Cooking Through The Craziness

Homemade Doughnuts

2010-05-13T03:27:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
1 C. sugar
2 eggs
1 c. milk
1 t. vanilla
3 c. flour ( I used maybe 1/2 cup more for rolling out the dough so it wouldn't stick to my hands!)
1/2 t. salt
2 t. baking powder

Directions:
Mix dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients. Roll into balls. Fry in deep fryer at 375 degrees until brown.

Set aside to drain a bit then roll in cinnamon and sugar.

Crockpot Chicken and Brocolli

2010-05-10T01:56:00.000-07:00

Once again, for this reciepe I am using my trusty crockpot.

Ingredients
4 split chicken breasts
1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 bag frozen brocolli flowerets
PAM

Directions
Spray inside crockpot lightly with PAM
Add chicken breasts,soup and brocolli ( in that order)

Cover and cook on low 5-7 hours.

Dinner Tonight---Crockpot Pot Roast with Potatoes

2010-05-03T07:07:00.000-07:00

MMMMMM! Theres nnothing more I LOVE then my crockpot!

Tonight we are having potroast and 'taters. MMMMM. Its smelled sooooooooooo yummy in here since 10 a.m. this morning when I threw it in!

So this is easy. Go to the store and get a pot roast that fits your crockpot. Make sure you have potatoes in your cart too.( and carrots would taste yummy in here too) Bring it all home.

Spray the inside of your crock pot with PAM. Throw in the roast (not literally) and cover it with the chunks of taters.Drizzle tatoes and meat with some olive oil ( can use veg oil it youd like, we are an olive oil family here when we cook!)

Sprinkle with Sea Salt (or regular salt if you prefer)and pepper. Sprinkle with Basil and McCormicks Kickin Chicken Seasoning. Now don't let the name fool you....its really yummy on every meat...not just chicken!

Cover and cook on low all day.(7-8 hours)

MMMMMMMMM!

Enjoy!

Dinner Tonight-CHICKEN WINGS!!!

2010-04-30T08:08:00.000-07:00

ok, so i haven't been that great at keeping up with this whole receipe thing...again. SORRY! Tonight I am making some chicken wings. I dont know what else is going along with it yet, but this part I know! LOL!

Take a bag of Frozen Chicken wings and cook them at 425 degrees for 1 hour.( I used them frozen not thawed, so cooking will take longer!)

Take them out and dump your fav. BBQ sauce all over them! I usually add minced garlic at this point as well, but Im out right now! :( Bummer cuz its wayyyyy yummy!

Anyways, cook till no longer pink. Time usually varies between 30 and 60 minutes more after you put on the BBQ sauce.( Im not sure why!)

Anyways, enjoy your Friday night all!

Breakfast for Dinner-Country Gravy and Biscuits

2010-04-06T01:12:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while, we like to mix it up here and the McNeil household! Tonight will be one of those nights where we have breakfast for dinner!!! MMM MMM good!

Country Gravy and Biscuits.

No receipe needed for this one. Just a can or 2 of refrigerated biscuits and a package or 2 of McCormick Country gravy mix. Follow the directions and you will have yourself some yummy breakfast for dinner in now time!

Dinner Tonight-Mozzerella Chicken over Garlic Pasta

2010-04-05T03:01:00.000-07:00

1/4 t.olive oil

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1/4 t. pepper

1/2 t. minced garlic

1/4 c. minced onion

1/2 chicken broth

4 c. spaghetti sauce

1 c. shredded mozzerella

1.Heat oil on high heat.Saute chciken 4-5 minutes on each side

2. Add onion, garlic,pepper and broth.

3.Cover and simmer until broth cooks off (7-10 minutes)

4. Stir in sauce.Cover. simmer 10 minutes more until chicken is no longer pink.

5.Sprinkle cheese on top. Cover and cook 2-3 minutes more until cheese is melted.Serve over Garlic pasta(receipe below)

Garlic Pasta Ingredients and Directions

8 oz. pasta (your choice)

6 T. olive oil

2 cloves garlic-sliced

1/2 c. grated cheese-divided

1t. chopped fresh parsley (im using dried basil)

Boil pasta to al dente (8-10 minutes)

Drain and return to pot. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Saute garlic slices 5 minutes.

Remove garlic slices and discard.

Pour oil over pasta in pot and toss to coat.

Sprinkle 3/4 c. grated parm onto pasta.

Sprinkle with remaining Parm and parsley.Top with chicken and Serve.

Let me tell you! This recipe was delightful! MMM-MMM-MMM! You wouldn't even know that it was jar sauce used. Thats how homemade it tastes! Yummy! Give it a try!

Almost a Year Already??

2010-04-04T23:30:00.000-07:00

Holy cow! i cannot believe its been almost one year since i last posted any recipes! AHHHHHH! well my dear followers...(yay for my newest, michele! thank you!) that comes to and end. I will try to post at least what we have for dinner and the recipe every night!

big task, I know...hopefully I can get back in the swing of things cuz I loveeee cooking and baking! Anyways, wish me luck!

Ribbon Pumpkin Muffins

2009-06-25T13:25:00.000-07:00

Filling

6 oz reduced-fat cream cheese
1/4 c. sugar
1 T all purpose flour
2 egg whites

Batter

1 c. pumpkin
1/2 c. applesauce
1egg
2 egg whites
1T canola oil
1-2/3 c.all purpose flour
1/2 c +1/4 c. sugar
1 t baking powder
1/2 t cinnamon

For filling
Mix all ingredients and set aside

For muffins
Combine all ingredients in large mixing bowl. Fill muffin cups up a little less the half with pumpkin mixture. Add a tablespoon or two of cream cheese mixture on top. Top cream cheese mixture with more pumpkin mixture.

Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes till toothpick inserted in cenetr comes out clean.

Nutritional info

2 muffins= 1 serving

Calories=107

fat=3g

sat fat=1g

Home Made Stromboli

2009-06-06T15:39:00.000-07:00

Crust Recipe

1T yeast

1c warm water

1t sugar

1t salt

2T olive oil-i used canola

1 1/2 c. whole wheat flour

1/2 c. white flour

Add yeast, water, and sugar in a bowl. Mix together salt and oil in seperate bowl. Add to yeast mixture.( I added all ingredients into my bread machine)

Mix together flours and add wet ingredients to dry. Mix. Knead 5 min or so until smooth and elastic. Form into ball and let rest 10 min.

Roll out to about 8" long by 3 " wide.

Top with your choice of toppings.

I used, lean ground beef( 93% lean)
part skim mozzerella shredded
fresh broccoli, chopped.
1 can tomato paste for sauce

Fold edges to cover toppings. Bake @ 400 degrees for 15 minutes on greased cookie sheet.

Mediterranean Baked Penne

2009-05-16T17:26:00.001-07:00

Ingredients
1/2 c breadcrumbs

1T E.v.o.o.

1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped

1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

1 clove garlic,minced

2 can diced tomatoes, undrained

salt and pepper to taste

1 pound penne

1 1/2 c. part skim mozzarella,shredded

2 large eggs-lightly beaten

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375. Coat 3 qt. casserole dish with cooking spray. Coat the dish with 1/4 c. breadcrumbs, tapping out the excess. Boil water for pasta.

Heat oil in large skillet over med-high heat. Add veggies and garlic. Saute 10 minutes. Add diced tomatoes. Simmer till thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to large bowl.

Meanwhile, cook penne to al dente.Drain and toss with diced tomato mixture. Stir in mozzarella.

Spoon pasta mixture into baking dish. Drizzle with beaten eggs and top with remaining 1/4 c breadcrumbs. Bake 40 minutes.

Nutrition Info:

Calories-337

Fat-13g

Fiber-5g

****recipe courtesy of eatingwell.com****

Dinner Tonight---Green Chicken and Rice( from my Dear Friend Nicole)

2009-05-15T14:45:00.000-07:00

*This recipe is amazing!!!! Try it. you'll see!!! Thanks Nicole. Love you and miss you bunches!!!

Mexican Green Rice

Saute 1/2 c. chopped yellow onion and 1 t. minced garlic in 1 T olive oil. Add 1 c. White long grain rice(I used brown rice). Lightly toast. Add 1 bunch of pureed cilantro(blend in blender with a bit of olive oil) Add 1 1/2 c. chicken broth(can use water also)

Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer for 17 minutes. Fluff. Serve

Spicy Garlic Marinade for Chicken, Seafood or Tofu

1 bunch cilantro

1 large whole head garlic, minced( or 2 t. from jar)

2 T coarse black pepper

1 t curry powder

1/4 t crushed red chili pepper

1/4 c. peanut oil( i used canola)

1/3 c. soy sauce

Mix all ingredients in blender. Pour into flat baking dish. Add meat and marinate overnight.( i did 2 hours and it was yummy but its even tastier doing it overnight)

Next day,pull chicken out of fridge 15-20 minutes before Barbecuing.

Hearty Oatmeal Pancakes

2009-05-15T13:24:00.001-07:00

I just got this new cookbook and its AMAZING!!!! I love it because they are all healthy recipes and it contains NUTRITIONAL INFO for every recipe! WOOOOO! I highly recommend getting it...hint hint...Walmart! :)

Ingredients:

1 c. quick cooking oats

1/2 c. all purpose flour

1/2 c. whole wheat flour

1T sugar

1 t. baking powder

1/2t baking soda

1/4t.salt

1 egg,lightly beaten

2 c. buttermilk( i use 1 1/2 c. skim milk)

1t. vanilla extract( i didnt have any left so I used cinnamon, to taste)

Directions:

Combine first 7 ingredients in one bowl. In another bowl, combine last 4 ingredients. Stir wet ingredients into dry.Mix until just mositened.

Pour batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto hot griddle coated with cooking spray(i used some canola oil) Turn when tops bubble. Cook until second side is golden brown.

Serve with assorted berries.( I used 4 T cool whip free, for topping then added berries)
MMMMMM MMMMMMMMM MMMMM!
Serves 8

Serving Size-3 pancakes( berries or cool whip not included in calorie total)

Nutritional info:

calories-328

fat-11g

sat fat-2g

protein-12g

Homemade Crescent Roll Dough

2009-05-10T07:15:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

1 T. active dry yeast
1/2 c. warm water
1 1/2 c. milk
1/2 c. butter, softened and cut into chunks
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. mashed potato flakes
2 eggs
1 1/2 t. salt
6 to 6 1/2 c. flour

Directions

1. Dissolve the yeast in warm water in a large bowl. Add the milk, butter pieces, sugar, potato flakes, eggs and salt to the bowl. Stir just to combine. Add three cups of flour and mix well; stirring until smooth. Add as much of the remaining dough as possible until a stiff dough forms.

2. Knead a few times or mix with a dough hook for an additional minute. Cover dough and let rise for 15 minutes.

3. Divide dough in half and roll each half into a circle about 1/2 in. thick or a little less. Cut each circle into evenly-sized wedges, about 16-18 each. Roll the wedges of dough from the wide end to the point. Curve ends slightly and place on a cookie sheet. Cover and let rise one hour.

4.Bake at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes. (I usually rotate the cookie sheets from top rack to lower rack halfway through so that they get evenly brown on top and bottom.)The cooked rolls can be frozen and thawed in a few hours on the counter. Or the rolls can be frozen before the second rising.

****Recipe from http://stolenmomentscooking.com/homemade-crescent-rolls/

Dinner Tonight---Crockpot Honey Teriyaki Chicken Breasts

2009-05-08T07:22:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

chicken breast halves....as many as needed

KC Masterpiece Honey Teriyaki Marinade

Directions

Place chicken in crock pot. Pour desired amount of marinade onto chicken.Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours.

Serve with brown rice and salad.

Dinner Tonight-My Famous Sweet Chili& Homemade Rolls

2009-05-07T12:14:00.000-07:00

My Famous Sweet Chili
Ingredients:

6-8 slices bacon

1 yellow onion-chopped

1 clove garlic-chopped( or sometimes I use garlic powder)

2 lbs. 93% lean ground beef

1 can diced tomatoes

1 green or red pepper-chopped

1 can chick peas, undrained

1 can Mexicorn

1/2 t. salt

1 T brown sugar

Chili powder to taste( i use a lot)

1 t. cumin

Directions

Saute bacon till crisp in heavy soup pot.Add onion garlic and peppers.Saute till soft. Add ground beef. Stir and saute until well done. Add tomatoes, beans,salt,brown sugar,chili powder, and cumin. Adjust salt and chili powder to taste. Cover and simmer about 1 hour, until thick.

