Recipe Shoebox

Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes

noreply@blogger.com (K) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:23:00 +0000

This is Lara's younger sister, Kristina. It is very rare that I take the opportunity to post recipes on here, but in light of current events I figured I could occasionally come up with a recipe for Lara.

I love easy crockpot meals and this is one of our family favorites. My 4-year-old and 6-year old gobble this up and always ask for seconds, which is highly unusual when we aren't having pizza or hot dogs. I originally found the recipe on allrecipes.com, then tweaked it some to fit my family better. (Don't we all do that to our recipes?) Hope you enjoy!

Click here for printable recipe

Posted by Kristina.

The Ingredients:

6-8 boneless skinless chicken breasts
6 potatoes, cubed (with or without skin)
Carrots (as many as you want (o:)
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
2 cups water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 (1 oz) package dry onion soup mix
Seasoning to taste (I use Montreal Chicken seasoning and lemon pepper)

Directions:

Put the potatoes and carrots at the bottom of the crockpot with the chicken on top. Mix together the cream of chicken soup, water, cornstarch, and the onion soup mix. Pour over the top. Cook on high 4-5 hours. (My chicken was frozen and it took about 5 hours to cook) You also have the option of cooking it on low for 8 hours.

The best thing about crockpot recipes is that you can tweak it any way you want. I happen to love carrots and potatoes, so I add lots. If you don't love carrots and potatoes, add less of them and a little less water or add other veggies that you love better.

Lots of love and hugs headed to Spencer, Lara, and the whole family today! We are constantly praying for you!

Crab Dip or Crab Alfredo sauce

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:34:00 +0000

For the last week I've been wishing that there was something I could do for Lara and her family. If I were still in her town then I would be bringing her family dinner, but then I realized that I can bring her virtual dinner! Lara asked me to be a part of this blog last year to help her out. Sorry I've been a slacker, but I promise that I will do a better job to help keep this blog going and not give Lara more things to worry about. So without further ado...

Whenever I have a social gathering at my house I love to make various dips. One of my favorites is a warm crab dip. This recipe is rather special to me because it is the recipe that my mom has been using for years and every year during the holidays we would make this. So now it has become one of my traditions as well, but not just for the holidays. It's always popular with my guests and people are constantly asking me for the recipe. The great thing about this dip, is that if you make it a little thinner by adding more cream or milk then voila...you have a crab alfredo sauce for your pasta!

Click here for printable recipe.

Posted by Jen.

The Ingredients:
1/4 c butter
1/4 c flour
2-3 c milk
1/4 c Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
dash pepper and nutmeg
dash Tobasco sauce (oops forgot to put it in the picture)
14 oz pkg of imitation crab meat, finely chopped

The Directions:
First make a white sauce. (check out the tutorial for making a white sauce here). Melt the butter in a large pan, then sprinkle in the flour. Stir together until the flour is cooked into the butter.Turn temperature up to med high and add a cup of milk at a time, stirring constantly so that it doesn't lump up. As it gets thicker, add more milk until the desired consistancy.Mix in the Parmesan cheese, and spices. At this point you have a basic Alfredo sauce that would be great over pasta. (just add a little more Parmesan cheese and garlic to taste if that's your thing). But we are not stopping here, so add the chopped crab.
Mix well. Add more spices to taste. This is actually better served the next day. So let it cool and then put in a microwave or oven safe bowl and place in the fridge overnight. The following day just add a little more milk or cream (it will be quite thick!) and heat all the way through. You can heat it in the microwave or my mom actually sprinkles more Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs on top and heats in in the oven. Serve with solid crackers as this is rather thick. Triscuits are great, Ritz are not. Or serve with toasted baguette/french bread. If you happen to have left overs, or just want to make this a pasta dish, simply add more milk and make the sauce thinner. Pour and mix into cooked pasta.

Aunt Debra's Sugar Muffins

noreply@blogger.com (Trisha) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:08:00 +0000

Sunday Morning Sugar Muffins

We have a tradition in our family of always having “Sugar Muffins” on Sunday morning. That is not the official title but my daughter began calling them this as a little girl, so that is what we go with. Breakfasts are a big deal in my home. No one leaves the house with out being fully loaded to head off to school or other activities. My mother fixed these occasionally for our family and now my twin sister and I have both turned these into our traditional breakfast for the Sabbath. Hope you enjoy!

Ingredients:
3 C Flour
1 C Sugar
1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Nutmeg
1 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 eggs
1 C milk

Topping:
1/2 cup melted butter
Plenty of cinnamon and sugar mixture

Directions:
Stir together dry ingredients and then add the wet. Stir till moist and then scoop into sprayed muffin tins. Bake for 20 minutes in a 350 degree oven. While the muffins are baking, melt another cube of butter. Mix together plenty of sugar and cinnamon in a separate bowl.

After baking, roll each muffin in melted butter and then into the cinnamon and sugar mixture.
Serve with other favorite breakfast foods.

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers!
Love,
Aunt Debra

Update

noreply@blogger.com (Lara) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:04:00 +0000

Just a quick note about my son, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia 12 days ago:

Spencer just finished with his first round of chemo. We have another 10-14 days in the hospital while we wait for his blood levels to finish dropping, then rise back up to a safe level. Then we'll be able to take him home for a week, then start it all over again back in the hospital.   We're in for a long road over the next several months!

