Scrumptious Sisters

2013-01-12T21:28:00.000-08:00

The Best French Toast You Will Ever Eat
I found this recipe on the front page of Yahoo.com and yes, that was the title. It looks awesome. I haven't tried it, but it is interesting how you must soak for 10 mins and then finish in the oven. Must try.

Perfect French ToastIngredients
6 large eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
Juice of 1 medium orange, (about 1/4 cup)
2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons cognac, (optional)
1 tablespoon sugar
Zest of 1 lemon, (about 1 tablespoon)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
Pinch of salt
6 slices bread, such as brioche, sliced 1-inch thick, preferably day-old
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
Pure maple syrup

Directions

Whisk together eggs, milk, juice, vanilla, cognac, sugar, zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl; set aside.
Place bread in a shallow baking dish large enough to hold bread slices in a single layer. Pour egg mixture over bread; soak 10 minutes. Turn slices over; soak 10 minutes more or until soaked through.
Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet, and set aside. Heat 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry half the bread slices until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to wire rack; place in oven while cooking remaining bread. Wipe skillet, and repeat with remaining butter, oil, and bread. Keep in oven until ready to serve. Serve warm with maple syrup, if desired.

Not Your Usual Chili

2012-11-12T20:20:00.003-08:00

We went to our friend's house a few weeks ago for a chili dinner. I wasn't too excited because I don't normally love chili. But once I have a taste of this, I couldn't get enough. The flavor was so amazing. Who would have thought that combining taco seasoning, ranch mix and enchilada sauce would totally work? I had to get the recipe from my awesome friend Cammi. It's not your average, run of the mill taco soup either. This would taste so amazing with a warm slice of homade corn bread. For dessert, make yourself some moist pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. It doesn't get any better than that. (Not my pic, sorry)

1 pound of lean ground beef
1 onion, diced
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 can of chicken broth
1 can of pinto beans, drained
1 can of black beans, drained
1 can of corn, drained
1 can of diced tomatoes, drained
1 packet of taco seasoning
1 packet of dry ranch mix
1 can of mild green enchilada sauce

*Brown the meat in a large pot along with the onions and garlic. Add the chicken broth, beans, corn, taco seasoning, dry ranch mix, and enchilada sauce. Simmer on low until the flavors magically meld together. Add salt, pepper, and even a little cumin if you need to. Even better the next day!

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

2012-08-15T07:08:00.002-07:00

Pinterest has delivered once again. This one was a home run! Better than the Chinese restaurant in any town. And so easy! The picture is from Pinterest also because I was too lazy to photograph my own plate.- BJ

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

The chicken coating:

3-4 boneless chicken breasts

salt + pepper

1 cup cornstarch

2 eggs, beaten

1/4 cup canola oil

The sweet and sour sauce:

3/4 cup sugar

4 tbs ketchup

1/2 cup distilled white vinegar

1 tbs soy sauce

1 tsp garlic salt

Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees. Rinse your chicken breasts in water and then cut into cubes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Dip chicken into the cornstarch to coat then dip into the eggs. Heat your 1/4 cup oil in a large skillet and cook your chicken until browned but not cooked through. Place the chicken in a 9x13 greased baking dish. Mix all of your sweet and sour sauce ingredients in a bowl with a whisk and then pour evenly over the chicken. Bake for one hour and during the baking process you will need to turn the chicken every 15 minutes.

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

2012-08-15T07:05:00.003-07:00

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes


These are the best thing that have ever touched my tongue. I found these on another blog so I used her picture, even though mine turned out just as pretty. You have to dirty a few bowls for this one but is it SO worth it!

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Recipe adapted from: Recipe Girl

For Pancakes:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 Tablespoon canola oil
1 large egg, lightly beaten

(OR use a boxed pancake batter)

Cinnamon Filling:
1/2 cup butter, melted
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Glaze:
4 Tablespoons butter
2 ounces cream cheese
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:
Prepare Cinnamon Filling first: In a medium bowl, mix butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. Scoop the filling into a small zip baggie and set aside. (You want this to rest and 'set up' while your preparing the other ingredients. Its best if it gets a little thicker, you dont want it liquidy)

Prepare Pancake batter: In a medium bowl whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Whisk in milk, oil and egg just until batter is moistened. (a few small lumps are fine)
OR If using a boxed mix, prepare according to package directions.

Prepare Cream Cheese glaze: In a medium glass or microwave-safe bowl, heat the butter and cream cheese until melted. Whisk together until smooth, then whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla. Set aside.

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Spray with non-stick cooking spray. Scoop about 1/2 cup of pancake batter onto the skillet. Snip the corner of your cinnamon filling baggie and squeeze a spiral of the filling onto the top of the pancake. When bubbles begin to appear on the surface, flip carefully with a spatula and cook until lightly browned on the underside, 1 to 2 minutes more. Transfer pancake to a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven while you make the rest of the pancakes.

When ready to serve, spoon warmed cream cheese glaze on top of each pancake. Enjoy!

Strawberry Cream Cheese Croissants

2012-05-03T12:13:00.000-07:00

I found this recipe on Pinterest and had to try it. It turns out that it was so good that I had to include this on our blog! I had some leftover dinner roll dough and used that as my bread and it tasted great. You've got to try this. I also used fresh pureed strawberries instead of the jam and it was fantastic!~BJ
picture by Rumbly In My Tumbly

Strawberry Cream Cheese Croissants
recipe found on Pinterest

Ingredients:

1 package of Pillsbury Crescent Rolls- or homemade rolls
1/4 cup of homemade strawberry jam- or fresh pureed strawberries
4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 egg + 1 tsp of water for egg wash

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice and vanilla. Cream until there are no lumps.

Unroll each crescent roll. On the fattest part of the triangle place 1 tsp on cream cheese mixture and one tsp of jam. Roll into a croissant shape.

Whisk together egg and water for egg wash and brush over each croissant.

Bake for 8-10 minutes until croissants are golden brown and inside is no longer doughy. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Roasted Veggie Tortellini with Alfredo

2012-04-19T22:12:00.000-07:00

Inspired from Jamie Cooks It Up! and Fashionably Foodie

Roasted Veggies:

2 pints grape tomatoes

1 pound fresh asparagus

5-6 cloves garlic

Olive Oil

Salt and Pepper

1. Cut about 1 inch of the bottoms off each lovely stalk of asparagus. The bottoms are really tough and woody tasting. Chop the rest of the asparagus into 2 inch pieces.

2. Spread the asparagus pieces and the grape tomatoes out evenly over a large cookie sheet.

3. Peel and roughly chop 5-6 cloves of garlic. Do not be mistaken. You don't want to peel and chop 5 or 6 whole garlic bulbs, now. Just 5-6 of the little cloves that come in a bulb.
4. Add the fresh garlic to the tomatoes and asparagus and drizzle olive oil over the top of them. You just need about 2-3 tablespoons.
5. Grind a bit of salt and pepper over the top as well.
6. Then, using two large spoons, toss the ingredients together. Make sure all of the veggies have a bit of oil on them. Toss your pan in the oven to roast at 400 degrees, for about 20 minutes, or until the asparagus is fork tender.

While veggies are cooking, start making the alfredo sauce.

Alfredo Sauce:
1/4 cup butter
1 Tablespoon flour
1 cup milk
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups fresh parmesan, grated
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. use a whisk and stir in flour and cook for 30 seconds.
2. Add milk and garlic. bring to a boil (barely, just at the edges of the pan,)
3. Stir in parmesan. Whisk until melted. sauce will thicken as it cools.
(If your sauce is too thick, add more milk till desired consistency)

SERVE VEGGIES AND ALFREDO OVER COOKED TORTELLINI.
Dont be cheap people, go buy the good fresh stuff.

Enjoy! -Rachel

Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake

2012-04-15T15:13:00.001-07:00

Got this cheesecake out of the KRAFT Foods magazine and it was so easy to make and so tasty. I served it at a party I hosted and it was a crowd pleaser. Everyone asked for the recipe.

photo by:

kraft

Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake
recipe by KRAFT

1-1/2 cups crushed NILLA Wafers (about 50)

3/4 cup chopped PLANTERS Pecans, divided

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted

32 KRAFT Caramels (I used a homemade caramel sauce instead)

3 Tbsp. milk

4 pkg. (8 oz. each) Cream Cheese, softened

1 cup sugar

1cup Sour Cream

4 eggs

1 pkg. (8 squares) BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate, divided (I used cocoa powder)

