Cooking for Busy Moms

Sauteed Apples

2017-04-29T17:40:00.001-05:00

Ingredients:
*1/4 cup butter
*4 tart apples--peeled, cored, cut 1/4 inch thick
*2 tsp cornstarch
*1/2 cup cold water
*1/2 cup brown sugar
*1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Directions:
1.) In a large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; add apples. Cook, stirring constantly, until apples are almost tender, about 6 to 7 minutes.

2.) Dissolve cornstarch in water; add to skillet. Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon. Boil for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and serve warm.

Fully Loaded Ranch Dip

2017-04-26T16:24:00.001-05:00

Ingredients:
*1 cup sour cream
*1 1/2 cup mayo
*1 ranch packet
*5 green onions, chopped
*2 cups finely shredded cheddar cheese
*1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (or you can use bacon bits)

Directions:
1.) In a medium bowl combine sour cream, mayo, and ranch packet together.
2.) Add in green onions, cheese, and bacon.
3.) Stir until well combined.
4.) Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
5.) Serve with your choice of chips, crackers, or veggies.

Mississippi Roast

2017-03-17T16:29:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:
*1 beef chuck roast
*1 stick of butter
*1 ranch packet
*1 Au Jus packet
*pepperoncini peppers

Directions:
1.) place roast at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2.) sprinkle ranch packet and au jus packet over the roast
3.) place the stick of butter on top of the roast
4.) place 5-7 pepperoncinis on top of roast
5.) cook on low 7-8 hours.

Crock Pot Lemon Chicken

2013-05-03T08:02:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:
* 1/2 sick of butter
* 3-4 chicken breasts (boneless)
* Italian dressing packet
* 1-2 lemons

Directions:
1.) Place butter on bottom of crock pot
2.) Put in the chicken
3.) Sprinkle chicken with Italian dressing packet
4.) Drizzle chicken with fresh lemon juice
5.) Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours.

Original recipe found on Pinterest.

Crock Pot Beer Chicken

2013-04-29T07:57:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:
* 1-2 lbs skinless, boneless chicken breasts
* 1 bottle or can of your favorite beer
* 1 tsp salt
* 1 tsp garlic powder
* 1 tbsp dried oregano
* 1/2 tsp black pepper

Directions:
1.) Place beer and spices in the slow cooker.
2.) Place chicken on top of beer and spices.
3.) Cook on low for 6-7 hours.

Original recipe found at http://laaloosh.ziplist.com

No Peek Chicken

2013-04-23T07:51:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:
* 1 box Uncle Ben's Long Grain Wild Rice (original recipe)
* 1 can cream of mushroom soup
* 1 can cream of celery soup
* 2 soup cans of water
* 3-4 chicken breasts

Directions:
1.) In a large bowl, mix together rice (and seasoning packet), soups, and water.
2.) Pour rice mixture into a greased greased 9x13 baking dish.
3.) Arrange chicken on top of rice mixture.
4.) Cover with foil and bake at 350 for 2 1/2 hours.

Original recipe found at http://thriftydecorating-nikkiw.blogspot.com

Holiday Brownies

2013-04-17T11:05:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:
*1 box fudge brownie mix (water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on brownie mix box)
*3-4 cups miniature marshmallows
*1 cup M&Ms
*1/4 cup semisweet or milk chocolate chips

Directions:
1.) Heat oven to 350°F. Grease bottom only of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray. Make brownies as directed on box for 13x9-inch pan, using water, oil and eggs.
2.) Bake 23 minutes. Sprinkle with marshmallows; bake 5 minutes longer or until marshmallows are puffed and golden. Sprinkle with candies.
3.) In small microwavable bowl, microwave chips uncovered on High 15 seconds; stir. Drizzle over bars. Cool completely, about 1 hour. For easier cutting, use plastic knife dipped in hot water. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 4 rows.

Side Note:
I made these with pastel colored M&Ms for Easter. However you can change the color of the M&Ms to match any holiday or celebration.

Original recipe found at www.bettycrocker.com/recipes

Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta

2013-04-10T10:59:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:
*1 lb mostaccioli or other short pasta
*6 strips bacon, diced
*1 Tbsp butter
*2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cut into bite-sized pieces
*2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
*1 packet ranch dressing mix
*2 cups milk
*1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
*salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions in boiling salted water; drain, return to pot, and keep warm.
2. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Drain all but one tablespoon of bacon drippings from the pan.
3. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add the butter to the reserved bacon drippings, then add the chicken to the same skillet. Cook until tender, no longer pink, and slightly browned.
4. Sprinkle the flour and ranch dressing mix over the chicken, stirring to coat evenly. Stir in the milk, and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened and bubbly. Stir in the cheddar cheese and half of the reserved bacon; cook and stir until the cheese is melted. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed.
5. Serve each plate of pasta with more bacon sprinkled over the top. Green onions would also be a delicious topping.

