Piece of Cake Recipes

White Chocolate Banana Pudding

2012-02-05T19:28:00.000-06:00

Ingredients

1 3.4 oz box Banana Cream Jello

1 3.4 oz box White Chocolate Mousse Jello

4 cups milk

3 bananas sliced

Vanilla wafers

Cool Whip or Reddi Whip

In separate bowls, combine jello and milk according to package. Line bottom and side of bowl with Vanilla wafers. Layer bananas, half of banana pudding, and half of white chocolate pudding. Repeat layers. Top with Cool Whip or Reddi Whip. Serve chilled.

Baked Mozzarella Sticks

2012-02-05T19:24:00.000-06:00

Ingredients

12 reduced fat mozzarella string cheese (cut in half)

2 tbsp flour

1 egg

5 tbsp Italian bread crumbs

5 tbsp Panko bread crumbs

2 tsp grated Parmesan cheese

1 tbsp dried parsley

olive oil spray

Freeze sting cheese.

Preheat oven to 400. Whisk egg in one bowl, in another bowl place flour. In a third bowl, combine bread crumbs, Parmesan, and parsley. When cheese is frozen, remove from freezer. Dip cheese in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Place on baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray. After all cheese is breaded, lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray. Bake for 4-5 minutes on bottom rack. Turn cheese over and bake additional 4-5 minutes, watching carefully.

Recipe from Skinny Taste

2points+ for two sticks

Taco Dip

2012-02-05T13:00:00.000-06:00

Ingredients

8 oz 1/3 reduced fat cream cheese

8 oz light sour cream

1 packet taco seasoning

16 oz jar salsa

shredded lettuce

diced tomatoes

2% Mexican Shredded cheese

Sliced black olives

Combine cream cheese, sour cream, taco seasoning, and salsa. Mix with electric mixer. Spread misture onto the bottom of a casserole dish. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese and olives. Serve chilled.

Recipe from Skinny Taste

2 points+ for 1/24th of dip

Baked Chicken Nuggets

2012-02-05T12:52:00.000-06:00

Ingredients

16 oz (2 large) skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces

salt and pepper

2 tsp olive oil

6 tbsp Italian seasoned breadcrumbs

2 tbsp Panko breadcrumbs

2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Olive oil spray

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 and spray baking sheet with cooking spray.

Put olive oil in one small bowl. In another bowl, combine both types of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Dip chicken in olive oil first, then in breadcrumbs. Place chicken on baking sheet. Lightly spray top of chicken with olive oil spray. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Flip and bake for additional 4-5 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

Recipe is from Skinny Taste

4 points+ for 1/4 of chicken nuggets

Italian Chicken and Potatoes

2012-01-21T23:16:00.000-06:00

Chicken Breast tenders
Potatoes
Italian Seasoning
Fat Free Italian Dressing
Parmesan Cheese

Spray your Crockpot well.
Then place chicken in the bottom.
Sprinkle with half the Italian dressing, half of the Italian Seasoning, and half of the Parmesan.
Place potatoes on top of that layer.

Then add the remaining Italian Dressing, Italian Seasoning, and Parmesan on top of potatoes.

Turn the Crock-pot on low, then put the lid on it and cook for about for six hours.

Sausage and Mushroom Strata

2012-01-01T14:25:00.000-06:00

8 oz bread of choice, cut into 1 inch cubes ( I used sourdough and wheat sandwich bread.)
12 oz breakfast sausage
2 cups fat free milk
1 1/2 cup reduced fat cheddar cheese
5 large eggs
1 cup mushrooms ( I used 1 can of mushrooms.)
1/2 tsp paprika
salt and pepper
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350°.
Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage to pan; cook until browned, stirring to crumble. Combine milk, cheese, eggs, parmesan cheese, paprika, salt and pepper in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add bread, sausage, and mushrooms, tossing well to coat bread. Spoon mixture into a 13x9-inch baking dish. Bake for about 50 minutes or unitl set and lightly browned. (You may also cover and refrigerate overnight and then bake in the morning.)

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

2011-12-27T17:17:00.000-06:00

1 lb hot sausage, uncooked

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 1/4 cups Bisquick

4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 400.

Mix all ingredients until well combined using dough hook attachment on your mixer. Roll into 1 inch balls. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until brown.

Sausage balls may be frozen uncooked. If baking frozen, add additional baking time.

Thanksgiving Dinner

2011-11-24T21:52:00.000-06:00

1. Southern Cornbread Dressing

4 cups crumbled cornbread

2 cups dry bread

3 1/2 cups chicken stock

3 eggs

1 cup milk

2 tsp salt

1/2 black pepper

1 cup chopped celery

1 cup chopped onion

1 tsp sage

Mixx cornbread and dry bread with the stock. Beat eggs slightly, add milk, salt, and pepper. Add to bread mixture. Then add celery, onion, and sage. Mix well. Bake in well greased pan at 375 for 30 to 40 minutes.

2. Lady's Cheesy Mac

3. Green Bean Casserole

1 10 3/4 oz can Cream of Mushroom Soup

3/4 cup milk

1/8 tsp black pepper

2 9 oz bags frozen green beans, thawed

1 1/3 cup French Fried onions

Mix soup, milk, and pepper in a baking dish. Stir in beans and 2/3 cup French Fried onions. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until hot.

Top with remaining 2/3 cup of onions. Bake for 5 minutes or until golden.

4. Sweet Potato Casserole

2 1/2 lbs sweet potatoes, cut into 1 inch cubes

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup butter, softened

1 1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups mini marshmallows

Preheat oven to 375.

Place sweet potatoes in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes or until very tender. Drain. Rinse under cold water and peelings will come right off.

Place potatoes in a large bowl. Add sugar and next 3 ingredients (through vanilla). Mash sweet potato mixture with a potato masher. Place mixture into an even layer in an 11 x 7 inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with marshmallows. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden.

5. Green Salad

6. Chocolate Pecan Pie

1 9 inch deep dish unbaked pie shell

2 cups pecan halves

3 large eggs, beaten

3 tbs butter, melted

1/2 cup dark corn syrup

1 cup sugar

2 tbs Jack Daniels

3 oz semisweet chocolate

Preheat oven to 375. Cover bottom of pie crust with pecans. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and melted butter. Add the corn syrup, sugar, Jack, and chocolate. Stir until all ingredients are combined. Pour mixture into pie shell over pecans and place on a heavy duty cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. Lower temperature to 350 and bake for additional 25 minutes or until pie is set. Remove from oven. Let cool on rack.

Low Fat Moist Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Glaze

2011-10-30T20:54:00.000-05:00

Recipe is from Skinnytaste.com

Here are the ingredients you'll need for the cupcakes:

18.25 oz Chocolate fudge cake mix

1 cup canned pumpkin

1.4 oz box of instant Chocolate pudding (sugar free, fat free)

1 1/3 cups water

And for the chocolate glaze:

1 tbsp cocoa

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/2-1 tbsp fat free milk

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

pinch of salt

For cupcakes:

Mix water and pumpkin until blended. Add pudding mix. Combine. Add cake mix and blend for 2 minutes. Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake at 350 for about 25 minutes.

For glaze:

Combine dry ingredients, then add vanilla and milk. Blend until mixed thoroughly. Place in baggie with corner cut to pipe onto cupcakes. Top with sprinkles, if desired.

(3 WW pts + with glaze, 2 WW pts + without glaze)

You guys, they are absolutely delicious! They taste so chocolately and rich! You'll love them!

Weekly Meal Plan

2011-10-09T19:19:00.000-05:00

I really haven't made a meal plan in a while! I'm trying to get in a better groove of cooking, so here's the plan for the week.

Sunday-Taco Cornbread Casserole

Monday-Poppyseed Chicken with brown rice

Tuesday-Leftovers or Frozen dinner

Wednesday- Skinny Tuna Noodle Casserole (recipe to come!)

Thursday- Leftovers or Frozen dinner

Friday- Out to eat!

Saturday- Homemade pizza with artichokes, olives, onion, turkey pepperoni, and mushrooms and salad

Taco Cornbread Casserole

2011-10-09T19:10:00.000-05:00

I discovered this recipe on Pinterest and it is fabulous!! It will definitely be a new staple in our house!

Ingredients

1 pkg (8.5 oz) corn bread/muffin mix

1 egg

1/3 cup milk

3 cups cooked taco seasoned meat

1 can black beans

1 cup light sour cream

1 cup Mexican blend 2% cheese

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 can Rotel

1 cup shredded lettuce

1 can black olives

Directions

In a large bowl, combine corn bread mix, egg, and milk until blended. Spread into an 8 x 8 pan sprayed with cooking spray. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Combine taco meat and beans, spread over corn bread. Layer black olives on top of meat, then onion, then sour cream, and 3/4 cup cheese. Bake for additional 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with Rotel, lettuce, and remaining cheese.

It's pretty, too!

yummmmm

1 serving= about 12 WW points +

Shrimp Francesca

2011-09-25T19:10:00.000-05:00

Ingredients

1 pound uncooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (8 ounce) can (8 to 10 count) artichoke hearts in water, drained
1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 lemon, juiced
1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon finely shredded imported Romano cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Arrange the shrimp in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Gently squeeze any excess liquid from the artichoke hearts, break the hearts into quarters, and arrange in spaces between the shrimp. Sprinkle the bread crumbs and parsley over the shrimp and artichoke hearts; sprinkle lemon juice over the crumbs.
Melt butter with garlic in a small saucepan over medium-low heat; drizzle the butter mixture over the bread crumbs. Sprinkle the top with Romano cheese.

4. Bake in the preheated oven until the crumbs and cheese brown lightly and the shrimp turn opaque and orange-pink in color, 10 to 12 minutes.

Serve with angel hair pasta, rice, or side dish of your choice!

Pink Lemonade Confetti Cupcakes

2011-08-09T21:29:00.000-05:00

This delish recipe came from Skinny Taste.

You will need:

18.25 oz box confetti cake mix

2 1/2 tsp powdered sugar-free pink lemonade mix
1 cup water
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
lemon zest from half of a lemon
2 drops pink food coloring (optional)
confetti sprinkles (optional)

Preheat oven to 350. Line cupcake tins with 24 paper liners.

