pizza Sauce

Balsamic Chicken

1/2 c. balsamic vinegar
1/2 c. chicken broth
1/4 c. brown sugar, packed
3 cloves garlic
4-5 boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 t. dried basil
1/2 t. dried oregano
1/4 t. dried thyme
1/4 t. dried rosemary
1/4 t. crushed red pepper flakes
Ksoher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 T. chopped fresh parsley leaves

1. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, brown sugar and garlic; set aside
2. Season chicken breasts with basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper
3. Place chicken breasts into a 6 qt. slow cooker. Stir in balsamic vinegar mixture. Cover and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley

Navajo Tacos

Rhodes Rolls (frozen dinner rolls)
1 lb. ground beef
Taco seasoning (if desired)
Chili
Lettuce
Shredded Cheese
Tomatoes, diced
Salsa
Sour cream

Thaw Rhodes Roll dough balls for 1.5 hour until pliable.  I like to thaw covered with plastic wrap sprayed with cooking spray so the dough doesn't dry out.

Flatten and fry up in oil to make scones.  Top with toppings of your choice.

Harvest Soup

1 lb. ground beef

1/2 onion, chopped

2 (10.5 oz.) cans beef consommé

2 cups water

1 can diced tomatoes

1 can corn

2 Tbsp. sugar

2 carrots, peeled and sliced

4 potatoes, peeled and diced

1 tsp. taco seasoning

salt and pepper to taste

1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

Brown ground beef and onion. In a large saucepan combine all ingredients except cheese. Cook uncovered until vegetables are tender. Add grated cheese to individual servings. 

Cheryl's Lasagna

Meat Sauce:
1 large onion
1 clove garlic
3 cans petite diced tomatoes
1 can tomato paste (8 oz)
1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
1 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
1 lb. ground beef

White Sauce:
1 small onion
4 T. butter
4 T. flour
2 cups milk
3/4 c. parmesan cheese

For meat sauce:
Chop onion, garlic and cook with beef. Add tomatoes, tomato paste and tomato sauce and salt and pepper and cover and cook over low heat for 45 minutes.

For white sauce:
Finely chop onion and cook in butter for a few minutes. Mix in flour. Add cheese. Stir in milk. Cook until thick. Cook 1/2 lb. lasagna noodles according to directions. Layer noodles, meat sauce, white sauce, 3 times. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

First, I buy the appetizer sized meatballs at Sam's.  One step less.  I'll include the instructions for making your own, but I have never done it.

Meatballs

1 lb. ground beef

2 T. dehydrated onion

1/4 t. pepper

1 egg, beaten

1/4 c. bread crumbs

Sauce

3/4 c. brown sugar

3 T. flour

1 1/2 c. water or pineapple juice

1/4 c. white vinegar

3 T. soy sauce

1. In medium bowl, combine meatball ingredients.  Shape into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet lines with aluminum foil and sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.  Place under the broiler in your oven for 5-7 minutes or until the meatballs begin to brown.

2. In a large saucepan, whisk together the sauce ingredients and bring to a boil.  Add the meatballs and reduce heat, cover, andsimmer for 20 minutes, stirring often.

Serve over rice.

My notes: I buy the Langer's pineapple juice at wal-mart, which makes 5 batches (you may have to add a 1/4 c. of water at the end).  I boil the sauce, then separate it into 5 containers.  I freeze those sauces and then just throw the meatballs and then the frozen sauce into the crockpot on days when I want an even easier meal.

Jill's Best Breadsticks

1 1/2 c. very warm tap water
1 Tbsp. yeast
1/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. salt
3-4 c. flour

Combine water, yeast, and sugar.  Let stand 5 minutes.  Add salt and flour to make a soft dough that pulls together.  Roll into rectangle shape.  Melt 6 Tbsp. butter and brush half of butter around jelly roll pan.  Place dough in pan and brush with remaining butter.  Sprinkle with Lowry's course garlic salt (with parsley) and parmesan cheese.  Cut into sticks with pizza cutter.  Let stand 10 minutes (sometimes I do longer, it just depends on how much time I have and how warm my kitchen is) and bake at 425 for 12-15 minutes or until golden.  Enjoy!

Cheesy Potato Soup

Boil:
1 qt. water

3 chicken boullion cubes 

Add:

16 oz. pkg California Blend frozen vegetables

1 can diced potatoes

In separate sauce pan:

Melt 1/2 c. butter

Add 1/2 c. flour

8 oz. Velveeta cheese - cubed

Once combined, add cheese mixture to water and vegetables and let combine.

Serve with crusty rolls or in a bread bowl.

Frisco Burgers

Sourdough bread

Margarine or Butter

Grated Parmesan Cheese

Hamburger Patties

Cook hamburger patties as desired, combine butter and cheese into a spread.  Spread on one side of sourdough bread slice and grill. A fun, different take on burgers.