Blueberry Angel Food Cake (Weight Watcher's Recipe)

Posted by Lori:

This sounds yummy!  Got it from a friend and look forward to trying it! Not sure about points, but when I find out I will add them on here.

Blueberry Angel Food Cake (Weight Watcher's Recipe)

Take an angel food cake mix and mix it with a can of blueberry pie filling and mix well.  Pour into a 9 x 13 cake pan and bake for 30 minutes in a preheated 350 degree oven.

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Praline Cookies

Posted by Donna:

I wish I could take credit for these wonderful cookies, but I can't. This recipe was shared by a close friend of mine who just happens to be one of the best "bakers" around.

Praline Cookies

1 2/3 cup flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 tsp. Baking powder
1/2 cup butter
1 egg

Cream butter and sugar, beat in eggs and vanilla. Mix in sifted dry ingredients. Drop by teaspoonfuls on baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 9 - 10 minutes. Sprinkle 1 cup broken pecans over cookies. Drizzle frosting over cookies.

Frosting:

Boil 1 cup brown sugar with 1/2 cup cream for 2 minutes. Beat in 2 cups powdered sugar. Thin with more cream if needed. Place the cookies on a cooling rack, put the rack back over the baking sheet or wax paper and pour the frosting over the cookies using a measuring cup. This makes cleanup much easier.

Enjoy!!




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Crescent Roll Calzone

Posted by Lori:


This quick made-up meal was a big hit with my family tonight (Yay!).  I keep small containers of browned hamburger meat frozen for quick meals, so it was very convenient for this calzone.  I don't usually keep crescent rolls, but had bought a few last week with the intention of using them for another recipe!  Oh, well.... :)


Crescent Roll Calzone

1 tube crescent rolls
1 cup hamburger meat (my frozen beef is seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder)
1 package snack-sized mini pepperoni (if desired)
1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese

Roll out crescent rolls onto baking sheet.  Seal edges together and press into larger triangle shape (or can round edges).  Spread hamburger meat down the middle of the triangle, lengthwise.  Top with pepperoni and cheese.  Bake at 375 for about 20 minutes or until browned.  Serve with pizza or spaghetti sauce.
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Polynesian Teriyaki Chicken

Posted by Lori:

One of the first recipes I posted on our blog was Waikiki Chicken.  It's still a favorite, though I don't make it often because the chicken is fried first.  Several weeks ago, I found a frozen product at Sam's Club called Tyson Teriyaki Chicken Filets.  I bought them and decided to combine the sauce of the Waikiki Chicken with the Teriyaki Chicken.

The new dish, Polynesian Teriyaki Chicken was very tasty!  Everyone in my family liked it.  I will say, though, that some of us would not eat it again because the chicken has more fat that most of us like.  It's a thigh filet, not a breast, so the fat content is more (I didn't read closely when I first bought the item.)  I'm posting it because if the thigh portions appeal to you and your family, this will be a recipe you will want to try!

Polynesian Teriyaki Chicken

1 package Tyson Teriyaki Chicken Filets (Here is the link for them from Sam's Club)
2 - 20 ounce can chunked pineapple 
1 1/2 cup cider vinegar 
4 tablespoon cornstarch 
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 
2 chicken bouillon cube (or 2 tablespoons of chicken base)
2 cup sugar 
2 tablespoon soy sauce 
1- 2 large green bell pepper, coarsely chopped 


Drain both cans of pineapple, reserving juice. Add enough water to juice to make 2 1/2 cups of liquid. Mix sugar and cornstarch in medium saucepan. Add pineapple juice mixture and next 4 ingredients; mix well. Bring to a boil. Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour over chicken Top with pineapple and green bell pepper.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. 

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Mexican Corn Bread and Ground Meat

Posted by Donna:

This recipe belonged to my aunt. It's great with red beans and fried potatoes, or only a green salad.

Mexican Corn Bread and Ground Meat

3/4 cup cornmeal
3 beaten eggs
1 cup milk
1 tsp. soda
3/4 tsp. salt
1 large can cream style corn
1/2 cup bacon drippings

Mix this together and set aside.

Lightly brown 1 lb. ground meat and drain.
Grease an iron skillet, heat the skillet in the oven and then sprinkle with corn meal.

Pour half of batter into the skillet. Sprinkle 1/2 lb. grated cheddar cheese over the batter; then add the meat, a medium grated onion, and one small can chopped green chilies. Cover with the remaining batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Enjoy!!