Stir together the water and pink lemonade powder. Combine the cake mix, pink lemonade mixture, applesauce, lemon zest, food coloring and oil in a large bowl and with an electric mixer, mix until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared cupcake pans. Add sprinkles if using and bake in the oven for 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcakes comes out clean.

Cool completely on wire racks before serving.

Enjoy!

I like them best when they are cold! So, I suggest, popping them in the fridge before eating them!

1 cupcake has 3 WW pts+

Chicken Artichoke Pasta

2011-08-09T21:20:00.000-05:00

Whole Wheat Penne

Chicken Breasts

Canned Artichokes (reserve some liquid from the can)

Mushrooms

Light Butter

Herb and Garlic Marinade

Light Sour Cream

Parmesan

Salt & Pepper

Garlic

Cook pasta according to directions.

Add Herb and Garlic marinade to skillet, add chicken and turn to medium heat. Add salt and pepper and garlic to taste. Cook until chicken is done.

Remove chicken from pan, add mushrooms and artichokes to pan. Also, add some liquid from the artichoke can. Cook until mushrooms and artichokes are tender. Set aside.

When pasta is finished add butter, sour cream, and parmesan to taste. Mix with pasta until melted.

Add mushroom and artichoke mixture to pasta. Top with chicken and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Poppy Seed Ham Sandwiches

2011-07-27T21:44:00.000-05:00

These are perfect for a party!

Ingredients

24 rolls (I used two different kinds)

24 pieces honey ham (I used one package)

24 small slices Swiss cheese (I used one package of 2% Swiss)

1/3 cup mayonnaise (I omitted)

1/3 cup miracle whip (I omitted)

Poppy Seed Sauce

1 tbsp poppyseeds

1 1/2 tbsp yellow mustard

1 stick butter, melted

1 tbsp minced onion (I used onion powder instead, just a sprinkle)

1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise and miracle whip. Spread onto both sides of the center of each roll. Place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss inside of each roll. Close rolls and place them into a large baking dish or heavy cookie sheet. Place very close together.

In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the poppy seed sauce ingredients. Pour evenly over all of the sandwiches. Let sit 10 minutes or until butter sets slightly. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until cheese is melted. Uncover and cook for 2 additional minutes. Serve warm.

** sandwiches can be assembled a day ahead and kept in the fridge ready to bake.

Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips

2011-07-27T21:32:00.000-05:00

This is SOOO delicious! Definitely worth trying!

Fruit Salsa

2 kiwis, peeled and diced
3 types of apples (I used Granny Smith, Red Delicious, and Pink Lady) - peeled, cored and diced
8 ounces raspberries

1 carton of blackberries
1 (16 oz) carton of strawberries, diced
2 tablespoons white sugar (more or less to taste)
1 tablespoon brown sugar (more or less to taste)
3 tablespoons fruit preserves, any flavor (I used strawberry)

Directions

In a large bowl, thoroughly mix kiwis, apples, raspberries, strawberries, white sugar, brown sugar and fruit preserves. Cover and chill in the refrigerator at least 15 minutes.

Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips

(Tip: If your grocery store sells Stacy's Cinnamon Sugar Pita chips, just buy those! Mine doesn't, so I made my own! :) They were good, though!)

Ingredients

Plain Pita Chips

Cinnamon (to taste)

Sugar (to taste)

1 tbsp melted butter

Directions

Heat oven to 350. Place chips in a single layer on baking sheet. Drizzle with melted butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Bake for 5-7 minutes. Let cool before serving.

Chocolate Oatmeal No Bake Cookies

2011-07-27T21:09:00.000-05:00

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter

2 cups sugar

1/2 cup milk

4 tbsp cocoa

1/2 cup peanut butter

3-3 1/2 cups oats (I used old fashioned, which I worried would not work, but they did! So, either old fashioned or quick oats.)

2 tsp Vanilla

Directions

Add the first 4 ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil and boil for 1 minute. Stir in the next 3 ingredients and drop spoonfuls onto wax or foil paper. Let cool until set.

Monster Cookies

2011-07-19T00:14:00.000-05:00

These just might be my new favorite cookie! They are ridiculously good!

You will need:

1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 cups peanut butter
4 1/2 cups oats (quick cooking or old-fashioned)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup M&M’s chocolate candies

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat together butter and sugars. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and baking soda, and mix well. Mix in peanut butter until well-blended. Add oats and stir until combined. Mix in chocolate chips and M&M’s.

Drop cookies by ice cream scoopful to make monster-sized cookies about 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet.

Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Let cookies cool on baking sheets before moving to wire racks. Store in an airtight container.

I got about 27 monster-sized cookies out of this batch!

These would be fun for Halloween or any holiday, really. You could use different colored m & m's to match your theme. For example, red and green for Christmas, pink for Valentine's, etc.

Cream Cheese Lemon Bars

2011-07-12T23:48:00.000-05:00

Ingredients
1 box lemon cake mix
1/3 cup butter or margarine-softened
1 egg
8 oz cream cheese-softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 lemon-grated
2 tbs lemon juice or 1/2 squeezed lemon
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla

Directions

In a mixing bowl, blend dry cake mix, butter, and 1 egg.

Press into a 9 x 13 pan, ungreased.

Beat the cream cheese until smooth.
Gradually blend in the powdered sugar.
Stir in lemon peel and lemon juice until smooth.
Reserve 1/2 cup of this mixture and refrigerate it for later use.
Beat the remaining 2 eggs, add the vanilla, and then beat this mixture into the remaining cream cheese mixture until well blended.
Spread over the cake mixture.

Bake at 350° until set, approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
Cool completely.
Spread the reserved cream cheese mixture onto the bars.
Refrigerate until firm; then cut into squares and serve.

These were SOOOOO good! You have to try them.

Turkey Sloppy Joes

2011-06-14T22:35:00.000-05:00

You will need:

1 lb Extra Lean Ground Turkey

1/4 cup Diced Onion

3/4 cups Ketchup

1/2 cup Water

Worcestershire Sauce, to taste
3 Tbs Brown Sugar

1 tsp minced garlic
1/4 tsp Prepared Mustard
1/8 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
4 Buns or Sandwich Thins

Directions:

Cook ground turkey and onions over medium heat, until meat is no longer pink. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine next 8 ingredients. Pour over turkey and stir to combine. Simmer on low for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve on buns or sandwich thins.

For the ingredients I used, one Sloppy Joe was 7 WW points +.

Small Batch (6 Cookies) of Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-06-14T18:35:00.000-05:00

This is perfect when you just need a few cookies and don't want to make a huge batch. For me, it made 6 regular sized cookies or 12 mini cookies.

2 Tbsp. plus 2 Tsp. room-temperature, unsalted butter
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
1 Tbsp. beaten egg
1/2 tsp. good vanilla
1/3 cup flour
1/8 tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. salt
1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/4 cup rolled oats

Preheat oven to 350°.

Cream the butter and sugars together in a medium bowl with a wooden spoon. Mix in the egg and vanilla and beat well.

In a separate bowl, stir together flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda.

Stir the dry ingredients into the butter/sugar/egg mixture until well-blended and then stir in the chocolate chips and oats. The dough will be stiff. Divide batter into 6 balls of dough and place onto a cookie sheet that has been lined with parchment paper. These cookies don't spread much, so you might want to flatten the mounds slightly with your fingers before baking.

Bake for 8-12 minutes. Be careful not to over-bake the cookies for best results.

Won-sagna (Mini Lasagna Cups)

2011-06-12T19:12:00.000-05:00

First I have to give credit to here for the recipe. I just tweaked it.

I also have to give credit to my awesome hubby who called them won-sagna! ;)

You will need:

1/2 lb Extra Lean Ground Turkey

1/4 cup diced onion (I used frozen onions.)

24 Won Ton wraps

Cooking Spray

Low Fat Cottage Cheese

Salt and Pepper

1 jar Tomato Sauce (I used Classico Tomato & Basil.)

Shredded Cheese (I used WW Mexican Style Blend.)

Preheat oven to 375.

Brown turkey and diced onions in skillet on medium until done. Add tomato sauce to skillet and let simmer on low.

Combine cottage cheese, salt and pepper in a bowl.

Spray muffin tin with cooking spray.

Place 1 won ton wrapper in each cup.

Put one spoonful of cottage cheese on top of each won ton wrap.

Then, add a spoonful of tomato sauce and meat mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of that. Add another won ton wrapper.

Repeat layering process. Cottage cheese, tomato sauce, and shredded cheese.

Bake for 10-15 minutes. Let sit in pan for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy!

These are SOOOOO good.

For 4 cups, it is 12 WW points +.

Pepperjack Salsa Turkey Burgers and Cuban Black Beans

2011-06-03T20:07:00.000-05:00

Pepperjack Salsa Turkey Burgers

For two turkey burgers, you will need:

1/2 lb Extra Lean Ground Turkey

1/2 can Rotel (I used Mild.)

Taco Seasoning

1/4 cup bread crumbs

2 slices 2% Pepperjack cheese

2 Nature's Own Thin Buns

In a bowl, place ground turkey, Rotel, Taco Seasoning, and bread crumbs. Mix together. Form patties and cook until done. Top each patty with a slice of Pepperjack cheese and melt. Place on buns.

I served mine with sweet potato fries and Cuban black beans (recipe below).

For the ingredients I used, each burger was only 7 WW points plus!

Cuban Black Beans

1 can black beans

1/4 cup diced onions (I use frozen white onions. So easy!)

2 tbsp light sour cream

Place black beans and onions in a bowl and microwave for 3-5 minutes. Top with sour cream. Enjoy!

For 1/2 cup black beans and 1 tbsp light sour cream, it is 3 WW points plus.

Crepes

2011-04-24T21:54:00.000-05:00

Not really a recipe, but a meal idea.

fresh fruit

whipped cream

crepes

Other ideas, Nutella and strawberries; chocolate chips, peanut butter, banana, and whipped cream; or a savory crepe with chicken, mushrooms, and cheese. The possibilities are endless!

