Tag Archive | recipes

Best Ever Butterscotch Oatmeal

This really is the best oatmeal recipe. Ever. Seriously. There isn’t any butterscotch, butter (or scotch, for that matter!) but you’d swear it is sinfully delicious because of how creamy, smooth, and rich butterscotch-ity it tastes.

This has been my go-to breakfast for about 6 weeks now because of how hearty, delicious, and QUICK it is to make. To save even more time, what I usually do is make a double batch for us at the start of the week and then store it in the fridge to heat up as needed. An extra splash of milk when reheating brings it right back to life and it is just pure heaven. I’ve also mixed things up by adding various toppings like dried fruit, sautéed apples, cinnamon, bananas, and chocolate chips. I hope you enjoy!

Best Ever Butterscotch Oatmeal
Serves 6

Ingredients:

1 egg, beaten
3 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 cup rolled oats

Directions:

1. In a medium-sized pot over medium heat, whisk together the milk, egg, and brown sugar, stirring constantly to avoid the egg from curdling. Whisk for several minutes until the mixture is frothy.

2. Add the oats and stir until thickened, a few minutes.

3. Remove from heat and serve!

This recipe is adapted from an AllRecipes post.

50 Kickin’ Super Bowl Recipes!

Jan7

Okay, it’s tough to admit this but, for me, the best part of a Super Bowl party is the food. There. I said it. I love the commercials and getting together with friends but a party with lots of yummy appetizers is what gets me cheering. So as I started planning my own party this year, I figured I’d put together my personal top 50 list to share. If only there were enough people and enough crockpots in my house so I could make all fifty! Enjoy!

1. Slow Cooker Shredded Buffalo Chicken Sliders (From Hip2Save)

2. Artichoke & Spinach Dip Restaurant Style (From AllRecipes)

3. Hot Caramelized Onion Dip with Bacon and Gruyere (From Spicy Southern Kitchen)

4. Cocktail Smokies (From Cupcake Diaries)

5. Easy Guacamole (From AllRecipes)

6. Easy Potato Skins (From iheartnaptime)

7. Seriously Smooth Roasted Garlic Parmesan Hummus (From Sally’s Baking Addiction)

8. Crab Rangoon Dip (From missbutterbean)

9. Philly Cheesesteak Sliders (From home made interest)

10. The Ultimate Bloody Mary (From Jo-Lynne Shane)

11. Cheesy Bacon Spinach Dip (From Damn Delicious)

12. Sweet & Spicy Sriracha Baked Chicken Wings (From Baker by Nature)

13. Cherry Cheesecake Dip (From I Heart Eating)

14. Sweet and Spicy Chicken Bacon Wraps (From 101 Cooking for Two)

15. Meatball Sub on a Stick (From Cookies & Cups)

16. Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites Recipe- Auntie Anne’s Pretzel Bites Copycat Recipe (From Midget Momma)

17. Bourbon Maple Glazed Chicken Wings (From Simply Recipes)

18. Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders (From Wine & Glue)

19. Slow Cooker Brisket French Dip Sandwiches (From Neighbor Food)

20. Seven Layer Taco Dip (From AllRecipes)

21. Pepperoni Pizza Football Cheese Ball (From Mom on Timeout)

22. Ham & Cheese Pretzel Bites (From Pip & Ebby)

23. Easy Jalapeño and Red Pepper Cheese Ball (From Averie Cooks)

24. Hissy Fit Dip (From Plain Chicken)

25. Bacon Wrapped Tater Tot Bombs (From Damn Delicious)

26. Easy Vegetable Pizza (From Wannabite)

27. Homemade Mac And Cheese Bites (From chef in training)

28. Pepperoni Cheese Stick Roll Ups (From The Girl Who Ate Everything)

29. Ham & Swiss Sliders (From Cincy Shopper)

30. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip (From Gimme Some Oven)