Our family is settling into a new normal. The little ones are clingier than usual, but with the arrival of Grandma and Aunt H into town, it's gotten a little easier for them to stay in a routine.   My husband and I are exhausted, but with the help of countless family and friends we are hanging in there okay.

The effects of the chemo are starting to kick in and Spencer is not feeling great. It's hard stuff watching your child in pain.

And about the blog:

The Recipe Shoebox will go on!   My blog partner, Jen, with the help of my sisters and cousin are going to keep the recipes coming, while we take care of our son and pray for the day when we can have Spencer back home as my #1 taste tester again. :)

Thanks for all your prayers and words of support. It's hard to adequately describe how strongly we feel that God has been carrying us every step of this journey.   In amidst the stress and the worry about the long weeks and months ahead of us, we have felt an inexplicable inner peace that no matter what lies ahead, that a higher plan is at play.

********************************
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
John 14:27

For Lara

noreply@blogger.com (Trisha) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:26:00 +0000

Sometimes life just doesn't make sense. Sometimes we get surprised by a sudden turn of events that turns everything upside down. Sometimes we learn more about ourselves at those times than any other time in our lives. For Lara, I doubt that even begins to explain what she is feeling. Whatever was her life, hobbies, schedules, and comforts before this change of events... it has all morphed into something new. Her life will be just as meaningful, and just as full, but still she will put a part of herself on hold for her family, for her son.

She loves this blog. And I love her. So, I didn't want to see it sit idle today. Today I post a recipe for her. Just to say to her... your blog matters, you matter, I'm so proud of you... and we are praying for you and sending all our love your way! Love, Trisha

DUMP DINNER

This is the perfect dinner for when life is crazy and upside down. Simple, easy, no rules, and barely any clean up at all!

Ingredients:

I know I should post a picture of the ingredients now, but really.. it's up to you. I grab a big pot and throw in all sorts of meats and vegetables. I usually include:

Vegetables: asparagus, squash, zucchini, broccoli, (or even baby carrots, little potatoes)
Meat: little smokie sausages, shrimp, meatballs

Directions:

Cover your dining table with a plastic, disposable table cloth.

Set out what we like to call "dip-it" aka ketchup, Ranch dressing, barbeque sauce

Throw whatever meats and veggies you choose to use in a big pot filled with water.

Boil until meat is warm and vegetables are soft (sometimes it helps to start boiling the veggies first and then add the meat).

Season with lots of salt and pepper.

Drain and Dump.

That's right, I said dump..... just like this:

Dump the pot of food in the middle of the table and allow everyone to eat until they are full. When it's done, fold up the tablecloth and toss it! Wash your pot, and you're done! Ok, I know you can barely call this a recipe, but the kids absolutely love it! So the next time you are in the dumps and cooking is the last thing on your mind... Dump Dinner may just be the answer!

Life Changes

noreply@blogger.com (Lara) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 22:04:00 +0000

Dear blog readers,

Here is the view from our window lately...

Here is the only menu I've been looking at...

Here is the jewelry I've been wearing...

Here is a glimpse at our latest reading material....

Here is where my heart is right now...

I will be stepping out of the food blog world for a time, while we devote our hearts and souls to taking care of our 16-year-old son, Spencer, who was just diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

He began treatment yesterday with an aggressive round of chemo that likely will keep him in the hospital for the better part of several months. We are scared and overwhelmed at what the next few months will bring for our family, but already have felt the power of angels (earthly and heavenly) buoying us up and bringing us strength.

Our needs are being met wonderfully well and we do not need anything other than your prayers for him and for our family.

With love,
Lara

********************************

"I believe God not only resides in the joy and new life of spring, like a reward if we make it through the winter. We can find him in every season, if were willing to look. I just happen to be in a tough season right now. Its winter for me. I trust a new and joyous season is on the way, God will bring me spring when he is ready. He just wants to meet me in the winter right now"

I don't know where this quote originated, but within hours of his diagnosis, my son made this quote his Facebook status.

***********************************

Enchilada Pasta

noreply@blogger.com (Lara) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:33:00 +0000

Enchiladas made over into a pasta dish...why didn't I think of that? With my family's love of noodles and of Mexican food, this dish was destined to become a success at our house. We've made this easy, cheesy dish twice now and both times was eagerly devoured by the crew with clamoring for second helpings. The second time I made it, I threw in a can of drained black beans and recommend that for a tasty addition and a little boost of nutrition. Enjoy!

Recipe Source: Pearls, Handcuffs, & Happy Hour

Click here for printable recipe.

Posted by Lara.

The ingredients:

1 box (13-ounces) penne pasta
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 red pepper, diced
2-3 chicken breasts, cooked & shredded (or shredded rotisserie chicken)
1 {4 oz.} can diced green chilies
1 tsp. cumin
2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 (10-oz. each) cans green chili enchilada sauce
2/3 cup red enchilada sauce
1 can (15-ounces) black beans, drained (optional)
2 cups shredded cheese (I used sharp cheddar)
1 cup sour cream
Toppings, as desired: chopped avocados, green onions, black olives, diced tomatoes, sour cream, chopped cilantro

Directions:
Boil pasta according to package directions.

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in large skillet and cook onions for about 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper and cook for another 3-5 minutes.

Add cooked chicken, green chiles, cumin, chili powder, salt, enchilada sauces. and black beans (if using). Let sauce simmer for about 8-10 minutes.

Add cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and heated through. Add sour cream and while cooking on low heat, stir constantly until sour cream is well mixed and heated through, without letting it boil (or the sour cream will curdle).

