EASY POTATO SOUP

1 30oz. bag of frozen, shredded/cube hash browns
3 14oz. cans of chicken broth
1 can of cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/4 tsp. ground pepper
1 pkg. cream cheese don’t use fat free it will not melt!

Combine everything in a huge pot EXCEPT for the cream cheese. Cook for 1 hours on high heat. About 10-20minutes before serving, add cream cheese and keep heated until thoroughly melted. Serve with cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, green onions, or chives!

Chocolate Coconut Bars

Makes 20

Ingredients

3 cups finely ground cookies (12 ounces), such as graham crackers or chocolate wafers, or a combination

1/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted

1 cup pecan pieces

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chunks

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly splash a 15-by-10-inch rimmed baking sheet evenly with water, then line with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, stir together cookie crumbs, sugar, and butter until combined. Evenly press onto bottom and up sides of prepared baking sheet. Bake, rotating halfway through, until firm, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack; cool, about 20 minutes.

Sprinkle cooled crust evenly with pecans and chocolate. Pour condensed milk over the top, spreading to cover completely (do not let it drip over the edges). Sprinkle with coconut.

Bake until coconut is toasted, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to rack; cool completely. Trim edges, if desired, and cut into equal-size bars.

Cook's Note

Sweetened condensed milk is made by heating whole milk and sugar until much of the liquid has evaporated. Do not substitute evaporated milk, which is unsweetened.

Seared Steak With Chard Salad

 

 

Ingredients

• 1 bunch Swiss chard, stems removed, leaves thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cups large crusty bread cubes
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 3 to 4 anchovies
• 1 clove garlic, smashed
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless beef sirloin steak
• 1 teaspoon dried mint
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Directions

Put the chard in a bowl. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and the bread cubes and season with salt and pepper. Cook, tossing, until toasted, 4 to 5 minutes. Add to the chard.

Add the anchovies to the skillet, mashing them with a whisk. Add the garlic and 2 tablespoons olive oil and cook until the garlic is golden, about 45 seconds. Add the tomatoes and warm slightly, then whisk in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Pour the warm dressing over the chard, toss and set aside to wilt.

Wipe out the skillet and place over high heat. Sprinkle the steak on both sides with the mint, and salt and pepper to taste. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Sear the steak until browned on the bottom, about 5 minutes. Turn and cook until browned on the other side, 3 to 4 more minutes for medium-rare. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes.

Add the feta to the chard salad and toss. Thinly slice the steak and serve with the chard salad.

Chicken Shwarma in the Slow Cooker

Ingredients

• 6 Tbs. lemon juice
• 6 Tbs. olive oil
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. curry powder
• 2 dashes cayenne pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 3 lbs. boneless chicken thigh strips
• 8 oz plain or Greek style yogurt
• 1 small cucumber, chopped
• pita bread
• tomatoes

Instructions

1. Stir lemon juice, olive oil, salt, curry, cayenne pepper and garlic together in a small bowl.
2. Place chicken in slow cooker.
3. Pour olive oil mixture over the top, stirring to coat the chicken.
4. Cook on high for 5-6 hours or low for 7-8 hours.
5. Stir cucumber and yogurt together.
6. Serve chicken in pita bread, topped with yogurt sauce and tomatoes.

Salsa Verde Steak in the Slow Cooker

Ingredients

• 2-3 lbs. boneless round steak or another cut of beef
• 1 small can of salsa verde
• 1/2 cup chicken broth, beef broth or water
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 onion, sliced
• flour tortillas
• cheddar cheese
• lettuce, tomato, sour cream etc

Instructions

1. Put the steak and onions in the crockpot.
2. Combine the salsa, broth and seasonings. Pour over the steak.
3. Cook on high for 5-6 hours or low for 7-8 hours.
4. Shred the meat and serve in the tortillas with the fixings.

Chicken Tandoori

Ingredients

• 8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs (about 2 1/2 pounds)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Kosher salt
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 small red onion, roughly chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 2-inch piece ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
• 4 teaspoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 3/4 teaspoons hot paprika
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• Cooked rice, for serving (optional)

Directions

Preheat the broiler. Make shallow cuts in the chicken thighs with a sharp knife. Toss the chicken with the lemon juice and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt in a large bowl.

Pulse 2 tablespoons yogurt, the vegetable oil, onion, garlic, ginger, tomato paste, coriander, cumin, 11/2 teaspoons paprika and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a food processor to make a paste. Toss the chicken in the mixture and let marinate 15 minutes.

Place the chicken on a foil-lined broiler pan. Broil, turning once, until slightly charred and a thermometer inserted into the center registers 165 degrees F, 5 to 6 minutes per side.

Meanwhile, combine the remaining 1/2 cup yogurt and 1/4 teaspoon paprika, the cilantro and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Top the chicken with the yogurt sauce and serve with rice, if desired. Ingredients

• 8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs (about 2 1/2 pounds)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Kosher salt
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 small red onion, roughly chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 2-inch piece ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
• 4 teaspoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 3/4 teaspoons hot paprika
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• Cooked rice, for serving (optional)

Directions

Preheat the broiler. Make shallow cuts in the chicken thighs with a sharp knife. Toss the chicken with the lemon juice and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt in a large bowl.

Pulse 2 tablespoons yogurt, the vegetable oil, onion, garlic, ginger, tomato paste, coriander, cumin, 11/2 teaspoons paprika and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a food processor to make a paste. Toss the chicken in the mixture and let marinate 15 minutes.

Place the chicken on a foil-lined broiler pan. Broil, turning once, until slightly charred and a thermometer inserted into the center registers 165 degrees F, 5 to 6 minutes per side.

Meanwhile, combine the remaining 1/2 cup yogurt and 1/4 teaspoon paprika, the cilantro and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Top the chicken with the yogurt sauce and serve with rice, if desired.

Chicken Crescent Roll Casserole

2 (8 ounce) cans Pillsbury Refrigerated Crescent Dinner Rolls

1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of chicken soup, undiluted

3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese or swiss cheese (or any cheese of choice)

1/2 cup 18% table cream (or use whipping cream)

FILLING

4 ounces cream cheese (very soft)

4 tablespoons butter (very soft but not melted)

1/2-1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

1/3 cup onion, finely chopped (can use green onions)

2 large cooked chicken breasts, finely chopped (or use about 2 cups, can use cooked turkey)

1/2-3/4 cup finely grated cheddar cheese

1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt (or use 1/2 teaspoon white salt or to taste)

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)

2-4 tablespoons mayonnaise or whipping cream

1-2 cup grated cheddar cheese (for topping)

directions

 Set oven to 350°F.

Butter a casserole dish (any size to hold crescent rolls).

 In a saucepan, mix half and half cream, 3/4 cup grated cheese (can use more cheese if desired) and undiluted chicken soup (can season with black pepper if desired).

 Heat just until the cheese melts (do not boil).

 For the filling --- (make certain that the cream cheese and butter are very soft) in a bowl, mix the soft cream cheese with butter until very smooth, then add in garlic powder (if using).

 Add in the chopped chicken, onion and cheddar cheese; mix well until combined.
dd in 2 tablespoons whipping cream or mayonnaise; mix to combine (add in a little more if the mixture seems too dry).

 Season with seasoned salt or white and black pepper to taste.

Unroll the crescent rolls.

 Place 1 heaping tablespoon chicken mixture (or a little more) on top of each crescent triangle, then roll up starting at the thicker end.

 Drizzle a small amount of soup mixture on the bottom of the dish.
then place the crescent rolls seam-side down on top of the creamed mixture in the casserole.

Drizzle the remaining sauce on top (you don’t have to use the full amount of cream sauce, just use as much as desired) and sprinkle with 1 cup (or more) grated cheese, or amount desired.
Bake for about 30 minutes.

Baked Chicken Taquitos

Makes 12 taquitos
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients
• 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup salsa (green or red)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 2 scallions, chopped
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• 12 (6 inch) flour tortillas
• kosher salt
• cooking spray

Directions Preheat your oven to 425?F.
Line a baking sheet with a silpat matte or foil lightly coated with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients (except the tortillas.)
Working with a few tortillas at a time, heat them in the microwave between two paper towels until they are soft enough to roll (about 20 – 30 seconds).
Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the lower third of a tortilla.
Roll the tortilla as tightly as you can.
Place the rolled tortilla seam side down on the baking sheet.
Repeat with remaining tortillas until the mixture is gone, making sure the taquitos are not touching each other. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray and sprinkle with kosher salt (don’t skip the salt!) Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crisp and golden.
Serve with salsa, sour cream or guacamole.

Cream Cheese, Garlic, and Chive Stuffed Chicken

Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons dried chives
1 clove garlic, minced
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, butterflied
4 slices turkey bacon
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, chives, and garlic. Divide the mixture into 4 balls.
Place 1 cream cheese ball in the center of each butterflied chicken breast half. Fold the chicken over the cream cheese, wrap with a slice of turkey bacon, and secure with toothpicks. Arrange the chicken in a baking dish. Pour the butter over the chicken.
Bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the bacon is crisp and the chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear

My friend Ang sent this to me... It was really good.

Clam Chowder
(the best!)

1 chopped onion
2 peeled and cubed potatoes
1 cup diced celery
1 cup diced carrots
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
ground black pepper to taste
2 (10 ounce) cans minced clams
3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 quart half-and-half cream
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Drain juice from clams into a large pan. Add onions, celery, potatoes and carrots, cover with water. Bring to a boil, and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are fork tender.

In a sauce pan or bowl, melt the butter, whisk in flour until smooth. Whisk in cream and stir constantly until thick and smooth. Add to the veggies and water.

Stir in clams just before serving. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until heated through. Do not allow to boil (if clams are cooked to long they will become tough). When clams are heated through, stir in vinegar, and season with salt and pepper.

Stuffed Shells
Courtesy of Josh Walters
Cook 1 pound hamburger with salt and pepper and freeze dried chives (to taste)

Cook 1/2 Jumbo Shells (About 1/2 box)
Mix together
1 pkg cream cheese
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
fresh minced garlic (to taste/ about 1 tsp)
Dried onions

Mix cooked hamburger in with previous ingredients. Fill each shell with completed mixture.
Place in a casserole dish. Top with your choice of sauce, use Bertolli Spaghetti, or Vodka sauce.
Top with mozzarella cheese or fresh Parmesan.
Cook on 400 for approx. 20 mins or until cheese is melted.
Makes about 20 shells

Colorful Christmas Swirl Cookies

2 cups flour, plus possibly a few more tbsp


1/2 tsp baking powder


1/4 tsp salt


2/3 cup unsifted powdered sugar


1/4 cup granulated sugar


2 1/2 sticks unsalted butter (cut in chunks)


1 tsp vanilla


1/2 tsp of food coloring of your choice


(and/or 1/2 tsp of any desired extra extracts)


1 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles





1. In a stand mixer, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugars with paddle on medium until well blended.





2. Add butter in, gradually, and continue mixing. Add in vanilla extract. At this point, your dough will form a ball on your paddle.





3. Remove all your dough and divide into two equal parts. Return one portion back in to the mixer and add the food coloring and any extra extracts. Or use gel food coloring.


(You could coordinate your colors and flavors, for example green food coloring matched with a mint extract or yellow with a lemon extract, etc. Also, if you are using liquid food coloring, you will need to add a few tbsp of flour to keep the dough from becoming too wet. Mix until the color is spread out evenly.)





4. Roll out each portions of your dough, between two sheets a wax paper until is reaches about 11 x 9 inches and is 1/4 inch thick. Slide both unto a cookie sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.





5. When firm, remove the top sheets of wax paper from both. Brush the uncolored vanilla dough lightly with water using a pastry brush. Then flip the colored dough onto the vanilla uncolored dough so they are stacked atop each other and even. Press the edges lightly with your fingertips to seal them together. Using a small pairing knife, trim the edges of the dough to make straight, even lines.





6. Pour out sprinkles onto a large platter and set aside. Be sure your dough is still cold, but flexible. Once it's ready, begin rolling the long side of dough into a swirl, jelly-roll style. Now, don't get nervous if the outer layer of uncolored dough tears a bit. It's no problem, just pinch and pat those tears and voila, then just keep rolling.




7. Now gently lift your dough log onto the sprinkles and roll away. Cover the log completely with your sprinkles. Wrap the colorfully decorated log in plastic wrap twice. Depending on when you want to bake the cookies, either place the wrapped dough into refrigerator for about 3-4 hours or you can put it the freezer and keep it there for up to 2 months. (If freezing, give yourself time for the dough to defrost in the fridge overnight before cutting.)

8. Slice your dough into 1/4-1/8 inch slices and bake on parchment lined baking sheets. Bake at 350 for 15-17 minutes until edges are slightly golden. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then move them to a cookie rack to finish cooling. Enjoy your whimsical Christmas cookies!





Adapted from Sprinkle Bakes.

Apple Pudding Cake



Ingredients
2 medium tart cooking apples, such as Granny Smith or Jonathan, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (2 cups)
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup raisins
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter (no substitutes), melted
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
3/4 cup caramel ice cream topping
1/2 cup water 1 tablespoon butter (no substitutes

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 2-quart square baking dish; arrange apple slices in bottom of dish. Sprinkle with lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Top evenly with raisins; set aside.
Combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and baking soda in a large bowl. Add milk, the 2 tablespoons melted butter, and vanilla; mix well. Stir in nuts. Spread batter evenly over apple mixture.
Combine caramel topping, water, and the 1 tablespoon butter in a small saucepan; bring to boiling. Pour caramel mixture over the batter in the baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until set in center. Spoon warm individual servings into dessert dishes, inverting each portion. Spoon caramel-apple mixture from the pan over each portion.
Makes 12 servings.

SPINACH DIP



INGREDIENTS
1 package (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, cooked, cooled and squeezed dry
1 container (16 oz.) sour cream
1 cup Real Mayonnaise
1 package Knorr Vegetable recipe mix
1 can (8 oz.) water chestnuts, drained and chopped
3 green onions, chopped

DIRECTIONS

Combine all ingredients and chill about 2 hours.

(Makes 4 cups dip)

LOVE THIS!!

Microwave Stuffed Mushrooms







INGREDIENTS
1 pound large stuffing mushrooms, cleaned and stems removed
4 ounces bulk italian sausage, cooked
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 large clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese plus two tablespoons
2 green onions

DIRECTIONS
Chop mushroom stems. In microwaveable pie plate using a fork, combine mushroom stems, sausage, Italian seasoning, garlic, Parmesan cheese, ½ cup Mozzarella cheese and green onions. Cover with paper towel.
Microwave on HIGH (100% power) for 1 minute. Arrange mushroom caps on paper towel lined microwaveable pie plate. Spoon about 1 tablespoon sausage mixture into each cap. Sprinkle the remaining Mozzarella over the stuffed mushrooms.


Microwave on HIGH (100% power) uncovered, until cheese melts, about 30 seconds.