A Parent and a Foodie: July 2012

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Turkey Noodle Soup on Mashed Potatoes

I am totally addicted to this recipe. Such a wonderful comfort food. Great way to use up leftover turkey.

I make my turkey in a Renolds Wrap Oven Bag.
I mix butter and Litehouse Freeze-Dried Poultry Herb Blend and put it under the skin.
I coat the turkey inside and out with salt, pepper, and garlic.
In the bag I place diced celery, carrots, and onions.

After the turkey is cooked remove meat from the bones. In a large crockpot, pour the juice from the Renolds Bag, the veggies, the gibblets, neck, and bones. Let it cook until all of the meat is off the bones. Pull the bones, neck, and anything else not wanted out of the crockpot. Divide stock into as many containers needed and freeze. When you are ready to make the turkey noodle soup remove one frozen container from the freezer. Place stock into a pot and pour in equal amount of water or it will be too think and salty. When it is boiling add in Reames Egg Noodles and cook as directed on the package. When the noodles are finished place on top of mashed potatoes and enjoy.

Swiss Steak

I discovered this by dumping ingredients that I had into the pot. Total yum and easy!

Ingredients:
2 or 3 Medium Sized Steaks
1 Medium Onion (cut into julienne strips)
1 Green Onion (cut into julienne strips)
1 Cup Mushrooms (cut into sliced)
1 Family Sized can of Cream of Mushroom Soup
Montreal Steak Seasoning

Brown 2 steaks
Saute onions, peppers, and mushrooms in with the steaks
Season with Montreal Steak Seasoning (to taste)
When cooked smother with Cream of Mushroom Soup.
Simmer about 10 minutes.
Serve with a side of mashed potatoes and use the gravy from the swiss steak for the potatoes.

Bean Burritos

This recipe tastes just like Taco John's bean burritos. I crave these!

Flour Tortillas (Reduced Fat)

1 Can Refried Beans (Fat Free)

1/3 Can Water (I use the bean can)

Taco Seasoning (To Taste-about 2 Tbls)

½ Small Onion (Finely Chopped)

Mild Taco Sauce (not salsa) (To Taste-about 1/4 Cup)

1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Reduced Fat or Fat Free)

Mix all the ingredients (excluding tortillas) together. Warm in the microwave until cheese is melted. Stir and then spread onto the tortillas. Enjoy!

Warm Honey-Mustard Potato Salad

My sister-in-law brought this recipe to a family gathering and it was a hit. My brother hates eggs in his potato salad and so she found this recipe. Yummy and you eat it warm!

1 bag (20 oz) Frozen Potato Wedges (4 cups)

¼ cup honey

¼ cup yellow mustard

1 cup sliced celery (2 medium stalks)

½ cup chopped red bell pepper

2 tablespoons chopped green onions (2 medium) or red onion

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

1. In 2-quart microwavable casserole, place potatoes; cover. Microwave on High 5 to 8 minutes or until desired doneness. Cool slightly, about 5 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix honey and mustard until well blended.

3. Add remaining ingredients to potatoes in casserole. Pour honey mixture over salad; mix gently to coat.

Chicken and Dumplings

Totally yum!

3 Cans (14-1/2 Ounces Each) Reduced-Sodium Chicken Broth

3 Cups Water

2 Skinless Boneless Chicken Breast, Diced

4 Medium Carrots, Chopped

1 Medium Onion, Chopped

4 Celery Stalks, Chopped

2 Tbls. Poultry Seasoning

2 Tbls. Garlic Pepper

Reduced Fat Bisquick Mix

Boil all ingredients together. In the mean time make the dumplings from the Bisquick mix (following directions on the box). When the chicken is cooked through add the dumplings (follow directions on the box).

Bailey’s Potato Casserole

I got this recipe from my friend Bailey. This is a must try!

9x13 pan

1-2Ib. bag frozen cubed potatoes

3-4 cups shredded cheddar cheese

16 oz. sour cream

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 stick butter (melted)

1 medium onion

1. Combine all ingredients (except potatoes) and mix well.

2. Add in frozen potatoes and mix well.

3. Spread mixture in 9x13 pan.

4. Bake @ 350° for around 1 hour until cheese is bubbly.

Smokey Bacon Wraps

I got this recipe from a friend. Totally delicious and a great finger food to serve at holidays or get togethers. WOW!

2 Pounds Bacon

1-16oz. Package of Little Smokies (Oscar Meyer has the most links)

1 Cup Packed Brown Sugar

Cut each bacon strip into thirds, widthwise. Wrap one piece of bacon around each smokie. Secure with toothpicks. Place in a foil lined baking dish. Sprinkle with brown sugar. Bake in a 350° oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until bacon is crisp and smokies are heated through.

Hoagie Casserole

This is like a sandwich in a casserole. My mother gave me this recipe and it is incredible.

2 Tubes Pillsbury crescent rolls

¼ Pound Sliced Salami

¼ Pound Sliced Ham

¼ Pound Sliced Pepperoni

¼ Pound Sliced Swiss Cheese

¼ Pound Sliced Provolone Cheese

Italian Salad Dressing

Parmesan Cheese

Either Pizza Sauce or Ranch dressing (as dipping sauce)

Preheat oven to 350°.

