AnniesRecipes.com Newsletter

Recipes for Lent

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 17:21:00 +0000

During Lent, many people commit to fasting or giving up certain types of foods as a form of prayer and repentance. A common practice is to avoid eating beef and/or pork during the 40 days of Lent. Although Lent is traditionally a time of quiet introspection and meditation, your dinner menu doesn't have to be bland. Here are some recipes for Lent that are tasty but moderate.

Broccoli Rice Casserole

Keeping your meals simple and still appetizing during Lent doesn't have to be difficult. Employ recipes that include lots of vegetables, beans and lentils, fish and chicken. This Broccoli Rice Casserole is a a nice example of something you can create in advance, with minimal effort once it's in the oven.

Cheddar Baked Potato Slices

As a main course, this Cheddar Baked Potato recipe might not work too well, as you may not want to load your tummy or your family up on carbs. But paired with a fish or chicken entree, it could be just the ticket to keep things tasty and enticing.

Greek Salad Pita Sandwich

Lent can also be a great time to create or change eating habits if you are ready to make a fresh start in that area. This Greek salad pita sandwich is a fresh and flavorful alternative to the more traditional deli roast beef or ham sandwich, and a welcome treat for your taste buds.

Enjoy! Remember, we love feedback and photos!

Fat Tuesday or Reason to Celebrate?

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:42:00 +0000

In honor of Mardi Gras (next Tuesday), I thought something colorful and decadent was in order. I selected a few recipes I thought you might enjoy, whether celebrating Fat Tuesday with a huge crowd or just a lovely evening at home.

Amish Sour Cream Apple Pie

If you can get a hold of some great looking apples, there is no better time to create this rich, tasty Amish treat. Who says the Amish are subdued? This apple pie recipe will knock your socks off in true Mardi Gras style!

Blueberry Crumb Cake

This recipe is the perfect purple to get your groove on for Fat Tuesday. I can almost smell the blueberries baking right now. How much fun would it be to share this with your family and friends on Tuesday?

Rigatoni with Fresh Tomatoes & Pancetta

In keeping with my colorful foods theme I couldn't bare to leave this one out. Yes, I realize Mardi Gras is more or less a "French-ish" holiday, but here in America if you use an Italian dish to celebrate it...really who is going to know? The Fat Tuesday Sheriff? Bring on the pasta police, because this bad boy is a drooler!

Enjoy! We love feedback and photos!

Valentine's Gifts You Can Bake!

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:29:00 +0000

Tired of giving the same old box of chocolates (not to mention spending a small fortune on the good ones)? Why not give a new box of some goodies this year to your valentine...Yes, I'm talking about baking some love to give to your sweetheart. You can even put it in a pretty box if you like!

Chocolate Turtles

A chocolate and peanut lover's dream come true, these turtles are simple and easy to make, freeing up more time for you to enjoy your valentine. Plus, the money you save on chocolates might get you into a movie! (Or at least a matinee!)

German Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Now this is a new twist on an old world favorite! Move over Queen Anne Chocolate Covered Cherries...we are taking German chocolate to a whole new level! German chocolate cherry brownies will definitely be making an appearance soon at my house!

Janet's Chocolate Chip Cake

If you will be entertaining several guests on Valentine's Day, Janet may be able to help with that. Her chocolate chip cake recipe is a great combination of moist delicious cake and enough chocolate to satisfy that valentine craving.

Enjoy! We love feedback and photos!

Super Bowl Sensations!

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:53:00 +0000

As Super Bowl XLVI draws close (yes, I know what number it is) I try not to panic regarding what to fix for the big day. Super Bowl is kind of a big deal at our house, which shouldn't surprise me as I am the only female living here, except for our dog Miss Daisy. (And she is the silent type.) One or all of these recipes is sure to please a crowd or just a few gathered at your place on Sunday.

Crock Pot Italian Meat Balls

While selecting recipes for the blog this week, I tried to keep two things in mind. #1 - Sunday is Super Bowl, which is requires a certain category of food...hors d'oeuvres! (If you can spell it you are my new friend.) And #2 - simple to make and very tasty.

Sausage and Tater Tot Casserole

Dishes and finger foods you can prepare in advance via crock pot or bake in the oven, giving you time to work on other dishes or vacuum (if you are me) are a priority when you are getting ready for Super Bowl. You don't want to be slaving away for the entire game! (Even if you are not a football fan, Super Bowl means you have 3 - 4 hours of quiet time to yourself on a Sunday afternoon, in another room of course.)