Recipe found at www.halfhourmeals.com

Pretzel Buttons

2013-04-03T10:55:00.003-05:00

Ingredients:
*square pretzels
*Hershey's Hugs
*plain M&Ms

Directions:
1.) Preheat oven to 200°.

2.) Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Place the pretzels on and top them with the hugs.

3.) Bake for 4-5 minutes until the chocolate is shiny and soft (but NOT melting - they should still hold their shape).

4.) Carefully place an M&M in the center of each hug and press it down to spread the chocolate.

5.) Allow to cool completely (a few minutes in the fridge works perfectly) and enjoy!

Side Note:

Use the holiday M&Ms (different colors, but still plain); it adds a festive touch!

Recipe found at griffithsrated.blogspot.com

Garlicky Baked Shrimp

2013-03-12T15:25:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:
*1 lb. raw shrimp, deveined and peeled (I pull the tails off beforehand too)
*4 cloves garlic, minced
*2 Tbsp. white wine
*salt and pepper
*1/4 cup (4 Tbsp.) melted butter
*1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
*2 Tbsp. fresh Italian-leaf parsley, chopped

Directions:
1.) Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2.) In a bowl, combine the shrimp, garlic, and white wine.
3.) Stir to combine, then pour into a baking dish. Spread out evenly, and then season with salt and pepper.
4.) In another bowl, use a fork to mix melted butter, Panko, and parsley until well combined.
5.) With your fingers, sprinkle the mixture evenly in the baking dish over the shrimp.
6.) Transfer dish to oven and bake until the shrimp are pink and opaque, about 15-18 minutes.

Original recipe found at normalcooking.wordpress.com

Pepsi Pot Roast

2012-11-29T15:22:00.002-06:00

Ingredients:

* McCormicks slower cooker Savory Pot Roast season packet

* Au Jus packet

* Can of Pepsi

* Boneless Cross Rib Roast

Directions:
1.) Put your Roast in the slow cooker.

2.) Mix the Slow cooker seasoning with 1 cup of water.

3.) Pour on top of roast.
4.) Pour the whole can of Pepsi on top of roast.
5.) Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
6.) About 15 minutes before you are ready to take out the roast, pour Au Jus packet over roast and finish coking.

Original recipe found at youretoocrafty.blogspot.com

French Chicken Brocolli Supreme

2012-11-26T15:10:00.001-06:00

Ingredients:

*1 lb. fresh broccoli - break in pieces, and steam for 2 minutes.
*3 cups cooked chicken breasts – cut up in small pieces
*3 cups grated cheddar cheese divided
*2 tubes Ritz crackers
*1 stick melted butter
*1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Sauce:
*1/3 cup butter- melted
*1/4 cups cornstarch, dissolved in 1/2 cup COLD Water
*1/3 cup chicken broth
*1/4 tsp salt
*1/4 tsp pepper
*2 cups milk
*1 1/2 cups of the above cheddar cheese

Directions:

1.) In greased 13×9 pan, layer the broccoli and chicken, then set aside.
2.) In saucepan over medium heat, combine the 1/3 cup melted butter, cornstarch dissolved well in water, chicken broth, seasonings, and milk.
3.) Stir well, and continue stirring until sauce has thickened.
4.) Turn heat down to low, and add 1- 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese. Stir until melted.
5.) Pour over the chicken and broccoli.
6.) Top with 1- 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese.
7.) Melt the butter, and add the poppy seeds, and stir well.
8.) Crush Ritz crackers in large zip-lock bag with a rolling pin. Don’t crush too small.
9.) Add crumbs to the melted butter.
10.) Sprinkle crumbs over the top of the grated cheese.
11.) Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes, or until hot & bubbly.

Recipe found at www.justgetoffyourbuttandbake.com

Steak Marinade

2012-10-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

I found this marinade on Pinterest. Unfortunately, the link took me to a blog that is no longer around. Below are the ingredients and directions for the marinade:

Ingredients:
* 1/3 cup soy sauce
* 1/2 cup olive oil
* 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
* 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
* 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder
* 3 tablespoons dried basil
* 1 1/2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
* 1 teaspoon ground pepper
* 1 teaspoon dried minced garlic

Directions:
1.) Mix above ingredients in small bowl.
2.) Place stakes in a glass baking dish and pour marinade over the steaks.
3.) Cover and refrigerate for 6 hours.

