Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Ingredients :

1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tablespoon pure olive oil

2 tablespoons garlic, finely chopped...

1 1/2 cups white wine, I use chardonnay

1/2 fresh lemon, Juice only

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 cup softened butter

1 tablespoon parsley

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions :

Heat cast iron skillet and add olive oil.

Add shrimp and cook until tender and no longer translucent, reduce heat. Remove Shrimp and set aside.

Add garlic and cook 2-3 minutes. Do not allow garlic to brown - it will make it bitter.

Add white wine, and lemon juice.

Cook until wine is reduced by half. After it is reduced, add Italian seasoning.

Reduce heat to low, and add butter. If pan is too hot, the butter will separate.

Add shrimp back into sauce, add parsley, and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Sprinkle with grated Parmesan Cheese

 

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Sopapilla Cheesecake

Sopapilla Cheesecake

Ingredients :

1/4 cup butter (melted)

2 (8oz) packages cream cheese (softened)

2 cans Pillsbury crescent rolls

1 teaspoon vanilla

Cinnamon & sugar (1 tablespoon cinnamon to 4 tablespoons sugar)

1 cup sugar

Directions :

Unroll and spread 1 can crescent rolls on bottom of un-greased 9×13 pan. Press all the seams together.

Combine softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Spread mixture over crescent rolls.

Unroll and spread remaining crescent rolls over mixture. I found that rolling it out on a piece of parchment paper and then flipping it over onto the cream cheese mixture worked well.

Spread melted butter over the top and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes

 

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Copycat-Cracker Barrel's Hashbrowns Casserole

Copycat-Cracker Barrel's Hashbrowns Casserole

Ingredients :

2 lbs frozen hash browns

1/2 cup margarine or 1/2 cup butter, melted

1 (10 1/4 ounce) can cream of chicken soup

1 pint sour cream

1/2 cup onion, peeled and chopped

2 cups cheddar cheese, grated

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions :

Preheat oven to 350°F and spray an 11 x 14 baking dish with cooking spray.

Mix the above ingredients together, place in prepared pan and bake for 45 minutes or until brown on top. 

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4-Ingredient Strawberry Banana Ice Cream

4-Ingredient Strawberry Banana Ice Cream

Ingredients :

2 bananas, frozen & sliced

½ cup strawberries, frozen

2 tablespoons heavy cream

½ teaspoon vanilla

Directions :

Place all of the ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. The consistency should be like soft serve ice cream.

Transfer to an airtight, freezer safe container large enough to hold 2 cups, and freeze for at least 3 hours.

Scoop with an ice cream scoop and serve cold

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Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients :

1 lb medium shrimp, deveined and tails removed

1 lb spaghetti noodles (more or less, depending on family size)

6 -8 garlic cloves, according to personal taste, minced

1/4 cup butter

olive oil (3 drizzles)

italian seasoning

fresh ground pepper

red pepper flakes

salt

herbs (according to taste)

Directions :

1 Boil pasta in water till tender, save 1 cup of pasta water for use later. I always put some oil, salt, and fresh herbs in with my pasta when I boil it. Drain and set aside when done.

2 While pasta is boiling, wash shrimp.

3 Melt butter over medium heat. Add shrimp.

4 Let cook till a little pink and starting to curl. Then add garlic.

5 Cook 5-7 min., add oil. Continue to stir till shrimp is pink and curled.

6 Add pasta to skillet. Add seasonings. Add just enough saved pasta water till it is not dry but not swimming in liquid either. Depending on amount of pasta this requires 1/2 the cup or all of it. Start with adding 1/4 of it then work up from there.

7 Keep tossing all ingredients around in skillet till all is incorporated and hot. Enjoy!

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Million Dollar Dip

Million Dollar Dip

Ingredients :

5 green onions,chopped

8 oz cheddar cheese,shredded

1 1/2 cups mayonnaise

1/4 cup real bacon bits

1/4 cup slivered almonds opt

Directions :

Mix the onions,cheese,mayo,bacon bits and silvered almonds together.Chill for 2 hours.Serve with favorite crackers.

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Ingredients :

5 green onions,chopped

8 oz cheddar cheese,shredded

1 1/2 cups mayonnaise

1/4 cup real bacon bits

1/4 cup slivered almonds opt

Directions :Mix the onions,cheese,mayo,bacon bits and silvered almonds together.Chill for 2 hours.Serve with favorite crackers.

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Dreamsicle Trifle

Dreamsicle Trifle

Ingredients :

2 large cans mandarin oranges

1 small pkg. orange gelatin

1 pint orange sherbet

1 cup whip cream

1 angel food cake, cubed

Directions :

Drain 1 cup liquid from mandarin oranges.

Bring the liquid to a boil in the microwave. Add gelatin, and stir to dissolve. Cool until just warm. Add orange sherbet, and mix until melted. Gently fold in whipped cream.

Add one half of the cake cubes in the trifle dish in a tight layer. Add the orange mixture over the top of the cake cubes.

Add a thin layer of whipped topping. Add a layer of mandarin oranges.

Repeat the process. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

Bonus Garnish Tip:

For attractive orange curls, use strips of orange peel.

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MEAT LOAF CUPCAKES WITH MASHED POTATOES!

MEAT LOAF CUPCAKES WITH MASHED POTATOES!

Ingredients :

1 pound extra lean ground beef

1/2 pound bulk sweet Italian sausage

1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs

1 cup shredded carrots

1 cup tomato pasta sauce

1/2 cup water

2 Eggs

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh garlic

1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

6 (3/4-ounce) slices deli cheddar cheese

Potato Topping:

1 1/4 cups water

6 (3/4-ounce) slices deli cheddar cheese, cut into quarters

2 cups mashed potatoes whipped with butter and milk

1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste

Directions :

1. Heat oven to 450°F. Spray 12 cup muffin pan with no-stick cooking spray. Place muffin pan onto 9 x 13 inch baking pan; set aside.

2. Combine all meatloaf ingredients except cheese slices in large bowl; mix well. Stack 6 cheese slices. Cut into 4 even strips; then cut across into thirds to create 12 small square stacks of cheese.

3. Shape about 1/3 cupfuls meatloaf mixture into 12 (2 1/2-inch) balls. Press 1 stack cheese into center of each ball, covering evenly with meat mixture so cheese is in center. Place stuffed meatloaf mixture into muffin cups. Bake 20-25 minutes or until internal temperature is at least 165°F and meat is no longer pink.

4. Meanwhile, combine left over mashed potatoes and 6 cheese quarters and cook over medium-high heat until cheese is melted. Top each cupcake with about 3 tablespoons potato mixture over each meatloaf; sprinkle with paprika, if desired.

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Heavenly Pineapple Angel Food Cake

Heavenly Pineapple Angel Food Cake

Ingredients :

1 - 16 ounce Angel Food Cake mix

20 ounces (1 can) crushed pineapple, in natural juice

8 ounces lite non-dairy topping or sweet whipped cream

1/2 cup toasted coconut (optional)

Directions :

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl, mix the Angel Food Cake mix & the crushed pineapple including juice, until blended. Note: The mixture will start to froth & then turn into this amazingly airy, fluffy mixture right before your eyes.

Pour the batter evenly into a greased 9" x 13" cake pan.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes. Note: The cake needs to bake the full 30 minutes to insure that the center is done. The top of the cake will be a dark golden brown.

Cool completely and top with lite non-dairy topping or sweet whipped cream. Tip: With the back of a spoon lift the topping to make random little peaks (looks so pretty!).

Sprinkle with toasted coconut.

12 Servings

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Pink Cloud Salad

Pink Cloud Salad

Ingredients :

20 ozs crushed pineapple

3 ozs cherry (jello)

1/2 cup cold water

16 ozs cottage cheese

9 ozs cool whip

1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions :

In a large sauce pan mix the pineapples and cherry jello, bring to a boil,add 1/2 cup cold water

Let mixture Chill until soft set,fold in cottage cheese, cool whip&pecans

Chill until congealed firm

And then enjoy!

