Old Fashioned Pillow Butter Mints

Pillow Butter Mints are one of my favorite mint candies. They simply melt in your mouth. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make these treats at home. This recipe is quick and easy.

Ingredients

1/2 c. butter, softened

4 c. powdered sugar

1 Tbs. whole milk, half and half or evaporated milk

1/4 teaspoon of your favorite extract peppermint, cinnamon, lemon, rum, amaretto

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

food coloring (optional)

Instructions

In a medium bowl, beat the butter until light and creamy with an electric mixer.

Gradually add in the powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, your favorite extract, and vanilla. Mix thoroughly until a dough forms.  If the dough is too sticky, mix in more powdered sugar. Start out with a tablespoon and mix that in. Then, if it is still too sticky, add more powdered sugar until it is no longer sticky.  Taste the candy to see if you have enough peppermint or which ever extract you are using for flavor. You can always add a bit more if desired.

 

You can leave your mints white, or if you want to color your mints, divide the dough into 3 or 4 portions. Add a few drops of coloring. Knead the food coloring into the dough using your hands or use an electric mixer. Don't worry if the dough is not a solid color, but appears swirly with the colors. That is perfectly normal.

Scoop up some of the candy dough and form it into a 2-inch ball. Lightly dust your clean countertop or cutting board with powdered sugar. Using your hands, roll the ball into a long rope on the powdered sugar dusted cutting board. The rope should be about a 1/2-inch thick. Cut each rope with a sharp knife or a pizza cutter into tiny bite sized pieces.  While you are working with one piece of the candy dough, cover the remaining candy with a damp paper towel to keep the mint dough from drying out.

 

Let candy dry on a baking sheet for 24 hours. Store mints in an airtight container.

Peanut Butter Cups

Making your own Peanut Butter Cups is so easy.  With just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, you can make and eat this delicious treat any time.

Ingredients

3 c. semi sweet chocolate chips
1 c. peanut butter, divided
1/2 c. powdered sugar
4 1/2 tsp. butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt

Directions

Line 12 mini muffin cups with mini muffin liners. Set aside.

In a bowl, combine 1/2 c. peanut butter, powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, and salt.  Beat until smooth and creamy.

In a microwave safe dish, combine the chocolate chips, and 1/2 c. peanut butter. Microwave, stirring every 20 seconds, until the mixture is melted and smooth. Or you can melt the chocolate and peanut butter over the stove top in a double boiler, stirring frequently to keep it from burning.

Place a teaspoonful of chocolate mixture into the paper lined cups. Drop a scant teaspoonful of the peanut butter mixture, making sure it is not against the sides of the liner. Spoon another teaspoonfuls of melted chocolate over the top. 

Place in a cool location or in your refrigerator until the chocolate is set. Store in an airtight container. 

Notes:

You can also use regular sized muffin cups, but you will need to add more chocolate and peanut butter mixture to each cup.

Stir in a teaspoon of shortening in the chocolate chip mixture as they melt to give it a glossier finish.

You can substitute about 1 cup of chocolate chips and use 4 (1.55 oz.) milk chocolate candy bars.

Orange Caramel Candy

Soft and creamy caramel candy with a hint of orange. These caramels are sure to please! They are easy to make and make the perfect gift.  You can use different flavorings to suit your taste, like rum or amaretto.

Ingredients

1 c. butter
2 c. sugar
1 c. corn syrup
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp. orange extract
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions

Line an 11 x 7-inch pan with parchment paper, waxed paper or foil. Grease the lining paper well with butter.

In a large saucepan, combine butter, sugar, and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium low and boil without stiffing for 4 minutes.

Remove from heat. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk. 

Cook over medium low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches the firm-ball stage, or 244° on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat.

Quickly stir in the orange and vanilla extracts. Working quickly, pour the mixture into the prepared dish. Do not scrap your saucepan or the mixture may crystallize.

Let stand until firm.

Remove the candy from the pan and from the parchment paper. Cut the caramel, with a buttered knife, into bite-sized pieces that are approximately 1.5 x 1-inch. Wrap each pieces in waxed paper and twist the ends.

Brown Sugar Candy

 This candy literally melts in your mouth. It is creamy, smooth and rich tasting. This candy does not have to be beaten until smooth, and it looses its gloss. This is the easy method, where you don't have to beat it to a certain point before you pour it into the pan. However, it is just as delicious.

