Chicken Fried Rice

The key to this very simple and delicious recipe is to cook your rice a day in advance and store in the refrigerator. This is great alone or alongside your favorite Chinese dish. Enjoy!

Serves 4

1 chicken breast, cut into thin strips
1 tablespoon sesame oil
salt and pepper
2 large eggs, whisked (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 large carrot julienned (thin strips)
1/2 can bean sprouts, rinsed and drained
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 servings cold cooked rice
3 tablespoons soy sauce, more or less to taste
3 green onions, chopped


1. Toss chicken with sesame oil and season with salt and pepper.
2. On high heat, stir fry in a hot wok or skillet for 5 minutes.
3. If using egg, heat a small amount of oil in medium fry pan. Add egg and make an omelet. Let cool on a plate and shred. Set aside.
4 To the chicken, add olive oil, onions, carrots, bean sprouts and garlic. Continue cooking for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
5 Stir in rice and soy sauce. Cook for 2 minutes.
6. Stir in green onions and egg (if desired). Serve immediately.

Creaming Potato Salad

Great side dish for any barbecue. You can add diced hard boiled eggs, if desired. Enjoy!

Serves 4
4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
1/2 cup miracle whip
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon mustard
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon celery seeds
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/4 cup diced onion
dash black pepper

1. In a large pot, bring potatoes to a boil in salted water and cook until fork tender. About 8 to 10 minutes
2. Drain potatoes and rinse in cold water.
3. In a large boil, mix together remaining ingredients until blended.
4. Gently fold potatoes into sauce until coated.
5. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

Ham & Cheesy Potato Casserole

My favorite holiday meal is baked ham with a side of cheesy potatoes. This casserole combines both for a hearty meal. Enjoy!

1  2 pound bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 1/2 cups sour cream

1/2 cup margarine, melted

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

2 cups ham, cubed

2 green onions, chopped (optional)

dash black pepper

1. Preheat oven to 375.

2. In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients.

3. Poor into a 13x9 casserole dish.

4. Bake uncovered for 1 hour.

Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

Great side dish for any meal. Enjoy!

Serves 4

1 1/2 pounds small fingerling potatoes, rinsed and dried
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

1. Preheat oven to 500 degrees with cookie sheet inside.
2. Toss potatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper.
3. Place seasoned potatoes on hot cooking sheet.
4. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Grilled Pork Chop and Roasted Red Pepper Sliders

Great meal on a warm day. For this recipe you can use any slider buns. I found Flatout slider bread at Walmart. Enjoy!

Serves 4
4 thin-cut boneless pork chops
olive oil
salt and pepper
light mayonnaise
sliced red onion
roasted red pepper, jarred or fresh
8 slider rolls or buns

1. Preheat grill to medium-high.
2. Coat pork chops with olive oil, salt and pepper.
3. Grill for 5 minutes on each side.
4. Let rest for 10 minutes. Cut each pork chop in half.
5. Toast slider buns.
6. Place pork chop, mayonnaise, red onion and roasted red pepper on each bun.

Lasagna Rolls With a Mozzarella White Sauce

This is a fun take on lasagna. Enjoy!

Serves 4

Lasagna
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
1 medium red pepper, diced
1 cup mozzarella cheese
3 cups spaghetti sauce
8 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente and cooled completely

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cover bottom of a medium baking dish with 1/2 cup spaghetti sauce.
2. Over medium high heat, brown ground beef, onion and red pepper.
3. In a bowl combine cooked beef, mozzarella cheese and 1 cup spaghetti sauce.


White Sauce
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
dash salt and peppper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and cook garlic for 1 minute. Do not let brown.
2. Stir in flour until blended.
3. Whisk in milk, salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil and allow to thicken, about 5 minutes.
4. Add mozzarella cheese and stir until melted.


Assemble Lasagna
1. Lay a cooked noodle flat and evenly spread 1/4 cup meat mixture ontop.
2. Gently roll lasagna noodle and place end up. Make sure the seems are facing into the other rolls so they stay closed.
3. Sproon 1 1/2 cups spaghetti sauce over lasagna rolls.
4. Place a spoonful of white sauce on each roll.
5. Bake for 20 minutes, until bubbly and browned.
6. Allow to stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Cold Taco Salad

Great recipe for a hot day. The key is to add the dressing and Doritos right before serving. Some prefer to have the salad dry with the dressing on the side. Enjoy!

