Thursday, August 20, 2009

Easy Lasagna

From Aunt Vickie Atkin
Makes an 8" x 10" - 9" x 13" pan

1/2 pound ground beef or turkey
1 can Hunt's Four Cheese spaghetti sauce (any will do, but this is what we like)
oregano
italian seasoning
garlic salt
lasagna noodles (9 fit perfectly in our pan)
shredded cheese (mozzarella, italian mix, etc.)

Cook noodles according to package directions; Meanwhile, brown beef or turkey in a large frying pan. Add spices and sauce; keep warm. Drain noodles when ready and then layer an 8x10 or 9x13 pan with noodles, sauce mixture, and cheese; repeating three times. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. YUMMY.

(This is my favorite lasagna because it doesn't use cottage cheese- just regular old white shredded cheese. It is really good and one of our all-time favorites).

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Chicken Florentine Artichoke Bake

From Better Homes & Gardens November 2008 or BHG.com
Makes 6-8 servings

8 oz. dried bow tie pasta
1 small onion, chooped
1 TBSP butter
2 eggs
1 1/4 cup milk
1 teas dried Italian seasoning
1/4 to 1/2 teas crushed red pepper (optional)
2 cups chopped cooked chicken (I used canned this time)
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (8 oz.)
1 14-oz. can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
1 10 oz. package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
1/2 cup oil-packed dried tomatoes, drained and chopped (I used non-oil packed)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup soft bread crumbs
1/2 teas. paprika
1 TBSP butter, melted.

1.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. In medium skillet cook onion in 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat about 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; set aside.

2. In bowl whisk together eggs, milk, seasoning, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. black pepper, and crushed red pepper. Stir in chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, artichokes, spinach, tomatoes, half of the Parmesan, cooked pasta, and onion. Transfer to a 13x9x2-inch baking dish or 3-quart rectangular casserole.

3. Bake, covered, 20 minutes. In small bowl combine remaining Parmesan, bread crumbs, paprika, and melted butter. Sprinkle mixture over pasta. Bake, uncovered, 10 minutes more or until golden.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Zucchini Bread


From A Flood of Recipes From the 12th Ward p. 47 (Kathryn Gudmundson)
Makes 2 loaf pans, one large pan, two layer cake pans, or four small loaf pans.


2 cups zucchini, grated
3 eggs
1 cup oil
2 teas. vanilla
1 cup wheat flour
1 cup brown sugar
1 teas. baking soda
1/2 teas. ground cloves
2 cups white flour
1 cup white sugar
1/2 teas. nutmeg
1 1/2 teas cinnamon

Mix together all wet ingredients (this is what Kitchen Aid mixers were made for). Sift the dry and add to the wet mixture. Mix well. Pour into greased and floured pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Raspberry Freezer Jam

From Grandma Beverly
Makes 4 pints

1. Wash 3 cups berries and chop or mash in large mixing bowl. Add 5 1/4 cup sugar and stir well. Let sit for 10 minutes.

2. Put 3/4 cup cold water in a sauce pan. Add pectin and stir. Bring to a boil and let boil for 1 minute. Pour into berry/sugar mixture & stir for 3 minutes. Pour into containers and let sit 12-24 hours on counter, then place in freezer.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

From 52 Weeks of Proven Recipes for Picky Kids by Jill McKenzie p. 76
Serves 6

2 TBS olive oil
1 pound chicken, semi-frozen and cut into cubes
1/2 teas salt
4 TBS soy sauce, divided
1/3 cup sugar
1 14-ounce can chicken broth
4 TBS cornstarch
4 TBS red wine vinegar or cider vinegar
1/3 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup ketchup
2/3 cup pineapple tidbits
1/2 cup grated carrots
4 to 6 cups cooked rice

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken cubes, salt, and 2 TBS soy sauce. Saute until chicken is tender and browned.
2. In a large saucepan, blend sugar, chicken broth, cornstarch, vinegar, pineapple juice, ketchup, and remaining soy sauce until smooth. Slowly stir in meat, including the juices that form at the bottom of the skillet. Add pineapple tidbits and grated carrot. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Serve over hot rice.