Hash Brown Casserole

2011-04-24T21:48:00.000-05:00

1 bag of Ore Ida frozen hashbrowns

1 can cream of mushroom

1 can cream of chicken

1 container light sour cream

2 cups reduced fat shredded cheese

1/2 stick melted butter

Preheat oven to 350. Combine first four ingredients and place in casserole dish. Top with butter and cheese. Bake for 30-45 minutes.

Pina Colada Cupcakes

2011-04-24T21:41:00.000-05:00

For the cupcakes...

1 box yellow cake mix (only the mix, no eggs or oil)

1 20 oz can crushed pineapple (not drained)

Mix cake mix and pineapple with electric mixer until combined. Bake according to directions on cake mix.

For the icing...

1 8 oz box 1/3 reduced fat cream cheese

1 20 oz can crushed pineapple, drained

1/4 sugar

1 cup coconut

Combine all ingredients with hand mixer and top cupcakes.

1 cupcake=4 WW points plus

recipe found here

Deviled Eggs

2011-04-24T21:23:00.000-05:00

2 tbs Plain Greek Yogurt

6 Hardboiled Eggs

1 tsp Dijon mustard (I used a combo of regular and Jack Daniel's mustard.)

Paprika

Salt and Pepper to taste

Cut hard boiled eggs in half longways. Scoop yolks into bowl, add all ingredients, except paprika and mix. Scoop mixture back into eggs. Sprinkle paprika on top.

WW Meal Ideas

2011-04-19T19:35:00.000-05:00

I posted this on my personal blog, but I made this meal this weekend and it was so delicious.

Greek Salad with Greek turkey burger with cucumber dill sauce.

For the salad:

Spring Mix and Romaine lettuce

tomatoes

black olives

cucumbers

fat free feta cheese

For the dressing:

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1/2 tbsp red wine vinegar

black pepper

garlic

fresh squeezed lemon juice

For the turkey burger:

4 oz extra lean ground turkey

1 tbsp fat free feta cheese

Worcestershire sauce (to taste)

ground cumin (to taste)

black pepper

garlic powder

Mix together and make patties, grill until done.

For the sauce, I use 1 tbsp Otria Cucumber Dill Feta Greek Yogurt Dip. Then, serve with one pita.

This meal is 13 WW points plus.

Taco Salad

This Azteca taco salad shell is only 6 points and it is so yummy!

I put lettuce, 4 oz ground turkey cooked with onions and taco seasoning, salsa, taco sauce, 1/2 cup WW Mexican style cheese, 1/2 cup black beans, and 3 tbsp light sour cream for 13 WW points plus.

These are two of my favorite meals and even my husband LOVES them! :)

Salsa Cilantro Chicken Tostadas

2011-03-24T19:01:00.000-05:00

Not the most unique recipe, but a variation on tostadas!

Ingredients

Rotisserie Chicken, shredded

4 Thin Corn Tortillas

1/2 cup Black Beans

Frozen Chopped Onions

1/2 shredded cheese (Weight Watchers Mexican 4 blend)

2 tbsp Light Sour Cream

2 tbsp Otria Greek Yogurt Dip Salsa Cilantro

2 tbsp Rotel

Directions

Heat Chicken. Add frozen onions to black beans and heat according to the directions. Bake tortillas at 400 degrees directly on rack for 5 minutes. Top with beans, chicken, cheese, sour cream, salsa cilantro dip, and Rotel.

Enjoy!

Here's what the Salsa Cilantro dip looks like. I found it in the deli at my grocery store.

These are 15 points for the 4 tortillas!

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

2011-02-12T23:15:00.000-06:00

Strawberries

Dolci Frutta Chocolate (Usually found near fresh fruit)

Heat chocolate according to package. Dip strawberries. Let harden.

If you are making these on Weight Watchers, 9 of the chocolate tablets has 2 points. I used 18 tablets for 4 points and it made 6 strawberries.

Chicken and White Bean Enchiladas w/ Creamy Salsa Verde Sauce

2011-02-12T23:08:00.000-06:00

Ingredients

Filling:

Cooking Spray

1/2 cup minced onion

1 can green chiles

1 can white beans (Cannelini)

8 oz cooked shredded chicken

1 tsp cumin

Sauce:

1 jar salsa verde

1/2 cup light sour cream

1/2 cup water

Low carb whole wheat tortillas

1 cup Weight Watchers shredded Mexican Style blend

2 tbsp light sour cream for garnish

Directions

Preheat oven to 375.

In medium saucepan on medium heat, spray with cooking spray and add onions. When onions are soft, add green chilies, beans, chicken and cumin. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.

In blender, add salsa, 1/2 cup sour cream, and 1/2 cup water. Blend. Pour a small amount of sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.

Scoop filling into tortillas, roll and put seam side down in baking dish. Pour remaining sauce on top of tortillas. Top with cheese.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. For the last 5 minutes, remove foil and bake. Garnish with 2 tbsp sour cream if desired.

WW points for 2 tortillas with 2 tbsp sour cream=11 points!

Flatbread Pizza

2011-02-09T19:26:00.000-06:00

Ingredients

Flatout Light Original Flatbread

1/2 cup Light Ragu Tomato and Basil Sauce

1 tsp Olive Oil

12 slices Turkey Pepperoni

1/3 cup 2% shredded Mozzarella cheese

Artichokes

Onions

Or whatever toppings you'd like!

Preheat oven to 350.

Drizzle oil on flatbread and spread around. When oven is preheated, place flatbread directly on oven rack and bake for 7 minutes. Take out and top with toppings and bake for an additional 7 minutes.

Only 8 WW points for the whole thing!!! It was yummy and crispy, too!

Creamy Grape Salad

2011-02-07T20:09:00.000-06:00

Ingredients

1 lb green seedless grapes, washed and dried well
1 lb red seedless grapes, washed and dried well
8 oz fat free Plain or Greek yogurt
4 oz light cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping
2 tbsp brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)

Directions

Mix yogurt, cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until blended well. Stir grapes into mixture, and pour in large serving dish.

Combine brown sugar and crushed walnuts. Sprinkle over top of grapes to cover completely. Chill until ready to serve.

8 servings, 1/8th is serving size and has 4 WW points! It's so yummy!

Turkey and Black Bean Enchiladas

2011-02-04T10:25:00.000-06:00

Ingredients

1 lb extra lean ground turkey
15.5 can black beans, drained
4.5 oz can chopped green chiles
14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (I used Rotel instead of separate diced tomatoes and green chiles.)
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1-2 tsp cumin
salt
8 (6-inch) low carb whole wheat flour tortillas
1 cup WW Mexican Style cheese
Nonstick cooking spray

Enchilada Sauce (1/3 cup has 0 points)

Directions

In a large skillet brown the turkey and season with salt. When the turkey is browned, add onion, garlic, black beans, cilantro, green chiles, diced tomatoes, cumin and chili powder. Mix well and simmer on low, covered for 20 minutes. Remove lid and simmer an additional 5-10 minutes to reduce the liquid.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 13 by 9-inch glass baking dish with non-stick spray. Put 1/2 cup turkey mixture into each tortilla and roll it. Place on baking dish seam side down. Top with enchilada sauce and cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the oven on the middle rack for 20-25 minutes. Top with low fat sour cream, cilantro or scallions if you wish.

For two enchiladas, 11 WW points. With 3 tbsp of light sour cream, 13 points total!

Zesty Turkey Tostadas

2011-02-02T22:06:00.000-06:00

Ingredients

1/4 lb ground turkey

Frozen chopped onions

4 Mission EXTRA THIN yellow corn tortillas

Taco Seasoning

Rotel

2/3 cup Weight Watchers Mexican Shredded Cheese

Taco Sauce

3 tbsp Light Sour Cream

Shredded Lettuce

1/2 cup refried beans

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Cook ground turkey and onions in skillet. Add taco seasoning.

Place tortillas directly on oven rack and bake for 5 minutes.

Top tortillas with refried beans, turkey, cheese, rotel, taco sauce, lettuce, and sour cream.

You can have all of this for 14 WW points! The EXTRA THIN tortillas are the key, though! They have 1 point per tortilla and are SOOOOO good! We've had this meal 3 times so far! LOVE it.

Snow Cream

2011-02-01T19:32:00.000-06:00

We are in the middle of a blizzard, so we HAD to make some snow cream!

Here's the recipe, in case you are getting some snow, too!

8 cups fresh snow

1 cup milk

1 cup sugar

1/2 tbsp Vanilla Extract

Mix together and serve!

Turkey Enchilada Pie

2011-01-25T19:42:00.000-06:00

Ingredients:
1 spray cooking spray
3/4 pound uncooked ground turkey
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tsp chili powder
3 tbsp all purpose flour
1 cup fat free milk
1 can rotel
1/2 tsp cumin
10 tbsp low fat shredded cheese

Directions
Pre-heat oven to 350. In skillet, cook turkey, onion, and chili powder until cook through. Set aside. In same skillet, add flour. Gradually add milk and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until thickened, about 2 minutes. Add turkey and cumin to flour mixture.

Wrap tortillas in damp paper towel and heat in microwave for 30 seconds. Place 1 tortilla in the bottom of a pie plate. Add 1/3 cup of turkey mixture on top of tortilla. Add 1/3 of the can of rotel and then 4 tbsp of cheese. Repeat again and top last tortilla with 2 tbsp of cheese. Cover pie plate with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Cut into 6 wedges.

1 serving is 5 WW points.

