PINTO!

Sort, rinse and soak desired amount of pinto beans in a very large pot covered with water 4-5" above beans overnight. 

When you are ready to cook (plan on about 3 hours) Drain water and refill with fresh water 2" above beans.  Cover and bring to boil.  Lover heat to LOW and cook covered 3 hours or until beans are tender.

Add 1 large can green chilies.  (or fresh chilies cut with seeds removed)

Add 1 lb COOKED ground beef seasoned with:
1 tsp garlic salt (3 cloves minced)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp. Pepper 
1 tsp parsley

Serve with cubed cheddar cheese on top (optional), tortillas or rolls.

Whole Grain Pancakes

Feeds 8 people. You can put them in a freezer bag and pop them in the toaster.

3 1/2 cups Whole Wheat flour
2 1/2 cup Oats
3 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup brown sugar (opt)
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup flax seed or flax flour
1/2 cup wheat germ 
2 tsp cinnamon
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
2 cups unsweetened applesauce
2 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Beat eggs, milk, applesauce, vanilla.  Add remaining ingredients.  Mix until smooth.  Add more flour/milk if needed. Should be easily spreadable.

Kimono Chicken - crock pot

8+ Organic, boneless/skinless chicken thighs  (or bone and skin on, up to you)
1 cup of soy sauce
1/2 cup of rice vinegar (I also added 1/2 cup white wine)
4 cloves of garlic crushed and minced
4-6 green onions chopped
5 Tbsp of brown sugar
1/2 tsp of fresh ground pepper
2 tbsp of parsley (fresh chopped if available)
Brown Rice

Directions:  Place your chicken thighs in a deep pan that also has a lid. Over medium heat pour in the soy sauce, and rice vinegar and then add the brown sugar, garlic, 2-3 chopped green onion, parsley and pepper.  Toss the chicken pieces around a little bit so that they are coated with the liquid.  Cover and allow the chicken to cook for about 45 minutes or until they are done.  As this is cooking you will notice that the liquid will start to caramelize nicely on the skin and in the pan.  If you notice that the liquid is cooking much faster than the chicken just lower your heat setting.  Do not cook this any higher than a medium temperature.  It should caramelize and not burn.  When the chicken is done remove, add a little extra chopped scallions and parsley to the top and serve. This recipe makes extra sauce to pour over the rice. 

Stromboli Bread and Whole Wheat Rosemary Ham and Swiss Bread

In a large mixing bowl let sit 5 min:
3/4 cup warm water
2 tsp active dry yeast
1-1/2 tbsp sugar (or honey)

Add:
1 cup whole wheat flour (2 cups ww flour)
2 cups all purpose flour (1 cup white flour)
3 TBSP melted butter
1/2 cup warm milk
1 tsp salt

Other ingredients you will need:
1 pkg of pepperoni or 10″ stick pepperoni, thinly sliced 
2 c shredded mozzarella cheese (6+ slices Swiss cheese)
2 pkg fresh mushrooms sliced and steamed or 1 can sliced mushrooms, drained
1 egg
1 tsp oregano (rosemary for the Ham and Swiss no Basil)
1 tsp basil

Mix until dough formed and kneed (or use bread maker on dough setting) until dough is NOT sticky to the touch.  You may need to add more flour. You do NOT need to let the dough rise. 

Preheat your oven to 375F.

Place dough on counter and roll into a large rectangle that will fit on your baking sheet. Beat the egg with the oregano and basil.  Brush half of the egg wash on the edges of the bread (optional).

Place a layer of pepperoni down the center of the bread (4-5 slices of pepperoni wide).
Place shredded cheese on top of pepperoni.
Evenly distribute the mushrooms on top of the cheese. Place another layer of pepperoni over the mushrooms if desired.

Pinch the sides and ends of the bread together to seal the pepperoni, cheese, and mushrooms inside.
Flip the bread over onto a GREASED baking sheet.  Brush the top with the remaining egg wash.

Bake 25 minutes.

You can also add black olives to this or any other pizza favorite.
Whole Wheat, Rosemary, Ham and Swiss with mushrooms

Roast Beef with Pepper Jack Cheese!

