Applesauce Banana Bread

We love this bread! I think it tastes so good because I use my homemade applesauce. I found this recipe on Recipe Land.

4 ripe bananas
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. applesauce
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 tsp baking soda
1 Tbl baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 c. flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mash bananas. Put in large bowl, stir in sugar. Let stand for 15 minutes. Add applesauce and eggs and beat well with electric mixer. Add remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Pour into 9x5 inch loaf pan coated with nonstick spray. Bake for 50 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean from the center. Remove from oven and let stand 10 minutes before removing from the pan.

Makes one loaf.

Frito Dinner

This is one of our favorite meals.

1 lb ground beef
4-6 celery stalks, chopped very fine in food processor
4 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
1 small onion, chopped
taco seasoning

Brown the ground beef with onion and celery. Add taco seasoning and the appropriate amount of water according to pkg directions. Add tomato sauce. Simmer for at least 20-25 minutes or until thickened up.

Serve over Fritos. Top with grated cheese, olives, green onions, sour cream, or whatever you want! This is also yummy served over baked potatoes.

Chunky Potato Soup

I tried this new recipe tonight, and it is now one of our favorites! I served it with my homemade whole wheat bread that I made this afternoon, see recipe below.

4 medium red potatoes (abt 2 lbs), cubed
3/4 c. chopped onion
1 small carrot, chopped
1/4 c. chopped celery
1 1/2 c. chicken broth
3 Tbl butter
3 Tbl flour
2 1/2 c. milk
1 Tbl minced parsley
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 c. (4 oz) shredded Swiss cheese

In a large saucepan, combine the potatoes, onion, carrot, celery and broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt butter; stir in flour until smooth. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil stirring constantly; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir into potato mixture. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Add parsley, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat; stir in cheese until melted. Serves 7.

Whole Wheat Bread

I made this bread today, and it was so good! The boys loved it too. Braden said, "Mom, I want you to make this bread all the time!"

1 Tbl yeast
1/4 c. warm water
2 1/2 c. hot tap water
7 cups whole wheat flour (or any combination of wheat and white flour)
1/2 Tbl salt
1/3 c. oil
1/3 c. sugar

In a small bowl, mix the yeast into the warm water (adding a half teaspoon of sugar will help it grow). Blend the hot tap water with about half of the flour in a mixing bowl. Add salt, oil, and sugar to mixture. Mix until well blended. Add prepared yeast mixture. Add the rest of the flour to make the dough just stiff enough to clean the sides of the bowl. Knead on low mixer setting for 10 minutes. On a slightly oiled counter, divide the dough into two equal portions, cover with a towel, and let rise until double in size. Shape loaves and place in greased loaf pans. Cover and let rise in a warm place until dough has doubled in size again. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Makes 2 loaves.

Mom's Omelet

1 1/2 dozen eggs
1 c. milk
1 c. sour cream
1 tsp salt
1/4 c. chopped green onions
2 c. grated cheese
2 c. cubed ham
(add in any topping you want...bacon, corn, etc)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat the eggs, milk, sour cream, and salt in a bowl. Add in onions, cheese and ham. Stir together, and pour into a greased 9x13 pan Bake until set, about 45 minutes. Cool at least 5 minutes. Cut into squares, and serve hot.

Millie Arnold's German Chocolate Pie

Take a can of german chocolate icing and put in the bottom of a graham cracker crust. (I usually use about 3/4 of a can.)

Mix: 1 8oz cream cheese (add 1 Tbl or a little more milk)
1 c. whipped cream

Mix: 1 small pkg vanilla instant pudding
1 small pkg chocolate instant pudding
(mix puddings with half of the milk required)

Mix the 2 mixtures together and put in crust on top of icing. Work fast, sets up quickly. Cover with Cool Whip and chocolate shavings. Makes a 9" pie. Double for a 9x13 pan.

Renae's Mexican Chicken and Rice

(I got this recipe from Renae when we visited them this past summer. We loved it. So yummy! Thanks for sharing Renae.) Also, Renae mentioned to me this recipe always tastes better the next day.