Ingredients:

2 c. packed brown sugar
1 (12 oz. can) evaporated milk
1/2 c. butter
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. miniature marshmallows
1 c. chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions:

Butter the bottom of an 8 or 9-inch baking pan. Set aside.

In a large saucepan, mix the evaporated milk, brown sugar, butter and salt.  Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.  Lower the heat to medium. Stirring occasionally, cook until the candy registers 238° or soft ball stage on a candy thermometer.

Remove the candy from the heat. Mix in miniature marshmallows, vanilla and walnuts if desired.  Stir until the marshmallows have completely melted.

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. 

Cool completely before cutting into squares.  Serve and enjoy! Store in an airtight container.

Pimiento Cheese Ball

Buying premade cheese balls at the grocery store are expensive. Did you know that is it just as easy to prepare your own Pimiento Cheese Ball at home at just a fraction of the cost? Try making your own this year. You'll wonder why you didn't do this before.

Ingredients

1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened room temperature
2 c. sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
2 green onions, chopped
1 (2 oz.) jar pimientos, drained
2 Tbs. butter, melted
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
shaved pecans (optional)
Crackers

Directions

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until fluffy with an electric mixer. 

Add the cheddar cheese, onions, pimientos, melted butter and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until well combined. 

Shape into a ball form, but leave the bottom of the ball flat, so it does not roll away and off the plate.

Press the fresh parsley and or shaved pecans over the top and sides of the cheese ball. 

Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Gingerbread Popcorn

 

If you love gingerbread, you will really enjoy this Gingerbread Popcorn recipe. It has all the flavors of gingerbread and caramel rolled into one great taste. The recipe is easy and simple to make. It is perfect for gift giving, or as a sweet snack for you and your family.

Ingredients

20 c. popcorn
1 c. butter
2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. corn syrup
1/4 c. molasses
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. cloves
1/4 tsp. allspice
1 tsp. baking soda
3 tsp. vanilla

Directions 

Preheat oven to 250°. Grease two 13 x 9-inch pans or a large roasting pan.

Place popcorn in a large bowl or a large roasting pan. Set aside while you make the caramel coating.

In a large saucepan, melt the butter.  Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, molasses, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. Cook and stir over medium heat until it comes to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, without stirring.

Remove from heat. Stir in the baking soda and vanilla. The mixture will foam up, but don't worry, as that is what it is supposed to do. Mix thoroughly.

Pour the hot caramel sauce over the popped corn. Stir the popcorn, so that every piece has a coating of caramel sauce. 

Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.  

Cool and enjoy.  Store any leftovers, if you have any, in an airtight container.

Flavored Cream Cheese Candies

Making your own mints is easy, and you can make them any flavor or color that you desire.  Some people call them Christmas mints, merriments, bridal or baby shower mints. I just know they melt in your mouth and are delicious.

Ingredients

 4 oz. cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 Tbs. butter
1/2 to 1 tsp. vanilla extract, raspberry extract, strawberry or Jello powder or 1 or 2 drops of oil
3 c. powdered sugar
food coloring, (optional)

Directions

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth using an electric mixer. 

Add the extracts, flavoring, jello or oil of your choice. Start out the least amount first. If you are using jello, add 1/4 teaspoon. If you are using oil, only add 1 or 2 drops, as the oil is more potent than the extracts.

Stir in the powdered sugar.  When you get to the last cup, add it in stages, mixing until you get a thick consistency. If you add too much, and it is dry and brittle, then add a little bit of heavy cream until it holds its shape. Taste the mixture. If you think it needs more flavoring, add more until you are satisfied. It is easier to add more flavoring than it is to try and remove it should you get too much.

Add the food coloring if desired. 

Line a cookie sheet with wax paper.  Roll mixture into small balls. Roll the balls in granulated sugar, then place them on waxed paper. Flatten the balls with the bottom of a glass or a with a fork dipped in granulated sugar to keep the candy dough from sticking. 

Allow the candies to dry for about 2 hours on waxed paper, containers.  

Store between layers of waxed paper in an airtight container in the refrigerator or place them in the freezer. 

Notes:

The jello powder needs to be fine. If it is not, then place it in a blender or food processor and process it until it is very fine. Store the leftover powder in a mason jar to use in frosting, or more Cream Cheese Candies

 

Pumpkin Earthquake Cake

This recipe is not for those who are counting calories. For us, it is more of a special treat.  In this recipe, it does call for butter in the cake mix, but you can use vegetable oil instead.