Mushroom and Asparagus Risotto

Feeds 8+

2 big bushels of asparagus, cut 2"
4 cups chicken broth
1 pkg of crimini mushrooms (optional)
4 TBSP olive oil
1 red onion chopped
4 garlic cloves finely chopped
1 box Aborio rice
1 cup white wine
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp pepper
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Warm the chicken broth very hot in a saucepan over medium low heat.  In a large saute pan, heat 2 TBSP olive oil over medium-high heat.  Saute onion and garlic.  Add the rice and cook stirring constantly 3-4 minutes.  Add wine and stir until the liquid is absorbed.  Add the broth 1/2 cup at a time.  Stirring occasionally and waiting until it is absorbed before adding more.  Once you add the last 1/2 cup, cover and remove from heat, start heating your asparagus. 

In another pan heat the 2 TBSP olive oil and add cut asparagus.  Saute just until bright green.  4-5 min.

Once broth is completely absorbed in the risotto, add the asparagus and season with salt and pepper.  Stir in Parmesan.  


 

Nutty Eggplant Pasta

When I first tasted this dish, I closed my eyes and pictured myself in the snowy mountains, warm and cozy by a fire in a cabin.  The cinnamon and cocoa add an amazing aroma, adding the walnuts to this delicious combo of seasonings bring it to an Earthy and natural flavor.  The eggplant gives it a slight kick, while the ricotta and romano keeps this dish a mild, yet savory essence.

Begin with boiling water to cook desired pasta style for this dish. 

3 white eggplant cut into large pieces
3 purple eggplant (hanzel and gretel)
1 large onion chopped

Spread over bottom of large deep baking dish.  Sprinkle cinnamon and cocoa over the top of veggies.  Drizzle with olive oil.

Bake 425 about 15 min.

While roasting do the following:

2 cups raw walnuts (chop large pieces).  Sprinkle over veggies and continue to bake another 10 min. 

In a large bowl mix together:

A handful of fresh italian parsley (chop)
1 cup grated pecorino romano
1 tub of whole milk ricotta cheese

Add this mixture to the cooked pasta.  By now the eggplant mixture should be roasted.  Add eggplant to pasta and cheese. 

Mix and Match Squash with Rice

1 onion chopped
1/4 c. butter
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup rice
2 tsp salt
2 yellow squash sliced
2 zucchini sliced
2 TBSP Lemon juice
1 green bell pepper chopped
1 TBSP chopped parsley
1 1/2 cups water


You can add chicken as well!!!

In a large high edge skillet cook onion in 2 TBSP butter.  Add the water and chicken broth to skillet then rice and 1 tsp salt.  Bring to boil.  Cover and cook over low heat until liquid is absorbed.  About 25 min.  Add squash and zucchini, bell peppers and remaining 1 tsp salt.  Cook until squash is tender.  About 5 min.  Add remaining butter and lemon juice.  Stir.  Sprinkle with parsley.  Serves 4-6.   

Side note.  The lemon really changes the flavor of this meal.  So be prepared.  The first bite is different but then you'll go... Mmmmmm that was so good! Have NOT tried this with brown rice.  I would use white rice until I have tried it with brown.  I KNOW it's good with white. :D

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli - Crock Pot

8 boneless skinless chicken thigh
1 can cream of mushroom soup (**optional)
1 can cream of celery soup (optional)
**(if not using soup add 1 cup heavy cream and 2 cups chicken broth with mushrooms and 3 celery stocks cut into pieces)
2+ cups cheddar cheese
3 cloves garlic
2 tsp Parsley
3 cups cut broccoli (2 big heads of broccoli)
1 red onion chopped
1-2 pkg crimini mushrooms (or regular)
2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
2 cups brown rice (cooked and set aside)

Crock Pot on LOW (high for bigger pieces of chicken)

~add onion, mushrooms, soups, garlic, parsley and chicken. Salt and pepper top of chicken.

~ Cook for about 4 hours then ADD BROCCOLI. Cook until broccoli is tender.
~Add shredded cheddar cheese 15 min before serving.

~Cook rice and put the chicken cheddar broccoli on top.