Spray casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Unroll 1 tube of crescent rolls on bottom of dish.

Layer all the meat and cheese on top of the rolls.

Cover with the 2^nd tube of crescent rolls (unrolled).

Brush with Italian Dressing and sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese.

Bake 20 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Slice with pizza cutter and dip in either pizza sauce or ranch dressing.

Ham Balls

My youngest brother is super picky and won't eat turkey. So, for holidays my mom makes ham balls instead. My 12 year-old (extremely picky eater) LOVES this recipe. This is the recipe that she uses.

1 ¼ Pound Ground Ham

1 ½ Pound Hamburger

1 C. Ketchup

2 Tbls. Cider Vinegar

1 ½ C. Graham Cracker Crumbs

1 C. Brown Sugar

1 C. Milk

1 Tbls. Dry Mustard

2 Eggs

Salt and Pepper

Preheat oven to 350°.

In large bowl combine first 5 ingredients and mix well.

Using 1/3 cup measure, shape into balls and place into a 13X9 pan.

Combine the rest of the ingredients and pour over the balls.

Bake for 50-60 minutes.

If you don’t have ground ham sometimes the butcher at the grocery store will grind it, or I cut the ham into small cubes and grind in my food processor. If I use my food processor I just put the other 4 ingredients in to mix (If you put wet ingredients with cubed ham to grind it will be less pressure on your grinder).

Black Bean Corn Salsa

The only salsa you will ever eat again. Totally amazing and an instant hit. I got this recipe from a friend at a potluck. For a holiday, I served it to my family and now this is a staple at all family gatherings. My mom loves it because she can eat it for weight watchers (she will eat it straight).

1 Can Black Beans (Drained and Rinsed)

1 ½ Cups Frozen Corn, Thawed

2 Cups Diced Fresh Tomato

3-4 Scallions Chopped

Jalapeño/Green Pepper Chopped to Taste

Chopped Cilantro to Taste

3 Tbls. Lime Juice

2-3 Tbls. Oil

1 Tsp. Salt

1 Tsp. Cumin

Apricot Ham Glaze

Best Ham Glaze EVER! My friend gave me this recipe after we shared Thanksgiving dinner at her house. Amazing!!!

½ Cup Honey

½ Cup Apricot Preserves

3 Tbls. Lemon Juice

1 Tbls. Corn Starch

¼ Tsp. Ground Cloves

Bring to a boil. Pour over ham the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Earthquake Cake

This version of German Chocolate cake is requested at all family gatherings. So amazing!

Coconut

1 C. Chopped Nuts

1 German Chocolate Cake Mix

1 Stick Butter (Soft)

1 Pound Powdered Sugar

1-8oz Cream Cheese (Soft)

Cool Whip

Preheat oven to 350°.

1. Grease a 9 X 13 X 2 pan heavily with Crisco .

2. Cover bottom with coconut and nuts.

3. Prepare cake mix as directed on package.

4. Pour mixed cake over coconuts and nuts in pan.

5. Combine butter, powered sugar, and cream cheese until smooth. (It helps to melt the butter and cream cheese a bit first in the microwave-20 sec.)

6. Spoon over cake mix without mixing in (I do marble it-pull it through the batter with a knife).

7. Bake for 1 hour.

8. Serve warm with whip cream or ice cream.

Toffee Dessert

Super yummy!!!!

2 Cups Graham Cracker Crumbs

1 Cup Soda Cracker Crumbs

3 Large Butterfinger Bar Crumbs (Freeze before you crush)

Put 2/3 in a 9X13” pan.

Filling:

2 Pkgs. Instant (sm) Vanilla Pudding.

2 Cups Milk

4 Cups Vanilla Ice Cream

Mix with mixer and place on top of crumbs in the pan. Cover with cool whip and sprinkle with the remaining crumbs. Freeze.

Death By Peanut Butter Pie!

This is another recipe that everyone asks for. My neighbor brought me this pie when I moved in and it is now my families favorite. This is very rich, amazing, and easy to make! Tastes like peanut butter cheese cake.

Recipe Makes 2 Pies

8 oz. Cream Cheese (Room Temperature)

2 Cups Powdered Sugar

1 Cup Peanut Butter

2-8 or 9 oz. Cool Whip

2 Prepared Graham Cracker Crusts (May use the chocolate kind if you wish)

(Will need Chocolate Syrup and Crushed Peanuts as a topping.)

Mix the first 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Fill the two prepared crusts. Top with Chocolate Syrup and Crushed Peanuts. Note: I warm the chocolate syrup in the microwave for about 15 seconds to make it easier to drizzle. Freeze and eat!

Fiesta Pinwheels

A friend gave me this recipe and it is amazing!

2-8oz. Cream Cheese

1 Pkg. Fiesta Ranch Dressing Mix

1 Sm. Can Finely Chopped Black Olives

1 Sm. Jar Drained Pimentos

Handful of Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Mix and Spread over 10 Tortillas

Roll and Chill for 1 hour before cutting.