Ingredients

1 (15.25 oz.) box Spice Cake mix
3 eggs
1 (15 oz.) can 100% pumpkin, not pie mix
3/4 c. milk
1/2 c. butter, melted
1/3 c. brown sugar or white sugar
2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

Cream Cheese Filling

1 (8 oz. pkg.) cream cheese
1/2 c. butter, melted
2 1/2 c.  powdered sugar
1 c. chocolate chips or white chocolate chips or a mixture of both

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease or spray a 9 x 13-inch cake pan. Set aside

In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, pumpkin, milk, butter, sugar and pumpkin pie spice.  Beat well until thoroughly combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Set aside while you prepare the Cream cheese filling.

In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, and butter.  Beat until light and smooth. 

Turn the mixer to low and add 1 cup of the powdered sugar.  Mix until combined, then turn the mixer up and beat well. Continue to add the powdered sugar in this way until it is all incorporated and thoroughly blended. 

With a kitchen tablespoon, scoop some of the cream cheese filling and drop it on top of the cake.  Continue to place spoonfuls of the filling over the top of the cake batter.  Then, taking a knife, cut through the cake batter and filling to swirl the two together. Do not over mix, you want it to be a marbled effect. 

Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top of the cake. 

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting and serving.

Thumbprint Cookies

Thumbprint Cookies are buttery, shortbread cookies with jam or jelly in the center. You can use grape, strawberry, apricot or any flavor jam or jelly that you like best. 

The secret to making the best Thumbprint Cookies is not to overbake them. Just bake them until the bottoms are lightly browned, and the tops are set. If you overbake them, they become hard, dry and crunchy, and you'll be disappointed.

Directions

1 c. butter softened
2/3 c. sugar cream together
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt
2 1/3 c. flour
jelly or jam

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°. Lightly spray a cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper. Set aside.

In a mixing bowl, combine the butter and sugar together. Cream the mixture until light and fluffy.

Add in the egg and vanilla.  Beat well until thoroughly combined. 

With your mixer set on low, stir in salt and the flour.

Scoop out a tablespoon of cookie dough using a cookie scoop or a measuring tablespoon.  Roll the dough between the palms of your hand into a ball. Roll the balls in sugar and them on the prepared cookie sheet. 

Using your thumb or a tablespoon, make an indention in the center of each cookie dough ball. So not press so hard that you go all the way through the pan.

Spoon about a 1/2 teaspoonful of jelly or jam in the center of each cookie.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly browned.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to finish cooling.  Store the cookies in an airtight container or cookie jar.

 Chocolate and Vanilla Sugar Cookie Pinwheels

These cookies take just a bit more work, but they will leave your guests and family wondering how you did them.  It is worth the extra step in making these cookies, especially if you love the taste of chocolate and vanilla.

Ingredients

1c. butter
1 c. sugar
2 egg
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
3/4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2  2/3 c. flour
2 Tbs. cocoa powder
1 Tbs. coffee

Directions

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. 

Mix in the egg and vanilla. Beat well until thoroughly combined.

Turn the mixer to a low speed. Mix in the nutmeg and salt. Slowly stir in the flour. The dough should be stiff.

Divide the dough in half. Shape one half of the dough into a flat, thick disc and wrap it in plastic wrap or place it inside a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator. Place the other half of the cookie dough back in the mixing bowl. 

With the mixer set on low, stir in the cocoa powder, and coffee.  Mix until combined. Remove the dough and shape it into a flat, thick disc. Wrap it in a sheet of plastic wrap, or place it in a plastic bag. Place this in the refrigerator and chill both dough balls for about 90 minutes.

Lightly flour a sheet of parchment paper. Remove the plain cookie dough disc from the refrigerator and plastic bag. Flour your rolling pin. Roll the dough out into an 8-inch by 14-inch rectangle. Remember to turn your cookie dough a quarter of a turn and dust the parchment paper with more flour, to keep the dough from sticking. Shape the edges with your hands, so they are straight and even. Set aside somewhere cool while you roll out the chocolate dough.

Get another sheet of parchment paper. Lightly dust the parchment paper and your rolling pin with cocoa powder. Roll the dough out into an 8-inch by 14-inch rectangle. Remember to turn your cookie dough a quarter of a turn and dust the parchment paper with more flour, to keep the dough from sticking. Shape the edges with your hands, so they are straight and even. Set aside somewhere cool while you roll out the chocolate dough.

Bring out the vanilla cookie dough. Carefully remove the chocolate cookie dough from the parchment paper and place on top of the vanilla dough.  Press the chocolate onto the vanilla cookie dough to remove any air pockets. 

Beginning at the long side of the dough, begin rolling the dough up into a log.  Try to roll the dough as tight as you can, using the parchment paper to help.

Cut the log in half, so you have two 7-inch logs. Wrap the dough logs in plastic wrap or in the parchment paper you just used. Bend the edges of the parchment paper or plastic over to seal the dough log inside. 

Chill the dough for at least 2 hours or longer.

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°. Lightly spray or grease a cookie sheet. You can also use parchment paper or silicone baking mats if you have them.

Remove one of the dough logs from the refrigerator. Remove the wrapping. Cut the dough in half-inch slices, so you have 14 cookies. Place the cookies 2-inches apart on the prepared cookie sheet.

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the outside edges are lightly browned. Remove from the oven and cool on the cookie sheets for 5 minutes. Place the cookies on metal cooling racks to cool completely. Serve and enjoy.

Peanut Butter Pinwheels Potato Candy

In spite of the name Peanut Butter Pinwheels Potato Candy, this is surprisingly an excellent treat. It is easy to make, too. No one would ever guess that the secret ingredient in this candy is a potato.  But not just any potato will work. You need to use a Russet potato.  Any other kind of potato will not work, and neither will instant potatoes.

The recipe is almost fool-proof. You don't really need to use measurements, but these are here as a guideline. The recipe can be made smaller or larger, depending on how much you want to make.  

Directions

1/2 c. mashed russet potatoes
2 tsp. vanilla
pinch of salt
6 to 8 c. powdered sugar
1/2 to 2/3 creamy peanut butter

Directions

Fill a medium saucepan with cold water. Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut the potatoes into cubes or quarter them and put them in the pot of water. Bring the water to a boil and cook until the potatoes are soft.  Drain the potatoes.

Mash the potatoes with a fork, potato masher or an electric mixer. Try to get the potatoes as smooth as possible.  

Add the vanilla and salt to the mashed potatoes. Mix well.

Stir in one cup of the powdered sugar.  Mix well. The mixture will turn runny when you do this. Don't worry, as that is what it is supposed to do.   Continue adding and mixing in the powdered sugar until the dough becomes stiff.  Add a layer of powdered sugar to your clean counter or on a sheet of parchment paper or waxed paper. Turn the candy dough out onto the counter. Knead in more powdered sugar until the dough is the consistency of play dough.  Continue to knead or work with the dough until it is smooth and no longer sticks to your hands.

Dust the work surface and your rolling pin with powdered sugar.

Form the dough into a rectangle and dust the top with more powdered sugar.   Roll the dough out into a rectangle. The thickness should be about 1/4 inch thick. However, you can make this as thick or thin as you like, but don't make it too thin, or it will crack, and your candy will not look very pretty.   

Once you have the dough rolled out, spread the peanut butter across the top evenly.  Do not spread the peanut butter out to the edge of the dough. Leave a small amount of space between the peanut butter and the edge. 

Starting with the long side, slowly and carefully begin to roll up the dough into a log shape, working from one side to the other.  You can use a dough blade if the dough sticks to your countertop, or paper.  

Wrap the candy log in the parchment or waxed paper that you were using to roll the dough out on. Or you can use plastic wrap. This helps the peanut butter potato log to hold its shape 

Refrigerate until firm. Slice the candy and serve.

Notes:

If the mixture becomes too dry while kneading, add a bit more of your mashed potato. 

If the mixture is too wet, just add more powdered sugar. 

Pecan Pie with Light Corn Syrup

Pecan Pie is so good, but if you buy it at the store or at a restaurant, the cost is huge!  What you pay for a single slice, can be made at home, and you can have an entire pie!  This recipe is well worth the time, and it doesn't take long to make this pie, and the cost of a few ingredients that will give you an amazing pie!

Ingredients

1 c. light corn syrup
3 eggs
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 Tbs. molasses
4 Tbs. butter or margarine, melted
1/4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. pecans
1 (9-inch) pastry shell, unbaked

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°.

In a large bowl, vigorously mix the dark corn syrup, eggs, brown sugar, molasses, butter, vanilla and salt together with a wooden spoon. You can also use a mixer if you'd rather.

Stir in the pecans.

