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Showing posts from January, 2015

Berry Cobbler

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 Reading blogs the other day ran across a recipe that I had to try: Berry Cobbler by the Mennonite Girls here is my version and I am proud to say "YUM" here is a copy of her recipe Ingredients 4 cups berries ( a mix of blueberries, blackberries, raspberries) (I thawed a bunch from the freezer) 6 Tbsp sugar 2 Tbsp cornstarch 1 Tbsp lemon juice 1 1/2 cups large biscuit mix 1/3 cup sugar 1/2 cup milk ( a little more if preferred for easy spreading) coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional) Method: Combine frozen or fresh berries with sugar, cornstarch and lemon juice in a medium pot and cook, stirring as needed, until boiling and liquid is clear. This takes about 5 -10 minutes. Pour into small Pyrex, stone or glass bake-ware to serve about six.  Combine biscuit mix, sugar and milk and stir until combined.  Scoop onto fruit by large spoonfuls. Sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake at 400 F for about 25 minutes, until golden and bubbly. Let cool abou

Peachy Baked Ham

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One morning I decided to throw a big ham in the oven. I didn't have any pineapple that most people traditionally put on their ham. So I threw some peaches on the ham. Now mind you, this was a last minute decision so the ham was very FROZEN!  I turned the oven on 350* threw the dressed ham in about noon and didn't take it out until about 4:30pm. Drenching it about every hour......turned out really yummy!

Baked Acorn Squash

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Or as they say in this part of the country "Acurn Sqash" I like variety so when I bake Acorn Squash I bake 3 at a time. I split them in half....  (1) set I spread butter on the meat part,  (1) set I spread butter and sprinkle brown sugar on them,  (1) set I lay mozzarella cheese on it.  Place the whole tray(cookie sheet) then bake in a 350* oven until the meat is soft....these are Yummy!

Sweet/Spicy BBQ Ribs

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Pork Ribs I have one word for ya "heavenly". If you don't like spicy then don't try these!  These are a perfect mix between sweet and spicy. The glaze on the outside is gooey and the ribs were juicy! Ok now for the recipe.....1/2 rack beef or pork ribs don't matter(I did both) Sweet/Spicy Rub...2 handfuls(good ones probably about a cup or cup and half) of brown sugar, 2-3 heaping tablespoons of pepper flakes, 1 tbls of black pepper, 2 tbls of paprika...mix well together rinse your ribs well then coat your ribs with rub( if you like for less mess do this in a gallon plastic bag) I don't have rib racks or pans to do them in so I used my racks in my oven( be prepared for clean up)...I covered the BOTTOM one with aluminum foil to catch drippings then took top rack and cleaned it real well. Turn oven on broil (500*) After coating the ribs with "Rub" I placed the ribs directly on the rack( the idea is letting the

Alpine or Pine Tree (Hot Alcohol Beverage)

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 In the Rocky Mountains they are called "Alpines" or as FIL calls them "Pine Trees" ( we have since decided if you add Fireball to your hot chocolate they are Pine Trees).   Alpines Recipe:1 coffee mug of hot water, add hot chocolate mix and 1 shot of peppermint schnapps (1/2 as much if you don't like it strong....this requires experimentation to your taste buds) Pine Trees Recipe: 1 coffee mug of hot water, add hot chocolate mix and 1 shot of Fireball   (1/2 as much if you don't like it strong....this requires experimentation to your taste buds) This is a required drink here in the winter in our house! Enjoy!

Jalapeno Poppers

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Recipe for Poppers: 24 jalapenos , cleaned out and ready to fill 1 small tub of cream cheese 24- 1/2 slices of bacon take a teaspoon and put a dab of cream cheese in jalapeno ( never rub your eyes when handling these), place long ways on your 1/2 slice of bacon and fold over end to meet in the middle (look at pics ). We use a fish rack for putting on grill but a pan will work too. Cook over direct heat until the bacon is cooked and the peppers are soft. Enjoy!

Batter For Fried Food

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Batter for the fried stuff is so easy a novice could make it For every cup of flour add one egg and then add water until it is the  consistency of waffle/pancake batter or gravy or until is runs slowly off your whisk. Add seasoning of your choice...stir.... Dunk your items and fry away!!

Taco Seasoning

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Mtn Man has issues with the packaged taco seasoning so I thought I would find a recipe that I could make here at home. I found one ( http://allrecipes.com/recipe/taco-seasoning-i/ ) that works for us. When I use it I add 2 Tbls to 1 lb of ground meat. Recipe: 1 Tbs. Chili Powder 1/4 tsp. Garlic Powder 1/4 tsp. Onion Powder 1/4 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes or Cayenne works too 1/4 tsp Dried Oregano or Herb Mix  1/2 tsp Paprika 1 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin 1 tsp. Salt 1 tsp. Pepper Store in an airtight container such as a jelly jar with a canning lid. Enjoy!

Whipped Peanut Butter "Num Nums"

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Mtn Man came up with the name of the scrumptious little naughty goodies! Not really naughty but they are really yummy!( Can you see the drool?) They have about 2 Carbs per goody! Depending on the cool whip and the peanut butter. Look before you buy either! Recipe: 1 8oz Cool Whip 3 Tbs Peanut Butter (I use natural pb which has nothing in it except Peanuts and Oil)  12 muffin cups 1 muffin tin Mix together the cool whip and pb thoroughly, using a rubber spatula works (no machine) great! Put your muffin cups in your muffin tins and fill the cups about 1/4 full...(I got a little carried away and ended up with 11) Put in freezer for few hours until the goody is frozen solid! Peel back the paper and inhale! Promise you will have thought you went to some delicacy for this treat! Another option is drizzle a bit of chocolate on top for your added taste bud pleasure! I would have but didn't have any available.  (I borrowed this recipe from..... Stockpiling Moms )

Roasted Chicken

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Now as some of you know I am not your traditional cook. I tend to be a bit lazy at times! But most times my food comes out DELISH! 1 Whole Chicken, Frozen 1/4 C and a drizzle of olive oil Seasoning Potatoes either white or sweet or both Carrots  Onions I use a 13x9 pan. Put Whole Frozen bird in pan, drizzle olive oil on top of bird (may slide off a little) and add seasoning here too. Arrange around the outside whatever will fit a mix of potatoes, onions and carrots (Suggest putting in a bowl add about 1/4 C of olive oil and seasoning, mix so everything is coated. Arrange around the bird). Put tinfoil over the whole thing. Put in 350* oven for one hour, remove foil then turn oven up to 400* and return the bird mix to the oven and bake another 30 mins. Be sure to check with meat thermometer(180* on poultry) to see if it is cooked thoroughly. May need to cook another 15-30 mins. All ovens are not the same..... Let sit for about 5-10 mins and serve. Enjoy!  

Home Made Granola

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2 C Rolled Oats 1 tsp Cinnamon 1/2 C Honey or so, depends on how dry it looks   1/2 C Raisins & Craisins or whatever you would like to add Heat oven 350* Mix all together well (You can choose to wait until the last 10 mins of baking to add your goodies to the oats and honey cinnamon mix). Lay in an oven safe long dish 13x9 so it is a thin layer. Bake for 20 mins and then check stir and put in for another 10 mins...you are looking for it to turn golden. It will appear soft but as it cools it will harden. I eat mine with yogurt! Enjoy!

Cheesy Pepper Onion Venison

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About a Pound or Two of Venison Chunks (cubes or very small steaks)thawed or frozen works too! 1 large onion, sliced 2 green peppers, sliced Seasoning of your choice oil Cheese- You decide how much! Heat your oil add meat and brown both sides of meat. Add onions and peppers and seasoning.  Turn down to a simmer. Cover with a lid checking periodically so as not to burn anything. Stir it often. When the meat is done as well as onions and peppers turn off heat.  Add cheese to the top measuring at your discretion. Replace the lid and let the cheese melt. Let sit for about 5 mins more with lid off and serve! Enjoy!

Classic Coleslaw

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1 1/2 lbs Cabbage, cut up or shredded 3/4 C Mayo 1/2 C Sour Cream 2 Tbs Apple Cider Vinegar 1 Tbs Substitute Sugar or Sugar 1 tsp celery seed 1 tsp salt Mix all together well in a large bowl. Set in fridge for at least 30 mins. Enjoy! ( Adapted from Atkins Recipe)

Sweet Potato Wedges

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1 Very large sweet potato or 2 large size sweet potatoes 1/2 c olive oil  1-2 Tbs Montreal Steak Seasoning Cut up the sweet potatoes into 1/4 inch wedges about 2 inches long. Put in a microwave bowl. Put in microwave to soften for about 5 mins then stir and return for  another 5 mins...if soft move onto next step...if not stir and another  5 mins until they are soft. Not melting ...fork soft-poke a fork through them with ease. Ok next step drizzle your olive oil over the top of potatoes along with the seasoning. Stir carefully so all the potatoes are covered in oil & seasoning. Dump into oven safe baking pan 13x9 will do. Broil (450*) for about 15-20 mins. These are not going to be crispy they will be sticky soft. Enjoy!

Meatloaf Burgers

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1 lb Ground Meat, thawed 3/4 C Seasoned Bread Crumbs 2 Eggs 1/4 C cream 2 tsp Montreal Steak Seasoning Mix all together thoroughly. Make up patties.  Oil your skillet like you are going to fry something (1/8 full in your pan) Heat your oil then place your patties in carefully. Brown both sides of your burgers. Heat oven 350* Remove from skillet into an oven safe dish. Place in oven for 30 mins, depending on burger size, until done to your satisfaction.  Finish off with a bit of ketchup on top! Enjoy!

Popcorn Garlic Shrimp

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1 lb Shrimp, I use tail on 1/4 C olive oil 3 garlic cloves or 3 tsp garlic minced 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes 1/2 tsp paprika 1 Tbl lemon juice 1 Tbl parsley Oil in skillet. Add garlic, pepper flakes and saute 1 min. Add shrimp and paprika. Stirring briskly, cook for 2 mins if you use frozen shrimp this time will be longer. When shrimp is done they will be considerable smaller and firm. Add lemon juice cook 1 more min. Add to a platter w/slotted spoon and sprinkle w/ parsley. Enjoy! (Atkins Recipe)

Garlic Toast Crisps

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    4 Tbs olive oil 2 Tbs diced garlic 2 C soy flour 2 C flour-preferably Atkins low carb flour 1 Tbs baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 1 C club soda or I used sprite zero 2 large eggs, lightly beaten Heat oven 350*  8x8 pan in a microwave safe cup add olive oil & garlic heat in micro for 1 min until garlic is brown- set aside Large mixing bowl-combine dry then all the wet including 1 Tbs. garlic oil mix until combined Transfer dough to pan & bake 45 mins When you pull out of oven transfer to wire rack & cool for 20 mins. Increase oven to 400* When cool -cut loaf into 20 thin slices place on ungreased baking sheet brush remaining bread crisps w/ remaining garlic oil-coat both sides Bake until crisp about 14 mins (Atkins Recipe)

Creamy Cheese Chicken

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"Creamy Cheese Chicken" ! In a greased pan add boneless chicken breast then top with 2 c cheese of your choice or 8 slices. In separate bowl mix 1 can of cream soup of your choice no water instead add 1 c of white wine. Add 1 tbsp of montreal chicken seasoning and mix well (until creamy). Pour this mixture on top of your cheesy chicken. Cover and put in a 350* oven for at least an hour or until chicken is done. Enjoy! http://adventures--of--life.blogspot.com/2012/04/whos-cookin-in-kitchen.html  

Bacon Wrapped Chile Shrimp Poppers

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When living out here like we do a Ranch Wife has to get creative in the kitchen. Lately, Wonder Woman has been arriving every afternoon to cook. Yesterday, Sunday she came up with an oldie but goodie. Bacon wrapped Shrimp with a kick! Start with a large shelled shrimp, a strip of mild chile pepper (heat of your choice really)(the kind you make chile rellenos with, can find them in a can I believe ), a slice of bacon.....in order wrap around each other and stick a toothpick thru to hold. Throw on BBQ until you see the shrimp is done.....yummy!Enjoy! Ps these can be done in the oven as well 400* until shrimp is done.... Can add cream cheese between shrimp and chile pepper.....Enjoy!

15 Bean Soup W/ Sausage & Onion

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I decided since it was rainy and cold that I would brew up something in the ol' crockpot. So last night before bed I dusted off the ol' crock and went to work. I have jars of dry beans in my pantry so I picked up the 15 bean jar and poured out, in the bottom of crock, about half a jar which came to about 3 cups. Then added double that in water, I don't think you can have to much water add more if you think it needs it. So in my large crock this came to about 3/4's full. Then I let them soak until this morning about 8 am. I plugged 'er in, turned 'er on high and started addin' seasoning: 2 pinches of marjoram, parsley, basil and 1 pinch of thyme. About 1 tsp of black pepper and 2 tsps of Montreal chicken seasoning. Oh and don't forget like I did, a pinch of salt. Cut up a whole onion and add, then add a package of ground sausage (1lb), mine was frozen so I shed it of it package and layed straight on top of the beans. I let this all cook for

Tacosagna

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On today's menu, I made "TACOSAGNA". I found this recipe on Mennonite Girls Can Cook . It was yummy! I made some adaptations to the recipe as we are still trying to watch our carb intake a bit but didn't want to ruin the "ambiance" of the dish. My recipe is as follows: 2 lbs of ground cooked, 1 packet of taco seasoning added to meat, 2 cans of corn added to meat, 1-12oz jar of salsa added to meat and cooked for about 10-15 mins. Then in separate dish I lined the bottom with meat mixture, not a lot just enough for a base, then added two reg size flour tortillas on top of meat. Added meat mix, grated cheese and then about 1/2 cup of sour cream spread out on this layer. Another two tortillas then meat mix and cheese and at this point should have run out of meat and cheese and pan is full!!! Cover and put in oven or on a grill at 350* for about an 45mins-1hr.

Easy Deviled Eggs

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Ok I have to explain a couple things before I tell ya this one. I am at a place in our life where we are living by the "skin of our teeth". No really, the house we bought has no plug in or gas line for a range. It did not come with a cook stove. So I use a little portable camp stove or the BBQ for cooking. I use a miniature convection oven baking and a microwave for all the other stuff like boiling water, etc.  I raise chickens for the eggs mostly if ever needed we will have meat. It would be a bit difficult to see one of my "girls" in the pot but if it means it feeds us well that is what God created them for. Home grown eggs are not the best for hard boiled although it can be done it is a pain in the neck to peel those eggs. So with nothing further here is the recipe.... I took a medium size bowl and filled it half way with water then dropped individually each egg without the shell. Think poached eggs! Today I did 6 eggs. They settled on the bottom of the b