My New Blog!

My sisters have been bugging me for a cookbook, and because I love them, I've decided to start this blog.  I hope they enjoy this, as well as all those who are to busy to think about dinner!

What's for Dinner? The question we all ask ourselves, or get asked, daily. I'm sick of walking back and forth between the fridge/freezer and my pantry wondering what to make that night for dinner. I look through cook books, look on line, ask my husband and kids, then when I finally decide half the time I'm missing some major ingredient. Then here we are at 7:00 pm back to square one.

When I’m working, I'll ask clients what they are going to have for dinner and it seems like most of us have the same response, "I haven't even thought about it yet." Then one evening I was doing my cousin, Monica's hair and she told me she makes a menu correlating with sales...BRILLIANT! So, I’ve decided to do the same, however I’ve found we have lots of leftovers. Well great, leftover night right…wrong! Anyone who knows my husband, knows he hates leftovers, and because I love him, I try not to have leftover night. Therefore I’ve learned to make meals from meals and he never knows that he’s eating Monday’s chili on Wednesday. Ha ha ha, our little secrete!

This blog is mainly for the meals I create; to help my sisters, and anyone else, go from leftover to gourmet! I will also put my menu, which correlates with the grocery sales, on this blog. I only plan five meals, because everyone needs a night off from cooking right and Sundays we usually eat with family. I hope this helps you as much as it helps me!

Bow & Head Band Holders

I took an old picture frame and spray painted it white.  Then stapled ribbon onto the back.  This was great to clip all the flowers and bows to, but what about all the little head bands?  I saved a large Country Time Lemonade can thinking I could use it for something...then I had this great idea!  I took it and mod podged cute paper around the outside and glued a huge flower on top.  I then placed all the cute head bands around the outside and the plain ones, that I clip flowers and bows to, in the inside.  Now I'm not searching all over Taysha's room looking for headbands!

Little Girl Name Board

Made this for my little girls room.  I got a canvas board, wooden letters, flowers, butterflies, & ribbon from Hobby Lobby.  Stapled some fabric on the board.  I painted the letters and hot glued flowers around.  I stapled the ribbon around the edge.  It looks so cute over her crib!

Fajita Quesadilla

I make these when I have leftover grilled steak or chicken.  This is so fast and easy, yet very good!

• Steak or chicken breast, marinated
• minced garlic                                
• 1 lime, juiced
• 3 tsp  Worcestershire sauce
• 3  tsp liquid smoke (mesquite flavor is great)
• 1 white onion
• 1 green bell pepper
• olive oil
• 2 cups grated cheese
• flour tortillas

Cut steak or chicken into strips and marinate in garlic, juice from lime, Worcestershire sauce and liquid smoke (or use already cooked meat).  Slice onion and bell pepper into strips.  Saute onion and pepper in oil until crispy tender.  Remove to plate to drain.  Drain your meat and cook in same skillet until done (if using already cooked meat, just warm it back up in skillet).  Wipe our skillet and reheat to medium-high.  Place butter on one side of tortilla, putting that side on skillet, then top with cheese, meat, veggies, and a little more cheese.  Place another tortilla, with butter on one side, that side facing up, on top.  Cook a few minutes, until golden brown and flip until other side is golden brown and cheese is melted.  Serve with salsa. 

Grilled Asparagus

 

My family loves asparagus!  Lucky for us, it grows wild on our farm so we get sacks full every year.  This is one of our favorite ways to eat it.

• 1 lb fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
• 1 TBSP olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

Preheat grill on high.  Lightly cot the asparagus with olive oil.  Season with salt and pepper.  Place on foil then put on grill.  Grill over high heat for 2-3 min tossing half way, cook to desired tenderness. 

Also can be put under high broiler in oven on baking sheet.

 

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Herb Garlic Butter

We love corn on the cob and our favorite is when it's grilled!

• 5 ears of corn
• Herb garlic butter

Pull the outer husks down the ear to the base. Strip away the silk from each ear of corn by hand. Fold husks back into place, and place the ears of corn in a large bowl of cold water for 10 minutes. Remove corn from water and shake off excess. Place the corn on the grill, close the cover and grill over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, or until kernels are tender when pierced with a paring knife. Remove the husks and eat.