31. Baked Firecracker Chicken Tenders (From Creme de la Crumb)

32. Copycat Olive Garden Toasted Ravioli (From Frugal Coupon Living)

33. Buckeye Dip (From Stockpiling Moms)

34. Cream Cheese Ranch Roll-ups (From Stephie Cooks)

35. Chili’s Queso Dip (The Girl Who Ate Everything)

36. Crockpot Sesame Meatballs (From Little Broken)

37. Cheesy Party Burgers (From Kevin & Amanda)

38. Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Crisps (From Spend With Pennies)

39. Mexican Street Corn Salad (From Cooking Classy)

40. Jalapeno Popper Dip (Cook Crave Inspire)

41. Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos (From Host the Toast)

42. Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls (From Carlsbad Cravings)

43. Mini Corn Dogs (From missbutterbean)

44. Runzas (From Her View From Home)

45. Baked Bloomin’ Onion (From Gimme Some Oven)

46. Cheese and Garlic Crack Bread (From Recipe Tin Eats)

47. Cookies and Cream Dip (From Penney Lane)

48. Bacon-Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter (From Tasty Kitchen)

49. Thai Firecracker Shrimp (From Steamy Kitchen)

50. Tex Mex Hushpuppies (From Lemons for Lulu)

60 Awesome Easter Recipes

Mar25

With Spring officially here, I’ve seen so many adorable Spring and Easter holiday ideas so put together a list of my favorites to share with you all. Whether you’re looking for a kid-friendly craft, Easter Sunday recipes, or just something cute for your office potluck, you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for in this list!

Rainbow Easter Egg Nests

Source: Missbutterbean

Meringue Bunnies

Source: Taste of Home

Bunny Carrot Cakes & Cookies

Source: Taste of Home

Easter Basket Cupcakes

Source: Blog Lovin’

Rabbit’s Easter Cupcakes

Source: http://family.go.com/food/recipe-632897-rabbits-easter-cupcakes-t/

Little Lamb Cupcakes

Source: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/little-lamb-cupcake-recipe.html

Floral Cake

Source: http://www.delish.com/recipefinder/spring-floral-cake

Easter Chicks Nest Cupcakes

Source: http://ruthblackphotography.com/image/easter-chick-cupcakes-2/

Carrot Cake Cupcakes
Source: http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/carrot-cake-cupcakes/7013041b-b7d0-4e46-9219-9bb0516595c1

Easter Chick Cupcakes

Source: http://www.annabelkarmel.com/recipes/chick-cupcakes

Bird Nest Cupcakes

Source: http://www.gotchocolate.com/2011/04/recipe-birds-nest-easter-cupcakes/

Easter Bunny Truffles

Source: http://candy.about.com/od/eastercandyrecipes/r/Easter-Bunny-Truffles.htm

Easter Egg Truffles

Source: http://easter.betterrecipes.com/cornflake-coconut-easter-egg-truffles.html

Easter Egg Marshmallow Truffles

Source: http://www.tasteandtellblog.com/easter-egg-marshmallow-truffles/

Jelly Bean Bark

Source: http://everydaysavvy.com/jelly-bean-bark-recipe/#_a5y_p=1385728

Easter Marshmallow Bark

Source: http://www.butterwithasideofbread.com/2013/02/easter-marshmallow-bark.html

Easter Pretzel Chicks

Source: http://www.isavea2z.com/easter-pretzel-chicks/

Peeps Bunny Patch Cake

Source: https://www.marshmallowpeeps.com/cookin-with-peeps/recipe-detail/peeps-bunny-patch-cake

Peeps Sunflower Cake

Source: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/peeps-sunflower-cake

Easter Basket Cake

Source: http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/easter-basket-cake/0809420e-5cd6-45fd-9e90-0c159be8d598

Hidden Rainbow Easter Egg Cake

Source: http://boulderlocavore.com/2013/03/hidden-rainbow-easter-egg-cake.html

Bunny Butt Cake

Source: http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/bunny-butt-cake/09cd82c8-ada0-4de7-bd85-2cd60ef67b7f

Cheesecake Carrots

Source: http://www.hungryhappenings.com/2014/03/orange-cheesecake-carrots.html

Easter Marshmallow Pops

Source: http://celebbabylaundry.com/2014/03/easter-marshmallow-pops/

Almond-Butter Cookie Bouquet

Source: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/almond-butter-cookie-bouquet

Little Peeper Cookies

Source: http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/little-peeper-cookies/913d2091-1592-4cef-b3f2-69f40f1ce1dc

Easy Easter Cookie Pops

Source: http://dailycrave.wordpress.com/2012/04/03/easy-easter-cookie-pops/

Robin’s Eggs in Brownie Nests

Source: http://www.babble.com/best-recipes/easter-eggs-in-brownie-nests/

Easter Nest Cookies

Source: http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/easter-nest-cookies/bc3bbf3c-d16a-4799-bc1c-5eecd08f5cf0

Easter Oreo Cookie Suckers

Source: http://www.howdoesshe.com/easter-oreo-suckers-and-apron-giveaway/

Bird Nest Cookies

Source: http://peasinapod.typepad.com/peas-in-a-pod/2011/03/birds-nest-cookies-recipe-how-to-tipjunkie-easter.html

Hidden Surprise Easter Egg Treats

Source: http://www.ricekrispies.com/recipes/hidden-surprise-easter-egg-treats

Easter Basket Cookies

Source: http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/easter-basket-cookies/e52af434-f444-452a-bf18-95c4cccd5202

Easter Bunny Tails

Source: http://www.keyingredient.com/recipes/322846611/easter-bunny-tails/

Easter Egg Cookies

Source: http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/easter-egg-cookies/3d11f867-1b64-48e2-afad-f69cba4d23b4

Easter Bunny Cookies

Source: http://www.createdby-diane.com/2012/04/bunny-cookies.html

Bunny & Chick Cookies

Source: http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/bunny-chick-cookies/601072ee-d66c-40fb-9428-c7111709ceee

Robin’s Egg Nest Treats

Source: http://www.ricekrispies.com/recipes/robins-egg-nest-treats

Rainbow Cookies

Source: http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/rainbow-cookies/3ab61bac-2fcc-42fc-89fe-6341deccd540

Homemade Cadbury Eggs

Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Homemade-Cadbury-Creme-Eggs/

Nutter Butter Easter Chicks

Source: http://www.food.com/recipe/nutter-butter-easter-chicks-492743?soc=pinterest

Bunny Biscuits

Source: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/bunny-biscuits

Easter Bunny Rolls

Source: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/easter-bunny-rolls

Easter Bunny Treats

Source: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/easter-bunny-treats

Spring Celebration Brownies

Source: http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/spring-celebration-brownies/317e19d7-e33d-4c99-b555-9b06a438309a

Marshmallow Chocolate Peeps

Source: http://www.raininghotcoupons.com/homemade-chocolate-peeps/

Peeps Pudding Cups

Source: http://www.shortcutsaver.com/peeps-pudding-cups/

Fruity Spring Animals

Source: http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/fruity-spring-animals/02959284-2462-4d4c-bdd5-56db43595953

Easter Chick Sugar Spoons

Source: http://www.hungryhappenings.com/2013/03/Easter-crafts-sugar-eggs-sugar-cubes.html

Easter Pizza

Source: http://www.sugarhero.com/fruit-pizza/

Easter Veggie Pizza

Source: http://www.hungryhappenings.com/2012/03/this-easter-have-fun-decorating-easter.html

Easter Centerpiece

Source: http://catchmyparty.com/photos/551735

Bunny Bottles

Source: http://followpics.net/diy-quick-and-easy-easter-bunny-made-from-water-bottles/

Easter Chicks Deviled Eggs

Source: http://athriftymom.com/easter-chicks-deviled-eggs-diy-simple-money-saving-recipe/

Easter Party Carrot Cutlery

Source: http://adiamondinthestuff.com/2011/04/easter-party-carrot-cutlery.html

Carrot Bags

Source: http://creativeorganization.blogspot.com/2010_03_01_archive.html

Easter Peep-Za

Source: http://blog.cookingchanneltv.com/2012/04/06/easter-peep-za-dessert-pizza-recipe/

