Last Day of May . . .

Well, today is May 31st and what a week it has been.  Goodness, tornadoes, so much devastation and the loss of two little bitty lives.  A total of ten people in Oklahoma City and the surrounding area lost their lives due the violent storms that rolled through our area.  One family has been through so much.  The Hamils lost two of their precious little sons.  The tornado just ripped right through their neighborhood and destroyed every home in the development.  My heart was broken over this tragedy.  I can't even imagine what they must be going through.  Their other child a girl, 5, has finally been removed from the ICU to a regular room.  What do you say to someone in this situation?  It is truly beyond words.  I just hope they turn to God for comfort because He will be the only one that will get them through this.  I pray peace over this family and all of the others here and in Joplin, MO.  Peoples lives are changed forever.

It was nice having my husband home for the past three days.  We got so much accomplished inside and outside.  I finally got two of the rooms I have been wanting to paint painted!!  Now I only have my exercise room left to paint and I plan on doing that here within a month.  My kids are moving back from Germany and I sure would like to have it all done before they get here.  I do not want to have anything in here to do because I plan on spending every minute I can getting reacquainted with my precious granddaughter!  She loves it here and our visit in January was only for 5 days.  So we definitely have some catching up to do.  The zoo, read books, color, oh, my I cannot wait!!  I was thinking this morning that I hate to wish everyone's summer to be over, but for us grandparents the end of July just can't get here fast enough.

We had BBQ for supper tonight.  I found some really nice pork ribs over the weekend and just had them with some roasted veggies and a cool cucumber salad.  I do not, I repeat, do not like cucumbers at all!!  I don't even like them touching anything that I plan on eating if they are in a salad.  I love the smell, but that texture is gross.  Sorry all you cucumber lovers out there.  Now I am not ruling out that one day I may come across a dish where they are masked really well some sort of sauce, perhaps, I might try one, just one.  But, until then, I'll make 'em and you eat 'em!!

Below is the recipe for the Marinated Cucumber Salad . . . I hope you like it.  This recipe came from my friend Diane a few years back.  She knew my husband loved cucumbers and sure enough this is definitely a keeper . . .

Marinated Cucumber Salad

5 cucumbers (peeled/sliced)
1 medium onion (sliced thin)
1 cup vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp marjoram
1/2 tsp lemon pepper
1/2 tsp ground mustard


In a medium size bowl add all ingredients except for the cucumbers.  Whisk well with a whisk and store in refrigerator for at least 4 hours.  About 1 hour before getting ready to serve peel and slice the cucumbers.  Pour the marinate over the cucumbers and mix well.  Return to the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Monday, Monday . . .

It's a wonderful Monday morning!  I feel so good today and it's one day closer until my babies get back home!  Walked outside this morning and took a picture of a huge orange sun this morning as it was coming up!  It was so darn pretty.  Sadness, in the midwest, though.  Just heard on the TV that at least 89 people have been confirmed dead from that F-5 tornado last night.  Goodness, we have lost a lot of people this year from tornadoes!!  We, too, are supposed to have some really bad weather today and tomorrow I guess.  I do really pay attention to the TV when the weatherman is on about tornadoes.  If he says there's one coming it usually does.  In a weird way I would love to see one, but I would like it to be miles away from me or any one else.  I have seriously thought putting in a tornado shelter.  My neighbors have one and have told us on several occasions to come over and use it even if they were't home.  I know sometimes that sky overhead turns a little shade of green and it really scares me.  I just want a place where I can take my dogs with me.  I couldn't imagine having to take shelter and leave them behind.

On, a happier note!!  We started our project in the house.  I have wanted bead board down my hall for a few months now and my wonderful loving husband started it yesterday for me!  I can't wait until it is done. We are going to do a little each day until it is complete.  I bought the paint to paint the wall and will start on that as soon as the boards are in place.  The color is Cornbread which is what my great room is painted.  It will give it a nice flow down the hall.  I have so many pictures to hang up and some small shelving, too.  After that I am starting on my laundry room.  It will be nice and bright and I have all sorts of cool ideas for that room. Since laundry is not my favorite task I wanted a cheery place to be in!  It will be pink . . . surprise!  I picked out some paint cards yesterday that I liked for my entry way also.  I'm thinking a really pretty light sage color.  It will have shelving all the way around at the top and some twinkle lights.  It will look very homey when it is completed.  As far as what is left in the house to paint I have my guest room/exercise room.  That color I have picked out is called Wampum.  It is a really pretty, light soft plum color.  I will put sheers in there so that the light coming in is muted just a bit.  Right now it is really bright in there.  We use the room a lot and I don't want to shut off the beautiful view of the sunrise in the morning and the natural light.  Sheers will be perfect!!  Then what will I do?  I am quite sure I will find new projects to do.  I really want to get all of this done before my family gets back.  I want to have all my time free to spend time with those adorable and precious grands of mine!!  I see many trips to the zoo, parks and lake in my near future!!