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Omelet in a Bag

Posted by Lori:

In looking through old photos the other day, I came across some of our oldest son's camp-out-themed birthday party and it reminded me of this super-cool recipe!  I haven't done it in years, but think it's time to do it again!

Omelet in a Bag

Eggs (2 or 3 per person)
Desired ingredients:  cooked crumbled sausage, cooked crumbled bacon, Canadian bacon, onions, bell pepper, salsa, cheese, salt, pepper, etc.

Bring large pot of water to a boil. Crack eggs into large resealable freezer bags, pressing out most of the air.  Seal bag and shake or squeeze bag to beat the eggs.  Add desired ingredients to eggs. Squeeze out as much of the air as you can, and seal the bag. Place up to 8 bags at a time into the boiling water. Cook for exactly 13 minutes. Open the bag, and let the omelet roll out onto a plate. The omelet should roll out easily.   Enjoy!
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Pizza Themed Party

Posted by Lori:
It's been a long time since I've posted about birthday parties, so when I came across these photos today, I knew it was a perfect party to share with you all!

Several years ago, one of our children wanted a pizza-themed birthday party. It turned out to be a lot of fun!

Because chef's hats weren't easy to find at that time (they are now!), I just made them myself.  I purchased cheap white material, cut out a wide strip, folded it in half and hot glued it to a round piece of material, making each hat chef-looking. (No sewing! Yay!)

The aprons were cut out of old, red, double knit material, so didn't require sewing and also didn't fray.  Each of my own children, plus other children in attendance, received the hat and apron as party favors.

Each child was given a ball of pizza dough, a small pizza pan, and went to work creating their own pizza.  The pizzas were baked, then eaten.  I ordered pizza for the adults (grandparents, aunts, and uncles).  It would have taken too long to bake so many individual pizzas.

A red-checked tablecloth served as a backdrop for the mini chef portraits.  The pictures were so cute!  My sister even has her three children's chef pictures hanging in her kitchen!  I used the top picture of my children for our Christmas card that year.

And what is a birthday party without a cake?  The pizza-themed party also had a pizza looking birthday cake.  It was super-easy to make and I served it out of a pizza box.  Too bad I can't locate the picture right now, but here is a link with lots of pizza cake photos, if you're interested:  http://www.coolest-birthday-cakes.com/cake-decorating-tips.html

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Berry Parfaits

Posted by Lori:

Have you tried the small little parfaits from McDonalds?  They are YUMMY!  I get them when I'm trying to eat healthier and say NO to the French fries! :)  They really are good and make you feel like you're getting a special treat!

These are my copy kat version of the Mickey D Parfaits.  I made a lot of them for the annual "Back to School Breakfast" that will be served to the Tipton faculty tomorrow morning.  It will be a healthy alternative to some of the other things that will be served!

Berry Parfaits

Vanilla flavored yogurt

Sliced and whole strawberries

Blueberries

Granola

In small dishes, spoon a layer of vanilla yogurt in bottom of each dish.  Add a layer of sliced strawberries and some blueberries.  Top with more yogurt and fruit as a garnish.  I will serve granola in a bowl on the side, but it could be layered in the dishes when preparing them. (I didn't want it to get soggy.)

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Chocolate Glob Cake

Posted by Lori:

Yesterday after worship, my husband grilled t-bone steaks....not something we have very often, but something we were all looking forward to!  Because of this special meal, I decided to bake a cake for dessert (also something we don't have very often!  In fact, the kids asked who the cake was for because usually when I bake one it's for someone else! Sad, isn't it??! :)

I quickly baked a German Chocolate cake mix, but put it in a sheet cake pan, and baked it at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.  Right out of the oven, I put a whole package of marshmallows (Kraft brand, stackers made specifically for s'mores) all over the top of the cake, then topped it with hot chocolate icing.  This recipe.  

The Chocolate Glob Cake was delicious!  It was ready in about 25 minutes and isn't going to last long in our house!

On this Gratituesday, I am grateful for simple, unplanned recipes that turn out to be family favorites that will be requested for years and years!

Join us for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!
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Peas and Prosciutto

Posted by Donna:


I love English Peas. They were a regular staple when I was growing up. Several years ago, I was watching Giada on the Food Network and she made this recipe. I didn't stick to it exactly as she made it, but I knew I would like it since it had English Peas in it.

Peas and Prosciutto

4 oz. very thinly sliced prosciutto, diced ( I used smoked deli ham from Wal-Mart.)
2 T. olive oil
1 chopped green onion
salt and pepper
1 (1 lb.) bag frozen peas, thawed
1 garlic clove, minced


Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onions, garlic and saute until tender, about 1 minute. Add the peas and saute until heated through, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chopped ham and cook for 1-2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.





