2021
MARCH
IRISH SODA BREAD (3/12/21) Ingredients: 4-cups all purpose flour plus more for dusting the work surface; ¼-cup granulated sugar; 1-teaspoon baking soda; 1-teaspoon salt; 1 ¼-cups dried currants or raisins; 6-tablespoons butter cold, cut into small pieces; 1 3/4-cups buttermilk (can use milk with 1-tablespoon plus 1-1/2-teaspoons white vinegar or lemon juice); 1 egg; cooking spray. Instructions: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Using parchment paper, coat a round pan or cookie sheet with cooking spray. Directions: Place the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt in a bowl. Stir to combine. Add the butter to the bowl, and use a pastry blender or two knives to cut the butter into the flour mixture until coarse crumbs form. Stir the raisins into the flour mixture. Add the buttermilk and egg to the flour mixture and stir until a stiff dough forms. Place the dough on a well floured flat surface. Coat your hands in flour and knead the dough 8 to 10 times. Shape the dough into a ball. The dough will be sticky. Transfer the ball of dough to the prepared pan. Use a sharp knife to cut an X into the top of the loaf. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes, then slice and serve
Caramel Apple Dip ( 3/11/21) INGREDIENTS: 1 (8-oz.) block cream cheese, softened, 1/2 c. sour cream, 1/2 c. powdered sugar, 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract, 1/2 c.jarred caramel, plus more for topping. 1/4 c. crumbled graham crackers, 2 tbsp . butter, melted, 2 tbsp. granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, Apples, thinly sliced, for serving. DIRECTIONS: In a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat together cream cheese, sour cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and caramel until fluffy. Transfer to a serving bowl. In a small bowl, stir together graham crackers, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Sprinkle over cheesecake mixture. Drizzle more caramel sauce on top if desired, and serve with sliced apples.
FEBRUARY
Caramel Apple Bars (2/22/21) Preheat oven to 400 degrees Ina large bowl cream 1/2 cup butter, 1/4 cup shortening, and 1 cup packed brown sugar until light and fluffy, add 1 and 3/4 cup flour 1 cup flour, 1 cup old fashioned or quick cooking oats, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 cup chopped pecans, (optional ) set aside 2 cups and press the remaining oat mixture into an ungreased 13 by 9 baking pan. For filling:
toss 4-1/2 cups of coarsely chopped, peeled tart apples with 3 tablespoons flour and spoon over the crust. Melt 11 oz. package of caramels with 3 Tablespoons butter and drizzle over apples. Top with the reserved oat mixture and Bake until topping is lightly browned 25-30 minutes. Cool before slicing.
​
Hot Cider (2/19/21) in a large stockpot, combine 4 cups water, 2 teaspoons ground allspice, 1 cinnamon stick and dash ground cloves. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, simmer, uncovered for 30 minutes. Add: 1 gallon apple cider or unsweetened apple juice, One 12oz. can froze lemonade, concentrate, thawed, 3/4 cup orange juice, 1/3 honey, 1 tea bag, and return to a boil. Discard cinnamon stick and tea bag. Stir and serve warm.
Pineapple Sweet Potatoes (2/2/2021) Wrap two small sweet potatoes in foil and bake at 400 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes or until tender. Let stand until cool enough to handle and cut a strip off the top of each potato. Scoop out the pulp. Leaving a thin shell. In a small bowl, mash the pulp, add 1/2 cup canned crushed pineapple, 4-1/2 teaspoons brown sugar, 1 Tablespoon butter and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Stir in 1 Tablespoon dried cranberries, and 1 Tablespoon chopped pecans. Place on baking sheet, Bake at 400 degrees for 8-12 minutes or till heated through.
French Onion Pan Rolls (2/1/2021) Divide 2 loves frozen bread dough, thawed, into 20 portions and shape each into a ball. In a shallow bowl, combine 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1 Envelope onion soup mix. Place 1/2 cup butter, melted in another shallow bowl. Roll each ball in melted butter, then in the cheese mixture. Arrange in a greased 13 by 9 baking dish. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Remove from dish to wire rack. Serve w arm.