Drain pasta and return to pot. Pour sauce over pasta and mix well.

Garnish with desired toppings: avocado, tomato, green onion, sour cream, etc.. Makes 8 servings.

Enjoy!

Don't miss a single recipe at Recipe Shoebox. Sign up on the right for free email updates.

Menu 1/9 - 1/15

noreply@blogger.com (Lara) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:18:00 +0000

The Christmas decorations are back in the attic. My body is slowly detoxing from a month of goodies. After a rough week of readjusting to real life after Christmas break, I am looking forward to a calmer, more routine week this week (knock on wood) filled with some healthy, but comforting dinners.

Monday--Tomato Basil Soup

French Peasant Bread

Tuesday--Pesto Chicken Salad Wraps (new)

Blueberry Spinach Smoothie

Wednesday--Cremini Asparagus Pasta

Thursday--Sausage and Pepper Sandwiches

Friday--Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup (new)

Lion House Cornbread Recipe

Saturday--Spinach Lasagna

Braided Bread

Sunday--Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

Lemon Custard Cake in the Crockpot

Go check Organizing Junkie for lots more Menu Plans!

Slow Cooker Tamale Pie

noreply@blogger.com (Lara) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:09:00 +0000

After a month of posting only goodies (and eating way too many in the process), I guess it's time to get back on the healthy eating bandwagon again and this slow cooker recipe was a great place to start! With its cheesy cornbread crust and Mexican meat mixture, this dish got the "7-thumbs'-up" distinction in our family and because it was a slow cooker recipe, it got the busy mommy thumbs' up as well! If you like your food on the mild side, I recommend substituting a can of plain diced tomatoes in place of the green chili/diced tomato combination. We, however, thought it was perfect just the way it was!

Recipe Source: Taste of Home

Click here for printable recipe.

Posted by Lara.

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef (I used ground turkey)
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes with mild green chilies, undrained (for a milder version, substitute a can of plain diced tomatoes)
1 can (11 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce
2 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
1 package (8-1/2 ounces) corn bread/muffin mix (I used a Jiffy mix)
2 eggs
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Mexican cheese blend
Sour cream and additional minced fresh cilantro, optional

Directions
In a large skillet, cook beef or turkey over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in the cumin, salt, chili powder and pepper.
Transfer to a 4-qt. slow cooker; stir in the beans, tomatoes, corn, enchilada sauce, onions and cilantro.

Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours or until heated through.

In a small bowl, combine muffin mix and eggs;

spoon over meat mixture.

Cover and cook 1 hour longer or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

Sprinkle with cheese; cover and let stand for 5 minutes.

Serve with sour cream and additional cilantro if desired.

Makes 8 servings.

Enjoy!

Don't miss a single recipe at Recipe Shoebox. Sign up on the right for free email updates.

Favorite Index

noreply@blogger.com (Lara) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 13:06:00 +0000

This link will be placed in the menu bar above for your easy reference.

Favorite Main Dishes of all-time

Favorite Main Dishes of 2011

Favorite Soup Recipes of 2011

Favorite Slow Cooker Recipes

Favorite Desserts of 2011

Favorite Desserts of all-time (coming soon)

Favorite Breakfasts

Favorite Breads

Most Popular Recipes of 2011

Most Popular Recipes of 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Lara) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 11:30:00 +0000

It was interesting to look back at our stats through the year to see which recipes were the most popular. Some of them I knew about and expected, but others were a surprise to me. All of them, however, are recipes we love at our house too, so I'm happy that they're getting out there in the blog world too!

10. Thai Chicken Pasta--this dish is also on my favorite meal list, so it didn't surprise me to find it on our top 10 most viewed recipes as well.

9. Blueberry and Spinach Smoothie--this recipe is one we have at least once or twice per week at our house

8. Fresh Strawberry Frosting--this frosting isn't the prettiest if you're looking to make a cake look fancy, but if you're looking for fresh strawberry taste, this is the recipe for you!

7. Easy Chocolate Pretzel Bites--super easy and tasty too, we love to keep the ingredients for these on hand during the holidays

6. Potato Kielbasa Skillet--my husband loves this meat and potatoes meal

5. French Peasant Bread--another favorite of ours, we make this one at least once a week at our house!

4. Chicken Pasta Salad--full of veggies and yet it's one of our family's very favorite meals of all time. I find it humorous when my son puts "pasta salad" down as his favorite food on his star-of-the-week forms at school, while everyone else's say cookies or cake or something of the sort.

3. Chicken Parmesan in the Slow Cooker--easy, cheesy, and oh so good!

2. Garlic Chicken Pasta with Spinach--full of flavor and healthy, my daughter is always asking when I'm going to make this next

And the #1 most viewed recipe in 2011 was:

1. Makeover Chicken Crescents--a 'healthified' version of an old favorite, this meal is one of my family's most requested meals of all time and this year has found a few more fans out there too!

***************************************************

Top 10 Referrers from 2011--
To fellow bloggers and facebookers--thank you for linking up to Recipe Shoebox.
Here's a glimpse of our top referrers from the year.

1. Organizing Junkie
2. Facebook--Someday I'll figure out how to better intertwine Facebooking with blogging, but in the meantime a big thanks to all of you who link up their favorite recipes from Recipe Shoebox onto their Facebook feed!
3. Cookie Crazie
4. Pinterest--check out all the recipes I've been eyeing!
5. Finding Joy in My Kitchen
6. Coleen's Recipes
7. See Jane in the Kitchen
8. Tried and True Cooking with Heidi
9. Stumble Upon
10. A Blog About Food

Thanks for visiting Recipe Shoebox this year!
Happy new year!