*The longer the chili goes the thicker it becomes. If too thick,add tomato juice and continue cooking adjusting brown sugar to taste!

Dinner Rolls

Ingredients

4c flour

1t salt

6t baking powder

1T shortening( I used Light margarine)

1 1/2 c milk( i used skim)

Directions

Sift together first 3 ingredients.Add milk and shortening(or butter) Mix till dough forms. turn out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth dough forms

Cut dough into 4" long and 2" wide pieces. Place on greased baking sheet. Brush with melted butter on top.Sprinkle with your choice of seasonings( i used Italian) Bake at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes

Dinner Tonight---Spinach Penne

2009-05-06T13:11:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package Pene pasta
1 (28 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained

Cooking Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

In a large pot with boiling salted water cook penne until al dente. Drain.
In a large bowl combine spaghetti sauce, Parmesan cheese, and cooked and drained pasta.
In a separate bowls place 1-1/2 cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese and spinach.
To assemble, in a 1-1/2-quart casserole dish layer half of the pasta mixture, half the spinach, and half the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat. Cover with aluminum foil.

Edit------------------Here's the after pictures! It's cheesy goodness and al! MMMM!

Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove from oven; sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese over top and bake until cheese melts.

Serves 5

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving
calories: 399cal
total fat: 12.9g
cholesterol: 30mg
sodium: 994mg
carbohydrates: 48.3g
fiber: 5.7g
protein: 22.3g

***recipe courtesy of kaboose.com***

Grilled Cheese and Turkey Sandwich

2009-05-06T11:50:00.000-07:00

Gather your ingredients( recipe follows)

Spread the mayo on one side of each slice(if making making more the one sandwich as I did)

Place mayo side down. Add cheese and meat(or honeymustard) on topFlip when browned.Serve. mmmmmmm.

Ingredients:
2 slices whole wheat bread( i use Sarah lee 45 calories wheat bread)
2 slices cheese-any kind( I used Kraft American)

2 slices turkey or any meat( i didn't have any on hand so I used a teaspoon of Honey Mustard instead)

2 t. fat free mayo( i used Kraft Free)

Directions

Heat pan over med high heat.(i used some olive oil in the pan to crisp it up) Spread one side of each slice of bread with 1 t. of mayo.Place one bread slice(mayo side down) in pan. Add cheese, meat(or honey mustard) on top. Place other piece of bread on top, mayo side up.Cook till lightly browned on that side. Flip and repeat.

Makes 1 sandwich

Nutritional Info

Calories-341

Calories from fat-157

total fat-17.6g

Protein-19.8g

Chocolate Peanutbutter Banana Low Calorie Smoothie

2009-05-06T10:19:00.000-07:00

1 c. Chocolate milk( i used skim milk and added 2 T Nesquick powder)

1 med. banana-broken into chunks

1 T peanut butter

1/2 c. ice cubes

Blend all ingredients in blender and enjoy!!!

Nutritional Info

calories-180

Protein-7g

Total Fat-6g

Makes 1 serving.

Cinnamon Bread For Bread Machine

2009-05-06T09:21:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

1T lemon juice

1 1/2 c. warm water

2 T margarine

4 c. white flour

1/4 c. brown sugar

1 1/2 t. salt

3 t. cinnamon

2 1/4 t. yeast

Add all ingredients to machine in order and start cycle. Bread is finished when machine beeps.( about 4 hours from start to finish, for mine)

serves 10

Nutritional Info:(per serving)

Calories-260

Cal from fat-25

Total fat-2.9 g

Protein-5.9 g

Dinner Tonight--Crockpot Chiken Breast with Brown Rice and Veggies

2009-05-05T11:06:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked brown rice
1/2 chopped onion
1 cup frozen peas and carrots.<>I used jarred minced garlic
1 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup (try to get fat free low sodium) >>Didnt use
1 10.5 ounce can cream of mushroom soup (ditto) >>I used 2 cans of this
salt and pepper
2 cups water
2 lbs chicken breast (I use frozen and throw in 4-5 pieces)

Directions

Mix brown rice, veggies, soups, water and spices in crockpot.
Put chicken on top (somtimes I have to shove some of it down into the mixture to make enough room for all the chicken--I need a bigger crockpot!)
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Cooking times may vary with the crockpot.

Number of Servings: 6

***Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user GONNABEHALFOFME.
Number of Servings: 6

Nutritional Info
Servings Per Recipe: 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 323.5
Total Fat: 8.4 g
Cholesterol: 91.7 mg
Sodium: 1,177.0 mg
Total Carbs: 21.2 g
Dietary Fiber: 3.1 g
Protein: 40.2 g

***Pictures of the final cooked version to come later on when it's ready!!!*****

Breadmaker---White Bread

2009-05-04T16:06:00.000-07:00

*i doubled the recipe to make a big loaf*

Ingredients

3T sugar
3T olive oil
1 1/2 t. salt
2 1/4 t. yeast
1 c. warm water
3 c. bread flour

Add following ingerdients to bread machine in order. Start cycle for medium crust. Let machine run through all of its cycles.

****This is the BEST white bread recipe i have tried so far. Its perfect. not to salty or yeasty!!! trust me...make it!!! MMMMMM***********

Slow Cooker Italian Chicken

2009-05-04T15:39:00.000-07:00

I just thru this in a crockpot and volia...yum!

Ingredients....

3-4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 small can tomato paste
1 can diced tomatoes with peppers and onion
salt and pepper to taste

Place chicken in crockpot. Add tomato paste,then diced tomatoes. Sprinlke with salt and pepper.

Cover and cook on low 6-7 hours or high 4-5 hours. Serve warm.

Uncle Freddy's Sauce Recipe( from Michaels Uncle)

2009-05-04T13:49:00.000-07:00

Here's the directions as explained to us......................

Cover bottom of Large pot with olive oil.Heat on med-low. Add 2 heaping T. minced garlic, 1I oregano,2T parsley, pinch or rosemary and a pinch of sage. Take off of burner.
Add 1 large can Hunts Tomato sauce
Add 1 large can Hunts Puree
Add 1 small can tomato paste
Add 3-4 big canfuls of water(use sauce can) Mix. Add 1T more of oregano. Cover whole top with dry parsley and basil.

Slow simmer 3-4 hours. Then add 2 T. sugar.
Taste and adjust seasoning to liking!!

****This is the best sauce ever people! Hope this helps Joanne*********

Inside Out CheeseBurgers

2009-05-03T15:41:00.000-07:00

Makes 4 servings

ACTIVE TIME: 20 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 35 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup shredded Gruyere cheese....i didn't use this.
1 pound 90%-lean ground beef...i used 93 % lean
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1. Preheat grill to medium-high or preheat the broiler.
2. Combine Cheddar and Gruyere in a small bowl.
3. Gently mix beef, Worcestershire, paprika and pepper in a large bowl, preferably with your hands, without overworking. Shape into 8 thin, 4-inch-wide patties. Mound 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture on each of 4 patties, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Cover each with one of the remaining patties. Crimp and seal the edges closed.
4. To grill: Lightly oil the grill rack (see Tip). Grill the stuffed patties over medium-high heat, about 4 minutes per side for medium-well. (Be sure not to press the burgers as they cook or they’ll split open and the cheese will ooze out.) To broil: Cover a broiler pan with foil and coat with cooking spray. Broil the stuffed patties in the upper third of the oven, about 4 minutes per side for medium-well. In either case, let the burgers stand for 5 minutes before serving.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 250 calories; 16 g fat (7 g sat, 6 g mono); 74 mg cholesterol; 1 g carbohydrate; 24 g protein; 0 g fiber; 164 mg sodium.Nutrition bonus: Zinc (37% daily value), Calcium (15% dv), Iron (15% dv).
TIP: To oil a grill rack: Oil a folded paper towel, hold it with tongs and rub it over the rack. (Do not use cooking spray on a hot grill.)
-->
recipe courtsey of eatingwell.com

Healthy Strawberry Shortcake

2009-05-03T15:06:00.000-07:00

Serves 6

Ingredients
1 3/4 cups all-purpose (plain) flour,
sifted
2 1/2 teaspoons double-acting baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons trans-free margarine
3/4 cup fat-free milk

For the topping
6 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced3/4 cup (6 ounces) plain fat-free yogurt

Directions
Preheat the oven to 450 F. Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Using a fork, cut the margarine into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the milk and stir just until a moist dough forms.

Turn the dough onto a generously floured work surface and, with floured hands, knead gently 6 to 8 times until the dough is smooth and manageable. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a rectangle 1/4-inch thick. Cut into 6 squares. Place the squares onto the prepared baking pan and bake until golden, 10 to 12 minutes.

Transfer the biscuits onto individual plates. Top each with 1 cup strawberries and 2 tablespoons yogurt. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Analysis(per serving)

Calories
250

Sodium
486 mg

Total fat
5 g

Meatballs

2009-04-23T08:22:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
1 1/4 lb. ground beef
2t. Worcestershire
1 egg beaten
1/2 c. Italian bread crumbs
1/4 c. grated cheese
2 cloves garlic-chopped
salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 425. Mix all ingredients. Roll into 1/2 " meatballs and place on non stick cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes or until no longer pink.

Cream Scones

2009-04-22T07:33:00.001-07:00

Ingredients:

2 c all purpose flour

1/4 c. sugar

2 t. baking powder

1/4 t. salt

1/3 c. cold butter(i used light margarine)

1 large egg lightly beaten

1t.vanilla

1/2 c. whipping cream or milk( i used cream)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper( i sprayed mine with Pam for baking)

In large bowl combine flour, sugar and salt.Cut in butter. In another bowl combine whipping cream(or milk) egg, and vanilla. Add to flour mixture. Stir until just combined.Do not over mix. Knead dough. Roll out into circle and use circle cookie cutters to cut dough into circles. Place rounds onto cookie sheet. Brush tops with some more cream.

Bake 15-18 minutes( i did 17 minutes)till done.

Split and fill with whipped cream and your favorite jam( i used Sugar free seedless raspberry preserves.)

***recipe modified from fullbellies.blogspot.com*****

French Bread

2009-04-17T11:30:00.001-07:00

Ingredients:

6 c. all purpose flour( divided)

2 1/2 packages active dry yeast( or 2T)

1 1/2 t. salt

2 c warm water(110 degrees)

1 T cornmeal

1 egg

1T water

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine 2 c. flour, yeast and salt. Stir in 2 c. water and mix until blended. Using a wooden spoon, mix in remaining 4 c. flour.( i put mine in the bread machine to knead.) If doing by hand,put dough on lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes.

Shape into a ball. Place dough in greased bowl. Turn once.

Cover and let rise in warm place until doubled( about an hour)Punch down dough and divide into two. shape into loaf shape. Sprinkle cornmeal on baking sheet. Place dough onto cookie sheet. Take sharp knife and make slits ( 3 or 4) into top of dough. Mix together egg and 1 T water. Brush over top of loaves. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 20 minutes. Remove from oven. Again, brush with remaining egg mixture. Continue to bake 15-20 minutes until bread is golden brown. Remove from baking sheet and cool on wire rack.Calories per loaf=94

Serves 20

Crockpot Honey BBQ chicken with red onion

2009-04-15T17:10:00.000-07:00

SOOOOO yummy!!

Ingredients:

1-2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts(depending on the amount of people you need to serve)
1-2 red onions chopped into big chunks
1/2 to 1 whole bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce( i used Kraft Thick and Spicy Brown Sugar)
1 can chicken broth

Place chicken breasts in crockpot. Place chopped onion on top. Add BBQ sauce. Add can of broth. Cook on low 7 hour or High 5 hours. Serve with sauce from crockpot.

Homemade Cinnamon Bagels

2009-04-13T12:29:00.000-07:00

****Same ingredients and directions ro make plain bagels as well*********

Ingredients:

1 1/2 c. warm water (112 degrees)
2 T dry yeast
3 T. Sugar( i used this amount and feel like you could use a bit more and it wouldn't hurt.)

1 T salt
4 1/4 c. bread flour( i used all purpose)
8 c. water for boiling
1 egg lightly beaten
1 T water

Instructions:

In a small bowl mix together yeast sugar and warm water. Let stand 3 minutes.
In another bowl, mix 2 c. flour with the salt. Add yeast mixture. Stir in remaining flour slowly until combined.
Knead dough 5 minutes.( i used bread machine to knead dough) Dough should be fairly smooth and somewhat firm.
Place dough in greased bowl and let rise in warm spot for 1 hours. until doubled in size.Add the cinnamon and raisins now. Knead just to swirl the cinnamon through.Divide dough int 8 pieces and form into individual balls. Allow to rest for 5 minutes.