2 avocados, mashed
1 bottle catalina dressing (I use light)

8 cups chopped lettuce
2 large tomatoes, diced
1 medium red onion, diced
1 large red or orange pepper, diced
2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 pound cooked beef with taco seasoning, cooled
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
2 cups crushed Doritos, more or less to your liking

1. In a small bowl, stir avocados and dressing until blended. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine vegetables, beans, meat and cheese, if desired.
3. Add dressing and toss until coated.
4. Stir in Doritos and serve immediately.

Sausage, Peppers and Kale

I have never tried kale so I picked it up at the grocery store today. In my cart, I had the sausage and peppers. I decided to get creative. Do not skimp on the kale in this recipe. It will cook down to next to nothing. Enjoy!

Serves 4

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large red, yellow and/or orange peppers, sliced
1 medium red onion, sliced
pinch salt and pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 servings kielbasa or smoked sausage
1 large bunch kale, chopped (discard stems)
1 cup chicken broth
4 servings pasta (I used angel hair)
juice from half a lemon

1. Cook pasta according to directions, do not over cook and do not drain.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil on medium high.
3. Saute peppers, onion, sausage, salt and pepper until vegetables begin to soften. About 5 minutes
4. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add kale and broth. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
6. Uncover and cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. With tongs, remove pasta from water and add to the meat and vegetables. Cook for 1 minute.
8. Add lemon juice and serve.

Pistachio Nut Muffins

This us such delicious recipe. Perfect for brunch or dessert. Enjoy!

Makes 24 muffins
1 pkg vanilla cake mix
1 pkg pistachio pudding, unprepared (do not use sugar free)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup water
4 eggs
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons cinnamon
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup crushed walnuts

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pudding, oil, water, eggs and sour cream. Stir with a spoon until well blended.
3. Grease muffins pan with cooking spray.
3. Pour batter in muffin cups, 1/3 full. A cookie scoop works well.
4. In a small bowl, mix together cinnamon, sugar and walnuts. Sprinkle over batter (you may have some left over)
5. Bake for 15 minutes.
6. Let cool completely. Gently use tablespoon to release sides of muffins.

Potato and Leek Soup

Leeks have a very sweet and mild onion flavor. I do not find them to be over powering in this soup. Very delicious and easy to make. Many recipe have you blend the soup. That is not how I made mine, but feel free to be creative. Enjoy!

4 servings

2 large leek bundles
2 strips bacon, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
pinch of salt
8 cups chicken broth or stock
1 pound potatoes, peeled and diced
1 teaspoon salt
dash of ground black pepper

Spice Packet
2 sprigs thyme
1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
2 bay leaves
1 coffee filter

Lay coffee filter flat on work surface. Place thyme sprigs, whole peppercorns and bay leaves in the center. Fold filter in half and staple to shut. Roll ends and staple. Set aside.

Soup
1. Cut green woody stems and roots off of leeks and discard. Cut leeks in half, lengthwise. Rinse very well to remove sand. Chop and set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat oil and cook bacon until light brown.
3. Add chopped leeks and a pinch of salt. Stir frequently until wilted.
4. Add chicken broth, potatoes, salt, ground black pepper and spice packet. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender.

Quick Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

I got the idea off of Pinterest. Without looking at the recipe, I bought packaged cinnamon rolls and apples. After I looked at it, I realized packaged cinnamon rolls are not apart of the ingredients. I decided to revamp with a can of apple pie filling I had in my pantry. Enjoy!

1 package uncooked cinnamon rolls - 8 count (buy the cinnamon rolls that are spiraled)
1 can apple pie filling

1. Place cinnamon rolls in freezer for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 400.
3. Cut cinnamon roll into 16 slices.
4. Spray small baking dish with cooking spray.
5. Smash 10 cinnamon roll slices into bottom and up the sides of the baking dish.
6. Add pie filling.
7. Smash remaining cinnamon roll slices and place on top.
8. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Cool for 10 minutes and drizzle icing that came in cinnamon roll package.

Chicken Fajitas

This recipe goes great with my spanish rice recipe. Enjoy!

Serves 4

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire
juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
dash salt and pepper

1 red pepper, cut into strips
1 small red onion, cut into strips
2 tablespoons olive oil

1. In a medium bowl, toss chicken with soy sauce, Worcestershire, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, chili power, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken strips for 5 on each side.
3. In a large frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Cook red pepper and onion for 10 minutes, until tender and light brown. Stir frequently.
4. Serve chicken and vegetables on warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Cake Batter Milkshakes

This is a Pinterest recipe but, as usual, I revamped it. Very rich and very delicious! I made milk chocolate and rainbow chip. Enjoy!