We had such a nice and productive weekend I hated to see it end!  I had to throw something together last night for dinner that was quick and easy.  We all know the benefits of tomatoes!!  Well, this side dish is super simple and the health benefits are over the moon!!  Cooked tomatoes are one of the most nutritious things you can put in your body!  This is a family favorite.  And once again, I only use Hunt's so I can't guarantee the taste of any other kind.  I like Hunt's for the simple reason, they always taste fresher and they have a little salt in them.

Baked Tomatoes

1 large can Hunt's Whole Tomatoes (do not drain)
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
fresh cracked pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Pout tomatoes into baking dish and sprinkle with the grated cheese.  Add cracked pepper do not stir.  Bake in oven for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and cheese has browned.  This dish goes with any kind of meat, roast, chicken, meatloaf, etc.  I am sure it will become a favorite for your family, too . . .

Saturday Afternoon Delight . . .

I loved that song "Afternoon Delight"!  I think that was the name of it.  Don't know who sang it or anything, but I do still hear it every once in awhile.  Guess I will have to do some investigating!  It's funny to me how some songs bring back or jar our memories of a certain day or an occasion.  Does this ever happen to you?  I hear songs and sometimes they immediately take me back to that very moment on what I was doing.  Some are good memories and others...well, not so good.  Hmmm, now I that wrote this all sorts of songs are coming to mind that reminded me of people or what I was doing!  Boy, minds are strange things aren't they!

My husband and I had so much fun today!  We went to town to run some errands, ate some mexican food, bought 2 new truck tires and I bought myself a new hummingbird feeder.  It is not that we really did anything at all it just fun being together I guess!  He made me laugh and I made him laugh and I'm still smiling.  I have to get on the internet and look up the ratio for the sugar water for the hummingbirds.  I saw one out there the other day and he didn't stick around because he didn't see a feeder.  I sure hope he comes back soon.  My husband tried to convince me to get one that looked like a strawberry, but I won and got the one I wanted!  It is more girlie looking!  He said they really don't care what it looks like I told him I totally disagree!

For my "afternoon delight" I made a Grilled Skirt Steak with a Mango Salsa.  Goodness, it was so tasty!  I know a lot of people won't even attempt to make skirt steak because they feel it is too tough.  It is not that the meat is tough you just have to remember to cut it against the grain.  I like to make this dish because it is quick and easy.  Gosh, it cooks in about 10 minutes!!  It takes me longer to get the fire going than it does to cook the actual piece of meat.  You can do this in your home too on a cast iron grill if you have one and don't feel like getting the BBQ going.  You just won't have the smoke taste, but it will still taste really good.  I went to the market the other day and they had mangoes 5 for a dollar!!  I bought 10 of them.  I love them in my fruit shakes I make in the morning for breakfast or I just peel them and throw them in my salads, too.  I love mangoes especially when they are fresh.  The jar kind will work in a pinch like during the winter months, but when they are available I buy the fresh ones.  That darn seed, though.  What was God thinking?  It is the most annoying thing to work around.  I know Williams and Sonoma have a mango tool that deseeds the fruit, but I am leery about purchasing one, because I just don't think the seed is always in the same place.  Look at one the next time you're in the grocery store they are all different shapes.  It's not like an avocado or something.  Oh, well, maybe I will break down and buy one one of these days.

The mango salsa can be made as hot as you like it, too.  I like mine hot, but not so hot that it takes my breath away and then I can't taste the rest of my meal.  My son on the other hand I can't make anything hot enough for him!  I hope you enjoy this one. . .

Grilled Skirt Steak

1 Skirt Steak
1 cup teriyaki sauce
2 tsp sesame oil
1/4 cup hoisin sauce

Mix the sauce ingredients in small bowl until mixed.  Place steak in gallon size baggie and pour marinade over the meat.  Press out all the air and seal.  Rub the baggie with your hands like your giving it a massage on both sides and then place in refrigerator.  Let rest for at least 6 hours or overnight.  When ready to cook,  remove and discard marinade.  Place on hot coals and cook about 5 minutes on each side.  When cooked to your liking remove and place on cutting board cover with foil and allow to sit for about 5 minutes.  Remove foil and slice steak against the grain and serve with mango salsa rolled up in a flour tortilla.

Mango Salsa

4 mangoes diced (or however much you want to make)
1 red, green or orange bell pepper diced
1 jalapeno diced (or more if you want)
1 medium onion sliced thin and chopped
zest of 1 lime
juice of 1 lime
1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Place the fruit on a large bowl.  Add the remaining ingredients and stir.  I leave mine out and serve it at room temperature the flavor is just magnified when it is warm.  Serve this on top of the grilled steak wrapped in a flour tortilla.  Enjoy. . .

This salsa is also great on salmon, too!!  Give that a try sometime as well . . .Bon Appetite

I'll Admit It, I Am A Lush. . .

For my Chocolate Lush!!  I seriously could eat the pan of this dessert!  Oh, if you love lemon, try it with lemon pudding it is to die for, too!  I, on the other hand, am a chocoholic!  Anything chocolate is hard, really hard for me to resist.  I've been making this for years so I can't even begin to remember where this recipe came from.  All I know is when I make it, it disappears really quickly!

My favorite part of this dessert is the shortbread crust.  Gosh, butter, flour and nuts.  Come on, who wouldn't love that!  When it is baking the whole house just has this buttery aroma engulfing it.  I bet if you have never made this before you'll be trying it real soon. . .

Chocolate Lush

The Shortbread Crust:

2 cups flour
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
2 sticks butter (soft)

Mix together with fork or hands and pat into a 13 x 9 pan.  Bake at 425 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or just until lightly brown.  Remove and let cool.

Second Layer:

3 packages instant chocolate pudding (Jello)
4 cups whole milk

Mix together and place in refrigerator for about 10 minutes to set up.  When set pour onto cooled shortbread and spread out evenly.  Top with the topping below.

Topping:

2 (8 oz.) Philadelphia Brand Cream Cheese (room temperature)
2 cups Cool-Whip
2 cups powdered sugar

Place cream cheese in mixing bowl and beat with electric mixer until smooth.  Gradually add the powdered sugar.  Once blended gently fold in the Cool-Whip.  Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the pudding sealing the edges and when done top with nuts.

I love to grill. . .

Don't you love that very first BBQ of the spring?  Nothing tops that first hot dog coming off the grill or those burgers, yummo!  We wait all winter for the spring and summer so we can once again cook outdoors.  I don't know what it is, but anything that is cooked on an open fire tastes 100 times better!!  One of my favorite things about camping is the food!!  That first cup of coffee on the open fire and then fried bacon and eggs.  Oh, goodness, my mouth is watering already just thinking about it.  One thing nice about being in the south is we can really BBQ all year long if we choose to.  It never gets that cold where you can't stand outside long enough to flip a steak or some chicken.

I am the griller in my home!  My husband can start the fire, but trust me, that's it!  He wouldn't even know how to cook BBQ chicken!!  We have been together for almost 22 years and he has NEVER cooked!!  Nope, not once, ever!!!  If I waited for him to cook, I'd be real skinny.  He just doesn't have a clue on how to cook.  I think it is so funny when I hear all of my friends talk about what a great cook their husbands are.  He has told me on several occasions that he has no desire to cook.  I do know guys that don't cook, but they are truly a rarity!!  I enjoy cooking so much I couldn't imagine having to sit back and watch someone else do it for me, except in a restaurant of course.  To me it is an escape and an adventure!  Plus, my hubby is my biggest fan so I will not complain that he doesn't cook.

The other night for supper I made a Grilled Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin.  It turned out so moist and I served it with my Auntie Pat's Green Rice.  Seems like every time I make it I serve it with that rice.  I had some mesquite and I used that along with some briquets and man it was so tasty!!  I love meat that has been marinated. I actually allowed it to marinate all day.

Grilled Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin

pork tenderloin (usually 2 to a pack)
1 bottle of teriyaki sauce
1/2 cup hoison sauce
3 TBSP sesame oil
4 cloves garlic (minced then mashed)
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1 TBSP fresh grated ginger

Mix all of the marinating ingredients in a bowl.  Once mixed place pork tenderloins in to gallon size bag and pour all but 3/4 cup onto the meat.  Keep the 3/4 cup reserved. (*see note below) Place in fridge and allow to sit for at least 5 to 6 hours.  About 45 minutes before grilling remove from refrigerator allow to sit out at room temperature.  Once fire is ready, remove the tenderloins and discard the juice and place on grill.  Allow to cook for about 5 minutes each side then turn as needed until done.

Once done place on cutting board and cover with foil and allow to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.  Cut it at an angle and once it has all been sliced and placed on platter pour sauce all over the meat.

*While meat is marinating take the reserved sauce pour into saucepan and place on low heat.  Cook until it thickens and reduces a bit.  Once reduced set aside until ready to use.  Before serving pour over the meat.

Call me Speedy. . .

Well, that was the fastest trip ever.  Not really.  I put the dogs away, locked up the house, set the alarm, got to my car and changed my mind!  It is just such a lazy day today and rainy so I just decided I will go to the bank tomorrow morning instead.  Sounds like a much better plan doesn't it?

Several people have asked me for the recipe to my spinach artichoke dip.  Of all the spinach dips I have tasted this one is my favorite.  Someone, I can't remember who though, made a spinach dip that was made with that Knorr dip and it was served cold.  I would love to find recipe it was delicious!!  I think most spinach dips are served warm aren't they?  I think it is the bacon in this one that I like the most.  I mean really who doesn't like bacon, right!  I also make mine a little extra crispy for this dish.

To serve it I just take pita bread and drizzle it with olive oil.  Then take some kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper and sprinkle it on the oiled side.  Cut the bread into four quarters and then cut each quarter into points.  I then place them on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for about 8 minutes.  These go great with this dip!  I prefer the whole wheat kind.  If you are in a hurry or just don't want to bother with them any chip would work.  Anyways, here it is and I hope you like it. . .

Spinach Artichoke Dip

1 (10 oz) pkg. frozen spinach
1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts (drained)
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 container Alouette garlic and herb cheese spread (room temp)
9 slices crispy cooked bacon
1 (8 oz) sour cream
1/2 Hellman's mayonnaise
dash of S & P

Place thawed spinach in a colander to drain for several hours.  When ready to prepare the dish squeeze out all of the remaining water with your hands.  Break the spinach up with your fingers and set aside.

Cook bacon until nice and crispy and set aside.  Once it is cool crumble into small pieces.

In another bowl mix the spinach, artichokes, parmesan, Alouette, 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese, S & P, sour cream and the mayo.  Mix until well blended and stir in bacon.  Scoop the mixture into buttered dish.  Top with the remaining cup of Monterey Jack cheese and place into a 400 degree oven for about 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.  Serve with pita points or chips.

This is hard. . .

I have come to the conclusion that whoever blogs either has a lot of time on their hands or they have someone else do it!  There's just not enough time in a day to keep up with this thing.  Today is Friday and it is raining out. I spent much of the morning watching some programs I had recorded earlier because the satellite was out.  I actually enjoyed it a lot.  Don't you just love days where you don't have to do anything if you don't want to?  I do have to cut this short and run to bank real quick.  So hang on I'll be back in thirty!!

Not Sure About Green Eggs, But I Am Sure About Green Rice...

My Auntie Pat Cantrell gave me this recipe.  It is my families favorite rice recipe.  And once you make it for your family I am quite certain it will become their favorite as well.  Boy, I sound pretty certain, don't I?  It is just so yummy I can't wait for you to give it a try.  It is a side dish that goes with everything!  I even had it leftover for my lunch today.  Everything is mixed in the same dish you bake it in.  How easy is that? Plus, it turns out perfect and fluffy every time!!

I loved my Aunt Pat so much and so did my husband.  She passed away in January after a fall and bumping her head.  She slipped into a coma and never woke up.  She touched my life in such a special way.  One thing I am certain of,  and that is, she knew I loved her!!  She spoke her peace on whatever she wanted to.  if you didn't like it, oh, well, too darn bad.  She was so very kind and giving.  We talked about anything and everything.  I was always calling her when I needed to get something off of my chest or just to chat for a couple of hours.  I am truly blessed to have had in my life for these few years and I miss her so very much...

So I hope you try this recipe and like it of course!  Every time I make it I think of my Auntie Pat...maybe that's why I like it so much.  Remember girls these are "secret family recipes", ha!


My Auntie Pat's Green Rice

3/4 cup thinly sliced green onions (use some of the tops too)
1/2 cup diced green pepper
1 cup uncooked Uncle Ben's Long Grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 tsp salt
1tsp dried parsley

Add all ingredients in a 2 quart casserole dish and mix well.  Cover with a lid or foil and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes without lifting the foil.  Remove from oven and check with a fork to see if all the broth has been absorbed.  If not return foil and place back in oven for another 7 to 8 minutes.  When done remove from oven and let sit covered for about 5 minutes before serving.  Fluff with a fork and serve.

oh, my...

I know I said I love ganache, but, I have no idea why this posted twice!!  Silly, me...

Gosh, who doesn't love ganache?...

Today is such a great day!  Found out that my kids are moving back to the states at the end of the year!!!  It has been a long three years, but, I did get to go to Europe 4 times!  That sure helped ease the pain of not seeing them daily.  So that was definitely a plus, but I am so happy that are coming home!!  We are tickeld pink and have already got the plans rolling for what we are gonna do.  I do see the state fairs in our very near future!  It is such a big for Tyler to go to both the Texas State Fair in Dallas and, of course, our state fair is HUGE, too.  This year will be a bonus because Kennedi is just at that age where she will love riding those rides.  She will turn 2 in August.  Just realized we will get to have our first birthday party at the Lazy G!!  She is just precious and I can't wait to get here and start snapping some pics.  She is waaay behind her brother as far as pics go.  I will definitely have to play catch up.

Speaking of sweet...ganache!  Is there anything finer?  It is so simple to make and yet people think that you have to have a degree from a culinary institute to be able to make it!  Once you make it you will never purchase a frosting from the store again.  My two favorites are peanut butter and the original semi-sweet.  I use it on brownies, cupcakes, cakes strawberries, marshmallows, whatever your lil' ol' heart desires.  You can't mess it up how sweet is that!!  I think it is the fancy name that scares people off...pronounced gah-nosh.  Some struggle with the name, too, and it makes me giggle, but I never correct anyone.  I will just use it in a sentence later on somehow and then they say, "oh, that's how yo say that!"  I don't like correcting or embarrassing anyone...anyway here it is...

Peanut Butter Ganache

2 cups peanut butter chips
1 cup heavy cream

Pour chips into bowl.  Heat the heavy cream in small saucepan until bubbles start to form around the edge.  Be careful not to boil!  Once heated pour over the chips and just let it sit for about 5 minutes.  Stir until all the chips have melted.  Now wasn't that hard!!!  Now it ready to use.  Allow to cool.  Once cool you can whip it and turn it into frosting!  It is devine!!  Heaven on a spoon.  I top my peanut butter cookies with a dab for special occasions, pour into onto my brownies and place them in the fridge to cool.  When it is placed in the fridge it stiffens up.  This is what truffles are made.  You can let this harden or set-up in the refrigerator and take out small balls and roll them in nuts, coconut, cocoa, jimmies or whatever.  My thought is why pay huge money for truffles when you can make and give them as gifts from home!!

To make the chocolate version follow the recipe the same way except add semi-sweet chocolate chips in place of the peanut butter chips.  You will be thrilled making this for the first time and tasting the results of only two ingredients.  I don't have pics for this because we usually eat it before I can run and grab the camera.  In my pics, most of the frostings on my cakes, cookies or cupcakes have this in them, oh, and the brownies as well.  Happy cooking, girls...

Gosh, who doesn't love ganache?...

Today is such a great day!  Found out that my kids are moving back to the states at the end of the year!!!  It has been a long three years, but, I did get to go to Europe 4 times!  That sure helped ease the pain of not seeing them daily.  So that was definitely a plus, but I am so happy that are coming home!!  We are tickeld pink and have already got the plans rolling for what we are gonna do.  I do see the state fairs in our very near future!  It is such a big for Tyler to go to both the Texas State Fair in Dallas and, of course, our state fair is HUGE, too.  This year will be a bonus because Kennedi is just at that age where she will love riding those rides.  She will turn 2 in August.  Just realized we will get to have our first birthday party at the Lazy G!!  She is just precious and I can't wait to get here and start snapping some pics.  She is waaay behind her brother as far as pics go.  I will definitely have to play catch up.

Speaking of sweet...ganache!  Is there anything finer?  It is so simple to make and yet people think that you have to have a degree from a culinary institute to be able to make it!  Once you make it you will never purchase a frosting from the store again.  My two favorites are peanut butter and the original semi-sweet.  I use it on brownies, cupcakes, cakes strawberries, marshmallows, whatever your lil' ol' heart desires.  You can't mess it up how sweet is that!!  I think it is the fancy name that scares people off...pronounced gah-nosh.  Some struggle with the name, too, and it makes me giggle, but I never correct anyone.  I will just use it in a sentence later on somehow and then they say, "oh, that's how yo say that!"  I don't like correcting or embarrassing anyone...anyway here it is...

Peanut Butter Ganache

2 cups peanut butter chips
1 cup heavy cream

Pour chips into bowl.  Heat the heavy cream in small saucepan until bubbles start to form around the edge.  Be careful not to boil!  Once heated pour over the chips and just let it sit for about 5 minutes.  Stir until all the chips have melted.  Now wasn't that hard!!!  Now it ready to use.  Allow to cool.  Once cool you can whip it and turn it into frosting!  It is devine!!  Heaven on a spoon.  I top my peanut butter cookies with a dab for special occasions, pour into onto my brownies and place them in the fridge to cool.  When it is placed in the fridge it stiffens up.  This is what truffles are made.  You can let this harden or set-up in the refrigerator and take out small balls and roll them in nuts, coconut, cocoa, jimmies or whatever.  My thought is why pay huge money for truffles when you can make and give them as gifts from home!!

To make the chocolate version follow the recipe the same way except add semi-sweet chocolate chips in place of the peanut butter chips.  You will be thrilled making this for the first time and tasting the results of only two ingredients.  I don't have pics for this because we usually eat it before I can run and grab the camera.  In my pics, most of the frostings on my cakes, cookies or cupcakes have this in them, oh, and the brownies as well.  Happy cooking, girls...

Who Said Enchiladas Have To Be Red?...

After tasting these "green" enchiladas you'll soon forget about the red ones.  Well, not forget, but I bet these will be served alot on your supper table.  I love green chiles!  I would love to go to New Mexico when they begin to harvest them, I bet the aroma must fill the streets.  I use them in alot of things I make and very seldom will you open my pantry and not find at least one or two cans hiding in there somewhere! They are good in eggs, soups, salsa just about anything.  The only pepper I really won't eat is the habanero.  It's just way too hot for me.  I like spicy food, but not where it burns my mouth so bad that I lose my taste buds!  Green chiles are always mild.  They do give just enough kick to these enchiladas.

You can prepare these with chicken, beef, cheese or even once again I make mine with turkey instead of the beef.  I have had all of the above and I like them all.  It is just what ever I am hungry for that day I guess as to which ones I make.  If it's the chicken ones you like you would have to boil your chicken first and then debone it.  And then follow the recipe as you would with the other fillings.

I like mine a little more cheesier than most probably, but what the heck is an enchilada without a bunch of cheese...I mean really!  Okay, here goes...

1 can Campbell's Cream of Chicken soup
1 can Campbell's Cream of Mushroom soup
3/4 cup milk
2 small cans chopped green chiles
1 large onion (chopped)
12 corn tortillas
your choice of meat or cheese
grated cheddar cheese

Place oil in frying pan.  When oil is hot dip tortillas into oil to soften remove quickly and place on plate.  Continue until all of the tortillas are softened.  Mix the soups with the chiles and the milk.  Set aside.  Take a tortilla and place on a plate and down the middle put the filling of your choice and about 1 TBSP of the soup mixture, some cheese and sprinkle with some of the onion and roll up and place in baking dish.  Continue until all of the tortillas have been used.  Pour the remainder of the sauce over the enchiladas and top with the remaining cheddar cheddar and grated onion.  Place into 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes or until cheese is hot and bubbly.  When done remove and let sit out a bit before serving.  Top with  a dollop of sour cream and you're good to go...

A Dressed Up Breast...

I kid you not!  By the time you finish with the layers in this dish your naked chicken breast will be dressed.  Oh, and it will taste pretty good, too.  It has spinach in it and I just know some of you are already probably turning your noses at that part.  Spinach is soooo good for you!  I bet we could live on spinach alone if we had to and never gain weight or probably wouldn't get sick either.  Now let me set the record straight though.  I LOATHE canned spinach.  If I only had that to eat I would be one really skinny chick because I just can't bring myself to do it!  Nope, not a chance.  It just ain't happenin'!  That stuff is horrible and then people not only eat that stuff they pour vinegar on top of it.  Oh, I have to change the subject I feel dry heaves coming on...

Back to the good stuff!  The few ingredients in this recipe make it a snap for a really quick and healthy meal.  Be sure not to faint when you see the price of the cheese, though.  It is a gourmet cheese after all!  Your friends will think you're a five star chef!  It is a pretty dish when served, too.  I usually serve it on top of a bed of rice pilaf when I have company over.  It is a pretty presentation.  Hope you enjoy it...

Dressed Up Chicken

4 boneless/skinless chicken breasts
fresh baby spinach leaves
deli sliced smoked ham (I use Hillshire Farms in those little tubs at the deli)
gruyere cheese (grated not fine, though)
butter
olive oil
salt and pepper

Place chicken breasts in a large baggie and using a mallet pound until breasts are thin.  Remove and continue until all chicken has been pounded thin.  In frying pan add 2 TBSP butter and a couple of swirls around the pan with olive oil.  Season the chicken with salt and pepper.  When butter and oil are hot,  place chicken breasts in and allow to cook until browned and then flip to other side.  It will almost  be cooked all the way through at this point.  Add the baby spinach in a layer on each piece of chicken and top with a few slices of the ham.  Mound up the gruyere on top of the ham approximately 2 to 3 TBSP on each one.  Press down a little bit and place under the broiler and allow to melt watching it closely.  When cheese has melted remove from broiler and allow to rest for about 5 before plating.  Serve with rice and a salad...oh, and maybe some crusty bread to soak up all those good juices with!!

For All You Peanut Butter Lovers...

I cannot begin to tell you how many of these little cookies my grandson has helped me roll in short lifetime.  I was never sure if it was really the cookie he liked or the part of rolling them around in those tiny hands of his.  We started when he was almost three I guess and all you had to do was say, "Well, I guess, I'm gonna go make some cookies!"  he would run in the kitchen as fast as his little legs would go and push a chair up to the cabinet and wait for me.  You could tell by the look on his face he knew what was gonna happen. It was priceless!!  Wouldn't trade those memories for anything in the world.  Gosh, why do they have to grow up?  I have kept him at two for the rest of his life.  I just loved the curiousness about everything and it changed daily!

When he would help me with the rolling part, some of the cookies were golf ball size and some were pea size.  He never made two the same and boy, would he get upset if you told him how to do it.  Which made it even more fun.  If you have kids in the house they will love these because of the rolling them and pressing them down with the fork.  Oh, yeah, that was another fun part!  Sometimes because of the pressure applied by him they would actually be split into two cookies or smashed completely.  When they are little like that they just don't understand the part where you say, "easy, just a little bit!"  I'd give anything for him to smash cookies with me now:(  Hopefully, they will return from Germany later this year and we can't wait!...

Peanut Butter Cookies

1 cup Peter Pan peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 large egg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Combine in the order given and mix with electric mixer for about 2 minutes.  Roll into small balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet.  Take a fork and make a mark with the tines in one direction only (no crisscross).  Bake for about 8 minutes and remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before removing to wire rack.  Repeat until all dough is used.

These are great for a late night snack let me tell you!!  Grab some milk about 4 or 5 cookies and you will sleep like a baby...zzzzzz...

A Little of This and A Little of That And What Do You Get?...

Goulash!  It is truly my husbands favorite dish.  So simple to make and it's also a cheap dish.  These days with the food prices I am all about making supper that can be easily turned into two meals!   What I do is make it with ground turkey for a healthier dish!  At our age we don't really eat alot of beef unless its a steak on the grill or something.  And when you substitute ground beef for ground turkey in almost every dish you can't tell the difference.  This particular recipe if I didn't tell you it was turkey you would never know the difference it's that good.  Goulash is something that everyone makes and usually everyone has there own special recipe that's been handed down to them.  My kids grew up eating goulash and still love it.  I made it for supper this week and it was excellent.

Some people put oregano in theirs or other herbs I just keep mine simple with the few ingredients listed below...

Goulash

2 lbs ground beef or turkey
1 large onion (diced)
2 bell peppers (diced)
salt and pepper to taste
1 large can Hunt's Tomato Sauce
Large elbow macaroni (American Beauty)

In frying pan add the meat, onions and bell pepper.  Cook until half way done and then season with salt and pepper.  Cook until completely done and then add the tomato sauce.  Stir well and allow to cook for about 10 minutes and then remove from heat and keep covered with lid.

In a large pot boil the water for the pasta and be sure to really salt the water.  When water has come to a boil I add about 3/4 of the bag of macaroni. When pasta is done drain well and add to the tomato mixture and stir until macaroni is well coated.  Allow to sit covered for about 5 minutes before serving.

Top with parmesan cheese and serve it with some garlic bread...yummy!

We're Having Italian...nope not spaghetti..

It's what for dessert tonight!  I love Italian Cream Cake.  It is a very dense and heavy cake and a little goes a long ways!  I just carried some across the street to my neighbors.  I remember I was probably about 10 years old the first time I ever had it at my Aunt Verna's house.  That's going waaay back in time, ha!  I was young, but I do remember asking her what kind it was and just never forgot the name and started making it for myself about 30 years ago.

A friend of mine here, whom I just love dearly, also loves it!  I am making one for her later today because her son is coming into town tomorrow.  Some people don't put the pecans in the frosting, but I figure why not!  I never make it any other way, unless of course you request that I don't of course then I wouldn't.  And for her she loves the nuts in hers, too!!

I definitely prefer a slice of cake over a cupcake.  Don't get me wrong I love cupcakes, too, but I do love a huge slice of cake and an ice cold glass of milk!  Basically, what I'm trying to say here is that I love sweets.  My desire is to open a small bake shop!!  I do, unfortunately, know a couple of people who don't eat sweets!  All I can say is I sure feel bad for them.  The key is not to eat the whole thing like my husband does!!  He will literally eat a whole pie if only I would let him.  Bad boy, bad boy!

Please try this recipe out on friend or your family...I don't think you'll be disappointed.  Oh, one more thing if the recipe calls for let's say, butter, for instance and you decide to use margarine.  Your results will not be the same so please don't tell me that it just didn't taste like mine!  If I post a recipe that calls for a brand name in it like, Hunt's, Campbell's, etc. that means it is tried and true!!  Once you get into cooking and serious about cooking like I am, you will be able to tell the difference and soon realize that there is no substitution!!  I would rather have a few more calories than have no flavor!  Why waste the time, it's not like you will eat the same stuff everyday!!  I have had people tell me I made this just like you and followed your recipe precisely, but I didn't add blank I added this and it just wasn't the same...well, hello, is that what the recipe I gave you called for?  Big mistake, huge!!  Just wanted to say that...

Italian Cream Cake

2 cups sugar
1 stick butter
1/2 cup Crisco
2 tsp vanilla
5 eggs *see note below
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 cup coconut
1 cup chopped pecans

(eggs:  add 5 egg yolks to creamed mixture one at a time beating well after each one.  Whip the egg whites until soft peaks form and set aside)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  I use my KitchenAid but a hand held mixer would work just as good. Begin by creaming the sugar, butter and Crisco until well blended and fluffy.  Add egg yolks one at a time.  Stir in the buttermilk and blend.  Add the flour, soda and salt and mix until completely mixed.  Now add the coconut and the pecans.  Once mixed FOLD in the egg whites by hand.  Pour into prepared pan and bake 35 to 40 minutes depending on the pan you are using, Bundt, 13 x 9, etc.

Frosting:

8 oz. Philadelphia cream cheese
1/2 stick butter (softened to room temperature)
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp butter flavoring
3/4 cup chopped pecans (or more if you like)
1 box confectionary sugar

Cream the butter and cream cheese until smooth.  Add the extracts and the sugar.  Blend until creamy adding the pecans at the very end.  Frost when the cake has completely cooled...Enjoy