Pour the filling into the pie shell and bake for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350° and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The outer edge of the filling should be set and the center slightly soft.

Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies

If you are craving chocolate in a cookie, then this recipe will satisfy you. These are the classic sugar cookies, but they have chocolate in the ingredient list. They stay soft and chewy.

Ingredients

1 c. butter, room temperature
2 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
3 tsp. vanilla
1 2/3 c. flour
1 1/4 c. cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°.

In a mixing bowl, beat the butter, and brown sugar together until light and smooth.  

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Pour in the vanilla, and mix well.

In another bowl, combine cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, salt and baking powder.  You can sift the ingredients together. If you don't have a sifter, you can use a whisk to mix the dry ingredients together and lighten it up.

Add the flour mixture into the butter, stirring until just combined. Do not over mix. 

In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup sugar and 2 teaspoon cocoa powder. Set aside.

Scoop some dough up with a regular tablespoon. Roll the dough into balls.

Dip the dough balls in the sugar, cocoa mixture. 

Place the cookie balls on a cookie sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one. Dip the bottom of a glass in the cocoa sugar mixture, then press the cookies down. 

Bake for 8 to 10 (or longer, depending on your oven), until the tops are cracked looking. The cracks will still look wet, but remove them from the oven.  If you bake the cookies until they are dry looking, they will be hard, and not soft and chewy.

Notes

If you like nuts, you can add some chopped walnuts or peanuts to the batter.

You can sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar over the tops of the warm cookies.

Homespun Meat and Potato Pie

Meat and Potato Pie 

This is a very simple meat and potato pie recipe. This dish has ground beef, onions, potatoes, mushrooms, corn and cheese.   It is across between a meatloaf, and a shepherds' pie. My kids love this recipe and request that I make it often.

Ingredients

3 to 4 potatoes

3 tablespoons milk

salt and pepper to taste

1/2 c. cheese, cubed or shredded

1 can whole kernel corn, drained (optional)

1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, chopped

1 (4 oz.) can mushrooms, drained

1 egg
1/4 c. ketchup

1/4 c. dry bread crumbs

1/2 to 1 tsp. salt

Pepper to taste
Bacon, crisp fried and crumpled

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°.

Wash and peel potatoes. Fill a pot with water and add your potatoes. Cook them until tender. If you want to, cut the potatoes into smaller pieces, so they will cook faster. When the potatoes are done, remove them from the water. 

Put the potatoes into a bowl and mash them with a potato masher, or you can use an electric mixer.  Mix until they are as smooth as you want them to be.

Add the milk, salt, pepper, cheese, and corn. Stir to combine. The cheese does not need to melt, it will do that in the oven.  You can use whatever cheese you like best, but we like sharp cheddar cheese or hot pepper cheese. We often use a mixture of both.

Cover the potatoes and set aside while you prepare the meat mixture.

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onions, mushrooms, egg, ketchup, bread crumbs, salt and pepper.  Don’t mix them too much or the meat mixture will be tough.

Press the meat mixture into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie pan, or any baking dish. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes.

Remove the meat from the oven. Tip the pan to drain the excess fat away.  To make this job easier, place an empty pie pan or baking dish inside, so it rests on the meat.  Carefully tip the dish or pan, so the grease drains away.  This way, when you tip the container to drain it, the meat won’t fall out. 

Reduce the oven temperature to 350°.

Fill the meat shell with the potato mixture. Return to the oven and bake another 10 to 15 minutes, until everything is hot and cheese is melty.

Remove from the oven and sprinkle bacon over the top. Cut into servings.  Serves about 6 people.

 Fried Potatoes

This is a dish I make quite often for my family. To me, it is comfort food, and it transports me back to a time when I was young.  My dad didn't cook very often, but when he did, this was one of the dishes he liked to make. He would make a large skillet full to feed the family. It is a simple recipe. You can use this as the main meal, or cut the recipe down to use as a side dish.

Ingredients

12 to 16 ounces thick-sliced bacon, cut in 2-inch pieces (optional)
1 onion, sliced and diced
6 to 8 large potatoes, about 3 pounds, peeled
salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
cayenne pepper, (optional)

Directions

Fill a pot with cold water. Cut the potatoes into 1/2 inch cubes. Place the potato cubes in the cold water.  Allow the potatoes to soak while you cook the bacon.  This removes some of the starch from the potatoes.

In a large, cast iron skillet, cook the bacon until crisp.  Remove the bacon, placing it on paper towels to drain. Crumple the bacon and set aside.

Remove all but 2 to 3 tablespoons of the bacon grease from the skillet. Save the rest of the bacon grease to use for another recipe.  

Drain the water from the potatoes. Try to get the potatoes as dry as you can before adding to the hot skillet.  

Carefully add the potatoes and onion to the skillet.  Stir to coat the potatoes and onion in the bacon grease. 

Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, stirring to ensure they all get seasoned.

Cook over medium heat for about 6 minutes, then turn them over with a spatula. Cook them another 6 minutes and turn them again with a spatula. Cover the skillet with a lid, and lower the heat to medium low heat. This allows the potatoes to fry slowly, so they get tender.  

Cook until the potatoes are tender. Turn them occasionally so they do not burn.  When they are almost tender, remove the lid. Continue to cook the potatoes and onion until they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Mix the bacon into the potatoes, or sprinkle the bacon over the top.  Serve and enjoy!

Notes:

You can omit the bacon.  Instead of using bacon grease to fry the potatoes in, add 1 tablespoon butter and a tablespoon of olive oil.  

You can also mix in a little Parmesan cheese in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Cover and cook until the cheese is melted. 

Old Fashioned Glorified Rice

 Glorified Rice

This is one of our favorite side dishes to make, serve and eat, especially during the holiday season. Combine cooked rice with whipped cream and crushed pineapple, and you will have a delicious treat. 

However, Glorified Rice isn't just for holiday dinners. It is delicious any time of the year. Glorified Rice is like having dessert in the middle of a meal, or you can even serve it as a dessert. 

Ingredients

2 c. water (use the drained pineapple juice and water)
1 c. uncooked white rice
1/3 c. sugar (more or less depending on how sweet you want it to be)
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 (15 oz) cans crushed pineapple, drained
6 maraschino cherries, cut into small pieces
1 c. miniature marshmallows
1 c. whipped cream topping

Directions

In a sauce pan, pour the pineapple juice into a measuring cup.  Add enough water to make 2 cups.  Bring the liquid to a boil, then add the rice.  Stir. Bring the liquid to a boil, and cover the pot with a lid.  Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

Fluff the rice and place in a bowl.  Set aside to cool

When the rice is cool, add the sugar, vanilla, crushed pineapple, maraschino cherries and miniature marshmallows.

Gently fold in the whipped cream topping. 

Cover and chill until ready to serve.

Notes:

Sometimes I will add half a package or a whole package of instant vanilla pudding into the mix while adding the crushed pineapple. This gives it more flavor.

Creamy Italian Salad Dressing

Rising food prices and food choices are low.  In fact, some store shelves are completely empty of certain items. Maybe it is time to get back to basics. Start making some of the usual store bought processed food, at home, where you control the seasonings and everything that goes in.

Italian Salad dressing is one of those items you can make up at home. Chances are, once you start making your own salad dressing, you won't want to go back to the store bought bottled dressing.

Directions

1/2 c. olive oil
1/3 c. sour cream
3 Tbs. mayonnaise
3 Tbs.  Parmesan, freshly grated is best
2 Tbs. red wine vinegar
2 Tbs. white wine vinegar
1 tsp. prepared mustard
1 tsp. honey or sugar
3/4 tsp. garlic salt
3/4 tsp. dried parsley
3/4 tsp. dried basil
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/8 tsp. dried oregano
Pinch of red pepper flakes
Black pepper, to taste

Directions

In a blender, add the olive oil, sour cream, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, red wine vinegar, whiter wine vinegar, prepared mustard, honey, garlic salt, parsley, basil, onion powder, oregano, red pepper flakes and black pepper to taste. Blend thoroughly. Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary.

Pour into a large jar with a tight-fitting lid and place in the refrigerator. 

Shake well before using.

Garlic Chicken Marango 

At the moment, chicken is hard to find, and the price has gone up. If you have extra chicken in the freezer, this is a quick and easy recipe to serve for your family. Mushrooms, tomato sauce, and garlic gives this dish flavor and sets this meal apart.

Ingredients

2.5 to 3 lb. fryer, cut up
1/4 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 Tbs. oil
1/2 c. hot water
1 beef bouillon cube
13 cloves garlic, crushed
1 (4 oz.) can mushrooms, undrained
2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce

Directions

In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, and pepper.

Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture.

In a heavy cast iron skillet, heat the oil. Brown chicken in the hot oil, turning to brown all sides.