JANUARY
Parmesan Chicken with Mushroom Wild Rice (1/29/2021) Sauté 1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, 1 Tablespoon canola oil in a large skillet until tender. Meanwhile, combine the 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup mayonnaise and 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning in a small bowl and set mixture aside. Place 2 packages (10 oz. each frozen brown and wild rice with broccoli and carrots in a greased 9 by 13 baking dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top with mushrooms and 6 boneless skinless chicken. Spread cheese mixture over chicken. Bake, uncovered at 325 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes until a thermometer reads 170 degrees.
Turkey or Chicken with Cranberry Sauce (1/28/21) Place 2 boneless , skinless Turkey or chicken breasts in a 5 qt. slow cooker. In a small bowl, combine: 1 can jellied cranberry sauce, 1/2 cup water and 1 envelope onion soup mix. Pour over turkey. Cover and cook on low 4-6 hours or till meat is tender… Remove turkey and keep warm. Combine 2 Tablespoons water and 2 Tablespoons cornstarch. Until smooth. Bring cranberry mixture to a boil, gradually stir in cornstarch mixture. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve sauce with turkey.
Lemon Bread (1/27/2021) Combine 1 package lemon cake mix (dry) and pkg lemon instant pudding (dry) 4 eggs, 2 cup water, 1/2 cup salad oil 3 teaspoon poppy seed. Bake 30-35 minutes for small loaves or 45-50 minutes for 2 large loves at 350 degrees.
Taco Burgers (1/26/2021) in a large bowl combine 1 cup finely crushed corn chips, 1 envelope taco seasoning, 1 Tablespoon dried minced onion and 1 egg. Crumble 1-1/2 pounds ground beef over the mixture and mix well. Shape into six patties. Grill, covered over medium heat or broil in 4 inch from the heat for 7-8 minutes on each side or till a thermometer reads 160 degrees. Top each burger with a cheese slice and heat just until the cheese begins to melt. Serve on buns with lettuce and either tomato slices or salsa.
Hot Dog Casserole (1/25/2021) in a saucepan melt 3 Tablespoons butter. Stir in 2 Tablespoons flour and 1 teaspoon salt and mix till smooth. Gradually add 1-1/2 cups milk and bring to a boil and cook and stir 2 minutes until thick and bubbly. In a greased baking dish, layer one half of 5 medium potatoes , thinly sliced, one half of a pound of hot dogs , halves and cut into 1/2 slices and 1/2 of a medium onion chopped. Repeat layers with the potatoes on top. Pour the white sauce over all. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Uncover and sprinkle with 1/3 cup shredded cheese Bake 10-15 minutes till potatoes are tender.
Cheese Crisps1/21/2021) Mix together 1 stick margarine and 1 cup flour with hands until blended. Add 1 cup cheddar cheese and then 1 cup crisp cereal. Roll into balls about 3/4 inch. Place on cookie sheet. Flatten with a fork and bake 13-15 minutes minutes at 350 degrees.
Creamy SPAM and Potato Casserole (1/20/2021) Heat oven to 375 degrees. Spray an 8 inch square glass baking dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl Mix: 4 cups of frozen hash brown O’ Brien potatoes (with onions and peppers)1-1/2 cups cubed SPAM or ham, 1 cup shredded Colby- Monterey or other cheese of your choice, 1 can cream of chicken soup and 1/2 cup sour cream. Spoon into a baking dish and bake at 375 degrees for 50 -55 minutes or till bubbly and hot. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Snow Paint (1/19/2021) Get an ice cream bucket and fill half way with hot tap water. Add food color, the darker you want it the more food coloring. Stir. Let the kids dip paint brushes in the bucket and paint the snow
Wild Rice Salad (1/18/2021) Bring 4 cups water to boil in a quart Saucepan. Add 1 Add cup uncooked wild rice, rinsed, and boil, uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes. Drain and set aside. Let cool. Mix 2 cups salad dressing, 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt 1 teaspoon soy sauce, and dash of dill weed together. Mix wild rice and and 1 small onion , chopped, 1 cup chopped celery, 1 can water chestnuts, 1cup green grapes and 3 cups chicken cut into cubes together with the dressing
Best Steak Marinade (1/15/2021) Place 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup lemon juice 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce, 1- 1/2 Tablespoons garlic powder, 3 Tablespoons basil, 1-1/2 Tablespoons dried parsley flakes, 1 teaspoon white pepper, in a blender. Add 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (Optional) and 1 teaspoon dried minced garlic (optional). Blend on high for 30 seconds until thoroughly mixed. Pour marinade over desired meat. Cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Cook meat as desired.
Sour Cream Apple Squares (1/14/2021) Combine 2 cups flour, 2 cups brown sugar, and 1/2 cup butter or margarine and blend until crumbly. Stir in 1 cup chopped nuts. Measure 2-3/4 cups of this crumb mixture and press into 13 by 9 inch ungreased pa. To the remaining crumb mixture add: 1 or 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 egg. Blend well. Add 2 cups apples, finely chopped. Spoon evenly over crumb mixture. Bake at 350 degrees 25 to 35 minutes or till toothpick comes out clean.
Last Minute Chicken Dinner (1/13/2021) Heat 2 Tablespoons vegetable Oil in large frying pan over medium heat. Cook 4 thinly sliced potatoes, stirring frequently until crisp-tender. Stir in 1 pound boneless chicken breast strips cut into cubes and cook until no longer pink. Reduce heat to medium and stir in a can cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup milk, 1 onion, chopped and 1/ 4 teaspoon garlic powder. Arrange 2 cups frozen broccoli, carrots and cauliflower combination on top and sprinkle with 1/2 a spoon marjoram, 1/4 teaspoon basil. Cover and simmer over low heat until chicken is cooked and vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add 1/3 grated Parmesan cheese or cheese of your choice.
​
Filled Coffee Cakes (1/12/2021) Mix together 3 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 3/4 cups shortening, 3 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt. Combine 1 egg beaten, 2/3 cup milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla and add to the flour mixture. Press about 2/3 of this batter into a greased 9 by 12 inch pan. Spread with 1 can blueberry pie mix, (or can use any other pie mix)) Drop spoonful’s of the remaining on top. Spread with a spoon. It does not matter if it doesn’t cover completely or if some of the filling mixes with the topping. Bake about 25 to 30 minutes at 375 degrees.
Turkey Stuffing Casserole (1/11/2021) Combine 2 cups cooked chicken or turkey, 3 cups soft bread cubes, 3/8 cups butter, melted, 2 Tablespoons finely chopped onion, 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoons pepper. Arrange mixture in a 1 qt. casserole. Melt 2 Tablespoons butter and blend in 2 Tablespoons flour. Add 2 cups turkey stock or 2 cups Turkey stock or 1-1/2 cups of turkey stock and 1/2 cups sherry, stirring constantly until mixture boils and thickens. Pour over ingredients in casserole. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes.
Peanut Butter Dip (1/8/2021) Mix 1 cup peanut butter and 3/4 to 1 cup applesauce together until smooth. Stir in cinnamon if desired to taste. Serve with apple slices or spread on graham crackers and top with slices of bananas. Store in covered containers in refrigerator.
Frozen Cranberry Salad (1/7/21) Cool whip that will correspond with an equal amount of 2 packages Dream Whip or use the two packages of Dream whip if you can find it. Cream 8 oz. cream cheese and add to the Dream Whip, add 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise. Fold in 16 oz. can of the whole cranberry sauce and large can of strained can cranberry sauce, large can , well drained can of crushed pineapple , Blend well. Pour into 9 by 13 pan and freeze. Can be made ahead and frozen for several weeks.
Applesauce Raisin Muffins (1/6/2021) beat together: 1 large egg, 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil and 1-1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce. Add 2 cups flour, 3/4 teaspoon baking soda, 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and beat well. Stir in 3/4 cup raisins. Spoon batter into oiled or sprayed muffin tins and bake at 375 degrees at 20-25 minutes. Cool on wire rack.
Chocolate Bread Pudding (1/4/2021) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small microwave bowl melt 2 oz. Semisweet chocolate, stir until smooth. Stir in 1/2 cup half and half cream, set aside. In a large bowl whisk 2/3 sugar, 1/2 cup milk, 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir in chocolate mixture. Add 4 slices day old bread, crusts removed and cut into cubes, (about 3 cups) toss to coat. Let stand for 15 minutes. Spoon into 2 greased soufflé dishes. Bake until a knife inserted in the center comes clean 30-35 minutes. If you want you can sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar.