Shrimp Salad

We are probably the only family in the world that has shrimp salad at Thanksgiving, but it just isn't the same without it. My mom learned it from my Grandma Newey and it is kind of hard because it is a by taste recipe (like so many of my mom's recipes). It is something that ALL of the kids in the family love, even those who claim they don't like shrimp! You should give it a try sometime, maybe not for Thanksgiving, but just to say you've made it.

This is the closest picture I could find, its just to give you an idea. See how tiny the shells are?

Tiny Pasta Shells (the ones that are about 1/4 inch... they are kind of hard to find)
Miracle Whip
Sour Cream
Pickles (finely chopped)
Dill Pickle Juice
Tiny Shrimp
Sliced Olives
Green Beans (cut in half)
3 Green Onions

Cook Pasta, place in large bowl. Add 2 BIG spoonfuls of Miracle whip and 1 regular spoonful of Sour Cream (about 1/3 as much miracle whip). Wash off shrimp in hot water and place with other ingredients into bowl. Salt and Pepper well.

This recipe is best if you make it the day before and refrigerate it over night.

The Newey Stuffing

2 Boxes of Chicken StoveTop Stuffing
1 Box of Cornbread StoveTop Stuffing
Onion
Celery
Green Onions
Crasins
1 lb. Sausage, browned
Apple

Cook stuffing according to box but decrease the water by 1/2 cup per box (they always have you put too much in, you can always add more water at the end, but all of the add-ins should cover it). Add all ingredients, except the green onions, and cook until heated through. Toss in green onions before serving so they don't wilt.

I never like stuffing until my Mom created this recipe. She is amazing! Can throw anything together and it tastes awesome!

Mama Newey's Sweet Potatoes

We view Sweet Potatoes just like Hawaiian Haystacks... the more you throw in, the better. Here is what we traditionally put in.

2-3 Yams (not super huge... about the size of a large potato)
1/4 stick of Butter
Brown Sugar
Pecans
Apple (peeled, thinly sliced)
Mini Mallows

Bake Yams the night before (1 hour at 350°) until fork tender, place in fridge to chill overnight. Peel yams (skins should pull right off) and chop into chunks. Place in 9x13 inch pan. Place sprinkle pecans, apple and brown sugar over yams. Place small chunks of butter all over using the whole 1/4 stick of butter. Bake in oven for 20-30 minutes, pull out, cover with marshmallows and put under the broiler until golden brown.

** The rule is: NEVER, NEVER take your eyes off the oven until they are done!! Otherwise you'll burn the house down!**

Optional Add ins:
Pineapple
Coconut
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Whatever else sounds yummy!

Happy Turkey Day!

Lets hear the things you are making for Thanksgiving, that is if you have time between baking and traveling (or potty training in my case). If you have already posted it in the previous two weeks, GREAT!

PS - I am bringing the Cranberry Relish from Deb to the Thanksgiving dinner we got invited to. Yum!

Sour Cream Apple Pie

This is my all-time favorite pie. I don't even like regular apple pie so give it a try and you might be hooked too. This is what I am asked to bring every Thanksgiving...

9" pie crust, unbaked

2 c. Granny Smith apples: cored, peeled, and chopped

1/3 c. + 2 T. white flour

1 c. sugar, divided

1/4 t. salt

1 c. sour cream

1 egg, beaten

1 1/2 t. vanilla extract

1 T. cinnamon

2 T. butter

1. Place crust in pie pan, add apples

2. Combine 2 T. flour, 2/3 c. sugar, and salt in separate bowl

3. Add sour cream, egg, and vanilla and add to apples

4. Bake at 425 for 15 min.

5. Then 350 for 30 min.

6. While pie is baking, combine cinnamon, butter, remaining flour, remaining sugar and then sprinkle on top of pie when finished baking.

7. Then bake for at 400 for 10 min.

Pretzels

Pretzels:

1 1/2 c. warm water

1/2 c. sugar

1 T. yeast

4 1/2 c. flour

Mix on low for until mixture comes clean off sides of bowl (about 1 minute). Knead for 1 minute. Let rise until double. Form into pretzels and dip in 1 qt. of water and 1/3 c. baking soda mixture. Cook at 450 for 8-10 minutes.

Apple Cobbler

Apple Cobbler:

8-10 med. apples (peeled, sliced, cored)

3/4 c. sugar

3/4 tsp. cinnamon

topping:

2 c. flour

2 eggs

3/4 tsp. salt

2 c. sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 c. butter, melted

Put apples in 9x13"casserole dish. Combine sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over apples. Combine topping ingredients EXCEPT for butter until mixture resembles course crumbs. Spread over apples. Pour melted butter on top. Bake at 350 for 40-50 minutes.

The Newey's call them "Cranberry Relish", I just call em "Cranberries"

This is a Day Family secret recipe...passed through the generations...only blood relatives know it...only the cool relatives know it...but Liz did say I should post it, so I guess I have to break some rules, deceive my family, and share some secrets so here it is!

(Oh and I don't have it written down and have only made them a few times and only at Thanksgiving so I hope I can remember right...)

- 1 bag fresh cranberries

- 1 orange - un-peeled but with the end's with the stemmy parts cut off (you can slice it if you want for easier blending, but keep the peel on!)

- 1 cup of sugar

-Throw it all in a blender with a little bit of water - a few teaspoons and blend into a nice pulp, add more water if needed. The consistency should be fairly thick, no one likes runny cranberries!

I'm kidding about the secrecy by the way, they're not that great (but they are good, better than canned cranberries) and I know no one cares if it is shared.

Pumpkin Roll

Okay sorry I just read that we've moved onto pie recipes. I've never baked a home made pie, my moms the talent there. But I did make my first pumpkin roll this year and their not as hard as I thought. So I'll share that recipe in place of my pie. Hope that's ok. :)

1st bowl

1/2 cup flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

Set aside

2nd bowl

1/2 tsp vanilla

4 egg yolks (beaten on high speed for 5 minutes)

Gradually add 1/3 cup sugar, mix until dissolved

Then add 1 & 1/2 cup pumpkin pie mix (has to say pie)

Rinse your bowl and mixers well, before making bowl 3.

3rd bowl

Beat egg whites until they form a stiff peak, then gradually add 1/2 cup sugar

Gently fold egg whites (bowl 3) into egg yolk mixutre (bowl 2)

Then gently add the flour mixture (bowl 1)

Spread dough across a lightly greased cookie sheet (putting it on wax paper works best)

Cook @ 375 for 12 minutes

While dough is still warm cut around pan edges.

Sprinkle powder sugar across a clean hand towel.

Flip pumpkin dough from pan onto hand towel.

Sprinkle powder sugar over pumpkin roll.

Beat 2 cubes of cream cheese. Add 1cup powder sugar (more if wanting sweeter) and a capful of vanilla.

Spread frosting across top of roll. Now roll your pumpkin roll and your done!

Walker style stuffing

I hope we're still doing Thanksgiving reciepes. Sorry I've been a little out of the internet loop lately. Anyways heres a stuffing recipe that Josh and I LOVE!

Fry 1 package of sausage and 2 chopped celerey stalks in pan

Drain grease

Add

1/2 cube of butter

3 cups water

Boil for 4 to 5 minutes

Turn heat off

Gently fold in 1 box Stove Top stuffing mix.

It's more dryer, fluffier and so much yummier then regular stuffing recipes

Recipe Sharing

If you didn't post your recipe in time, NO WORRIES! I can always fix the date, so post it anyways. I don't want to miss any of these wonderful recipes out there. Or if you have a recipe you are DYING to share, let me know, and we can showcase your recipe. If you can't figure out how to post, comment or whatever, just e-mail me your question/recipe and I can try and help you (I am by no means an expert...but I'll pretend). 

Also, if you'll notice on the tool bar I have created "Labels" so that if you want to search by category they will all be in  one place. (Thanks Tif for the suggestion!) If anyone has any advice or suggestions for the blog, pass them along. I am easy going. 

I hopefully will have a link bar on the side soon, that just lists all of the recipes we've shared... I'm still working on that one. 

Thanks for sharing everyone!

Green bean Supreme

1/3 C. Chopped sweet onion
2 TBS. Butter
2 TBS. Flour
1 tsp. Salt
1/4 tsp. Pepper
2 C. Sour cream
2 cans French style green beans (drained)
1 C. Sharp Cheddar Cheese
French Fried Onions (to sprinkle on top)

Serves 6.
Cook onion in butter. Blend in flour, salt & pepper. Add sour cream, stirring constantly. Cook until smooth & thickened. Add beans. Put in Shallow baking dish. Top with cheese & French fried onions (optional). Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.


Recipe by: Amber M.

Pumkin Cake

TOPPING:
1 C. Dry Yellow cake mix
1 tsp. Cinnamon (or less)
1/3 CUBE of butter
(Mix & set aside)


BOTTOM CRUST:
Rest of dry yellow cake mix
2/3 CUBE of butter (melted)
1 Egg
(Mix and press into pan)


FILLING:
1 can (approx. 3 Cups) of pumpkin prepared according to can instructions (for 2 pies). Pour onto bottom crust. Put on Topping. 


Bake cake at 350 approx. 1 hour (until knife comes out clean). Cool & refridgerat. Don’t cover with foil while baking.


Recipe by: Amber M.

Feed your Pie-Hole

Yes, bring it on! I want your favorite pie recipe... even if you've never made it. Call Parents, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, anyone that has feed you a scrum-diddly-umptious pie and share that recipe! I am counting on all of you. I have actually never made a pie before (other than a simple instant pudding pie... which doesn't count), so I am going to need some major help for my first Thanksgiving away from family. I am going to try and Steal my Aunt Jeannine's famous Pecan Pie recipe... its a good one!

Chicken Tortilla Soup

This recipe came from a friend. I had to have it.

Ingredients:
2 cans Cream of Chicken
2 cans Cream of Mushroom
2 cans Cream of Celery
2 cans Chedder Cheese soup
2 15 oz. cans of chicken broth
1 cup salsa
1 15 oz. can of diced tomatoes
1 or more cans of green chilies
1 medium chopped onion
1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro
4 cloves fresh minced garlic
1 tsp chili powder
salt and pepper to taste
4 cooked chicken breast cut into small pieces

Simmer in crock pot for about 4 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Chicken is already cooked so you just need to get it hot and meld all the flavors together.

Serve with cheese, sour cream, and crispy tortilla strips.

*** This is an extremely large recipe so you might want to half it!

Sweet Potato Casserole

3 cups mashed sweet potatoes

¾ cup sugar

½ cup butter (not margarine)

¼ cup milk

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

Mix all the above ingredients together with a hand blender and pour into a 9x9 baking dish or a 7x11

Topping

1 cup brown sugar

½ cup flour

1/3 cup softened butter

1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Mix all the toppings ingredients together and sprinkle on top of sweet potatoes. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes

Turkey Day

Thanksgiving... Away from home.

Tough right? I mean, what is Thanksgiving without the famous "Newey" Rolls,  my SIL Deb's AMAZING cranberry relish, Dad's favorite Shrimp Salad, or any other things that you have every Thanksgiving - but might not this year.

I know that it is a few weeks away, but I want to gather recipes now so I can test some out before Thanksgiving. So this week, and possible next we are sharing classic Thanksgiving recipes. Even if it is as simple as how you cook your turkey (which I have NEVER done before) it would be awesome to share. So please do.

Oh, but be sure to save your delicious PIE recipes, we'll have a special week, just for those. That, and if I get those tempting recipes now, that is all I will test out before hand... and we don't need that!

Enchilada Casserole

Cook together:

1 ½ lb hamburger

½ tsp oregano

1 cup chopped onions

2 TB chili powder

½ tsp Tabasco sauce

Simmer for 15 minutes, then add ¾ cup flour and mix well.

Add 2 cups water or to consistency of thin gravy, after which add ½ cup tomato sauce and 1 tsp garlic salt.

Simmer together add salt and pepper to taste.

In a baking dish, put layer of tortillas, chili mixture, and cheese (3/4 lb shredded) to about 4 layers, with cheese as a final layer

Bake at 350^o for 30 minutes or until heated through.

Serve with shredded lettuce and chopped green onions mixed together and sprinkled on top.

EASY Mexican Rice

I put this in my rice cooker, but if you dont have one I imagine you can just put it in a pot on the stove.

1 cup uncooked long grain rice

1 jar (12 oz) fresh salsa

1 tbs vegetable oil

1 1/4 cups of water

(and I'm a simple cooker so that is where I usually end, but the recipe goes on if you want...)

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup fresh or canned corn kernels

minced fresh cilantro

Its super easy and goes great with tacos, burritos, anything Mexican!

G'ma Lisa's Enchiladas

Okay, you may have a recipe like this that has been passed down for generations in your family, but it was passed to me from my wonderful Mother-in Law and so she gets her name on it. Sorry. Now these aren't your typical rolled up and stuffed enchiladas. In fact when Ryan and I were dating and I had them for the first time I was not excited about eating them when he dished me up a plate... but they are soooo good! And really not that hard to make!

Sauce:
2 lbs. Hamburger
1 Onion
1 Green Pepper
2 packages of Lipton Noodle Soup
2 46 oz Cans of Tomato Juice
2 tsp. Chili Powder
10-14 Mezzetta Hot Chili Peppers

Brown hamburger, onion and green pepper and salt and pepper to taste. In the largest pot you have, make Lipton Noodle Soup according to directions. Combine all ingredients, bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer uncovered for 1 1/2 - 2 hours (my pot can't handle it all, so when I make it this way I have to wait about an hour to add the second can of tomato juice, or it won't all fit, I'll explain the slow cooker way at the bottom).


Tortillas:
2 c. Flour
2 c. Corn Meal
1 tsp. Salt
1 egg
1/4 c. Oil
Water

Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl (preferably one that has a pouring lip, it is easier that way). Now, I have no idea how much water is added, but you add enough to make the mix really runny. So just when you think you have added too much, add a little more. I was taught to place your mixing bowl in your sink and use your hand mixer to mix it up. That way you can keep adding water (and the splatters don't get all over your kitchen). So the mix will kind of be like making crepe or really thin pancake mix. Then make like pancakes on a hot griddle. One trick that we always do is quickly pour your "pancakes" on your griddle and then tip the griddle from side to side letting the batter run all over so that they are even thinner. I hope this is making sense... if people have questions let me know and then maybe I'll have to take pictures the next time I make 'em... ooo and excuse to make them again (we just had them a couple of days ago... heeheehehe)

Sides:
Diced Onion
Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese (if you live in Utah get Cache Valley)
Head of lettuce coarsely chopped

To Serve:
Place layer of tortillas on plate, top with lots of cheese, onions cover with sauce and lettuce...oh, and you know me, a little more cheese on the top. Enjoy several helpings, this makes a TON!!!


****Update****
I forgot to add my Slow Cooker option. The full recipe make oodles of sauce, and so I usually half everything (except I still use the full onion and green pepper, and usually put 7-9 chili peppers in, but we like it spicy). Make the soup in a regular pot and then combine all ingredients into a slow cooker and simmer on low all day, with the lid tipped so that some of the water can evaporate out and thicken it up. This is really great for Sundays. I usually cook my meat the night before and then just throw it all together before church. I think if I had a larger slow cooker I would do the entire recipe and then freeze half of it, but I just have a regular sized one, and it barely holds half of the recipe. I don't know why, but doing it in a slow cook just seems so much easier to me. *I would still recommend using the full recipe for the corn tortillas, even if you half the batch of sauce.

Spanish Rice- Main Dish

This is another recipe from my sister and we eat it at least twice a month. This is her picture-- we don't put sour cream on it or that much cheese! Not sure that it is completely "Mexican" but it is sooooooo tasty! Mmmm.... now I want some for dinner tonight! It makes A TON!! Like you could feed an army with it! So either 1/2 the recipe or freeze some for later. I have started buying those aluminum square tin things with the little lids (they look like square versions of the cafe rio tins and lids). Anyway, when I have a huge recipe like this I put half in one of those tins, label it, and freeze it so that one night when I am busy I already have a good meal that I can use for dinner.

1 lb. Hamburger
1 Large Onion- chopped
1 Large Green Pepper
28 oz can Tomatoes- diced (undrained)
1 C. Water
1 C. Rice
1 T. Brown Sugar
1 T. Worcestershire Sauce
1 t. Salt
1 t. Chili Pepper
1 can Corn (undrained)
1 can Kidney Beans (drained)


Toppings:
Tortilla Chips
Sliced Olives
Green Onions- Sliced
Grated Cheese
Sour Cream


Brown beef with onions and green pepper. Drain. Stir in the rest of the ingredients. Cover and simmer 30 minutes, until rice is done and liquid is absorbed.
Serve on a bed of tortilla chips (lime chips are my favorite) and sprinkle with desired toppings.

MEXICAN!!!!

Okay, all you still living in the West... the thing I miss the most about Utah (with regards to food) is Authentic MEXICAN food!!! Well, that and my mom's cooking, you're never too old to miss that! And even with her recipes... it just never turns out the same.

Anyway, El Burrito is my FAVORITE mexican restaurant, I know, I know, you either love it or hate it. But I have never found anywhere that has cheese enchiladas to compare to theirs, So since I can't find any restaurants out here to satisfy cravings, I turn to you my blogging friends in search for some new delicious mexican recipes!

Arrrrriba!

(or however you would type that mexican cheer/hoot/call)

Lemon Pepper Tilapia

This is as close as I could come to healthy... it probably isn't because of the butter... and it really isn't a recipe, as much as it is a very complimentary meal. But it is as close as I get to healthy... AND it is a fast and easy meal, the rice is the longest part, so sometimes I just nix it and add another veggie... thats healthy right? But I don't usually, because the rice is soooooo goooooood!

Put 1/2 stick of butter into a 9x13 pan and melt in oven (which is heated to 350)
          I have made it before by using just water with a little lemon juice in it... it isn't as good, but it is friendlier to the love handles!
Place fish fillets in pan of melted butter and coat.

(I buy mine from Sam's Club in a big bag where they are all individually packaged... they are a pain to pull apart when they are all frozen together... this way just seams easiest to me... not the most eco-friendly though... sorry enviroment!)

Sprinkle with Salt and Lemon Pepper (you can't go wrong, but make sure you put quite a bit on... its good stuff!)
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until fish flake with a fork.

Serve with steamed broccoli (I just buy the Frozen broccoli florets... we have bad luck with fresh broccoli going bad, and the frozen kind tastes just as good to us)

and Rice a Roni (use this kind... it is the BEST, and it's brown rice... so um, healthy right?)

***I can't take all the credit for this yummy meal combo... My wonderful SIL Em showed it to me. She always has ears of corn and crescent rolls with it too... very good. ***

Haystacks

I'm not sure how healthy this is but I feel healthy when I am eating it because of all the veggies... does that count?

Rice (as much as you need depending on your family size)
1 pkg. Chicken- cubed
Lemon Pepper
1 Green Pepper- diced
1 Tomato- diced
Green Onion- chopped
Chow Mein Noodles
Pineapple Tid-bits
Olives

Celery, chopped

Gravy:
1 can Chicken Broth
2 cans Cream of Chicken

Cook rice. Cook chicken and season with anything you want, I use Lemon Pepper. Mix the gravy together and heat. It makes a LOT of sauce. I usually just freeze 1/2 can of the broth (dumped into a freezer bag) to be used at another time so that makes it easier to 1/2 the recipe.

Add any of these toppings, and any others that you can think of... this recipe and picture are from my sister's recipe blog but we usually add more veggies-- broccoli, carrots, cucumber etc... And I can't find the noodles here in Canada so we don't even put those on there.

Recipes for the Scales

Okay, I'll admit it. This week's recipe search is for me. That right. I need motivation to eat right...real bad. I have had fun trying new recipes with this, so I thought, "Hey, if people posted yummy healthy recipes, then maybe I could fill my meal plan up with them and start eating healthier!"  So please, SHARE if you care!