Rainbow Easter Eggs

Source: http://choosetothrive.blogspot.com/2011/04/rainbow-easter-eggs.html

Swirl Easter Eggs

Source: http://athriftymom.com/swirl-easter-eggs-how-to-dye-easter-eggs-with-shaving-cream/

33 Crock Pot Recipes You Can’t Live Without

Dec13

Whether it’s pot roast, spicy meatballs, chili, or even chocolate pudding, the crock pot does just about everything. I use it at least once a week and will be forever grateful to my Mother for giving me my first crock pot when I graduated from college. Granted, there have been a few failures–usually due to forgetting I had something in the crock pot and arriving a few hours later than planned to a pot of mush–but there have been so many more delicious successes. So today’s post is a fun tribute to the crock pot and all of the yummy things you can do with it. Before I get started, I get this question a lot so I’ll go ahead and answer it now: What crock pot do I personally use and why? I have the Hamilton Beach Set ‘n Forget 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker. I’ve owned a couple over the years but this is my favorite for a couple of reasons. 1) It has little clamps so I can seal down the lid and not worry about sloshing if I’m transporting food in my car. Been there, done that, and it’s no fun cleaning chili out of the floor of your car in the freezing cold. 2) It’s programmable so for recipes that call for 8 hours of cooking time it means I don’t have to rush home because the timer setting just switches to WARM when it’s done. 3) It has a meat thermometer/probe so you can set the crock pot to switch to warm as soon as it reaches a certain internal temp. I actually first gave this crock pot to my Mom as a present but was so impressed by it that I scooped one up for myself.

Onward we go to 33 amazing recipes!

Soups:

Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup

Recipe: https://missbutterbean.com/copy-cat-panera-bread-crock-pot-broccoli-cheddar-soup/

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

chicken noodle

Recipe: http://www.food.com/recipe/slow-cooker-chicken-noodle-soup-198707

Classic Crockpot Chili

Recipe: http://busycooks.about.com/od/hotsouprecipes/r/crockpotchili.htm

White Bean Chicken Chili

Source: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/white-bean-chicken-chili

Chicken & Dumplings

Recipe: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Slow-Cooker-Chicken-and-Dumplings/Detail.aspx?evt19=1

Main Dishes:

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Recipe: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Slow-Cooker-Pulled-Pork/Detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=slow%20cooker&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Home%20Page

Slow Cooker Carnitas

Recipe: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Slow-Cooker-Carnitas/Detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=slow%20cooker&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Home%20Page

Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken

Recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/kathleen-daelemans/slow-cooker-lemon-garlic-chicken-recipe/index.html

4 Ingredient Balsamic Pot Roast

Recipe: https://missbutterbean.com/4-ingredient-crock-pot-balsamic-pot-roast/

Slow-Cooker Pepper Steak

Recipe: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Slow-Cooker-Pepper-Steak/Detail.aspx?evt19=1

Chicken Tikka Masala

Recipe: http://www.tablefortwoblog.com/2012/10/19/chicken-tikka-masala-crockpot/#.UqigJcRDuM0

Crock Pot Copycat P.F. Chang’s Mongolian Beef

Easy French Dip

Source: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Easy-Slow-Cooker-French-Dip/Detail.aspx?evt19=1

Crockpot Brown Sugar Balsamic Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Recipe: http://laurassweetspot.com/2013/06/12/crockpot-brown-sugar-balsamic-glazed-pork-tenderloin/

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Recipe: http://www.southernplate.com/2013/10/slow-cooker-turkey-breast-my-little-thanksgiving.html

Crock Pot Fettuccine Alfredo

Recipe: http://www.raininghotcoupons.com/crock-pot-chicken-fettuccine-alfredo-recipe/

Au Gratin Garlic Potatoes

Recipe: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/au-gratin-garlic-potatoes

Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken

Recipe: http://wannabite.com/crockpot-buffalo-chicken-recipe/

Slow Cooker Lasagna

Recipe: http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/slow-cooker-lasagna/23546794-7262-47be-9ca4-e12c900399a1

Slow Cooker Italian Beef for Sandwiches

Recipe: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Slow-Cooker-Italian-Beef-for-Sandwiches/Detail.aspx?evt19=1

Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken

Recipe: http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/slow-cooker-sweet-and-sour-chicken/c91a2eff-3da0-4dec-842e-92a672b67075

Sides & Appetizers:

Crock Pot Mac ‘N’ Cheese

Recipe: http://thestir.cafemom.com/food_party/149688/the_ultimate_crock_pot_mac

Crock Pot Baked Potatoes

Recipe: http://www.garnishwithlemon.com/2013/10/28/crock-pot-baked-potatoes/

Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes

Recipe: http://therecipecritic.com/2013/09/slow-cooker-cheesy-bacon-ranch-potatoes/

Bourbon Lit’l Smokies

Recipe: http://www.tammileetips.com/2013/10/crock-pot-bourbon-lil-smokies-hillshire-farms-litl-smokies/

Crockpot Green Bean Casserole

Recipe: http://www.tammileetips.com/2013/11/crock-pot-green-bean-casserole/

Crock Pot Sweet & Sour Meatballs

http://www.livingwellspendingless.com/2013/07/17/sweet-sour-crockpot-meatballs-recipe/

Crock Pot Au Gratin Garlic Potatoes

Recipe: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/au-gratin-garlic-potatoes

Desserts:

Crock Pot Apple Betty with Almond Cream

Recipe: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/apple-betty-with-almond-cream

Slow Cooker Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Recipe: http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/slow-cooker-pineapple-upside-down-cake/f4a52245-95d2-403d-9d8b-320d6b9f485e

Slow Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake

Recipe: http://eclecticrecipes.com/slow-cooker-chocolate-lava-cake

Slow Cooker Turtle Upside-Down Cake

Recipe: http://www.tablespoon.com/recipes/slow-cooker-turtle-upside-down-cake/44f373e8-7467-4bbd-9e2c-eb74eb37cd4e

Crock Pot Hot Chocolate

Recipe: http://www.mrshappyhomemaker.com/2010/12/creamy-crockpot-hot-cocoa-best-ever/

The Ultimate Halloween Party: 31 Spooky Recipes

Oct29

It’s that time of year…witches, goblins, ghosts, galore. With Halloween breathing down our necks, I’m seeing so many adorable recipes for Halloween parties. So here is my list of the 31 most spook-tacular recipes for planning the ultimate Halloween Party!

Marshmallow Witches

Recipe Source: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/marshmallow-witches

Tombstone Brownies

Recipe Source: http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1000075/tombstone-brownies

Giant Glowing Pumpkin Cookies

Recipe Source: http://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/giant-glowing-pumpkin-cookies/cf2d57fb-baf5-4457-8940-767d930a92aa

Pumpkin Popcorn Balls

Recipe Source: http://www.somewhatsimple.com/pumpkin-popcorn-balls/

Halloween Rainbow Party Bundt Cake

Recipe Source: http://www.cookingwithsugar.com/amazing-halloween-rainbow-party-bundt-cake-recipe/

Monster Fingers

Recipe Source: http://www.culinaryadventuresinthekitchen.com/2012/10/06/monster-fingers/

Butterfinger Eyeballs

Recipe Source: http://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/134764/butterfinger-eyeballs/detail.aspx

Witches’ Hats

Recipe Source: http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/witches-hats/c04c58a6-9fb7-46ef-a45f-9bfabbf96b0d

Frankenstein Cake

Recipe Source: http://www.hungryhappenings.com/2010/10/Frankenstein-cookie-Halloween-desserts.html

Little Monster Cupcakes

Recipe Source: http://cupcakekidcafe.com/adorable-halloween-cupcakes/

Skeleton Cupcakes

Recipe Source: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/skeleton-cupcakes-10000001875466/

