Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Peanut-Butter-Cup-Brownies/Detail.aspx

Ingredients
1 (19.8 ounce) package brownie mix
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3 tablespoons water
1 egg
20 miniature chocolate covered peanut butter cups, unwrapped

Directions
1.Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2.Combine brownie mix, oil, egg and water in a large bowl. Stir 50 strokes with a spoon.
3.Place batter in a cupcake pan (cupcake wrappers recommended). Once cups are 3/4 of the way full, place an unwrapped miniature peanut butter cup in the middle, then bake for 30-35 minutes keeping an eye on them while they're baking. Let them cool and then they're ready to eat!!

My thoughts: I read the reviews and decided to go with half full and put the peanut butter cups in. I made these for a gathering so I used a low fat brownie mix for a quick mix. I pushed the peanut butter cups down in the mix however and the bottoms were rock hard from where the candy melted! They did soften up the next day with bread in the container. As long as you don't let the candy sink these should be a hit and I will try them again.

Chewy Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Brownies

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chewy-Whole-Wheat-Peanut-Butter-Brownies/Detail.aspx

Original Recipe

16 Servings

Ingredients
1/3 cup margarine, softened
2/3 cup white sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons water
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Directions
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.
2.In a large mixing bowl, beat together margarine and sugars; add eggs one at a time, and beat until mixture is light and fluffy. Stir in peanut butter, vanilla, and water.
3.In a separate mixing bowl, mix together flours with salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Stir into peanut butter mixture and blend well. Spread batter into the prepared pan.
4.Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top springs back when touched. Cool and cut into 16 squares.

My thoughts: These were pretty yummy. I didn't have baking soda though and don't think it made a difference but I did however use an 8x8 pan and it filled it to the top almost like a cake if you saw the pic on facebook! I also used only whole wheat flour for a full cup and added some chocolate chips because as some of the reviews on Allrecipes said, it needed a little bit of sweetness added to them. Oh and this was the day it was pouring rain and I was out of butter so I used shortening instead of margarine. If you're trying to go healthy natural peanut butter, organic sugars, and cage free eggs are always preferred in our kitchen. Enjoy!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Simple Tiramisu

Original recipe http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Simple-Tiramisu/Detail.aspx

Yield 9 servings (that's big pieces for as sweet as this is!)

Ingredients:
16 lady fingers
2/3 cup strong brewed coffee, room temperature
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 (12 ounce) container forzen whipped topping, thawed
1 tablespoon unsweetned cocoa powder for dusting

Directions:
1. Split lady fingers lengthwise and use them to line the bottom and sides of an 8x8 inch dish. Stir together coffee and 1/3 cup maple syrup until smooth. Spoon mixture over ladyfingers.
2. In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese, sour cream and 1/2 cup maple syrup until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spread mixture over soaked ladyfingers. Cover and chill 15 minutes.
3. Dust with sifted cocoa just before serving

My thoughts:
I was a little skeptical because this recipe was so much easier and had way less ingredients than most for tiramisu. It's not as "pretty" but it tastes pretty darn close we thought! As always I prefer to buy the fat free dairy products because it's all I can really take with my digestive issues. Lady fingers are hard to find (by the bakery not cookies at our Kroger) so you can use pound cake for another option.

Three Cheese Manicotti II

Original recipe http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Three-Cheese-Manicotti-II/Detail.aspx

Yield 6 servings (2 stuffed shells each)

Ingredients:
1 (8 ounce) package of manicotti shells
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 egg
2 tablespoons dried basil
2 (26 ounce) jars of pasta sauce

Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add manicotti and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish
3. ina bowl, mix 3 cups mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, garlic, egg, and basil. Stuff cooked manicotti with the mixture.
4. Spread about 2 cups (one jar) pasta sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange stuffed manicotti in the dish, and cover with remaining sauce. Sprinkle with the remanining mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan and continue baking for 10 minutes until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.

My thoughts:
This is perfect for moms and busy folks because you can prepare it ahead of time and wrap it in the friend or even just cook the noodles and make the filling to get ahead. As another reviewer suggested I would recommend drying the noodles individually if you don't want them to split or they will stick together. I also added 2 food processors full of spinach to the filling and had to substitute some italian shredded cheese for a cup or so of the mozzarella I was missing. I couldn't find the wheat pasta version of these noodles, but did find a heart healthy sauce by Prego I think it was and the skim milk version of the ricotta. The less saturated fat the better! I also just used the regular basil that comes in your spice rack. To make stuffing the shells easier, i used my icing gun from Pampered chef, but a gallon freezer bag with the corner cut off will work just as easy vs spooning it all in. Enjoy!