Favorite Dill Pickles

From Grandma Beverly
Makes about 4 quarts

Wash & chill cucumbers in ice water - use 3 - 4"cucumbers - about a 4-5 qt ice cream bucket full
Put in clean jars: (start with 4 wide mouth quarts)
1/4 tsp celery seed
1 tsp dill seed
2 bay leaves
1 bud garlic
pinch alum - abt 1/8 tsp
dried or fresh dill weed - cover bottom of jar at least

Brine - Mix in saucepan & bring to a boil: This brine is usually enough for 4 qts of pickles
6 cups water
1 ½ cup white or cider vinegar - 5% acidity
½ cup salt (plain, not iodized)

Fill jars with cucumbers - pack them in tight; fill spaces with small ones or spears.
Pour in boiling brine up to within ½ “ of top; put on boiled flats, tighten rings.
Process in boiling water bath about 5 minutes - just enough to seal jars.
They are ready to eat in about 2-3 weeks.

Bread & Butter Pickles

From Grandma Beverly
Makes about 7 pints

4 qts. washed, sliced cucumbers (abt 1 gallon ice cream bkt of fresh cucumbers)
6 medium onions or 3 large
3 whole cloves garlic
1/3 cup pure, coarse salt (I use Kosher salt)
Put in large bowl - Thinly Sliced washed, unpeeled cucumbers-4 qts; onions peeled & thinly sliced ; chopped garlic. (I layer the cucumbers, onions, garlic)
Sprinkle salt over top and cover with ice. Let set on counter for 3 hours. Drain well.
Boil one minute: 3 cups vinegar, 5 cups sugar, 1 ½ tsp turmeric, 1 ½ tsp celery seed, 2 Tbls mustard seed.
Add drained cucumber mixture to boiling brine and cook for 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, put in jars, pour brine to within ½” of top of jar, put on boiled flats & rings, tightening and process in hot water bath that covers jars for 10 minutes.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Flour Tortillas

From Mexican Fiesta p. 366
Makes 8-12 tortillas (depending on the size)

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teas. salt
1/4 cup vegetable shortening
1/2 cup warm water

1. Combine flour and salt in medium bowl. Rub shortening into flour with fingertips until mixture has fine, even texture. Stir in water until dough forms.
2. Knead dough on floured surface 2 to 3 minutes until smooth and elastic. Wrap in plastic wrap. Let stand 30 minutes at room temperature.
3. Knead dough a few times. Divide evenly into 8 pieces for 10-inch tortillas or 12 pieces for 8-inch tortillas. Shape pieces into balls; cover with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
4. Using rolling pin, roll out each dough ball on floured surface, turning over frequently, into 8- or 10-inch circles. Stack each tortilla between sheets of waxed paper. (I just cook them as I go... not stacking)
5. Heat ungreased heavy griddle or skillet over medium-high heat until a little water sprinkled on surface sizzles. Carefully lay 1 tortilla on griddle; cook 20 or 30 seconds until top is bubbly and bottom is flecked with brown spots. Turn tortilla over; cook 15 to 20 seconds until flecked with brown spots. If tortilla puffs up while second side is cooking, press it down gently with spatula. Remove tortilla to foil.
6. Cook remaining tortillas as shown in step 5.

*These are best when fresh, but can also be refrigerated and reheated.

Arroz Blanco

From Mexican Fiesta p. 314
Makes 6 servings

1 TBS margarine
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup uncooked rice (I use long grain white)
2 cups chicken broth

Melt margarine in 2- to 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is tender. Add rice and broth. Bring to a boil; stir. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 15 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with fork.

Microwave instructions: Combine margarine, onion, and garlic in deep 2- to 3-quart microproof baking dish. Cover and cook on HIGH 2 minutes. Stir in rice and broth; cover and cook on HIGH 5 minutes. Reduce setting to MEDIUM (50% power) and cook 15 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with fork.

*This is one of our favorite rice dishes. It has such a nice flavor.

Rice, Cheese, & Bean Enchiladas

1 (2-cup) bag Uncle Ben's Boil-in-Bag Rice (I used regular)
4 cups shredded zucchini, drained
1 TBS reduced-sodium taco sauce mix
1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (10 ounces) reduced-fat, reduced-sodium cream of mushroom soup
1 can (8 ounces) diced green chilies
12 (8-inch) flour tortillas
2 cups (8 ounces) reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend, divided

1. Prepare rice following package directions.
2. Combine zucchini and 2 TBS taco sauce mix in large nonstick skillet. Cook and stir zucchini 5 minutes. Add beans, soup, chilies, and rice. Bring to a boil.
3. Spray 13x9" microwaveable baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Spoon about 1/2 cup of rice mixture onto center of each tortilla. Top with 2 TBS cheese. Roll up to enclose filling; place in baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese over enchiladas. Microwave on HIGH 4 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Suggestion: Serve with sliced mango or orange sections.