But until we make these delicious recipes... doesn't laughing burn calories? ;D

Thai Chicken Pizza (Makes 2)

This is a recipe for Thai chicken pizza like unto the one at California Pizza Kitchen. This picture is actually from CPK's menu because I don't have a picture of it.

It has a lengthy and sometimes hard to find ingredient list... but I ASSURE you it is DEFINITELY worth the time and effort you put into making it!! This is one of the best pizzas I have ever eaten. You have got to give it a try! This makes 2 pizzas so you can either 1/2 the recipe or just have a lot of pizza. I have never put the roasted peanuts on it and it was still good.

Sauce:
½ C. peanut butter
½ C. Hoisin Sauce
1 T. honey
2 tsp. red wine vinegar
2 tsp. minced ginger
2 cloves minced garlic
¼ tsp. salt
2 T. roasted sesame oil
2 tsp. soy sauce
1 tsp. oyster sauce
2 T. water

Thai Chicken pieces:
1 T. olive oil
10 oz. chicken cut into 3/4in cubes

Pizza:
Pizza dough (for 2 pizzas)
2 C. shredded mozzarella cheese
4 green onions, slivered diagonally
½ C. bean sprouts (white)
¼ C. shredded carrots
Roasted peanuts (opt.)
2 T. chopped, fresh cilantro

Combine sauce ingredients in a small pan over med. Heat. Bring sauce to a boil; boil gently for 1 minute. Divide into 2 portions to use on chicken and pizza; set aside.

To make Thai Chicken: cook the chicken in olive oil over med-high heat, stirring until just cooked (5-6 minutes). Do not overcook. Set aside in fridge until chilled through. Once chilled, coat chicken with ¼ C. sauce. Put in fridge.

To Make Pizza: spread ¼ C. sauce evenly over pizza dough within the rim. Cover with ¾ C. cheese. Distribute ½ of chicken over pieces (you can tear up the pieces), followed by ½ of the green onions, bean sprouts, and carrots. Sprinkle with an additional ¼ C. of cheese (covering toppings). Add chopped nuts. Bake 9-10 minutes (this may need to go longer—maybe 15 minutes).
While still hot (after cooking), sprinkle 1 T. chopped cilantro.

Repeat with remaining ingredients for 2nd pizza.

Pizza without Red Sauce

Sorry, I am late getting these pizza recipes up! My sister and I used to make pizzas every Friday night when I lived with her so we perfected pizza making... or tried to. We really like the pizza crust recipe listed below.
This pizza tastes like a Mediterranean pizza and is very tasty. It also doesn't have regular pizza sauce so it has a different flare to it. This is definitely worth making because you will be surprised how tasty it is. I included the picture of the sauce because it can be hard to find sometimes. Sadly, my husband doesn't like feta or I would be making this all the time!



Sauce:
2 T. Melted Butter
1 T. Olive Oil
3 T. Minced Garlic
2 T. Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
1 t. Dried Basil
1 t. Dried Oregano
1 T. Grated Parmesan Cheese

Toppings:
1 Tomato thinly sliced
1 bunch of Spinach, torn in small pieces
1 Sweet Onion, thinly sliced
1 fresh, chopped Jalapeno Pepper (Opt)
6 oz. package of Feta Cheese, crumbled
In a small bowl combine all the sauce ingredients and spread on your crust evenly. Arrange tomatoes evenly over all the sauce. Then add torn spinach. Place onions on and opt. jalapeno. Last top with crumbled feta cheese. Bake at 400 for 15-25 minutes.

Excellent Pizza Dough

1 C. Warm Water
2 1/4 tsp. Yeast
1 tsp. Sugar
2 T. Oil
2 1/2 C. Flour
1 tsp. Salt
Corn Meal

Combine water, yeast, and sugar. Let rise for 5 or so minutes. I use a Kitchen Aid. Add Oil to mixer. Add flour and salt. It should be a little sticky but not a gooey ball of yuck. If it is, add more flour. Let rise, covered, for at least 20 minutes. I cover it with plastic wrap.
Put corn meal on your baking sheet, pizza stone or whatever you are using. Just a light coverage will do-- you can spread it out with your hands. Roll out your dough on the cornmeal cookie sheet/pizza stone with a rolling pin. If you want you can put sting cheese in it for a stuffed crust. Poke the bottom of the crust with a fork then add your toppings at bake at 400 for 15-25 minutes.

Pesto Pizza

This is based on the traditional Italian caprese salad, which combines basil, tomatoes, and mozzarella. It's vegetarian-friendly and a healthier change of pace from your average workaday pepperoni/sausage pizza.

• 1 1/2 cups pesto (buy it in a jar or use this recipe to make your own, it's not hard)
• 6 oz. fresh mozzarella, also called "buffalo" mozzarella. It's white and softer than regular mozzarella, and can usually be found in the deli section with the other cheeses. Yeah, it's a bit more expensive, but worth it. If you can't find it, regular ol' mozzarella will do in a pinch.
• 1 or 2 fresh tomatoes
• Pizza crust

Spread pizza crust evenly with pesto. Slice fresh mozzarella and tomatoes and arrange on top. Bake according to pizza crust instructions, or until cheese browns and tomatoes are a bit crinkly-looking. If the toppings look like they are swimming in soup, it needs to bake longer (but keep in mind that the pizza will "solidify" as it cools).


