LEARNING HOW TO BOIL WATER!

Exciting News!

2011-06-13T09:06:00.000-05:00

I have been seriously neglecting my wifely duties lately. I can't say that anything blog worthy has come out of my little kitchen in the past several months. I'm hoping that will begin to change soon! I have just been feeling very tired and sick all the time.....because we are HAVING A BABY!!! Yes, I can't even believe it. We are expecting our first little one in October. A sweet baby BOY!

I have been feeling a little better these past two weeks. Now that I'm on into my second trimester (23 weeks to be exact) most of my sickness has faded, and I am beginning to get a little energy back. I have tried a few new recipes this week....and if I can figure out how to upload photos from my new camera I will post them soon. :)

Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken

2011-02-07T10:03:00.001-06:00

Yuuummm! This recipe might not be the best looking dish you will ever prepare, but it sure is good. It's a great recipe for when you are short on time (for me that's every single day) and it only has a few ingredients. It got major bonus points for being a slow cooker recipe....but.....you can also just throw your chicken in frozen! Insert happy dance ;-)
I served mine over some white rice, and my hubby went nuts over it. I usually have these ingredients on hand, so I can throw this together anytime I'm having a busy week. (Which is more often than not)

I originally found this recipe from one of my favorite bloggers (Christy, The Girl Who Ate Everything). You can find the link to her original recipe HERE!

4 chicken breasts, frozen or thawed
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
1 (15 oz) jar of your favorite salsa
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese

Place chicken in slow cooker. Add black beans, salsa, and corn. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until chicken is cooked. Once chicken is cooked, remove from slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return shredded chicken to slow cooker. Add 1 package cream cheese. Seriously, just throw it on top of everything! Cover and cook for 1/2 hour. Don't worry if things look a little strange at this point. Just stir in the cream cheese and everything will come together.
Serve over rice, or in warm four tortillas!

Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken

2011-02-02T06:37:00.000-06:00

I'm not really sure how I'm the last one to know about this recipe?! But on the off chance that you guys have not tried it, I'm passing it along!

I'm all about meals that are easy to prepare...you get bonus points for being able to throw it in a slow cooker. This recipe is not only easy, it's creamy and super yummy. I found this recipe on several different websites, but I ended up using the recipe from one of my fav bloggers...Christy from The Girl Who Ate Everything. You can see her original post HERE! I also used the bowtie pasta becuase I think it's prettier than other pastas :)

4 Chicken Breasts (I used tenderloin strips because it's what I had on hand. One package has about 10 strips)

1 Packet Dry Zesty Italian Dressing Mix (trust me...use the zesty!!)

1-8oz Pkg Cream Cheese, Softened

1-2 Cans Cream Of Chicken Soup (I used 1.5 cans)

Place chicken is slow cooker and sprinkle whole packet of italian seasoning over it. Combine cream cheese and cream of chicken soup in small pot over low heat. Let cheese melt and pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low for at least 4 hours. When ready to eat, take out chicken and shred with forks. Place back in slow cooker and stir to combine. Serve over pasta or rice. If you feel your sauce is too thick, you can thin it to desired consistency with a little milk.

Nutella Hot Chocolate

2011-01-10T14:09:00.001-06:00

Thank You so much to The Hungry Housewife (Leslie) for letting me pass this wonderful recipe along to you guys! I am a huge fan of her blog. When I saw this recipe..I immediately ran into the kitchen and tried it out. Hope you guys enjoy this yummy concoction as much as I did! I have also included the recipe for her homemade whipped cream. Yuuuummmmm.... :-)

*Find the original blog post from The Hungry Housewife here!

Nutella Hot Chocolate

1 cup milk (I used whole)
2 1/2 Tbsp Nutella
1 Tbsp cocoa
Tiny pinch of salt

In a small sauce pan over medium heat, whisk together all ingredients until well blended and hot.
Pour into cup or mug and top with whipped cream.

Homemade Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 Tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Place a medium bowl and beaters from your electric mixer in the freezer for 10 minutes (this helps the whipped cream stiffen faster)
Pour all ingredients into chilled bowl and start to beat. Start off slow and gradually work your way up to high speed. It will be done when it has the consistancy of...whipped cream. Do not over beat.

HOT SAUCE!!

2011-01-07T08:50:00.000-06:00

Ok! Let me introduce you guys to my new best friend, Cholula! It is my new favorite hot sauce. Thats right...move over Tabasco. I discovered this little gem while enjoying breakfast with my hubby at IHOP. I'm not a huge fan of eggs, so I have to add a little something to make myself eat them.

It is just the perfect amount of spice. Not too overpowering...but not too bland. Plus I kinda like the cute little wooden top on the bottle. lol Not many restaurants in my area use this condiment. So I have been gently suggesting that they carry it. Now when we go out for breakfast I have been known to hide my own little mini-bottle in my purse! I know, I know...it's kinda embarrassing. But if certain eating establishments near my home (lookin at you Cracker Barrel) would just start carrying it I would not have to resort to such drastic measures. ;-)

Wassail

2010-10-01T21:49:00.009-05:00

*My favorite wassail spice blend!

*A snowy evening outside the Biltmore Home in Asheville, NC!

Fall is here!! I'm so excited that the weather has finally gotten a little cooler...and the leaves are starting to change colors. It just makes me want to surround myself with pumpkins and the smell of cinnamon and cloves. Since I have been a little under the weather this week I decided to break out the slow cooker and steep some wassail. It is so warm and comforting to a sore throat...and the cinnamon is a great antioxidant!
On our vacation to the Biltmore Home in Asheville, NC we picked up a bunch of their wassail mix. It is a really great blend of mulling spices with a little extra orange zest flavor. I usually mix several tbsp fulls with apple juice or apple cider (my fav is the Simply Apple Juice) and let it steep for a few hours on low in the slow cooker. You can also just pick up a package of mulling spices at your local grocery store to blend with the apple juice/cider. I still place a few extra cinnamon sticks in...just for a little added cinnamon~ey taste :)

Baking For The Ladies At Church!

2010-09-30T11:15:00.007-05:00

*Four dozen (minus one or two) Double Chocolate Chip Cookies*

*Four dozen Fall Oatmeal Cookies*

**8 dozen cookies all packed up and ready to go to the church**

This past week I had the honor of bringing some yummy baked treats for our monthly woman's ministry meeting at church. I really love these ladies...and most of them are wonderful cooks...so I was really feeling the pressure! I decided to make one "fall" cookie (since the weather is finally cooling off) and one chocolate cookie (I mean...what woman does not like chocolate). I finally decided on my friend Monica's Double Chocolate Chip Cookies...and a new recipe for Oatmeal Cranberry and White Chocolate Chip Cookies. Both the cookies were a big hit...and I have even received an invitation to bake for next months meeting :)

The recipe for the Double Chocolate Chip Cookies was in an earlier post...but you can find it HERE!

Fall Oatmeal Cookies

3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 large egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats (not instant)
3/4 cup dried cranberries
6 oz white chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a large bowl using electric mixer combine sugar, brown sugar, and butter and cream together.
Add in eggs and vanilla. Mix until combined.
Add cinnamon, baking soda, salt and flour and mix well.
Fold in the oatmeal, cranberries and white chocolate chips. Make sure all ingredients are well distributed.
Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place 2-3 inches apart onto a greased cookie sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

**I added slightly more cinnamon and a good sprinkle of nutmeg to the batter for a more "spicy" flavor!

Each batch will yield approx 24 cookies!

recipe adapted from Julesong on Food.com!

Senseo Giveaway!

2010-09-27T10:14:00.004-05:00

Check out my new blogger friend "Truthful Mommy". She is giving away a Senseo in honor of her upcoming birthday! Stop by her blog for a chance to win...and if you do...you owe me a cup of joe :)

Click For Link!

Crockpot Cajun Boiled Peanuts!

2010-06-14T09:51:00.003-05:00

This is another recipe from my fall cooking that I forgot to post! Sorry again!!

I am from the South. And being from the South I LOVE me some cajun boiled peanuts! They are such a great snack. But they can really be a labor of love. I found this recipe while searching around on Recipezaar.com. I added a good bit of cajun seasoning and hot sauce to spice things up a bit! I have a large crock pot with a lid that locks in place for transporting. It really came in handy with this recipe. As the peanuts cook and water fills the shells...it will begin to lift the lid!
**Original recipe from PugsandHugs on Recipezaar.com**

1 1/2 quart green uncooked peanuts (I used 1 lb peanuts in shell)
1/2 cup salt
2 1/2 quarts water (I just added enough water to cover the peanuts)
*4 tablespoons cajun seasoning
*hot sauce to taste (I like things spicy so I added just over 1/2 cup of Franks Red Hot)

Wash peanuts until water runs clear. Place peanuts in crock pot. Add salt, seasoning, hot sauce, and water. Cook on high for 6 hours. Then cook on low an additional 4-5 hours.
Add additional water during cooking to keep peanuts covered.

Super Easy Pumpkin Bread

2010-06-14T09:20:00.005-05:00

I would like to start by saying...I know I am super behind on this one! My apologies in advance!

I started (finally) clearing the memory card on my camera the other day. I found the pics of these muffins and realized I never posted this recipe! So I am taking a few steps back to October of 2009. These were so super easy to make. Instead of making a loaf...I made mini muffins. The recipe made about 24. I made two batches so I could share with my neighbors...and friends at work :)
**This recipe came from Mrs. English on Recipezaar.com**

1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup pumpkin puree (I used canned pumpkin)
1/2 cup olive oil (I used canola)
2 eggs beaten
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 cup walnuts (I omitted)
**I doubled all the spices in this recipe. Since I like a very strong nutmeg/cinnamon/allspice flavor**

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift together flour, salt, sugar, and baking soda. In a separate bowl combine pumpkin, oil, eggs, water, and spices. Then combine with dry ingredients. Do not mix too thoroughly. Add walnuts. Pour into well buttered 9x5x3 inch loaf pan. Bake 50-60 minutes until a thin skewer poked into the middle comes out clean. Turn out of the pan and let cool on rack.
Makes one loaf.

If desired you can make them in a muffin tin as well. They come out just as moist! Just bake for 12-15 minutes! (mine came out perfect at 12 mins)

Food & Family

2010-03-15T14:15:00.004-05:00

I just got my spring Food & Family mag in the mail today! WooHoo :)

I love**love**love the Kraft Food & Family magazine! It is just filled with all kinds of fun and easy recipes...and neat little cooking tips. I have been enjoying this little magazine for close to five years. So it shocked me to find out that most of my friends had never seen it....**gasp** So...for my friends and work peeps...here is the info!

The magazine is sent out quarterly. It is seasonal...so most of the recipes focus around that specific time of year! It is very cost~friendly. A two year subscription is only $13.98! You can go to www.KraftFoods.com to subscribe!

Ok girls! No more excuses...go sign up :)

A Trip To Marietta!

2010-01-17T11:50:00.011-06:00

Since I have had a rough week with recovering from oral surgery. My hubby decided to surprise me and take me on a quick trip to GA...to eat at the famous Marietta Diner! I have wanted to visit for a while...and it just so happens that an episode of Diners Drive-In's and Dives that featured the restaurant had just aired the night before.

As soon as you walk in you are mesmerized by glass cases filled with amazing looking desserts of all colors...shapes...and sizes! The place actually has a very warm and friendly atmosphere. Since there was a pretty long wait...the owner opened a huge bottle of wine and started passing out glasses to guests that had been waiting for a table! Everyone goes above and beyond to make you feel like a member of the family!

For dinner I tried the baked pastichio...a Greek specialty. It kinda reminded me of a Greek version of lasagna. All baked in cheesy goodness :) All dinners are served with warm house made bread...a Greek salad or soup...and a huge slice of spinach pie! For dessert....there is anything and everything you could ever want..lol! We tried the carrot cake cheesecake....and it was so good....it will make you slap yo' momma :P

The joint is open 24 hours a day. So no matter what time you find yourself in the ATL area....you can always enjoy a great meal :)

Neely's BBQ

2010-01-16T14:26:00.004-06:00

Anyone who knows me...knows I love me some Food Network! I could just sit on my couch for hours on end and watch their shows....and just be as happy as a pig in the sunshine..lol!

The hubs and I decided to take a quick weekend trip to Memphis. It's not that far and it would allow me to finally eat some good 'ol Memphis BBQ.....at the original Neely's! I love some good Southern BBQ...and I also enjoy watching Down Home With The Neely's. It was a win-win situation for everyone :P

It was a bit of a difficult time trying to find the place. We decided to take the trolly....then took the wrong trolly....got lost....got off at the wrong stop.....had to walk forevah in the rain!!! We finally made it...and let me tell you....it was worth all the hassle!

The BBQ starts off with a dry rub to give the meat tons of great flavor while it cooks. The BBQ and BBQ chicken were both so amazing. Tons of flavor! Their baked beans had pork cooked in with the beans for added bits of yumminess. Mark had their chicken fingers...and there was enough to feed a small army! The food was great and the service was even better! If you find yourself in the Memphis area.....check them out :)

**Just a note! The plate in my pic was the SMALL plate! Holy Smokes!!**

If you need a link to their site......http://www.neelysbbq.com/

My New Favorite Snack!!

2009-06-10T00:39:00.006-05:00

Now that I am working night shift again I have not had much time to blog. I also have not really cooked or tried anything new that was "blog worthy"....that was...until Sunday night! It was one of the longest night shifts of my life...seriously. As the night drug on I developed the raving munchies. I noticed one of my work peeps eating these pretzel looking things. She offered to share.....big mistake on her part ;) I fell in love with the Andersons Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels! I stopped by two different stores on my way home that morning in search of these little gems. I bought two containers and hid one of them from my hubby (just in case he liked them even more than me!)!! They are seriously good snacking....and taste even better after midnight :P

My Mother's Quick Chili

2009-01-29T17:42:00.004-06:00

When I was growing up I can remember my Mom making the best chili in the world. It was nothing fancy..but it would fill you up...and warm you up when the weather was cold! After spending way to much time trying to figure out meals for this week...I thought I would make this and see what my hubby thought. Well....it was a huge hit! Thanks for coming through in a pinch Mom :)

1 lb. ground chuck
1 pkg. Frenches Chili~O mix
1 can Bush's chili beans
1 can dark kidney beans
1 can chili ready tomatoes
1/2 cup water

Brown and drain ground chuck. Drain and rinse kidney beans. Toss in slow cooker with remaining ingredients and cook on low for 4 hours. Enjoy :)

**Like I said...short and sweet!**

Hershey's Deep Dark Chocolate Cake!!

2008-11-17T15:40:00.005-06:00

Oh My Goodness! This has got to be one of my favorite cakes ever! Thanks so much to my AL nestie bud...lilcrablegs...for posting this recipe in her blog. It is not too sweet....just enough richness from the dark chocolate..without being bitter....it's just the perfect dark chocolate cake!

**note...even though the recipe says to cool your cakes on a wire rack...I always cool my cakes just slightly in their pans...then I always begin to ice them when they are still warm. My mom always made her cakes this way...and I think it turns out a much more moist cake!**

2 cups sugar

1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa

1-1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1-1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1 cup milk

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup boiling water

*Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two 9-inch round pans or one 13x9x2-inch pan!

*Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in large bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed of electric mixer 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour into prepared pans.

*Bake 30-35 minutes for round pans. 35-40 minutes for rectangular pan or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. (cake may be left in rectangular pan if desired) Frost with One-Bowl Buttercream Frosting (recipe below)!

One Bowl Buttercream Frosting!

6 tablespoons butter, softened

2-2/3 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup Hershey's Cocoa or Hershey's Dutch Pressed Cocoa

1/3 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

*Beat butter in medium bowl. Add powdered sugar and cocoa alternately with milk, beating to spreading consistency (additional milk may be needed). Stir in vanilla. Makes about 2 cups.

Christmas Brunch Casserole

2008-11-12T12:27:00.004-06:00

This week my hubby and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary. I really wanted to make a special breakfast to surprise my hubbs...so I headed off to one of my fav sites...allrecipes.com! I found this recipe...and I made a few alterations....and the husband loved it! It was not my favorite...It tasted a little to "egg" for me...but he loved it..so that's all that really matters :) Mission Accomplished!

1 pound bacon **I substituted 1lb. sausage**

1 tablespoon butter

2 onions, chopped **I only added 1 large onion**

2 cups fresh sliced mushrooms **omitted**

4 cups frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

4 eggs

1 1/2 cups milk

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese **I added 2 cups**

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish.

Place bacon in large, deep skillet. Cook over med high heat until evenly brown. Drain and set aside. In skillet, melt butter and fry onions and mushrooms until tender.

Mix potatoes, onion, mushrooms, bacon, salts and pepper and place in prepared casserole dish.

In a large bowl, beat eggs with milk. Pour over casserole. Top with cheese. **if making the night before..cover and refrigerate**

Cover with foil and bake in oven for 1 hour or until set. If preparing and baking the same day, cook for 45 minutes.

Nicole's Cheese Ball!

2008-09-16T12:48:00.004-05:00

One of my best gf's Nicole always makes the most wonderful cheese ball. There is never a bite left of this at the end of any party! After hunting for the recipe for months....I finally found it in an old cookbook my mom had passed down to me. Seriously..the most amazing cheese ball...ever!!

2 (8 oz) pkg. cream cheese
1/4 or 5 oz. can crushed pineapple, drained
1/4 cup each finely chopped bell pepper and green onion
2 cups pecans, chopped
1 dash seasoned salt

Whip up cream cheese with fork until creamy. Put in all ingredients except 1 cup of pecans. Wrap in plastic wrap and let it set overnight. ***this is very important, so onion and bell pepper taste will not be so strong*** Roll cheese ball in leftover pecans to coat right before serving!

Magic Cookie Bars!

2008-09-16T12:33:00.005-05:00

These are one of my favorite fall treats! I can remember my mom making these and packing them in my lunch when I was a kid. The butterscotch chips add a nice flavor :)

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk

1 cup butterscotch chips

1 cup semisweet chips

1 1/3 flaked coconut

1 cup chopped pecans (or your fav nut)

Melt the butter in a 9x13-inch pan in a 350-degree oven. After butter is melted...sprinkle with the graham cracker crumbs. Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crumbs. Sprinkle with the butterscotch chips, chocolate chips, coconut, and nuts; press with the back of a spoon. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until light brown. Let stand until cool. Cut into bars. Store covered, at room temperature. Makes about one dozen!

Oh The Cuteness :)

2008-07-20T22:31:00.005-05:00

On my trip to the beach~ shopping adventure I ran across the cutest thing ever!! I needed a new pair of oven mitts....but oven gloves trimmed in leopard fur....sign me up! My husband just laughs at me...and makes some obnoxious "redneck" jokes...but I love them. I think it adds some spice to my everyday cooking..lol! I contemplated buying the matching apron for a hot minute...but decided to pass on the fear that it might look a little ridiculous (or make my butt look even bigger)!

Greatest Grater!

2008-07-20T13:19:00.006-05:00

My hubby and I took a trip to Myrtle Beach this week. It rained most of the day Friday...so since we could not hang out on the beach...we decided to take in some shopping! I came across the cutest little kitchen store (I'm a sucker) and I found my new favorite gadget...the microplane zester/grater! It has a funkey little handle that comes in several colors...and has a neat little plastic case! I am in love with this little contraption. I now find myself wanting to add zest to everything just as a good excuse to us it! Oh...and I had to pick up a few extra as Christmas gifts...since they were only 12 bucks! Score :)

The Lady's Cheesy Mac

2008-07-05T23:34:00.004-05:00

Keeping with my southern...Paula inspired cooking this weekend I decided to break down and finally cook The Lady's Cheesy Mac. I have never been a big fan of baked mac and cheese...but after trying it on our trip...I was sold! The sour cream and the milk just make it super creamy. It was sooo cheesy and good...me and my hungry hubby just ate it up! As Mark's crazy grandmother says "it will make you think you're there when you're not" :)

4 cups cooked elbow macaroni, drained (approx. 2 cups uncooked)

2 cups grated cheddar cheese

3 eggs, beaten

1/2 cup sour cream

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, cut into pieces

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup milk, or equivalent in evaporated milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. After macaroni has been boiled and drained, add cheddar cheese while macaroni is still hot. Combine remaining ingredients and add to macaroni mixture. Pour into casserole dish and bake for 30 to 45 minutes. Top with additional cheese!

Hoecakes!

2008-07-05T23:19:00.006-05:00

One of many great southern recipes. Hoecakes remind you of a pancake...but with a sweet cornbread flavor. My sweet little granny used to call them cornmeal pancakes. I love them with a little butter and just a little bit of maple syrup! I have a special cast iron skillet just for making these...and cornbread. This recipe is from the Paula Deen's Lady and Son's cookbook!

1 cup self-rising flour

1 cup self-rising cornmeal

2 eggs

1 tablespoon sugar

3/4 cup buttermilk

1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon water

1/4 cup vegetable oil or bacon grease

Oil or butter for frying

Mix all ingredients well except for the frying oil. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Drop mixture by tablespoonfuls into hot skillet. Use approximately 2 tablespoons batter per hoecake. Brown until crisp; turn and brown on other side. Drain on paper towels. Leftover batter will keep in refrigerator for up to 2 days!

A trip to Paula's :)

2008-07-05T23:10:00.003-05:00

My hubby and I made a recent trip to Tunica...to eat at the new Paula Deen's buffet! It reminded me of the reasons that I love watching her...and reading her cookbooks. It is the kind of food that my grandmother used to make...the kind of food that warms your heart and fills your tummy. It reminds me of sitting in the kitchen and watching my sweet little grandmother cook all of her masterpieces...and trying to take notes along the way. It stirred up all the memories of all of those sweet smells I miss so much! It also reminded me of what is so special about the south....our hospitality...and most of all our food :)

Velveeta Chicken Spaghetti

2008-01-29T07:59:00.000-06:00

I ran across this recipe from a Kraft Foods magazine. It looked pretty quick and easy so I thought I would try it out on my hubby. He loved it!!!! The velveeta cheese makes it super creamy :)

1-1/4 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

2 cups water

8 oz. spaghetti, uncooked, broken into 3 inch pieces

1 bag (1 lb.) frozen broccoli, cauliflower, and carrot blend

1 can (10 oz.) RO*TEL diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained

1/2 lb. (8 oz.) Velveeta block cut into cubes

Spray large skillet with cooking spray. Add chicken and cook on med/high heat until no longer pink. Stir in water. Bring to a boil. Add spaghetti; cook 8 min. or until tender. Add remaining ingredients; stir until well blended. Cook until velveeta is completely melted, stirring frequently!

*photo from Kraft foods website!

Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

2007-12-22T20:48:00.001-06:00

Oh Lawdy have mercy!! These may be the best cookies I have ever put in my mouth! The combination of the white chocolate chips and the cranberries...mixed with the oatmeal and cinnamon....pure heaven. This dough was extremely firm....but well worth the effort. Thank you "lilcrablegs" on the nest for sharing this great recipe!

3 eggs, well beaten

1 cup dried cranberries

1 tsp. vanilla

1 cup (2 sticks) butter at room temp.

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup white sugar

2 1/2 cup flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

2 tsp. baking soda

2 cups oatmeal (not quick oats)

1 cup white chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine eggs, dried cranberries, and vanilla and let stand for 1 hour, covered with plastic wrap.

Cream together butter and sugars. Add flour, salt, cinnamon, and soda to sugar mixture. Mix well. Blend in egg-cranberry mixture and oatmeal. Dough will be stiff. Fold in the white chocolate chips. Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls onto un-greased cookie sheet or roll in small balls and flatten slightly on cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.

*photo from allrecipes.com*

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

2007-12-22T20:33:00.001-06:00

These are some of the best cookies ever! Even the name just sounds like something I could fall in love with. This recipe was shared with me by FutureMrsWagner on the nest. They are just the perfect chocolate cookie....a little crunchy on the outside...but chewy on the inside!

1 cup butter (2 sticks) at room temp.

2 cups white sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla extract

2 cups all purpose flour

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 2/3 cup white chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Stir into mixture until completely combined. Fold in white chocolate chips. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8-10 min. Let set for 5 min. then transfer to wire rack to cool completely!

*pic from recipezaar.com*

Butterscotch Haystacks!

2007-12-11T12:23:00.000-06:00

These are one of my favorite Christmas treats. My Mom would make these for my little brother and I every year. I just love butterscotch and the mini marshmallows make them even better :)

2 cups butterscotch chips
1cup peanut butter
3 cups mini marshmallows
4 cups chow mein noodles

In a large bowl melt butterscotch chips in microwave. When melted mix in peanut butter. Then add marshmallows and noodles. Drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper. Allow to set (about an hour at room temp.). Store any leftovers in refrigerator!!

Christmas!!

2007-11-25T17:23:00.000-06:00

I love this time of year. The air is getting a chill...everything smells like cinnamon...and lets not forget the lights! I was able to wait until the day after Thanksgiving to put up our Christmas tree. Tons of garland...pretty ornaments....apple cider and cookies....whats not to love :) Happy Holidays!!

