Meatballs

As much as I like the meatballs from the meatball sandwich I had another meat ball recipe that I think would be even better for the sandwiches and in the marinara.  Another great thing about meatballs is you can use the left overs and make spaghetti.  Yummy.  So here is my recipe for homemade meatballs.  

12 oz. ground beef

1/2 c. chopped parsley 

half onion, chopped

1 slice bread torn in pieces and soaked in milk

2 eggs

2 cloves garlic

mozarella, cubed

Mix beef, bread, eggs, 1/2 c. parsley, chopped onion and 2 cloves of garlic.  Form into meatballs.  Place cubes of mozarella in middle of meatballs.  Heat 2 Tbsp. of olive oil in pan and sear meatballs until brown on all sides.  Place in marinara sauce and cook on low for 20 mins to 1 hour.  Enjoy and let me know which you like better.  They are both great but I prefer this one.  

Meatball Sandwiches

Ok I copied this recipe from the Potluck Blog.  It was one my cousin Julie posted (I even stole her picture because we ate ours to fast).  It was really good and enjoyed by all.  It is also super simple and easy to make.  Try it out and I hope you enjoy.  

Mushroom Marinara:

* 2 tsp olive oil
* 1/2 sweet yellow onion, diced
* 6 oz of button or cremini mushrooms, sliced thinly
* 3-4 cloves of garlic, chopped finely
* 1 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes
* 1 15 oz can of tomato sauce
* 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
* 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
* 1 tsp dried basil
* 1 tsp dried oregano
* 1 tsp fennel seeds, crushed
* 1 tsp white sugar
* 1 pinch of red pepper flakes
* Sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste

Heat the olive oil in a dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions and mushrooms and saute until tender; add the garlic and cook for 60 seconds, stirring frequently. Add the remaining ingredients. Simmer for at least 2 hours.

Meatballs:

* 1 lb lean ground beef (I used 93/7)
* 7 button mushrooms, diced finely
* 1/4 sweet yellow onion, diced finely
* 1/4 cup of Italian style breadcrumbs
* 1 clove of garlic, minced
* 1 egg
* 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
* 1/2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
* 1/2 tsp fennel seed, crushed
* Sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper
* 1 tsp olive oil (for cooking)

Put the onions, garlic and mushrooms in a food processor to chop, otherwise chop them as small as you can. Combine all ingredients (except for olive oil) together gently. Form into small meatballs and set aside. Once the meatballs are prepared. Heat a skillet over medium heat with 1 tsp olive oil. Cook the meatballs until golden brown on all sides. Remove from skillet and place the cooked meatballs in the mushroom marinara.

* Hoagie rolls
* Mozzarella cheese, shredded
* Parmesan cheese, shredded
* Fresh basil, chopped

To assemble, place meatballs with some sauce in the hoagie rolls. Sprinkle the top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Place in a pan, under the broiler and melt cheese - watch carefully so don't burn. Top with basil and serve. Enjoy!

Peppermint Chocolate Brownies

This is very similar to to the cookies I posted below and just as wonderful.  Next year these will end up on my goodie plates.

10 Tbsp. butter

6 oz. chocolate chips

3 eggs

1 1/2 c. sugar

1 Tbsp. vanilla

1/4 tsp. salt

1 c. flour

1/2 c. cocoa

1/2 tsp. baking powder

Ganache: 

1/2 lb. chocolate chips

1 c. whipping cream

1-2 tsp. peppermint extract

crushed candy canes

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray 9x13 pan.  In medium saucepan stir butter and chocolate until melted.  Remove heat and cool.  Large bowl whisk eggs, sugar, vanilla and salt.  Pour chocolate-butter mix slowly into egg mix.  Seperate bowl mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder.  Mix into egg mixture.  Bake 20-30 minx. Cool

Mix chocolate and whipping cream and melt.  Add peppermint extract.  Let cool until warm.  

Spread on brownies.  Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top and refrigerate for 2 hours.  

Breakfast syrups

I am not a huge maple syrup fan, in fact I don't like it at all.  I usually buy fruit syrups but I found two amazing recipes that are awesome.  I make these now instead of buying the fruit syrups. 

Buttermilk syrup

2 c. sugar

1 c. buttermilk

2 tsp. Karo

1 Tbsp. butter

2 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. baking soda

Cook sugar, buttermilk, Karo and butter to a boil.  Let boil two minutes.  Remove from heat and add vanilla and baking soda.  

