Seriously Yummy Chicken Strips

Last night for dinner Hubby requested homemade chicken strips and french fries.  I had never made chicken strips from scratch but I found this super yummy and easy recipe on http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Fried-Chicken-Strips.  When I made them I found the best way to crush the saltines was to combine all the dry ingredients in a gallon Ziploc and roll over the bag with a rolling pin.  Also, be sure to cut your chicken into then strips so they cook all the way though.

Homemade french fries I learned form my mom.  Simply peel and slice up one potato per person. Use 1/4 inch slices.  Deep fry until golden brown.  Let sit on paper towel covered plate to drain excess oil.  Add salt.  She also makes a fries sauce which is just 1 part ketchup to 1 part mayo. Meals like this make me crave Koolaid because it reminds me of my childhood.  So last night we had grape Koolaid to go along with our delicious meal.  These chicken strips are seriously the best I have ever had and are so easy to make.

"Go-To Meals"

These are dinners that are tasty and fast.  I use them when I just need to get something on the table and there's not enough time to get fancy.

#1 Mac and Cheese with pigs in a blanket (hot dogs rolled up in pillsbury cresent rolls and baked)

#2 Cambell's Chicken Noodle or Tomatoe Soup and Grilled Cheese (or toasted cheese: simply put slices of cheddar cheese on bread and toss it in the broiler)

#3 Spaghetti or Pasta with sauce (1 can tomatoe sauce, Tbl. garlic, Tbl. italian seasoning, 1/2 Lb. pre-cooked hamburger meat)

#4 Missionary Delight (Mac and Cheese with 1 can tomatoe sauce (fill up can with milk and add), don't use butter, add 1/2 Lb. hamburger) We also like to make garlic bread with hamburger buns (hot dog buns work too), some butter, and garlic salt.  We throw them in the toaster oven.

#5 Chicken and Rice (Cut chicken into cubes, season w/ salt and pepper, brown, and 1 can cream of chicken and some water... simmer until meat is cooked through.  Pour over rice and eat.)

Loaded Mashed Potatoes

I found this recipe via Pinterest.  It is deliceous! ...works great as a side dish or potluck dish. ...is equally as great all on it's own. ...it feeds an army!!

Here's the recipe.

100 Calorie Snacks

15 Unsalted Almonds = 100 Calorie Snack

1 1/2 Tbsp. Nestle Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips.

This website has 88 100 Calorie Snacks.  Some of them don't sound very yummy but others do.

Christmas Candy

Here is my all-time favorite Christmas Candy Recipe.  I can not live without this.

Kix Candy (or Jet Balls as my husband and his family call them)
6 oz. butterscotch chips
6 cups of marsmallows
1 cube butter
6 cups kix cereal

Set out some wax paper on a counter.  And put kix cereal in a large bowl.  In a sauce pan combine butterscotch chips, marshmallows, and butter.  Stir constantly on med-low heat until combined.  (It should look like a golden mound of fluff.)  Pour over cereal and mix until coated evenly.  Grease your hands with butter and roll cereal mixture into balls.  Place on wax paper.  Yields 24-36 depending on size.

CAUTION:These are extremely addictive and you will have to make at least 2 batches if not more.

Tortilla Soup

This is a nice variation to your typical taco night...and is perfect for this colder weather.  This recipe serves 8-10 people and only takes 30 min. to make.  I love that you get to dip tortilla chips in it and add as much cheese as you want!

You will need:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed chicken broth
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1 cup whole corn kernels, cooked
• 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 6-8 boneless chicken tenders, cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces
• tortilla chips
• shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
• chopped green onions

1. In a medium stock pot, heat oil over medium heat. Saute onion and garlic in oil until soft. Stir in chili powder, oregano, tomatoes, broth, and water. Bring to a boil, and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
2. Stir in corn, chiles, beans, cilantro, and chicken. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Ladle soup into individual serving bowls, and top with tortilla chips, cheese, and chopped green onion. 

Gingerbread Houses

I prefer to make gingerbread houses using graham crackers rather than actual gingerbread.  Mostly, because I have never made it before but also because I never eat my house.  I just make them because they are fun and cute.  While I use graham crackers instead of gingerbread there really is no substitute for "cement" icing or royal icing.

In a mixer combine

5 cups powdered sugar

3 egg whites

1/2 tsp. cream of tartar

If your frosting is not thick enough then just keep adding powdered sugar until desired consistency.  I look for when the frosting sticks to the whisk attachment on my Kitchen Aid and doesn't run at all.

Here's how our houses turned out:

 It's Santa's house.  See the north pole?

 We weren't quit sure it was going to stay up.  Here original idea was The Burrow from Harry Potter.

 Oh how I love me some Tony time!  I can't get enough of this little man (he's not so little any more).

 His fingers are the monster!  Notice the button above the door for Santa to use in case the chimney is closed.

Perfect Dinner, Lunch, Potluck Dish, or Appetizer

Anthony and I ate these while we decorated our Christmas Tree.  They take a little longer to prepare..but they are so worth it.  This recipe of Samosas was given to me by the Ure family.  They are soooo delicious.

You will need:
1 package egg roll wrappers
1/2 bunch of green onions (minced)
1 cup mushrooms (minced) -don't let this ingredient scare you because it just obsorbs all the yummy flavors

8 chicken tenders
1 1/2 Tbsp. ginger
1 Tbsp. garlic (2 cloves minced)
2 tsp. curry powder
dash salt and pepper
canola oil -to fry

Step #1
Start by mincing the onions and mushrooms, then set aside.  Cut the chicken into small cubes.  Saute in a large sauce pan, and green onions and mushrooms.  Add garlic, ginger, curry, salt and pepper to taste.  Take off heat and drain excess liquid.
 Step #2
Cut your eggroll wrappers in half.  Get a bowl of water.  Place one wrapper in front of you, dab your finger in the water and run it on the edge of wrapper. (this creates the "glue")  Place a Tbsp. or so of the chicken mixture in the top center.  Fold into a triangle like you would fold a flag.  Make sure to seal the edges.  Do this until they are all done.
Step #3
Fill a pan 2-3 inches with oil.  Fry until golden brown.

Whats great about these is you can do step 1 and 2 ahead of time, put them in a gallon ziploc in the fridge and get them out to fry just before dinner.  They are great for dinner, but also lunch, an after school snack, an appetizer for a party, or sign up to bring these to your next potluck.  They are the yummiest finger food I have tried so far.

Enjoy!

What's on the Menu: Thanks Giving Feast

As Thanks Giving is in just two days I thought I would touch base on all the yummy things we eat on this special day.

On my plate this year I will definitely be loading up with:
Turkey

So...I have never actually cooked my own Turkey.  But I do know that whether you deep fry it or bake it in the oven...it will be delicious!

Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

The key to making the best mashed potatoes is this:
Use russet potatoes.  Peel and cut into large cubes.  Put them in a pot of cool water with 2 inches of water covering the cubes.  Boil until a fork goes in easily. Strain water and return cubes to pan on medium heat.  Add warm milk, butter, salt and pepper to taste and desired  consistency.  I use a potatoe masher first and then use a whisk if I want them to be more smooth.

Stove Top Stuffing

Honestly, Stove Top is the best stuffing.  It taste the best and you just add water and milk.  What could be better?

Rolls

 I have a recipe that is similar to these... but here is her recipe.  I haven't tried it yet, but it is next on my list.

Martinelli's

Martinelli's is a classic beverage that instantly brings a sense of special occasion and celebration.

and for Desert...Pie

I want to try Lisa Ure's recipe.

Are you hungry yet?  I am!

No-Bakes Are My Favorite Cookies

When Tony came over last week he requested that we make cookies. ("the chocolate oatmeal ones")  I definitely didn't object to that as No-Bakes are my favorite cookies. 

This is one recipe that is sooo easy I have it memorized.

You will need:

2 1/2 cups oatmeal

large spoonful peanut butter

2 cups sugar

4 T. cocoa powder

1 cube butter

1/2 cup milk

Put your aprons and "chef hats" on.  

 Combine oatmeal and peanut butter in a large bowl.  Set aside.  Put wax paper on counter. 

In a medium pot combine sugar and cocoa powder.  

 Stir until you have removed most clumps.  Add butter and milk.  

 Turn stove on medium high and stir continuously.  Bring to boil.  Let boil for 1:30-3 min. (I did 1:30).  Pour chocolate mixture into bowl with oatmeal and peanut butter.  