Egg Salad

- 2 hard boiled eggs
- 1 tbs organic mayonnaise
- Dash of curry, sea salt and pepper
- 1/2 tbs chopped red onions
- 4 cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 tbs chopped cucumber
Instructions:
1. Mash up your eggs with the mayonnaise to your desired consistency.
2. Add the curry, salt and pepper and mix.
3. Stir in the onions and cucumbers.
4. Gently stir the tomatoes into the mix.
5. Enjoy your egg salad on a bed of lettuce

(2) Alfredo Sauces

#1

Now I know there are way more healthy versions of this, but this is the one I use right now until I get the recipe from a friend of mine.  If "healthy" isn't what you are concerned about then go for this one.


Melt in a pot:


4 TBSP butter
ADD:
4 TBSP Flour
WHISK WELL


ADD:
2 cups milk
1/2 tsp salt
3 garlic cloves
1 tsp oregano or fresh basil chopped
1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup sour cream (optional)


Now this covers about 3 adults food, I double mine to feed my family of 8.


#2 White Wine Alfredo Sauce

~Carton of heavy whipping cream
~White wine
~Garlic
~Extra Virgin Olive Oil
~1 cup Finely Grated Parmesan cheese
~salt & pepper

On Med heat in a large skillet add about 2 cloves of garlic, minced and about 2 pinches of salt and pepper with the olive oil until lightly browned. Careful not to burn. Then add the white wine (Add about enough to cover the bottom of the skillet) Quickly add the heavy cream and the cheese, stir occasionally so it doesn't burn.

(2) Amazing Fruit Dips

#1

2 TBSP real lemon juice
3 8oz yogurt (cherry, vanilla, cherry vanilla is best if you can find it)
1 large pkg instant vanilla pudding mix (or cheesecake)
8oz whipped topping (whip up yourself, much healthier) Whipping cream and sugar to desired sweetness

Mix all together


#2

2-3 blocks Philadelphia cream cheese (generic's are gross)
1 small lemon juiced
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup powdered sugar
1 jar march mallow creme
homemade whipped cream equivalent to a small container of cool whip

combine all together and enjoy!!

Easy Spanish Rice - with BROWN rice

Serves 6-8 adults.

2 cups uncooked rice -brown/white
(I used Trader Joes Brown Rice Medley and it was FABULOUS!!!)
1 chopped onion
4 TBSP olive oil
5 cups water
2 cloves garlic
1 8oz can tomato sauce (or small can of tomato paste)
1 chopped green bell pepper (or 1/2 cup freeze fried bell pepper mix)
1 chopped red bell pepper
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 lb. ground beef COOKED
cheddar cheese (of course this is a Basham recipe ;P)

Cook rice and onion in oil in a large high-side skillet over medium heat about 3 minutes.  Stirring occasionally until rice is golden brown.

Stir in remaining ingredients (NOT the cheddar cheese) Heat to boiling, reduce heat and cover.  Simmer for about 45 minutes stirring occasionally until rice is tender! That's all she wrote folks! Serve and top with cheddar cheese!!!

Cheesy Egg Bake

 

16 eggs
2-3 cans chilies
2 pounds shredded cheese (Mexican blend is amazing, or cheddar)
1 can evaporated milk

1 tsp melted butter
2 TBSP flour

Mix eggs, chilies, cheese and evaporated milk.
Melt butter in a 11x14" dish.
Tilt to coat bottom of dish.Sprinkle with flour.
Pour in egg mixture.
Bake 350 for 1 hour.

Additional fixings:  diced tomatoes, mushrooms, bell peppers, bacon, ham, sausage, fresh baby spinach,  Parmesan cheese.  Serve with fruit on the side and some good for you toast :D

Feeds 8+ people

No Bake Cookies

2 cups sugar
1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup butter
1/6 tsp salt
3 TBSP Cocoa
1/4 cup peanut butter (optional)

Combine all above  ingredients in tall pot.  Bring to a boil on MEDIUM HIGH heat, stirring.  Once boiling turn down heat to MEDIUM LOW (#3) and continue to boil for 10 minutes stirring occasionally.

Add:

3 cups quick oats
1 cup coconut (optional, if not using coconut add another 1 cup oats)

Stir well... add:
1 tsp. vanilla
Mix.

Drop onto wax paper and allow to set.  I like to use the small or medium scoop from Pampered Chef.

Garden Bake

2 zucchini diced
2 yellow squash diced large pieces
1 onion chopped (I love red onions)
3 small tomatoes diced
2 large carrots chopped small
1 pkg Cremini mushrooms

1 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
6 eggs
3 cups milk
2 1/2 cups Bisquick (Trader Joe's Multi-Grain baking/pancake mix)
3/4 tsp pepper
1 1/2 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 400

Rub olive oil on a large 11x14 dish and add chopped squash/zucchini, onion, mushrooms and tomatoes.

Sprinkle top with Parmesan cheese.

In a separate bowl combine eggs, milk, Bisquick, pepper and salt.  Blend for 15 seconds.  Pour over top of veggies.


Bake for 45 min or golden on top AND knife inserted in center comes out clean.  (this is like a quiche so if there is a little sticky on the knife it is okay.
Cool about 5 minutes before serving.
Sprinkle cheddar cheese over top.

Pork Chops Marsala with Sweet Potatoes and Asparagus

6 to 8 organic boneless pork loin chops
Salt
Pepper
1/2 tsp thyme
3 garlic gloves minced
Olive Oil
REAL butter
1 package sliced cremini mushrooms (came in a sealed package)
1/2 white onion, chopped (could use a shallot too if preferred)
One bunch of asparagus
3 large sweet potatoes and 1 large yam
4 slices Prosciutto (meat section... yes, I didn't have a clue what this was, I thought it was cheese)
1/2 organic chicken broth
1/3 cup Marsala wine


Directions:
1.Sprinkle salt and pepper on pork chops.
2.Peel and cut potatoes into 2 inch chunks. Boil accordingly to make mashed potatoes.
3.Heat large skillet with about 2 tsp olive oil and brown chops evenly on both sides with center slightly pink. About six minutes turning over once. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4.Heat about 1 tsp olive oil to the same skillet. Add onions, mushrooms and thyme. Cook until mushrooms are brown and onions are soft. About 5 minutes.
5.While onion and mushroom mix is cooking add chopped Prosciutto and butter to a separate skillet. Cook about 2 minutes and add asparagus and garlic. Cook to your own preference.
6.Add broth and wine to mushroom mix and simmer on low about 5 minutes.
7.Drain potatoes and mash with 1 tbs butter, a bit of heavy whipping cream ( or milk) and salt.
8.Pour sauce over pork chops and serve with asparagus and sweet potato mix

Homemade Whole Wheat Spaghetti

Making pasta at home is EASY!  Make sure you have a small pasta machine to roll and cut your dough and you'll have meals in no time!

3 eggs room temperature
1 1/2 tsp sea salt (optional)
2 cups whole wheat flour
(1/2 cup water) on the side if needed to form soft dough

Mound flour on a work surface or bowl.  Make a deep well and drop eggs into the well.  Add salt if you are using it.  Using a fork, beat egg mixture together.  Slowly add in flour and a circular motion until all flour has been incorporated.  If the dough is too thick or dry, add the water a little at a time until dough forms a soft and firm ball.

Kneed until smooth and elastic.  About 5-10 min.  Divide the dough into 4 parts and place in plastic bag to sit for 20 min.

Using 1 ball, flatten with your hands on a flour surface.  Feed through the widest roller setting on your pasta machine.  (0-1)  Flour dough and feed through a setting of 2 or 3.  Depending on how thick you want your noodles.  I like 3.  Flour dough well before feeding through the cutter.

Either lay pasta out in groups to dry or hang on a pasta dryer rack.  You can place in freezer bags to store or keep out on the rack and cook later that night!

Boil 4-5 min. in a large pot of water with about 1 TBSP Olive Oil.  It's not dehydrated so it doesn't take as long to cook.  Be careful not to overcook! 

To spruce up your spaghetti sauce you can dice up 3 tomatoes and add some fresh basil, garlic powder and chopped onion along with some meatballs if you'd like!

Makes enough spaghetti for a family of 8! 

Top with some fresh Parmesan or grated cheddar cheese!

THAT'S IT!!!

Latin Chicken - crock pot

Ingredients

3 pound(s) bone-in skin on chicken thighs
2 teaspoon(s) ground cumin
Salt and pepper
1 teaspoon(s) smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon(s) ground allspice
1 cup(s) chicken broth
1/2 cup(s) salsa
3 clove(s) (large) garlic, crushed with press
2 can(s) (15 to 19 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained
2 pound(s) sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks (yams are good too, or mix them up)
1 jarred roasted red pepper, cut into strips (1 cup)
1/3 cup(s) loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
Lime wedges

Directions
1. Sprinkle chicken thighs with 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper. Heat 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot; add chicken thighs and cook until well browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Transfer chicken to plate. Remove skillet from heat.
2. In same skillet, combine smoked paprika, allspice, chicken broth, salsa, garlic, and remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin.
3. In 6-quart crock pot, combine beans and sweet potatoes. Place chicken on top of potato mixture in slow cooker; pour broth mixture over chicken. Cover slow cooker with lid and cook on low 8 hours or on high 4 hours. Check it periodically as sometimes it finishes a bit quicker.
4. With tongs or slotted spoon, remove chicken pieces to large platter. Gently stir roasted red pepper strips into potato mixture. Spoon mixture over chicken. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Wow! The flavor all those spices give to this dish! I used boneless/skinless thighs and added more red bell peppers. 

Cinnamon Rolls with Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting

Makes 24 cinnamon rolls

In a small bowl add the following and set aside:

1/2 cup war water
4 1/2 tsp yeast
1 TBSP sugar

In a VERY large bowl BLEND:

1 5.1oz box vanilla pudding mix
3 cups milk

Mix in: 

1/2 cup butter melted
2 eggs beaten
1 tsp salt

Mix in: 

Yeast mixture

Add:

8 cups white flour 2 cups at a time
Fold flour in until a non-sticky ball forms, remove from bowl and kneed 5 more minutes
Grease the same large bowl (or butter) and place the dough in bowl.  Cover with towel.  Rise for 1 hour or until double in size. Punch down. Rise another 45 min.

Split the dough in half and roll 1/2 the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle until no more than 1/4" thick.  (you will want to roll out very thin because the dough likes to move back together and become thick again)

With a spatula spread soft butter to cover the dough.  Sprinkle about 1/2 cup sugar over dough. Sprinkle about 1/2 cup brown sugar over dough. (brown sugar is optional). Sprinkle GOOD cinnamon to cover dough.  I like a lot of cinnamon so it's up to you how much.  I cover it a good layer.

Cut dough into 12 strips.  They should be around 1 1/2" - 2" wide.  The strips a good 6" high.  Roll and place 1"-2" apart in a greased/buttered cake pan or dish the same size.

Set aside to rise 30 min or rolls are full and touching each other.  Repeat for the second ball of dough.  While second batch is rising you can bake the first batch.

BAKE:  350  for 15-20 min or until golden

While your first batch of rolls are cooking you can make the frosting!

Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz butter
8 oz cream cheese
4 cups powder sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Blend all together.

***Spread a LIGHT coating over rolls immediately after pulling them out of the oven***  the frosting will melt into the rolls and make them oh so yummy.  After rolls have cooled place desired amount of frosting over top.  ENJOY!

Sugar-Licious Sugar Cookies

2 cups sugar
1 lb butter softened (4 sticks)
2 eggs
3/4 c. sour cream
2 tsp vanilla
2 tsp baking soda
6 cups white flour

Mix all together except flour.  Add flour 2 cups at a time.  Chill 2-24 hours.  Roll out on flour surface and cut.  Bake 350 for 10-12 minutes.

Containers with different colored frosting and an assortment of candies to decorate with made for a fun Birthday activity! And you can't go wrong with sugar cookies vs. gingerbread.  Everyone loves sugar cookies!!

Ham Green Bean Casserole DELUX!

I looked in the fridge wondering what the heck to make for dinner.  I had fresh green beans that needed to be cooked (I like to bake them but didn't have that much time) a cooked ham steak and some muenster cheese.  Rather than just having boring ham and some green beans on the side as well as being short on time I decided to do the following and it turned out FABULOUS!!!! Not too sure how "healthy" this is but man was it GOOD and FAST!

2lbs fresh green beans
2 cans cream of mushroom soup (optional, use heavy cream as substitute)
1 onion chopped
1 package mushrooms cut them in half
3 cloves garlic
1 tsp rosemary
1 cup cheddar cheese
3-4 cups cooked diced ham
8-10 slices muenster cheese

Pre-heat oven to 400

In a large pot steam green beans (try to keep the beans all in the same direction so it's easier to place them in the dish making it easier to serve, see picture).  In a LARGE baking dish add cooked diced ham, chopped onion, garlic, rosemary, soup and mushrooms. Mix all together and spread evenly to cover the bottom of dish.  Top with cheddar cheese.  Once green beans are slightly tender (about the time you are done adding everything to dish 10-15 min) place them down the center of the dish.  Pile them high, all facing the same direction.  Place muenster cheese on top of green beans layering the cheese.  Bake until cheese is golden.  Everything is already cooked so this should only take about 10-15 min! Total time for this meal I'd say is 30 minutes! Can't beat that! I will have a picture of the beans in the dish the next time I make this... which should be pretty soon wink wink!

Cake Mix Cherry Pineapple Cobbler

1 box yellow cake mix
1 can cherry pie filling
1 can crushed pineapple
1 stick butter softened

Pre-heat oven to 350.  In a cake pan add cherry and pineapple.  Spread to cover bottom.  In a separate bowl, with a fork mix cake mix and butter until well mixed and crumbly.  Sprinkle over top of fruit.  Bake until topping is lightly golden or hard to touch.  30-45 min.  Enjoy hot or cold! Serve as is or with ice cream!

I am all for trying to make things more healthy so I will be experimenting with creating this delicious dessert with real cherries, fresh pineapple and a home-make topping perhaps with whole wheat flour.  I believe it is possible to make this more "healthy" and keep the sweetness!

ANY pie filling would be great in this.  I just made this with a tart cherry and peach pie filling.  It was good.  You can boil your own blueberries and apples in different pots, and add those as a combination as well.  

Sausage and Brown Rice

This was SO mouth-watering, amazingly wonderful!
This recipe also FEEDS A LOT OF PEOPLE I'd say a good 6-8 adults!

1 bag Trader Joe's Brown Rice Medley (2 cups brown rice)
1 package Costo Roasted Red Pepper and Spinach sausage
3 cans organic red kidney beans
2 tsp butter
3 TBSP chicken/beef bouillon

In a large pot add rice, 5 cups water, sausage cut in in chunks and beans (juice and all), butter and bouillon.  Bring to boil, cover and reduce heat to simmer until rice is done.  Approx 45 min.

DONE!

PERFECTLY SWEET *** Sweet Potatoes

6-8 medium sweet potatoes
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 stick butter
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 bag mini marshmallows

Wash, peel and cut potatoes into large pieces and place in a large baking dish. (they shrink down once cooked so you can add a good amount into dish) Mix melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Pour over potatoes.  Sprinkle 2 cups marshmallows over top.

Bake 375  30-45 min. or until tender. 

Sprinkle remaining marshmallows over top and broil on LOW 2 min or until marshmallows are golden.

Whah-Lah!

Sweet Corn Bread

1 cup flour (whole wheat flour)
1 1/2 cups corn meal
1 TBSP baking powder
1 tsp salt
2/3 cup sugar (or 1/3 cup honey + 1/4 cup sugar)
3 TBSP melted butter
1/3 cup oil
1 1/3 cup milk (or soy/almond milk)
2 eggs beaten


Mix well but don't over mix... place in greased 8x8/9x9 dish.  Bake 400 for 25 min.

Make your own PIZZA and SAUCE!

Dough:

1 cup + 2 TBSP very warm water
2 TBSP Olive Oil (or veg)
3 cups flour
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
2 1/2 tsp yeast
2 tsp dried OREGANO

Mix well and kneed 10 min.  Let rise 1 hour.  Divide dough into 2 parts.  Make your crust to desired thickness and place on a pizza pan.  Place about 1 cup of sauce in center of dough and spread.  Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese over the sauce.  Add your desired fruit/veggies.  Sprinkle another layer of mozzarella over the toppings.  Bake at 400 for about 15-20 min. or until cheese is golden.

SAUCE:
12oz tomato paste
3/4 cups water (add little at a time)
1/8 cup olive oil
1 tsp oregano
3 garlic cloves
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1 1/4 cup FRESH BASIL (or 1 tsp dried)
1/4 cup rosemary crushed

Mix above ingredients adding more or less water to desired thickness.  Covers 2 pizzas. 

We like to make Ham and Pineapple pizzas with spinach.  I used freeze dried spinach and sprinkled it over the sauce before the first layer of cheese.  This particular pizza I rolled cheese sticks into the edges of the crust. 

Homemade Honey Whole Wheat Bagels

4 cups whole wheat flour
2 1/2 tsp yeast
1 1/2 cups very warm water
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp sea salt

Mix above ingredients well to form dough.  Kneed until dough is stretchy.  About 10 min.  Rise for 10 min.  Butter cookie sheets or use stoneware.  Divide dough into 12 parts (they will be big enough to fill your hand).  Put your finger into the middle and shape to make round and a 2" hole.  Rise for 20 min. in a warm place.  Broil on low for about 2 minutes each side (just a little golden on top).  I just flipped them with my fingers... weren't hot enough for a spatula.  Bring a large pot of water 2" high to boil.  Add 1 TBSP honey to water.  Place 4-6 bagels into boiling water.  Turn down heat to medium.  Boil for 3 min. turn and boil another 3 min.  I removed with a big spoon. Drain on a towel 1-2 min. Place back onto cookie sheet.  Arrange all 12 of them onto ONE cookie sheet to bake.   

Bake 375   25-30 min.

Butter-Cream Frosting AND Chocolate Frosting

Ever take off half the frosting on a cupcake or your slice of birthday cake because it just tastes nasty? Well, here is a frosting you can leave on! In fact, you can even spread it on some graham crackers and make a tasty treat!!!

BUTTER-CREAM FROSTING:

3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup soft butter or margerine (1 stick)
1/8 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
4 TBSP milk

Cream 1 1/3 cups powdered sugar with butter and salt.  Blend in vanilla and milk with the remaining 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar.  Add more powdered sugar to get the thickness you desire.

Frosting with thicken slightly in refrigerator or if left out.

This will frost approximately 2 (9 inch) round layers.

***CHOCOLATE FROSTING:
1/4 cup melted butter
1/2 cup cocoa
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup milk
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Combine butter, cocoa and salt.  Add milk and vanilla.  Mix in sugar in 3 parts.  Mix until smooth and creamy.  Add more powdered sugar to thicken or milk to thin.

Frosts 2 (8-9") layers or 1 (13x9")

Melt in Your Mouth FUDGE and Strawberry Fudge

3 cups sugar
3/4 cups margarine (1 1/2 cubes)
2/3 cups evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups MILK chocolate chips
1 (7oz) jar marshmallow creme
1 cup chopped nuts (OPTIONAL, I never do)
1 tsp. vanilla

In a tall pot combine: sugar, margarine and milk.  Over medium-high heat bring to a full boil stirring constantly.  Turn down heat to MEDIUM and continue to boil another 5 min. stirring constantly.  Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until fully melted.  Add marshmallow creme, nuts (optional) and vanilla.  Mix until well blended.  Pour into a buttered 13x9 pan or (2) 8x8 glass dishes.  I like my fudge more thick so I fill mine to about 1" thick.  Cool at room temperature.  Cut with a plastic knife.  Place on wax paper in a freezer safe container with lid.  I keep my fudge in the freezer :D

I'm not one to use generic brands when making desserts.  I have in the past and there are some brands that just taste better! Philadelphia cream cheese for example is a MUST... generic cream cheese???!! YUCK! Kraft Marshmallow Creme I have always used.

Don't ask my why I buttered it so high... I think I was just in a hurry to make this!!!

You see all that left over fudge still in the pot after your pour it in your dish??? Don't worry about scraping that out (wink wink)  You'll want to use a spatula and enjoy that while your fudge is cooling!

 

STRAWBERRY FUDGE

1.

2/3 cup evaporated milk

1 2/3 cups sugar

2 TBSP butter

1/2 tsp salt

2 cups miniature marshmallows

1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips

2 tsp. strawberry or vanilla extract

1/4 tsp. red food coloring

In medium pot over medium-high heat combine sugar, salt, milk and butter until sugar melts. 

Bring the mixture to boil for 5 min stirring constantly.

Remove from heat and stir in marshmallows, white chocolate chips and extract. 

Pour into 8x8 pan lined in foil or sprayed. 

Drop some red food coloring over top and take a toothpick and swirl around to design. 

Place in refrigerator until cooled. 

2.

1 Strawberry frosting

1 bag white chocolate chips

Melt chocolate chips and stir in frosting. 

Put in refrigerator.