Soft Breadsticks

original recipe from allrecipes.com http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Soft-Breadsticks/Detail.aspx

Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup milk
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
2 teaspoons of seasame seeds

Directions:
In a small bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add milk and stir to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface, knead gently 3-4 times. Roll into a 10-in, x 5-in x 1/2-in. rectangle. Cut into 12 breadsticks. Place butter in a 9x13 baking pan. Place breadsticks in the butter and turn to coat. Sprinkle with the sesame seeds. Bake at 450 F for 14-18 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm

My thoughts: We use wheat flour for everything so they were a darker color but tasted just as great. If you go to the original recipe you can see someone even made hearts with theirs. We just sliced them and they tasted awesome. For those like me who cannot have seeds I substituted sprinkling garlic salt and parmesean cheese to sprinkle on the breadsticks as recommended in the reviews. I highly recommend this way!

Restaurant Style Zuppa Toscana

Link to original recipe on allrecipes.com http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Restaurant-Style-Zuppa-Toscana/Detail.aspx

Yield 6 servings (easy to make more to freeze though!)

Ingredients:
1 (16 ounce) smoked sausage
2 potatoes, cut into 1/4 inch slices
3/4 cup chopped onion
6 slices of bacon
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 cups kale- washed, dried, and shredded
2 tablespoons chicken soup base
1 quart water
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions:
1 Preheat oven to 300 degrees
2. Place sausge links onto a sheet pan and bake for 25 mins or until done. Cut links in half lengthwise then cut at an angle into 1/2 inch slices
3. Place onions and bacon slices in a large saucepan and cook over medium heat until onions are almost clear. Remove bacon and crumble. Set aside
4. Add garlic to the onions and cook an additional minute. Add soup base, water, and potatoes, simmer 15 minutes.
5. Add crumbled bacon, sausage, kale, and cream. Simmer 4 minutes and serve.

My thoughts:
I'm not sure why I posted the original recipe because I altered it quite a bit off the readers comments and availability. I used about 1/2 pound of crumbled italian ground sausage instead of the smoked sausage and turkey bacon (which I microwaved and put in the chopper instead). I also used spinach leaves in place of the kale because it was easier available and how I think it's served at Olive Garden. I do recommend chopping the potatoes as directed because I used red potatoes and cubed them and they still didn't quite get soft enough on the bigger chunks. Also to reduce the fat I used half and half cream and the turkey bacon as another allrecipe user recommended and it still tasted just as great! 6 bouillon cubes will work in place of the powdered chicken base. Enjoy!

Friday, February 11, 2011

Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Stew

I found this recipe on Allrecipes.com! I just love that site! I've been saving a ton of ideas the past week and can't wait to add more here!

Yield 16 Servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes (I disagree but I hate handling raw chicken so I take my time!)
Cook Time: 6 hours

INGREDIENTS:
4 large skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into cubes
10 medium red potatoes, quartered
1 (8 ounce) package of baby carrots
1 cup chopped celergy
2 (26 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup (please see my thoughts at the end)
6 cubes chicken bouillon
2 teaspoons garlic salt
1 teaspoon celery salt
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 (16 ounce) bag frozen mixed vegetables

DIRECTIONS:

Step 1: Combine the chicken, potatoes, carrots, celergy, chicken soup, chicken bouillon, garlic salt, celery salt, and black pepper in a slow cooker. Cook on High for 5 hours

Step 2: Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for 1 hour more.

MY THOUGHTS:
It was awesome! i made a can of biscuits and served it over top of them. Shane also thinks it'd be great on mashed potatoes, but with the potatoes in it that'd be a little heavy to me. I used 3 smaller chicken breasts and it was the perfect amount. I was confused on the soup as to whether that meant 2 small cans should equal 26 ounces (a regular can of Campbell's is only 10 3/4 ounces) or 2 of the larger cans of 26 ounces. I only used one 26 ounce can and I think 2 of those would over flow and make it really soupy vs thick stew. I also just used regular celery seed vs salt because it was what I had available. The pepper is good if you like a peppery taste, but it definitely is noticeable so if you're not a fan I'd cut back to 1 tablespoon. Same goes for the carrots. I love carrots but if you don't this has a ton as most frozen veggies have them in it as well. Also it cooked on high all day so if you're going to be gone longer, I'd kick it down to low or precook the chicken if you're worried. Enjoy! We'll be making it again!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Melt-In-Your-Mouth Meat Loaf

(Taste of Homes Crockpot Recipes)

Yield 6 Servings

2 eggs
3/4 cup milk
2/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs
2 teaspoons dried minced onion
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
1-1/2 lbs of ground beef
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well (mixture will be moist.) Shape into a round loaf; place in a 5 qt slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 160 degrees.

Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Spoon over the meat loaf. Cook 15 minutes longer or until heated through. Let stand for 10-15 minutes before cutting.

My thoughts: Not bad! I'd eat it again. I'm not huge on meatloaf but Shane loved it and it had plenty of leftovers for 2 lunches for him. We bought the unseasoned bread crumbs in the canister that were more of a grain but it still came out fine! If you're like me and trying to keep everything basic the simply Heinz ketchup and low sodium worcestershire work fine for the sauce.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Slow Cooker Pizza

Another recipe from Taste of Homes Slow Cooker recipes Summer 2010

Yield:6-8 Servings

1 package (16 ounces) wide egg noodles
1-1/2 lbs of ground beef or turkey
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 jar (26 ounces) spaghetti sauce
1 jar (4-1/2 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained
1-1/2 teaspoons italian seasoning
1 package (3-1/2 ounces) sliced pepperoni, halved
3 cups (12 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
3 cups (12 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

Step 1: Cook noodles according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef & onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink: drain. Stir in spaghetti sauce, mushrooms, and italian seasoning. Drain noodles

Step 2: In a 5 qt slow cooker coated with cooking spray, spread a third of the meat sauce. Cover with a third of the noodles and pepperoni. Sprinkle with a third of the cheese. Repeat layers twice.

Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until heated through and cheese is melted.

My thoughts: I picked this recipe because it was easy sounding. Honestly had I read it thoroughly, I'd skip the crock pot and just bake it for 30-45 mins at 375 in the oven to save on time since you already cook everything on the stove because it's basically a glorified baked spaghetti. If you're like me and sleep during the day, keep it in the crockpot otherwise try the baking route. It was super yummy though! I should add I cooked the meat (turkey of course!) all the way through vs just barely. It made more than enough and next time for just two of us I will cut it in half and still have leftovers. We ate 2 large bowls, send a huge container to mom's and still had half a crockpot left. It literally filled a standard crockpot to the brim.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Crockpot Mexican Chili

http://www.meatlessmonday.com/crockpot-mexican-chili/

My thoughts: As many know we've been celebrating meatless Mondays at our house. We tried this recipe from the website and loved it served over simple cornbread. It was extremely simple and I'd gladly make it again. The website also contains nutritional information for those trying to follow strict diets. Speaking of strict diets, we obviously didn't add corn due to my dietary restrictions. 2 tbsp of chili powder was perfect for a slight kick and did not kill my stomach. I'd double it if making it for a family size portion. Enjoy!

1 15-oz can garbanzo beans
1 15-oz can black beans
1 24-oz jar of your favorite salsa
2 tbsp chili powder (or more to taste)
1 tbsp cumin
1 cup water
1 15-oz can Mexican-style corn (optional)
Directions

Turn crockpot on low heat. Mix all ingredients together in crockpot. Cover and cook 4-6 hours (depending on thickness you desire).

Notes: Adding the corn makes a nice accent on the black beans. Not only does this chili taste wonderful; it is pretty also!

Granny's "Hamburger Supper" casserole

This is so yummy and so easy! I substituted ground turkey, but could be made either way!

1 lb hamburger
1-1/2 cups water
1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
1/4 tsp pepper
1 pkg brown gravy mix
1 med onion, sliced and separated into rings
1 med carrot, sliced
2 med potatoes, sliced
1 cup(4 oz) shredded cheddar cheese

Step 1. In a lg skillet, cook hamburger over med heat until brown; drain. Stir in the water, poultry seasoning and pepper. Bring to a boil. Stir in gravy mix. Cook and stir for 2 min. or until slightly thickened.

Step 2. Arrange the onion, carrot and potatoes over hamburger. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-15 min or until vegetables are tender. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover and cook 3-5 min. longer or until cheese is melted.

My thoughts: My electric skillet is a bit larger than my grandma's so I had to double the recipe. This recipe is perfect for a stovetop skillet or smaller electric skillet however! Shane kept commenting on how great the house smelled and even better the taste! It'd be easy to add green beans or peas if you need some green in your life too :)

Crockpot Cheesy Hashbrowns & Ham

I found this recipe in the Taste of Homes Summer 2010 slow cooker recipes magazine.

Original recipe: 8 servings

1 package (32 ounces)frozen cubed hash brown potatoes, thawed

1 cup cubed fully cooked ham

1 small onion, chopped

2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1 can (14-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream

Step 1: In a 3 qt slow cooker, combine the potatoes, ham, onion and 1 cup of cheese. Combine soup and butter; pour over potato mixture. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until potatoes are tender.

Step 2: Stir in sour cream. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted.

My thoughts: We used the precooked diced ham by Johnsville and I liked it better than the larger chunks of ham. I also didn't use a whole onion but just enough for flavor. The recipe says one can of soup but a can of campbells is only 10 ounces and I did need the half of a second can because it was too dry without it. I also didn't thaw the potatos at all and it was perfectly done at 3.5 hours on low. It was very simple and we both loved it. It was also one of those meals that almost tasted better the next day reheated at lunch yum! As always, i recommend the slow cooker liners for less dishes :) Enjoy!

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