Greek Turkey Burger w/ Tzatziki Sauce

2011-01-24T18:52:00.000-06:00

Ingredients:
Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 container (6 oz) Greek Fat Free plain yogurt (They were out of Greek, so I just used plain nonfat yogurt.)
- 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
- 3 tablespoons chopped red onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill weed
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ tsp salt

Burgers:
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 cup crumbled fat free feta cheese (4 oz)
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill weed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 EarthGrains Whole Wheat Thin Buns

- 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
- fresh lettuce leaves

Directions:
In small bowl, mix 1/2 cup yogurt and remaining sauce ingredients; refrigerate until serving. Heat gas or charcoal grill. In medium bowl, mix all burger ingredients and remaining yogurt. Shape mixture into 4 patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
Place patties on grill over medium heat. Cover grill; cook 8 to 10 minutes, turning after 5 minutes, until thermometer inserted in center of patties reads 160°F. Place burgers in buns with tomato slices and sauce.
If you choose to broil your burgers instead, broil patties with tops about 6 inches from heat 4 minutes; turn patties. Cook 6 to 8 minutes longer or until meat thermometer inserted in center of patties reads 160°F.
Place a patty on one of the sandwich thins, top with 1 tbsp of Tzatziki sauce, a few tomato slices and a few fresh lettuce leaves.

This is another awesome Weight Watchers recipe that doesn't taste like it! Tastes like something you'd get at a yummy Greek restaurant.

Entire recipe makes 4 burgers
Serving size is 1 Greek Turkey burger with bun, 1 tbsp Tzatziki sauce and lettuce/tomato
Each serving = 4 Point Total

Chicken Parmigiana

2011-01-23T20:33:00.000-06:00

Ingredients

For Chicken:

	1 large egg
	1 Tbsp water
	1/3 cup dried bread crumbs (I used Italian bread crumbs)
	1/4 cup parsley, flat-leaf, chopped (I used Tuscan Spice mix)
	3 Tbsp Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
	1/8 tsp black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
	4 uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I used 2 breasts)

For the Pasta:

3/4 cup dried whole wheat penne pasta per serving

1 cup spaghetti sauce

Directions

Cook pasta according to package.

Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Spray a 1-quart shallow baking dish with nonstick spray.

Beat the egg with the water in a shallow bowl. Combine the bread crumbs, parsley, cheese, and pepper on a sheet of wax paper.

Dip the chicken breasts first in the egg mixture, then coat lightly on both sides with the bread crumb mixture, shaking off the excess, and place them in the baking dish. (Discard any leftover egg or bread crumb mixture.) Bake until cooked through, golden and crisp-edged, about 15 minutes. Yields one breast per serving.

Serve with pasta and tomato sauce.

Oh, and this is a Weight Watchers recipe, too! But you'll never know, it tastes SO good! The chicken part has 5 WW points, then add your points for pasta and sauce. For me, it was 5 for the pasta and 2 for the sauce. 12 points total!

Simple Beef Stroganoff

2011-01-19T21:19:00.000-06:00

Ingredients

1 package egg noodles
1 pound ground beef
1 can fat free condensed cream of mushroom soup (I actually ended up using 2 cans to make it creamier.)
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1/2 cup sour cream
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Prepare the egg noodles according to package directions and set aside.
In a separate large skillet over medium heat, saute the ground beef over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes, or until browned. Drain the fat and add the soup and garlic powder. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and combine the meat mixture with the egg noodles. Add the sour cream, stirring well, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

White Bean Chicken Chili

2011-01-17T18:56:00.000-06:00

Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth
3 cups chopped cooked chicken breast
3 (15 ounce) cans white beans
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Slowly cook and stir the onion until tender. Mix in the garlic, green chile peppers, cumin, oregano and cayenne.

Continue to cook and stir the mixture until tender, about 3 minutes. Mix in the chicken broth, chicken and white beans. Simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove the mixture from heat. Slowly stir in the cheese until melted. Serve warm.

Weekly Mean Plan-January 16-22

2011-01-16T16:32:00.000-06:00

I'm trying THREE new recipes this week! So stay tuned for the recipes! They will be yummy!

Sunday-Leftover Chicken Enchiladas and Homemade Salsa and chips

Monday-White Chicken Chili (recipe to come!)

Tuesday-Red Beans and Rice

Wednesday-Simple Beef Stroganoff (another recipe coming soon!)

Thursday-Leftovers

Friday-Out to Eat

Saturday-Bierocks (yet another new recipe to come!)

Weekly Mean Plan-January 9-15

2011-01-09T14:37:00.000-06:00

Not a very exciting menu! Busy week=easy, easy recipes! :)

Sunday-Nachos

Monday-Tacos

Tuesday-Homemade Pizza and salads (never made it from last week!)

Wednesday-Baked Ziti and Salads

Thursday- I'm going to a Pampered Chef party, so no cooking!

Friday-Out to Eat

Saturday-Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken and Rice

2011-01-03T18:56:00.000-06:00

Ingredients

2-3 chicken breasts, cooked & shredded

1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped

2 cans of cream of mushroom soup

3/4 can of milk

Salt & pepper to taste

2 cups uncooked rice

Directions

Cook chicken and shred. Cook rice.

Place chicken in a pot, add soups, milk, onions, and pepper. Simmer. Remove from heat and serve over rice.

Weekly Mean Plan-January 3-7

2011-01-02T14:25:00.000-06:00

Sunday-Chili and baked potatoes

Monday-Chicken and Rice (This is a new recipe, so I'll be posting this!) and salads

Tuesday-Cheesy Turkey Meatloaf and spinach & mushroom salads

Wednesday-Mexican Chili

Thursday-Homemade Artichoke, Onion, Olive, & Mushroom Pizza and salads

Friday-Out to Eat

Saturday-Leftovers

Vanilla Almond Sugar Cookies

2010-12-28T21:19:00.000-06:00

Ingredients

3 c unbleached, all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 c sugar (I use sugar that I've stored vanilla beans in)
2 sticks (salted) butter, cold
1 egg
3/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp pure almond extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350.

Combine the flour and baking powder, set aside. Cream the sugar and butter. Add the egg and extracts and mix. Gradually add the flour mixture and beat just until combined, scraping down the bowl, especially the bottom.

The dough will be crumbly, so knead it together with your hands as you scoop it out of the bowl for rolling.

Roll onto a floured surface and cut into shapes. Place on parchment lined baking sheets (I recommend freezing the cut out shape on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before baking) and bake for 10-12 minutes. Let sit a few minutes on the sheet, then transfer to a cooling rack.

I used cream cheese icing for mine because it's my favorite.

Snickerdoodles

2010-12-21T22:23:00.000-06:00

Ingredients

2-¾ cups All-purpose Flour
2 teaspoons Baking Powder
½ teaspoons Salt
2 sticks Unsalted Butter
1-½ cup Sugar
2 whole Large Eggs
2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
2 Tablespoons Sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt; set aside. Put softened butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar in a bowl and mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Mix in eggs. Reduce speed to low; gradually mix in flour mixture.
2. Stir together cinnamon and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar in a small bowl. Shape dough into 20 (1 3/4-inch) balls; roll in cinnamon sugar mixture. Space 3 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake cookies, rotating sheets halfway through, until edges are golden, 12 to 15 minutes.
Makes about 2 dozen.

These were fabulous!!!!

Fudge

2010-12-21T22:18:00.000-06:00

Ingredients

1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow creme
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1/4 cup butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk chocolate chips
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Line an 8x8 inch pan with aluminum foil. Set aside.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine marshmallow cream, sugar, evaporated milk, butter and salt. Bring to a full boil, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. (This is the most crucial step. What worked for me was to start timing the five minutes right after I turned the stove onto high. I found that when I waited for it to reach a full boil and them timed 5 minutes that the fudge became gritty instead of creamy. You just have to watch it carefully. Also, be careful because it does splash and you could get burned!)
Remove from heat and pour in semisweet chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips. Stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Stir in nuts and vanilla. Pour into prepared pan. Chill in refrigerator for 2 hours, or until firm.

This is what I made for Trey's co-workers. We put them in tins. I found that using a pizza cutter was the best way to cut the fudge.

Chicken Spaghetti

2010-12-12T20:38:00.000-06:00

Ingredients

1/2 cup olive oil

1 medium onion

1 can Chicken broth

1 12 oz can Cream of Chicken Soup

1 12 oz can Cream of Mushroom Soup

3 cups diced cooked chicken

1 16 oz can Rotel

1 pound thin spaghetti

1/2 pound velveeta cheese

salt and pepper

Directions

I'm probably weird, but I don't like the chicken that is in Cream of Chicken soup, so I use a strainer to pour the soup through.

Combine soups and rotel in bowl.

In a large skillet or cooking pot, saute onion in olive oil.

Add can of chicken broth and chicken. Simmer until tender. Cut chicken into bite-size pieces as it's cooking.

Cook the spaghetti in boiling water until just slightly cooked. Drain, rinse, and set aside until you are ready to mix with chicken/sauce ingredients in baking dish for the oven.

Add soups and Rotel tomatoes. Stir well. Simmer for about 15 minutes until chicken is done.

In a large baking dish or oven-proof pot, place the cooked and cut up chicken, cooked spaghetti, salt and pepper, cheese, and soup mixture.

Stir very well to mix all ingredients evenly. I usually stir once after about 15 minutes in the oven - after the cheese has had time to melt. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.

Enjoy!

Baked Spaghetti

2010-12-12T20:17:00.000-06:00

Ingredients

1 package spaghetti
1 pound ground beef (I only had 1/2)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 (26 ounce) jar meatless spaghetti sauce (I actually ended up using 2 jars.)
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt (I used garlic powder instead.)
2 eggs
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (I was out of Parmesan, so I used a three cheese blend.)
5 tablespoons butter, melted
2 cups small curd cottage cheese
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the spaghetti sauce and seasoned salt; set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, Parmesan cheese and butter. Drain spaghetti; add to egg mixture and toss to coat.
Place half of the spaghetti mixture in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Top with half of the cottage cheese, meat sauce and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes. Uncover; bake 20-25 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

This was delicious. It was a nice change from regular spaghetti.

Semi-Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

2010-12-01T19:53:00.000-06:00

This was so yummy!

Ingredients

1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie (I used the pie crust that you unroll.)
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, boiled
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 can condensed cream of celery soup
2 cans condensed cream of potato soup (I ended up using 2 cans!)

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a 9 inch pie dish with pastry.
Blanch frozen mixed vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes. Drain.
Dice chicken and place in a large bowl. Add vegetables, thyme, celery soup and potato soup. Stir together.
Pour filling into pastry lined pie dish. Arrange top layer of pie crust, seal and flute the edges. Cut slits in the top of the crust to allow for steam to escape.
Put aluminum foil around the pie crust edges. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue to bake for an additional 30 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes and then serve.

