Roasted Ranch Potatoes

 2 pounds potatoes (unpeeled, washed and cut into chunks)
1/2 cup ranch dressing (bottled, not packet)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus 1/4 cup more for topping
1/4 cup crumbled, cooked bacon or real bacon pieces... from jar
1 tablespoon dried dill weed
3 scallions, washed and chopped
Salt
Pepper
Sour Cream (optional)
Non-stick cooking spray

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Add (in a large bowl) the ranch dressing, dill, cheese and bacon. Add in the potatoes. Sprinkle in a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Toss to coat potatoes.

Spoon into a greased 9 x 13 baking dish. Cover with foil.

Bake for 60 minutes. Stir gently halfway through to get the bottom potatoes rotated so they don't become burnt and to ensure that the middle and top potatoes get a chance to brown.

Remove foil. Raise oven temperature to 400 degrees. Gently stir again, as necessary.

Bake for an additional 15 minutes, then sprinkle with additional cheese. Bake a few more minutes or until everything is gooey, browned and bubbly on top.

Serve with scallions sprinkled on top for garnish.

Great with a dollop of sour cream.See More

 

Crockpot Breakfast Casserole

!!! Christmas morning ~ LOVE this kind of breakfast! ~ !!! Breakfast casserole in the crock pot! Cooks while you sleep! *To SAVE this recipe, be sure to cl...ick SHARE so it will store on your personal page.* Ingredients: 1 bag 26 oz. frozen hash browns 12 eggs 1 cup milk 1 tablespoon ground mustard 1 16 oz. roll sausage maple, sage or regular sausage. Salt and pepper 16 oz. bag shredded cheddar cheese Directions: 1. Spray crock pot and evenly spread hash browns at the bottom. 2. Crack 12 eggs in a large bowl. 3. Mix well (and slowly) using a whisk. 4. Add the milk. 5. Go ahead and sprinkle in the ground mustard. This might sound like a weird ingredient, but I've come to love (and use) this in most of my recipes. 6. Add plenty of salt.... ...and lots of fresh pepper. Mix well and set aside. 7. Cook the sausage on high heat, drain and set aside. 8. Add sausage on top of hash browns. 9. Is this enough cheese? Maybe? Probably. Throw the whole big bag in there. 10. Mix it up well. Or good, depending on where you're from. 11. Pour the egg mixture over everything in the crock pot. Using a wood spoon, even everything out so it's spread evenly. 12. Turn the crock pot on low for 6-8 hours. Some fun variations of this recipe. Before cooking (during prep) you can add: chunks of sourdough bread diced chiles salsa diced green onions

Card Making Ideas

Some more great card creating ideas can be found here:


http://scrappincookie.blogspot.com/2012/09/whimsie-doodles-dt-post-halloween.html

One pot Tortellini dinner

Ingredients:
1 bag of frozen tortellini
1 lb. Italian sausage (fried and crumbled)
 1 small bag of fresh spinach
2 cans of Italian style diced tomatoes
1 box (4 cups) chicken broth
1 clove garlic, minced
8 oz. cream cheese softened and diced
salt and pepper to taste
Garnish with parmesan or asiago cheese if desired.

This recipe was re-printed and originally said to put all ingredients in a crockpot for 5 hours on low.
I'm pretty sure some of the ingredients wouldn't hold up well in the crockpot for that long so I have revised it as follows:

In a large pan fry the Italian sausage. Drain all grease. Add tomatoes, chicken broth, garlic and cream cheese. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Add tortellini and spinach. Cover and cook on low for another 10 minutes or so.

This is one of those recipes you can doctor to your own taste. I would be including some fresh basil, red pepper flakes and asiago cheese to add a little zip or changing the cheese to shredded Swiss cheese.  Let me know how it turns out for you.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Crust:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

Cheesecake Filling:
3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar, plus 2 tablespoons, divided
3 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Apples:
3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a medium bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in butter with a pastry blender (or 2 forks) until mixture is crumbly. Press evenly into a 9x13 baking pan lined with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Bake 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with 3/4 cup sugar in an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth. Then add eggs, 1 at a time, and vanilla. Stir to combine. Pour over warm crust.

In a small bowl, stir together chopped apples, remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon evenly over cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle evenly with Streusel topping. Bake 40-45 minutes, or until filling is set. Drizzle with caramel topping and let cool. Serve cold and enjoy!

Streusel Topping:
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup quick cooking oats
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. I like to really combine it by using my clean hands to thoroughly combine the butter into the mixture.

How to clean your cookie sheets--Kitchen "Miracle" Cleaner! You put about 1/4 cup of baking soda in a small glass bowl and squirt in hydrogen peroxide until it makes a nice paste.
Then you rub it on the offending dirt/stain/grease...whatever! You can usually just use your fingers...but you can also use a small sponge as well.
Let it sit for a couple of hours or even overnight to work.