*******************************

Head on over to Finding Joy in my Kitchen for lots more Most Popular recipes of 2011.

Best Dessert Recipes (of 2011)

noreply@blogger.com (Lara) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 11:30:00 +0000

The final day of Finding Joy in My Kitchen's countdown to 2012 is perhaps the sweetest of all...BEST DESSERTS of 2011! This was exceptionally hard to whittle down to only our favorites, but with the help of my family (and google analytics) I've come up with the following list. Happy New Year!

Easy No-Bake Cheesecake--with just four ingredients to whip together, this is the easiest cheesecake you'll ever make!

White Chocolate Strawberry Cookies--after searching for a way to use up some fresh strawberries, I serendipitously came up with this unique cookie

How to Make the Perfect Pie Crust--a full picture tutorial on how to make the perfectly flaky pie crust

Brownie Bottom Cheesecake--with brownies as the crust, this cheesecake is as beautiful as it is unforgettably delicious!

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix--you'll never go back to the cheap powdered stuff again after trying this delectable version

Strawberry Cheesecake Bars--yep, they're as good as they sound!

Brown Sugar Buttercream Frosting--my daughter's discovery, this recipe is great for when you're out of powdered sugar and need to make frosting

Hot Chocolate Cookies--with 4 packs of hot chocolate mix inside and marshmallows on top, these cookies are oh so perfect for a winter day (or any day of the year for that matter)

Magic Shell Ice Cream Topping--you won't believe how cool it is until you make your own magic shell!

Easy Pretzel Turtle Bites--so simple, yet so good, these are great for a last-minute party food

Crockpot Chocolate Fudge Cake--better keep some vanilla ice cream on hand for this fudgy, chocolatey treat, straight out of the crockpot

Cinnamon Roll Cake--we just discovered this treasure, but already it's a big hit at our house!

Melting Snowman Cookies--a hit with kids and adults, these adorable cookies are a perfect way to liven up a snowy winter's day!

Head on over to Finding Joy in my Kitchen for lots more Best Dessert recipes today.

Best Crockpot Recipes (of 2011)

noreply@blogger.com (Lara) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

I actually only got my first real crockpot last Christmas, so it was fun for me to discover the joys of slow cooker cooking this year! We definitely found some keepers along the way and Day 5 of Finding Joy in My Kitchen's countdown to 2012 spotlights our favorites. If you're interested in seeing a full index of all of our crockpot recipes, click here.

French Dip Sandwiches in the slow cooker

Chicken Parmesan in the Crockpot

Slow Cooker Cornbread

Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar Sandwiches

Crockpot Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

Bratwurst in a Slow Cooker

Lemon Custard Cake

Root Beer Pulled Pork

Chocolate Fudge Cake

Head on over to Finding Joy in my Kitchen for lots more Best Crockpot recipes today.

Best Main Dish Recipes (of 2011)

noreply@blogger.com (Lara) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 12:26:00 +0000

Day 4 of Finding Joy in My Kitchen's Countdown to 2012, brings us the Best Main Dish Recipes of 2011. This one was hard to get narrowed down, so I just picked a sampling of the recipes the whole family enjoyed--kids and adults. Can you tell we like pasta at our house? :)

Don't forget to check out our other best recipes in the series....best breakfasts, breads, and soups. You also might enjoy checking out a list of our favorite main dish recipes of all-time.

Spinach Lasagna Rolls--these lasagna rolls were a total hit at our house. The kids liked the cool presentation of the rolled lasagna, I liked the built-in portion control, and we all liked the taste!

Chicken and Bean Taquitos--ever since coming up with this recipe earlier this year, this has quickly become one of our favorite go-to recipes for a crazy night. We absolutely love these dipped in ranch dressing.

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta-- this quick and easy pasta dish has become my daughter's favorite meal. Lucky me, she likes it so much that when I say I need help making dinner she begs to make this for us. We love the lemon and garlic flavor combination so much, that we never complain!

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas--a variation on traditional enchiladas, these are still a hit with the whole family

Tacos in a Bag--perfect for a crazy summer night, you don't even need plates to serve this one up

Make-Your-Own Personal Pizza--perfect for a kids' party or just so you can please everyone at dinner, these super easy make-your-own pizzas are a hit at our house.

Best Grilled Chicken Fajitas Ever--These were so dang good, I could never go back to the generic version of fajitas I made before these.

Garlic-Tomato-Bacon Pasta--This dish has 12 whole cloves of garlic in it, but it wasn't overwhelming at all. In fact, we all agreed that this dish could easily have been on a restaurant menu.

Goat Cheese and Herb Stuffed Chicken--Fancy and kid friendly, this dish is perfect for serving company or just for a weeknight meal.

Hot Dog, Spinach, and Cream Cheese Pasta--it sounds weird, but my family absolutely loves this simple dish

Enchilacos--a combination of enchiladas and tacos, the kids will like saying the name as much as they like eating this.

One-Pot Mac and Cheese--a go-to classic recipe for us for lunchtime. It tastes way better than the store-bought boxes, but is every bit as quick and easy.

Asian Chicken Stir-Fry with Quinoa--filled with veggies, quinoa, and chicken -- this healthy, but tasty dish has won over our entire family.

Head on over to Finding Joy in my Kitchen for lots more Best Main Dish recipes today.