Peanut Butter Bars

And it just isn't Super Bowl Sunday without a yummy cookie or cookie bar to round off your spread. Have I accomplished my task of compiling a few easy to make, fix and forget recipes you can duplicate for Super Bowl? I think so. I guess I will wait to hear from you Monday!

Enjoy! Remember, we love feedback and photos!

Casserole Kung Fu!

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:20:00 +0000

I recently started attending Taekwondo classes with my son. And since he is in elementary school until 3:30pm, we go to an evening class to learn our new martial art. Consequently, getting a healthy home-made dinner in the oven and onto the table for my family is quite the challenge.

Good Morning Egg Casserole

To meet that challenge, I am on the hunt for delicious, easy recipes that fit in a casserole dish or crock-pot. This good morning egg casserole fits that criteria and can easily be adapted for what I like to call "breakfast for dinner." (My kids and husband love breakfast for dinner nights.)

Ground Beef Macaroni And Tomato Casserole

If you like tomatoes and macaroni, this no-fuss-no-muss hearty ground beef casserole will work great for a hungry troop. Or make a double batch and freeze one to use as a back up for evenings when you just run out of time.

Hobo Dinner

Last, the reliable and desirable hobo dinner cannot be outdone when it comes to home-style cooking and traditional casserole meals. It's adaptable, easy to put together, and very functional. The great thing about hobo dinners is they can be spiced up with a few garden herbs, or kept a little more plain for a farm-house taste.

Enjoy your casserole kung-fu! Remember, we love feedback and photos!

Cooking It Crockpot Style!

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:49:00 +0000

With the chilly weather and shorter days of Winter comes the need for something easy, warm, and hearty for dinner. Enter the crock-pot/slow cooker. Whatever name it goes by at your house, it should be a staple among your go-to kitchen gadgets and cook wear. Why?...you may ask.

Crock-Pot Goulash

Using a crock-pot to cook with will simplify your life. Yes, I realize they are big and bulky and older models are hard to clean. But really, isn't that what children are for? Whether you are a working woman on the go or stay at home mom, whether you have a houseful of hungry heads to feed or it's just you, using a crock-pot can save you time and money.

Crock-Pot Swiss Tenderloin

You can assemble your ingredients the night before, or first thing in the morning, load them into the crock-pot, turn it on, and go! You don't have to worry that your food will get over done, under cooked, or cold. The crock-pot works it's magic while you are off at the office, or home-schooling in the next room.

Crock-Pot Potato Soup

I used to avoid using a crock-pot because I had an older one and the actually "pot" was not removable. So I had to stick the whole thing in the sink to wash it up. Not fun. Then, my mother-in-law took pity on me and bought me one for Christmas. Ahhh. It is a wonderful thing.

I have included some totally tasty crock-pot recipes that you might not have thought of. Don't forget that you can freeze foods cooked in the crock-pot, if you happen to be cooking for one or two people.

Enjoy! Remember, we love feedback and photos!

Fun With SODA!

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:01:00 +0000

I realize we are all trying to stick to our New Year's resolutions and for some this can be hard in the kitchen, especially when there are so many fun things to cook and try. For example, I have compiled a few recipes that use some pretty sweet ingredients that I am pretty sure I am not supposed to even have in the house...

Coca Cola BBQ Chicken

If you like Coca Cola and BBQ, I just can't see how you could lose with this Chicken recipe? What's not to love about chicken barbequed with Coca Cola? Yes, I vowed to give up soda for New Year's but if it's used in a bbq sauce surely that doesn't count.

Crock Pot 7-Up Roast

I am willing to give this pot roast recipe a try for two reasons. 1. It's cooked in a crock pot. Any recipe that can be cooked in a crock pot is on my favorite's list. My crock pot is my friend. 2. It's made with 7-Up. My boys love 7-Up. Granted, they will probably freak out when I tell them I coated the roast beef in it, but still...if it gives the roast that lemon-lime zest I am game.

Dr. Pepper Baked Pork Loin

Last, but not least, and my personal favorite: Pork with Dr. Pepper baked into it. Dr. Pepper happens to be my 2nd favorite soda on the planet. (The first: RC cola, aka Royal Crown cola, but I digress.) If I can get a pork loin to cook up yummy with Dr. Pepper, I am willing to for-go my New Year's Resolution of giving up soda. How bad can it really be for you? Don't answer that.

Anyhow...Enjoy! Remember, we love feedback and photos!

Which Came First?

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:44:00 +0000

The Chicken...or the egg? Or do we care? No, not really, since they are both very nutritious and delicious and I believe we should all incorporate a little more chicken and eggs into our regular diet. I am not a nutrition expert, however I do know both are easy to prepare, store, and make excellent leftovers!

Chicken & Dumplings

If there is one thing I absolutely love, but rarely eat, it's Chicken & Dumplings. Not because there is a chicken and dumpling shortage mind you...but because I have never attempted to make homemade dumplings and the thought terrifies me. What if I screw them up? Clearly, I need to toughen up!

Chicken & Egg Scallop

Another interesting combination...should we incorporate both Chicken and eggs into one recipe? I am not so sure...oh the controversy. With the exception of fried rice and Mandarin chicken (which have both ingredients) I don't honestly know if it's a safe or sane idea...Thoughts?

Chicken Broccoli Noodles

Chicken and broccoli and noodles, oh my!? Now there is a dish I can dig. If only I could get my husband to eat it...Whatever your favorite chicken or egg entree might be, cook it with zest! Enjoy the process, inhale the scent, add some garlic and see what happens.

Enjoy! Remember, we love feedback and photos so do share!

Casseroles To Rock Your Winter Wonderland!

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 21:35:00 +0000

Casseroles are not just a throw back potluck staple from the 80's. They are a fiscal way to feed your family and keep the 24 hours you have been granted budgeted too. If you add some inventive ingredients and flavors to a tiny bit of prep and planning, you too can be the proud owner of a hot and easy meal ready to serve when you are.

Broccoli Rice Casserole

Did I mention casseroles are a friendly way to re-introduce vegetables to your family over the winter months. Yes, fresh is best but if you or your grocer are short on attractive fresh vegetables, look to the frozen food section.

Chili Cheese Rice Casserole

And the casseroles freeze well too. Make enough to fill two dishes. Freeze one. Bake one. Easy-peasy rice and cheesy. Now you have something delicious for dinner tonight and a few weeks from now, without too much extra work or thought.

English Beef Pot Pie

So, technically this last one is pot pie. But...it looks a lot like a casserole to me, so I am including it as a less famous cousin to the casserole. (This one is English from across the pond!) Pot pies, too, are fairly easy to assemble, can be made in advance, frozen for a later date, and winter friendly!

Help yourself. Save your money. Build a casserole!

Remember, we love feedback and photos!

Savory Recipes for the First Week of 2012...

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:41:00 +0000

Happy 2012! I hope this year finds you healthy and blessed and ready to try new recipes! Since it is very cold outside where I live, I decided to focus on some hearty home-style recipes that will hopefully leave you nostalgic and satisfied!

Basic Meat Loaf

Meat Loaf: the great debate...some people love it, some people don't. Here's my question: if you love it, what do you love about it? Simplicity? Taste? If you don't love it, what don't you love about it?

BBQ Chicken

And who doesn't like chicken? It's versatile, easy to prepare, and easy to save and reuse. I included the BBQ Chicken recipe to add a little pizzazz to the cold weather week!

Beef Carbonnade

I personally have not prepared the Beef Carbonnade recipe, but I am feeling adventurous and it looks delicious. Savory is the word I am looking for.

Stay warm, be adventurous in your cooking, and as always we love feed back and photos!

New Year's Eve Ideas!

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 13:36:00 +0000

The idea of celebrating New Year's Eve out at some over-hyped, over-priced, overly loud party is not my idea of a good time, not to mention trying to find a sitter for that night is like trying to get your broken filling fixed on said holiday weekend...it's just not going to happen.

Cabbage Rolls

Rather than going out on the town New Year's Eve, we prefer to stay in, invite a few friends or family over, and celebrate the New Year in a much milder manner than most. (Say that 5 times fast!)

Cheesy Sausage Muffins

I've included a few recipes here that looked especially appropriate to serve as appetizers and family fodder for our little New Year's Eve/Birthday Party come Saturday Night. I have to keep the menu kid-friendly and adult-tempting as we will have plenty of both at our house. (I think I nailed it.)

Crock Pot Italian Meat Balls

So if your ringing in the new year includes staying home and celebrating, I tempt you to try one of these recipes or hang out at Annie's Recipes for a bit because I know you will find something tasty to add to your New Year's Eve buffet. We love feedback and pictures submitted of your recipe results. Happy New Year!

New Year's Resolutions? Not Yet!

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 16:00:00 +0000

No need to set about making New Year's resolutions just yet...not with so many wonderful recipes to try at Annie's. (Unless of course your New Year's resolution is to try 5 new recipes a week from our site. Then I can deal with that!)

I've compiled a couple of recipes that would make great dishes to take to a New Year's Celebration or to have for a quiet evening at home watching the ball drop in Times Square. Whichever your partying capacity or speed, these tasty treats will ring in your New Year with a solid "YUM!"

Enjoy and submit pictures of your results if you try one of our recipes. We love to see what's cookin' in your kitchen!

Zucchini Brownies

Two Layer Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Tomato Soup Cake

Angels We Have Heard...

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:06:00 +0000

On high...have brought some great recipes down to Earth for us to try! We have plenty of heavenly recipes that will add an angelic taste to your holiday spread at Annie's Recipes. Enjoy a little bit of melt-in-your-mouth delight and share them with your family, friends, loved ones and neighbors.

Earn your wings with these fluffly foods! Happy Holidays! (We'll all start running January 2nd!)

Angel Cream Biscuits

Angel Food Cake

Cashew Sugar Cookies

Here We Go A Wassailing...

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:44:00 +0000

And when we get home we want something yummy to eat! If you know anything about wassailing (think caroling with a funny name and more chit-chat!) you know that it can be a chilly practice!

A fun and frolicking activity (and caroling's predecessor), wassailing has long been practiced among neighbors and kin alike as a means of giving blessings, hospitality and warm holiday wishes to each other in the form of singing and/or visiting. (There's your fun Christmas fact for the day!)

So, whether you are 1. receiving wassailers, carolers or neighbors and need something to warm their throats and tummies or 2. busy wassailing to your favorite folks' homes and need a tasty treat waiting to warm you at home...these delicious Amish recipes maybe the answer to your cold weather wassailing wishes!

Enjoy! Don't forget to submit a photo of your results to our site, as we love to see what's cooking in your kitchens!

Amish Bread Pudding

Amish Funnel Cake

Amish Sour Cream Apple Pie

More Ideas for Christmas Morning!

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:09:00 +0000

We haven't yet run out of delicious ideas to help you and your family celebrate Christmas morning. Whether you have a house full of early risers or some late sleepers, one of our recipes is sure to be a crowd pleaser. And, if you don't find something here at the blog that tempts your cooking creativity, head over to our site where we have plenty of holiday recipes just waiting for your kitchen.

So, whether you will be serving lumberjack breakfast at 6 A.M. or a casual Christmas brunch at 11 A.M., try adding one of our delectable eatables to your kitchen repertoire for the holidays. Remember to submit a picture of your results to our site, because we love to see what's cookin' in your kitchen!

Raisin Bread French Toast

Pa Dutch Batter Fried Apples

Cranberry Streusel Muffins

What's Cookin' for Christmas Breakfast?

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:35:00 +0000

Christmas and the holiday season are full of opportunities for starting and enjoying so many wonderful family traditions. One of my favorites is breakfast with my husband and children on Christmas morning. We have a large extended family on both sides and that keeps us busy hopping from holiday party to holiday party.

But on Christmas morning, we save for just the four of us. The boys get up early and squeal and open presents, we take a gazillion photos like the goofy parents we are, and then my husband and I make a special Christmas breakfast. We change it up a little every year because we have yet to find a "signature" Christmas morning menu, and it is fun to experiment.

Do you have any special Christmas morning breakfast favorites or dishes that you make every year, because your family demands it and it just won't be Christmas morning without ___________ (fill in the blank)? If you don't have something specific in mind to fix for breakfast, or don't have a Christmas morning tradition...now is the time to start. Here are some ideas just to get you thinking, and cookin'!

Apple Crunch Muffins

Bacon & Egg Casserole

Breakfast Pizza with Strawberries

Unique Christmas Cookies Come to Visit!

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:00:00 +0000

Back to our holiday baking, why not try one of our more unique Christmas cookies recipes? If you have been using the same cookie recipes month after month, year after year...perhaps it's time to explore your cookie options!

Not everyone loves to bake cookies as much as me, I agree. However, if you love trying new cookie flavors, or you just want to give your relatives and holiday guests something new to "chew on" give one of these recipes a go. (You can always wrap them up and give them to the neighbors, if you face cookie mutiny!)

Please submit a picture of your results. We love to see what's cookin' in your kitchen!

Potato Chip and Chocolate Chip Cookies

Raisin Jumbles

Snowball Cookies

Easy Christmas Goodies For You!

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:58:00 +0000

Trending this 2011 Christmas season: simple and peaceful family holidays...We are completely on board with this one! Finally, something we can fully support. We've put together a few recipes that will keep your Christmas baking simple and your bank account peaceful. And hopefully you will get some mouth-watering oohs and ahhs from your family as they sample your delectable delights!

Be sure to submit pictures of your results to our site. We love to see what's cookin' in your kitchen!

Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Peanut Butter Brownies

No-Bake Rolled Oat Clusters

Bread Lovers Unite!