Vintage Recipe: Green Congealed Salad

2010-11-30T21:29:00.000-06:00

This is a recipe that's been in my husband's family forever! When I first saw what was in it, I wasn't so sure about it. But, y'all, it's so yummy! I love it!

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups water, divided
2 (3-ounce) boxes lime gelatin
1 (16-ounce) carton cottage cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple in pineapple juice
1 cup chopped pecans, more for garnish, if desired

Instructions

Bring 1 cup water to boil. Place the gelatin in a bowl and pour the boiling water over it. Stir until dissolved. Stir in 1 1/2 cups cold water. Let cool to lukewarm (you can place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes, but do not let it set). In a separate bowl, combine the cottage cheese and mayonnaise. Stir in the pineapple with its juice. Stir in the cooled gelatin mixture. Stir in the nuts. Carefully pour the mixture into a large ring mold or serving bowl. Chill until firm. Garnish with nuts, if desired.

Our family always has it on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Here it is on our Thanksgiving table.

Southern Cornbread

2010-11-21T20:12:00.000-06:00

This is true southern cornbread! It's not sweet and you'll need a cast iron skillet and buttermilk! :)

Ingredients

2 cups Self Rising Enriched white corn meal

2 cups buttermilk

1 egg

2-3 tbs corn oil

cast iron skillet

Directions

Preheat oven to 425. Mix corn meal, buttermilk, and egg in bowl. Place cast iron skillet on an eye of the stove. Pour 2-3 tbs of corn oil and heat. When oil starts to sizzle, turn eye off. Pour oil into the corn meal mix. Stir. Pour corn meal mix back into cast iron skillet. Place on bottom rack and bake for 20-25 minutes until it doesn't jiggle in the middle. Then move to the middle rack and continue to bake for 5 minutes until top is golden brown.

Use a knife to loosen the sides when it comes out. Flip onto rack to cool.

Slice it and eat it! Butter makes it even more divine!

This is what I will be using in my cornbread dressing on Thanksgiving.

P.S.

Come check out Piece of Cake's new Christmas design! It makes me want to bake! :)

Thanksgiving Menu

2010-11-14T19:55:00.000-06:00

Trey and I are staying here for Thanksgiving, so I'm cooking Thanksgiving dinner for us! I'm very excited! I got the majority of my ingredients today! Here's what's on the menu!

Turkey

Southern Style Cornbread Dressing

The Lady's Cheesy Mac

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

Green Bean Casserole

Cranberry Sauce

Sister Schubert Rolls

Green Congealed Salad

Chocolate Pecan Pie

For the most part, it is a very traditional Thanksgiving meal! At least, traditional in the south! I know some might think green congealed salad? ew. Well, it is a tradition in Trey's family. And we LOVE it. Seriously, it is so yummy. This will be my first time to make it. Of course, I will be posting recipes for all the dishes!

Poppyseed Chicken

2010-11-07T17:36:00.000-06:00

I got this delicious recipe from Kelly!

Ingredients

2 or 3 chicken breasts, boiled and cut in small pieces
1 16 oz sour cream
2 cans cream of chicken
2 tbs of poppyseeds

1 sleeve of Ritz crackers
1 stick of butter

First, boil your chicken and then cut in small pieces.

Combine chicken, soups, sour cream and poppyseeds in baking dish.

Top with crushed crackers and melted butter. Bake for 20-30 minutes at 350.

Serve with rice and salads and you have a yummy meal!

This is so good!

Homemade Chex Mix

2010-11-07T10:57:00.000-06:00

Every fall, I look forward to making this delicious snack! You must try it!

Ingredients
6 cups Corn Chex cereal

3 cups Cheerios Cereal

1-2 cups pretzel sticks
Mixed Nuts (Optional)- I used pecans.

6 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 1/2 teaspoons Seasoned Salt

3/4 teaspoons Garlic Powder

1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder

Directions
Heat oven to 250°F. In large bowl, mix cereals, nuts, pretzels; set aside. In ungreased large roasting pan, melt butter in oven. Stir in seasonings. Gradually stir in cereal mixture until evenly coated. Bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Spread on paper towels to cool, about 15 minutes. Store in airtight container.

This is the yummiest snack ever! I think I need to make a second batch because it's addictive!

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

2010-10-28T20:49:00.000-05:00

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups raw whole pumpkin seeds
2 teaspoons butter, melted
1 pinch salt

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Rinse seeds.
Toss seeds in a bowl with the melted butter and salt. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown; stir occasionally.

Hobo Dinners

2010-10-28T20:18:00.000-05:00

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
5 potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes (This time I used these Baby Yellow Potatoes I found at the grocery store. Yay, for not having to peel and cut!)
4 large carrots, peeled and sliced lengthwise (Again, I took a shortcut and used carrot chips.)
1 onion, peeled and sliced into rings
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
garlic salt to taste

olive oil

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line baking sheet with foil squares for however many packets you are making.
Shape the ground beef into patties and place in center of each foil square. Layer the vegetables on top of the beef patties, starting with the onions, then carrots and finally potatoes. Season with salt, pepper and garlic salt to taste. Drizzle with olive oil.
Cover with aluminum foil and seal edges. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour, or to desired doneness.

Baked Mac and Cheesy

2010-10-22T20:08:00.000-05:00

This recipe is, indeed, very CHEESY!

Ingredients

1 pound Cooked Pasta
½ cups Butter
½ cups Flour
1 teaspoon Salt
½ teaspoons Ground Black Pepper
3-¾ cups Milk
¼ teaspoons Nutmeg
1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
2-½ cups Shredded Cheese Of Your Choice
½ packages (6.6 Oz. Package) Goldfish Crackers, Smashed

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF.
2. Cook your pasta according to the directions on the package. Once the water comes to a boil and you put the pasta in your water, you can start making your sauce.
3. Melt the butter over low heat until melted.
4. Raise the heat to medium-low and add in the flour, salt and pepper, stirring constantly until smooth and bubbly.
5. Remove from heat and add the milk. Return to the stove and heat to boiling, stirring constantly until the sauce is thick and coats the back of a wooden spoon. This will take about 10-15 minutes. You are basically making a bechamel sauce.
6. Add the nutmeg and Dijon mustard and stir.
7. Grate half a block of cheese. I used extra sharp cheddar, then also bought a package of already-shredded cheese to help save some time. You can use any cheese you like though. Some Gruyere, bleu, Swiss, provolone, jalapeno cheddar … all those would be super tasty.
8. Once the sauce is thick and bubbly, add in your cheese and stir. The cheese sauce will now be very thick!
9. Your pasta should be done before all this, so just make sure you drain it—but do not rinse! Return the pasta to your boiling pot.
10. Pour the cheese sauce into the pot and stir well.
11. Pour the macaroni and cheese into an ungreased 9 x 13 glass dish.
12. Sprinkle some shredded cheese on the top.
13. Pour half the package of Goldfish crackers into a food storage bag. Use your hand, a rolling pin or a pan to smash the crackers into crumbles. Sprinkle the mixture on top of your macaroni and cheese.
14. Bake the macaroni and cheese for 20-25 minutes.

Here it is straight out of the oven. I also let it broil for a few minutes to get the top nice and crunchy!

Serve and enjoy!

Pepperoni Pockets

2010-10-17T17:25:00.000-05:00

Ingredients

1 can of Pillsbury Crescent Rolls

Pepperonis

Mozzarella Cheese

Directions

Unroll Crescent rolls into triangles. Place pepperonis and cheese on triangles.

Fold edges over to make a pocket.

Bake at 375 degrees for 11- 13 minutes.

Cheesy Turkey Meatloaf and Spinach Salad

2010-09-19T20:28:00.000-05:00

Ingredients

2 pounds ground turkey

2 eggs

1 cup milk

1 cup Italian bread crumbs

1 cup cheese (I used shredded cheddar and monterey jack)

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/4 minced onions

1/2 cup ketchup

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a bowl, combine turkey, eggs, milk, bread crumbs, onions. Fold in cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to greased loaf pan. Top with ketchup. Bake for 45 min-1 hour.

Spinach Salad

Ingredients

Baby Spinach

Mushrooms, sliced

Red Onion, diced

Parmesan Cheese

Balasamic Vinagrette

Pecans

Peanut Butter Banana Muffins

2010-09-19T20:18:00.000-05:00

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup white sugar

2 eggs

1/2 cup peanut butter

2-3 mashed ripe bananas

2 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cream together softened butter and sugar in bowl. Add eggs, beat well. Stir in peanut butter, bananas, flour, baking soda until blended. Pour into muffin tins. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until done.

Yum!

You can also make this in a loaf and bake for about an hour.

Artichoke, Olive, Mushroom, and Onion Pizza

2010-09-19T16:33:00.000-05:00

Ingredients

Artichokes

Mushrooms

Black Olives

Red Onion

Pizza Crust Mix

Pizza Sauce

Mozzarella Cheese

Monterey Jack Cheese

Turkey Pepperoni

Mix crust according to package. Spread on greased pan. Top with tomato sauce, cheese, artichokes, onion, olives, mushrooms, and pepperonis. Bake at 425 for 15-20 on lowest rack.

Enjoy!

Stuffed Shells

2010-09-16T18:21:00.000-05:00

Ingredients

1 box jumbo stuffed shells

1 24 oz. container of cottage cheese

1 jar of tomato sauce

1 egg

1/4 cup parmesan cheese

2 cups grated cheese (I used an Italian blend.)

Directions

Cook pasta according to box. Drain and cool.

Combine egg, cottage cheese, 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, and 1/2 cup grated cheese in bowl.

Fill each jumbo shell with a spoonful of cheese mixture.

Place in casserole dish. Pour sauce over shells, top with remaining cheese. Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees.

Cake Balls

2010-09-16T18:10:00.000-05:00

Ingredients

Cake mix (whatever kind you like)

Can of frosting (Again, whatever kind you like)

Almond Bark (They make vanilla and chocolate.)

Bake cake according to package directions.