Pumpkin Rice Krispee Treats

Recipe Source: http://candy.about.com/od/halloweencandyrecipes/r/jackolanterns.htm

Melted Wicked Cupcakes

Recipe Source: http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/melted-wicked-witch-cupcakes/e89b00a9-bcc1-4851-8555-49457d0eadbe

Chomping Monster Cookies

Recipe Source: http://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/chomping-monsters/69e7b7ef-e3b9-452a-9966-3ad3f271cf9f

Vampire Chocolate Chip Cookies

Recipe Source: http://www.justapinch.com/recipes/dessert/cookies/vampire-teeth-cookies.html

Melted Witch Puddles

Recipe Source: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/melted-witch-puddles

Halloween Candy Hands

Recipe Source: http://cakewhiz.com/cakewhiz/post/Halloween-glove-treat-bags.aspx

Jack-o’-lantern Quesadillas

Recipe Source: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/jack-o-lantern-quesadillas-10000001875798/

Crescent Mummy Dogs

Recipe Source: http://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/crescent-mummy-dogs/d52a57d7-ab8a-4a1c-8dae-f9f90d03b912

Pizza Mummies

Recipe Source: http://spoonful.com/recipes/pizza-mummies

Salty Bones

Recipe Source: http://spoonful.com/recipes/salty-bones

Graveyard Dip

Recipe Source: http://joandsue.blogspot.ca/2012/11/graveyard-dip-and-brain-dip.html?m=1

Pretzel & Cheese Broomsticks

Recipe Source: http://www.navywifecook.com/2012/10/halloween-week-broom-sticks.html

Jack-o’-Lantern Burgers

Recipe Source: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/jack-o–lantern-burgers

Zombie Eyes

Recipe Source: http://www.recipetips.com/recipe-cards/t–160764/zombie-eyes.asp

Healthy Treats

Recipe Source: http://timefortheholidays.blogspot.com/2013/10/healthy-halloween-recipes.html

Bloody Syringe Shirley Temples

Recipe Source: http://www.neatorama.com/2013/09/12/Bloody-Syringe-Shirley-Temples/#!nf4U9

Halloween Punch

Recipe Source: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/halloween-punch

Slushy Punch

Recipe Source: http://lilluna.com/slushy-punch-recipe/

Zombie Punch

Recipe Source: http://www.thedailyblarg.com/2011/10/halloween-party-recipes.html

Pumpkin Party Cooler

Recipe Source: http://www.marthastewart.com/268772/pumpkin-party-cooler

Tom’s Famous Meatballs

Aug23

My boyfriend doesn’t do a lot of cooking but one thing he makes that he has has completely mastered are his famous meatballs. They’re actually adapted from his Italian Grandfather’s recipe and they are killer good! He’ll make a big batch of them and then we have plenty to make spaghetti and meatballs, and meatball subs, etc. Nothing beats one of these meatballs! So I was very happy when he offered to whip up a batch of his famous meatballs and even happier when he offered to jot down the recipe to be featured on my blog. I hope you’ll give these a whirl and let us know what you think!

Tom’s Famous Meatballs
Makes approximately 60 meatballs

3 ½ pounds of ground beef
6 slices of white bread
3 eggs
¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
½ cup Worcestershire sauce
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup Italian seasoning (marjoram, thyme, rosemary, savory, sage, oregano and basil)
1 tsp. garlic powder

1. Place the Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Italian seasoning and garlic powder in a blender. Tear the bread into small pieces.

Add them to the rest of the ingredients in the blender and combine them until uniformly crumbled. You may have to use a spatula to push the bread towards the bottom as you go.

2. Place the ground beef inside a large bowl. Make sure the bowl is large enough to allow mixing the rest of ingredients into the beef, otherwise you’ll risk making a mess. 😛 Add the eggs and the crumbled mixture with the ground beef.

3. Now comes the fun part. Knead everything together with your hands until it reaches a pasty consistency (I use vinyl gloves to make cleanup easier).