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East Hampton Clam Chowder

East Hampton Clam Chowder

Ingredients :

12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, divided

2 cups chopped yellow onions (2 onions)

2 cups medium-diced celery (4 stalks)

2 cups medium-diced carrots (6 carrots)

4 cups peeled medium-diced boiling potatoes (8 potatoes)

1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme leaves (1/2 teaspoon dried)

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 quart (4 cups) clam juice

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups milk

3 cups chopped fresh chowder clams (1 1/2 pounds shucked clams)

Directions :

Melt 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) of the butter in a large heavy-bottomed stockpot. Add the onions and cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, or until translucent. Add the celery, carrots, potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper and saute for 10 more minutes. Add the clam juice, bring to a boil, and simmer, uncovered, until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.

In a small pot, melt the remaining 8 tablespoons of butter and whisk in the flour. Cook over very low heat for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Whisk in a cup of the hot broth and then pour this mixture back into the cooked vegetables. Simmer for a few minutes until the broth is thickened.

Add the milk and clams and heat gently for a few minutes to cook the clams. Taste for salt and pepper. Serve hot.

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Lemon Chicken Soup with Spaghetti

Lemon Chicken Soup with Spaghetti

Ingredients :

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

1 dried bay leaf

1 (2-inch) piece Parmesan cheese rind, optional

2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch pieces

1 cup (about 2 1/2 ounces) spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces, *see Cook's Note

2 cups diced cooked rotisserie chicken, preferably breast meat

1 cup grated Romano cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Kosher salt

Directions :

In a large stockpot, bring the chicken broth, lemon juice, bay leaf, and Parmesan rind, if using, to a boil over medium-high heat.

Add the carrots and simmer until tender, about 5 to 8 minutes.

Add the broken pasta and cook until the pasta is tender, for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the chicken and heat through, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and the Parmesan rind and discard. Stir in 1/2 of the cheese and the parsley. Season with salt, to taste. Ladle the soup into serving bowls and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.

*Cook's Note: You can use any short pasta from your pantry as a substitute for spaghetti

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Tropical Carrot Cake with Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting

Tropical Carrot Cake with Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients :

1 cup macadamia nuts (I recommend chopping these up or crushing them)

3 cups all purpose flour

3 cups sugar

1 tbsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

1-1/2 cups sweetened flaked coconut

4 large eggs

2 tbsp vanilla

1-1/2 cups vegetable oil, such as canola or safflower

1-1/2 cups shredded peeled carrots

1-1/2 cups diced fresh pineapple or drained crush canned pineapple (this is one 20 oz. can)

1/2 cup sweetened cream of coconut, such as Coco Lopez

Coconut-Cream Cheese Frosting

3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, at room temperate (I used 4 packages)

1-1/2 cups powdered sugar (I used 2 cups)

1/4 cup heaving whipping cream (I used 1/4 cup + 4 tsp)

1/4 cup sweetened cream of coconut, such as Coco Lopez (I used 1/4 cup + 4 tsp)

1/2 tsp salt (I used 1/2 tsp + 1/8 tsp)

Directions :

Preheat the oven to 350F. Arrange the nuts on a baking sheet in a single layer and toast them for 7 to 9 minutes, until golden and aromatic. Set aside to cool.

Place one oven rack one-third from the bottom of the oven and the second two-thirds from the bottom. Preheat the oven to 350F. Line three 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper rounds, grease with butter, and dust with flour (or spray with Baker’s Joy).

Stir together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, coconut, and nuts in a large bowl. In another large bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla, oil, carrots, pineapple, and cream of coconut. Pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture and stir until combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans. Stagger the cake layers on the oven racks so that no layer is directly over another. Set 2 layers on one rack and the third on the other. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The cakes are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool the cakes in their pans on racks for 5 minutes, then invert them onto the racks and cool completely, about 15 to 20 minutes.

To Make the Frosting:

Using a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar in a large bowl on medium-high speed about 1 minute. Add the whipping cream, cream of coconut, and salt; beat until combined.

Place 1 cake layer on a serving plate and spread a thick blanket of frosting on top. Add the second layer, spread thickly with frosting, and top with the third layer. Cover the top and sides of the cake with an even layer of frosting. If you’re feeling energetic and there is frosting left over, use a pastry bag fitted with a decorative tip to pipe a decoration around the top rim of the cake.

The cake can be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated up to 4 days. Let it cool in the refrigerator about 1 hour before covering, to ensure the frosting has hardened and will not stick to the plastic wrap.

Yield: 12-14 Servings.

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Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup (in less than 30 minutes!)

Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup (in less than 30 minutes!)

Ingredients :

1/2 of medium onion, chopped

1 bag of egg noodles (you can use either medium or wide)

2 cans of cooked chunk chicken breast (I like the Tyson brand), strained

1 can of sliced carrots, strained

Water

Chicken Bouillon cubes

Parsley Flakes

Directions :

In a large soup pot, saute onion in olive oil until translucent.

Fill pot 2/3 full with hot water and add bouillon cubes (I usually use 3 or 4)- you could also use canned chicken broth.

Bring to a rolling boil and add bag of egg noodles.

Boil until noodles are tender (approx. 12-15 minutes), and stir occasionally.

Add carrots and chicken and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10 more minutes. (I usually do a quick taste test here and add more seasoning if it needs it.)

Sprinkle parsley flakes on top and serve!!! (Don't skip out on the parsley flakes- it really adds to the "homestyle" look of the soup. 

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Pumpkin Bars

Pumpkin Bars

Ingredients :

Bars:

4 eggs

1 2/3 cups granulated sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

Icing:

8-ounce package cream cheese, softened

½ cup butter, softened

2 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions :

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Using an electric mixer at medium speed, combine the eggs, sugar, oil and pumpkin until light and fluffy. Stir together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and baking soda. Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and mix at low speed until thoroughly combined and the batter is smooth. Spread the batter into a greased 13 by 10-inch baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes. Let cool completely before frosting. Cut into bars.

To make the icing: Combine the cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the sugar and mix at low speed until combined. Stir in the vanilla and mix again. Spread on cooled pumpkin bars.

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Zucchini Bread Recipe

Zucchini Bread Recipe

Ingredients :

Makes 2 loaves

3 eggs

2 cups sugar

1 cup oil

3 cups flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

2 teaspoons vanilla

3 cups zucchini, grated,raw and unpeeled

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Directions :

Beat together the eggs, sugar, and oil.

Add the other ingredients, beating well.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 1 hour in two oiled and floured loaf pans.

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CREME OF COCONUT CAKE

CREME OF COCONUT CAKE

Ingredients :

1 box yellow butter cake mix

1 can creme of coconut

1 can Eagle Brand milk

8 oz. Cool Whip

1 pkg. frozen coconut (thawed)

Directions :

Bake yellow butter cake mix by directions on box in 13x9x2 pan. While cake is hot, pierce with fork. Combine can of creme of coconut and can of Eagle Brand milk and pour over cake. Cover and refrigerate. When cake is cool, spread with 8 ounces of Cool Whip and a package of frozen coconut (thawed). Store in refrigerator

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Crab Bombs

Crab Bombs

Ingredients :

1 lb. Crabmeat

1 Egg, beaten

1 cup Ritz Crackers, crushed

1 tsp. Yellow Mustard

2 tbsp. Fresh Lemon Juice

2 tbsp. Fresh Parsley, chopped

1 tsp. Old Bay Seasoning

1 tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce

Directions :

CRAB PUPPIES

Place crabmeat in a mixing bowl, picking any stray shell fragments out. Add crushed crackers, Old Bay Seasoning & parsley to the crab. In a separate bowl, combine egg, mustard, lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce. Whip with a whisk until smooth. Pour egg mixture over the crabmeat and crackers and gently mix careful not to break up large lumps of crabmeat. Mold into golfball sized balls and place on a cookie sheet. Bake @ 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Drizzle w/ melted butter and allow to cool.

 

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Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Icing

Butterscotch Cake with Caramel Icing

Ingredients :

2 Cups Brown Sugar

1/2 Cup Butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 Eggs

2 Cups Flour

1 teaspoon Baking Soda

1 teaspoon Baking Powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 Cup Buttermilk

Directions :

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour (or line with parchment) two 9" or three 6" round pans.

Cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium until fluffy. Add vanilla, then add eggs one at a time, beating on low just until they are mixed in.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Starting with the flour mixture, add the flour and the buttermilk (alternating one then the other) into the sugar/egg mixture on low speed. When everything is mixed in, scrape down the bowl by hand.

Pour batter into the pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Cool before frosting.

Caramel Icing:

1 1/2 cups Brown Sugar

1 Tablespoon flour

1/4 Cup butter (plus 2 tablespoons for later)

1/4 Cup Milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

In a small saucepan, mix together all ingredients except the vanilla and the extra 2 Tablespoons of butter. Heat over medium and bring to a boil. Stirring frequently to prevent burning, let the mixture boil for a good one minute. (I actually use a candy thermometer and let it reach 238 degrees, but if you don't have one, just make sure you boil it for a good solid minute).

Take off the fire and add in the vanilla and the 2 Tablespoons butter. Cool the mixture, occasionally giving it a vigorous stir, until it is still warm (but not HOT) and has thickened enough to spread. Spread it over the cake, moving fairly quickly because it will set as it cools. It will be a thin coating, not a thick layer. Let it set completely before cutting into the cake.

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MEXICAN DORITO CASSEROLE

MEXICAN DORITO CASSEROLE

Ingredients :

2 c. shredded cooked chicken

1 c. shredded cheese (or more if you are a cheese hound)

1 can cream of chicken soup

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup sour cream

1 can Ro-tel tomatoes (canned tomatoes with jalepenos-mild)

1/2 packet taco seasoning (or more- to taste)

Bag of regular nacho cheese doritos

Directions :

Pre-heat oven to 350-f degrees.

In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except doritos.

In a greased 2 qt baking dish, put a layer of crushed doritos (about 2 cups), then a layer of the chicken mixture. Repeat once more, ending with a layer of chicken mixture. Top with more shredded cheese, cover, and bake for 30-35 minutes, till bubbling hot.

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Red Hots Crinkle Cookies

Red Hots Crinkle Cookies

Ingredients :

3 tablespoons Red Hots Candy, crushed

½ cups Butter, Softened

1 cup Granulated Sugar

½ teaspoons Vanilla Extract

1 whole Egg

¼ teaspoons Salt

¼ teaspoons Baking Powder

⅛ teaspoons Baking Soda

1-½ cup All-purpose Flour

½ cups Powdered Sugar

Directions :

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease light colored baking sheets with non stick cooking spray, line with parchment paper or use silicone baking mat and set aside.

Place Red Hots into a plastic food storage bag and crush using a rolling pin or meat mallet. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Whip in vanilla and egg. Scrape sides and mix again. Stir all dry ingredients together in a small bowl and then in pour into mixer and slowly mix until just combined, excluding the powdered sugar. Scrape sides of bowl and mix again briefly. Stir in crushed candy. Pour powdered sugar onto a large plate. Roll a heaping teaspoon of dough into a ball and roll in powdered sugar. Place on baking sheet and repeat with remaining dough.

Bake for 9-11 minutes or until bottoms begin to barely brown and cookies look matte {not melty or shiny}. Remove from oven and cool cookies about 3 minutes before transferring to cooling rack.

*If using a non stick darker baking tray, reduce baking time by about 2 minutes

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Egg, and Tater Tot Casserole

Egg, and Tater Tot Casserole

Ingredients :

1 lb bacon, cut into small pieces

1/2 onion

1 green bell pepper

1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles

4 cups thawed tater tots

2 cups shredded Mexican Cheese blend

6 large eggs

Directions :

1. Preheat oven 350 degrees.

2. Cut bacon into small pieces and cook until crispy in a 12" cast iron skillet, drain grease.

3. Saute chopped onion and green pepper in skillet with cooked bacon.

4. Add 1 can of diced green chiles to skillet.

5. Stir in 4 cups thawed tater tots and 2 cups of Mexican Cheese Blend.

6. In separate bowl, whisk 6 large eggs and pour over tater tot skillet mixture.

7. Bake in a 12" cast iron skillet uncovered for 40 minutes or until eggs are cooked.

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Butterfinger Cookies

Butterfinger Cookies

Ingredients :

1 box Betty Crocker Butter Recipe Yellow Cake Mix {15.25 oz.}

2 cups Butterfinger Baking Bits – approx. one 10 oz. bag {or use chopped fun sized Butterfinger bars}

½ cup Canola or Vegetable Oil

2 Eggs

Directions :

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine cake mix, eggs, and oil in large mixing bowl, and beat well. Stir in Reese’s Mini Pieces baking chips with spoon.

Chill dough in refrigerator for 1 hour.

After dough has chilled, drop onto ungreased Nonstick Cookie Sheet in rounded balls.We used a cookie scoop.

Bake for approx. 7 – 9 minutes {or until done}.  

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Pecan Pie Bark

Pecan Pie Bark

Ingredients :

2 sticks butter

1 cup white sugar Beth used brown sugar instead1 and ¼ cups pecan halves

1 tsp vanilla

About 2 pkgs (approx. 12 sheets) honey graham crackers

Directions :

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Place graham crackers tightly across jelly roll sheet that is lined with foil.

In a large saucepan, bring the butter and sugar to a boil over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the pecans and vanilla and boil 2 more minutes

Carefully (and evenly) pour boiled mixture over the entire plane of graham crackers, spreading pecans around evenly.

Immediately pop graham crackers into the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Allow graham cracker bark to cool completely before breaking into pieces and storing in an airtight container. 

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Blueberry Pound Cake

Blueberry Pound Cake

Ingredients :

1/2 cup butter

3 eggs

3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

2 cups sugar

4 cups fresh blueberries

1 cup milk

Directions :

Allow butter and eggs to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, grease a 10-inch tube pan; set aside. In a large bowl sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside. In a very large mixing bowl beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until mixture is well combined. Beat in eggs. Stir blueberries into flour mixture. By hand, stir blueberry mixture into butter mixture. Stir in milk just until combined. Spread batter in prepared pan. Bake in a 325 degrees F oven for 60 to 75 minutes or until a wooden skewer inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 15 minutes. Loosen cake from edge of pan with a narrow metal spatula. Remove cake from pan; cool completely on wire rack.

NOTE: This is excellent all by itself, but would be great with a little added lemon zest or a couple handfuls of white chocolate chips. Or maybe a mixture of blueberries and raspberries. Oooh, that would be pretty

 

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NO BAKE COCONUT PECAN PRALINE COOKIES

NO BAKE COCONUT PECAN PRALINE COOKIES

Ingredients :

2 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup evaporated milk

1/2 cup corn syrup

1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups chopped pecans

2 cups sweetened shredded coconut

Preparation :

In a medium sized bowl, combine coconut and pecans; set aside.

In a heavy saucepan over medium high heat, stir sugar, evaporated milk, corn syrup and butter. Cook and stir until mixture comes to a full rolling boil -- let boil and stir for 3 minutes.

Remove pan from heat and stir in vanilla and coconut and pecan mixture. Stir off the heat for about 4 minutes, until mixture starts to cool and thicken.

Drop by large spoonfuls on wax paper. Let harden completely -- about an hour to an hour and a half -- before serving.

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The Best Chicken Tenders You Will Ever Eat

The Best Chicken Tenders You Will Ever Eat

You should have a cutting board made out of a hard plastic resin. Wooden cutting boards can and do develop cracks and you don't want that, because it provides a place for bacteria to grow. That's the last thing we want on our chicken.

You will want a meat hammer made for tenderizing meat. Buy one as heavy as you can afford. You want one that is all metal and one piece if you can find it because it will be easy to clean up.

You will want a roll of plastic wrap so you can cover your chicken with a layer of plastic before you beat it with your meat hammer. This way you will keep down the splatter and mess and make clean up so much easier.

You'll need one gallon plastic ziplock bag in which to marinate the chicken overnight.

1 pack of skinless, boneless chicken breasts

Wet ingredients:

1 quart of buttermilk

1 small bottle of Texas Pete hot sauce

2 cups whole milk

2 large eggs

Dry ingredients:

2 cups unseasoned bread crumbs

1 cup of flour

1 cup of fine crushed corn flakes

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

You'll also need enough vegetable oil to fill your cooking pot 2-3 inches deep.

Directions :

You can thaw the chicken in its original package. Just be sure if any blood spills in your refrigerator to clean it up at once with a bleach and water solution.

Open the package in your sink and drain away any juices or blood. Wash your chicken under cold running water then pat to dry.

Move the chicken to your cutting board and cut each breast half into about 3 - 4 pieces, then lay it out on your cutting board and cover with plastic wrap. Beat the pieces flat with the meat hammer.

Now place all your chicken into a ziplock bag and pour in the buttermilk and hot sauce. Close the bag and place it into your refrigerator overnight.

The next day, whip the milk and eggs in a small bowl.

In a large bowl add all the dry ingredients together very well.

Take your chicken tenders out of their buttermilk solution and place them into the milk / egg mixture, then coat them very well with the dry mixture. Now it goes back into the milk / egg mixture and then back into the dry mixture. You will now have breaded your chicken tenders twice. When you take them out of the breading the second time, lay them side by side on a dish or baking pan.

You will now want to use 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a cooking pot. If you prefer to use a deep fryer, set it to 350°F. Now fry the chicken to a deep golden brown and drain on paper towels.

You can now serve them with honey mustard or ranch dressing. Serve with carrot and celery sticks for a little temperature and texture variation.

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crock pot mesquite roast

crock pot mesquite roast

Ingredients :

1 (2 -3 lb) chuck roast

6 ounces cola

1 (1 1/16 ounce) packages mesquite marinade ( the kind that comes in an envelope like taco seasoning. I use McCormick or Adolph's)

1/4 cup water

Directions :

Place chuck roast in the crock pot and pour cola over the top of it.

Mix water with the mesquite marinade packet and pour over the top of the roast.

Cook 8 hours on low.

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THE BEST SALISBURY STEAK

THE BEST SALISBURY STEAK

Ingredients :

1 ½ lbs ground beef

1 cup chopped onion

½ cup cooked rice

¼ tsp black pepper

1 egg

1 ¾ cups sliced fresh mushrooms

2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

½ tsp salt

3 cups beef broth

3 Tbsp water

2 Tbsp cornstarch

Directions :

Combine ground beef, onions, rice, black pepper and egg; divide into six equal portions. Shape each into a 1 inch thick patty. Coat a skillet with cooking oil and cook patties for 5 minutes on each side. Remove from skillet; keep warm.

Add mushrooms to the skillet and cook for three minutes. Add Worcestershire sauce, salt and beef broth; cook for another ten minutes.

Return patties to the skillet, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove the patties to a platter; keep warm. Combine water and cornstarch; add to broth mixture, stirring well. Bring to a boil then cook ONE minute more. Serve over patties.

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WALDORF CHICKEN SALAD

WALDORF CHICKEN SALAD

Ingredients :

2 to 2 1/2 cups diced or shredded chicken breast (I used the breasts of one rotisserie chicken)

1 cup celery, sliced (about 1 1/2 stalks and leaves)

1 cup apple, diced

2-3 scallions, sliced (about 1/4 cup)

3/4 cup chopped walnuts

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 lemon, juiced

salt and pepper

Directions :

1. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together chicken, celery, apple, scallions, and walnuts.

2. Add mayonnaise and lemon juice and stir until well combined. Salt and pepper to taste.

3. Eat alone, add on top of a bed of lettuce, or sandwiched between two slices of bread. Refrigerate any leftovers.

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EVERYTHING RICE KRISPIES TREATS

EVERYTHING RICE KRISPIES TREATS

Ingredients :

5 cups Rice Krispies cereal (or something similar)

4 Tbsp (1/4 cup) unsalted butter

10.5 oz bag of marshmallows (10 oz bag will work, too)

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (I use the creamy unsalted PB from Trader Joe's with peanuts as only ingredient)

1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

3/4 c. shredded coconut, toasted

Directions :

1. Prepare your tray. Line a 9x13in pan with parchment paper. To help it stay in place, you can spray the pan lightly with non-stick cooking spray, then press the parchment on top.

2. To toast the shredded coconut: Spread shredded coconut onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. In a preheated 350 degree oven, bake for about 8 minutes or until golden brown. Do not burn! Check after about 5 minutes and keep an eye on it. It can darken quickly.

3. Measure out Rice Krispies into a bowl. If you've made Rice Krispies treats before, you know that having everything ready to go is helpful!

4. On medium heat on stovetop, melt the butter is a large pot. Once the butter is melted, add marshmallows. Use a heat-resistant spatula to stir marshmallows frequently until completely melted, so it won't stick to the bottom of the pot.

5. When the marshmallows have formed a melted goo, add peanut butter to the mixture. Mix well until incorporated. Try to do this quickly.

6. Turn off heat. Off the stovetop, add Rice Krispies cereal. With the spatula, carefully stir until marshmallow mixture and cereal are blended. It helps to scrape the marshmallow mixture from the bottom and fold it over the top of the cereal, repeating this motion.

7. Assemble: Dump mixture into your prepared parchment-lined pan. Spread mixture, creating an even layer on the bottom of the pan.

8. In a microwaveable bowl, microwave chocolate chips in 30 second intervals (stirring in between) until completely melted. It should take less than 2 minutes. Do not burn chocolate.

9. Add melted chocolate on top of the Rice Krispies layer. Use spatula to even it out, so the Rice Krispie layer is completely covered. Sprinkle toasted coconut on top of the chocolate.

10. Pop the pan into the refrigerator for about 20 minutes or until the chocolate is completely set and hardened.

11. Eat: At this point, you're pretty much done. The layered Rice Krispies treat should come out of the pan easily by gently lifting the parchment out of the pan. If you don't want one giant Everything Rice Krispies Treat, then cut into pieces however you like.

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PRALINES - A NEW ORLEANS FAVORITE CANDY

PRALINES - A NEW ORLEANS FAVORITE CANDY

Ingredients :

2-1/2 cups whole milk

2-1/2 cups light brown sugar

2-1/2 cups sugar

2-1/2 cups pecans, lightly chopped

4 ounces real butter

2 teaspoons vanilla extract OR 2 teaspoons maple extract

pinch salt

Directions :

Warm milk in a cast-iron dutch oven or a large pot.

Add sugar, brown sugar and a pinch of salt.

Cook until it reaches 240 degrees (soft-ball stage

Stir almost constantly to prevent sticking and burning. If the candy burns, you have to start over. If you are using a thermometer attached to the side of the pot, make sure that it does not sit on the bottom of the pot. You will not get an accurate reading.

Once the candy reaches 240 degrees, remove from the heat.

Next add, the butter, vanilla, maple extract, and the pecans.

Allow the candy to sit 10 minutes.

Next, stir the candy 25 to 50 strokes to incorporate the pecans.

Spoon the candy about 1 to 2 TB size onto a sheet of wax paper.

Allow them to cool and dry. Then, carefully turn them over to dry the other side.

Store them in an air tight container or wrap each one in plastic wrap.

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FRENCH TOAST SOUFFLE

FRENCH TOAST SOUFFLE

Ingredients :

1 bakery loaf of butter crusty bread-10 cups cut into 1-inch cubes

8 (ounces) low-fat cream cheese, softened

8 large eggs

1-1/2 cups milk

2/3 cup half and half cream

1-1/4 cups maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Directions :

1. Place bread cubes in a lightly greased 9x13 baking pan.

2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in milk, half and half, 1/2 cup of the maple syrup, and vanilla until mixture is smooth. Pour cream cream cheese mixture over the bread; cover, and refrigerate overnight.

3. Remove souffle from refrigerator, and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

4. Bake uncovered, for 50 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Pour remaining 3/4 cup maple syrup over souffle, and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve warm.

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