Best Soup Recipes of 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Lara) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Today is Day 3 of Finding Joy in My Kitchen's countdown to 2012 and I must say that I'm completely enjoying going through all the recipes I've published this year and finding my favorites! Today's spotlight is on the Soups and Stews category, which has got me drooling and menu planning already for next week. :)

Chicken Quinoa Stew--A new discovery this year, this hearty, healthy, and flavorful soup was perfect for keeping those post-holiday resolutions.

Cheese Crusted Lasagna Soup--this was one of those rare recipes (especially for a soup) that the whole family actually enjoyed.

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup--this quick recipe is surprisingly delicious and the very epitome of guiltless comfort food.

Chicken and Dumplings--comfort in a bowl!

Meatball Curry Soup--spicy and different, my kids loved the meatballs and noodles, while I loved the Indian flair

Tomato-Basil-Parmesan Soup in the Crockpot--This soup is one I just discovered this year, but it has quickly become one of my favorite crockpot recipes.

Spinach and Zucchini Soup--For as healthy as this soup is, it's also surprisingly good, especially with a little squeeze of lemon juice.

All-Time Favorite Soups (not from 2011)

Potato Soup--this is probably our favorite soup of all time. We've been serving it up for over ten years now and still no one complains when it's on the menu.

Tortilla Soup--this soup is another one I've been making for over a decade now and still it's one of my go-to meals for a crazy night. I can whip up a batch of this in about 15 minutes.

Head on over to Finding Joy in my Kitchen for lots more Best Soup recipes today.

Best Bread Recipes

noreply@blogger.com (Lara) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 13:20:00 +0000

Today's post is another in the "Best of..." series hosted by SnoWhite at Finding Joy in my Kitchen. Yesterday featured our best breakfasts and today is our best bread recipes of 2011. Stay tuned later this week for our best Soups, Main Dishes, Crockpot Dishes, and Desserts!

Apple Pull-Apart Bread--with apples stuffed in every piece, this show stopping bread is as tasty as it is beautiful!

Sweet Potato Crescent Rolls--I loved these soft rolls, with a hint of sweetness to them

Crockpot Corn Bread--Bread in the crockpot is as genius an idea as it sounds!

Tried-and-True Banana Bread--Does a recipe get any better than "tried-and-true"?

Braided Bread--And here's another tried-and-true family favorite recipe from my cousin, which has quickly become a staple on our menu as well. We make this at least twice a month, sometimes even a couple times a week!

Easter Bunny Buns--Cute, cute, cute! My kids loved these!

Buttermilk Dinner Rolls---Soft and flaky, these are yummy!

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls--pumpkin cinnamon rolls with caramel frosting is a delectable combination!

OLD FAVORITES (not from 2011):

French Peasant Bread--one of our most loved bread recipes EVER! My 11-year-old can whip up a batch of this and we have this at least once a week at our house.

Classic Whole Wheat Bread--This is by far the best whole wheat bread I've ever tried. Don't try it with white whole wheat flour though, because the flavor complements the regular whole wheat the best.

Oatmeal Dinner Rolls--a hand-me-down recipe from my mom, these rolls are whole-grain, flavorful, soft, and one of our favorite dinner rolls of all time

Head on over to Finding Joy in my Kitchen for lots more Best Bread recipes today.

Best Breakfast Recipes

noreply@blogger.com (Lara) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 13:42:00 +0000

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! Ours was nice and relaxing (as you could probably tell from our attire in the last post) and I am looking forward to more relaxing this week!

This week I am joining SnoWhite at Finding Joy in My Kitchen in posting our best recipes of 2011. I'm not sure if she meant that it was supposed to have been posted in 2011, but I am including our favorites of 2011 (no matter when they were posted). Here is a list of our favorite breakfast recipes this year (in no particular order). Asterisks indicate that the recipe is a long-standing family favorite.

1. Strawberry Cheesecake Pancakes--with real chunks of cheesecake!
2. Chunky Monkey Pancakes with PB syrup--with bananas and chocolate and peanut butter, it's a fun combination that my family loves
3. Cinnamon Roll Cake--tastes like cinnamon rolls, without the stress!
4. Apple Fritters--an old classic from my Grandma
5. Caramel Rolls--yeah, they're that good
6. Strawberry Filled Oatmeal Muffins--no need for butter on these muffins!
7. Secret Buttermilk Syrup*--we make this at least once a week at our house
8. Buttermilk Pecan Waffles (or pancakes)*--with or without the pecans, this is a good classic waffle or pancake recipe
9. Cinnamon Twists--much easier than cinnamon rolls, but just as good
10. Mom's Streusel Breakfast Cake*--in our repertoire for well over a decade, this still is one of our favorites of 2011
11. Peanut Butter Pancakes *--a little twist on an old classic

(I had a hard time arranging the pictures in the order I wanted them to be, so here's a guide)

Top row: Strawberry Cheesecake Pancakes, Cinnamon Twists, Cinnamon Roll Cake
Second row: Apple Fritters, Peanut Butter Pancakes,Chunky Monkey Pancakes with PB syrup
Third row: Caramel Rolls, Strawberry Filled Oatmeal Muffins, Buttermilk Pecan Waffles
Fourth row: Secret Buttermilk Syrup*, Mom's Streusel Breakfast Cake

This post is shared at Finding Joy in My Kitchen's Countdown to 2012, where food bloggers share their best recipes of 2011.

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Lara) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 17:05:00 +0000

Merry Christmas from our house to yours!

Christmas Tree Cake

noreply@blogger.com (Lara) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

This Christmas tree cake was declared by my kids to be the "Best Christmas Treat Ever!" While I thought it was pretty cool myself, I was trying to figure out what made them so excited about it and I concluded that it's because it was a little more free-spirited than some of the goodies we make. They didn't have to make it look like something (like a snowman or a reindeer or a candy cane or a nativity)--it already looked like a tree and all they had to do was decorate it. And with candy ornaments, no less. Even a toddler could easily have fun with this fun food project!

Can you tell my kids enjoyed themselves?

It got me to thinking that this fun Christmas activity would make for a great yearly tradition--either for Christmas day or for the tree decorating day. If I had a fancy tree that I wanted to decorate myself, I would bake up this cake, frost it for them, then let the kids go to town decorating this Christmas tree, while I prettied up our living room. Alas, I am opposite than that though. Our living room Christmas tree is kid decorated and I just couldn't resist decorating the Christmas tree cake before the kids came home from school. I decorated it, snapped a couple pictures, then quick undecorated it before the kids got home. They never even knew. :)

Here's my version:

Click here for printable recipe.

Posted by Lara.

The ingredients:

1 cake baked in a parchment paper lined 9x13-inch pan
2-3 batches of frosting, dyed green
Chocolate frosting (optional)
Red pull-apart licorice
Assortment of small round candies (jelly wreaths, halved gumballs, peppermint swirls, old-fashioned licorice bites, etc.)
Large platter or sturdy piece of cardboard (this cake ends up being about 18-inches square, so I had to use a piece of cardboard to mount it)

Directions: Carefully pop the cooled cake out of the parchment paper lined baking pan onto a cookie sheet or cutting board.

Cut off the bottom 3-inches off the short side of the cake. On the remaining large part of the cake, carefully cut corner to corner, leaving two right angle triangles.

Cut the narrow piece in half (about 4-inches long) for the trunk. Arrange the cake on the platter into a simple Christmas tree shape by placing the the two right angles of the triangle together in the center. Place the trunk, centered below that. Discard (or eat the remaining piece).

Generously frost the cake with green frosting. NOTE: For more aesthetically pleasing results, I recommend applying a light layer of thinned icing over the cake, which will catch the crumbs of the cake, without tearing it apart. It's called crumb coating and is not meant to look pretty yet. Then allow that crumb coating layer of frosting to dry completely or just place the cake in the freezer for 20 minutes or so, then frost the cake as desired. The crumbs should all be trapped in the crumb coating and now your cake will look beautiful!

I used green frosting for the tree and chocolate frosting for the trunk, but the trunk can be green as well.

Now comes the fun part...decorating the cake! Use the red pull-apart licorice as tinsel lines across the tree, then just randomly placed the candy ornaments wherever. My kids thought that decorating this cake tree was exceedingly fun. The three of them spent about 30 minutes adding the candy ornaments, tweaking their placement, sampling some of the ornaments, and adding some more!

Now, stand back and admire your creation! Best if served where lots of people can ooh and ah over it before cutting it up.

Enjoy!

Recipe Inspiration: Family Fun

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Christmas Tree Veggie Pizza

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Day 22's savory holiday recipe is the perfect combination of funky, fresh, and festive and is sure to be a hit at any holiday party! Thanks Jen!

Vegetable pizza a treat?! My boys certainly don't think so. But I have to admit that I feel like I've had a bit too much sugar lately and my body is in need of some good vegetables. So this is definitely a treat for me. This is easy to make and so fun to serve at a holiday party. In fact, I recently had people at a party asking me if this was going to make it on the blog. Even though it's not coated in chocolate, people will still gobble it up and ask you for the recipe.

Recipe Inspiration: Pillsbury magazine dated in 2005

Click here for printable recipe.

Posted by Jen.

The Ingredients:1 tube crescent rolls
1/2 pkg (4 oz) cream cheese, softened*
1 box garlic/herb soft cheese *
1/2 medium red pepper
1/4 yellow pepper (not pictured)
1/2 c fresh broccoli, finely chopped
1/4 c sliced or shredded carrots
1/4 c chopped cucumber

*you may use an 8 oz container of herbed/flavored cream cheese spread in the place of these.

The Directions:
Take out the tube of dough and do not unroll it. Cut it into 16 equal thin slices. (I cut it in half and then in half again to better make equal slices)
Place slices cut side down on baking pan lined with parchment paper. First start with the top, then put two underneath, then three, then four, then five. Place the final slice on the bottom middle to be like the trunk. Make sure they are slightly touching. Bake in 375 degree oven for 10-12 minutes or until it is a golden brown. Slide onto a wire rack to cool completely. When cool, slide onto your serving platter.While baking, cream together the cream cheese and the herbed cheese. (or just make sure the herbed flavored cream cheese is spreadable). I personally added a tiny bit of dill and a Tbsp of ranch dressing to my spread as well. It depends on what kind of dip flavor you like for your vegetables.
Spread cheese mixture onto cooled crescent rolls.
Cut out a yellow star shape out of the yellow pepper. Finely chop the rest of the pepper. Cut the red pepper into long slices. Finely chop the cucumber, broccoli, and carrots. Arrange the star on top of your "tree" and then string your "garland" red pepper back and forth. Finely chop the rest of the red pepper when you're done with the "garland". Sprinkle chopped vegetables all over but not covering your special designs. If desired you can use chopped almonds to cover the base to be like the trunk.
Serve immediately or loosely cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours.