Eat and enjoy!


Optional toppings: Try a sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan, pitted kalamata olives, or roasted red peppers, sliced into strips. If you have any fresh basil leaves lying around, they make a good garnish after the pizza is baked. Mmmm!

When the moon hits your eye...

Like a big pizza pie, that's Amore!

I just love pizza, and with our recent addiction to Rialto's Pizzaria here in Pittsburgh, we need to find some good recipes to suffice the urge to eat out! So bring on the recipes. They can be for any kind of pizza,  traditional or not (the one we like is a Steak, French Fry and Ranch Dressing Pizza...talk about crazy!)

If you have good pizza dough recipes be sure to share those too!

Chicken Penne

I LOVE this recipe!

2-3 diced chicken breasts (also tastes great with diced salmon)
1 cube butter
1 tsp garlic salt
1 box penne noodles
1 pint heavy whipping cream
2 cups parmesan cheese
1 tsp onion salt
optional: tomato

Boil water and cook noodles to box directions. In saucepan combine cream, butter, garlic salt, onion salt and parmesan cheese. Bring to boil for 5 minutes. Add chicken (or salmon) and boil 1 minute. Mix with noodles and enjoy! (Makes around 8 servings)

I got this recipe from a friend and decided to added diced tomatoes. I think it makes it just that much better. I like lots of tomatoes! This recipe reminded me a lot of the chicken penne at Applebees if you have had that.

Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

1 pint whipping cream
1 cube butter
2 Tbsp cream cheese, melted
3/4 cup fresh parmesan cheese
2 minced cloves garlic

Lightly saute garlic in butter. Add cream, then add melted cream cheese. Add parmesan cheese. Simmer on low until it thickens. Then add 1/2 tsp. salt.

Chicken Primavera

1 c. Carrots (thinly sliced)

1 c.  Asparagus (chopped)

1 c. Yellow & Green Zucchini (sliced)

1 c. Mushrooms (sliced)

1 c. Chicken, cooked/cubed
1 c. Noodles (I like bow tie), cooked

1 c. Whipping Cream

2 pkg. Dry Italian Dressing

1 c. Parmesan Cheese

1 cans. Diced Tomatoes

Optional Veggies:

Peppers

Onions

Cook Noodles. Saute Carrots & Asparagus for 2 mins, add rest of veggies and saute another 2 mins. Add chicken, cooked noodles, whipping cream, Italian seasoning, and parmesan. Stir well. then add tomatoes. Bring to a boil and then simmer until ready to serve.

This is a new recipe that was recently given to me! It is soooooo gooooood I had to share, can't take the credit though. :)

The hardest part is slicing up the veggies. I usually buy enough veggies to make it twice and slice them all up at one time, so the next time it is so easy to throw it all together (but don't forget about your veggies and have them go bad). Which means I make it twice pretty close together, but it is good enough that our family doesn't mind. My two year old LOVES this recipe. Especially when I sprinkle some extra parmesan cheese on top (she takes after her mother).

Broccoli and Tortellini Alfredo

INGREDIENTS
1(14-oz.) pkg. Green Giant Select® Broccoli Florets
1 (19-oz.) pkg. frozen tortellini
1 (10-oz.) container refrigerated Alfredo sauce or 1 (1-lb.) jar Alfredo Sauce
Grated Parmesan cheese
2 cooked chicken breast

DIRECTIONS
1.
Prepare broccoli and tortellini as directed on package. Drain; place in large serving bowl along with cubed chicken.
2.
Meanwhile, heat Alfredo sauce in saucepan. Pour sauce over broccoli and tortellini; toss to coat. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Sausage and Tomato Rigatoni

4 cups rigatoni pasta, uncooked
1lb Italian Sausage, cut into chunks
1 Red Onion, sliced
¼ cup tomato paste
¼ cup Kraft Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing
¼ cup chopped parsley
¼ cup grated Parmesan Cheese

Cook Pasta as directed on package

Meanwhile, brown sausage in large nonstick skillet; drain. Stir in onions and tomato paste; cover. Cook for 15 minutes or until onions are tender and sausage is cooked through, stirring occasionally. Stir in dressing

Toss sausage mixture with pasta. Sprinkle with parsley and cheese.

Who Needs the Olive Garden...

We sure don't! The weather is getting colder and the idea of a warm romantic dinner at home sounds more and more appealing (that and the fact that I'm too cheap to pay for a babysitter).

So lets hear all of those delicious

Italian Recipes!

Barbacoa pork

Ok I finally got one to share!

Here is a rather easy Cafe fake-o

What you'll need

1 boneless pork roast
1pkg taco seasoning (i like la Victoria)
1 cup brown sugar
1tblsp cumin (optional)
12 oz bottle of Dr. Pepper

Lettuce
Tomatoes
Rice
Black or Pinto beans
Soft shell tacos
Your favorite enchilada sauce

In a separate bowl dissolve taco seasoning, brown sugar and cumin in dr pepper
Put the roast and remaining Dr pepper in crock pot.
Pour Brown sugar/taco mixture over top of roast.
Let cook 4-5 hours
Shred the pork and let soak for a little while longer.