Veggie Pizza

This is a recipe my mom uses and I added my own little spin on it. This is a recipe that many people ask me for. Super Yummy!

2 Tubes Reduced Fat Crescent Rolls (Pillsbury works the best)

½ Cup Fat Free Miracle Whip

1/3 Cup Fat Free Sour Cream

12 Oz. (1 1/2 Block) Fat Free Cream Cheese

1 Pkg. Ranch Powder Mix

¾ Cup Chopped Green Pepper

¾ Cup Sliced Green Onion

¾ Cup Chopped Cauliflower

¾ Cup Sliced Carrot

¾ Cup Chopped Tomatoes

¾ Cup Low-Fat or Fat-Free Grated Cheddar Cheese

(Addition 1 tsp. dry Dill Weed)

Preheat oven to 375°.

Place rolls flat and press into a solid sheet onto an Ungreased 11X17” pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until light brown. Set this aside and let cool.

While crust is baking: Mix Miracle Whip, Sour Cream, Cream Cheese, and Ranch Mix together. When crust has cooled you will spread this over the top.

To save time use a food processer to chop and slice your veggies. Spread over the top of the cream cheese mixture and then sprinkle the cheese. Pat down so that they stay firm on top of the pizza.

Refrigerate and then cut into bite-sized pieces before serving.

Joanna’s Nacho Cheese Sauce

This was a successful experiment. Best Nacho Cheese Sauce ever! Great for tailgating.

1 Pound Hamburger

Taco Seasoning to taste

1 Can Diced Tomatoes with Green Peppers and Onions

2-8oz Cans Canned Nacho Cheese

1-7oz. Can Green Chilies

2 Cups Salsa (I use mild)

1-16oz. Sour Cream

1-8oz Can Refried Beans

(Jalapeños are optional)

In Skillet: Brown Hamburger and chop. Add Taco Seasoning to taste.

In Large Pot or Crockpot add Hamburger and the rest of the ingredients. Heat until warm.

Joanna’s Meatloaf

I love my meatloaf a little sweet. Brown sugar is the perfect addition.

2 Pounds Low-Fat Hamburger

1 Envelope Onion Soup Mix
¾ Cup Stuffing Mix (Beef or Pork)
2 Eggs
¾Cup Water
1 1/3 Cup Ketchup

1 Cup Brown Sugar

Preheat oven to 350°.

In large bowl: Mix all ingredients except for 1 Cup Ketchup and Brown Sugar with your hands until well blended. With your hands mold ingredients into a loaf and place into a bread pan. Over the loaf spread the rest of the Ketchup and Brown Sugar. Place into the oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Marinade for Shish Kabob

Probably the Best Marinade that I have ever had. A friend gave me this recipe.

1 ½ c. Salad Oil

¾ c. Soy Sauce

¼ c. Worcestershire Sauce

2 Tbsp. Dry Mustard

2 ¼ tsp. Salt

1 ¼ tsp. Parsley Flakes

1 Tbsp. Black Pepper

½ c. Wine Vinegar

1 Clove Garlic

1/3 c. Lemon Juice

Beef, Peppers, Pineapple, Mushrooms, Onions, Potatoes (partially cooked), Chicken, etc.

Runza Casserole

If you have never had a runza, you are missing out. My mom makes this recipe and it is yummy.

2 Pounds of Hamburger

2 Chopped Onions

4 Cups Shredded Cabbage

Salt and Pepper

2 Tubes Pillsbury Crescent Rolls

1 Pound Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Preheat oven to 350°.

In Skillet: Brown Hamburger and Onion. Drain and then add the cabbage. Cover and cook for 10 minutes. Salt and Pepper to taste.

In a 9X13 pan: spread 1 tube of crescent rolls (lay out flat).

Place burger mix and cheese on top of rolls.

Cover the mixture with the second tube of crescent rolls (lay out flat).

Bake for 30 minutes and then cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes longer.

Island Roasters

This is a delicious grilled wrap. I had something similar at a cafe and went home and experimented until I found my own version. Yummy!

Ingredients:
Large Tortillas
Roast Beef (Sandwich Sliced)
Mozzarella
Spinach Leaves
Diced Red Onions
Diced Red & Yellow Peppers
Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

Lay a large tortilla flat, add ingredients and drizzle balsamic vinaigrette dressing over the top, burrito wrap the wrap, grill (I like to use my George Forman Grill). When both sides are browned eat and enjoy!

Joanna’s Taco Filling

I had items that I needed to use up in the fridge and came up with this recipe. My kids refuse to eat tacos any other way now. Very yummy.

1 Pound Ground Beef

Taco Seasoning (To Taste)

Taco Sauce (To Taste around ¼ Cup)

1 Can Diced Tomato with Pepper and Onion

1-8oz Package Cream Cheese

Taco Shells

In Skillet: Brown Hamburger and then add rest of ingredients. Stir until blended and cream cheese is melted into dish. Put into taco shells and enjoy!