Once the holidays are over, you can make this anytime by just unrolling the crescent dough and pinching the perforations together. Bake the same as above or until golden. Cool. Then add the creamed cheese and chopped veggies.

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Candy Cane Rice Krispy Treats

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Day 21 of our holiday treat series features these fun candy cane (shaped and flavored) Rice Krispy treats. Kids are sure to adore them and since they're easy to make and allergy friendly (no nuts, no eggs), these are perfect for serving at a classroom holiday party!

One of my kids has a peanut allergy, so every class party I volunteer to bring treats. Every child (young and old) loves Rice Krispy treats. Years ago I found a Rice Krispy treats cookbook in the clearance aisle of a bookstore. I can tell you that this book has revolutionized the way I make these treats. I had no idea they were so versatile. These are peppermint flavored treats shaped into candy canes. According to my boys the kids at school "went crazy over these!"

Click here for printable recipe.

Posted by Jen.

Ingredients:1/4 c butter
1 bag (10-ounces) mini marshmallows (large ones work, but take longer to melt)
red food coloring
1/4 tsp peppermint extract
6 cups Rice Krispies (or generic brand)
non-stick spray

The Directions:
In a large non stick pan, melt the butter. When melted add the marshmallows and melt together, stirring frequently. You may need to spray your stirring spoon with non-stick spray to help it not get sticky.Once the marshmallows are completely melted this is the time to remove it from the heat and add colorings and flavorings. Today we're using a few drops of red food coloring and some peppermint extract. You can add anything from spices to extracts to even a couple Tbsp pudding mix. (Banana nut bread flavored rice krispy treats anyone?!) It's so fun to experiment. Anyway, mix it in thoroughly and then add cereal.Mix the cereal in melted marshmallows until evenly coated.In order to shape them you'll need to work quickly. Have your non-stick spray handy to spray your hands so the marshmallow mixture doesn't stick. Work with the mixture immediately when it's not too hot to handle. (about a couple minutes after mixing it all together).

For the candy canes, scoop (with a spoon) about a fist full size of mixture into your hand. Squeeze it into a rope. Make sure that it will keep its shape. You may need to squeeze firmly. (like playing with playdough)
When it is formed into a rope, bend the top part to resemble a cane. Repeat quickly so that the mixture in the pan doesn't cool too much thus making it harder to shape. You'll have to respray your hands every few canes so that it doesn't get too sticky. I made about 40-50 little 2 inch sized ones (I was baking for two school classes). You can make them as big as you want. Yes, you can press them into a jello roll pan and then use a candy cane cookie cutter to cut them out as well. But then you have left over scraps to piece together. (or eat). I needed every last bit of mixture so I would have enough, so used my hands. These will keep for a couple of days in an air tight container.Last year I colored the marshmallows green and then formed them into wreaths. When cooled, I stuck red hot candies on the wreaths (with corn syrup, or small amount of frosting) and the kids at the school loved them. The possibilities are endless. Just use your imagination.

Cinnamon Roll Cake

noreply@blogger.com (Lara) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Hmmmm....I'm sensing that Day 20's holiday treat recipe could become our Christmas morning breakfast.

I was surprised to discover that this delightful breakfast cake actually does taste like cinnamon rolls. My family devoured it in no-time flat and I am thinking that this recipe will definitely go onto our fancy breakfast menu rotation. Fancy, of course, being how it tastes, not how long it takes to prepare, since this one was easy peasy to make!

Recipe Source: Cookin' Up North

Click here for printable recipe.

Posted by Lara.

The ingredients:
Cake:

3 cups flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 cups milk
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup butter, melted

Topping:
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
2 Tbs. flour
1 Tbs. cinnamon

Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar
5 Tbs. milk
1 tsp. vanilla

Directions:
FOR CAKE: Mix everything together except for the butter. Slowly stir in the melted butter and pour into a greased 9x13 pan.

FOR THE TOPPING: Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.

Drop evenly over the batter and swirl with a knife.

Bake at 350 for 28-32 minutes.

FOR THE GLAZE: Mix all ingredients together until well combined. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake.

Makes 8-10 servings.

Enjoy!

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Reese's Rice Krispy Treats

noreply@blogger.com (Lara) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Twas the week before Christmas

And all through my house

Papers are strewn
And my daughter's looking for a blouse.
I try to sing a happy tune,
But with way too little sleep,
zillions of cards to address and mail,
presents to buy, and floors to sweep
I think it's true that my brain needs a bail!

I guess I'll stop rambling and mention today's treat
which I do declare is really neat.
They're crispy and chock full of chocolate,
strewn with rice krispies, and a good bit of peanut butter.
My son's friends happen to eat quite a lot
And while they did munch they also did utter
that these Reese's Krispies were awesome
and they hoped they I would make them more instead of some possum.

Now I know that I am a horrible rhymer
and that I should stick to cooking instead
but the lack of sleep and the ding of the timer
just gave me the urge to rhyme instead of going to bed!

Enjoy!

Recipe Source: Sweet Basil

Holy moly! Chopped peanut butter cups are stirred right into the mixture!

Click here for printable recipe.

Posted by Lara.

The ingredients:

1 cup sugar
1 cup corn syrup
1-1/3 cups creamy peanut butter
4-1/4 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 pinch of salt
4 Reese's peanut butter cups, chopped
1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:
In a large sauce pan over medium heat, melt the sugar, corn syrup, and peanut butter until smooth and evenly combined. Remove from heat.