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Mini Italian Baguettes

Posted by Lori:

I saw mini baguettes at Walmart last night and decided to buy them and try something with them.  These little appetizers were a huge hit with my family!

Mini Italian Baguettes

2 mini baguettes (Walmart sells them in the bakery section....two small baguettes to a package)
6 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons crisp roasted garlic (or could use fresh garlic and adjust to your taste)

Cut baguettes into 1/2 inch slices.  

Combine olive oil, Italian seasoning, and garlic.  

Spoon onto baguette slices.  Broil until lightly browned.

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Italian Cream Cake

Posted by Lori:

One of my favorite cakes my grandma used to make was Italian Cream Cake.  I don't ever remember this cake or her Strawberry Cake being made in an 8 x 10 inch pan, but each was always a round two or three layered cake.  They were always delicious!


Italian Cream Cake (Grandma Sibyl's recipe)

2 cups sugar                                            
1/2 cup shortening
1 stick butter
5 eggs (separated and read directions below for adding!)
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups Angel flake coconut
1 cup pecans, chopped

Cream together sugar, shortening, and butter.  Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well between additions.  Add baking soda to flour.  Alternately add soda/flour and buttermilk to creamed mixture.  Add coconut and pecans.  Beat 5 egg whites until stiff and fold into batter with a spatula.  Bake in three greased and floured, round 8 inch cake pans.  Bake for 25 minutes in PREHEATED 350 degree oven.  Cool before icing.

Icing:
8 ounce package cream cheese
1 stick butter
1 pound powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cup chopped pecans, if desired

In medium mixing bowl, mix together cream cheese and butter.  Add powdered sugar and vanilla and mix until well blended.  Spread onto top of bottom cake layer.  Top with middle cake layer.  Ice middle layer, then top with top cake layer.  Ice entire cake with icing.  (NOTE:  If icing is too thick, add a few drops of hot water.)
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Brownie S'mores

Posted by Lori:

Sometimes recipes come from trying something simple in a new way.  Tonight we tried Brownie S'mores.  YUM!

Brownie S'mores
2 graham cracker squares
1 square brownie
1 large or 2 flat (Kraft has "stackers" now!) marshmallows

Place one graham cracker square on a microwave safe place, followed by brownie square, and marshmallow(s).  Top with other graham cracker square.  Microwave until marshmallow is melted.  Enjoy!
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Clothing Makeovers

Posted by Lori:

I've been out of town visiting my sister, so don't have a recipe to share with you today; however, she showed me something she had done that I wanted to share with you.  Sorry I don't have pictures, but just picture it in your mind, okie dokie???! :)

She bought a $20 dress from Walmart and switched out the cheap-looking white buttons with more expensive-looking gold buttons.  It was sooooooo cute and what a great idea!  She read it on another blog somewhere.

So, next time you go shopping, take the time to think about how you could makeover the piece of clothing.  Quite possibly just a few extra dollars spent, as well as a little bit of time, will make a huge difference in the item's appeal to you.  Or maybe there is something in your closet that could use a makeover.  Make something old look new again! 
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Barbecue Grilled Chicken

Posted by Donna:

A few weeks ago, Larry and I experimented with a new recipe I had found which was really for ribs, but I decided to try it on chicken breasts instead. They turned out to be some of the best we've had.

4 chicken breasts (flattened until about 1/2 inch or less thick)
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1 T. White sugar
1 T. paprika
2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. chili powder
2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup chili sauce
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 T. lemon juice
2 T. chopped onion
1/2 tsp. dry mustard ( I didn't have this on hand; so I used regular mustard)
1/4 tsp.garlic powder


Mix together the white sugar,garlic powder, paprika, pepper,chili powder, and cumin. Rub the spices over the flattened chicken breasts, which have been cut into serving pieces. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

An hour before you're ready to grill your chicken, mix together the brown sugar, cider vinegar, ketchup, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, onion, mustard and garlic powder. Simmer over medium-low heat, uncovered, for 45 minutes.Reserve a small amount for basting and the rest for a sauce to dip or pour on the chicken.

Preheat grill on medium heat.

Baste the chicken while grilling. The chicken will be very juicy and tender. As I said before, I really liked this recipe. It took a while, but some things are worth it. This particular recipe was from all recipes. If used for ribs, which this recipe was for originally, it's done completely different. I don't think you'll be disappointed if you try it. Pin It Now!