Pour in the hot water, bouillon cube, garlic, mushrooms, and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, or until chicken is and tender and the internal temperature registers 165°.

Serve over a bed of chicken flavored rice. Add a tossed green salad and some bread sticks, and you have a complete meal.

Mock Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Is it a pizza or a casserole? It's both. Instead of using the traditional pizza crust, this pizza uses noodles instead. It has all the flavors of a traditional pizza, but not all the time it takes to make the crust. 

You can use your favorite pizza toppings to make it the flavors that your family likes best. 

Ingredients

8 oz. egg noodles or choose your favorite shape pasta
1 lb. ground beef or spicy sausage or a combination of both
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1  (16 oz.) jar pizza sauce or spaghetti sauce
1 (10 oz.) can diced tomatoes and green chilies
1 (4 oz.) can mushroom stems and pieces drained
1 c. mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 c. cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 c. Parmesan cheese
Pepperoni slices

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.

In a large pot, cook noodles according to package directions. Drain.

In a heavy cast iron skillet, cook the ground beef and/or sausage, onion and garlic over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain.

Add spaghetti sauce and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Stir in the noodles.

Place in prepared baking pan or dish. Top with mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese and pepperoni.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until heated through and cheeses have melted. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Serves 4.

You can double this recipe if you are feeding a large family.

Applesauce Spice Bars With Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting

We have a lot of applesauce that we canned ourselves. This is one of our favorite ways to make a delicious dessert and use up some of that applesauce. We hope you enjoy making and eating this cake as much as we do!

Ingredients

1 egg
2/3 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. butter, softened
1 c. applesauce
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. allspice
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. soda
1 c. flour

Cream Cheese Icing Ingredients

1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/4 c. softened butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
2 c. powdered sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease an 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Set aside.

In a large bowl, beat egg, brown sugar and butter until smooth. 

Mix in the applesauce.

Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, salt, and baking soda.  

Add the flour, mixing until well blended.

Spread the batter in the prepared pan. Bake 30 to 40 minutes.

When cool, frost with Cream Cheese Icing

Combine cream cheese, butter, and vanilla in a medium bowl. Mix until creamy. 

Mix in the vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice.  

Gradually add in the powdered sugar, beating until fluffy and fully combined.  

Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake. Slice and serve.

Notes

If the frosting is too thick to spread on the cake, add a little bit of milk, about a teaspoon at a time, to thin it.  

If the frosting is too thin, then add more powdered sugar. Only add a little bit at a time until you get the right consistency.

Spicy Sausage Casserole

Sausage Casserole is a quick and easy dish to make.  Ii is perfect for those days when you don't have time to cook, or you just don't want to make a meal. With a few simple ingredients.  This is a recipe that my mother used to make, and the entire family loved it.

Ingredients

1 envelope dry onion soup mix
1 c. uncooked rice
2 c. water
1/2 tsp. salt
2 lbs. bulk sausage, we use hot, spicy sausage
1 green pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
4 to 6 ribs celery, chopped fine

Directions

In a large pot, mix onion soup mix, rice, and water together. Cook according to the rice package directions until rice is tender and water is absorbed. You may need to add more (hot) water if the rice needs a longer cooking time.

In a heavy cast iron skillet, combine sausage, green pepper, onion, and celery. Crumble up the sausage into small pieces. Stir and fry until the sausage is cooked, and the vegetables are tender. Drain off excess grease.

Add the rice to the meat and mix in.  You can leave the meal in the cast iron skillet if it is ovenproof, or you can transfer the meat and rice to a casserole dish. 

Bake at 350° for 30 minutes.

Easy Garlic Cheese Biscuits

This is a quick and easy meal idea if you don't have much time to prepare a meal. Garlic Cheese Biscuits are perfect as a side dish, or if you make gravy and add some meat, it can be served as a main meal.
 

Ingredients

2 c. flour
2 Tbsp. chives (optional)
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. garlic powder
2 Tbsp. chives (optional)
3/4 c. cheddar cheese, grated finely (more or less to taste)
4 Tbsp. cold butter
1 cup milk *

Topping

3 Tbs. butter melted
1 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley
1 /2 tsp. garlic powder

Directions

Mix flour, chives, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and cheddar cheese in a bowl. 

Cut in butter with a pastry blender or fork until it resembles cornmeal.  Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.

Pour the milk into the well that you made in the flour.  Stir just enough to combine ingredients. Do not over stir.

Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 425° to 450° for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Makes 10 biscuits. 

While the biscuits are baking, make the topping.

Combine the melted butter, parsley, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Mix together and brush over the tops of the hot biscuits. 

Notes: 

You can use sour milk or buttermilk in place of the whole milk.

You could add bits of bacon or pepperoni to this recipe, too.

Better yet, make some gravy and pour that over the biscuits for a super yummy meal.

 

Macaroni Salad

Macaroni salad is a quick and easy classic recipe that you can make ahead of time. You can use any kind of macaroni pasta shape that you like best. Add some delicious vegetables into the mix, then mix in some homemade salad dressing over the top for a flavorful side dish. 

Ingredients

8 oz macaroni, uncooked
1 tsp. olive oil
1 sweet bell pepper, chopped
2 stalks celery, sliced thin
1 onion, diced fine
1/4 c. sweet gherkins, finely diced (Optional)
2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and diced fine (optional)
1/2 c. sweet peas

Salad Dressing

3/4 c. mayonnaise
1/4 c. sour cream
2 Tbs. sweet pickle juice
1 Tbs. vinegar
1 Tbs. sugar
2 tsp. prepared mustard
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 to 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper (optional)

Fill a pot with water and bring to a boil.  Add macaroni and cook according to package directions. Drain. Place the macaroni in a bowl and add olive oil.  Gently stir the macaroni to distribute the olive oil evenly.

Add the sweet bell pepper, celery, onion, sweet gherkins, eggs and peas. Stir to combine.  Set aside to prepare the dressing.

In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, sweet pickle juice, vinegar, sugar, prepared mustard, salt pepper, garlic powder and crushed red pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.   

Pour the dressing over the macaroni and vegetables. Stir to combine. 

Chill in the refrigerator for one hour before serving, if possible. It gives the ingredients a chance to blend together for a better flavor.

Creamy Garlic Salad Dressing

Creamy Garlic Salad Dressing

This salad dressing is so quick and easy to put together. It has a great garlic taste and is perfect to pour over salads or to use as a vegetable dip. 

Ingredients 

1 c. sour cream
1/2 c. mayonnaise
1/3 c. whole milk
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. vinegar
1 tsp. ground mustard powder
1/2 to 1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 green onions, chopped fine
4 cloves garlic, minced

Directions

In a bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, lemon juice, vinegar, ground mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk thoroughly to blend the ingredients together.

Stir in the onions, and garlic.

Pour into a mason jar, or a used, clean salad dressing container. Cover with a tight-fitting lid.

Refrigerate for 1 hour or longer for the flavors to have a chance to blend together.

Shake the jar to mix the contents before pouring over salads, or using as a dip for vegetables. 

Notes

If the dressing seems too thick, pour in a little more milk, like a couple of teaspoons at a time.

If your dressing needs more sugar, garlic, lemon juice or other seasonings, only add about a 1/4 teaspoon at a time. You can always add more, but it is next to impossible to remove some after you have it mixed in.

Beef and Gravy

What could be better than beef served with gravy and mashed potatoes. This is comfort food! The recipe is so simple to make, and so delicious, that your family will request it often.

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs. beef roast, trim off fat, cut meat into 1-inch pieces
1 tsp. brown sugar
1/2 to 1tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper

Gravy

1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 Tbs. butter
2 c. beef broth
1/4 tsp. dried thyme
1 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. dried rosemary
1 beef bouillon cube
1/4 c. cold water
3 Tbs. flour

Direction

Place the cut up meat in a bowl.  

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, paprika, chili powder, and pepper. Mix the spices together. 

Sprinkle the spices over the meat.  Mix the meat to ensure the spices are distributed evenly.

Sprinkle the flour over the meat. Toss until well coated. 

In a large cast iron skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. 

Working in batches, add the meat.  Cook the meat for a couple of minutes on each side until all sides are browned. Place the meat on a platter.  Repeat the process until all the meat is browned.

Melt the butter in the skillet.  Sauté onions and cook for a couple of minutes until they are translucent.  Add the garlic and cook another minute.

Pour in beef broth.  Add the Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, and beef bouillon cube.  Bring to a boil. 

In a cup, combine water and flour. Stir until well blended.  Slowly pour this into the gravy, whisking all the while.  Cook and stir until the mixture thickens. 

Reduce the heat down to a simmer.  Add the meat back into the skillet.  Simmer for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.