While cake is still warm, break into small pieces. Mix frosting and cake crumbs together in bowl and chill in refrigerator for an hour.

Roll cake mixture into balls.

Melt almond bark and dip cake balls in until covered completely. Place on wax paper until almond bark is hardened. I like to put mine in the freezer because I think they taste good cold. Enjoy these yummy little bites!

Mexican Chili

2010-08-01T02:36:00.000-05:00

This is a recipe that I made up and called Mexican chili. I have no idea what is in the "real" Mexican chili. But this was SOOOOO yummy and healthy.

(Forgot the cheese in this pic)

Ingredients

Ground Turkey (I always use the 97% fat free.)

1 jar of salsa (I prefer homemade, but I used a jar this time.)

Corn (I cooked a tot sized cobb and cut the kernels off.)

Diced onions

Taco Seasoning

Shredded Cheese (I use 1/4 cup per bowl.)

Sour Cream (I only use 2 tbsp for health reasons.)

Directions

1. Cook ground turkey and diced onions in pan and add taco seasoning according to package directions.

2. When ground turkey is cooked, place in bowl and top with half a jar of salsa. Stir.

3. Top with corn, cheese, and sour cream.

4. Enjoy!

Mushroom, Onion, and Swiss Turkey Burgers with Grilled Pineapple

2010-07-23T22:13:00.000-05:00

I've been trying to cut carbs from my diet, so this turkey burger recipe was perfect. I promise this doesn't taste like diet food because it's not! It's just healthy and yummy! Can't beat that! Give it a try.

Ingredients:
Ground Turkey
Yellow Onion-Some diced, some sliced
2 tbsp or more Worcestershire Sauce
2 tsp (or to your taste) Cumin
Salt and Pepper to taste
Mushrooms
1 tbsp olive oil
Swiss Cheese (1 slice per burger)
lettuce
Pineapple

Directions:
Mix ground turkey, diced onions, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, salt, and pepper in bowl. Form patties and place on a skillet coated with cooking spray or grill. Flip and cook until no longer pink.

Meanwhile, slice pineapple in strips. Spray skillet with cooking spray and heat on medium. Place pineapple on pan and flip occasionally until browned on each side.

Also, place tbsp olive oil in skillet on medium high. Add sliced onions and mushrooms. I also added Worcestershire sauce to add a little flavor. Continue cooking until onions are soft and somewhat caramelized.

When your burgers are completely cooked, turn skillet to low and add Swiss cheese.

Place burger inside lettuce wrap, top with onions and mushrooms.

Serve with grilled pineapple and garden salad

This was the best turkey burger I've ever had! I can't wait to make these again!

Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

2010-07-22T01:29:00.001-05:00

Cake Ingredients:
1 cup shortening
1 3/4 cups sugar
2 1/2 cups cake flour
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons vinegar
1 ounce red food coloring (2 ounces for deeper red)
1 1/2 teaspoons cocoa powder

Cream Cheese Icing Ingredients:
2 lbs of confectioners powder sugar
2 sticks (1 cup) of butter, softened
2 8 oz packages of cream cheese
2 tsp. of vanilla extract

Blend together shortening and sugar in a big mixing bowl. In another bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Mix the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, baking soda, and vinegar in another bowl. Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk mixture to the shortening and sugar mixture, mixing after each addition. In a small bowl, mix the cocoa powder and food coloring. Pour into the mixing bowl and combine...don't overbeat. Pour the batter into two cake pans coated with baking spray and cook for 25 minutes or until done at 350 degrees. While cake is cooking, mix together the cream cheese icing. First, cream together cream cheese and softened butter with a mixer. Add vanilla extract. Slowly add powdered sugar, until mixed to desired consistency. When cake is out of oven, let cool completely and then ice.

Cajun Baked Catfish

2010-06-04T12:40:00.000-05:00

2 tablespoons olive or canola oil
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 teaspoons paprika (I had chili powder, so I used that and it was great!)
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (I omitted this.)
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 (8 ounce) fillets catfish

(I always threw in a little Tony's and Jane's Krazy Salt!)

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the first seven ingredients; brush over both sides of fish.

Place fish in a 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray. Bake at 450 degrees F for 10-13 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Your kitchen will smell so good while it's cooking!

I served it with sweet potato fries, corn, and spinach salad. (Don't you love my expensive china?! We are real fancy around here!)

Restaurant Style Margaritas

2010-06-01T14:05:00.000-05:00

Ingredients
1 Can Frozen Limeade
Tequila
Triple Sec
1 Bottle of beer (I used Blue Moon, but you can use whatever kind you prefer.)
Ice

Add Limeade to blender. Using the empty limeade can fill it with 2/3 tequila and 1/3 triple sec. Add to blender. Add LOTS of ice. Blend to desired consistency.
AFTER you have blended it, add the bottle of beer. DO NOT blend after you have added the beer. It will be a mess.
Now, you are ready to enjoy! Pour them into salt rimmed glasses and you will smile!

Recipe from Meg at Whatever

Oven Baked Chicken & Bacon Shish Kebabs

2010-06-01T13:51:00.000-05:00

ALL CREDIT for this recipe goes to Annalee.

INGREDIENTS

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
veggies of your choice (I used bell pepper, squash, tomatoes, red onion, mushrooms, and pineapple)
1 package bacon (I used turkey bacon)
2/3 C brown sugar (I used Splenda brown sugar)
2 Tbs chili powder

DIRECTIONS
preheat oven to 350 degrees.
cut chicken into bite-sized chunks.
cut bacon strips in half.
wrap the bacon around the chicken and put on skewers.
alternate with veggie chunks (tossed lightly with olive oil, pepper and salt).
mix the brown sugar and chili powder.
sprinkle the mixture generously over skewers with the mixture and place in pan.
bake for 30-35 minutes.

I served the shish kebabs with saffron rice and restaurant style margaritas.

Weekly Meal Plan

2010-06-01T13:45:00.000-05:00

I used to be so good about making weekly meal plans, but I started slacking off. So, now that I'm on summer break, I am going to be good again and start planning. I'll share the recipes from the week as I make them!

Monday (Memorial Day)- Oven Baked Shish Kebabs with saffron rice and restaurant style frozen margaritas

Tuesday- Leftover shish kebabs and saffron rice

Wednesday- Easy Baked Tilapia and vegetables and spinach salad

Thursday- Cajun Baked Catfish with Sweet Potato Fries and Snow Peas and spinach salad

Friday- Out to eat

Saturday- Caribbean Jerk Salmon with Sweet Potato Fries and Asparagus and spinach salad

Sunday- Turkey Burger Hobo Dinners

One Dish Chicken

2010-05-17T21:38:00.000-05:00

I took this recipe and changed it up a little. It was delish. It's a perfect summer meal.

1/4 cup chopped onions
4 tbs Tequila Lime Marinade
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and quartered
3/4 lb green beans (I used 1 can of French style green beans.)
4 chicken breasts (I had chicken tenders, so I used 6.)

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place green beans in casserole dish. Place chicken on top of green beans. Drizzle 3 tbs (or desired amount) or Tequila Lime marinade on top of chicken. Place peeled and quartered potatoes around the sides of the casserole dish. Drizzle remaining marinade on top of sweet potatoes. Salt and Pepper to taste. Bake in oven for about 40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

Chicken Fajitas

2010-05-16T15:49:00.000-05:00

1. 1 teaspoon pure chile powder
2. 1 teaspoon kosher salt
3. 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
4. 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
5. 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
6. 1 tablespoon cornstarch
7. 1/4 cup water
8. 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
9. 1 whole skinless, boneless chicken breast (about 1 pound), cut into 1/2-inch strips
10. 1 green bell pepper—cored, seeded and cut into thin strips
11. 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
12. 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, plus lime wedges for serving
13. 8 flour tortillas, warmed in the microwave
14. Shredded lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, salsa and sour cream, for serving

Directions:

1. In a resealable plastic bag, combine the chile powder with the salt, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, cornstarch, water and 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add the chicken, bell pepper and onion, seal and knead gently to coat. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
2. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick skillet until shimmering. Empty the contents of the bag into the skillet and cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are crisp-tender and the chicken is cooked through, about 6 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the lime juice.
3. Transfer the chicken and vegetables to a large bowl and serve with the warmed tortillas, lettuce, cheese, salsa, sour cream and lime wedges.

Cheez-It Chicken

2010-05-02T14:53:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:

boneless, skinless chicken breast (1 for each person)
melted butter
sour cream
cheez-its (crunched up)
*I usually do each of these in a cereal bowl...

Directions:

1. Dip the chicken in melted butter.
2. Dip in sour cream.
3. Dip in cheez-its.
4. Bake at 375 degrees until done

Beefy Noodle Casserole

2010-04-23T23:20:00.000-05:00

You will need:

4 oz. uncooked wide egg noodles
1 lb. ground chuck
1 jar of pasta sauce
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan Cheese (I ended up using just a sprinkle of Parmesan and about 1/2 cup of Mozzarella.)

1. Cook noodles. Place noodles in slightly greased 11 x 7 inch baking dish set aside.

2. Cook beef in large skillet, stirring until it crumbles and is no longer pink. Stir in pasta sauce and set aside.

3. Place cream cheese in bowl and microwave for 1 minute or until softened. Stir in cottage cheese and sour cream. Spread mixture over noodles.