 Stir them together.  NOTE:  it is better to let the mixture boil a little less than to boil it too long.  If it is not thick enough stir it a little longer and that will do the trick.  Scoop out onto wax paper. 

Let stand until cookies set- meanwhile lick the bowl.

ENJOY!         yum.

Birthday Dinner

This post contains the recipe for my favorite meal of all time.  It was a recipe given to us by Mechele Morgan (she is my best friend's mother and therefore my second mother). Our family lovingly calls this meal Mechele's Chicken.

Recipe:

ingredients-

3/4 cube butter

1 cup Bisquick pancake mix

pinch of salt

dash of pepper

6 chicken breasts (breast tenders are the best)

1 can evaporated milk

2 cans cream of chicken

On a plate combine pancake mix, salt, and pepper.  I usually use a fork the get all the clumps out and to evenly disperse the salt and pepper.  Coat both sides of your defrosted chicken in batter.  Brown chicken in an electric frying pan with butter.  Once all chicken is golden brown on both sides add the evaporated milk and cream of chicken.  Turn your pan on medium low.  Make sure to lift each piece of chicken so the liquids can get underneath it (this prevents scorching).  Cook for about 25 min.  or until chicken is cooked thoroughly.  Before serving just stir everything together so it's an even consistency.  Serve gravy over your favorite mashed potatoes.  

Note:  if you don't have an electric frying pan it's OK.  I don't have one either.  Just use a large skillet or frying pan.  On Sunday... I actually fried my chicken in my frying pan on the stove and then put them in my slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients.  I cooked it for 2 1/2 hours on high and came up with the same result.

This recipe is also special to me because it is one of the first meals I was able to prepare all by myself.  I am so thankful for Mom who taught me how to cook.

Piece of Cake

It's my birthday today!!!  So here is another recipe to add to our Tasty Treats :Tuesdays.    

Recipe for Some Kind of Cake (Texas Sheet Cake):

Ingredients:
• 1 stick of butter
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 3 Tbsp. cocoa powder
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups flour
• 2 cups sugar
• dash of salt
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
Frosting:
• 1 stick softened butter
• 3 Tbsp. cocoa powder
• 6 Tbsp. evaporated milk
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 lb. powdered sugar

In a saucepan, combine butter and shortening and heat until melted. Add cocoa powder and water and mix well. Let cool.
Sift together flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon and baking soda. Mix with cocoa mixture.
And vanilla, eggs, and buttermilk. Pour into a greased jelly roll pan (a cookie sheet or 9by13 pan would work just as well, though you may have to adjust the cooking time). Bake in at 375°F for 15-20 minutes. (I baked mine at 350 for 12 min.)
While cake is baking combine frosting ingredients.
Remove cake from oven when baked and allow to cool for a few minutes. Spread the frosting and allow it to melt over the warm cake. Garnish with nuts or chocolate chips as desired.

I love how we can take this...

and turn it into this.

Happy eating!  This is by far my favorite cake ever.  Love it!

The Best Sugar Cookies

Today is Tasty Treats :Tuesday! The day we talk about anything food and learn new recipes.

I was given this recipe by Sister Walton.  It is my very favorite sugar cookie recipe and it is so easy.

You will need:

1/2 cup butter

1 cup sugar

1 egg

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1 3/4 cup flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1 Tb. milk

Directions:

Preheat oven to

 

Cream butter and sugar.

Add egg

and mix.

Add remaining ingredients and mix until smooth.

Let hubby {or the kids} snitch some dough

 Refrigerate for 2 hours to roll out... or roll in hands

and place on ungreased cookie sheet

Press flat with sugar coated cup.

 

 

 Bake for 12 min. or until lightly browned on bottom edge.  

This recipe yields 30 cookies.

Note: My oven is funny so I had to bake my cookies at 350 Degrees for 8 min.  Just be on the safe side and check your cookies periodically while they bake.  There is nothing more sad than a batch of burnt cookies.

You can leave unfrosted and they will be plenty sweet or if you are up to it make your favorite frosting and decorate them. I make my frosting with butter, powdered sugar and milk.  I just eyeball the measurements on this one.

I hope you enjoy your yummy cookies! ...better yet make them, eat one or two, and give the rest away.