Make inside a soft shell taco with beans and rice. Smother in enchilada sauce. Add lettuce and tomatoes on top.

I've been told if you use the tortillas that have to be cooked it makes the recipe even better!

Slow Cooker Lasagna

Yes, it can be done! You can adapt any lasagna recipe for the slow cooker -- just use oven-ready noodles and snap off the corners so they fit in the pot. (You kind of have to be creative.)

Begin with a layer of sauce (this acts as an insulator so the noodles don't burn), then stack up fillings and noodles until the pot is full. Then put on the lid, and let it cook (or, steam, really) for 3-4 hours.

If you want to finish with a cheese layer, don't put it on top until the last 20 minutes of cooking.

Add a salad and breadsticks, and you're done! (Oooh, and what better excuse to have Italian gelato for dessert?)

Easiest BBQ Chicken Sandwiches Ever

Hands-On Time: 5 minutes
Ready In: 3-4 hours
Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

6 chicken breast halves, skinless and boneless
1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce (whatever your favorite is--ours is Famous Dave's)

Directions

Place chicken breasts into the bottom of a slow cooker and pour barbecue sauce over them.

Lid and cook for 3 to 4 hours on high until cooked through and nearly falling apart.

Shred the chicken wel l -- two forks does the job quickly -- and serve on burger buns.

Easy Crock-Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu

I make this all too often because it is so easy and delicious!

Ingredients:

-chicken breasts (one for each person who will be eating)
-ham slices or bacon (I just use lunch meat)
-1 can cream of chicken soup
-1 tbsp. chicken bouillon
-swiss or mozzarella cheese

Directions:

Place chicken breasts in crock pot. Place ham slices or bacon on each chicken breast. Cover with cream of chicken soup and sprinkle with chicken bouillon. Cook on low 3-4 hours. 15 minutes before serving top with swiss or mozzarella cheese. Let it melt and serve!

Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken - from Deb

Hey everyone, I'm Deb, Liz's favorite Sister-in-law (on the Newey side anyway). :)

I'm doing a crockpot dinner tonight and it smells soooo good!

Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken:

Prep Time: 10 min

Total Time: 8 hr 10 min

Makes: 6 servings

Ingredients:

1 medium onion, sliced

1 medium carrot, peeled, sliced

1 medium celery stalk, sliced

6 boneless skinless chicken thighs (1-1/2 lb.), cut into bite-size pieces

1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/3 cup Catalina Dressing

1/4 cup soy sauce

1 tsp. grated gingerroot

1 can (8 oz.) pineapple chunks, drained, liquid reserved

1 Tbsp. cornstarch

1 medium green pepper, sliced

1 medium red pepper, sliced

4-1/2 cups hot cooked rice

Directions:

PLACE onions, carrots and celery in slow cooker; top with chicken.

ADD combined brown sugar, dressing, soy sauce and ginger. Cover with lid.

COOK on LOW for 7 to 8 hours (or on HIGH for 3-1/2 to 4 hours). During last 30 min. of cooking time, increase to HIGH. Stir cornstarch into reserved pineapple liquid; add to slow cooker along with the pineapple and peppers. Cook 30 min. or until peppers are crisp-tender and sauce is thickened. Serve over the rice.

Chicken Junk - Oh So Good

Serves 6

- 4 Frozen Chicken Breasts
- 1 Pkg. Italian Seasoning Dressing Mix
- 1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 8 oz. Cream Cheese

Put all ingredients in the crock pot. Cook on low 6-8 hours stirring occasionally. (Tip: soften cream cheese first) Serve over baked potatoes, rice or noodles.

Cafe Rio Pulled Pork Salad

3-4 lbs. Pork Roast

1 jar of HOT salsa (it has to be hot, don't worry it inst' spicy after its made)

1 c. brown sugar

Combine all ingredients in to slow cooker and cook on high until roast is done (5-8 hours depending on the size). Shred with forks and serve on salad.

Yummy toppings: Tortilla strips, cheese, fresh lime, tomatillo (or ranch with salsa verde in it), cheese, diced tomates, cheese, and if you are daring sprinkle some cheese on top (okay, can you tell I just love cheese!). You can also melt some cheese on a tortilla and build your salad on top of that. :)

It is sooooo easy, and soooo delicious, especially with a little cheese.
Any question, leave me a comment.

What a Crock!

Okay, is it just me or does everyone have a hard time getting motivated to cook at dinner time? Its like I have all day to think about what to make for dinner and then when dinner time rolls around I go blank! So, we need to share some serious crock pot recipes! That way we can toss it all in in the morning, or even the night before and not have to worry about it.

Now its time to share!

Posting Recipes

Due to an excellent idea, we are changing the way we are sharing recipes. I will still try and make an initial post for the week stating the recipe-share theme. And then you can post your own recipe in a new post (not as a comment). That way, we'll be able to see all of the recipes at a glance in the Archive history (and not have to dig through posts to find the comment of the recipe that you saw).

In order to do this, you need to be added to the authors list, so please e-mail me and I will add you to the list so you can post your favorite recipes too.

Thanks, Liz

Souper Yummy

It is getting colder outside and what better to compliment crisp fall air than
SOUP!

In the English language, the word "soup" has developed several uses in phrase.

• Alphabet Soup, a term often used to describe a large amount of acronyms used by an administration, has its roots in a common tomato-based soup containing pasta shaped in the letters of the alphabet.
• Primordial Soup is a term used to describe the organic mixture leading to the development of life.
• A soup kitchen is a place that serves prepared food of any kind to the homeless.
• Pea soup describes a thick or dense fog.
• "Soup legs" is an informal or slang term used by athletes to describe fatigue or exhaustion.
• "Stone Soup" is a popular children's fable.
• Duck Soup is a term to describe a task that is particularly easy.
• Word soup refers to any collection of words that is ostensibly incomprehensible.
• Tag soup further refers to poorly coded HTML.
• Soup Fire! can be used an expression of surprise.
• Soupe du jour is French for "soup of the day." Sometimes used as a metaphor for anything currently trendy or fashionable.
• Soup to nuts is an American English idiom conveying the meaning "from beginning to end"
• Soup's on is a common term used to say, "Dinner's ready."
• Soup Sandwich is a denigrative U.S. military slang term, typically used to admonish a trooper for poor work or shoddy appearance. The term comes from the concept that a sandwich made out of soup would be a sloppy mess.
  

Now its your turn, post your favorite simple soup recipe.

Chicken Salsa Soup

5 c. Water
1/2 lb. Chicken, cooked/cubed
6 heaping tsp. Chicken Bouillon
1 tsp. Chili Powder
1/4 c. sweet pepper, chopped
15 oz Corn, drained
1 jar Garden Style Salsa/picante sauce

Broken Tortilla Chips (3-5 cups)
8 oz. Monterey Jack Cheese with Jalapeno Peppers, shredded

In 3 qt. saucepan combine water, chicken bouillon, chicken and chili powder. Bring to boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer a few minutes. Add corn and peppers. Simmer until heated through and peppers are tender.

To serve: Put a handful of chips in bottom of bowl, ladle in soup and top with cheese. Enjoy immediately. :)

By: Liz S.

Black Bean Soup

2 cans black beans, drained
1 can chicken broth
1 can corn, drained
1 cup salsa
1/4 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. chili powder

Mix beans, broth, and corn together in a large pot and bring to boil. Add salsa and spices. Take half the mixture and blend it, then recombine. Simmer 15 min. on low.
Serve with tortilla chips, sour cream, chopped avacado, tomato, and cheese.

By Tiffany C.

White Chili

4 lg. chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
2 cans white beans
2 cans diced green chilies
2 cans chicken broth
2 cans white corn
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp. lemon pepper
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 c. minced dried onion

serve with:
4 fresh limes, wedged
white corn chips
grated monterrey jack cheese

By Tiffany C.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Whole Chicken
Chicken broth cubes
Onion
Celery
Carrots
Reames frozen noodles
Milk

Cook Chicken in crock-pot filled with water. Cook all day(approx. 5 hrs) then take off bone. Add noodles and 6-8 chicken broth cubes to water. Sauté onion, celery, and carrots in butter on stove. Add to crock-pot along with ½ cup of milk. Salt and pepper to taste.

By Atrena

Baked Potato Soup

1/2 lbs. butter
1 1/4 lbs. onions
1 c. flour
1 qt. half and half (or 2 c. milk & 2 c. cream)
4 lbs. baked potatoes (cooled and diced)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco Sauce
8 c. chicken stock

Saute onions; add flour and stock to make white sauce. Add everything else. Serve hot topped with bacon bits, grated cheese and green onions.

By Sarah G.

Jen's Soup

Sometimes I throw together a bunch of stuff and call it soup. :) Everything is to taste... Call it what you want. This one is good if you are running low on fresh ingredients.

1 lb Ground meat (beef or turkey)
1 can beans (whatever you prefer, black, white, kidney, pinto, etc.)
1 can tomato sauce or paste
1 bag frozen veggies (I like the different stir fry varieties)
macaroni or rice
Garlic (powder is fine)
Onion (powder is fine)
Salt & Pepper
any other seasoning you like... italian, basil, whatever
Enough water to make it soup.

Serve it with some delicious bread and Voila! you have dinner!

Taco Soup

1 lb Ground Hamburger (or ground turkey if you want it a little healthier)

2 cans of dice tomatoes (I always use Del Monte w/ zesty green chilies)

1 can of kidney beans (I usually throw in two since we like them so much)

1 can of corn (just had to put something in parentheses since I have done it on EVERY one!)

1-4oz. can of diced green chilies

1 pkg of McCormick's Taco Seasoning

Directions:

Brown and season hamburger meat (note: do NOT use the taco seasoning to flavor your meat), then in a large pot combine cooked meat, undrained canned foods and package of taco seasoning. Bring to a boil and then simmer until ready to serve (you can also stick it in a crock pot and forget about it until dinner time).

Serve with sour cream, cheese and tortilla chips (we love using Frito's).