Crockpot Mexican Lasagna

2012-09-28T20:55:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:

* 12-14 tortillas (I used small corn tortillas)

* 2 cups of shredded Mexican blend cheese

* 1 packet of fajita seasoning (divided)

* 28 oz can of tomatoes (drained)

* 15.5 oz can of black beans (drained)

* 15.5 oz can corn (drained)

* 2 cups of salsa

* 2 cups of shredded chicken (cooked with 1/2 fajita seasoning packet)

Directions:

1.) Place tortillas to cover bottom of crockpot (it took 4 to cover mine).

2.) Spread some tomatoes onto tortillas.

3.) Sprinkle black beans on top or tomatoes.

4.) Cover beans with a layer of salsa and a generous amount of fajita seasoning.

5.) Place some chicken and corn as the next layer and then top that with some shredded cheese.

6.) Place tortillas on top of the cheese and continue steps 2-5 until all ingredients are used.

7.) Cook on low for 3-4 hours.

Original recipe found at www.familyfreshmeals.com

Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice

2012-08-03T08:59:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:
*4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
*1 large onion, chopped
*1 -8 ounce box Zatarain's Yellow Rice Mix, cooked according to directions
*1 cup cheddar cheese
*1 - 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
*1 -15 ounce can whole kernel corn, drained

Directions:
1.) Place chicken in bottom of slow cooker.
2.) Scatter chopped onion over top.
3.) Spoon cream soup over top of that.
4.) Cover and cook on low 5-7 hours or on high 3-4 hours.
5.) A few minutes before serving, add in cooked rice, corn, and cheese. Stir to combine. Serve hot.

Recipe from www.southernplate.com

Quick and Easy Banana Bread

2012-07-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:
*3-4 overripe bananas
*2 eggs
*1 box yellow cake mix
*1 cup chocolate chips, nuts, etc.

Directions:
1.) Smash bananas in a large bowl.
2.) Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
3.) Spray 1 large loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
4.) Pour in batter and bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes.

Recipe found at www.artsyfartsymama.com

Ham and Cheese Sliders

2012-07-22T14:46:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:
Sandwiches
* 24 good Hawaiian rolls
* 24 pieces good honey ham
* 24 small slices Swiss cheese
* mayonnaise
Poppy Seed Sauce
* 1 Tablespoon poppy seeds
* 1 1/2 Tablespoons yellow mustard
* 1/2 cup butter, melted
* 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions:
1.) Slice rolls in half so that you can make sliders.
2.) Spread as much or as little mayonnaise onto both sides of the center of each roll.
3.) Place a slice or two of ham and a slice of Swiss inside of each roll.
4.) Close rolls and place them into a large baking dish or heavy cookie sheet. Place very close together.
5.) In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the poppy seed sauce ingredients.
6.) Pour evenly over all of the sandwiches. You do not have to use all of the sauce! Just use enough to cover the tops.
7.) Let sit 10 minutes or until butter sets slightly.
8.) Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until cheese is melted.
9.) Uncover and cook for 2 additional minutes or until tops are slightly brown and crispy. Serve warm.

Original recipe found at www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com

Slow Cooker Cowboy Chicken

2012-07-11T13:11:00.001-05:00

Ingredients:
*4-6 chicken breasts
*2 Tablespoons brown sugar
*1 Tablespoon Djion Mustard
*2 cups salsa
*1 can of corn, drained
*1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
*1/2 cup sour cream (plus extra for serving)
*Rice for serving
*shredded Mexican cheese for serving

Directions:
1.) Place chicken in slow cooker.
2.) In medium bowl, mix brown sugar, mustard, and salsa together.
3.) Pour salsa mixture over chicken and cook on low for 5-7 hours.
4.) With 30 minutes left to cook, take out chicken and shred it.
5.) Return shredded chicken to slow cooker along with corn and beans. Cook for remaining time.

Serve over rice with cheese and sour cream.

Original recipe found at www.momswhothink.com

Slow Cooker Chicken Ranch Tacos

2012-06-27T14:29:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:
*3-4 chicken breasts
*1 packet taco seasoning
*1 Ranch packet
*1 can cream of chicken soup
*1 soup can water

Directions:
1.) Place chicken in slow cooker.
2.) Mix remaining ingredients in medium bowl.
3.) Pour soup mixture over chicken in slow cooker.
4.) Cook on low 4-6 hours.

Serve with your favorite taco ingredients.

Original recipe found at pedersenfood.blogspot.com.