Herb Garlic Butter

2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/4 cup chopped fresh chives 

2 TBSP minced garlic

1 teaspoon kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Combine butter, chives and garlic in a food processor and process until smooth. Stir in salt and pepper. Brush on corn

Ground Beef and Rice

Nice crock pot meal!

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup rice
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 2 TBSP soy sauce
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• canned French-fried onions

Brown the ground beef and onion in a skillet; drain well.  Place in crock pot.  Mix in uncooked rice (not minute rice),  soups, water, & soy sauce.  Top with the french-fried onions.  Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours until rice is done. 

I like to cook extra ground beef and store in the freezer for a quick meal in the future...from leftover to gourmet!

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

This is a quick and easy recipe for Chicken Tetrazzini. 

• 1 lb cooked and drained spaghetti
• 5 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
• 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup onions
• 2 TBSP minced garlic
• 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Put cooked spaghetti into 9x13 in. greased baking dish.  Place chicken on top.  In medium saucepan melt butter and saute onions and garlic until clear.  Add and heat together soup, water, and broth.  Bring to a boil then pour over chicken.  Sprinkle cheese on top and press down a bit.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. 

I cook extra chicken so I can use it for another meal...from leftover to gourmet!

Grilled Steak

We love grilling in the summer time and there is nothing better than a good ol' fashioned steak!

• 4 Steaks
• 2 cups olive oil
• 1/8 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cupWorcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• Chicago Steak seasoning

Mix oil, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce and garlic.  Pour over steaks. Marinade steaks 2 hours in fridge then at room temperature for 30 min.  Sprinkle with steak seasoning.  Grill over medium heat 8-10 min. flipping half way through.  We like ours medium rare, so cook longer or shorter depending on preference.  Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will let the juices flow out from the center, redistributing moisture, so the whole steak is nice and juicy

I also will just use the marinades from the store if I find a GREAT buy.  Also, I grill an extra stake to make a meal for another night...from leftover to gourmet!

Chicken Salad Croissants

I love these and I must say my mom makes them the best! Simple yet very delicious:)

• 3 cups cooked chicken, diced (use leftover chicken or turkey if you have it)
• 2 cups lg. shell noodles, boiled and drained
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 green onion, diced
• 2 hard boiled eggs, diced (optional)
• 3/4 cup Mayonnaise
• 3/4 cup Miracle Whip
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup cashews
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 10-12 croissants

In a large bowl mix chicken noodles celery & Onions.  In a small bowl mix mayo and miracle whip and salt.  Add to chicken and noodles; stir good.  Toss in eggs, nuts & cranberries.  Slice open croissants and fill with salad. 

Chocolate Cip Pan Cookies

I made these for the first time to take to a party the other day.  My husband has one and says, "Props to whoever made these.  They are amazing!"  I'm like, "Nic, I made those".  He did carry them out to the car for me.  Everyone there loved them...so here is another recipe from Grandma Barbara!

• 2 1/4 cup flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 1 12 oz pkg chocolate chips.  (I did 1 cup chocolate chips & 1 cup white chips)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Cream butter, sugars, and vanilla.  Beat in eggs.  In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt and soda.  Gradually add flour mixture to sugar.  Stir well.  Add chocolate chips and nuts.  Spread into greased 15x10x1 in. pan.  Bake for 15-20 min. at 375 degrees. 

Chocolate Bundt Cake

 

 

Nic's favorite cake his Grandma Barbara made.  Everyone loves it!

• 1 pkg chocolate cake mix
• 1 pkg chocolate instant pudding
• 1/3 cup flour for high altitude
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 4 eggs

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Blend all ingredients in a large bowl; beat at medium speed for two minutes.  Bake in a greased and floured 10 in bundt pan for 45-50 min, or until center springs back when lightly touched.  Cool right side up for about 25 min then remove from pan.