Bring 2 qts of water to a boil. Make hole in center of each ball and pull open about 2 inches.( making a bagel shape...this isn't that hard people.lol) They should look like this......Drop a few bagels into the boiling water and cook 45 seconds. turn once. Repeat till all bagels have been boiled. Place on wire rack to drain. Place on greased cookie sheet(s) and mix together egg and 1 T water. Brush mixture onto top of bagels.( top with additional toppings if desired. I.E...poppy seeds,onions, garlic,sesame seeds)

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes turning once after about 17 minutes.Bagel will be browned.

Top as desired and serve warm. mmmmmmm!

Cinnamon Muffins

2009-04-11T16:36:00.000-07:00

***These have the texture of more of a biscuit then a typical muffin.*** We find them Marvelous!!!

Ingerdients

1/3 c. shortening

1/2 c. sugar

1 egg

1 1/2 c. all purpose flour

1 1/2 t.baking powder

1/2 t. salt

1/4 t. ground nutmeg

1/2 c. milk

Topping

1/2 c. sugar

1 1/2 t. ground cinnamon

3 T butter-melted

In a bowl, cream shortening and sugar.

Add egg. Beat well.

Combine flour, powder, salt, and nutmeg.Add to cream mixture. Add milk. Mix well. Fill greased muffin tins 1/2 full.( or less for smaller muffins)

Bake @ 350 for 15 minutes till done.

In shallow bowl combine cinnamon and sugar. Dip muffin tops in melted butter and then in cinnamon and sugar.Serve warm.

Cheddar Crusted Chicken With Smooshy Applesauce

2009-04-10T12:53:00.000-07:00

From Every Day with Rachael Ray November-December 2005 FOUR SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS:

5 McIntosh apples--peeled, quartered, cored and chopped
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 cup apple cider (eyeball it)
3 rounded tablespoons brown sugar
One 1-inch piece of peeled ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Four 8-ounce skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 cup salted baby pretzels1 cup plain bread crumbs
1 cup shredded or crumbled sharp cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (eyeball it)
Freshly ground pepper
1 large egg
All-purpose flour, for dredging
Vegetable oil, for frying
Salt
1. Preheat a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the apples, lemon juice, cider, brown sugar, ginger and cinnamon and stir. Cook, stirring frequently, until mushy, about 15 minutes. Remove the ginger.

2. While the applesauce is cooking, sprinkle a little water into each of 4 quart-size plastic storage bags. Place 1 chicken breast in each bag, push out the excess air and seal it up. Using a heavy-bottomed pot, pound each breast until evenly thin, just shy of busting out of the bag.

3. Place the pretzels, bread crumbs, cheese, thyme, nutmeg and pepper in a food processor and pulse to grind until they're the consistency of bread crumbs. Transfer the ground pretzels and cheese to a shallow dish.

4. Crack the egg into a second shallow dish and lightly beat with a splash of water. Place some flour in a third dish. Coat the chicken first in flour, then egg and finally in cheese and pretzel crumbs.

5. In a large skillet, heat 1/4 inch of oil over medium-high heat and add the coated chicken breasts. Cook in a single layer, 3 or 4 minutes on each side, until the juices run clear and the breading is evenly browned. Cut off a piece of a cutlet and taste, to see if you want to salt them a little. Serve the chicken with the applesauce.

***This recipe is DEFINATLEY not one to make when your looking for a quick and esy dinner. It takes quite a bit of time both preparing and cooking, but is WELL worth it! I cannot stress enough how good this is!*****

Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken with Sausage

2009-04-10T12:23:00.000-07:00

Banana Cream Pie Smoothie

2009-04-10T12:22:00.000-07:00

Baked Oatmeal

2009-04-10T11:35:00.000-07:00

Baked Mac-n-Cheese with Brocolli

2009-04-10T10:53:00.000-07:00

SERVES 8

NUTRITIONAL INFO:

per serving: CALORIES....291

Calories from Fat......56

Cholesterol.....18mg

Sodium......219mg

Protein.....14.5g