4. Spoon beef mixture over cream cheese layer. Sprinkle with Parmesan and Mozzarella.

5. Bake at 350 for about 10 minutes.

From: Southern Living Quick & Easy

Jerk Chicken Pasta

2010-04-23T23:19:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:

* 4 boneless chicken breasts
* 1/2 cup butter
* 4-5 garlic cloves, crushed
* 1 cup half-and-half
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 1 teaspoon cornstarch
* 1 teaspoon herbs, of your choice, rosemary, marjoram, oregano
* 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
* 1/2 stalk asparagus
* 8 ounces sliced mushrooms, pieces and stems
* 3 tablespoons parsley, crushed
* salt and pepper, to taste
* 8 ounces bow tie pasta

Directions:

Melt butter in skillet over medium/low heat and add garlic.
When garlic becomes fragrant add cayenne pepper and chicken (already cut up into small strips/slices or whole), increase heat.
Cook until chicken is cooked to preferred tenderness. Remove chicken from pan, leaving the butter/garlic/cayenne mix.
In a separate deep pan, fill pan 1/4 full of water. Place a drainer on top of the pan, add asparagus (cut up into 1 inch pieces). Cover. Steam for 5-10 minutes.
In a secparate deep pan, cook angel hair pasta according to the package directions. Set aside.
In a cup stir together half-and-half, chicken broth, and corn starch. Pour into skillet chicken was cooked inches
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, then simmer for 3 minutes, constantly stirring.
Stir in the parsley, herbs, mushrooms, and asparagus for 3-5 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to blend.
Add chicken to heat through.
Add pasta and stir to heat through.
Serve.

Fiesta Chicken Bake

2010-04-17T23:13:00.000-05:00

You will need:

2-3 cups chicken, cooked and cubed or 1 rotisserie chicken shredded
8 oz Velveeta
1 can Cream of Mushroom
1 can Cream of Chicken
1 can Rotel
1/2 chopped onion
2 cups tortilla chips (or more if desired)

Place chicken and onions at the bottom of casserole dish (9 x 13)

Layer cheese on top.

Combine soups and rotel in bowl.

Pour soup mixture over chicken and cheese.

Crumble tortilla chips and layer on top of soup mixture.

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

Enjoy!

This is great served with rice, sour cream, or more tortilla chips.

Cupcake Pebbles Treats

2010-04-16T17:11:00.000-05:00

I was so excited when my blog friend, Shannon, posted about this cereal and these cute little treats. The cereal is yummy as cereal, but these treats are delicious!

You will need:

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
1 package (10-1/2 oz.) miniature marshmallows
1 package (11 oz.) POST CUPCAKE PEBBLES®
1 can (16 oz.) ready-to-spread frosting

Microwave butter in 4-quart microwavable bowl on high 45 seconds or until melted. Add marshmallows; mix to coat. Microwave 1-1/2 minutes or until marshmallows are completely melted, stirring after 45 seconds. Add cereal; mix well.

Press cereal mixture firmly into lightly greased muffin pans to form "cupcakes," using about 1/3 cup for each. Cool; remove from pans.

Spread with frosting before serving. Decorate as desired. Makes about 2 dozen.

I made these for Easter, so I put these cute little cupcake toppers on them.

You should definitely try these. I think they are better than Rice Krispy treats!

BBQ Nachos

2010-04-12T17:00:00.001-05:00

Ok, so this isn't really a recipe, but more of a meal idea!

One of my favorite things about going to hockey games with my dad when I was younger was the BBQ nachos from Corky's that they served. It was always a must that we got them and they were always delicious. So, for several years whenever I ate at a BBQ restaurant I always hoped they would have BBQ nachos. I haven't really found any places that have them here in Nashville. So, when Trey suggested we pick up Whitt's BBQ one day, I decided to make my own nachos!

You can use whatever you like or have to make the nachos. I put the tortilla chips on a cookie sheet, sprinkled them with cheese, and baked them in the oven at 350 for about 10 minutes to get them toasted and melty! Then, I topped them with the BBQ, BBQ sauce, and sour cream. They were SO delicious!

Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

2010-04-12T15:47:00.000-05:00

You will need:
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated white sugar
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda.

In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 to 4 minutes). Add the beaten egg and vanilla extract and beat until combined. Add the flour mixture and beat until you have a smooth dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about one hour (or overnight) or until firm enough to roll.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and place rack in the center of the oven. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and, on a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch (.6 cm). (Keep turning the dough as you roll, making sure the dough does not stick to the counter.) Cut out egg shapes using a lightly floured cookie cutter and transfer cookies to the prepared baking sheet. Place the baking sheets with the unbaked cookies in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes to chill the dough which prevents the cookies from spreading and losing their shape while baking.

Bake cookies for about 8-10 minutes (depending on size) or until they are just beginning to brown around the edges. Remove from oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling. Frost with royal icing and sparking sugar, if desired. Be sure to let the royal icing dry completely before storing. (This may take several hours.)
Frosted cookies will keep several days in an airtight container. Store between layers of parchment paper or wax paper.
Makes about 20 - 3 inch cookies.
Now for the icing...

Royal Icing:
1 large egg white
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 cups (165 grams) confectioners (powdered or icing) sugar, sifted

In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the egg white with the lemon juice. Add the sifted powdered sugar and beat on low speed until combined and smooth. Add coloring. The icing needs to be used immediately or transferred to an airtight container as royal icing hardens when exposed to air. Cover with plastic wrap when not in use.

Add desired choice of food coloring.

Frost and let dry.

Oven-Fried Catfish

2010-03-19T21:23:00.001-05:00

2 cups cornflakes cereal
1 teaspoon seasoned salt (like Lawry's) or 3/4 tsp celery salt, 1/4 tsp onion powder, 1/8 tsp ground red pepper, dash of black pepper
4 (6 oz) catfish fillets, halved
Vegetable cooking spray1. Place cereal in a ziploc bag and and crush (with mallet or rolling pin) to measure 3/4 cup crumbs. Combine crumbs and seasoned salt in a shallow dish. Coat both sides of fish with cooking spray. Dredge fish in crumb mixture, pressing gently to coat. Arrange fish in a single layer on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Coat tops of fish with cooking spray.2. Bake at 400 for 21 minutes or until fish flakes with a fork.
Serve with baked hush puppies, fries, and coleslaw.
(From Southern Living: Quick & Easy)

Baked Hush Puppies

2010-03-19T18:59:00.000-05:00

1 box Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix or 2 cups self rising cornmeal mix
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 cup low fat milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup finely chopped onion

1. Combine cornmeal mix and red pepper in a larger bowl; make a well in the center of the mixture.
2. Combine eggs and next 3 ingredients in a large bowl. Add egg mixture to cornmeal mixture, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened.3. Spoon about 1 tablespoon batter into miniature muffin pans coated with cooking spray.
4. Bake at 425 for 13 minutes or until golden. Remove from pans and serve immediately.

Makes about 3 dozen

Meg's Chicken Enchiladas

2010-03-11T14:47:00.000-06:00

From Meg at Whatever

This is absolutely my all time favorite dish to make and eat!!! My husband and I love it and have it frequently. It's better than anything at a Mexican restaurant!

3 cups shredded cooked chicken

1 cup sour cream

1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 can (4.5 oz.) chopped green chilies

1 cup (4 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese

1-1/2 tsp minced garlic

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 pkg. (10 oz.) 6-inch flour tortillas

1 jar (16 oz.) green salsa

½ cup water

1. Grease a 13x9 baking dish. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2. In a bowl, mix chicken, half the sour cream and half of cilantro, red pepper, chilies, ¼ cup cheese, garlic, and cumin.

3. Warm tortillas as directed on package.

4. Meanwhile, puree salsa, water and remaining ½ c. of sour cream and cilantro in a blender or food processor. Spread 1 cup over bottom of baking dish.

5. Spoon 1/3 cup chicken mixture down the center of each tortilla. Roll up and place seam side down crosswise in 2 rows on sauce in baking dish.

6. Pour remaining sauce over tortillas; bake uncovered 35 minutes

7. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake 15 minutes longer or until bubbly.

Serves 5

Beef Enchiladas

2010-03-10T15:24:00.000-06:00

You will need:

1 lb hamburger meat
1 small onion, chopped
1 can of chopped black olives (optional)- I didn't use them.
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 can of Enchilada sauce
8 oz of shredded cheddar cheese
6-8 flour tortillas (I used 16 small tortillas)

Brown the meat and saute the onions in with it.

Combine the mushroom soup and enchilada sauce

Once the beef is done, add in the olives (optional) and let it heat and then add in 3/4 of the cheese and let it melt - mix it all together.

Fill tortillas with the meat mixture and roll up.

Pour sauce on top and top with cheese. Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes.

Oooh, so yummy!

Serve with rice.

Or for a really good meal, serve with rice, chips and salsa and a margarita! :)

Elfo's Special

2010-03-09T20:05:00.000-06:00

You will need:

(Shrimp not pictured)

Kosher salt
1/2 pound spaghetti pasta
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
5 medium mushrooms, sliced
12 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails removed)
salt and pepper, pinch of each

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook about 8 minutes. Drain.
2. In a saute skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic, mushrooms, shrimp and seasonings and saute for about a minute and a half or until shrimp is cooked.

3. Transfer pasta to skillet and toss the dish a few times to combine ingredients. Serve.

(pictured with bruschetta & salad with Miss Mary's Italian Dressing)

This is a recipe from Frank Grisanti and Sons cookbook. The Grisantis own several restaurants in the Memphis area that are delicious!

Miss Mary's Italian Dressing

2010-03-09T19:59:00.000-06:00

You will need:

1 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons coarse black pepper

Place ingredients in bowl.

Whisk together and enjoy!

This is a recipe from Frank Grisanti and Sons cookbook. The Grisantis own several restaurants in the Memphis area that are delicious!

Bruschetta

2010-03-09T19:43:00.000-06:00

Ingredients:
Baguette Bread
Diced Tomatoes (I used a mixture of Roma and Vine Ripened)
Parmesan Cheese
Miss Mary's Italian Dressing

-Slice bread and bake in oven at 350 for about 20 minutes or until toasted.
-Remove from oven and place Parmesan on bread. Return to oven until cheese is bubbly.
-Spoon tomatoes on top of bread.
-Drizzle with Miss Mary's Italian Dressing

Stuffed Southwestern Burgers

2010-03-09T17:41:00.000-06:00

These were so juicy and mouthwatering! They had the perfect spice and balance of flavors.

You will need:
1 avocado
3 plum tomatoes, chopped
1 garlic clove, pressed
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons pepper, divided
2 pounds lean ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 (8-ounce) block Monterey Jack cheese with peppers, cubed
6 large sesame seed buns, toasted
Toppings: leaf lettuce, tomato slices, red onion slices

1. Mash avocado with a fork; stir in chopped tomatoes, garlic, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Set aside.

