Hearty Baked Chicken Sandwiches

This recipe is a great way to use up left over chicken.  Or you could also buy a roast chicken already made at the grocery store. In about 30 minutes, you and your family will be sitting down to a great meal. Add some vegetables on the side for a complete meal.

Ingredients

1 c. diced cooked chicken
3/4 c. celery, diced
1/4 c. chopped walnuts (optional)
1 onion chopped
1 Tbs. lemon juice
1/4 c. mayonnaise
salt and pepper to taste
4 slices bread
1/2 c. potato chips, crushed (optional)
Shredded cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°.

In a bowl, combine chicken, celery, walnuts, onion, lemon juice, and mayonnaise.  Mix thoroughly until well blended.

Place the bread on a cookie sheet. Bake for 4 to 6 minutes or until the top of the bread is golden brown and crispy.  Be sure to watch the bread, so it does not burn. The length of time will depend on your oven, so don't walk away. 

Turn the bread over. Spread chicken mixture over the untoasted side of the bread. Sprinkle potato chips and cheese over the top. 

Bake for 12 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is melted.

Fluffy Honey Dressing

This is an easy honey dressing to make with a perky flavor. It is perfect to use as a dipping sauce for fruit slices or to add in with salads.

Ingredients

2 eggs
1/2 c. honey
1/4 c. lemon juice
2 Tbs. frozen orange  juice
1/8th tsp. salt
1/2 c. heavy cream, whipped
2 tsp. grated lemon rind

Directions

In a saucepan, beat eggs until frothy/  Stir in honey, lemon juice, frozen orange juice and salt. 

Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until thickened.  Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Gently, fold in whipped cream and lemon rind.

Serve with fresh fruit as a dipping sauce. Keep refrigerated.

Sweet Country Fair Egg Bread

This bread recipe is so simple.  It uses basic ingredients and it is practically fool-proof.  It is a rich bread dough that is more like sweet bread than a dinner sandwich bread.  

You'll enjoy eating it on its own, or with butter and jelly or jam spread over the top of the slices. Or sprinkle some cinnamon sugar over the top for a delicious treat!

Ingredients

1 /2 c butter
2 tsp salt
1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 scalded milk
2 pkg. yeast
1/2 c. hot tap water 110 to 115°
2 eggs
9 c. flour
softened butter

Directions

Set oven to 400°.  Grease three 8-inch loaf pans

Combine butter, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl.

Stir in scalded milk.  Let stand until the mixture is cooled to lukewarm.  

Meanwhile, combine hot tap water, yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar together. Let stand for about 10 minutes to activate the yeast and make sure it is active. Pour this into the lukewarm milk mixture.

Beat in eggs.

Add 3-cups of flour.  Beat the mixture with a wooden spoon until it is a smooth, and has a sponge-like consistency.

Continue to mix in more flour until it gets too hard to stir. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface.   Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, adding the rest of the flour. This takes about 7 to 10 minutes. The dough may require more flour or less flour, depending on the day and humidity levels. The dough should be slightly tacky, but not so much that it sticks to your hands or the kneading surface.

Place the dough into a greased bowl, turning once to cover all dough surfaces with a bit of grease. Cover with a piece of plastic wrap or a tea towel.  Set the bowl in a warm location and let rise for 90 minutes, or until doubled in bulk.

Punch the dough down. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 3 equal sized portions.  Shape each dough portion into a loaf and place into prepared pans.

Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or rub some olive oil or softened butter over the tops to keep the dough from drying out. 

Place the bread pans in a warm location and allow the dough to rise again until doubled in bulk.

Bake at 400° for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 350° and continue to bake the bread for another 40 minutes, or until done.

Remove the bread from the pans and cool on a wire rack.

Homemade Spicy One Skillet Hamburger Helper

Spicy One Skillet Hamburger Helper

It is always good to stay away from the processed foods found in a box, and this Homemade Spicy Hamburger Helper recipe is a perfect substitute.  It is just as easy to make and everything goes in one skillet.

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 sweet bell pepper, diced
1 hot pepper, diced (optional)
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 c. tomato paste
1 Tbs. ketchup
1 tsp. prepared mustard
1 1/2 c. macaroni
3 1/2 c. beef broth or water
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 c. sour cream (optional)
2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

In a large cast iron skillet, add the ground beef, onion, sweet bell pepper and hot pepper.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until the ground beef is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender. Drain off excess grease.

Stir in onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, macaroni, and beef broth.

Bring to a boil.  Cover and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, or until macaroni is cooked through. Stir occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Remove pan from heat. Stir in sour cream until blended.

Top with shredded cheddar cheese and serve!

Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Fall is in the air, and that means it is time for pumpkins. These Pumpkin Cookies stay soft, and they simply melt in your mouth.  Delicious goodness in every bite!

Ingredients

1/2 c. shortening or butter
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 c. pumpkin
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 to 1 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. salt
2 1/2 c. flour
1 c. raisins (optional)
1 c. white chocolate chips (optional)
1/2 c. nuts  (optional)

Frosting

1/4 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. butter, softened
3 Tbs. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. powdered sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°.  Grease baking sheets.

In a mixing bowl, combine shortening, and sugar together. Cream until light and fluffy.

Beat in pumpkin, egg, and vanilla. Mix thoroughly until combined.

Add soda,  baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and flour.  Mix well.   

Stir in raisins and nuts if desired.

Drop by rounded tablespoon onto prepared baking sheets.  

Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until edges are firm.  Cool on baking sheet for about 2 minutes before removing to a wire rack. 

Make frosting if desired.

In a small saucepan, combine butter and brown sugar.  Stir until melted and smooth over low heat. 

Transfer this to a mixing bowl.  Stir in milk and vanilla.  

Add powdered sugar, beating until smooth. If the mixture is too thin, add more powdered sugar. If the mixture is too thick, add more milk.  

Spread over cookie tops.  You may sprinkle more cinnamon over the top of the frosting if desired.

Pork On A Bun

A Quick and Cozy Way to Turn Leftover Pork into a Family Favorite

Some of the best meals come from stretching what you already have. My mom was very good at that. If there was leftover pork roast in the refrigerator, she never let it go to waste. Instead, she would simmer it with simple pantry ingredients and turn it into a warm, saucy sandwich filling that tasted like it had taken hours to prepare.

This easy BBQ pulled pork recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when time is short, but you still want something homemade and satisfying. The sweet and tangy sauce coats the tender shredded pork beautifully, and piled onto a soft hamburger bun, it makes a meal everyone looks forward to.

It’s budget-friendly, quick to prepare, and made from simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

1 onion, chopped
1/2 c. celery, chopped
1/3 c. sweet bell pepper, chopped
1 c. ketchup
1/4 c. brown sugar
2 Tbs. vinegar
2 Tbs. Worcestershire Sauce
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. chili powder
4 c. cooked pork roast, shredded
hamburger buns

Directions:

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped onion, celery, and sweet bell pepper.

Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and chili powder. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.

Add the shredded pork to the saucepan and stir to coat the meat thoroughly with the sauce.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15–20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the pork is heated through.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Spoon the hot BBQ pork onto hamburger buns and serve warm. 

Tips for the Best Pulled Pork Sandwiches:

• Shred the pork while it is still slightly warm for easier shredding.
• If your pork seems dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of broth while simmering.
• For deeper flavor, let the mixture simmer longer on low heat.
• Toast the buns lightly in butter for extra texture.

Variations and Substitutions:

• Spicy version: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Smoky flavor: Stir in 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke.
• Sweeter sauce: Increase brown sugar slightly.
• No celery? Simply leave it out.
• Different meat: This works beautifully with leftover chicken or beef roast.
• Slow cooker option: Combine everything in a slow cooker and heat on low for 2–3 hours.

Serving Suggestions:

These BBQ pulled pork sandwiches pair wonderfully with:

• Creamy coleslaw
• Pea salad
• Baked beans
• Potato salad
• Homemade macaroni and cheese
• Fresh dinner rolls
• Dill pickles on the side

You can also serve the pork over baked potatoes or spooned over rice for a different spin.

How to Store and Reheat:

Refrigerator:
Store leftover pork in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

To Reheat:
Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The flavor actually improves after sitting overnight in the refrigerator.

What type of pork works best?
Leftover pork shoulder, pork butt, or pork loin all work well.

Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce instead?
Yes, but the homemade version gives you more control over sweetness and seasoning.

Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. It’s perfect for gatherings and potlucks.

Does the ham need to be fully cooked before baking?
Most hams are pre-cooked. You are reheating and glazing to enhance flavor.

Can I skip the cloves?
Absolutely. They are traditional but optional.

Pennsylvania Dutch Green Bean Salad

Pennsylvania Dutch Green Bean Salad is an easy recipe that is sure to please your family.  My family really does not like green beans, but when we make them this way, they disappear fast. 

It is an old recipe. The sweet flavor of brown sugar, plus the tartness of vinegar, combined with dry mustard powder, gives these beans extra flavor. And of course, it has bacon in the mix!

Ingredients

3 strips bacon
1 onion, sliced
2 tsp. cornstarch
1/4 tsp dry mustard
1 Tbs brown sugar
1 Tbs. vinegar
1 (16 to 17 oz.) can cut green beans, drained, but reserve 1/2 c. liquid.
salt and pepper to taste
1 hard-boiled egg, peeled and sliced for garnishing

Directions

Fry bacon in a cast iron skillet until crisp. Drain on paper towels to absorb the excess fat.  Remove all but 1 tablespoon bacon grease from the skillet. 

Sauté the onion in the bacon grease until lightly browned. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet to get the good flavor bits at the bottom. 

Drain the green beans, but reserve 1/2 c. of the liquid. Stir in cornstarch, mustard, brown sugar and vinegar.  Whisk until the mixture is smooth and lump free. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.

Stir in the green beans. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer into a serving dish if desired.

Top with crumpled bacon pieces and sliced egg.  Serve immediately.

If refrigerating overnight to serve the next day, omit the sliced egg until ready to serve.

To reheat or serve the next day, preheat the oven to 350°.  Bake for about 25 minutes, or until warmed through.   Garnish with sliced egg.

Notes

This recipe is easily doubled or tripled, depending on the amount of people you are wanting to serve. 

It is very important that you do not leave the green bean dish sit out for long periods of time.