Vanilla Butter Syrup

1 c. heavy whipping cream

1 cube of butter

1 c. sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

Mix it all in a saucepan and heat.  

The Vanilla Butter Syrup usually stays better if you have leftover.  The Buttermilk stays but after a few days gets grainy and sugary.  Try them out though they are the best.  

White Chocolate Butterfinger Blondies

I got this recipe from the Picky Palate and it was so good I didn't even have time to take a picture before it was all gone.  It is a must try especially if you are not much of a chocolate lover.  

1/4 c. butter

3/4 c. white chocolate chips

1/2 c. sugar

1 c. flour

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 c. white chocolate chips

6 fun size butterfinger candy bars, crushed up (or 3 regular sized)

2 eggs

2 Tbsp. sour cream

2 fun size butterfinger candy bars, crushed (or 1 regular)

2 Tbsp. powder sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Melt butter.  Stir in 3/4 c. white chips until melted and smooth.  In a large bowl add sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, 1/2 c. white chips and crushed butterfingers.  In a small bowl whisk eggs and sour cream.  Mix all ingredients together.  Pour into and 8x8 greased pan.  Bake 30-35 mins.  The last 15 mins mix sugar and remaining butterfinger and sprinkle over top.  Makes 9 blondies.

Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

If you are looking for the perfect holiday cookie this is it.  I got this recipe from Giada De Laurentes on Food network.  It is sugar cookies and peppermint flavoring.  In other wards the best of Christmas flavors.  

1 (16.5 oz) tube refrigerated cookie dough

1/4 c. flour

2 c. chocolate chips, divided (I use milk but it calls for semi sweet)

1/4 c. heavy cream

1 tsp. pure peppermint extract

1 tsp. vegetable oil

crushed candy canes

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Position oven rack in lower third of oven.  In a bowl knead cookie dough and flour.  Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thick and cut into circles.  Place on cookie sheets and bake 10 mins or until edges are brown.  Cool for 10 mins. then transfer to wire rack.  Combin 1 c. chocolate chips and cream in a pot and melt until smooth.  Stir in peppermint extract and refrigerate 1 hour.  Scoop out mixture and place in middle of cookie then place another cookie on top to make a sandwich and squeeze.  Put in freezer for 25 mins.  Combine remaining chips and oil and melt.  Dip top of each cookie in melted chocolate.  Sprinkle with candy canes and refrigerate for 25 mins.  

Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Pie

We have been making this recipe for Thanksgiving for years.  If you are not a huge pumpkin pie fan you have still got to try this.  It is unlike anything you have ever had and will be one of your Thanksgiving food traditions.  

4 oz. cream cheese, softened

1 c. plus 1 Tbsp. milk

1 Tbsp. sugar

1 8 oz. cool whip

1 prepared graham cracker crust

1 16oz. can pumpkin

2 4oz. pkgs instant vanilla pudding

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

1/4 tsp. ground clove

Mix cream cheese, 1 Tbsp. of milk, and sugar until smooth.  Gently stir in 1 1/2 c. of cool whip.  Spread on bottom of crust.  Stir pumpkin, pudding mix, and spices into remaining milk.  Beat until blended.  Spread over cream cheese mixture.  Refrigerate 4 hours before serving.  

Chocolate Pecan Pie

Once again here is another fabulous Paula Deen recipe that I had to try.  If you love chocolate and you love pecan pie then you have to try this.  It is so rich but worth every bite.  

1 (9 inch) unbaked pie shell

2 c. pecan halves

3 large eggs, beaten

3 Tbsp. butter, melted

1/2 c. dark corn syrup

1 c. sugar

3 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped (or I used 3/4 c. of milk chocolate chips)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Cover bottom of pie crust with pecans.  In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs and melted butter.  Add corn syrup, sugar and chocolate.  Stir together and pour mixture into pie shell.  Place on cookie sheet and bake 10 mins.  Lower oven temperature to 350 and bake for another 45 mins or until pie is set.  Make sure when you stick a knife in the middle it isn't runny in the middle.  Enjoy!

Fettuccine Alfredo

I love Italian and one of my favorite dishes is Fettuccine Alfredo.  I found this recipe a few years ago and fell in love with it.  It is so easy and quick not to mention delicious.

12 oz. fettuccine noodles

6 Tbsp. unsalted butter

2/3 c. whipping cream

1/2 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. white pepper

1/8 tsp. nutmeg

1 c. freshly grated parmesan cheese 

2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

Cook noodles until al dente, about 6-8 minutes.  Drain well and return to dry pot.  Keep warm.

Place butter and cream in a pot over medium-low heat.  Cook and stir until butter melts and mixture bubbles.  Cook and stir 2 minutes more.  Stir in salt, pepper and nutmeg.  Remove from heat.  Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until blended and smooth.  Return briefly to heat to completely blend cheese if necessary.  (Do not let sauce bubble or Parmesan will become lumpy and tough).  Pour sauce over pasta.  Stir using 2 forks over low heat until sauce has coated pasta.  Sprinkle with chopped parsley.  Serve immediately.  

**This dish is best fresh and let me know what you think. 

Pasta Fagoli

I am not a huge Olive Garden fan but one of the things I love there is their Pasta Fagoli soup.  I found this recipe a few years ago and had to try it out.  I would say it is even better then Olive Gardens.  It is hearty, filling and perfect for a cold winters night. 

1 pound ground beef

1 (28 oz.) can chopped tomatos

1 medium onion, chopped

4 medium carrots, chopped

1 can kidney beans, drained

3 cups beef broth

1/2 c. ditalini (or any pasta you would like)

1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1 1/2 tsp. black pepper

3/4 tsp. dried parsley

1 c. spaghetti sauce (I perfer Prego and I add a little more)

Cook ground beef until brown.  Drain grease.  In a pot add beef, undrained tomatoes, onion and carrots and mix well.  Reduce heat to low, simmer mixture, stirring occasionally for 10 minutes.  Add rinsed kidney beans, broth, pasta, oregano, black pepper, and parsley.  Simmer covered until carrots are tender and pasta is cooked, about 30-45 mins.  Stir in spaghetti sauce. 

***With the carrots, onion and pasta I add as much as I like.  You don't have to use those measurements and I add about a cup and half of spaghetti sauce.  Enjoy and as always let me know what you think.  

Quick and Easy Salsa Chicken

This recipe came from the Potluck blog.  It was so similar to two recipes I already have that I had to try it out.  Plus it is crock pot cooking and I am all about that.  Once I tried it I knew I had to post it and will being eating it again.  

2 chicken breasts

2 c. salsa

1/2 pkg. taco season

2 spoonfuls of sour cream

1 can corn, drained

1 can black beans, drained

1-2 c. cooked rice

tortillas

toppings-lettuce, cheese, tomato 

Place chicken in crockpot with taco season and salsa.  Cook on low 4-5 hours or high 2-3 hours.  Take chicken out when done and shred.  Add sour cream, corn and beans to crock pot.  Add chicken to mix.  Add rice to mix if to wet.  Turn pot to low until ready to serve or at least an hour.  Put chicken mix on tortillas and add toppings.  Makes 10-12 tortillas.  

Candy Covered Popcorn Treats

This recipe is from Giada de Laurentas.  I saw one of her cooking shows and saw this and had to try it.  Not sure what to do with all that Halloween candy.  Well here is a perfect recipe to use it in.  

1 to 1 1/2 bags of popped popcorn

3 Tbsp. butter

1 tsp. vanilla

6 c.  mini marshmallows

6 fun size snickers bars- cut into pieces (or any favorite candy bar)

1/2 c. plain M&Ms (or any favorite candy)

3 chocolate chip cookies crumbled (or any favorite cookie)

Spray a mixing bowl and cake pan with cooking spray.  In medium sauce pan heat butter over low heat.  Add vanilla and marshmallows.  Stir constantly until marshmallows are melted.  Pour popped popcorn in mixing bowl and pour marshmallow mix over.  Mix it together and put in cake pan and spread out.  Top with candies, candy bars and cookies.  Allow to dry for 1 hour.  Store in airtight plastic container.

Depending on how marshmallowy you want your popcorn will depend on how much popcorn to pour.  If you like more of the marshmallow then just use a bag for less of the gooeyness then use more popcorn.  

Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie

Well I got this recipe off of Bakerella and 7 nights a week blogs.  It sounded so delicious I just had to try.  Chocolate chip cookie that is a pie.  Well I am telling you it was as every bit as delicious as it sounded and a must make.  

1 Graham Cracker pie shell (Keebler) or if you like regualr pie crust you can use that

2 large eggs

1/2 c. flour

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. sugar

3/4 c. (1 1/2 sticks) softened butter

1 c. chocolate chips

1 c. pecans chopped (opt.)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Beat eggs in large mixer bowl on high until foamy.  Beat in flour and sugars.  Beat in butter.  Stir in chocolate chips and nuts.  Spoon into pie shell and put on cookie sheet to bake.  Bake for 55-60 mins.  Enjoy!

Paula Deens Macaroni and Cheese

This recipe I found on Paula Deen's website.  I thought how wrong can you go being Paula Deen.  It was pretty delicious, even my husband (who is super picky) liked it.  

4 Tbsp. butter, cut in pieces

1/2 c. sour cream

2 c. grated cheddar cheese

3 eggs, beaten

4 c. macaroni

1/2 tsp salt

1 c. milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cook macaroni, drain and add cheese.  In a separate bowl combine remaining ingredients and add.  Pour into casserole dish and cook 30 mins.  You can add extra cheese the last few minutes of cooking.  

Pumpkin Bread

I got this recipe off the internet and it is delicious.  It is super moist and has a hint of coconut flavor from the pudding.  In other wards it is a must try and is super easy to make.  

2 c. flour                                            1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

2 c. sugar                                           1 1/4 c. vegetable oil

1 tsp. baking soda                            5 eggs

1 tsp. salt                                           2 c. canned pumpkin

2 (3.4 oz)pkgs instant cocount cream pudding

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Lightly grease two 9X5 loaf pans.  In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, pudding packs, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.  Stir in oil, eggs and pumpkin until blended.  Pour batter into pans.  Bake for 1 hour or until knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.  Remove and let cool.  

Pumpkin Spice Bars

I made these for a school function and of course had to sneak a bite.  They are yummy.  I don't know what more to say except if you like pumpkin and you like cream cheese frosting you have to try these.  

2 c. flour                                         1 tsp. cinnamon

1 c. oil                                             1 tsp. ground clove

2 c. sugar                                       1/2 tsp. salt

2 tsp. baking powder                  15 oz. can pumpkin

1 tsp. baking soda                         4 eggs

Mix together and put in a jellyroll pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 mins. 

Frosting: 

1 cube butter-softened

1/4 c. milk

1 tsp. vanilla

1 8oz. cream cheese, softened

powder sugar -mix until desired consistency-spread on bars

Chocolate Balls

Ok this is a request from Krystal.  These are probably the best things ever.  I make them quite a bit for parties, showers or whatever.  I of course eat half of them.  It is super easy and like I said Delicious.  You will thank me for them. 

1 pkg. oreo cookies

1 pkg. cream cheese, softenend

chocolate chips, melted

Crush all the oreo cookies in a blender or cuisine art.  It needs to be like a powder.  Mix cream cheese with oreo powder and refrigerate for 30mins.  Melt chocolate chips.  Roll into small balls  (like the size of a bon bon or a little smaller )and dip into chocolate.  Put on cookie sheet covered with wax paper.  Refrigerate and serve.  You can reserve some of the powder to sprinkle on top, or crush candy canes for more of a holiday feel or use colored chocolate to put on top for decoration.  

Ugly Dip Aka Cowboy Caviar

Ok it may sound gross but this is far from it.  This is the best bean dip ever.  I have made it several times and can not get enough of it.  It is even great just being its own meal.

3-4 avacados, diced

1 bunch green onions, chopped

3-4 tomatoes, diced

1 can corn, drained

1 can chopped olives

1 can black-eyed peas, drained

1 can black beans, drained

1 Good Seasons Italian Dressing Mix (prepared as directed on package)

Mix everything together, pour dressing over the top and stir.  (You may not need all the dressing) Serve with corn chips.  Best served at room temperature.  

Homemade Bran Muffins

I love muffins and bran are probably my favorite.  I grew up with my mom making these and I still love them.  Just be aware that you need two different All Bran cereals.

2 c. Nabisco All Bran (or Fiberone)

2 c. boiling water

Mix and let stand

Mix:

2 1/2 c. sugar

1 c. shortening

4 eggs

Sift in another bowl

5 c. flour

5 tsp. soda

1 1/2 tsp. salt

Add 1 quart of buttermilk to shortening/sugar mix.  Add 4 c. Kellogs All Bran (or another bran cereal) to dry ingredients.  Mix dry ingredients, buttermilk mixture, and bran mixture with water all together.  Put into muffin tins.  Bake 350 degrees for 20-25 mins.  Dough can be stored in the refrigerator for 6 weeks.  

Brocolli Salad

I got this recipe from my cousin Megan.  I made it up for Kate's birthday and had several people comment on how great it was.  Of course it is, with bacon in it how can you go wrong.  

4 bunches of brocolli flowerets

1 lb bacon fried crisp

1 red onion (optional, but recommended)

2 c. grated cheddar cheese

Mix together

Dressing: 

1 c. mayo          

1 tsp. vinegar

1/4c. sugar

Mix with salad and refrigerate for an hour before serving. 

Chicken Pasta Salad

This is the best pasta salad ever.  After having it at my bridal shower and eating 5 bowls of it I had to get the recipe.  I too make it for baby showers and bridal showers.  It has pasta, fruit and chicken.  Everything a girl loves.  

3 c. barilla medium shells-cooked

1 c. mayo

1 c. Maries coleslaw salad dressing

salt and pepper to taste

Mix and refrigerate overnight.

Add:

2 c. green grapes, sliced                           2 c. celery, chopped

2 c. green apples, sliced                            1 can waterchestnuts, chopped

3 green onions                                           3/4 c. cashews, chopped

2 medium cans pineapple tidbits, drained

2 c. cooked chicken, diced

Add Maries poppyseed salad dressing ( I just add until it doesn't look as dry, sometimes it is the whole jar other times about 3/4 jar)

Breakfast Egg Casserole

I normally do not like egg casseroles but this one I absolutely fell in love with when I made it for a ward activity.  Probably because of all the cheese and butter. 

1/2 c. butter

10 eggs

1/2 c. flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

7 oz. green chilies

2 c. cottage cheese (1 pt.)

1 pound of shredded cheddar cheese

Melt butter-put in 9 x 13 pan.  Beat eggs, add flour, powder, salt and beat.  Add chilies and cheeses and mix.  Pour into pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 45-55 mins or when knife inserted comes out clean.  

Mexican Two Bean Chicken Chili-A.k.a Tortilla Chicken Soup

Anyone who knows my husband knows how picky he is.  This recipe however is one that he loves and I make quite frequently.  It is also a great one for a cold day and is super easy if you don't have a lot of time on your hand.  Who says you can't eat healthy when you only have 30 mins to prepare.   

1 medium zucchini, coarsely chopped (about 1 1/4 cups)

1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed and drained

2 cans (15 oz.) pinto beans, rinsed and drained

1 can whole corn, rinsed and drained

2 cans (14 1/2 oz) chicken broth

1 jar (16 oz.) thick and chunky salsa

1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce

3 c. shredded cooked chicken (or buy a whole cooked chicken at the grocery store)

1 garlic clove, pressed (or I buy the garlic in a jar in the refrigerator section next to the veggies and it is 1/2 tsp.)

1 1/2-2 Tbsp. chili powder (the older the chili powder the hotter it is so gauge how hot you want your soup)

1 tsp. ground cumin

Combine all the ingredients into a pan and bring to a boil.  Then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.  Top with cheese, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, sliced green onions, cilantro, sliced olives and avocado.  

White Texas Sheet Cake

I have had Texas Sheet cake before but this one is to die for.  If you don't like chocolate or Texas sheet cake you must try this receipe.  It takes like a sugar cookie cake.  

Boil 1 cup of water and 1 cup of butter

Combine in a bowl: 2 cups flour, 2 cups sugar, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 tsp. almond extract,

1 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. baking soda

Add boiled liquid to mix.  Put in a greased jelly roll pan and bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 mins.

Icing:

Heat to boil 1/2 cup butter and 1/4 c. milk

Add 3 cups powder sugar and 1/2 tsp. almond extract

Spread on warm cake.  If icing is a little to stiff add a little extra milk. 

Enjoy!  Thanks to my friend Shannon R.  for sharing this receipe.