Summer Garden Pasta

2012-05-12T08:01:00.003-05:00

Ingredients:
*4 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
*1/2 cup olive oil
*2 tablespoons minced garlic (6 cloves)
*18 large basil leaves, julienned, plus extra for serving
*1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
*1 teaspoon Kosher salt
*1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
*1 pound angle hair pasta
*1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

Directions:
1.) Combine the cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, basil leaves, red pepper flakes, salt, and the pepper in a large bowl.
2.) Cover with plastic wrap, and set aside at room temperature for about 4 hours.
3.) Just before you’re ready to serve, bring a large pot of water with a splash of olive oil and 2 tablespoons salt to a boil and add the pasta.
4.) Cook al dente, according to the directions on the package.
5.) Drain the pasta well and add to the bowl with the cherry tomatoes.
6.) Add the cheese and some extra fresh basil leaves and toss well.
7.) Serve in big bowls with extra cheese on each serving.

recipe found on www.barefootcontessa.com

Funfetti Cake Batter Cookies

2012-05-04T09:20:00.002-05:00

Ingredients:
*1 box vanilla cake mix, 18.25 oz
*1 tsp baking powder
*2 eggs
*1/2 C vegetable oil
*1/2 tsp vanilla extract
*1 C color sprinkles

Directions:
1.) Preheat oven to 350°.
2.) In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix and baking powder.
3.) In a small bowl, mix together the eggs, oil and vanilla.
4.) Add the egg mixture to the cake mixture and stir to combine. Stir in the sprinkles.
5.) Drop by spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet or silpat.
6.) Bake for 12 minutes.
7.) Allow to cool for 5 minutes on cookie sheet before transferring to cooling rack. (They will be very soft at first.)

Recipe found at cookincowgirl.blogspot.com

Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole

2012-04-29T17:28:00.001-05:00

Cooking the chicken:
2-3 chicken breasts
1 can Rotel
1 taco packet
1 can chicken broth

Place above ingredients in slow cooker. Cook on low 5-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.

Casserole:
1 1/2 cups instant rice (uncooked)
1 jar (16 oz) of salsa
2 cups of corn (I used frozen)
1 can green chilies
20 oz of enchilada sauce
15 oz can of drained black beans
3 cups of cheese, divided

Mix above ingredients (including chicken) in a large bowl, reserving a cup of cheese.
Spread into a greased 9x13 baking dish and top with remaining cup of cheese.
Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Side Note:
You can eat this as is, with taco chips, or in a tortilla.

Original recipe from my friend, "Star."

Cresent Chicken

2012-04-29T17:15:00.003-05:00

Ingredients:
1 (8 or 6 jumbo count) package refrigerator crescent rolls

2 cups chopped cooked chicken

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 can of milk (using soup can)

Directions:

1.) Preheat oven to 350 and prepare soup using milk and set aside.

2.) Separate crescent rolls.

3.) Spoon chicken and cheese onto each crescent; roll and seal to enclose filling.

4.) Place in a 9×13 baking dish. Pour soup over rolls. Bake at 350 uncovered for 30 mins.

Recipe found at www.comfyinthekitchen.com

Slow Cooker Three Envelope Pot Roast Sliders

2012-04-29T17:11:00.000-05:00

Roast:
1 3-4 lb beef roast
1 cup water
1 cup salsa
1 envelope onion soup mix
1 envelope Italian dressing mix
1 envelope Au Jus mix

Whisk together water, salsa and seasoning packets. Place roast in slow cooker. Pour seasoning mixture over roast. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or high for 4-5 hours.

If you want to make sliders:
Three Envelope Pot Roast recipe (above), shredded
1 pkg. King's Hawaiian Rolls
Sliced Provolone cheese (1 slice per slider)
Creamy Chipotle Sauce (recipe below)

Cut each roll in half and place on a baking sheet. Place a slice of Provolone cheese on the bottom half of each roll. Place baking sheet in oven with broiler on low. Broil for 1-2 minutes or until edges of the rolls are golden and cheese has melted (be sure to watch them closely so they don't burn!). Remove baking sheet from oven.

Place a spoonful of shredded beef on top of each roll with Swiss cheese on it. Spread Creamy Chipotle sauce on the top half of each roll. Assemble each slider by placing the top half of the roll on top of the bottom.

Creamy Chipotle Sauce:
1/4 cup sour cream
2 Tbsp chili sauce
2 tsp creamy horseradish sauce (I used Kraft)

Original recipe found at www.sixsistersstuff.com

Slow Cooker Parmesan Honey Pork Roast

2012-03-28T14:57:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:
*1 (2-3 pound) boneless pork roast
*2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
*1/2 cup honey
*3 Tbsp soy sauce
*2 Tbsp dried basil
*2 Tbsp minced garlic
*2 Tbsp olive oil
*1/2 tsp salt

Directions:
1.) Place roast in slow cooker.
2.) Combine remaining ingredients in medium bowl then pour over roast.
3.) Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours.

Original recipe found at sixsistersstuff.com