Caramel Pie

2007-11-24T22:07:00.000-06:00

I have always loved O'Charleys caramel pie. It has to be one of my favorite desserts. A while back a friend of mine emailed me this recipe. It is a dead ringer for the original. It is also one of the easiest recipes I have ever made. It may be a slap in the face to some of the hard core cooks out there....but oh well....it sure is good ;)

2 cans Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk

1 ready made graham cracker pie crust

cool whip to top

Boil the 2 cans of sweetened condensed milk in pot for 3 hours. Make sure that water always convers both cans. After 3 hours take cans out of pan. Let completely cool. Place in pie crust and top with cool whip!

Holiday Spiced Nuts

2007-11-16T12:02:00.000-06:00

I found this great recipe in one of my many Rachael Ray cookbooks. I made a huge batch for my husbands teacher's Christmas party and they were a huge hit! I love all the great spices in this recipe!

2 cups walnut halves
1 cup peeled hazelnuts
1 cup whole unsalted cashews
1 cup whole pecan halves
3 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon ground anise
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, eyeball it
1 cup smoked almonds (recommended: Diamond Smokehouse Almonds)

**Heat a large skillet and cook nuts over moderate heat 7 to 8 minutes until golden and well toasted~your nose will know when they are done. Transfer nuts to a plate and return pan to stove top. Add butter to the pan in small pieces. Melt butter and spice it with anise, cinnamon, pepper, and nutmeg. Let butter infuse a minute then pour over nuts. Turn off heat. Add smoked nuts to the skillet and turn to combine evenly with butter.

Yields about 6 cups.

Quick and Spicy Tomato Soup

2007-11-16T11:48:00.000-06:00

I saw this recipe on an episode of Everyday Italian. It looked so good...and was so quick and easy to make. I just had to give it a try.

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 (26-oz) jar marinara sauce (recommended: San Marzano brand)
2 (14-oz.) cans chicken broth
1 (15-oz.) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup pastina pasta (or any small pasta)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Warm the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, onion, and garlic and saute until soft, about 2 minutes. Add the jar of marinara sauce, chicken broth, cannellini beans, red pepper flakes, pasta, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes. Ladle into bowls and serve!!

Paula Deen's Pineapple Casserole

2007-11-15T12:14:00.000-06:00

My husband's Aunt made the best treat for Thanksgiving last year....a pineapple casserole. Her computer crashed and she lost the recipe before I could get my hands on it. I found this one in my trusty Lady and Sons cookbook. I think it is even better than his Aunt's :P This can be served as a dessert or a side dish.

1 cup sugar
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
2 20-oz. cans pineapple chunks~drained (reserve 6 tablespoons juice)
1 cup Ritz cracker crumbs
1 stick butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, combine sugar and flour. Gradually stir in cheese. Add pineapple and stir well. Pour mixture into a greased casserole dish. Combine cracker crumbs, butter, and pineapple juice and spread on top of pineapple mixture. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes...or until golden brown.

Chess Squares

2007-11-15T11:19:00.000-06:00

This recipe is so great. My hs friend Jenny's mom use to make these squares for our christmas party. I ran across this recipe a while back and just had to post it on the blog. It is comfort food to the max :)

1 box super moist yellow cake mix
1 egg
1 stick room temp butter
**Mix well. Spray baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and pour mixture in pan.

**Filling**
1 8oz. package cream cheese (room temp)
2 eggs
1 box powdered sugar
**Mix together and pour on top of cake mixture. Bake at 350 for 50 min. or until golden brown!

Shoepeg Corn Casserole

2007-11-15T11:11:00.001-06:00

My Aunt Charlotte always made her wonderful corn casserole for our Thanksgiving dinner. I finally stole her recipe a few years back! It is so creamy and good. You just can't have a holiday meal at my house without it!

2 cans white shoepeg corn (drained)
1/2 to 1 stick butter (I use 1/2 stick and it's plenty!)
1 sm. carton whipping cream
2 tablespoons flour
salt and pepper to taste

First melt butter in pan. Add corn, cream, salt, and pepper. Slowly mix in flour.
Place in small baking dish. Bake at 350 for 45 min. or until top is golden brown.