1 Tbl oil
2 to 4 chicken breasts
1 small onion, chopped
1 small green pepper, chopped
1 10 oz pkg frozen corn
1 c. chicken broth
1 c. mild salsa
1 1/2 c. Minute Rice
1/2 c. shredded cheese

Cook chicken, onion and green pepper in a crockpot all day. Right before dinner, shred and put into a large skillet. Add corn, broth, and salsa. Bring to a boil. Stir in rice. Cover and remove from heat. Let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, sprinkle with cheese. Cover and let cheese melt. Serve in warm tortillas or corn chips.

Cheesecake Bars

So yummy. Your tummy will thank you, your hips will not.

Bottom layer:
1 yellow cake mix
1 egg
1 cube butter
**Mix this layer together and press into a 9x13 pan.

Middle layer:
1 egg
2 c. powdered sugar
8 oz cream cheese (I use nonfat)
1 cube butter
**Mix this layer together and spread on top of bottom layer.

Top layer:
Sprinkle with chocolate chips and coconut, however much you want! Then bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes, perhaps longer, until the middle isn't runny. It will be a little jiggly, and will set up as it cools. It is best to cool completely before cutting it to serve.

Mom's Blonde Brownies

1/3 c. oil
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. soda
3/4 tsp. salt

Mix wet ingredients together first. Mix dry ingredients together, then add to set ingredients. Do not beat, mix by hand with a wooden spoon or large spoon, about 40 strokes or until well mixed. Spread into a 9x13 pan. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 22 minutes.

Other things we like on top: butterscotch and vanilla chips, and mini m&m's.

Yummy Strawberry snack

Whole strawberries
Sour cream
Brown sugar

I know this sounds wierd, but it is SOOOOO YUMMY! Take a whole strawberry, dip the bottom into some sour cream, then into some brown sugar. Super yummy snack!

Taco Soup

8 oz water
1 small can tomato sauce
1 14 oz can italian stewed tomatoes (I blend mine up first)
1 14 oz can corn
1 14 oz can kidney beans
1 14 oz can pinto beans
1 14 oz can chili (I like to use chili con carne)
1 small can green chilis (optional)
1/2 lb ground beef
taco seasoning

Brown ground beef with onion. Add taco seasoning. Empty cans into the crockpot (do not drain the cans, put everything in the pot, liquid and all)! Cook all day or just until heated through. Serve with tortilla chips, grated cheese, sour cream, and whatever suits your fancy!

Broccoli Cheese Soup

1 onion, diced
1 c. margarine
1 c. flour
2 qts. chicken broth
3 c. half & half
2 bunches steamed, chopped broccoli
1/2 lb. mozarella cheese
parmesan cheese

Saute the onion in the margarine. Add flour and cook for about 1 minute. Add the chicken broth and thicken. Add half & half and thicken again. Add broccoli and mozarella cheese. Don't boil again after you've added the cheese. Before serving top with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Declicious in bread bowls.

Pretzel Hugs

Recipe from Becky Higgins (see link on the right for more of her recipes)

1 bag waffle-style pretzels
1 pkg. M&Ms
1 pkg. Hershey "Hugs"

Place pretzels on baking stone or sheet. Place a Hug on each pretzel and bake at 200 degrees for about 8 minutes (just watch for the Hugs to melt). Remove from oven and promptly place a couple of M&Ms on each pretzel, pressing into the melted chocolate. Allow to cool before serving. At room temperature, this takes SEVERAL hours. I would recommend making these the day before you plan on eating/delivering. Or you can put them in the refrigerator to speed up the process.

Mint Brownies

(Recipe from Becky Higgins. See link on the right for more of her recipes.)

2 c. butter - melted

3/4 c. cocoa

2 1/4 c. sugar

6 eggs - beaten

Combine above ingredients and mix well.