2. Combine ground beef, onion, remaining 1 teaspoon salt, remaining 1 teaspoon pepper, and chili powder; shape into 12 thin patties.

3. Top 6 patties with cheese cubes; cover with remaining patties, pressing edges to seal.

(see the yummy cheese oozing out of the middle! yum!)
4. Grill patties, covered with lid, over medium high heat 5 minutes on each side or until done (or cook in skillet).

5. Make sure to find a wine to serve with your burgers. Our choice this night: Mad Housewife.

Serve on buns with desired toppings and avocado mixture.

Aren't you hungry now?

Florentine Artichoke Dip

2010-03-09T17:25:00.000-06:00

You will need this:

1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
2 (6 ounce) jars marinated artichoke hearts
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup light mayonnaise
1 1/2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1/4 cup fine, dry breadcrumbs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Crackers, breadsticks, or cheese to serve with

1. Drain spinach well; press between paper towels. Drain and chop artichoke hearts.

2. Combine spinach and artichoke hearts.

3. Add garlic and next four ingredients, stirring well.

4. Spoon into a lightly greased 11-x-7 inch baking dish; sprinkle evenly with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.

5. Bake at 375 for 25 minutes, and serve with crackers, breadsticks, or chips.

Lasagna

2010-03-08T18:12:00.000-06:00

You will need:

1 box of lasagna noodles
1 jar of your favorite tomato sauce
1 (16 oz) container of cottage cheese
1 egg
1 lb. ground beef
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
2 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese
4 0z cream cheese (half of a box of cream cheese)
minced onions (optional)
salt and pepper to taste

Cook noodles according to package

Brown beef and minced onions. Add salt and pepper.

Mix cottage cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and 1/2 cup (or more if you want) mozzarella cheese in bowl.

When beef is done, add sauce.

Put a spoonful of sauce at the bottom of casserole dish. Layer noodles, then cheese, then tomato sauce. Repeat. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy!

So, so good!

Apple Shortbread Crisp

2010-03-08T16:43:00.000-06:00

I seriously think this was one of the best things I have ever tasted! You must make it! Now!

You will need:
2 (12-ounce) packages frozen apple chunks (I used Stouffer's Harvest Apples)
6 tablespoons butter or margarine
20 shortbread cookies, crushed (I used Keebler Sandies Simply Shortbread)
1/2 cup walnuts or pecans
1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
vanilla ice cream

1. Prick plastic wrap covering apple chunks several times with a fork; microwave at Medium 7 minutes or until apple is thawed. Let stand 2 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, melt butter in a large skillet over medium hear; add cookie crumbs and nuts. Cook, stirring constantly, 2 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and nutmeg.

3. Combine 2 tablespoons brown sugar and remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; sprinkle in a lightly greased 1-quart baking dish. Sprinkle half of apple over brown sugar mixture; top with half of the cookie crumb mixture. Repeat layers with remaining apple and crumb mixture.

4. Bake at 375 for 25 minutes or until cookie mixture is golden.

5. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream!

from Southern Living Quick & Easy cookbook

Hopscotch

2010-03-07T21:22:00.000-06:00

You will need:
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips
1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
2 cups marshmallows
2 cups or more chow mein noodles

Melt chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter in microwave; stirring occasionally.

Add marshmallows

Add chow mein noodles

Mix

Scoop into spoonfuls on wax paper lined baking sheets

Refrigerate

Lick the bowl while you wait patiently for the hopscotch to get ready! :)

Meg's Crescent Chicken

2010-03-07T20:39:00.000-06:00

I love Meg's recipes from Whatever. Her chicken enchiladas are my favorite dish, so I decided to try her crescent chicken. Yumm-O! Try it, for sure!

You will need:

3 or 4 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped or 1 rotisserie chicken
1 cup of shredded cheese
1 can refrigerated crescents roll
1 cup of milk
1 can cream of chicken soup

Mix chicken and cheese in bowl.

Lay out crescent dough in 8 triangles.

Scoop a spoonful of chicken onto the middle of dough triangles and wrpa dough around the mixture to create a bundle. Place in casserole dish.

Mix soup and milk together in bowl and heat in microwave for 2 minutes. Whisk soup mixture until smooth. Pour over chicken bundles.

Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until dough is done.

I also baked some without the sauce. They were delish, too.

Here is the hot, bubbly, yummy-ness! It tastes like chicken and dumplings. So good!

Lemon Squares

2010-03-07T20:19:00.001-06:00

You will need:

For crust:
2 cups sifted all purpose flour
1 cup confectioner's sugar
1 cup butter, melted

Filling:
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup all purpose flour
5/8 cup lemon juice (I know in the picture I have fake lemon juice, but DON'T use it!!!!!! It's all I had and I promise you will regret using it. Use fresh squeezed lemon juice!!!!)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch pan.
In a medium bowl, stir together 2 cups flour and confectioners' sugar. Blend in the melted butter. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until golden.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat eggs until light. Combine the sugar, baking powder and 1/4 cup of flour so there will be no flour lumps. Stir the sugar mixture into the eggs. Finally, stir in the lemon juice.

Remove crust from oven.

Pour mixture over the prepared crust and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 30 minutes or until bars are set.

Top with confectioner's sugar. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

Triple Strawberry Cake

2010-03-07T15:54:00.000-06:00

1 (18.25 ounce) package strawberry cake mix
1 (3 ounce) package flavored gelatin
4 cups water
Homemade whipped cream (below)
2 cups strawberries, sliced

DIRECTIONS

Prepare cake according to package directions. Bake as directed for a 9x13 inch pan. Allow to cool.
Prepare the strawberry gelatin according to package instructions, using the 4 cups of water. Poke cake with toothpick. Pour over cooled cake while still in liquid form; the cake will absorb it. Chill in refrigerator for 2 hours, or until gelatin is set.
Spread whipped cream over cake and top with sliced strawberries.

Whipped Cream Icing

1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar

Directions

In a large bowl, whip cream until stiff peaks are just about to form. Beat in vanilla and sugar until peaks form. Make sure not to over-beat, cream will then become lumpy and butter-like.

Tator Tot Casserole

2010-03-06T14:39:00.000-06:00

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 lb. tator tots

cheddar cheese

Directions:

Brown meat; drain. Pour in an 8x8 dish. Add soup and mix with beef. Cover with a layer of tator tots. Bake at 350 for 30 mins. Cover with cheese and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted.

From Meredith at From Our Kitchen to Yours

Chicken, Spinach, and Ricotta Quesadilla

2010-03-03T19:28:00.000-06:00

This is SO yummy! It tastes like something you would get in a cute and very chic little cafe or bistro!

You will need:

(I'm just going to list ingredients because the measurements depend on your taste and how many quesadillas you are making.)

Chicken (I always use a rotisserie chicken.)
Spinach wraps
Cheese (I used Mexican blend, mozzarella would be good, or whatever cheese you like best.)
Ricotta cheese (I used a little less than half a cup to make two big quesadillas.)
Fresh Spinach
Diced Onions
Olive Oil (Just a drizzle for the pan)

Prepare chicken (cook or shred in my case. Easy!)

Drizzle a little olive oil in a skillet and turn on medium-high. Put onions in and stir for about 2-3 minutes.

Add spinach and cook until wilted (About 1 minute). Place spinach and onion mixture on paper towel lined plate to drain.

Mix cheeses and chicken in bowl.

Spread chicken and cheese mixture on half of the spinach wrap. Make sure not to get too close to the side, so it doesn't ooze out while you are cooking it. Top cheese mixture with onions and spinach. Fold in half and cook in skillet on medium.

And now eat it! :) It is very yummy!

Marshmallow Fruit Salad

2010-02-23T18:58:00.000-06:00

My father-in-law always makes this on every holiday. It's so yummy and a great low fat snack or dessert!

You will need:

Plain Yogurt or Sour Cream (Nonfat or light)

1 bag of mini marshmallows
1 can of fruit cocktail
1 can of Mandarin oranges

Notes:
You can use whatever kind of fruit you prefer! I love Mandarin oranges, so I use a big can of them!
I also use two sweet-n-lows to make it sweeter.

Mix together and serve!

An Award!!!!

2010-02-19T19:49:00.000-06:00

Sweet Lindsay at Lindsay's Kitchen gave Piece of Cake recipes its first award! Thanks so much! I am thrilled!

This award has a little questionnaire about me! Here we go:

(1) Your Cell Phone? Blackberry

(2) Your Hair? Blonde

(3) Your Mother? Passionate

(4) Your Father? Hardworking

(5) Your Favorite Food? Mexican

(6) Your Dream Last Night? School

(7) Your Favorite Drink? DC

(8) Your Dream/Goal? Motherhood

(9) What Room Are You In? Living Room

(10) Your Hobby? Blogging

(11) Your Fear? Death

(12) Where Do You Want To Be In Six Years? Family

(13) Where Were You Last Night? Home

(14) Something That You Aren't? Unhappy

(15) Muffins? Blueberry

(16) Wish List Item? House

(17) Where Did You Grow Up? Collierville

(18) Last Thing You Did? Olympics

(19) What Are You Wearing? Pajamas

(20) Your TV? On

(21) Your Pets? Fiona

(22) Friends? hubby

(23) Your Life? Good

(24) Your Mood? Tired

(25) Missing Someone? Family

(26) Vehicle? Volvo

(27) Something You Aren't Wearing? Shoes

(28) Your Favorite Store? Target

(29) Your Favorite Color? Turquoise

(30) When Was The Last Time You Laughed? Today

(31) Last Time You Cried? Yesterday

(32) Your Best Friend? Trey

(33) One Place You Go To Over And Over Again? Kroger

(34) Facebook? Ugh...

(35) Favorite Place To Eat? Chuy's

And this award goes to...

From Our Kitchen to Yours--I've gotten some great recipe ideas from here! It's awesome and so helpful!

Wearing Gackey's Apron--LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this blog. She has the best ideas!

June Cleaver Cooking Club-- This blog is such a cute idea. She gets people to send their recipe ideas in and posts them! There's some great recipes on there!