Frosting

• 2 TBSP cocoa
• 1 TBSP + 2 tsp water
• 1 TBSP oil
• 1 TBSP light corn syrup

Combine everything in small saucepan and cook, stirring constantly, over low heat until mixture is smooth.  Remove from heat; immediately beat in 1 cup powdered sugar.  Drizzle over cake.

I also melt white chocolate chips and drizzle over chocolate, just to make it pretty.

Chicken Enchilada Nachos

This is basically the same as the tostadas, just different form.

• 4 chicken breasts, cubed
• 1/4 cup taco seasoning, or one pkg
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese
• bag of corn chips
• sour cream
• olives

In a crock pot, add chicken, taco seasoning, onion, enchilada sauce, tomatoes, and cheese. Cook on low 6-8 hours.  Place chips on baking sheet and sprinkle with chicken mixture.  Top with shredded cheese and place in 350 degree oven for about 15 min or until cheese is melted.  Garnish with olives and sour cream.

Turkey

It's like Thanksgiving all over again!  When I find turkey on sale, for a great deal, I buy one and my little family has a huge turkey dinner.  I then shred the rest of the turkey and freeze it for quick meals in the future!

• 1 whole turkey thawed, up to 20 lbs
• 2 TBSP olive oil
• poultry rub seasoning
• seasoning salt

Prep the turkey by rinsing and patting dry. Sprinkle salt in the cavities. Stuff your turkey if desired.  Stuff lightly and loose.  (I buy a bunch of stuffing mixes after Thanksgiving with coupons for near nothing, so I stuff mine). Place the turkey in roaster on top of the wire rack that comes with your roaster. Make sure the handles are up, not tucked below. Rub the entire bird with olive oil and then sprinkle and rub poultry seasoning and seasoning salt on. Roast at highest setting for 30 minutes. The oil, seasoning salt and the searing time will make the skin beautifully browned and perfect! After 30 minutes, turn the oven temperature down to 325. Check the labe for time but it will be between 3-4 hours. 

Check your Bird - Figure your total cooking time from the time you first put the bird in the roaster. FINAL TEMPERATURE FOR SAFETY AND DONENESS IS: 180 DEGREES IN THIGH AND 165 DEGREES IN BREAST AND STUFFING. Juices should be clear, not pink.

Store leftover turkey in freezer.  Then just pull a bag out for a quick meal! This is a great way to save time and money!

 

Sandwich Pockets

Quick, easy, and great after working outside on a hot summer day.

• Turkey or chicken, shredded or lunch meat (I used turkey because I had it leftover)
• lettuce, shredded
• tomato, diced
• shredded cheese
• avocados, sliced
• ranch
• 1 pkg sandwich pockets

Tear pockets in half and open.  Fill with everything and enjoy!

Cowboy Pasta

My sister-in-law made this once and it was really good!

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (29 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup water
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 (8 oz) can diced tomatoes (also good with fire roasted diced tomatoes)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 lb macaroni noodles
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 cup shredded cheese

In a skillet, cook meat (I always season hamburger with garlic salt and pepper), onion and garlic over medium heat until meat is done; drain. Add tomato sauce, water, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, salt, basil, and oregano. Mix well and let simmer- the longer the better so the flavors blend! Boil noodles until done, drain.  Mix noodles, meat mixture, cheese, and corn.  Again, if you find a great deal on sauce use it or use leftover sauce.

Cream of Asparagus Soup

Mom told me how to make this and it was so good!

• 3-5 cups of asparagus cut into 1-2 in. pieces
• 1/4 cup diced onions
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 4 TBSP butter
• 4 TBSP flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 can evaporated milk (add another cup of milk if you don't have this)
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups chicken broth

In a large saucepan cover asparagus with water and boil 3-5 min or until crisp-tender.  Drain and set aside.  In same saucepan, saute onion & garlic in butter until tender.  Add flour, salt and pepper.  Slowly stir in chicken broth and let thicken a bit. Gradually mix in milk and let simmer about 2 min.  Add asparagus and cook until heated through. 

Chicken Enchilada Tostada

This turned out very yummy and my children even ate it!

• 4 chicken breasts, cubed
• 1/4 cup taco seasoning, or one pkg
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese
• 6 corn tortillas, or tostada shells
• lettuce
• tomato
• onion
• cheese
• sour cream

In a crock pot, add chicken, taco seasoning, onion, enchilada sauce, tomatoes, and cheese.  Cook on low 6-8 hours.  Fry corn tortillas until crispy and drain.  Smother shell with chicken and sauce.  Garnish with lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, & sour cream.

Make plenty of chicken sauce because you will use for another meal...from leftover to gourmet!

I am a child of God boards

These are the Birthday Boards I made for our primary this year.  I had my husband cut the boards for me, they are 2x6 boards, I believe, that I had him cut each one 12 in.  I then sanded them and spray painted blue for the boys and red for the girls.  I glued the card stock on and the small close pin.  I got the Child of God verse off sugardoodle.net.  Then I sprayed them lightly, once glue was totally dry, with Mod Podge spray (it's very strong, so spray outside!). Tie a ribbon around and pin the picture.  Turned out super cute & the children love them!

Family Birthdays

My Grandpa is always forgetting birthdays and has been wanting a calender or something, so I decided to make him this birthday board.  The birthdays are on 1 inch wooden circles I got from Hobby Lobby.  My wonderful husband cut me the board, that I painted, and then I added vinyl letters I cut using my cricket.  The circles have a loop of string I glued so you can hook them to the one above.  Also you can move them if a new birthday is added between one (my sisters great idea). 

My Choc-Oat-Chip Cookies

Everyone loves these! They are a family favorite at my house.

• 1 3/4 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 lg eggs
• 2 TBS milk
• 2 tsp Vanilla
• 2 1/2 cups oats
• 1 cup Chocolate chips
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped nuts

In a large bowl beat brown sugar, butter, and sugar until creamy.  Add eggs, milk, & vanilla.  In a separate bowl mix flour and baking soda and gradually add to sugar mixture.  Stir in oats, chips and nuts.  Place in small mounds on baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees 8-10 min. 

Baby Blankets

Blanket I made for my little miss Emeri!

• 3 yards of fabric~5 front squares, 9 back squares, & 4 flowers
• 1 yard of fabric~4 front squares & 5 flowers
• 1 yard of two different fabrics for rectangles and flower centers
• 2 yards of flannel for batting

Cutting Instructions:

• Cut 18 3x16 rectangles in first fabric
• Cut 18 3x12 in second fabric
• Cut 5 12x12 squares in first fabric
• Cut 4 12x12 squares in second fabric
• Cut 9 16x16 squares in first fabric & batting
• I printed out a flower pattern I liked on paper and then cut 4 out in first fabric and 5 out in second fabric.  For the centers I also printed out a circle that looked nice in the flower and cut out 5 in first fabric and 4 in second. 

 

We are going to piece each 16x16 front block.  Place the 3x12 rectangle on side of 12x12 square with wrong sides facing each other and sew a 1/2 inch seam (these edges will be clipped to make a rag block).  Repeat other side with 3x12 rectangle with 12x12 square.  Now place your 3x16 rectangle along the edge of your block with wrong sides together ( you should have a 12x16 strip now) and sew 1/2 in. seam.  Repeat other side with 3x16 rectangle.  Now you should have a 16x16 block.  Repeat for all blocks.  Once you have all nine front blocks finished, place batting and back square with your front block.  Pin your flower on each block and sew around each flower with app. 1/4 inch seam.  This will hold your front square to your back square with the batting in the middle.  Then sew middle of flower on. Now you should have 9 blocks finished.  Put backs together of blocks, making sure the rectangles are in the right pattern, and sew one side together with 1/2 in. seam.  Repeat with third block.  Now you will have three blocks together, set them aside.  Do the next three and then the next three.  You will have three strips of 3 blocks each.  Place two of them together with backs facing each other, making sure patterns are right.  Sew using 1/2 in seam.  Add your last row to the blanket using 1/2 in. seam and making sure pattern is right.  Finish quilt by sewing along outside edge again using 1/2 in. seam.  Clip unfinished edges of quilt. (Don't clip petals, they will fray on their own)  Wash and enjoy!