If it seems the mixture is a little dry and you’re having trouble kneading the ingredients together, add a teensy bit of water (less than a teaspoon). I can’t stress enough how a little bit of water will go a very long way. The last thing you need is a runny mess and end up with beef pancakes. 🙁

4. Using your hands, take the beef and begin forming it into golf-ball-sized meatballs.

It is very important to ensure they are all about the same size, so that they cook evenly. I will usually make one and use it as the model for the rest, adding or removing beef as necessary. If your meatballs are falling apart as you go, you may need to add 1 more egg to the mix.

5. Add oil to a large pan and heat on medium-high until the oil begins to shimmer. Place the meatballs in the pan, making sure to leave about 1 or 2 inches of room around them.

Let them brown halfway through and then flip them.

Remove from the pan and place them in your favorite sauce! 😀

NOMNOMNOMNOMNOM,
Tom

Cherry Pie Bars

Jul15

First off, these cherry pie bars are seriously good and super easy to make! When I whip up a batch of them I’m immediately transported into one of my favorite kitchens in the world—my dear friend Rosel’s in Haßloch Pfalz, Germany. She lived in my neighborhood growing up and was my Mom’s best friend so became like a second mom to me. She loved cooking and baking and nurtured those passions in me.
Ironically, this recipe is American and was featured in Taste of Home magazine. I brought several cooking magazines with me when I visited several years ago and I made these cherry bars for Rosel and her family. They all hailed it a great culinary triumph and begged for me to make them again and again while I was there.
So what makes these cherry pie bars so special? These bars are cakey and rich and spiked with delicious cherries and almonds. They really are heavenly! After telling Tom the story behind this recipe, I whipped up a batch for him and he said he totally understood what all the fuss was about. 🙂

Cherry Pie Bars

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon salt
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cans (21 ounces each) cherry pie filling
1/2 cup sliced toasted almonds

Glaze:

1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2-3 tablespoons milk

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and salt until fluffy. Add eggs and beat well. Add extracts and lemon juice. Add the flour in gradually, mixing well.

2. Grease a bar or jelly roll pan or, if you prefer thicker cherry bars, use a 9×13. Spread 3 cups of the batter onto the bottom of the pan, reserving the rest for spooning on top.

Cover batter with the cherry pie filling.

Sprinkle almonds over the top and then drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter on top of the of the filling and almonds.

3. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cake part is golden brown. Note: If using a 9×13 the baking time will be longer.

4. While bars are cooling, prepare the icing. Mix the ingredients for the icing in a small bowl and drizzle over the cooled cherry bars.

Enjoy!

Crab Rangoon Dip

Jul13

I cannot get enough Crab Rangoon. Also known as crab wontons, traditional crab rangoon is made by filling an egg roll wrapper with cream cheese, crab, and green onions, pinching to make a little fan and frying until golden and delicious. So if you adore crab rangoon as much as I do then you will go crazy for this crab rangoon dip, which requires no frying and takes just a few minutes to throw together. I’ve made it for dinner and office parties, girls’ nights, and potlucks and always gets rave reviews, even from those who claim they don’t care for crab.

Crab Rangoon Dip
*This recipe was adapted from a Pampered Chef recipe.
16 Servings

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 garlic cloves, minced
dash of salt and pepper
1 cup swiss cheese, shredded
1 14 oz. jar sweet and sour sauce (I doubled the original amount listed cause I felt it needed more but if you prefer less sweet and sour sauce then feel free to adjust to suit your taste)
8 ounces imitation crabmeat, roughly chopped
1/4 cup green onion, thinly sliced
1 bag of pita chips or preferred dipping chip

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, minced garlic, and salt and pepper and blend until smooth. Add half of the crabmeat and swiss cheese and combine.

2. Spread mixture into the bottom of a 1-2 quart baking dish.

Sprinkle remaining crab meat over cream cheese.

Pour sweet and sour sauce over the top and microwave uncovered 4-6 minutes.

3. Remove from microwave and garnish with green onion. Serve with pita chips for dipping.

There couldn’t be an easier or tastier dip!