Outbacks Bloomin' Onion & Sauce

 Batter:
1/3 cup cornstarch
1 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
24 ounces beer
4 vidalia onions

Seasoned flour:
2 cups flour
4 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne

Outback Dipping Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons ketchup
2 teaspoons creamed horseradish
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
1 dash black pepper
1 dash cayenne

Directions:
1. for the seasoned flour-combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, pepper and cayenne-mix well.
2. For the Dipping sauce - Blend everything together well and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
3. For the batter -Mix cornstarch, flour and seasonings until well blended.
4. Add beer and mix well.
5. Cut about 3/4 inch off top of onion and peel.
6. Cut into onion 12-16 vertical wedges but do not cut through bottom root end.
7. Remove about 1 inch of petals from center of onion (You can place the cut onions in cold water for a few hours to help "open" them up -- just make sure that you drain them well).
8. Dip in seasoned flour and gently shake to remove excess.
9. Separate petals to coat thoroughly with batter.
10. Gently place in a fryer basket and deep fry at 375-400 for 1 1/2 minutes.
11. Turn over and fry 1 1/2 minutes more or until golden brown.
12. Drain on paper towels.
13. Place onion upright in a shallow bowl and remove center core with a circular cutter or apple corer.
14. Serve hot with dipping sauce.

Old Fashioned Custard Pie

Old Fashioned Custard Pie

Pie Crust:
1-1/2 c. flour
1/2 t. salt
1/2 c. shortening
5 to 7 tbs. cold water

Mix together flour sand salt. Cut in shortening and mix until crumbly. Add cold water until dough forms and holds a ball shape. Roll out to 1/4". Pinch crust around rim (or use fork).

Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.

 

Filling:

3 large eggs
1/2 cup of sugar
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
2-2/3 cups of milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Beat eggs slightly, add sugar, salt, nutmeg, and milk. Beat well and poor into the unbaked pie shell. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from oven and cool. Sprinkle the top of pie with fresh ground nutmeg and serve.

Rainbow Cheesecake

Ingredients
Crust
2 cups finely crushed graham crackers
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pinch salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Filling
4 packages (8 oz. each) cream cheese, room temperature
1 1/3 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 pinch salt
1 cup sour cream
1 cup heavy cream
4 large eggs
1 each of liquid food colors (blue, yellow, green, red)


Directions
1. Preheat oven 350 degrees. Before you get started with the crust, make sure your 9 inch spring-form pan is water tight. I do this by carefully wrapping a few layers of foil on the outside of the pan, so water cannot get into the pan. Be careful not to rip the foil or water will get into your cake and ruin it!
2. Mix crushed crackers, 2 tablespoons sugar, the cinnamon and salt together in a bowl. Then mix in butter with your clean fingers, until crumbs are pea sized.
3. Press all of the graham cracker mixture into the prepared spring-form pan. Press it down firmly in the pan. I like to use a measuring cup for this, which makes it easy to get around the edges. You should have an even, flat crust.
4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes on a low oven rack. Remove from the oven, and cool completely before continuing. Turn oven temperature down to 325 degrees.
5. To make filling, cut cream cheese into pieces and add to a mixing bowl. Whip until smooth, maybe 4 minutes. Then add 1-1/3 cups sugar, and continue to beat until smooth again, another 4-5 minutes. Next, add vanilla, salt, sour cream and heavy cream; beat until smooth. Add in 1 egg at a time, beating briefly between each egg.
6. Once the mixture is well combined and very smooth, divide evenly into 6 dishes. Add food color to each dish to get the desired colors. (Red = 25 drops of red, Orange = 18 drops yellow + 6 drops red, Yellow = 18 drops yellow, Green = 18 drops green, Blue = 18 drops blue, Violet = 18 drops red + 12 drops blue)
7. Pour colored mixtures into cooled crust. Start with red filling, and slowly pour it right in the center of the crust. Continue to build the rainbow by pouring the fillings directly in the center. This will create layers so that each slice has some of each color.
8. Place cheesecake into a baking dish on oven rack, and fill baking dish with boiling water about 1 inch up the side of the spring-form pan.
9. Bake at 325 degrees in the water bath for 1 hour and 40 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes or until set but still jiggles slightly 2 inches from the edge. If cheesecake begins to brown on top, cover loosely with foil during last 5 minutes of baking.
10. Turn off the oven, open the oven door a crack, and let the cake cool in the oven for 1 hour. The slow cooling will help it not crack.
11. Then loosely wrap the dish in foil so the foil isn't touching the top of the cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
12. When ready to remove cake, run a clean narrow knife around the edge of the dish, remove the foil, unlock the spring, and carefully lift off the outer ring.
13. Serve either alone or with a cherry/raspberry sauce. It's so rich and creamy that it really doesn't need a topping.

Healthier Banana Bread

Banana Bread with honey and applesauce instead of sugar & oil. Delicious & Healthy.
Ingredients

2 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sugar free applesauce
3/4 cup honey
2 eggs, beaten
3 mashed overripe bananas
Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, mix together applesauce and honey. Stir in eggs and mashed bananas until well blended. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture; stir just to moisten. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.

Turtle Cookie Bars

If you love chocolate, caramel, and pecans this a good one. This recipe comes from Southern Living Best Desserts.

 

Turtle Cookie Bars

Crust:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened

2nd Layer
1 cup pecan halves or chopped pecans
2/3 cup butter
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup milk chocolate morsels

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine first 3 ingredients in a mixing bowl; beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until blended. Pat mixture firmly into an ungreased 13x9 inch pan.

Arrange pecans over crust.

Combine 2/3 cup butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar in a saucepan; bring to a boil over medium high heat, stirring constantly. Cook 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour mixture over pecans. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-17 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

Remove from oven; sprinkle with chocolate morsels. Let stand 2-3 minutes or until slightly melted. Gently swirl chocolate with a knife, leaving some morsels whole (do not spread). Let cool on a wire rack at room temperature until chocolate is set. Cut into squares.

Egg Foo Yung

(Courtesy of blogchef.net)

Ingredients: 6 eggs
1 cup fresh bean sprouts
¼ cup green onion (minced)
¼ cup bamboo shoots (minced)
4 water chestnuts (minced)
¼ cup slivered ham
1 teaspoon soy sauce
oil (for cooking)
Foo Yung Sauce-
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

Step 1: In a bowl mix together eggs, vegetables,  ham and soy sauce.

Step 2: Heat a skillet with a little bit of oil or cooking spray and add 1/3 cup of the egg mixture. Cook either as you would a pancake, once lightly browned on one side flip and brown the other, or fold as you would an omelet. Repeat until the egg mixture is gone.

Step 3: To make foo yung sauce – Add chicken broth, soy sauce, vinegar and sugar to a sauce pan. Bring sauce to a boil. Meanwhile combine cold water and cornstarch in a small bowl. When the sauce starts boiling, stir in the cornstarch mixture. Cook, stirring until sauce is thickening and bubbling.

Squash Croquettes

Squash Croquettes

Looking for a simple side dish to use garden-fresh yellow squash? Try this straight forward version of fried squash.
Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Difficulty Rating: Easy

Ingredients
2 cups yellow squash, finely chopped
1 cup onion, finely chopped
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
½ cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
vegetable oil

Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine squash, onion, egg, salt and pepper. Mix well. Stir in flour.
2. In a skillet, heat ½-inch oil over medium-high heat.
3. Drop batter by tablespoonfuls into oil.
4. Cook about 3 minutes per side or until golden brown, turning once.
5. Drain croquettes on paper towels.

Nutrition Facts per Serving: Calories – 100, Total Fat – 5.5g, Sodium – 15mg, Total Carbohydrates – 11.1g, Protein – 2.7g

Texas Bean Dip

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
2 cans (16 ounces, each) refried beans
1 packet taco seasoning
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups monterey jack cheese, shredded


DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together cream cheese and sour cream in a large bowl. Mix in refried beans until combined. Stir in taco seasoning.

Spray a 9x13 baking pan with cooking spray. Spread mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle the top with both cheeses.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese in melted and slightly browned. Serve with tortilla chips.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Yield: 16 bars

Ingredients

Crust:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
Cheesecake Filling:
• 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar, plus 2 tablespoons, divided
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Apples:
• 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Streusel Topping:
• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup quick cooking oats
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
Drizzle:
• 1/2 cup caramel topping for drizzling after baked

                                                                     

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in butter with a pastry blender (or 2 forks) until mixture is crumbly. Press evenly into a 9x13 baking pan lined with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Bake 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with 3/4 cup sugar in an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth. Then add eggs, 1 at a time, and vanilla. Stir to combine. Pour over warm crust.
4. In a small bowl, stir together chopped apples, remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon evenly over cream cheese mixture.
5. For the streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. I like to really combine it by using my clean hands to thoroughly combine the butter into the mixture.
6. Sprinkle Streusel topping over apples. Bake 40-45 minutes, or until filling is set. Drizzle with caramel topping and let cool. Serve cold and enjoy! Make 16 servings.

Three Envelope Roast

 Ingredients:
3 pound beef roast such as chuck roast
1 envelope of dry Italian salad dressing mix
1 envelope of dry ranch salad dressing mix
1 envelope of dry brown gravy mix
2 cups water

Instructions :
Put the water in a measuring cup that is larger then the amount of water you are using. Now add and mix all three envelopes to the water. Mix until blended completely.
Brown the roast (if desired). Add the meat to your cooker. Pour the water, salad dressing mixture over the roast. In the slow cooker cook it on high for about 4 hours on low about 8 hours.

Healing Salve for Minor Scrapes and Burns

Healing Salve for Minor Scrapes and Burns

• 1/2 c. coconut oil (or olive oil)
• 1/2 c. grapeseed oil (or olive oil)
• 1/2 c. healing herbs of your choice (chamomile, calendula, comfrey, lavender, plantain leaves)
• 4 Tbsp. beeswax
• 2 tsp. honey
• 15 drops lavender essential oil (optional)

Infuse the oils and herbs over low heat on a double boiler for 30 minutes, stirring often. Strain the herbs from the oil. Place the oil back into the top of the double boiler and add beeswax, stirring until completely melted. Pour the mixture into a sterile container and add essential oil (if desired), stirring well. Then stir in the honey, and continue to stir the salve mixture every few minutes until it’s set up – making sure the honey is completely incorporated.
This should keep in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Apply to minor scrapes and burns a few times a day until healed.

White Chocolate Lemon Truffles

1 cup white chocolate

5 Tbsp. unsalted butter

3 Tbsp. heavy cream

pinch salt

1 tsp. lemon extract

icing sugar, for dusting

Melt chocolate, butter and cream over a double boiler or in a microwave. Stir until smooth.

Stir in salt and extract. Allow to cool slightly before covering with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm enough to handle.

With a melon baller or small spoon scoop out mixture and form into 1 inch balls. Toss with icing sugar to coat.

Store covered in the fridge for up to one week. Freeze for longer storage.

Skillet Chicken With Tomato Cream Sauce

This is a flavorful dish to serve with spaghetti or similar pasta. This makes a tasty everyday meal for the family.

Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup dry white wine or more chicken broth
• 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup fresh shredded Parmesan cheese, about 2 ounces
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 8 ounces angel hair pasta or linguine or spaghetti, cooked and drained

Preparation:

For sauce, saute the chopped onion in olive oil until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute longer. Stir in 1/2 cup chicken broth, wine, basil, and parsley. Bring to a simmer and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the cream, Parmesan cheese, and tomato sauce. Continue cooking until the sauce is hot and cheese has melted.Wash chicken and pat dry. Place between sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound until uniform in thickness. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper; coat with the flour. In a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat, cook the chicken in 2 tablespoons of olive oil for about 3 minutes on each side, or until browned. Add 1/2 cup of chicken broth, cover, and continue cooking for 5 minutes. Add tomato cream sauce, cover, and cook for 4 to 6 minutes longer, until chicken is cooked through. Serve with hot cooked pasta.
Serves 4.

Pizza Puffs

1-1/4 cups water
1/3 cup shortening
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour ( I use low carb flour)
4 eggs
3/4 cup finely chopped pepperoni (3 oz.)
3/4 cup finely shredded Romano or Parmesan cheese (3 oz.)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 jar pizza sauce

Preparation:
Grease 2 large baking sheets and set aside. In a large saucepan combine water and shortening. Bring to a boil. Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously. Cook and stir until mixture forms a ball. Remove from heat. Cool for 10 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in pepperoni, cheese, parsley, garlic powder, and pepper.

Drop dough by rounded teaspoons 2 inches apart onto prepared baking sheets. Bake at 450°F for 15 to 17 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve with pizza sauce for dipping

Homemade Heavy Duty Floor Cleaner

ONLY use this and it leaves floor spotless. 
1 cup white vinegar, 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap, cup baking soda, 2 gallons tap water, (very warm.) It leaves everything smelling amazing.
 

Mexican Stuffed Shells

Yield: 16 shells

Ingredients
...
1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 package low-sodium taco seasoning
4 ounces cream cheese
16 jumbo pasta shells
1 1/2 cups salsa
1 cup taco sauce
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup Monterrey jack cheese
For toppings:
3 green onions
Sour cream

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°.
In a pan brown the ground beef; add taco seasoning and prepare according to package directions. Add cream cheese, cover and simmer until cheese is melted. Stir together and mix well. Set aside and cool completely.
While ground beef is cooking, cook the pasta shells according to package directions; drain. Set shells out individually on cutting board or baking sheet so that they don’t stick together.
Pour salsa on bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Stuff each shell with 1-2 tablespoons of the meat mixture. Place shells in 9×13 pan open side up. Evenly cover shells with taco sauce. Cover dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, add shredded cheese and bake for 10-15 more minutes with the foil removed. Top with green onions or olives if desired. Serve with sour cream and/or more salsa

Cracker Barrel Chicken n' Dumplings

 Ingredients
2 cups Flour
½ teaspoons Baking Powder
1 pinch Salt
2 Tablespoons Butter
1 cup Buttermilk, a bit less than a full cup (you can use regular milk if needed)
2 quarts Chicken Broth
3 cups Cooked Chicken

A bowl of chicken and dumplings. A glass of sweet tea. It’s a meal any Kentuckian would be proud to fix and danged happy to sit down to. And it’s not hard to make. Come on, I’ll show you how.

Preparation Instructions:

 In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients with a fork or pastry blender. Stir in the milk, mixing with a fork until the dough forms a ball.

Heavily flour a work surface. You’ll need a rolling pin and something to cut the dumplings with. I like to use a pizza cutter. I also like to use a small spatula to lift the dumplings off the cutting surface.

Roll the dough out thin with a heavily floured rolling pin. Dip your cutter in flour and cut the dumplings in squares about 2″x2″. It’s okay for them not to be exact. Just eye ball it. Some will be bigger, some smaller, some shaped funny.

Use the floured spatula to put them on a heavily floured plate. Just keep flouring between the layers of dumplings.

To cook them, bring the broth to a boil. Drop the dumplings in one at a time, stirring while you add them. The extra flour on them will help thicken the broth. Cook them for about 15-20 minutes or until they not doughy tasting. Add the cooked chicken to the pot and you’re done!

Note: My chicken and dumplings has potatoes, carrots, onion and celery in it.

Caramel

Unopened can of condensed milk + 8 hours on low (completely submerged in water...) in the crock pot + cool down in the fridge = Caramel!

Crescent Burgers

1 lb. hamburger meat
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
couple drop of Worcestershire sauce
1 1oz. pkg. dry onion soup mix (28g) I think is the one they are talking about.
1 roll of crescent rolls
1 tsp. pepper

Preheat oven to 350*

Brown and drain hamburger. In medium bowl mix hamburger and rest of ingredients (reserve 1/4 cup cheese for tops). Add a HEAPING spoonful of meat mixture to large end of unrolled crescent roll. Roll up and seal edges as best you can. Sprinkle reserved cheese on top and bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

DIY 'Vintage' Wine Crate Coffee Table

~ 4 Wooden Crates ~ I already had one on hand from Michael's so I bought 3 more. Using their 40% coupon for each crate they came to just over $7 each. (I'd love to make a table with actual vintage wine crates) Crates are 12.5"W x 18"L x 9.5"H.
~ Two 1x2x6 ~ I used Pine but it shouldn't matter
~ 4 Casters ~  I already had these on hand but this is one thing I would change. I thought about trying to rust these a little but I actually wanted the functionality to be able to un/lock the wheels and I was afraid intentionally rusting them would cause some problems. So next time I'll look for casters that are all black or have a rustic look.

Optional Materials:
~ Images (not necessary if you use a real wine crate) - I found one on The Graphics Fairy and a few others online
~ Mod Podge ~ Matte Finish
~ Stain ~ Vinegar, steel wool and brewed tea {See my Stain Tutorial for more options}
~ A variety of screws, nails, L brackets, and bolts
~ Satin Polyurethane

Final Dimensions: 27"W x 27"D x 17"H
Total Cost: $7 (x4 crates), $8 worth of wood for the frame and $7 per caster = $64
*price does not include screws, nails, stain or finish.

Source/Tutorial: http://diy-vintage-chic.blogspot.com/2012/05/vintage-wine-crate-coffee-table.html

Easy Caramel Sauce

Easy Caramel Sauce

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar and water. Cook, whisking constantly over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add butter and vanilla; cook 3 minutes, or until thickened, whisking constantly.

 

This would be fantastic on the Apple Angel Food Dessert I posted earlier or as a warm sauce for ice cream.  Enjoy

Apple (or any fruit filling) Angel Food Dessert

You're going to just DIE over this recipe!...
2 SIMPLE ingredients: 1- 21oz can of apple (or fruit of your choice) pie filling and 1 box of angel food cake mix........that's it! NOTE: you MUST use the ONE-STEP (the kind that only requires water) cake mix for this to work....but DO NOT add the water!
Mix the 2 ingredients together (the dry packet of cake mix and the undrained can of fruit/filling) pour in a greased 9x13 pan or dish and bake for about 20 minutes at 350 (or according to baking directions on the box).
People....it can't get ANY easier than this! A dollop or 3 of ice cream finishes it off perfectly or make an easy caramel sauce. I'll find the recipe and post it here.

KFC Coleslaw

KFC coleslaw is one of my all-time favorite foods, After doing some research I found this recipe and I have made it in the past and it is absolutely delicious! It tastes exactly like the stuff KFC makes!

Ingredients:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup buttermilk
2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
8 cups finely chopped cabbage (approx. 1 head)
1/4 cup shredded carrot (1 medium carrot)
2 tablespoons minced onion


Directions:
* Be sure cabbage and carrots are chopped into very fine pieces (a little bigger than rice)
* Combine the mayonnaise, sugar, milk, buttermilk, lemon juice, vinegar, salt and pepper in large bowl. Beat until smooth
* Add cabbage, carrots, and onions. Mix well.
* Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, if you let it sit over night it's even better.

Chorizo Stuffed Poblano Peppers

 

Chorizo Stuffed Poblano Peppers

These chorizo-stuffed poblanos spread across a gamut of flavors and textures—fresh, tangy, creamy, spicy, cheesy, meaty, earthy, and more—to make one insanely delicious dish.

 

      

• Prep Time: 30 Minutes
• Cook Time: 30 Minutes
• Total Time: 1 Hour
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, minced
• 4 medium cloves garlic, minced
• 2/3 pound raw Mexican chorizo, removed from casings
• 1 1/2 cups cooked white rice
• 2 medium roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
• 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/3 cup Mexican crema, or sour cream
• 1/4 cup grated cotija cheese
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 4 large poblano peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese

Procedure

1. Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add in onion and saute until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add in chorizo, breaking sausage into small pieces with a wooden spoon, and cook until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Transfer mixture to a large bowl.
2. Add rice, tomatoes, crema, cilantro, and cotija cheese to bowl with meat mixture and mix until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Spoon mixture into cavities of split poblanos and top with pepper jack cheese.
4. Light one chimney full of charcoal. When all the charcoal is lit and covered with gray ash, pour out and arrange the coals on one side of the charcoal grate. Set cooking grate in place, cover grill and allow to preheat for 5 minutes. Clean and oil the grilling grate. Place poblanos on cool side of grill, cover, and cook until cheese has melted and poblanos have softened, about 20-30 minutes. Remove from grill and serve.

Salsa Chicken

2 lbs. (32 oz.) chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
1 cup salsa, homemade or purchased
1 cup petite diced canned tomatoes (choose low-sodium)
2 tbsp. taco seasoning
1 cup onions, diced fine
1/2 cup celery diced fine
1/2 cup carrots, shredded
3 tbsp. sour cream, reduced fat
 Cheddar cheese
green onions

 Place the chicken in a slow cooker. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat then layer the vegetables and salsa on top. Pour a half cup water over the mixture, set on low and cook for 6-8 hours. The meat is cooked when it shreds or reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. When ready to serve, break up the chicken with two forks then stir in the sour cream. Top with cheese and cook until melted. Garnish with green onions.

 Makes eight 1 cup servings.

 Nutrition Info: Calories: 164.9; Fat: 2.5g; Carbohydrates: 7.3g; Protein: 27.6g

Egg Freshness Guide

7UP Biscuits

Bisquick, sour cream, 7up and butter!.... These are excellent!!!! So easy and soooo good! Will be making these from now on! Recipe is hard to find so here it is...:

7 Up Biscuits

4 cups Bisquick
1 cup sour cream
1 cup 7-up
1/2 cup melted butter

Mix bisquick, sour cream and 7 up. Melt butter in bottom of cookie sheet pan, and put shaped biscuits in, then Bake at 425 until golden

Peanut Butter Bread

This recipe comes from one of my FB friends. It was one of his mother's recipes and I can't wait to try it.


2 C flour
4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/3 c. sugar
1/2 c. peanut butter
1 1/2 c. milk
bake at 350degrees for 50 min or until done in the middle.

Homemade Floor Cleaner

1 c water,
1 c vinegar,
1c alcohol,
2-3 drops dishwashing soap

HOMEMADE MOSQUITO TRAP

HOMEMADE MOSQUITO TRAP:
Items needed:
1 cup of water
1/4 cup of brown sugar
1 gram of yeast
1 2-liter bottle

HOW:
1. Cut the plastic bottle in half.
2. Mix brown sugar with hot water. Let cool. When cold, pour in the bottom half of the bottle.
3. Add the yeast. No need to mix. It creates carbon dioxide, which attracts mosquitoes.
4. Place the funnel part, upside down, into the other half of the bottle, taping them together if desired.
5. Wrap the bottle with something black, leaving the top uncovered, and place it outside in an area away from your normal gathering area. (Mosquitoes are also drawn to the color black.)

The many uses for Hydrogen Peroxide

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE MAGIC!

Ever since I started using Hydrogen Peroxide to get rid of armpit stains, to clean cookie sheets, as a miracle cleaner in my kitchen ...and bathroom, and to make my own “oxi clean”…I ALWAYS have at least one bottle of the stuff under my kitchen sink, under my bathroom sink, AND in the laundry room. This stuff is amazingly versatile!

But it wasn’t until recently, after doing some IN DEPTH research on the subject, that I came to realize what a “miracle substance” hydrogen peroxide really is! It’s safe, it’s readily available, it’s cheap, and best of all, it WORKS! It works for a LOT of stuff!

Hydrogen peroxide should really be called oxygen water, since it is basically the same chemical make up as water but with an extra oxygen atom (H2O2). Because of this it breaks down quickly and harmlessly into oxygen and water.

Some other interesting facts about hydrogen peroxide:

It is found in all living material.
Your white blood cells naturally produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to fight bacteria and infections.
Fruit and vegetables naturally produce hydrogen peroxide. This is one of the reasons why it is so healthy to eat fresh fruit and vegetables.
It is found in massive dosages in the mother’s first milk, called colostrum, and is transferred to the baby to boost their immune system.
It is found in rain water because some of the H20 in the atmosphere receives an additional oxygen atom from the ozone (O3) and this H2O2 makes plants grow faster.
Next to Apple Cider Vinegar, hydrogen peroxide ranks up there as one of the best household remedies.

Besides the obvious (cleansing wounds), did you know that it is probably the best remedy to dissolve ear wax? Brighten dingy floors? Add natural highlights to your hair? Improve your plants root systems? The list goes on and on!

There are SO many uses for this stuff that I’ve started replacing the cap on the hydrogen peroxide bottle with a sprayer because it’s easier and faster to use that way.

I have compiled a rather impressive list of uses for 3% hydrogen peroxide that I hope will have you as thrilled and bewildered as I was!

Wash vegetables and fruits with hydrogen peroxide to remove dirt and pesticides. Add 1/4 cup of H2O2 to a sink of cold water. After washing, rinse thoroughly with cool water.

In the dishwasher, add 2 oz. to your regular detergent for a sanitizing boost. Also, beef up your regular dish soap by adding roughly 2 ounces of 3% H2O2 to the bottle.

Use hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash to freshen breath. It kills the bacteria that causes halitosis. Use a 50/50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water.

Use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to make a paste for brushing teeth. Helps with early stages of gingivitis as it kills bacteria. Mixed with salt and baking soda, hydrogen peroxide works as a whitening toothpaste.

Soak your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide between uses to keep it clean and prevent the transfer of germs. This is particularly helpful when you or someone in your family has a cold or the flu.

Clean your cutting board and countertop. Let everything bubble for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse clean. (I’ve been using it for this a LOT lately!)

Wipe out your refrigerator and dishwasher. Because it’s non-toxic, it’s great for cleaning places that store food and dishes.

Clean your sponges. Soak them for 10 minutes in a 50/50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and warm water in a shallow dish. Rinse the sponges thoroughly afterward.

Remove baked-on crud from pots and pans. Combine hydrogen peroxide with enough baking soda to make a paste, then rub onto the dirty pan and let it sit for a while. Come back later with a scrubby sponge and some warm water, and the baked-on stains will lift right off.

Whiten bathtub grout. First dry the tub thoroughly, then spray it liberally with hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit — it may bubble slightly — for a little while, then come back and scrub the grout with an old toothbrush. You may have to repeat the process a few times.

Clean the toilet bowl. Pour half a cup of hydrogen peroxide into the toilet bowl, let stand for 20 minutes, then scrub clean.

Remove stains from clothing, curtains, and tablecloths. Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a pre-treater for stains — just soak the stain for a little while in 3% hydrogen peroxide before tossing into the laundry. You can also add a cup of peroxide to a regular load of whites to boost brightness. It’s a green alternative to bleach, and works just as well.

Brighten dingy floors. Combine half a cup of hydrogen peroxide with one gallon of hot water, then go to town on your flooring. Because it’s so mild, it’s safe for any floor type, and there’s no need to rinse.

Clean kids’ toys and play areas. Hydrogen peroxide is a safe cleaner to use around kids, or anyone with respiratory problems, because it’s not a lung irritant. Spray toys, toy boxes, doorknobs, and anything else your kids touch on a regular basis.

Help out your plants. To ward off fungus, add a little hydrogen peroxide to your spray bottle the next time you’re spritzing plants.

Add natural highlights to your hair. Dilute the hydrogen peroxide so the solution is 50% peroxide and 50% water. Spray the solution on wet hair to create subtle, natural highlights.

According to alternative therapy practitioners, adding half a bottle of hydrogen peroxide to a warm bath can help detoxify the body. Some are skeptical of this claim, but a bath is always a nice way to relax and the addition of hydrogen peroxide will leave you – and the tub – squeaky clean!

Spray a solution of 1/2 cup water and 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide on leftover salad, drain, cover and refrigerate. This will prevent wilting and better preserve your salad.

Sanitize your kids’ lunch boxes/bags.

Dab hydrogen peroxide on pimples or acne to help clear skin.

Hydrogen peroxide helps to sprout seeds for new plantings. Use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution once a day and spritz the seed every time you re-moisten. You can also use a mixture of 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 32 parts water to improve your plants’ root system.

Remove yellowing from lace curtains or tablecloths. Fill a sink with cold water and a 2 cups of 3% hydrogen peroxide. Soak for at least an hour, rinse in cold water and air dry.

Use it to remove ear wax. Use a solution of 3% with olive or almond oil. Add a couple drops of oil first then H2O2. After a few minutes, tilt head to remove solution and wax.

Helps with foot fungus. Spray a 50/50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water on them (especially the toes) every night and let dry. Or try soaking your feet in a peroxide solution to help soften calluses and corns, and disinfect minor cuts.

Spray down the shower with hydrogen peroxide to kill bacteria and viruses.

Use 1 pint of 3% hydrogen peroxide to a gallon of water to clean humidifiers and steamers.

Wash shower curtains with hydrogen peroxide to remove mildew and soap scum. Place curtains in machine with a bath towel and your regular detergent. Add 1 cup full strength 3% hydrogen peroxide to the rinse cycle.

Use for towels that have become musty smelling. 1/2 cup Peroxide and 1/2 cup vinegar let stand for 15 minutes wash as normal. Gets rid of the smell.

Use hydrogen peroxide to control fungi present in aquariums. Don’t worry, it won’t hurt your fish. Use sparingly for this purpose.

De-skunking solution. Combine 1 quart 3% H2O2, 1/4 cup baking soda, 1 teaspoon Dawn dish detergent, 2 quarts warm water.

Banana Bread

2 c.    flour
1 t.     soda
1/4 t.  salt
1/2 c. butter
3/4 c. light or dark brown sugar
1/4 c. white sugar
2        eggs
4        over-ripe bananas

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In small bowl, sift together flour, baking soda and salt. In another bowl mash bananas with the eggs. In mixer bowl, cream together butter and sugars. Add banana mixture to butter mixture and beat on low until well incorporated. Add flour slowly to banana mixture and beat on low until mixture comes together. Don't overbeat. Pour batter into a well greased loaf pan (I put parchment paper into the bottom of mine).

Bake for 60 to 65 minutes, until loaf is firm when top is pressed. Let sit in loaf pan for 5 minutes and then turn out onto cooling rack. Peel off parchment paper if used. Let cool or enjoy a warm piece with butter on it.  Yummy.

Carrot Cake Roll

For the Cake:
3 eggs
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 teaspoons cinnamon
3/4 cup flour
2 cups shredded carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
Powdered sugar, to aid in rolling

For the Filling:
6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
4 tablespoons butter, room temperature
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a jelly roll (10x15”) pan with foil and spray with cooking spray (I like to use the spray with flour) or use parchment paper.
Beat eggs at high speed for 5 minutes, until frothy and dark yellow. Beat in sugar, oil, and vanilla extract.
Whisk together salt, baking powder, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, and flour. Stir into wet ingredients just until blended. Stir in carrots.
Spread in prepared pan. Batter will be in a very thin layer and you will need to use a wooden spoon or spatula to spread it to all the corners of the pan. Bake for 9-11 minutes (mine took 10).
While the cake is baking, set a clean kitchen towel out on a large work surface. Sprinkle liberally with powdered sugar (about 1/4 cup). As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, turn it over on the kitchen towel sprinkled with powdered sugar. Remove foil carefully.
Working at the short end, fold the edge of the towel over the cake. Roll tightly, rolling up the cake into the towel. Let cool completely while rolled, at least one hour.
While the cake is cooling, make the frosting. Beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Beat in powdered sugar and vanilla.
When cake is cool, carefully unroll the towel. Spread the filling on the cake evenly, and re-roll tightly. Chill until it firms up a bit, at least thirty minutes to one hour. Dust with powdered sugar,then slice and serve. Cake can be wrapped in plastic and frozen for up to one month.

Notes

Optional: add 1/2-1 cup toasted pecans or walnuts to the filling!

Yield: 12 servings

Honey & Cinnamon Remedies

Drug companies won't like this one getting around. Facts on Honey and Cinnamon:
It is found that a mix of honey and cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also note honey as very effective medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without side effects which is also a plus. Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, when it is taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm even diabetic patients. Researched by western scientists:

HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, put it on toast instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol and could potentially save one from heart attack. Also, even if you have already had an attack studies show you could be kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of cinnamon honey strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as one ages the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and the veins.

ARTHRITIS: Arthritis patients can benefit by taking one cup of hot water with two tablespoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. When taken daily even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week (out of the 200 people so treated) practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain -- and within a month, most all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis now started walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder....who knew?

CHOLESTEROL: Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water given to a cholesterol patient was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, when taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol-could be cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and, clear the sinuses, and it's delicious too!

UPSET STOMACH: Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also is said to clear stomach ulcers from its root.

GAS: According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that when Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles (where DNA is contained) to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

INDIGESTION: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food is eaten relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals

INFLUENZA: A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural 'Ingredient' which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY: Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Use four teaspoons of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of boiling water to make a tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans increase and even a 100 year old will start performing the chores of a 20-year-old.

RASPY OR SORE THROAT: When throat has a tickle or is raspy, take one tablespoon of honey and sip until gone. Repeat every three hours until throat is without symptoms.

PIMPLES: Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it off the next morning with warm water. When done daily for two weeks, it removes all pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS: Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin Infections.

WEIGHT LOSS: Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast and on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. When taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

CANCER: Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder three times a day for one month.

FATIGUE: Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, even when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, when taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M., the vitality of the body increases within a week.

BAD BREATH: People of South America, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water first thing in the morning so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS: Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing.

Buffalo Chicken Cups

 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup Ranch dressing
1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce (Frank's is the brand I like)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1-1/2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
24 wonton wrappers
1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray brownie pan very lightly with kitchen spritzer.

2. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, Ranch dressing, wing sauce and 3/4 cheddar cheese (save remaining 1/4 cup for topping). You can soften the mixture slightly in the microwave if needed to make it come together. Stir in shredded chicken.

3. Start layering your cups. Begin with a wonton wrapper and press it into the bottom of each muffin tin. Spoon about a tablespoon of the chicken mixture. Top with another wonton wrapper and add another tablespoon of chicken mixture. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese and a little blue cheese.

4. Bake for 18 minutes or until edges are brown. Check cups after 10 minutes into cooking and if edges are browned cover the cupcakes with foil for the remaining cooking time.

5. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. To remove, use a knife to loosen the edges then pop each cup out.

Easy Yeast Rolls

1 pack yeast
3/4 cup warm water
2-1/2 cups bisquick
1tbsp sugar
1/4 cup melted butter

Preheat oven to 400*
Dissolve yeast in water.
Put bisquick sugar and yeast in a large bowl, mix well.  Turn dough out onto floured surface and knead for 12-15 min.  Shape into rolls and place into a greased pan. Cover with damp towel and let rise for 1 hour. Brush with melted butter bake for 12- 15 min.  Brush again with butter after removing from oven. Enjoy!

I love rehabbing and repurposing things and when I run into great ideas for tired outdated furniture I want to share. Funny, I have a dresser that looks like a twin to this one. I've thought of getting rid of them and getting new furniture, but now I think I will refinish them. I'm thinking a nice matte or glossy black finish. What do you think?

Spinach & Cheese Stuffed Chicken

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
... 4 oz pepper jack cheese, shredded (you can use up to 6 oz)
1 c frozen spinach, thawed and drained (you can also use fresh cooked spinach)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp breadcrumbs (I use Italian style)
Sea salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Lots of toothpicks

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Flatten the chicken to 1/4-inch thickness.

In a medium bowl, combine the pepper jack cheese, spinach, salt and pepper.

Combine the Cajun seasoning and breadcrumbs together in a small bowl.

Spoon about 1/4 c of the spinach mixture onto each chicken breast. Roll each chicken breast tightly and fasten the seams with several toothpicks. This part requires a tiny bit of skill and I typically use about 8 toothpicks in each roll to ensure none of the filling seeps out. Be sure to count how many total toothpicks were used!

Brush each chicken breast with the olive oil. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning mixture evenly over all. Sprinkle any remaining spinach and cheese on top of chicken (optional).

Place the chicken seam-side up onto a tin foil-lined baking sheet (for easy cleanup). Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.

Remove the toothpicks before serving. Count to make sure you have removed every last toothpick. Serve whole or slice into medallions

Carrot Cake

2 cups sugar
1 1/4 cups oil
4 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups flour, measure then sift
2 tsp. baking soda
1 Tbsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. salt
3 cups grated carrots
1 cup chopped walnuts

Frosting
12 oz. powdered sugar, 3 1/3 cups sifted
6 oz. cream cheese, room temp
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. milk

Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
In large bowl, beat sugar and oil. Add eggs and beat well.
Sift together flour, soda, cinnamon, and salt into egg mixture; mix well; fold in carrots and nuts.
Place batter in greased 9x13 pan; bake 1 hour and 10 minutes in a 350 oven.
FROSTING: Beat together powdered sugar, cream cheese, vanilla, butter and milk; spread on cooled carrot cake.