Fiesta Beef Enchiladas

From Mexican Fiesta
Makes 4 servings

8 ounces lean ground beef (or turkey)
1/2 cup sliced green onions
2 teas. fresh minced or bottled garlic
1 cup cold cooked white or brown rice
1 1/2 cups chopped tomato, divided
3/4 cup frozen corn, thawed
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend or Cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup salsa or picante sauce
12 (6-7 inch) corn tortillas
1 can (10 ounces) mild or hot enchilada sauce
1 cup sliced romaine lettuce leaves

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 13x9" baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside. Cook ground beef/turkey in medium nonstick skillet over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Add green onions and garlic; cook and stir 2 minutes.
2. Combine meat mixture, rice, 1 cup tomato, corn, 1/2 cup cheese, and salsa; mix well. Spoon mixture down center of tortillas. Roll up; place seam side down in prepared pan. Spoon enchilada sauce evenly over enchiladas.
3. Cover with foil; bake for 20 minutes or until hot. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese; bake 5 minutes or until cheese melts. Top with lettuce and remaining 1/2 cup tomato.

Velveeta Tex-Mex Chicken & Rice

From Mexican Fiesta p. 96
Makes 4 servings

4 small boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 1 pound)
1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained, or 1/2 cups cooked pinto beans
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) chicken broth
1 cup Salsa
2 cups Minute Rice, uncooked
1/2 pound (8 ounces) Velveeta Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product, cut up

1. Spray large skillet with no stick cooking spray. Add chicken; cover. Cook on medium-high heat 4 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet.
2. Add beans, broth, and salsa to skillet; stir. Bring to boil.
3. Stir in rice and Velveeta. Top with chicken; cover. Cook on low heat 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro, if desired, before serving.

Zesty Taco Salad

From Mexican Fiesta p. 78
Makes 4 servings

2 TBS vegetable oil
1 clove garlic
3/4 pound ground turkey
1 3/4 teas. chili powder
1/4 teas. ground cumin
3 cups washed and torn lettuce
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) Mexican-style diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup rinsed and drained canned chick-peas or pinto beans
2/3 cup chopped, peeled cucumber (not in my salad!)
1/3 cup frozen corn, thawed
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1 to 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped (or canned)
1 TBS red wine vinegar
12 nonfat tortilla chips
fresh cilantro (optional)

1. Combine oil and garlic in small bowl; let stand one hour at room temperature.
2. Combine turkey, chili powder, and cumin in large nonstick skillet. Cook over medium heat 5 minutes or until turkey is no longer pink, stirring to crumble.
3. Combine turkey, lettuce, tomatoes, chick-peas, cucumber, corn, onion, and jalepeno pepper in a large bowl. Remove garlic from oil; discard garlic. Add vinegar to oil. Drizzle over salad; toss to coat. Serve on tortilla chips and garnish with cilantro if desired.

Velveeta Spicy Southwest Corn Cheese Soup

From Mexican Fiesta p. 44
Makes 4 cups

1 package (10 ounces) frozen sweet corn, thawed, drained
1 clove garlic
1 TBS butter or margarine
3/4 pound (12 ounces) Velveeta Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product, cut up
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
3/4 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup milk
2 TBS chopped fresh cilantro

1. Cook and stir corn and garlic in butter in large saucepan on medium-high heat until tender. Reduce heat to medium.
2. Stir in remaining ingredients; cook until Velveeta is melted and soup is thoroughly heated. Top each serving with crushed tortilla chips, if desired.

*I used homemade freezer creamed corn and didn't use milk or butter... it was very tasty. I also didn't put in the green chilies, but think it would be good with them.

Velveeta Salsa Dip

From Mexican Fiesta p. 30
Makes 3 cups

1 pound (16 ounces) Velveeta Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product, cut up
1 cup Salsa

Microwave Velveeta and salsa in 1 1/2-quart microwaveable bowl on HIGH 5 minutes or until Velveeta is melted, stirring after 3 minutes. Serve hot with tortilla chips or cut up vegetables.

Layered Mexican Dip

From Mexican Fiesta p. 16
Fills a 8x8 square pan

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 TBS plus 1 teas. taco seasoning mix
1 cup black beans or refried (whichever you like)
1 cup salsa
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped green onions
2 TBS sliced pitted ripe olives
Tortilla chips

1. Combine cream cheese and taco seasoning; spread on bottom of a 8x8" square dish or a 9" pie plate.
2. Layer remaining ingredients over cream cheese mixture. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve with tortilla chips.

*I put olives only on half (one half for me, one for the hubby). This is also great for parties.