My Tasty Treasures

Chicken Marsala ala Cooks Country

2011-09-24T09:02:00.000-04:00

Chicken Marsala Lately, Ive been MIA. A while back I told you of an injury that involved me wearing an air cast. Well the air cast has now progressed to a non weight bearing hard cast with me on cructhes. So, I haven't been able to cook or photo much at all. FFH has been a big help. He made this dinner for me and was it ever delicious. Please excuse my normal avalanche of photographs as I try to get better.

Luckily, I have found a new site to play with while I whittle my time away here. Pinterest.com I have found many a recipe I'd like to try from there. If you want to see my boards, look here. It's fun!

Anyhow, if you try this dish from Cook's Country, you are SURE to enjoy it! Recipe below on my printable key ingredient card.

Chicken Marsala via Cooks Country

Delicious version! Simple to make for a fabulous weeknight meal.

See Chicken Marsala via Cooks Country on Key Ingredient.

Vanilla Rich Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-09-05T07:49:00.000-04:00

Vanilla Rich Chocolate Chip Cookies When I saw this advertisement in one of my monthly magazines, oohhlalala, I knew I would be making these cookies. The idea of the vanilla rich intrigued me, so off to the kitchen I pranced. Its your basic chocolate chip recipe, with extra vanilla, 4 teaspoons that is.

Begin by mixing your dry ingredients in a bowl and setting aside. Beat your butter and sugars in an electric mixer. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. Mix all together. Stir in your chocolate chips. Portion out onto cookie sheets. I used a 2 tablespoon scoop, as I wanted bigger cookies. Bake in a preheated 375 oven for 8-10 minutes. Cool on rack 1 minute. Remove. Admire. Decide which one to try. Eat. Enjoy. Crisp edges, chewy center. More than a hint of vanilla. Scrumptious!

Vanilla Rich Chocolate Chip Cookies

Delicious crsipy edged, chewy center, vanilla rich chocolate chip cookies!

See Vanilla Rich Chocolate Chip Cookies on Key Ingredient.

Oatmeal Caramelitas Cookies

2011-09-01T08:20:00.000-04:00

Oatmeal Caramelitas.So good. Oh, so good. Loaded with all that is yummy in bar form. Needless to say, these were met with emphatic approval by all. VERY happy with this one! Originally seen here,on Let's Dish, it is also on my printable key ingredient recipe card below.

Let's get right to this one! Begin by combining your butter, brown sugar, 2 cups flour, oats, baking soda and salt in a bowl. Press half of the mixture in a 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes and remove from oven. Meanwhile combine your chocolate chips, finely chopped pecans, and remaining flour in another bowl. Toss to combine, and set aside. In a medium saucepan, over medium low heat, combine the caramels and milk, stirring frequently until the caramels are melted and the mixture is smooth. Sprinkle the chocolate chip nut mixture over the warm crust. Pour the melted caramel over the chocolate chip nut mixture. Sprinkle, or flatten the remaining crumb mixture over the top of the caramel. Return to the oven and bake an additional 15 minutes. Store the completely cooled bars in the refrigerator. These were devoured quickly by the kids and their friends. The ones I saved for the FFH to bring to the firehouse were gone quickly as well. Try them. One can never have too many cookie recipes in her arsenal.

Oatmeal Caramelitas

Scrumptious bar cookie loaded with goodies!

See Oatmeal Caramelitas on Key Ingredient.

Glazed Doughnut Muffins

2011-08-31T06:00:00.000-04:00

Glazed Doughnut Muffins If you like the flavor of old fashioned doughnuts, you will love these nutmeg cinnamon laced glazed muffins. They are similar to, but not quite the same as these gorgeous French Breakfast Puffs that my family LOVES.. find that recipe here. Betcha have everything you need to make these in your pantry right now.. Well, what the hell are you waiting for?? Go. Have them with your morning coffee or tea.

Begin by creaming your butter, sugars and vegetable oil in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat till smooth. Add in your eggs, mix to combine. Add in your cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, baking powder, baking soda , and vanilla. Blend. Now its time for your flour and milk. Add them in alternately beginning and ending with the flour. Scoop them into paper lined cupcake tins (standard size) Fill almost to top as you want them to dome so you can glaze them. Bake at 425 for 14-17 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in center comes out clean. Cool slightly on rack. Prepare your glaze with melted butter, confectioners sugar, hot water, and vanilla. Whisk till smooth. Dip the crown of the muffins into the glaze. Let harden. Repeat the dip if you so desire, I did. Look how pretty. They were wonderful. The delicate flavor along with the slightly sweet glaze makes them irresistible. Originally found here, on My Baking Addiction, it is also below on my key ingredient printable recipe card.

Glazed Doughnut Muffins

If you like the flavor of old fashioned doughnuts, you will sooo love these muffins! The glaze makes them extra special!

See Glazed Doughnut Muffins on Key Ingredient.

Marinated and Grilled Chicken Teriyaki

2011-08-30T08:17:00.000-04:00

Marinated then Grilled Chicken Teriyaki This dish will become a staple on my family's menu every grilling season. It is the perfect recipe for us. Delicious homemade teriyaki marinade with on hand ingredients, and then a quick grilling.. add some grilled vegetables,like these recipe click here, and maybe some of these fingerling potatoes,recipe here, you've got a stellar weeknight summer meal!! Originally, this teriyaki chicken was seen on one of my most favorite blogs. Also there is a printable version below on my recipe card.

To begin, all you have to do is grab these ingredients (pineapple juice, molasses, olive oil, brown sugar, garlic powder, low sodium soy sauce, cider vinegar)for the marinade.(If you happen not to have pineapple juice, you can use the juice from a can of crushed pineapple or pineapple chunks... and then if you do not know what to do with the extra pineapple chunks, make sweet and sour kielbasa, see here, or crushed pineapple .. make pineapple pecan cake with cream cheese frosting, see here)

Whisk all those ingredients together. Place chicken breasts in a Ziploc, pour marinade over chicken and marinade 6-8 hours. Remove chicken, discard marinade, and grill as per directions. Oh nice grill marks , FFH(firefighter husband). Slice the juicy, flavorful chicken. And enjoy. Thumbs up from all the picky kids and from the FFH.

Marinated Grilled Chicken Teriyaki

Fabulous homemade teriyaki marinade, followed by a quick grilling.. perfect for part of a summer weeknight meal!

See Marinated Grilled Chicken Teriyaki on Key Ingredient.

Smores Bars Cookies

2011-08-27T14:56:00.000-04:00

Smores Bars Cookies If your children love making smores on the barbecue, via firepit, or in the microwave, then this cookie is for you. It was declared ,"SOOO GOOD MOM", by my many children. And they were gone within a day! Originally found here, the recipe can be printed from my key ingredient recipe card below.

Simple to make, a treat worth trying. Have available the makings of a smores. You're going to cream together butter and sugar, beat in your egg and vanilla. Now combine the dry ingredients. Add to the butter mixture. Pat half of this mixture into a greased 8x8 pan. Layer your king sized Hershey milk chocolate bars in one layer. You will need two. Then spread a layer of marshmallow fluff. Flatten your remaining dough and place on top. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes. Cool slightly. Cut into 16 squares. Look at those gorgeous layers. These were a HUGE hit in my home! Sure to be repeated.

Smores Bars Cookies

Delicious smores bars!

See Smores Bars Cookies on Key Ingredient.

Broccoli Salad

2011-08-25T08:37:00.000-04:00

Broccoli Salad Everyone has a favorite go to recipe for broccoli salad. Here is mine. We love it and it is made every summer at least 2 times. It's super simple to make and has great flavor. All that is truly involved in making this one is some prep work and putting together a dressing.

So, begin by cooking and crumbling some bacon . Get some broccoli florets and cut into bite size pieces, still retaining a broccoli shape..ifyaknowwhatimean... Finely chop some onion and add to broccoli. Cube some good cheddar cheese, and add that to the mix with the bacon. Toss. Now make the dressing. Grab these ingredients. Ooops.. forgot to picture the white sugar. This is basically a taste as you go dressing. Add 3 parts mayo to 2 parts sour cream, add salt, pepper, white granulated sugar, and red wine vinegar to taste. I have a basic guideline on my printable key ingredient recipe card below, however, it truly is a taste preference dressing. When satisfied with your mixture, toss with the broccoli. Grab some grape tomatoes cut in fourths or halves, depending on size. Top the dish with them , adds such a nice color. See how pretty. One of my favorite salads to bring to barbecues. Love the combination of textures and flavors. Always a hit at a barbecue gathering. Bring pen and paper with you because you will get recipe requests.

Broccoli Salad

Delicious broccoli salad. Great to take to a summer barbecue!

See Broccoli Salad on Key Ingredient.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies

2011-08-24T07:47:00.000-04:00

Chocolate Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies Constantly, I am trying out new to me cookie recipes. Always looking for cookies that will make the grade for my annual Christmas cookie tray and for new cookies for the firefighters to rate. They enjoyed this one! Thanks Ashley. Original recipe found here. Printable recipe below on key ingredient card.

Begin by whisking your dry ingredients together, and set aside. Now combine your butter, sugar, brown sugar and peanut butter in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat until light and fluffy. Add your egg and vanilla. Stir in the flour mixture and mix gently to combine. In another bowl combine the peanut butter and the confectioners sugar. Now pinch off about 1 tablespoon of the chocolate dough, flatten it, and add a teaspoon of the peanut butter dough to the center. Seal edges, roll lightly into a ball, then roll into granulated sugar. Place on parchment covered baking sheet, flatten slightly, and bake at 375 for 7-9 minutes. Let cool 2 minutes and remove to rack to cool completely. Scrumptious morsel of a cookie with a buckeye like filling.

Doesn't that just grab you? Chocolate and peanut butter a sinfully delicious combination! Make them today, your children , family , co-workers will thank you!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies

Tasty cookie for chocolate peanut butter lovers!

See Chocolate Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies on Key Ingredient.

Honey Mustard Coleslaw with Cranberries and Toasted almonds

2011-08-21T08:54:00.001-04:00

Honey Mustard Coleslaw with Cranberries and Toasted Almonds This coleslaw has been a repeater for fourth of July parties, and most recently for my brother in law's 40th birthday party barbecue bash. My everyday coleslaw can be found here, but for special occasions, I choose this one! I love the flavor the of the dressing, the tartness of the cranberries , the delicious toasted slivered almonds, and the bright crunch of the celery and green peppers!! It can be easily doubled, and as a shortcut, you can use prepackaged coleslaw mix, rather than shredded cabbage, which I do! Original recipe here, and found below on my printable key ingredient recipe card.

Begin by toasting your almonds in a 350 oven for 5-10 minutes , flipping and checking often. I chose slivered almonds, but you can use what you like. Gather your dressing ingredients.Combine them in a bowl, adding salt and pepper to your taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Gather your chopped green peppers, chopped celery, toasted almonds, cranberries, scallions and coleslaw mixture. Put together in bowl. Toss. Refrigerate covered until ready to serve. Immediately before serving, toss with the dressing. Delicious. My only adaptations were to use more green peppers, and to use the prepackaged coleslaw mix, rather than the shredded cabbage. Perfect side dish for that special barbecue. Pretty colors too. Hope you try it.