Quickly add the salt and cereal and stir to combine thoroughly. Add the chocolate chips and stir again.

Wait about 1 minute and add the peanut butter cups, quickly folding the mixture together (before it gets too hard to stir).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and drop rounded tablespoons onto the sheet OR with damp hands press the treats evenly covering the pan.

Allow to set for 3-4 minutes, then while the treats are still warm, cut out shapes using cookie cutter.

Place the cut treats on a wax or parchment paper lined baking sheet.

Recombine the remainder of the treats into the pan to be cut later.

Allow to cool before serving. Made about 30 small bars.

Enjoy!

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Christmas Week Menu

noreply@blogger.com (Lara) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 04:42:00 +0000

This week's menu is filled with some of my easiest meals, then on Christmas Day we're having our traditional Christmas in Bethlehem menu. If you're planning on making pies this week, you may want to check out my pie crust tutorial on how to make the perfect crust! Merry Christmas!

Monday--Chicken Parmesan in the Crockpot--

Tuesday--Asian Quinoa Chicken Stir-Fry

Wednesday--Walking Tacos

Thursday--Tomato -Basil-Parmesan Soup in the Crockpot

Friday--Thai Chicken Pasta

Saturday--Roast in the crockpot, mashed potatoes, sweet potato rolls,

red velvet cupcakes

Christmas Eve late-night wrapping party food:
Avocado-Pomegranate Dip

Easy Turtle Bites

Sunday (Christmas Day)

Cinnamon Twists--Christmas breakfast!

Christmas in Bethlehem:
Middle Eastern Lentil Soup, Flatbread, Greek Salad, Baklava

This meal has been a meaningful part of our Christmas traditions the last couple of years and it's something now that is looked forward to with anticipation by the entire family.

Christmas Afternoon Fun for the Kids (I'll let the kids choose):

Gingerbread Nativity

Reindeer Cupcakes

Melting Snowman Cookies

Cream Cheese Snowman Cookies

Merry Christmas!

Go check Organizing Junkie for lots more Menu Plans!

Cookie Dough Truffles

noreply@blogger.com (Lara) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Day 18's holiday treat recipe is for these unforgettably decadent truffles. Don't miss a single holiday recipe...come back every day in December for a new recipe!

Don't be intimidated by the word "truffle" in this recipe....these creamy balls of chocolate chip cookie dough dipped into chocolate were a cinch to make and pretty doggone amazing to eat! No need to worry about food safety issues with these either, since there are no eggs at all in this cookie dough! They were simply sweet, creamy, pretty, chocolatey, and oh so good!

Recipe Source: Tried and True Yummy Recipes

Click here for printable recipe.

Posted by Lara.

The ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2-1/4 cups flour
1 can (14-ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
2 packages (12-ounces each) semi sweet chocolate chips
2-3 tsp. shortening (optional, but no substitutions) * see note #2 below

Directions: In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the flour, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla; mix well. Stir in mini chocolate chips and nuts, if using.

Roll into 1 inch balls; place on parchment or wax paper lined cookie sheets. Loosely cover and freeze for 1-2 hours or until firm (the dough softens quickly and works best if frozen).

FOR DIPPING:
NOTE #1--It's very important that there not be any moisture in the bowl or spoon when melting the chocolate. Even a tiny bit will cause the chocolate to harden and clump together.

NOTE #2--The reason for the added shortening (Crisco) is that it makes the melted chocolate have a better consistency for dipping. Technically it is optional, but I find the melted chocolate easier to work with when its added. Do not try to substitute butter or margarine, as they contain too much moisture and the chocolate will not melt properly (see above).

NOTE #3--I recommend working with about half of the truffles at a time, leaving the other half in the freezer, as these soften quite quickly.

In a microwave safe bowl, melt one package of chocolate chips with 1-1/2 tsp. shortening; stopping the microwave and stirring every thirty seconds until smooth and melted.

Dip the frozen dough balls in chocolate (I found it hard not to get my hands somewhat messy in the dipping process).

After dipping and swirling off the excess chocolate, immediately place the truffles back on lined cookie sheet.

Drizzle with excess chocolate, if desired.

Refrigerate until firm and repeat the process with the remaining truffles and chocolate. Makes 4-5 dozen one-inch truffles.

Enjoy!!!

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Recipe Shoebox

Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes

Crab Dip or Crab Alfredo sauce

Aunt Debra's Sugar Muffins

Update

For Lara

Life Changes

Enchilada Pasta

Menu 1/9 - 1/15

Slow Cooker Tamale Pie

Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours or until heated through. In a small bowl, combine muffin mix and eggs;

spoon over meat mixture.

Cover and cook 1 hour longer or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

Sprinkle with cheese; cover and let stand for 5 minutes.

Makes 8 servings.

Enjoy!

Favorite Index

Most Popular Recipes of 2011

Best Dessert Recipes (of 2011)

Best Crockpot Recipes (of 2011)

Best Main Dish Recipes (of 2011)

Best Soup Recipes of 2011

Best Bread Recipes

Best Breakfast Recipes

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Tree Cake

Christmas Tree Veggie Pizza

Candy Cane Rice Krispy Treats

Cinnamon Roll Cake

Reese's Rice Krispy Treats

Christmas Week Menu

Cookie Dough Truffles

Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours or until heated through.

In a small bowl, combine muffin mix and eggs;