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:24:00 +0000

Great-grandma always made fresh bread, seriously, every week. How do I know this? She used to baby-sit my brother and I when we were very small. And her house smelled wonderful. That's what I remember most: pies, breads, Sourkraut, sausages...I digress. Back to the bread...

Some great things about making and giving home-made bread loaves: they are inexpensive, you can make up several at one time (double and triple batches), they make your home smell delicious, they are irresistible, and most of all they remind you of loved ones and special familial traditions.

Try one of these scrumptious and simple bread recipes this weekend. Make up several if you like the way they turn out and give them as Christmas gifts. Fresh baked bread loaves are a nice way to save money and still give a heartfelt thoughtful gift to people you love! (Always tasty, always FREE!)

Please post a picture of your results at our site. We love to see what's cookin' in your kitchen!

Almond Chocolate Chip Bread

Banana Applesauce Bread

Cherry Pecan Bread

Ready, Set, Bake!

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:55:00 +0000

Have you started training for your Christmas Baking Marathon? (Don't worry, I haven't either.) As Christmas Day is just under 4 weeks away, I feel I must share a few pointers with you. I come from a big family and that means we all get very creative when it comes to gift giving. We tend to keep it simple and share baked goods, instead of spending money on store bought gifts. (Hey, times are lean and I am frugal!) Over at Anniesrecipes.com we have plenty of FREE recipes for you to add to your holiday baking list this year!

Please post a picture of your results at our site. We love to see what's cookin' in your kitchen!

Cashew Sugar Cookies

Chocolate Chip Caramel Drop Cookies

Lemon Drop Cookies

(Always FREE, always FUN!)

Another Year, Another Turkey!

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 14:52:00 +0000

Did you survive Thanksgiving dinner? Hopefully most of us lived through the chaos that is making the side dishes, checking the turkey (not to mention getting up at like 5am to put the turkey in the roaster), mashing the taters, baking all the pies, playing hostess to a houseful of family and friends, and acting as stuffing sheriff. Give yourself a high five for living to see another Thanksgiving come and go. Now, what's for dinner? It's gotta be something easy after the hustle and bustle of turkey day...Try one of these tasty recipes! (The breakfast theme was purely unintentional.)

Please submit a picture of your results to our site. We love to see what's cookin' in your kitchen!

Bacon & Egg Casserole

Bagel Scramble Sandwich

Quiche with a Kick

Have We Got A Side For You!

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 21:33:00 +0000

Thanksgiving looms a whole two days away and many of us are scrambling to pull our menus together. At Annie's Recipes, we have all kinds of delicious side dish suggestions to compliment your Thanksgiving Dinner. Whether you are going traditional or whimsical this year, we have a recipe to suite you.

Please remember to post your results at our website. We love to see what's cooking in your kitchen!

Mandarin Lettuce Salad

Pasta with Garlic Roasted Broccoli

Taffy Apple Salad

Have You Hugged An Amish Person Today?

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:43:00 +0000

The Amish have a rich heritage of simple living and dedicated craftsmanship. Whether sewing a quilt, working the land, or cooking up a scrumptious family meal, the Amish really know how to show their skills. Try one of these hearty Amish recipes this winter with your family and serve up delicious...Amish-style!

Please send us a picture of your results. We love to see what's cookin' in your kitchen!

Amish Chicken Casserole

Amish Oven Fried Chicken

Amish Pot Roast

Side Dishes Galore!

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 19:21:00 +0000

Turkeys and pilgrims and pumpkins, oh my! With Thanksgiving Dinner only nine days away (yes only 9), that gives you about 5 days to finish up and revise the menu and head to the grocery store for last minute ingredients. If you are like me you can't count the weekend because it's just as hectic as the week so leave yourself plenty of time to prepare! Let Annie's help take the hectic out of your menu planning by suggesting one of these tempting side dishes...

Baked Macaroni & Cheese Casserole

Pasta with Garlic Roasted Broccoli

Pumpkin Pasta with Pepitas

Remember to post a picture of your results on our website. We love to see what's cookin' in your kitchen!

Grateful For Delicious Desserts!

noreply@blogger.com (Tia Davis) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:34:00 +0000

As the countdown begins to Thanksgiving Dinner, most of us are scurrying to the grocery store to pick up the ingredients for our holiday dinner menus and desserts. Don't know what your menu is yet? Don't panic! Stay calm! And visit our website! We have plenty of ideas for gratefully simple dishes your family and friends will enjoy and rave about. Try out one of these this week! (Don't forget to submit a picture of your results to our website if you try a recipe! We love to see what's cookin' in your kitchens!)

Apple Crisp

Carrot Cake With Lemon Cheese

Peach Cobbler Crumb Cake