1 box cake mix, any flavor
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream
2 cups milk
sprinkles

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together cake mix and water. Set aside.
2. In a blender, combine ice cream and milk until smooth.
3. Stir in cake batter.
4. Dip the rim of a cup in 1/4 inch of water and then into sprinkles.
5. Poor shake into cup and enjoy!

Cheesy Potatoes

These potatoes are perfect for a potluck or a side dish any night of the week. The optional topping really rounds out the flavor (I did not use the topping in this picture). Enjoy!

2 pound bag frozen shredded hashbrown potatoes, thawed
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 1/2 cups sour cream
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
dash pepper
2 green onions chopped

1. Preheat oven to 375
2. Stir together all ingredients until well mixed
3. Spoon into an ungreased 13x9 baking dish
4. Bake for 1 hour, until golden brown

Optional Topping
1 cup cornflake crumbs - can be found with the bread crumbs or put cornflake cereal in the food processor
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1. Combine cornflake crumbs and cheese
2. After 45 minutes of baking, sprinkle on top
3. Bake for remaining 15 minutes.

Mongolian Beef

This is a Pinterest recipe that I revamped. The flavor is AMAZING!!!! It apparently mirrors PF Chang's but I have never ordered it there. Enoy!

Serves 4

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound flank steak, cut in thin strips againts the grain
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
2 large cloves garlic, grated
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 large red pepper, cut into strips
1 medium red onion, cut into strips
4 servings cooked rice

1. Heat oil in a frying pan or wok on high heat
2. Pat steak with towel until dry. Toss with cornstarch until evenly coated and add to hot oil. Stir frequently and cook until no pink remains
4. In a small saucepan, whisk together ginger, garlic, water, soy sauce and brown sugar. Cook over high heat for 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Add red pepper and red onion to meat. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Add sauce and cook for 2 minutes. Sauce will thicken as it cooks.
6. Serve over rice

Individual Apple Cobblers

These are easy to make and great for your family or entertaining. Enjoy!

Serves 4

2 large granny smith apples
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup light brown sugar
2 tablepsoons cold margarine

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut apples in half and scoop out core and seeds. Sprinkle each apple with cinnamon and sugar.

In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar and margarine with a fork. Spoon mixture onto each apple. Place apples skin side down in a muffin tin. Bake for 25 minutes.

Safe to Eat Egg Free Cookie Dough

Sometimes I crave a big scoop of cookie dough. This recipe will satisfy that craving without the dangers of uncooked eggs. Enjoy!

Makes approx. 2 1/2 cups

1/2 cup margarine
6 tablespoons sugar
6 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon water
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup M&M's or milk chocolate chips

With a hand mixer, beat together margarine, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract and water until creamy. Stir in flour, baking soda and salt with a spoon until smooth. Fold in M&M's or chocolate chips. Store in the refrigerator.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookie Bars

You are looking at the first dessert I have put on this blog. This recipe is easy and delicious!

Makes 2 dozen bars

1 package Devil's Food cake mix
2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup peanut butter chips

1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Spread into an ungreased 13x9 pan
3. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes. They are done when middle is soft but not doughy
4. Slice once cooled

Garlic Dill Boiled Potatoes

This is a very simple recipe with huge flavor. Enjoy!

Serves 4
4 medium red skinned potatoes, cut into 1 inch pieces
1/2 tablespoon salt
1/2 tablepsoon garlic powder
1/2 tablespoon dried dill weed
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons margarine

1. Put potatoes, salt, garlic powder, dill and black pepper in a large pot. Add enough hot water to just cover potatoes.
2. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, until fork tender. Do not overcook.
3. Remove potatoes with a slotted spoon into a serving boil. Do not use a colander.
4. Place 1/4 cup cooking liquid in a small bowl. Add margarine and heat in microwave for 30 seconds, until melted.
5. Pour sauce over potatoes and toss gently. Serve immediately.

Scalloped Potatoes

Comfort food at its best. Enjoy!

Serves 4
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons margarine
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/14 cups milk
3/4 cup shredded cheddar
3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into this slices
**Optional: Add cooked ham or bacon to make a meal.

1. Preheat oven to 350. Grease 9x9 baking dish and set aside
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, saute onion and garlic until tender. Do not allow to brown.
2. Stir in flour, salt and black pepper.
3. Add milk and whisk until smooth. Cook on medium-high heat until bubbly.
4. Whisk cheese into bubbly sauce until melted. Remove from heat.
5. Place potatoes and sauce in a large bowl. Stir until potatoes are evenly coated. (**Add optional meat at this time)
6. Pour potatoes into baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour.
7. Remove foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes.