white beans...

When I come across a recipe with white beans in it...I jump on it...I don't know why, I just really like them. Here are two of my favorite !

*white bean dip*

2 14 oz cans white beans, drained and rinsed

2 cloves garlic

3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

3 Tbsp lemon juice

salt & pepper to taste

*In a food processor blend all ingredients until smooth.

The first time I had this I dipped pretzles in it, so that is the way I like it. However, it is really good with pita chips & veggies.

*white chicken chili*

3 Tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilis; drained
3 Tbsp flour
2 tsp ground cumin
2 cans white beans, drained & rinsed
1 can (14.5 0z) chicken broth
1 1/2 cups finely chopped cooked chicken (season with a little salt & cumin before cooking)
shredded jack cheese (optional)
sour cream (optional)
salsa (optional)

In large skillet, cook onion until transparent. Add chilis, flour and cumin. Cook and stir for 2 min. Add beans and chicken broth, bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer for 10 min. or until thickened. Add cooked chicken and heat through. Serve with toppings, if desired.

Both of these recipes are light and healthy and gooooood!!

impossible bacon pie...

10 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 cup grated cheese

1/3 cup chopped onion

2 cups milk

1 cup Bisquick

4 eggs

1/4 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease a 10 inch pie plate. Sprinkle bacon, cheese and onion in pie plate. Beat remaining ingredients until smooth. Pour into pie plate. Bake 30 min or until golden brown and knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 5 min.

*Note* If using 9 inch pie plate, decrease milk to 1 1/2 cups, Bisquick to 3/4 cup, and eggs to three.

This is really good with swiss cheese, mushrooms, green onions, etc. Just like a quiche, you could add whatever you like. The Bisquick sinks to the bottom during baking that makes a little crust. Pretty good!!

tostada bake...try it!

Ok, so this really is a "c" word...casserole. However, technically I don't think you can call it that because there isn't any cream of...soup in it and I don't serve it with jello.

1 lb ground beef
1 15oz can tomato sauce
1 pkg taco seasoning
2 1/2 cups Fritos
1 15oz can refried beans (I use fat free)
grated cheddar cheese

brown ground beef, add half can of tomato sauce and taco seasoning, mix well. Line bottom of greased 9x13 pan with 2 cups corn chips. Crush remaining chips, reserve. Spoon meat mixture over chips. Combine remaining tomato sauce and refried beans. Spread over meat. Bake, covered, at 375 degrees for 25 min. Sprinkle with cheese and crushed corn chips. Bake uncovered 5 min.

This is a long time family fav. It really is good. My child who doesn't like refried beans will eat this, no problem.

The side is 3 different kinds of apples (granny smith, gala, golden delicious) and craisins (sometimes I use raisins instead). GOOD STUFF!

burger bar...

I'm sure no one needs a "recipe" for hamburgers, so this is more of a fun idea. We had some friends over for dinner and had a "make your own burger" party. We had a lot of different toppings to choose from:

bacon

cheese (two diff. kinds)

sauteed onions

sauteed mushrooms

pickles

lettuce

tomatoes

etc.

I do add worcestershire sauce in the beef before grilling, it adds a yummy flavor (my kids can't even tell it's there) and tenderizes the meat a little. I've heard soy sauce does the same thing.

We do the "make your own" dinner quite a lot at our house...pizzas (on Greek flat bread), burritos, tacos, etc. My kids love the idea and eat a lot better when they get to assemble it themselves.

Enjoy!

5 a day...

Have you seen these??

I really love steamed veggies, but seroiusly, I don't eat them as often as I should...until I found these little gems. I prefer fresh, steamed veggies and these do it for me. There are a couple of different varieties (there is one with water chestnuts and sugar snap peas...add a little soy sauce..YUM!)

I will say they are a little pricey...so you can choose...feel guilty for spending too much?... or feel guilty for not eating veggies... ???

parmesan chicken strips...

these are a keeper..my kids will happily eat these any day. i may even make them too often (just ask my husband).

2 cups seasoned croutons; crushed

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp garlic salt

2 lbs chicken strips

whisk together:

2 egg whites

1 1/2 Tbsp water

Combine croutons, cheese and garlic salt. Dip chicken strips in egg mixture, then in breading. Bake on greased baking sheet at 450 degrees for 15 min.

roasted red potatoes:

red potatoes, cubed

chopped onion

olive oil

salt

pepper

combine everything and roast at 400 degrees for 20-30 min., turning occasionally.

*you can do this with just about any vegetable

coconut cupcakes...

Here you go, Macy!

1 pkg white cake mix with pudding
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
1/4 cup butter; melted
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract
1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut

Combine all ingredients and beat at low speed with an electric mixer just until dry ingredients are moistened. Increase speed to medium and beat 2 min., or until batter is smooth. Spoon batter into paper lined muffin cups and filling each 2/3 full. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 min. or until toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.

cream cheese frosting:

6 oz cream cheese; room temp.
1/2 cup butter; room temp.
2 tsp vanilla
4 cups powdered sugar
milk; if needed
sweetened flaked coconut

Combine all ingredients and thin with a little milk to spreading consistency. Frost cupcakes and sprinkle with coconut.
*coconut can be toasted in the oven, if desired

if you like coconut and like cake...brace yourself...these are dangerous!!

cup cakes and magic squares...

*cup cakes* lots of cup cakes...

i have a fabulous cup cake recipe but I need to tweak it a little before sharing it (altitude issues)

* * *

*magic squares*

these are a long-time family favorite. i made them for my baby's b-day party (because 48 cup cakes weren't quite enough...)

1/2 cup butter; melted

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (abt 1 pkg)

12 oz chocolate chips

1 1/2 cups coconut

1 can sweetened condensed milk

chopped nuts

*mix graham cracker crumbs and butter. press into 9x13 pan. sprinkle with chocolate chips, coconut and nuts. drizzle with sweetened condensed milk. bake at 325 degrees for 30 min. cool and chill before cutting

*a yummy variation on these is to substitute the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips and add craisins...soooo good!

chicken tortellini soup...

9 oz broccoli florets
6 cups water
3 cans chicken broth
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup carrots; sliced
1 clove garlic; minced
2 cups cooked chicken; shredded in large chunks
7 oz frozen cheese tortellini

Combine everything except broccoli and tortellini. Simmer 30 min. Add broccoli and tortellini last 5 min.

*This will replace your standard chicken noodle...sooooo good, and sooo easy. It is actually a pretty hearty soup with the tortellini. My kids love it which is always a bonus!!

*sorry no pic this time*