Add the following to the mixture:

2 c. flour

1/8 tsp. salt

2 tsp. vanilla

Bake this brownie layer in a Texas sheet cake pan or two 9" x 13" pans for this amount. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes (add 8-10 minutes if you use two 9" x 13" pans. Cool completely.

Mint frosting

4 c. powdered sugar

1/2 c. butter - melted

5 Tbsp. milk

6 drops food coloring

2 tsp. mint or peppermint extract

Spread frosting on chilled cake and then chill again.

Melt a bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips and spread for top layer. Chill.

Creamy Pork Chops

This recipe is from a very southern african-american lady here in my ward. She knows pork chops!

1 cup of rice - brown or white (uncooked)
3/4 cup milk
1 can cream of mushroom soup
4 medium size pork chops (no browning required)
1/2 cup water

Use a 9X13 glass casserole dish, or comparable deep dish.

Put the rice on the bottom and add 1/2 cup water. Mix milk with soup and add to the rice mixture. Put the four pork chops on top. Cover with tin foil. Cook 45 min at 350 degrees. Check to see if pork chops are done. Enjoy!

Gingersnaps

This is from a friend of mine in North Carolina. They are very soft and chewy! Best eaten warm!

1 c sugar
3/4 c butter (1 1/2 sticks of butter)
1 egg
1/4 c molasses
1 tsp. cinnamon

2 c flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. ginger
2 tsp. baking soda

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Roll into balls and then roll in sugar. Bake at 375 degrees for approx. 8 minutes.

Grandma LaCelle Southwick's Zuchinni Bread

This is also great as banana bread - just substitute bananas in place of the zuchinni.

3 eggs
1 c oil
2 c sugar
2 c zuchinni
2 tsp. vanilla

3 c flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
3 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 c chopped nuts (opt.)

Beat eggs until light and foamy. Add oil, sugar, zuchini and vanilla. Mix all dry ingredients together and add to liquid mixture. Mix with electric mixer until batter is smooth. Add nuts. Grease and flour 2 loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour, or until top is dark brown and sides have pulled away from the pan. Let sit in pans for 5-10 min and then remove from pans to cool.

Notes: I mostly make banana bread with this recipe and find that it turns out better to bake the loaves at 335 degrees for 1 hour.

Nancy's Stew

This is Nancy Larson's recipe - Jared's mom. She makes it in the oven, but I've adapted it for the crock pot. It's yummy!

1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
1 can tiny peas
3/4 cup carrots, sliced in small rounds
1/2 c chopped onions (I've also used minced onion as a substitute)
1 tsp. salt
dash of pepper
1 can tomato soup with 1/2 can water
1 big potato, diced in cubes
1 bay leaf

Start with the tomato soup and water, then add the salt, pepper and bay leaf. Add the rest of the ingredients. Pour into crock pot and set the temperature on Low. Put tin foil over the top of the crock pot and then the lid over the tin foil. This helps seal in the heat and makes the meat more tender. Cook on low about five hours.

Notes: This can also be baked slowly in the oven at 275 degrees in a casserole dish with tight-fitting lid, or with tin foil under the lid.

Tips: Meat cooks faster in the crock pot than vegetables. If you add the stew meat when it's frozen, it will be more tender. If you pre-cook the carrots, potatoes and onions, the stew will be done quicker. This isn't a thick type of stew, but if you find it's a thicker consistency than you like when it's done, I've discovered that adding some vegetable broth (in the soup section of the grocery store) makes the flavor even better!

Easy & Delicious Meatballs

1 bag any brand frozen Italian Style Meatballs (4-6 servings per the bag)
1 jar chili sauce (I like Heinz brand)
1 can any brand jellied cranberry sauce

Mix together chili sauce and cranberry sauce. Add frozen meatballs and stir till all are coated with the sauce. Pour into crock pot and set the temperature on Low. They will be done at about 4 hours but can simmer all day!

Serve with rice, over noodles or with baked potatoes.

Notes: If you haven't used chili sauce before, it's usually in the section with catsup, mustard, and marinades. In my local grocery store, it's up on the top shelf and looks like a smaller version of the glass catsup bottle. I don't remember the ounces, but would guess that it's 8-10 oz.

Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad

2 1/2 c. semi-smashed pretzels
2 Tbl sugar
1/2-3/4 c melted butter
1 8oz pkg cream cheese
4 Tbl sugar
2 c. frozen strawberries (or more, depending on preference)
12 oz whipped topping
1 6oz box strawberry jello

Combine pretzels, 2 Tbl sugar, and butter. Line bottom of 9x13 pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 4-5 minutes. Let cool. Combine cream cheese, 4 Tbl sugar, and half of whipped topping. Put over cooled pretzel mix. Mix 2 cups boiling water with jello. Dissolve. Add in strawberries and jell slightly in refrigerator. When partially set, pour onto cream cheese mixture. Refrigerate. When jelled top with remaining cool whip.

Lemon Jello Salad

Easy recipe, good to make on Saturday for Sunday dinner!

1 small pkg instant orange jello
1 small pkg instant lemon pudding
1 c. cold milk
1 can mandarin oranges (drained)
1 1/2 c. mini marshmallows
1/2 c. orange juice concentrate
Cool Whip

Dissolve jello with 1 c. boiling water. Add orange juice concentrate & dissolve. Add mandarin oranges and marshmallows. Place in a container, and in the refrigerator until it sets (approx. 1 hour). After jello is set, mix the lemon pudding and milk. Pour onto jello and let set. Spread Cool Whip on top and serve!

10 minute Szechuan Chicken

This is one of Chad's all time favorites.

4 boneless chicken breasts (I use tenders just because I like them better)
3 Tbl. corn starch
1 Tbl oil (I use olive oil)
3 cloves garlic, minced
5 Tbl low sodium soy sauce
1 1/2 Tbl white wine vinegar
1 tsp. sugar
1/4 c water
6 green onions, chopped
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper, or to taste (I usually leave this out)

Cut raw chicken into cubes. Lightly toss with cornstarch in a ziploc bag to coat. Heat oil in skillet, stir-fry chicken & garlic until lightly browned. Add soy sauce, vinegar, sugar and water.

Cover and cook 3 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Add green onions and cayenne; cook uncovered about 2 minutes longer. Serve over steamed rice.

Buttermilk Biscuits

Everyone loves these buscuits in our house. I have to double or triple the recipe every time.

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
3/4 cup well-shaken buttermilk (if you don't have buttermilk, mix 1 TBL white vinegar into 1 cup milk and let stand for 5 min.)

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 425°F. Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda onto a sheet of wax paper, then sift again into a bowl. Blend in butter until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add buttermilk and stir with a fork until a dough just forms (dough will be moist).

Bake until pale golden, 12 to 15 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool to room temperature.

Olive Garden Fagioli Soup

I LOVE this soup. It is almost exactly like the one in Olive Garden. So yummy.

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced (1 cup)
1 large carrot, julienned (1 cup) (I just grated the carrot)
3 stalks celery, chopped (1 cup)
2 gloves garlic, minced
2 14.5-ounce cans diced tomatoes (with liquid)
1 15-ounce can red kidney beans (with liquid)
1 15-ounce can northern beans (with liquid)
1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
1 12-ounce can V-8 juice
1 TBSP white vinegar
1 1/2 TSP salt
1 TSP oregano
1 TSP basil
1/2 TSP pepper
1/2 TSP thyme
1/2 pkg Ditali pasta (short macaroni tubes)

Brown the beef in a large saucepan or pot over medium heat. Drain off most of the fat. Add onion, carrot, celery and garlic and saute for 10 minutes. Add remaining ingredients, EXCEPT pasta, and simmer for 1 hour. About 50 minutes into simmer time, cook pasta according to directions until al dente, or slightly tough, about 10 minutes. Drain. Add the pasta to the soup and simmer for 5-10 minutes and serve. Serves 8. If you find that it is too tomatoey, add some water until you find a consistency and taste that you like. ENJOY!!!!!!!

This recipe also freezes well.

Easy Chicken Santa Fe

1 can black beans, rinsed & drained
2 cans corn, drained
2 c. salsa
5-6 skinless boneless chicken breast halves, abt 2 lbs (no fat)
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Mix together beans, corn, & 1/2 c. of the salsa in 4 qt. slow cooker. Top with chicken breasts, then pour the remaining salsa over them. Cover & cook on high 2 1/2-3 hours or until chicken is tender & white throughout, don't overcook or chicken will be tough. Sprinkle with cheese on top, cover & cook until cheese is melted, abt 5 minutes. Top with fresh cut tomatoes. Serve inside warm soft tortillas.

Italian Crockpot Chicken

2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 small packet italian seasoning (with the ranch packets in the store. I got Good Seasons brand)
1 brick cream cheese (I use non-fat)
3 large chicken breasts, cubed

Combine and cook for 6-8 hours on low. Serve over rice or noodles.

This is so good! I also add a little water to mine to get it to the consistency I want it. Add more chicken or less depending on your taste. Also works with pre-cooked chicken, just cook less time.

Spinach Lasagna

This is a recipe from Heidi McAllister (formerly Heidi Southwick, Uncle Mathew's daughter). We love it, even Chad who does not like spinach.

1-2lbs ground beef
1 onion chopped small
2 cans tomato sauce
Italian seasoning
salt
garlic powder
parsley flakes
small package
fresh baby spinich leaves
cheddar cheese
Monterey jack cheese
1-16oz cottage cheese
2 eggs
1 package lasagna noodles, boiled

In a large hot skillet add onion, cook until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Next add the 2 cans of tomato sauce and the seasonings to taste. While simmering add the fresh spinich leaves and cover to steam them. Let it simmer while the leaves wilt.

While sauce is simmering prepare the next filling. Add the eggs to cottage cheese along with a sprinkle of parsley flakes. Next add some cheese. Stir well. In a large baking dish spoon a little sauce in the bottom.

Layer the noodles , the white filling, sprinkle cheese and then part of the sauce. Repeat twice ending with the sauce on the top. Sprinkle with cheese and cook in oven at 350 degrees for 35 minutesor until cheese bubbles on top.

Taco Bake Casserole

We love this! It is one of our favorites. Fast and easy too.

1/2 lb ground beef (I only use 1/2 lb., but some people like to use 1 lb)
1 small onion, chopped
3/4 cup water
1/2 pkg taco seasoning
2 small cans tomato sauce
1 pkg (8 oz) shell macaroni (cooked and drained)
2 cups (8 oz) shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

In a skillet, brown ground beef & onion over medium heat; drain. Add water, taco seasoning, and tomato sauce. Mix. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes. Stir in macaroni and 1 1/2 cups cheese. Pour into a greased 1 1/2 quart baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Mom's Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Mom sent this to me via email last week per Chad's request.

CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
1 lb. chicken tenders
3/4 pkg. Country Noodles
1 lg. onion, chopped
4 stalks celery, chopped
2 tsp. each of onion and celery salts
2 cups grated carrots,
about 3 quarts of water
3 Tblsp. instant chicken bouillon

Sauce
1/2 cup real butter (no margarine)
3/4 cup flour
1 quart milk
Bring sauce to boil. Boil about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add to soup mixture.

Method: I cook my chicken in the microwave and to the rest of the soup in the crockpot. Soup has a better fllavor if simmered for a few hours before serving. Keeps well and reheats well.Cook chicken. Break meat into bite-size pieces. Chop onion, celery, grate carrots and add to water, bouillon and salts. You can use a little more bouillon instead of onion and celery salts if you desire. Bring to boil and then simmer till veggies are nearly done. Add sauce, chicken and noodles. Simmer until noodles are done. Amount of noodles is personal preference.

NOTE: I made this today for dinner....so yummy! I cooked it differently, I threw everything in the crockpot together and cooked for 4-5 hours on low. Turned out great!