Make It

HEAT oven to 325ºF. MIX wafer crumbs, 1/2 cup nuts and butter; press onto bottom of 13x9-inch pan. Microwave caramels and milk in microwaveable bowl on MEDIUM (50%) 4 to 5 min. or until caramels are melted and mixture is well blended, stirring every 2 min. Pour over crust; spread to within 1 inch of edge. Cool. BEAT cream cheese and sugar with mixer until blended. Add sour cream; mix well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until blended. Melt 7 chocolate squares. Stir into cream cheese batter; pour over caramel layer. BAKE 45 to 50 min. or until center is almost set. Cool completely. Refrigerate 4 hours. Sprinkle with remaining nuts just before serving. Melt remaining chocolate square; drizzle over cheesecake.

layered blueberry cheesecake

2012-04-15T15:05:00.000-07:00

I found a similar recipe in a KRAFT Food magazine. I made some of my own adjustments and I found this perfect little number. It is mild tasting, for those of you who can only handle so much cheesecake and it has an element of cake. This is the best of both worlds. It was so fast to throw together the night before and it gets better the longer it sits in the fridge.

Layered Blueberry Cheesecake
adapted by KRAFT

3 cups blueberries (fresh is preferred, but frozen works well too)
2 pkg. (8 oz. each) cream cheese
1 1/2 cups cold milk
1 pkg. (3.4 oz) vanilla pudding
2 cups whipped cream (I used the stuff in the can but fresh would be better)
2 cups pound cake (1 inch cubes)

Beat cream cheese and gradually add in milk. Add pudding mix. Mix well. Blend in the whipped cream. Spoon half into a 2 1/2 qt. bowl. Top with cake, berries and remaining cream cheese mixture. Refrigerate 4 hours. You can top with drizzled chocolate or whipped cream.

Blackened Salmon

2012-02-26T11:36:00.000-08:00

I found this recipe a few months ago on Allrecipes.com and have used it many times since. In fact, I requested this for my birthday dinner. It has a nice crunch on the exterior and provides a really delicous blend of flavors. Pair this with some creamy cucumbers and you've got yourself a meal. - Christine

Blackened Salmon

2 tablespoons ground paprika

1/2 tablespoon ground cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon onion powder

2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

1/4 teaspoon dried basil

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

4 salmon fillets, skin and bones removed

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Directions

In a small bowl, mix paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, white pepper, black pepper, thyme, basil and oregano.
Brush salmon fillets on both sides with 1/4 cup butter, and sprinkle evenly with the cayenne pepper mixture. Drizzle one side of each fillet with 1/2 remaining butter.
In a large, heavy skillet over high heat, cook salmon, butter side down, until blackened, 2 to 5 minutes. Turn fillets, drizzle with remaining butter, and continue cooking until blackened and fish is easily flaked with a fork

Eggnog Bundt Cake

2011-12-16T21:40:00.000-08:00

Since I am a sucker for eggnog, I had to try this recipe from American Profile magazine. It did not disappoint. It is moist, and full of flavor. Since this calls for "light" eggnog, I just used half the amount of full fat version and used skim milk to make up the rest. This is a great way to get your eggnog fix without having to consume 20 billion calories either. Picture from magazine.....but mine was just as pretty -Christine

Eggnog Bundt Cake

1 box of spice cake mix
1 (4-serving) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup of nonfat yogurt (I used greek)
1/4 cup canola oil
1 cup light eggnog
1 egg
3 egg whites
1/3 cup toasted and chopped pecans
powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350. Coat bundt pan with cooking spray. Combine cake mix, pudding mix, yogurt, oil, eggnog, egg, and egg whites. Mix until creamy. Stir in pecans. Pour into pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until done. Let cool on wire rack. When cool, dust with powdered sugar. Serves 16 small slices.

Swiss Tacos

2011-11-12T11:20:00.000-08:00

Since we grew up in Midway, UT we have a special place in our hearts for all-things-Swiss. Swiss Days was a highlight every year. These Swiss Tacos were always a staple at that venue. Now we can make them at home! ~BJ

Swiss Tacos
recipe by Mimi

SAUCE
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
1/2 medium onion
2 cans enchilada sauce
1 can tomato sauce
1 can beans, refried or kidney
1 lb. grated cheese
1 head lettuce, chopped
1 onion, diced

Fry ground beef with onion. Add sauce and beans. Simmer for 1/2 hour.

INDIAN FRY BREAD
4 cups flour
1 Tbs. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups warm water

Mix dry ingredients together well. Add water, mixing into a smooth ball. Break off a portion and pat into a large patty. Fry in HOT oil until golden brown on both sides. Top with sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion and cheese.

Pumpkin Pancakes

2011-11-12T11:02:00.000-08:00

Pumpkin is sooo good for you. It helps with your complexion, it gives your skin a healthy glow. Who doesn't love pumpkin? ~BJ

Pumpkin Pancakes
recipe by Allrecipes

1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 egg
2 Tbs. oil
2 Tbs. vinegar
2 cups flour (you could use whole wheat flour)
3 Tbs. brown sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ground allspice
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. salt

In a bow, mix together milk, pumpkin, egg, oil, and vinegar. Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, allspice, cinnamon, ginger, and salt in a a separate bowl. Stir into the pumpkin mixture just enough to combine. Heat griddle or frying pan. Pour 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides. Serve with whipped cream and maple syrup.

Pumpkin Pie Bars

2011-11-07T09:29:00.000-08:00

My good friend made this for our Annual Halloween Party and it was so delicious. If you like pumpkin cheesecake then this is for you!~BJ

Pumpkin Pie Bars

recipe found on Pinterest

Ingredients

1-3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1-1/3 cups sugar, divided
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
5 eggs
1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup cold water
Whipped topping and ground nutmeg, optional

Directions

In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and 1/3 cup sugar; stir in butter. Press into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish.
In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and 2/3 cup sugar until smooth. Beat in 2 eggs just until blended. Pour over crust. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until set. Cool on a wire rack.
Meanwhile, separate remaining eggs and set whites aside. In a large saucepan, combine the yolks, pumpkin, brown sugar, milk, salt and cinnamon. Cook and stir over low heat for 10-12 minutes or until mixture is thickened and reaches 160°. Remove from the heat.
In a small saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over cold water; let stand for 1 minute. Heat over low heat, stirring until gelatin is completely dissolved. Stir into pumpkin mixture; set aside.
In a large heavy saucepan, combine reserved egg whites and remaining sugar. With a portable mixer, beat on low speed for 1 minute. Continue beating over low heat until mixture reaches 160°, about 12 minutes. Remove from the heat; beat until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved.
Fold into pumpkin mixture; spread evenly over cream cheese layer. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or until set. Garnish with whipped topping and nutmeg if desired. Yield: 15 servings.

Chocolate SUPER Shake

2011-11-05T08:40:00.000-07:00

This really is a SUPER shake. It is full of antioxidants and protein. It is also a sweet but healthy treat for those late afternoon cravings or great as an after-work-out shake.~BJ

Chocolate Super Shake
original recipe by BJ

2 cups milk
2 cups spinach
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1 Tbs. honey
1/4 cup flax seed
1 scoop protein powder
1 cup of ice

Throw all ingredients into the blender and blend for a few minutes or until everything is smooth.

Apple Pie Oatmeal

2011-11-03T12:56:00.000-07:00

Perfect for a cold morning. You don't need to add anything after this is done cooking. It is full of flavor.~BJ

Apple Pie Oatmeal
original recipe by BJ

3 apples, peeled and diced
4 cups water
2 cups oatmeal (I used instant)
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
1 tsp. cinnamon

Boil the water then add diced apples. Add cinnamon and bring to a boil. Then add oats, return to a boil then lower to a simmer. Simmer for a few minutes then add sugar and butter. Stir until combined and serve warm.

Autumn Soup

2011-10-11T21:10:00.000-07:00

I love fall days! The air is getting crisp and I feel the intense need to eat soup with homeade bread. After going to the grocery store, I saw those premade tortellini (spelled wrong?) packages. I threw it in my cart and decided to make something with it. When I got home, inspiration hit and I made the most satisfying soup ever! It tastes fantastic when you top it with fresh parsley and shredded cheese. If your grocery store has the pre-cut butternut squash, buy it. I think the convenience is well worth the money.
-Christine

1 package of tortellini (the spinach kind tastes great)
3 cups of chicken broth
2 cups of diced and peeled butternut squash
1 pound of italian seasoned sausage (turkey sausage works well too)
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 onion, diced
1 Tbl canola oil

*Over medium high heat, saute onion in canola oil. Add the sausage and crumble in the pan with your spatula. Cook until no longer pink. Add the broth, tortellini, squash and tomatoes. Bring to a boil for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Simmer until squash is tender (but not mushy!). Enjoy with fresh parsley and shredded cheese.

Chocolate Caramel Tarts

2011-10-07T06:33:00.000-07:00

I found this naughty treat on Pinterest...tried it...LOVE it!!!! It came from My Baking Addiction Enjoy this little goodie! I know my pictures are not very pretty but the sun went down and I needed to act fast before I ate them all! ~BJ

Chocolate Caramel Tarts

Yield: 12 Servings

Ingredients:

FOR THE CRUST

1 1⁄2 cups flour
1⁄4 cup plus 1 tablespoon dutch-process unsweetened
cocoa powder
1⁄4 teaspoon. kosher salt
10 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed and softened
1⁄2 cup plus 2 tablespoons. confectioners' sugar
2 egg yolks, room temperature
1⁄2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

FOR THE CARAMEL

1 1⁄2 cups sugar
3 tablespoons light corn syrup
1⁄4 teaspoon kosher salt
6 tablespoons water
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 tablespoons heavy cream
1 tablespoon sour cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

FOR THE GANACHE

1⁄2 cup heavy cream
4 oz. Scharffen Berger Bittersweet Chocolate, finely chopped
Vanilla Fleur de Sel for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, and salt; set aside. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy; mix in yolks and vanilla. Add in dry ingredients. Divide dough into 12 tartlets using a greased muffin tin. Refrigerate tartlet shells for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, prick the tart shells all over with a fork. Bake in preheated oven until cooked through, about 13-15 minutes. Transfer to a rack and let cool.
2. Prepare the Caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 6 tbsp. water and bring to a boil. Cook, without stirring, until a candy thermometer inserted into the syrup reads 340° or until mixture resembles a light caramel color. Remove pan from heat and whisk in butter, cream, sour cream and vanilla (the mixture will bubble up) until smooth. Pour caramel into cooled tartlet shells and let cool slightly; refrigerate until firm, about 3-4 hours.
3. Prepare the Ganache: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring cream to a boil. Put chocolate into a medium bowl and pour in hot cream; let sit for 1 minute, then stir slowly with a rubber spatula until smooth. Spoon ganache evenly over tartlets and refrigerate until set, 3-4 hours. If desired, sprinkle tart with sea salt and slice. Serve cold.

Black and White Brownies

2011-09-27T12:01:00.000-07:00

Don't make these unless you plan on eating the entire pan!! Yes, they are THAT good! I found this recipe from A BOUNTIFUL KITCHEN blog. Enjoy.~BJ

Black and White Brownie
adapted from Centennial Jr. League Cookbook, 1996
print recipe

Brownie Layer
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
2 sticks (1 cup) butter
4 eggs
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt

Vanilla Buttercream Layer
8 tablespoons butter, softened
3 1/2 cups (1 pound) powdered sugar
1/4 cup cream
1 teaspoon vanilla

Chocolate Glaze
4 ounces semisweet chocolate
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter

For brownie layer:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 15 1/2 x 10 1/2- inch pan (next size up from 9x13 pan). Melt the chocolate and butter over hot water in the top of a double broiler. Cool slightly. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until light and lemon-colored. Gradually add sugar to the egg mixture. Add the butter and chocolate; fold in the flour and salt. Do not over mix. Mix just until flour is incorporated into wet ingredients. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Cool and chill in the refrigerator.

For vanilla buttercream layer:
Cream the butter thoroughly with an electric mixer. Gradually add the powdered sugar alternately with the cream. Add the vanilla and beat until very light and fluffy. Spread evenly over the cooled brownie layer. Chill in the refrigerator at least 10 minutes.

For chocolate glaze: Melt the chocolate and butter together in top of double broiler over hot water. Beat well. Drizzle over the chilled buttercream and smooth out with spatula. Chill 1 hour or longer. Cut into squares and serve.

Peanut Butter Snickers Cookies

2011-09-23T12:59:00.000-07:00

These are scrumptious! So yummy!~BJ

Peanut Butter Snickers Cookies

recipe by Rachelle Jones

1 cup butter

1 cup peanut butter

1 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

3 cups flour

1 package of bite size Snickers, halved

Sift together all dry ingredients. Cream together butter, sugar(s), peanut butter until fluffy. Add in flour mixture until well combined. Shape into balls and press candies into the center. Be careful to make sure the whole Snickers is covered in cookie dough. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet for 10 minutes at 350 degrees.

Apple Pancakes

2011-09-23T12:47:00.000-07:00

My sisters...you have to try this one! It is SO good!~BJ

Apple Pancakes

recipe by Patricia Call

2 eggs
2 cups milk
4 TBS sugar
2 cups floud
1 1/2 cups apple, grated
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon

Beat eggs then add the rest of the ingredients. Ladle onto a HOT griddle and serve with Apple Syrup.
Variation: if you don't have fresh apples I've used Apple Pie Filling and I almost prefer it!

Apple Syrup

1 cup sugar
2 TBS cornstartch
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
2 TBS lemon juice
2 cups apple juice
1/4 cup butter

Melt in saucepan on the stove. Bring to a boil for a minute then add butter last. Ready to serve!

South of the Border Chicken

2011-09-19T15:29:00.000-07:00

My dear friend, Jamie Jacobsen shared this recipe with me. It is sooooo easy and so delicious served with tortilla chips. I made it for Sunday dinner yesterday and we were scraping the bottom of the crock pot for more. You can also serve this with rice. Note: Not my picture, but this is what it looks like!

1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 can of black beans, drained
1 can of corn, half drained
1 jar of salsa
1 package of cream cheese

Pour the first four ingrediants into the crockpot. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or until chicken is tender. The last 15-30 minutes, stir in the cream cheese. Enjoy with tortilla chips.

Berry Smoothie

2011-09-04T21:53:00.000-07:00

Yummy so good!! -Louisa

1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup water
1 cup plain yogurt
1 cup frozen raspberries
1/2 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 cup apple juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups ice

Mix up in a blender then enjoy!

Corn and Chile

2011-08-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

In our community we get lots of roasted green chile. Here is just another yummy way to enjoy all that chile. It is simple and easy but will impress at those Sunday dinners.~BJ

Corn and Chile
recipe by BarbaraJo

1 can corn
1 cup roasted green peeled chile
2 TBS butter
1 cup sour cream
1/2 onion

In a saucepan melt butter. Add diced onion, corn and chile. Saute until onion is soft. Turn heat down. Stir in sour cream. Serve warm.

My GREEN smoothie

2011-08-25T18:43:00.000-07:00

This is refreshing...healthy...and filling. I love this smoothie. Half of my kids did not give it the thumbs up but my baby couldn't get enough of it. It is more of an adult smoothie. Great for after those work-outs too, or if you are looking to lose some weight. ~BJ

My GREEN Smoothie
recipe by BarbaraJo

1 handful of spinach
ginger root
juice of 2 limes
1 cup of frozen mango
2 cups of water

Grate the ginger (about an inch off the "root") add all the rest of the ingredients and blend for several minutes until smooth. If you happen to own a VitaMix then use 1 whole lime and don't worry about grating the ginger. Bottoms up!

Curried Butternut Squash Soup

2011-08-24T17:35:00.000-07:00

Curried Butternut Squash Soup is a great way to get rid of all the squash your neighbors keep giving you from their garden. This is great for a cool fall evening. It is very filling and has great flavor. I could have eaten the whole pot myself! ~BJ

Curried Butternut Squash Soup
recipe from Ellie Krieger

1 TBS olive oil
1 medium onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (2 1/2 lb) butternut squash
3 large carrots, peeled and cut (about 1 cup)***
5 cups chicken broth
1 TBS curry powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 TBS honey
Sour cream or plain yogurt

Slice butternut squash in half length-wise, scoop out the seeds and then place cut side down in a roasting pan with about 1/2 inch water. Bake at 400 degrees until flesh is tender, approximately 30-45 minutes. After slightly cooled, scoop cooked squash into a separate bowl and set aside.

Heat oil over medium heat in a 6-quart stockpot. Add onions and garlic and saute until soft but not brown, about 6-7 minutes. Add the cooked butternut squash;, chopped carrots, broth, curry powder and salt . Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer about 30 minutes until carrots are very soft. Remove from heat and stir in honey and puree with an immersion blender or in batches in a blender until smooth. Season with salt to taste.

Dollop with yogurt.

***My secret ingredient....Use one bag of baby, peeled carrots. Place in saucepan with 1/4 cup of water, 1 TBS. honey, 1 TBS butter, and a dash of cinnamon and salt. Boil then simmer until tender. Use this for your carrots in the soup and I promise you will not be disappointed!