Honey Mustard Coleslaw with Cranberries and Almonds

Delicious coleslaw packed with cranberries, almonds, chopped green pappers, hint of honey mustard dressing!

See Honey Mustard Coleslaw with Cranberries and Almonds on Key Ingredient.

Loose Cabbage Rolls.. deconstructed stuffed cabbage?

2011-08-19T06:11:00.001-04:00

Loose Cabbage Rolls Do you enjoy stuffed cabbage as much as I do? Do you hate the amount of time it takes to make a good stuffed cabbage dish? Well then, this is the answer for you. I have made traditional stuffed cabbage, and I have made unstuffed cabbage, and I have even made stuffed cabbage soup. All three are tops in my book. However, when I saw this recipe on Karen Cooks, I knew I must try it as well. So simply put together, it can easily be a weeknight meal. All of the fabulous flavor of stuffed cabbage, without the hassle. I adapted the recipe slightly, and my version is on the key ingredient printable card below.

Begin by gathering your ingredients. White wine not shown, yes because I was busy imbibing a glass. Slice up your fresh mushrooms, cook them in a pat of butter till lightly browned, set aside. Cut up your pepper, onions, and garlic. Cook your ground beef in a pan along with your veggies until ground beef is browned. Now add your stewed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce,white wine,rice, salt, pepper,and mushrooms. Mix gently. Add your sliced cabbage. Mix again. Pour into a 9x13 baking dish. Bake at 350 for 1-1 1/2 hours. Season again to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Result is delicious. Rave reviews from the FFH(firefighter husband). Kept well overnight as he took the leftovers to work. Definitely worth a try if you are a stuffed cabbage fan. What's nice about this recipe as well, is that you can adjust to your liking. More peppers, different cut of canned tomatoes, canned mushrooms, no mushrooms, etc. Thanks, Karen, for a fantastic keeper recipe! Hope you enjoy!

Deconstructed Stuffed Cabbage.. loose cabbage rolls

This recipe has all the delicious flavor of the traditional time consuming stuffed cabbage.. without the hassle. Great weeknight meal.

See Deconstructed Stuffed Cabbage.. loose cabbage rolls on Key Ingredient.

KID FRIENDLY! Baked Crispy Ranch Cornflake Chicken Nuggets.

2011-08-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

Baked Crispy Ranch Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Summertime still here in NJ. School doesn't start until September. 4 children plus their friends equals an expensive lunchtime at my home. Chicken breasts at 40% off in my local store. This equals cheap lunch for the kids plus their neighborhood buddies!! I'm telling you.. they DEVOURED these tasty morsels in less than 10 minutes.. they wanted more, and they wanted to know when I will make them again. Demanding little suckers also requested baked onion rings, seen here, to accompany them next time. Oh and yes mom, with strawberries and peaches cake, seen here, for dessert.. Since when, children do you have dessert after lunch? Demanding things! Geez, the rigors of being a mom. Fabulously simple recipe, accessible inexpensive ingredients, and definitely a kid friendly favorite. I must tell you though, the FFH enjoyed sneaking one or two as well. Recipe originally from here, also found below on my printable key ingredient card. Begin by crushing your cornflakes, then grab a block of Parmesan cheese.Grate it. Combine the cornflakes, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl. Mix. In another bowl pour some of your favorite ranch dressing. If you have the inclination, use homemade. Now you have two bowls. Duh. Dip in ranch first, then dip in the cornflake mixture, pressing to adhere. Messy job, yes. Place on a GREASED baking sheet(I used Pam), and bake at 400 for 15 minutes or done till your liking. Take them out of the oven. Let rest 1 minute and serve. They were juicy, they were crunchy, and they were given an emphatic thumbs up so good mom, rating from the bunch. Try this one for your kids. Mine enjoyed with ketchup...ewwww.. but you can also use any dipping sauce, such as this honey mustard. Enjoy!

Baked Crispy Ranch Cornflake Chicken Nuggets

Extremely kid-friendly meal!! Simple to prepare, tasty, inexpensive ingredients, and they LOVE them!

See Baked Crispy Ranch Cornflake Chicken Nuggets on Key Ingredient.

Chicken Rollantini

2011-08-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

Chicken Rollantini Mark this one on your cooking calender. Perfectly delicious weeknight dish. Easy to prepare and so very tasty. All 4 of my children enjoyed this, so much so that I had to cut up the last one into pieces and each dove in with their own fork.. That is a definite winner in my home.Much thanks to Michelle of My Italian Grandmother for the recipe, found here, and below on the key ingredient card.

Combine some olive oil and sun dried tomato oil into a baking dish. Pound out some chicken cutlets till thin. Salt and pepper both sides. Dip in the oil. Place sun dried tomato slices on each cutlet. Place freshly grated mozzarella cheese( or sliced mozzarella) on top of the tomatoes. Roll up, tucking in, and secure with toothpicks. Roll in the mixed oil. Generously coat with the breadcrumb mixture you made. Place in baking dish. Top with more breadcrumb mixture, and pats of butter. Carefully pour chicken broth into baking dish. If you have some breadcrumb mixture leftover, I would toss a few tablespoons into the sauce, and mix. This will make a great dipping sauce later on. Bake as directed. When it comes out of the oven, swirl a pat of butter into the sauce mixture.I also spooned some of the sauce over the chicken as it came out of the oven. To crisp the top a little I may broil for 20 seconds or so. Next time, and there will be a next time. Slice, serve, with some sauce surrounding it. DIP your piece into the mixture, so very good.My kids were dipping bread into the pan to scoop up the yumminess. Another keeper recipe in my home.

Chicken Rollantini

Fantastic weeknight dish. Flavorful breadcrumb topped chicken with delicious filling of sundried tomatoes and mozzarella cheese..

See Chicken Rollantini on Key Ingredient.

Coffee Rubbed Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Espresso Grilling Sauce

2011-08-13T08:31:00.001-04:00

Coffee Rubbed Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Espresso Grilling SauceOh My! So flavorful. Pork tenderloin is one of our favorites for grilling in the summer. This one, which I originally found on Judy's Kitchen, will be added to the grilling rotation every year. Simple to prepare, easy to make, and I bet you have all the ingredients on hand!

Begin by making a rub out of these 4 ingredients, sea salt or kosher, ground black pepper, ground coffee beans, and coriander seed. I did as Judy and used ground coriander and moist coffee grinds. Rub onto the pork tenderloin and let sit at room temp for an hour. Meanwhile , prepare your grilling sauce( which can be made ahead and refrigerated by the way) You will need these items: ketchup, honey, an orange or lemon, brewed coffee, mustard,(ooppss.. forgot the mustard in my photo), hot pepper sauce,ground black pepper, and coarse salt. Combine all ingredients in sauce pan and bring to boil over medium heat. Lower and simmer 5 minutes till thickened.Makes about 2 1/3 cups. Can store this for up to one month covered in fridge. Grill pork as directed on my key ingredient recipe card below. Basting as it says. Let rest covered 10 minutes to redistribute the juices, slice, and serve. You can serve with more sauce if desired. So delicious. Has a nice kick. Very moist, great flavor!

coffee Rubbed Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Espresso Grilling Sauce

Loaded with flavor!! Great weeknight grilling dish!!

See coffee Rubbed Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Espresso Grilling Sauce on Key Ingredient.

Grilled Pierogies and Kielbasa

2011-08-02T09:32:00.001-04:00

Grilled Pierogies and Kielbasa As soon as I saw this in Food Network magazine, I knew we would be trying it. Hubby and I have much Polish in us and we are huge fans of pierogies and kielbasa. Granted, these aren't my homemade pierogies, you can find those here, and this isn't true Polish sausage, ifyaknowhatImean, it's Hillshire Farm, however, it still makes for a delightful summertime meal!!

Gather up your dressing ingredients, cut your kielbasa into 4 pieces, and cut your onion into 6 wedges. Grill your kielbasa first , till marked to your liking. Grab your frozen pierogies, toss them, along with the onions, in some olive oil. Grill per directions on key ingredient card below. In the meantime prepare the dressing, and slice the kielbasa. Toss sliced kielbasa in dressing, and pierogies, chopped onions, and parsley, to prepared dressing. Toss gently. Serve. Very tasty, very flavorful. This will remain on our grilling rotation.

Grilled Pierogies and Kielbasa

Grilled Pierogies and Kielbasa adapted from Food Network magazine. Nice summertime meal!

See Grilled Pierogies and Kielbasa on Key Ingredient.

Rolo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-07-31T23:41:00.000-04:00

Rolo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies Wow! Were these ever loved by all! The neighborhood kids devoured them.. there was an actual fight over the last one. "NO, I'm telling you it is mine." "NOT!" "Give it to me.. NOW!" Until I, of course, intervened and broke it in half. I have made cookies with Rolos in the center before.. see here.. and they are one of my most requested cookies out of my collection. So, when I saw these over at My Baking Addiction, I decided to try this version. Result, I know they will be made again in this home! Easy to make as well..Full recipe on key ingredient card below.

Begin with a batch of your favorite homemade chocolate chip cookie dough, and some Rolos. Now, take a tablespoon and a half of dough and flatten a little, put a Rolo in center, and roll into a ball. Freeze for 15-20 minutes. Bake at 350 for 11-13 minutes. They will come out looking like this, a bit puffy. Let cool on sheet a couple of minutes and remove. Spectacular. Great basis of a good chocolate chip cookie, combined with a caramel chocolate middle, oh, so good!Look at the inside. All good things in one!

Rolo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie

Chocolate Chip cookie with a Rolo in the middle..so very sinfully good.

See Rolo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie on Key Ingredient.

Symphony Toffee Brownies

2011-07-22T20:17:00.000-04:00

Symphony Toffee Brownies Better late than never. These symphony toffee brownies, original recipe from Paula Deen, found here, has been floating around the internet for a while. I finally got around to making them, and were they tasty! The FFH really enjoyed them, as did his fellow fighters of flames. And yes, they do start with a brownie boxed mix, but you can certainly adapt the recipe to use your favorite homemade brownie.

Just buy these.Prepare your brownie mix per box directions. Pour and spread 1/2 of the mix into a greased foil lined 9x13 pan. Layer the Hershey symphony bars. Spread remaining brownie mix on top. Bake as directed. Here you go. Cool completely. Cut into small squares as they are rich. So good. Look at the lovely layers. Easy, simple, quick, treat!

Symphony Toffee Brownies

Pauala Deen’s Symphony Toffee Brownies.. so richly good.

See Symphony Toffee Brownies on Key Ingredient.

Italian Sausage Vegetable Soup

2011-07-18T08:00:00.001-04:00

Italian Sausage Vegetable Soup Soup in the summer? WTH, you say? Soup is an all year round staple for me. I saw this recipe here on allrecipes.com, adapted it a bit to suit our tastes, my version below on key ingredient recipe card, and put it together in no time. FFH called it a keeper recipe. Fabulous taste. A definite in the 'will make again category'!!

Begin by browning your sausage(remove the meat from casings) in pot with the chopped garlic. I used both hot and sweet sausage. Always like the flavor of a HOT sausage...ehem.. Stir in the Italian styled stewed tomatoes, chicken and beef broths, and the sliced carrots. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Meanwhile..Grab the zucchini, chop it. Stir in the canned cannelini beans, along with their liquid, and the zucchini. Cover and simmer another 15 minutes or until zucchini is slightly tender. Add your spinach, remove from heat, and let pot sit with cover on to wilt the spinach a little. Ready to serve in about 5 minutes. Delicious soup. Very flavorful. I love the amounts of vegetables in this soup, and the flavor of the sausage pairs perfectly!Top with grated parm cheese if you like, and serve with warm crusty bread or grilled cheese.

Italian Sausage Vegetable Soup

Easy soup to throw together, very flavorful. Loaded with veggies. Great weeknight meal, serve with grilled cheese!

See Italian Sausage Vegetable Soup on Key Ingredient.

Cavatelli and Broccoli

2011-07-15T06:00:00.001-04:00

Cavatelli and Broccoli What is it about broccoli and pasta? I have quite a few recipes involving these two ingredients, see here, and here for example. Anyhow, I have been making this dish for 15 years or so. Found the recipe on the back of a frozen cavatelli bag and tweaked it just a bit to suit our tastes. How can you beat broccoli, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, seasonings, and pasta? You just can't. This is truly one of my favorite go to weeknight meals. Fantastic way to get the green veggies into the kids as well..

To begin, grab some broccoli,and cut into florets. Blanch the broccoli in salted boiling water for 5 minutes till ever so slightly tender. Drain and set aside. Before draining, I always save 1-1/2 cups of the water it boiled in to add to my broccoli later. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute your minced garlic till lightly golden, but not burnt. Add your broccoli. Saute , stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes. Broccoli should be tender yet slightly crisp to the bite...or to suit your tastes. Meanwhile, cook your cavatelli in boiling salted water, until al dente. Drain. Add to your cooked broccoli and garlic. Pour in your reserved cooking water. Season with red pepper flakes and salt. MOST IMPORTANT, serve with grated Parmesan or locatelli cheese, A MUST! This is a satisfying, delicious, comfort food type dish to me. We love it, hope you might too!

Cavatelli and Broccoli

Quick, tasty weeknight meal!

See Cavatelli and Broccoli on Key Ingredient.

Apple Kielbasa and Spinach Dip .. 2 Simple Appetizers

2011-07-13T06:00:00.000-04:00

Apple Kielbasa Spinach Dip Two of the most simple appetizers ever!! Always received well by everyone!!

For the apple kielbasa you will need two ingredients. The apple jelly and the kielbasa.Slice up the kielbasa, Mix it with the apple jelly in a 9x13 glass baking dish, and bake at 400 till crispy. Stick a couple pieces on a toothpick and you're good to go! This FABULOUS spinach dip is adapted from the back of the Knorr vegetable soup mix packet, original recipe here. Gather these ingredients. Put them all in a bowl, mix together. Let the flavors mingle a while in the fridge. Scoop into a hollowed out bread bowl and serve with cubes of bread. This is outstanding!

Spinach Dip

Delicious spinach dip served in a bread bowl, Adapted from Knorr!

See Spinach Dip on Key Ingredient.

Apple Kielbasa Appetizer

2 ingredient appetizer!

See Apple Kielbasa Appetizer on Key Ingredient.

Fingerling Potatoes with Caramelized Onions and Bacon

2011-07-11T06:00:00.001-04:00

Fingerling Potatoes with Caramelized Onions and Bacon I absolutely adore fingerling potatoes. Adore. Them. One of my most favorite side dishes involves them, it was one of my most earliest blog posts, found here. I saw this recipe quite a while ago on Pam's blog. Printed it out to make it, and then had filed it with all of my bucket list recipes. Came upon it recently, and here it is. Thanks Pam for a fabulous, fabulous recipe!

Begin by frying some bacon in a frying pan, remove with slotted spoon to paper towels, and crumble the bacon. Set aside. Grab these ingredients,and have ready. Remove all but 1 teaspoon of the bacon grease from the pan. Add some olive oil to the reserved bacon grease in the pan, add your onion slices, and cook until caramelized. While the onions are caramelizing parcook the fingerlings in a pot of boiling water over high heat for about 10 minutes or until fork tender. Remove from water and let cool. Once the onions are caramelized, add the garlic , cook for 60 seconds. Remove the onions, keep warm. Cut the fingerling potatoes in half lengthwise. Add more olive oil to skillet and add fingerling potatoes , cooking for about 5 minutes on this side.(I actually added a bit of butter too at this point.) Flip the potatoes and cook 5-6 minutes more, or until golden brown. Add the bacon crumblescaramelized onions, and garlic and reheat. Top with fresh chopped parsley and serve. My only suggestion is to let them cool a bit before eating them, they have so much more flavor when they are not steaming hot!! They were wonderful. We will be having them again. A repeater.

Fingerling Potatoes with Caramelized Onions and Bacon

potatoes, side dish, fingerling potatoes

See Fingerling Potatoes with Caramelized Onions and Bacon on Key Ingredient.

Rustic Lemon Chicken ala Melissa d'Arabian

2011-07-10T06:00:00.000-04:00

Rustic Lemon Chicken

Yet another quick weeknight meal. Another one to add to my never ending rotation. Adapted here from Melissa d'Arabian, it made the keeper list in our home. Simple, healthy, delicious. My adaptations are listed on the key ingredient recipe card below. I didn't take many photos of this recipe, as it was an extremely busy night.

Begin by seasoning your chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme. Cut your red onion in thin slices and juice your lemons. Have ready white wine, and chicken broth. Brown your chicken. Cook the onions, and make the sauce. Swirl some butter in at the end. Serve it over the chicken. Done. Serve with a spinach bed. Very flavorful. Fabulous weeknight meal.

Rustic Lemon Chicken ala Melissa d'Arabian

Flexible four step weekday Rustic Lemon Chicken dinner, adapted from Melissa d’Arabian

See Rustic Lemon Chicken ala Melissa d'Arabian on Key Ingredient.

Barefoot Contessa's Raspberry Orange Trifle

2011-07-08T06:01:00.000-04:00

Raspberry Orange Trifle This dessert is the BOMB! This dessert is time-consuming. This dessert is requested by friends, and by family every 4th of July. It is one of my MOST Favorite treats!! From the fresh orange pound cake, to the raspberry jam, to the homemade orange cream, fresh from the farm stand raspberries, and the freshly whipped cream, need I say more? OK, and layers of it presented beautifully in a trifle dish!!Doesn't get much better.. OMG it is almost orgasm worthy! Another PLUS about this recipe is that the orange pound cake, and the orange custard cream can be made ahead of time!! YOU MUST TRY THIS.. and then sit back ready to receive the compliments! Adapted here from Ina Garten, it is near perfection in my book! You can find the complete recipe and ingredient amounts on the key ingredient recipe card below, or the link above.

I make this dessert in stages.I start with the fresh orange pound cake. It makes 2 loaves , so you can either freeze one loaf(it freezes beautifully) or use as a tasty breakfast or snack. The other will be used for the trifle. You will need loads of orange zest, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Make the batter as described and spread into 2 prepared loaf pans. Bake at 350 untill toothpicks come out clean. Make the fresh orange glaze by combining sugar and freshly squeezed orange juice. Cook until syrupy and spoon over the slightly cooled orange pound cakes.(You can store these for up to 3 days if you like or freeze one for later use.) Prepare your orange cream custard, and refrigerate. Can be stored in refrigerator up to 3 days. Grab some fresh raspberries and some raspberry jam, along with a trifle dish, your orange pound cake, and the orange cream. Now, you can begin to assemble the trifle. Slice the orange pound cake into 9-10 slices. Spread each slice with raspberry jam. Layer some pieces to fit in the bottom of the trifle dish, jam side up.Top with fresh raspberries. Top with the orange cream, repeat those layers.End with a layer of the pound cake, jam side down. Make your freshly whipped cream by combining heavy cream, vanilla, and sugar. Top the trifle with that. Sprinkle a few raspberries on top. Gorgeous! Delicious! SO VERY GOOD! 3 layers of edible bliss!

Raspberry Orange Trifle

One of my most favorite desserts ever.. bit time consuming.. but so worth the effort. Raves from all for this this one. Adapted from Barefoot Contessa.

See Raspberry Orange Trifle on Key Ingredient.

Indonesian Grilled Pork Tenderloin

2011-07-06T06:00:00.000-04:00

Indonesian Grilled Pork Tenderloin

I first saw this recipe on Judy's Kitchen. She claimed it to be marvelous, rating it 9/10 stars. Well, I wholeheartedly agree with her. This is a must try. With a simple marinade, and adept grilling, you have a high quality pork tenderloin dish in no time. As good as my favorite, found here.

Begin by gathering all your marinade ingredients together.Now, juice some limes, and grate some ginger. Pour all marinade ingredients in bowl, whisk, pour in ziploc bag, put tenderloins in bag. I did double the original recipe, I have a big family,ya know? Refrigerate and marinate for 4-10 hours. Remove from marinade and grill as directed below on the key ingredient card. Oh so good! Juicy, totally wonderful flavor, and so easy to make! Try it, you will enjoy this one.

Indonesian Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Marinated and Grilled pork tenderloin, packed with flavor, and juicy too!

See Indonesian Grilled Pork Tenderloin on Key Ingredient.

Hershey's Frosted Brownies

2011-07-05T06:00:00.000-04:00

Hershey's Frosted Brownies These brownies.. oh my.. these frosted brownies... so very sinfully good! Perfect for children and adults alike.. they are universally appealing. First seen on My Baking Addiction, I followed her directions exactly, including the doubled frosting. No room for disappointment here. Perfection. Recipe below on key ingredient card.

Begin by melting butter in the microwave, stir in your sugar and vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Then add in your cocoa. Beat till blended. Add in the flour, salt, baking powder, mix. Pour in greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Cool completely. Make frosting in the meantime. Gather these ingredients. Beat as directed on recipe card below. Makes about 2 cups frosting. Use it all. Frost. Oh look! How tempting is that! Not too sweet, just right for me. Lovely for the neighbors, firemen, or the posse of children who hang on my/your porch. Loving the frosting/brownie ratio. Yes, a must try!

Hershey's Frosted Brownies

Fantastic Hershey’s Brownies with equally fantastic hershey’s frosting, doubled;)

See Hershey's Frosted Brownies on Key Ingredient.

Honey Roasted Red Potatoes

2011-07-03T06:00:00.000-04:00

Honey Roasted Red PotatoesAlways I am on the lookout for new, quick, easy roasted potato recipes. I came upon this tasty treasure on allrecipes. I did tweak it a bit, by doubling the sauce, and increasing bake time; Those tweaks are listed below on the key ingredient card. These potatoes are quite yummy, they are a breeze to make, and are loaded with flavor.

Cut up 1 pound of red potatoes in 1 inch chunks. Lay them on a rimmed baking dish. Top with some finely diced onion. In another bowl, mix your melted butter, honey, dry mustard, salt and freshly ground black pepper. Pour over potatoes and mix thoroughly trying to coat all potatoes. Bake in 375 degree oven for 40-45 minutes. Mix a couple of times during baking. I loved the crispy exterior and the creamy interior. As I mentioned, I did double the sauce, I also baked for longer than stated, and crisped for 2 minutes on broil at the end. Delish!

Honey Roasted Red Potatoes

Simply delicious , easy to make side dish! Crispy exterior, creamy interior.

See Honey Roasted Red Potatoes on Key Ingredient.

Toffee Studded Snickerdoodles

2011-07-01T19:15:00.001-04:00

Toffee Studded Snickerdoodles

If you are a fan of the snickerdoodle, and a lover of toffee, these are the cookies for you. They are quite addictive, especially with a cup of java. I found the original recipe here on the Hershey's website. My firefighter husband and his firefighter co-workers thoroughly enjoyed them. You take a basic snickerdoodle recipe and add toffee bits , and you get a perfectly wonderful cookie. Recipe below on key ingredient card. Mix together your butter, shortening,and sugar. Then add in some eggs and beat thoroughly. In another bowl, stir together your cream of tartar, flour, salt and baking soda. Gradually add to your creamed butter mixture. Now mix in your toffee bits. Roll your dough into 1 1/2 inch balls, then in your cinnamon sugar mixture. Bake at 350 for 9-11 minutes. Cool 1 minute . Remove. Cool on rack. They are delicious! A keeper recipe. So pretty to look at too. Hope you try them!

Toffee Studded Snickerdoodles

Delicious snickerdoodle cookie studded with toffee bits!

See Toffee Studded Snickerdoodles on Key Ingredient.

Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-06-28T07:36:00.000-04:00

Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies I was asked to make a special treat for one of my daughters softball teams. My daughter wanted homemade oreos, and her bffl wanted chocolate chip cookies. I thought about making these, but then I remembered seeing these on picky palate. One batch made enough for one cookie for each girl, and believe me, one cookie is big enough for one girl. Kid-friendly cookie indeed!

Begin by making chocolate chip cookie dough, your favorite or use Picky Palate's which I did. Grab some oreos. Mound one scoop of cookie dough on top of the oreo,and mound one on the bottom. Press the dough gently around the oreo, taking care to seal the edges. Bake as directed on key ingredient recipe card below. Cool for a bit and this is what you get. You can change this up a bit and use double stuff or go small and use mini oreos. This was a nice treat for the girls.

Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

Delicious chococlate chip cookie with an oreo inside. Great kid treat!

See Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies on Key Ingredient.

Skillet Italian Sausages with Peppers, onions, and potatoes

2011-06-24T06:00:00.001-04:00

Skillet Italian Sausages with Peppers, Onions, and Potatoes

Huge fan I am of sausages and peppers. Four of my favorites can be found here, here, here, and here. I will be adding this recipe, adapted from America's Test Kitchen to the list. Fabulous weeknight meal, comes together in about 35 minutes. Found in one of my most beloved cookbooks. To start, Cut sausages in one inch chunks and brown them lightly in oil. Remove. Slice up your peppers and onions.Cut your red potatoes into 1 inch wedges, coat them in olive oil, salt and pepper. Microwave them covered tightly in plastic wrap until starting to soften, 5 to 7 minutes. Set aside. Add your peppers and onion to skillet and cook for bout 5 minutes. Add the garlic and tomato paste. Cook 30 seconds. Stir in your wine, water and oregano. Nestle the sausages and potatoes back into the skillet. Cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in some sherry or balsamic vinegar, add salt and pepper to taste, and you are ready to serve. Delicious dish! Packs much taste for such a basic recipe. Make sure to serve with crusty bread to sop up the yummy sauce.You will enjoy this one!

Skillet Italian Sausages with Peppers, Onions, and Potatoes

GREAT weeknight meal adapted from America’s Test Kitchen!

See Skillet Italian Sausages with Peppers, Onions, and Potatoes on Key Ingredient.

Steak Pizzaola

2011-06-22T07:23:00.000-04:00

Steak Pizzaola

I have been making this dinner for quite some time and am surprised I have never posted it. It is a favorite quick weeknight dinner of ours. Fabulous flavor, tender sliced porterhouse, peppers onions, over pasta or rice,truly a one dish meal! Slightly adapted from Rachael Ray, original is here. My adapted version below on key ingredient recipe card.

Begin by seasoning your 2-2 1/2 poinds of gorgeous porterhouse with salt and pepper. Set aside. Grab your veggies and pepperoni. Chop them as directed. Now heat some olive oil in a nonstick pan and brown your steaks, about 3-4 minutes on each side and remove. Add a bit more oil and throw in your peppers, onions, garlic,mushrooms, pepperoni, and some red pepper flakes. Cook this for aout 5 minutes. Have ready your red wine, crushed tomatoes and oregano. Pour in your red wine, scraping any goodness off the bottom of the pan. Add your tomatoes, oregano, salt and pepper to taste. Slide the steaks back in and reduce heat a bit, cover and cook for 10-12 minutes only. That will be medium well. Remove your meat, let sit a few, then cut away from bone in slices. Place back in sauce. Serve this deliciousness over pasta or rice. MAKE SURE to top with generous amount of grated locatelli or romano cheese. Absolutely wonderful one dish meal. Add some bread and you are good to go! A keeper recipe in my home.

Steak Pizzaola

Delicious recipe adapted from Rachael Ray! Great weeknight meal,one-dish meal packed with flavor!

See Steak Pizzaola on Key Ingredient.

Brownie Chunk and Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-06-20T09:20:00.000-04:00

Brownie Chunk and Chocolate Chip Cookies2 of my children wanted me to bake chocolate chip cookies. My other 2 children wanted me to bake brownies. 4 of their friends wanted both. What's a mom to do? Make these brownie chunk and chocolate chip cookies that my sister had raved about. She had found them on Picky Palate's blog, here. They were super easy to throw together.

Begin by baking up a box of your favorite brownies(or if you have the inclination, make homemade)Cool and cube them to total about 2 cups. Set aside. Now prepare your cookie dough. I LOVE THIS chocolate chip cookie dough. I may use it to make plain old chocolate chip cookies next time around. Recipe for the cookie dough at bottom of my post on key ingredient card. When your cookie dough is prepared, mix in your chocolate chips. Now gently mix in your cubed brownies. Key word is gently. My became a bit crumbled , I was too harsh. Using medium cookie scoop, scoop cookie dough onto parchment lined, or silpat lined cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to rack. Were they a hit? Yes, all the kids gobbled them up. The FFH also enjoyed these. He kept going back for more. Great quick fix cookie to have in your arsenal.

Brownie Chunk and Chocolate Chip Cookies

Delicious chocolate chip cookie mixed with some prepared brownie chunks.

See Brownie Chunk and Chocolate Chip Cookies on Key Ingredient.

Quick Beef and Beer Chili along with some Delish cornbread

2011-06-19T07:27:00.000-04:00

Beef and Beer Chili Cornbread

Been cooking lotsa quick weeknight meals lately. One can never have enough of them in her arsenal. Especially when you have 4 kids actively involved in sports, when you have 2 jobs, when you have a husband to take care of , a house to clean, laundry to do, etc etc etc.. SOOOOOOO....

When I saw this quick chili on Joanne's blog, I knew Id make it. Paired this with some fantastic cornbread I found on Mel's Kitchen Cafe blog. Turned out to be a satisfying, wonderful meal!

The chili was simply a breeze to make. To begin, gather your ingredients. Chop up your red and green peppers, and onions. Saute your veggies in oil and then add meat. Cook for 10 minutes. Add your spices and salt, and brown sugar. Add tomatoes, beans, and beer, I chose a Guinness. Stir and bring to a boil, simmer for 20-25 minutes. Add cornmeal at the end if you want it a bit thicker. I did. Serve hot with your choice toppings. We chose shredded cheddar and sour cream. We enjoyed this weeknight chili dish. I would add only 1 tablespoon brown sugar to curb the sweetness a bit. Thank you Joann for pointing this out! This cornbread, oh this cornbread, is adored by my children. They LOVE it. So easy to make. Just add your cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder , and salt to a large bowl. Mix Make a well in the center and add melted butter, oil, beaten eggs, and milk. Stir until just moistened. (Will be runny, this is OK) Bake in an 8 inch square pan at 350 for 35 minutes. FABULOUS!!! Doubles beautifully, perfectly in a 9x13 pan, just increase baking time a tad. LOVE this recipe!! Try it! No room for disappointment here. I use this a lot as a side to to tacos as well.

My Go To Cornbread

DELICIOUS, simple, easy to prepare cornbread!

See My Go To Cornbread on Key Ingredient.

Beer and Beef Chili

Quick chili, weeknight dish, adapted from book Recipes Every Man Should Know

See Beer and Beef Chili on Key Ingredient.

Skillet Barbecued Pork Chops

2011-06-16T06:00:00.001-04:00

Skillet Barbecued Pork Chops I had planned on having FFH barbecue some pork chops the other night, but a passing torrential rainstorm thwarted my plans. So, I pulled out this America's Test Kitchen recipe for Skillet Barbecued Pork chops, and it turned out spectacular!

Loaded with spicy flavor, and easily passes for a weeknight meal! Grab these items:Begin by making a dry rub out of these ingredients; brown sugar, cayenne, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper. Set aside. In another bowl, combine store bought barbecue sauce and some apple cider vinegar, along with a teaspoon of your dry rub mixture. Whisk to combine; set aside. Grab your bone-in rib or center cut pork chops, about 3/4 to one inch thick, and dry them with paper towels. Rub them all over with your dry rub mixture. Heat vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over med high heat until just smoking. Cook your chops until well browned, about 4 minutes on each side. Reduce your heat to medium low. Brush your chops with the barbecue sauce, flip and cook until sauce caramelizes, about 1 minute. Brush once more with sauce, and flip again, cooking another minute. until second side is caramelized. and meat registers 145 on instant meat thermometer. Bout 1 more minute. Serve, passing with extra sauce at the table!! Extra quick, extra yummy, a keeper for sure! A tip from America's Test Kitchen: To keep chops from curling as they cook, cut 2 slits about 2 inches apart through the side of each chop!!

Skillet Barbecued Pork Chops

Great flavorful weeknight dinner adapted from America’s Test Kitchen

See Skillet Barbecued Pork Chops on Key Ingredient.

Summer Potato Salad

2011-06-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

Summer Potato Salad This potato salad adapted from America's Test Kitchen has rapidly become a favorite among my family. I don't know if its the addition of chopped pickles, the sour cream/ mayo combo, or the fact that the potatoes are soaked in a mustard/pickle juice mixture?? Whatever it is, it is declared a winner! Recipe below on key ingredient card

Begin by peeling and cutting 2 pounds of peeled Yukon gold potatoes into 3/4 inch pieces, cover them with water in a large pot and bring to a boil , season water with salt, then reduce to a simmer till tender. While cooking combine the yellow mustard and the pickle juice in a small bowl. After you drain the potatoes lay them out in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle the pickle juice mixture over the potatoes and toss to gently combine. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, chop up your red onion, celery, and pickles. Combine that with the mayo, sour cream, salt,pepper,pickle juice, and celery seed in a large bowl. Add the cooled potatoes and toss gently to combine. Cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled. Gently stir in the chopped eggs, if using, right before serving. This does double beautifully and can be made up to two days ahead of time!

Summer Potato Salad

Delicious, potato salad adapted from America’s Test Kitchen!

See Summer Potato Salad on Key Ingredient.

KFC Coleslaw, and some Cheater Baked Beans

2011-06-12T21:33:00.000-04:00

KFC Coleslaw Cheater Baked Beans

Went to an impromptu BBQ the other day. Not much time to prepare the side dishes I was asked to bring. So, I pulled out these 2 tried and true recipes that have always worked well for me in the past. They are all favorites of ours.Recipes below on key ingredient cards.

Let's begin with KFC Coleslaw, original found here. So simple to prepare, such minimal ingredients, and a fabulous summer fave! Now, I'll be honest, I buy the premade cole slaw mix, and it works perfectly. Just add some minced onion. If you would like however, feel free to shred some cabbage, and carrots, and use that. So all you have to do is combine these dressing ingredients, and swirl it in a food processor until smooth. Pour over the cole slaw and minced onions, and mix thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate a few hours or overnight. Comes out a winner every time.

I call my next Barbeque staple, Cheater Baked Beans. They do not take forever and a day to cook, and they require no soaking. But the flavor is there. Begin by cutting your bacon into half inch slices, cook, and drain it. Set aside. Now, Pour your beans ( I prefer Bush's Best Original)in a 9x13 or 3 quart casserole dish, along with the brown sugar, mustard, chopped onion, ketchup, and a dash of garlic powder. Mix it all up. Then add in the bacon and mix again. Bake uncovered for 1 hour at 350. Let them set out to cool for 1/2 hour to 1 hour before serving. Very good! Perfect 2 dishes for an impromptu barbeque!!

KFC Coleslaw

Delicious, simple to prepare coleslaw that is a copycat of KFC coleslaw.

See KFC Coleslaw on Key Ingredient.

Cheater Baked Beans

Perfect for an impromptu barbecue!!

See Cheater Baked Beans on Key Ingredient.

Dulce de Leche Chocolate Chip Thumbprints...and I am injured.

2011-04-18T08:48:00.000-04:00

Dulce de Leche Chocolate Chip Thumbprints

Look what I have! What fun I am having wearing it too!I love the reaction I receive when people question what happened? And I quite happily reply, oh just some rough sex, or I'll say tied to the bed too long again, or I may knowingly wink at them and say love swing injury.. Men of all ages, sizes, shapes, and colors, are tripping over themselves to help me I tell you.

Some butchy, dykey, sexy women too!! And I don't even have to bend down to show my hot ass, show my blooming cleavage, pout my fat red lips or anything. They see a damsel, they want to help.

Many advantages to the boot, I tell you. Offers to push my grocery cart, push my medication cart at work, and even an offer to plant my pretty pansies.

Oh the wonders of the boot. Yes, I am playing it to the hilt too.

Over here, Oh Mr Gorgeous, sizzling hot new neighbor, see how I am struggling walking down my long driveway to get the paper.. of course, yes rush to my aid, Boy Wonder. . And physical therapy, such a bonus. I have a male, hot freaking male physical therapist. My God, the way he rubs, the way he massages into my injury. My mind cant help but wonder how good he may be with his agile fingers in other places as well. Ya think?

I found this at the supermarket the other day. I rememebered I had torn this recipe from Ladies Home Journal some EONS ago, like 5 years. I put the two together and made these thumbprints. A lovely treat of a cookie. Simple to make. Recipe below on key ingredient card. Basic dough with added honey. I substituted mini chocolate chips for the chopped chocolate. Roll dough into 1 inch balls, and make dent in center using end of a wooden spoon. Freeze for 15 minutes. Bake 1 sheet at a time for 10 minutes. Remove from oven, redent thumbprints and fill with dulce de leche. Bake 3 more minutes till set. Transfer cookies on sheets to cooling rack and cool 5 minutes. Transfer to cool completely. Delish! Enjoy!

Dulce de Leche Chocolate Chip Thumbprints

cookies dulce de leche cookies

See Dulce de Leche Chocolate Chip Thumbprints on Key Ingredient.

Chili Rubbed Pork with Apricot Glaze

2011-03-19T20:47:00.000-04:00

Chili Rubbed Pork with Apricot Glaze

Are you in the market for a new pork tenderloin recipe? Here is one that is quite tasty. Delicious combination of flavors which I wouldn't think would mate well, but they sooo did! Originally seen here, I have also read about it on Mel's Kitchen Cafe. Beauty of this recipe is that you can either bake or grill it. It is quite simple to prepare.. just remember to leave yourself sometime to marinate .

Make your spice mixture by combining chili powder, garlic powder, sugar, salt and pepper. Mix them and rub the spice mixture into your trimmed tenderloins. Cover the tenderloins and put in the refrigerator for 2-24 hours. Gather your glaze ingredients,barbecue sauce, apricot jam, hot sauce, fresh or ground ginger, limes and cilantro or parsley. Begin to make the glaze. Melt the apricot jam in a saucepan over medium heat. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the remaining ingredients. Pour half into a serving bowl and set aside to serve with the tenderloins later. Now to roast, preheat the oven to 375, place the tenderloins in a foil lined 9x13 inch pan. Bake for 15 minutes. Brush with the apricot glaze still left in the saucepan. Bake for 15 more minutes. Brush with glaze again, bake another 10 minutes or until the pork reaches 160 instant read thermometer. Remove the pork from the oven , let rest 5 minutes, slice and serve. For grilling instructions, see key ingredient card below. Delicious quick weeknight dinner! Flavor is fantastic!

Chili Rubbed Pork with Apricot Glaze

Delicious way to cook pork tenderloin.. you can grill or roast!

See Chili Rubbed Pork with Apricot Glaze on Key Ingredient.

My Sister

2011-03-14T20:36:00.000-04:00

Hi All- Remember my sister, Denise, of KeeperWorthyRecipes? Well, she is now back to food blogging with a new blog, GatheredAroundTheTable. Stop by here, you're in for a treat. Welcome Back, Denise, missed you in blogland.

King Arthur Shortbread

2011-02-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

King Arthur Shortbread I have tried many shortbread recipes before, none quite making the status of go to or keeper, that is until now. This recipe, from King Arthur, is now my official 'keeper go to' shortbread recipe. It is simple to make, very flavorful, melt in your mouth delicious. And you can easily jazz it up to suit your tastes.

Look how easy.. buy this.. preheat your oven to 300, grease 2 9" round cake pans, line with parchment also if you'd like. Now add 2 sticks room temperature butter, 1 cup confectioners sugar, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract in your mixer at medium speed.Then beat in your 2 cups King Arthur unbleached all purpose flour. It may seem dry at first but keep beating and it will come together. You may add up to 1 tablespoon water if u need to, it is a stiff dough. Divide dough in half and press each half into prepared pans, using your fingers or mini rolling pin. Use a fork to prick the dough all over to let steam escape.Bake the shortbread until its a light golden brown across the top,and deeper golden brown around the edges, bout 30-35 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately turn out onto work surface. Using a pizza wheel or sharp knife cut into 12 equal wedges. (FFH graciously cut the wedges for me.. note the big thumb) Do while its warm or it wont cut easily. My wedges are rustically uneven.. Transfer on rack to cool. These are delicious. You can jazz it up with drizzles of melted chocolate, caramel, or both. You can spread with jam and crumble some of the shortbread over. Fabulous quick divine treat. Try this today!!

King Arthur Shortbread

My new go to keeper shortbread recipe. Melt in your mouth delicious!

See King Arthur Shortbread on Key Ingredient.

Eggplant Parmesan

2011-02-26T09:16:00.000-05:00

Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan In all honesty, you will need a bunch of hours to make this dish. Is it worth it? Abso--freaking---lutely. It is one of my most requested dishes to bring to gatherings. It has converted eggplant haters to eggplant parmesan lovers.. it is that good.But you can not take shortcuts, you must do it the Nonni's way.. Remember Nonni? If not, read all about her here. I learned it from her and I keep to the tradition. Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous!! Calorie laden, yes. But so what? You only go around once in this lifetime..enjoy and burn off the calories with some hot steamy sex.

First make the Sunday gravy, shown here in a previous post. Grab a couple of gorgeous eggplants, peel and slice them thinly. Soak them in some cool water, laced with salt. Nonni had said this was to take out any bitterness.. I just listen to Nonni. Squeeze them, lay them on paper towels, and prepare your flour and eggs. Whisk a BUNCH of eggs in a large bowl, place a bunch of flour in a paper bag or ziploc bag, throw in some salt and pepper. Meanwhile begin heating up some vegetable oil in a frying pan. Till its sizzling. Dip your eggplant slices one by one into the flour then the egg, and place in hot oil. Fry for a couple of minutes on each side till lightly browned, LIGHTLY! Drain on paper towles in single layers. Repeat with all slices. To make the dish, layer some gravy in the bottom of a baking dish, bout 9x13. Layer one layer of eggplant, overlapping slices at edges. Layer mozzarealla cheess slices on topMore gravy. Then freshly grated locatelli cheese. Repeat layers two more times. I find 3 layers to be perfect. Be generous with the gravy. Ready to go into the oven. Bake at 350 till heated through. Freezes well for up to one month. Again, one of my most requested dishes. It is delicious. Family favorite. Layers of utter deliciousness.

Eggplant Parmesan

Family favorite, using Sunday gravy! Converts eggplant haters to eggplant lovers!

See Eggplant Parmesan on Key Ingredient.

Chicken Scarpariello

2011-01-30T20:22:00.007-05:00

Chicken Scarpariello I posted this recipe way back when I first started blogging. I think I had 3 comments at that time. Decided to repost as it is a family favorite in my home, and is so freaking good! Original recipe found here from Gourmet magazine. It is a breeze to make, and tastes delicious!I also have made this a day or two ahead and it tastes just as good as the first day!

Let's start. Begin by cutting your chicken thighs in half. Pat chicken dry and season them with salt and pepper.Heat one tablespoon of oil in a skillet( I used nonstick) over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking. Saute the chicken in 2 batches. beginning skin side down, turning occasionally and adjusting heat to keep from burning until cooked through, and browned on all sides, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate and keep warm, covered with foil. Pour off all but one tablespoon of oil from skillet. Add your chopped onion, bell peppers, and hot cherry peppers to taste over moderate heat covered for 7 minutes. Stir occasionally. Add your garlicand cook, stirring until golden. About 2 minutes. Add your wine and broth and boil uncovered, until most of liquid is evaporated, about 4 minutes.Add chicken (along with any juices that accumulated on plate) and parsley and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until cooked through, then season with salt. Wonderful dish! Fabulous weeknight meal. Such pretty colors too. You will so enjoy this one. Dig in, baby!

Chicken Scarpariello

Absolutely delicious weeknight meal adapted from Gourmet magazine!

See Chicken Scarpariello on Key Ingredient.

Swirl of Chocolate Cheesecake Squares

2011-01-29T08:45:00.000-05:00

Swirl of Chocolate Cheesecake Squares My FFH had a bad toothache the other night but was craving a sweet treat. Something soft. Something creamy. I could talk dirty right now, but I refrain. This quick dessert suited his needs perfectly.

To begin you make a simple graham cracker crust by combining graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press this into the bottom of a buttered 8x8 inch baking pan. Grab the rest of your ingredients. In a blender or food processor, combine cream cheese, evaporated milk, sugar, egg, flour, and vanilla. Process till smooth. Gradually stir 1/2 cup cheese mixture into melted chocolate. Pour remaining cheese mixture over crust. Now pour chocolate mixture on top of that. Swirl mixture together with a knife to create marbled effect. Bake in a preheated 300 degree oven for 40-45 minutes or until set. Cool in pan on wire rack. Store, covered in refrigerator. Grab a piece as needed.A nice tasty treasure.

Swirl of Chocolate Cheesecake Squares

Quick tasty weeknight dessert! Creamy, flavorful, easy to prepare!

See Swirl of Chocolate Cheesecake Squares on Key Ingredient.

Firehouse Chili, Shrimp Scampi, and Mustard-Soy Chicken

2011-01-12T09:36:00.001-05:00

Firehouse Chili Ina's Shrimp Scampi Mustard-Soy Chicken Simple Spinach Ever have those dishes you make all the time , but the photos won't cooperate enough to make them post-worthy? Well , I do and here are four of them.

My FFH makes his chili all the time, and I can never photo it right, but I am posting it anyway because it's so good, and I want to.

Ina's shrimp scampi has been a favorite of mine for years...again could never catch it right, and I continue not to. Doesn't mean it isn't beyond wonderful though.

This mustard-soy chicken I have gotten from my sister, and I always make it as a quick weeknight dish with my fried rice, and some simple spinach. My husbands favorite way to eat spinach, mind you. So, rather than waste time posting with step by step photos, I have just included the 4 recipes below. Because they are always repeated in my home, I wanted them on my blog.

Simple Spinach

Simplest way to prepare fresh spinach.. our favorite.

See Simple Spinach on Key Ingredient.

Chicken with Mustard Soy Sauce

Yummy weeknight chicken dinner. Pair it with fried rice and some spinach!

See Chicken with Mustard Soy Sauce on Key Ingredient.

Firehouse Chili

Our favorite chili recipe.. always made by my firefighter husband. Tones the heat down a bit for us.

See Firehouse Chili on Key Ingredient.

Shrimp Scampi

Ina Garten’s Shrimp Scampi.. Perfection.

See Shrimp Scampi on Key Ingredient.

Brickle Drop Cookies

2011-01-07T05:57:00.001-05:00

Brickle Drop Cookies. My FFH is a huge fan of Heath toffee bits. I have made many recipes using them. Always I am on the lookout for new ways to use them. So when I saw this new recipe on the back of the Heath Bits package, I gave it a whirl. And he ate 'em up.OK, so he did have a little help from my 4 children and his co-fighters of flames...

Simple cookie recipe with a buttery sublime taste, they were a hit. So pretty too.

Original recipe found here. So simple to make and one batch yields about 6 dozen. Begin by creaming your butter, brown and white sugars, eggs, vanilla, and salt. Add in your flour, cream of tartar, and baking soda. Mix in your toffee bits and drop by teaspoonfuls onto baking sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes at 350 and let cool slightly before removing to wire rack to cool completely. yes. lovely. A "so good mom" cookie.

Brickle Drop Cookies

Buttery toffee laden cookie!

See Brickle Drop Cookies on Key Ingredient.

Cookie Sticks

2011-01-06T05:57:00.000-05:00

Cookie Sticks. Found this fun recipe here, adapted from Taste of Home via Amanda's blog. This is the cookie recipe to go to when you need a freshly homemade batch of cookies, but no time to wait for softened butter. Kids love the whimsical shape too!

Begin by gathering your egg, vanilla, oil, and sugars. Combine them. In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add to sugar mixture and mix well. Divide dough in half. On a greased baking sheet, shape each portion into a 15 x 3" Rectangle, about 3 inches apart. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and press lightly. Bake at 375 for 6-7 minutes,8-9 for a crispier cookie. Cool for 5 minutes. Cut with a serrated knife into 1 inch strips, and remove to wire racks to cool. These are a very good cookie. My favorite? No. Just a nice ,quick, FUN treat.These chocolate chip cookies are still my favorite at the moment..

Cookie Sticks

If you have a craving for cookies and you want them now, these yummy strips take just a few minutes to make from start to finish… adapted from taste of home

See Cookie Sticks on Key Ingredient.

Baked Onion Rings

2011-01-04T22:37:00.001-05:00

Baked Onion Rings Boy! Were these ever yummy. Crispy, tasty and easy to prepare. AND in the spirit of the Healthy New Year, BAKED, not Fried!! I paired them with Sloppy Joe sliders, and coleslaw! I used my most favorite sloppy joe recipe HERE, and turned them into sliders.

Next time I make these onion rings, and there will indeed be a next time, I shall make a horseradish-y dip to go with them. Original recipe from Martha Stewart's Everyday Food magazine. Begin by cutting a simply gorgeous vidalia onion into quarters crosswise and separating into rings, discarding the small center ones. Now grab your cornflakes and some plain breadcrumbs. Pulse them in your food processor till finely ground. Pour in bowl. Now combine buttermilk, cayenne, salt, pepper, flour, and egg in another bowl. Whisk. Set up your dipping station. Dip onion ring into buttermilk mixture, letting excess drip off, dredge in cornflake mixture, lay on plate. Pour olive oil onto a rimmed baking sheet. Place in preheated 450 oven for 2 minutes. Remove from oven and evenly spread oil on sheet. Place onion rings on sheet. Bake for 16 minutes, turning once, until golden brown. Sprinkle with salt. Serve. Delicious! Enjoyed the crunchy coating and the enticing flavor! Give them a try!

Baked Onion Rings

Crispy, tasty, and Easy to prepare. Adapted from Everyday Food magazine.

See Baked Onion Rings on Key Ingredient.

Tuscan Baked Chicken and Beans.. one pot meal

2011-01-02T08:02:00.000-05:00

Tuscan Baked Chicken and Beans

Horrible photos.. great way to start off the blog in 2011, but oh well..bite me.. It was such a great dinner that I felt the need to share it in spite of the lackluster photography. I mean it was dark, gets dark at 5PM now, and NO leftovers in sight do do better pictures next day. Excuses, excuses ..

It's a one pot meal, full of delicious flavor and simple to make. I found this in Cooking Light magazine Oct 2010 issue. Recipe below on Key Ingredient card.

EASY.. Begin by cooking bacon in ovenproof skillet, until crisp. Remove bacon from pan, chop and set aside. RESERVE DRIPPINGS in pan. Add salt and peppered chicken pieces to that and brown them bout 2 minutes on each side. (I used small split breasts .)Remove and set aside. Add chopped onion, and salt to pan. Cook 5 minutes. Stir in your bacon, rosemary, spinach, beans and tomatoes. Remove from heat. Arrange chicken pieces on top, bake uncovered, at 350 for 40 minutes. Discard skin before serving, if u wish. This one pot meal was very satisfying and so tasty! Don't forget the crusty bread! Perfect weeknight dinner.

Tuscan Baked Chicken and beans

Delicious one pot meal, adapted from Cooking Light.

See Tuscan Baked Chicken and beans on Key Ingredient.

End of the YEAR Catch up Post. Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Drops, Pumpkin Streusel Cheesecake Bars,GO TO Peanut Butter Fudge, Jelly Thumbprints

2010-12-30T20:53:00.001-05:00

Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Drops GO TO Peanut Butter Fudge

Pumpkin Streusel Cheesecake Bars

Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies Got caught up in the Holiday madness and haven't been around. However, above are 4 cookies that graced my cookie trays this year that I haven't posted before.

And here are some shots of my cookie trays, 31 different cookies in all, two trays per person, one square, one round each. Here are some random shots. My mom's annual Christmas Gag Gift. Maxi Pad slippers. FFH decorated them beautifully.Pounded with 34 inches..gosh I could have fun with that statement.. of snow I highly recommend these girly timberlandsfor deep snow. I love wearing them I feel like a sexy girl lumberjack...

Our new baby girl shitzu, Lulu,Lulu was the cause of this Christmas Tree disaster. We fixed it. Recipes below for Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Cookies Pumpkin Streusel Cheesecake Bars ..Thank you Judy! FABULOUS RECIPE!! It certainly deserves that Betty Crocker prize status! GO TO Peanut Butter Fudge Thank you Rosie, it's my favorite fudge ever. Strawberry Thumbprints. Wishing you all a Happy New Year. Talk soon.

GO TO Peanut Butter Fudge

Oh so good peanut butter fudge and so simple to make!

See GO TO Peanut Butter Fudge on Key Ingredient.

Pumpkin Streusel Cheesecake Bars

Prize winning Betty Crocker Recipe

See Pumpkin Streusel Cheesecake Bars on Key Ingredient.

Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Drops

Fabulous chocolate peanut butter brownie cookie using reeses peanut butter cups.

See Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Drops on Key Ingredient.

Strawberry Thumbprints

Delicious buttery thumbprint!

See Strawberry Thumbprints on Key Ingredient.

Roundup of some of the Christmas Cookies I will be making for my trays this year. Need Ideas?

2010-12-12T08:20:00.000-05:00

Do you remember all of the 26 cookies I made for last years Christmas Cookie trays? If not, visit them here, here, here, and here. I have some new additions this year.

Pecan Squares, sinfully decadent. Oatmeal Coconut Chewies. Chocolate Pixies. Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies.(Using red and green sprinkles of course) Double Chocolate M&M cookies. (using Christmas colored m&m's of course.) Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars. Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies. And I will make my favorite brownies and turn them into brownie bites.Oh .. can't forget the most recent.. Walnut Pillows. I am AIMING for 30 different types of cookies this year, including some fudge and homemade caramels. I am also planning to do some new recipes as well, and I'll blog on them accordingly.

One thing I am for sure making for all my GIRL-friends is homemade baileys. You do remember what happens with homemade bailey's, don't you? If not it is a MUST READ!

Another must read is Rosie's marathon of cookie baking, see here. I love her. Don't forget my tray this year, Rosie, I'll email you my new address.

What are YOUR favorite Christmas cookies to bake each year? Inquiring minds wanna know.

Crockpot Pot Roast and Walnut Filled Pillows

2010-12-05T07:38:00.001-05:00

Crockpot Pot Roast Walnut Filled Pillows Odd combo, but it is what I made today. I needed a crockpot meal you see, because we planned to be outside all day decorating for Christmas. This Crockpot Pot Roast, a Paula Deen, found here, fitted me like a nice piece of Victoria's Secret lingerie.

So, I woke up early, dusted off my crockpot,gathered my ingredients, seasoned my chuck roast with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, seared it in hot oil on all sides. While it was searingI readied the ingredients by mincing the garlic, crushing my bouillon, and slicing the onion.Once the meat was seared, I placed it in The crockpot with all of the other ingredients on top. Then poured some water to just cover it all. Put the cover on the crockpot and cooked on low for 8 hours. When finished, remove the meat to a cutting board,slice, although there is really no need, it's SO DAMN FREAKING tender. Mix the gravy in the crockpot well, remove the bay leaves. I guess you can thicken the gravy here if you'd like, however it is fine the way it is and it is a convenience meal!! Serve the slices of pot roast with the yummy gravy. Simply delicious meal for when you know it will be a busy day. Delicious flavor!

These walnut filled pillows were introduced to me by my sister. After her description I made them immediately. They are reminiscent of my czech walnut pastries, but quite easier!! And they were fabulous.

Original recipe from Taste of Home here. I only made one alteration. I didn't take many photos of the steps required to make these, I was short on time. Basically you make a dough, cream cheese, butter, flour...refrigerate for an hour. Make the filling with ground walnuts, sugar, milk, vanilla, and my addition cinnamon. Roll the dough out, Cut into 2x2 squares. Place 1 teaspoon filling in center. Seal. Press with fork on edges. Brush with egg wash. Bake, sprinkle with powdered sugar. Enjoy. This is a special cookie. This is a fantastic cookie. These will be on my Christmas Cookie trays this year! Hope you try it!

Walnut Filled Pillows

Delicious little treats!! Cream cheese dough with walnut filling inside!

See Walnut Filled Pillows on Key Ingredient.

Crockpot Pot Roast

Paula Deen inspired crockpot pot roast for those cold busy winter days!!

See Crockpot Pot Roast on Key Ingredient.

Buffalo Chicken Tenders and Giveaway Winner!

2010-12-01T21:22:00.000-05:00

Buffalo Chicken Tenders and Giveaway Winner!! These buffalo chicken tenders easily,so so so so easily slipped into my binder of keeper worthy recipes.(Gee, isn't that the name of my sister's long lost blog?) They taste just like buffalo wings, minus the bones. Even my children LOVED them. Paired with some cheesy rice, some celery sticks and blue cheese, it made for a fantastic quick dinner! So good that one of my daughters brought them for lunch the next day to school.

They are so easy to prepare..detailed recipe below on my recipe card.. get some chicken tenders, dip them in buttermilk, dip them in seasoned flour, cook over medium heat in oil till lightly browned on each side. Keep warm while you melt butter and mix it with hot sauce(I used Red Hot). Toss the tenders in the mixture and serve. Would be a perfect appy as well. Originally seen, as here, in Martha Stewart's Everyday Food Magazine. Total winner! Recipe on key ingredient card below! Winner of the Novica $75.00 gift certificate was: Random Integer Generator Here are your random numbers: 14 Timestamp: 2010-12-02 01:23:48 UTC

Allie,from finding inspiration in food! Congrats, Allie. Please email me for the gift certificate!!

Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Just like Buffalo wings, minus the bone.. delicious.. from Martha Stewart!

See Buffalo Chicken Tenders on Key Ingredient.

Texas Brisket.. a must try.

2010-11-29T22:09:00.000-05:00

Texas BrisketHave you ever made a recipe and it was so good that you could not wait to blog about it? Well, this is one of those recipes. Holy crap cow balls. Was this ever delicious! Was this ever simple to prepare! The flavor was simply amazing, the meat was so very tender, and we enjoyed every bite!!

I first saw this recipe on Bridgett's blog, La Bella Cook, and knew I had to make it based on her rave reviews. It is a Nigella Lawson recipe, published in Better Homes and Gardens magazine, and is a MUST TRY! Thanks Bridgett!

I now have two stellar brisket recipes, this one and my sweet and sour brisket, found here.

Fabulous piece of meat to work with.. actually sounds a little sexual, no?

Recipe, with my adaptations, on key ingredient card below.

OK, so let me show you how freaking damned simple simon this is! Slice up your onions, throw them in a roasting dish, Season your brisket with salt and pepper and place fat side up on the onions. Now grab your sauce ingredients. Nice lineup.. Worcestershire, soy sauce(I used low sodium), liquid smoke( I used hickory), strong black coffee, and apple cider vinegar. Combine 1/4 cup of each of these ingredients in a bowl, and whisk. Pour over brisket in roasting pan. Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Roast at 300 for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, depending on the size of your brisket. Mine took about 2 hours 45min, and I used a 2.5 pound brisket. Please make it fork-tender, baby. Remove from oven, and transfer brisket to cutting board; tent with foil, let sit for 15 minutes. Now, to make the gravy, grab your blender, place the cooked onions and a couple of spoonfulls of sauce into the blender. Blend till almost smooth. Set aside. Slice brisket across the grain. Serve with the onion gravy. SO fabulous!! You can make this up to two days ahead of time. Then reheat in a 350 oven with sliced meat in gravy. You will be missing out if you don't try this one. It makes a lovely, lovely meal!! Giveaway winner announced next posting.

Texas Brisket

Adaptation of Nigella Lawson’s take on Texas Brisket.. fabulous.. a must try!

See Texas Brisket on Key Ingredient.

Italian String Beans.simplest side dish evah!

2010-11-28T18:06:00.000-05:00

Italian String Beans This simple side dish is both a favorite of mine and my children. It was given to me from Nonni, remember Nonni ,my favorite nursing home patient, the one who argued with me about the joys of giving a BJ when no teeth are left in your mouth? Don't remember her? Read all about her, here. Anyhow, this dish has such flavor, such great taste, I am certain you will enjoy. My kids love the string beans prepared this way, as well as this way. Great way to feed them their greens.

Start by snapping off ends of your fresh beans. Throw them in some salted boiling water for about 4 minutes. Drain, but RESERVE 1 cup of boiling cooking liquid, RESERVE IT! While doing this , start your sauce, you will need, one can tomato sauce, 1 can plum Italian style tomatoes(San marzano preferably), onion, basil, and black pepper. Yes, and some olive oil in the background. Chop up your onions and cook them in some olive oil till softened. Pour in your tomato sauce, plum tomatoes(squeeze them with your hand first to break them up a bit), and your crushed black pepper. Bring to a boil, lower to a simmer , cover and cook for 20 minutes. Uncover, add your sliced basil leaves, and reserved water. Cook till wilted. Add your string beans. Bring back to a simmer, cook partially covered 20 minutes. Done. They are fabulous. We adore them. You will too.

Italian String Beans

Green beans simmered with onions and tomatoes..so good!

See Italian String Beans on Key Ingredient.

Chocolate Pie

2010-11-26T20:16:00.000-05:00

Chocolate Pie Oh so freaking good!

I made this pie as one of our many Thanksgiving Day desserts, and holy cow, was this ever a winner! Damn delicious. First seen on Joy of baking, original here. I can honestly say this will be repeated in my home, and no way will I wait for it to be a holiday!

Without further ado, let's start! Begin with your graham cracker crust. Combine your graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly on bottom and up the sides of a well greased 9 inch pie or tart pan. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in fridge while you make the filling. To make the filling you will combine your cocoa powder, cornstarch, sugar and salt. You will then whisk in your milk till it forms a paste. Whisk in your egg yolks one at a time until smooth and combined. Set aside while you heat the milk and cream. Bring your milk and cream just to a boil, watch carefully.. when it foams up, it is ready. Gradually pour this into the egg mixture whisking till smooth. Reheat for 5-6 minutes till mayonnaise consistency. Pour through a strainer into a bowl and add your finely chopped semisweet chocolate, butter, and vanilla, mix till combined. Let cool to room temp, then pour into your crust. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Make your fresh whipped cream by whipping heavy cream until soft peaks form, then your sugar till firm peaks form. Spread over pie. Shave some chocolate on top and you are ready. Absolutely wonderful. I kid you not. FFH heartily approved, guests enjoyed, pie was gone, except for the slice I hid to picture for you. TRY IT!

NOW, go enter my giveaway HERE for a $75.00 gift certificate. Hurry, ends Sunday night!

Chocolate Pie

Oh so creamy dreamy chocolate pie!

See Chocolate Pie on Key Ingredient.

GIVEAWAY!! $75.00 NOVICA.com Gift Certificate GIVEAWAY!!! and some chocolate turtle cookies

2010-11-25T06:23:00.000-05:00

Chocolate Turtle Cookies

Because I am so so so thankful for all you readers out there, I am offering you a$75.00 NOVICA.com GIVEAWAY!!! YES, $75.00... You can have your choice of plenty of items on this wonderful site.. go see.

I was contacted by Ricky Magna, who works for Novica, which is a leading fair trade artisan website. He offered me a $150.00 gift certificate to try the products... or 2-$75.00 gift certificates, one for me and one for you. I chose to share. Why? Cus I love you!

They have such cool items in all types of categories!! From home decor, jewelry, apparel to games. A FABULOUS corporate gift section and more!! You can get yourself or your loved one a Holiday gift!! They even have holiday decor!!!!

I'll tell you how to enter below.

I am also thankful for these Chocolate Turtle Cookies. No time to do a detailed post about them, tomorrow is Turkey Day, but just thought I'd let you know, they are fabulous, I also made them without nuts for those who do not like nuts. Recipe from Cooks Country. Originally seen here. Mel's Kitchen Cafe, where else?

To enter the giveaway, please visit Novica.com and tell me what you might buy with the $75.00!!

For a second entry, please tell me your favorite holiday dish, and provide a link if you can.

For a third, link about this giveaway on your blog!

Fourth, follow me or let me know u are a follower.

Giveaway entries will close on Sunday 6PM. Winner announced Monday!

That's all. Thank you all for remaining loyal readers, even though I haven't had the time to comment the way I used to. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Chocolate Turtle Cookies

Fabulous chocolate caramel cookie!

See Chocolate Turtle Cookies on Key Ingredient.

Cheesesteak Sliders

2010-11-23T07:22:00.000-05:00

Cheesesteak SlidersNeed a quick weeknight meal during the Holiday Season? This recipe ,via Rachael Ray, will fit the bill. It is super simple, very quick, kid friendly, and tasty. Next time I make these, and there will be a next time, I will change it up a bit, as noted im my recipe card below..

Now let's begin. Cut some beef tenderloin into 1 inch strips. Season them with salt and pepper. Heat some olive oil in a skillet until rippling. Cook the tenderloin strips on one side for 3 minutes; flip and cook on the other side for 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.

Now meanwhile, cut up your peppers and onions, and in the same skillet as ya cooked the meat in, cook them, seasoned with salt and pepper, until softened, about 8 minutes. Next time Id add some hot cherry pepper juice and a couple of chopped hot cherry peppers. Buy these small cute dinner rolls, and place the bottoms on a baking sheet. Top each bottom with the meat and the peppers. Next time I'd toast the buns. Sprinkle with your shredded provolone cheese. Next time I wouldn't sprinkle, I'd throw a bunch on. Bake at 375 until cheese is melted, about 6 minutes. Top with the roll tops and serve. Oh, yes, and don't forget the ketchup, a must! They are tasty treats. Perfect in the original form for the kids. They adored them, served with fries, perfect for little hands. For adults however, I'd use a more kicked up version. I'd also TOAST the buns. Love toasted buns, in every visual sense. But I still prefer Hurley's homemade white castles!

Cheesesteak Sliders

Rachael Ray.. great weeknight meal.. with some adaptations..

See Cheesesteak Sliders on Key Ingredient.

Make Ahead Turkey Thanksgiving Gravy

2010-11-21T19:41:00.000-05:00

Make Ahead Thanksgiving Turkey GravyEvery year, I make my turkey gravy ahead of time. Less stress on Thanksgiving,and you can make it days or 1 month ahead, whatever you'd like. And the taste, well, the taste, is fabulous! This is adapted from Womans Day Magazine, original here. My version on the key ingredient card recipe below.

Let's do it. Preheat the oven to 400. Put your turkey wings, about 3-4 pounds, or 2-3 wings, in a single layer in a roasting pan. Scatter your peeled and quartered onions on top.Roast 1 1/2to 2 hours or until wings are browned. (I tend to go at least 2,till deeply browned) Transfer wings and onions to 6 qt pot. Add 1 cup water to roasting pan, and scrape up brown bits as best you can. Add to pot. Now add your broth, carrots, celery, and thyme to pot as well. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and simmer for 1 1/2 hours. Remove your wings, discard skin; save meat for another use. Strain your broth into a saucepan, pressing down veggies to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard vegetables. Skim fat off broth. Please plan to refrigerate overnight so that the fat rises to the top and can be so easily removed as a solid, as shown. Now whisk your flour into the remaining chicken broth until smooth. Bring broth to a gentle boil. Whisk in your flour mixture and boil 4 to 5 minutes to thicken gravy and remove any floury taste. Stir in your butter and pepper. Done. Gorgeous brown color, fabulous taste! Saved yourself some stress on turkey day! You can refrigerate this for 2-3 days. OR freeze for 1 month in airtight container, refrigerate 2 days to thaw. Reheat in saucepan, whisking often! Also on Thanksgiving Day, you can skim the fat off the drippings, and add the drippings to the heated gravy if you wish. Highly recommend this gravy!

Make Ahead Turkey Thanksgiving Gravy

Make your Turkey Gravy ahead of time without sacrifing taste!!

See Make Ahead Turkey Thanksgiving Gravy on Key Ingredient.

Oatmeal Raspberry Bars

2010-11-19T22:13:00.001-05:00

Oatmeal Raspberry Bars Are ya in the market for a quick , easy, tasty bar cookie? This one from The Ultimate Southern Living Cookbook, will fulfill your needs. You can put this together in less than 5 minutes. Really. I'll show you. But only if you show me yours. hee hee. You can not beat an oatmeal-y shortbread crust topped with raspberry preserves, topped again with crumbs of the same crust!!!

Begin by creaming your butter. Mix in your brown sugar. Meanwhile in another bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking soda and oats. Now mix both together! Grease a 9x13 pan. You all do use this greasing trick, dona? You don't throw away the butter wrappers without greasing first do ya?OK, anyway, press half of this mixture into the bottom of the pan. Next spread with your raspberry preserves. Sprinkle the rest of the crumb mixture on top of the preserves. Bake at 400 for 18 to 20 minutes. Cool on a rack; cut into bars. They smell incredible while cooking, are appealing to the eye, and taste damn good! The raspberry flavor is the perfect pairing with the buttery, slightly salty , chewy crust! Worth a definite try!

Oatmeal Raspberry Bars

Delicious, simple to make , oatmeal shortbread raspberry bar!

See Oatmeal Raspberry Bars on Key Ingredient.

Ina's Stuffed Cabbage

2010-11-18T20:26:00.000-05:00

Ina's Stuffed Cabbage You either love stuffed cabbage or you don't. I am a lover of the cabbage that is stuffed. This recipe, Ina Garten's, found here, is fabulous! It tastes fantastic, can be made ahead, can be frozen, and makes plenty. Not a thing did I alter, except I omitted the raisins.. not a raisin fan.. It does take quite a bit of time, but it is worth it.

If you find you don't have time to make stuffed cabbage, you can always make my unstuffed cabbage. That is wonderful as well.

Let's start! Begin by chopping up some onions and cooking them in olive oil. While they are cooking, gather these sauce ingredients. Once the onions are translucent, add the tomatoes, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, lower to a simmer, and cook for 30 minutes. While your sauce is cooking , bring a large pot of water to a boil. Drop your cabbage in gently.Immerse the cabbage in the boiling water for a few minutes, peeling off each leaf with tongs as soon as it is flexible. Set the leaves aside. Make the filling next. In a large bowl, combine your ground chuck, plain breadcrumbs, thyme, kosher salt, pepper, chopped onions, rice and your eggs. Combine these. Then add one cup of your cooked sauce and mix again. Preheat oven to 350. Let's now assemble the dish. Place some sauce in the bottom of a Dutch Oven. Roll up some meat mixture in each cabbage leave, tucking in the sides as you roll. Place half the rolls , seam side down, over the sauce. Add more sauce and more cabbage rolls alternately until you've placed all the rolls in the pot. Pour the rest of the sauce on top. Cover and bake for 1-1 1/2 hours or until the rice is tender. Look how yummy. I always serve this with mashed potatoes. Even better the next day! One hint I do have is to use minute rice.. sometimes the long grain rice remains slightly crunchy. GREAT meal!

Stuffed Cabbage

Adapted version of Ina Garten’s Stuffed Cabbage!

See Stuffed Cabbage on Key Ingredient.

Chewy Granola Squares

2010-11-13T08:20:00.000-05:00

Chewy Granola Squares This is a quick treat to make for yourself or throw in your kids lunchbox. What I like about this particular recipe is that you can make all kinds of substitutions for the add ins. Make them yours. Own them. Then devour them. Found originally on Anissa's Kitchen.

Let's start.. this is so easy people. All you have to do is gather your ingredients,your quick oats, rice krispies,coconut, m&m minis,brown sugar, salt, butter, honey, and vanilla. Add ALL of your ingredients together in one bowl, mix them together well, and press into a 9x13 inch pan. I lined my pan with parchment for easy removal. Bake them at 350 for 8-10 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes, then score into squares. Let them set completely , then then cut fully into squares , or bars if you prefer. Are they not pretty? As I said earlier, you can substitute and swap out ingredients. Add mini sweet chocolate chips instead of m&ms, or use peanut butter pieces, raisins, mini marshmallows, etc. Fun treat to experiment with.

Chewy Granola Squares

Great Lunchbox treats: substitute add-ins as you wish!

See Chewy Granola Squares on Key Ingredient.

Turkey Mini Meatball Alphabet Soup

2010-11-10T06:01:00.000-05:00

Turkey Mini Meatball Alphabet Soup I saw this soup in Good Housekeeping magazine, original here, and it called to me to make it. So, make it, I did. What a clever decision that was. Another soup to add to my keepers. As always, an easy to make, full of flavor, girl next door type of soup.I only changed it up a wee bit.

PLEASE NOTE: As usual, all recipes can be printed at the bottom of my post on the key ingredient card. You must visit my blog to use this feature, not via feed!!!

Begin my making some mini turkey meatballs. Put your ground turkey, breadcrumbs, thyme, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Form into mini meatballs. Refrigerate until ready to use. Now thinly slice your leek and celery and cook it in your hot oil in your 6 quart saucepot for about 6 to 8 minutes. Now add your broth, diced tomatoes, and water. Bring to a boil, covered. Once it is boiling, drop in your meatballs, one by one. Stir in your broccoli, peas, corn, and some salt. (You may also add your alphabet pasta at this point, but you already know my feeling on that, I hope.)Reduce your heat to medium low and simmer 7-9 minutes. Season to taste. I always cook the pasta separately and add to each individual bowl. I store the soup and pasta separately also. Very flavorful soup. I consider it to be kid friendly due to the alphabet pasta. They have fun with it. Even the pre teens.. they like to spell out bad words .. like I don't see. This bowl of comfort liquid will be repeated in my home. Hope it graces your table as well.

Turkey Mini Meatball Alphabet Soup

Easy to make , adult and kid friendly, comforting soup!

See Turkey Mini Meatball Alphabet Soup on Key Ingredient.

Leftover Halloween Candy Cookies & Leftover Halloween Candy Cake

2010-11-05T18:42:00.003-04:00

Leftover Halloween Candy Cookies Leftover Halloween Candy Cake Have lots of leftover Halloween candy? Don't know what to do with it? No! No! No! Don't shove it up your ass!!!! Make these! I have been waiting since last year to make these goodies. Now, I can't wait to make them again next year!Let's begin with the Leftover Halloween Candy Cookies. I saw these on Pam's blog ,just last year, and knew I'd be making them this Halloween. Easy cookie, extremely kid friendly, and wholeheartedly meets their approval. You take the basic cookie recipe found below on my key ingredient card, and add your favorite leftover candy. I chose m&m's and Reese peanut butter cups. Cut the peanut butter cups up into pieces, mix them gently into the dough. Save some to top the cookies with. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto cookie sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Let cool on cookie sheets for a few then remove to racks to cool completely. They are so very good. FABULOUS way to make use of the leftover goodies. And they look so pretty! Thank you Pam. We will be using this recipe for many Halloweens to come!!Another recipe I discovered last year was found on Stacey's blog. Leftover Halloween Candy Cake. DELISH! Fabulous vanilla cake, bundt baby, with candy mix ins. For this one I chose Peanut m&m's ,m&m's and peanut butter cups, chopped, m&ms were crushed lightly. Make your vanilla cake batter(recipe on key ingredient card below), gently mix in your leftover candy, pour in Bundt pan. Bake Cool and remove. Sprinkle with powdered sugar , slice and serve. Yummy treat. As Stacey said, decadent! Another keeper for the repertoire. Hope you try one or both!

Leftover Halloween Candy Cookies

Here’s what you can do with all that leftover Halloween candy!

See Leftover Halloween Candy Cookies on Key Ingredient.

Leftover Halloween Candy Cake

A decadent way to use up that leftover Halloween Candy! Use your favorite leftover candy! Baked in a delicious vanilla cake!

See Leftover Halloween Candy Cake on Key Ingredient.