Christmas Sugar Cookies

These are by far the moistest sugar cookies I've ever tried and the hint of peppermint in the frosting just screams Christmas!

Cookies:
1c. butter, softened
2c. sugar
2 eggs
1c. sour cream
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp. soda
4 tsp. baking powder
4 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt

*Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time. Add sour cream and vanilla. Add all dry ingredients. Bake at 350 for 15-18 minutes.

Frosting:
1 cube softened butter
3/4 bag of powdered sugar
4 TBS milk
1 tsp mint extract

*Whip butter until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar and milk. Add mint extract.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

For those of you that have ever eaten at The New Hong Kong here in town and have tried their sweet n sour chicken, you must make this!! It tastes the same. It's really good paired up with Aunt Pat's Fried Rice {recipe below}.

3 lb. chicken breasts
1 tsp. garlic slat
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1 beaten egg
6 TBSP. flour
3/4 c. sugar
3 TBSP. vinegar
1/2 c. chicken broth
3 1/2 TBSP. ketchup
1 TBSP. soy sauce
*Sprinkle chicken with garlic salt and pepper. Let stand for 1 hr or more. Preheat oven to 325. Dip chicken in egg and then in flour. Brown in hot oil. Place in baking dish.
Cover with following sauce: Mix sugar, vinegar, chicken broth, ketchup, and soy sauce in saucepan and heat. Pour over chicken. Bake uncovered for 1 hr. Turn chicken once. Makes 6 servings.
* I like to reserve a little sauce for dipping afterwards:)

Aunt Pat's Fried Rice
3 TBSP. vegetable oil
4 c. cooked rice
1 c. diced ham {or shrimp, chicken, etc.}
1 c. green peas
1/2 c. chopped green onion
4 eggs-broken, fired and chopped up
2 TBSP. soy sauce
salt to taste
*Heat oil in wok or skillet until it sizzles. Add rice and slat stirring constantly so rice doesn't stick. When rice is thoroughly heated add ham, peas, egg slivers, and soy sauce. Stir well. Toss in green onions, mix and serve.

Lush Pie

This is so yummy made with chocolate pudding or pistachio pudding.

Crust:
1 c. flour
1 cube butter, melted
1 c. finely chopped nuts {i always omit these since the hubs doesn't like them}
Mix together and press into bottom of 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Cool.

Cream cheese layer:
8 oz. softened cream cheese
1 c. powdered sugar
1 c. Cool Whip
Mix and spread over prepared crust.

Pudding:
2 small pkgs instant pudding
3 c. cold milk
Beat for 2 minutes and spread over cream cheese layer. Top with Cool Whip. Refigerate before serving.

Soup Natzi Baked Potato Soup

This soup is oh so good and filling! I usually serve mine with rolls.



1 lg. onion, chopped
4TBSP. butter
4TBSP. flour
1 qt. milk
1/2lb. bacon, cooked & crumbled
5 baked potatoes, chopped

*Cook onion slowly in butter until caramelized. Add flour and stir until lightly browned. Add milk slowly, stirring constantly until smooth and thick. Add bacon, potatoes. Heat thru. Add a shot of Tobasco. Salt and pepper to taste. Serves six.

Banana Bread

I've had this recipe since I got married 8 years ago. It was my husband's great grandma Adams recipe. I tried it a couple months ago when I was at my fabulous sister's house and decided to make it faithfully from there on out. It is so moist and delicious.

*Mix together*
2 c. sugar
1 c. shortening

*Then add*
2 eggs
5-6 ripe bananas{if your bananas are going brown and you don't have time to make banana bread for a while, just throw them in the freezer until you do!}

*After you've mixed above ingredients add*
4 little cups of flour
dash of salt
1 heaping tsp baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. vanilla

*Mix well and bake for 1 hour at 350. Makes two loaves.

White Chili w/Chicken

{This recipe is courtesy of Whats Really For Dinner}

3 T olive oil
1 large diced onion
2 tsp chili powder
1 1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
2 cloves minced garlic
2 cans white kidney/navy beans, drained and rinsed
3 cups cooked, diced chicken
1 C frozen corn
1 can diced green chilies
2 C chicken broth
1/4 tsp salt
2 T softened butter
1 1/2 T flour
Pepper
3-4 T half-and-half (optional)
Grated cheddar or monterey jack

Warm oil in large, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and saute, stirring constantly until cooked through. Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, and garlic and saute another minute. Stir in chicken, beans, corn, chilies, broth, and salt. Bring to gentle simmer and simmer, partially covered, for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in small bowl, combine butter and flour until creamy. Add flour mixture to chili and stir until thickens, about a minute. Add more salt and pepper to taste.
If broth to thick, add more chicken broth, if too thin add half and half to thicken.
Serve chili topped with grated cheese.

I served this with cornbread that I made from a box:)

Chocolate Chip Banana Pudding Cookies

These cookies are so chewy gooey and yummo!!

1 small box banana pudding
2 1/4 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
1 c. butter, softened
2 TBSP. hershey's chocolate syrup
3/4 c. sugar
3/4 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
milk chocolate chips
*Preheat oven to 375
*Combine dry ingredients in small bowl. Beat butter, sugars, syrup, and vanilla in seperate bowl. Add eggs one at a time beating well after each. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Drop by TBSP onto parchment lined {or ungreased} baking sheets. Bake 9-11 minutes.
*They won't look like they're done when you pull them out, but they'll continue cooking out of the oven.
*Cool on wire cooking racks.

Donna's Sloppy Joes

Not a single person in my house would touch a sloppy joe until my friend Donna brought these over. They are DEELISH!! I usually freeze my leftover meat for those busy nights when I don't have enough time to get dinner made so I can just pop it out of the freezer and serve on buns or slices of bread.

1 lb. ground beef, cooked
1 c. ketchup
1/4 c. water
2 TBSP. brown sugar
2 tsp. worcestershire sauce {why couldn't they shorten that name?}
2 tsp. prepared mustard
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. salt
4 hamburger buns, split {you'll only want to split your buns because this is a hearty sandwich and you get full off a half}
cheese slices

* Stir ketchup, beef, water, br. sugar, worcestershire, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve on buns. Broil with cheese for 3 minutes.

White Chocolate Popcorn

This is so yummy and perfect for a movie snack, neighbor gift, or you can just have the whole thing for yourself!
First you'll need 2 bags of popped popcorn...

Some baking white chocolate. Melt according to package directions and drizzle over popcorn. {I used the whole box}

And M&M's, which are totally optional. I usually use 1/2 a bag...

Now STUFF YOUR FACE!!!

Never Fail Yeast Rolls

Super yummy and super easy!! {Sorry no pics}
1 1/2 c. warm water
1 pkg. yeast
1 box white or yellow cake mix
3 1/4 c. flour
1/2 tsp salt
butter, melted
*Dissolve yeast in water in a mixing bowl. Add flour, cake mix, and salt. Mix ingredients together {do not knead.} Put dough in a greased bowl and cover and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled.
*Punch down dough and divide in half. Roll each half on floured surface to a 12 in. circle and cut into 12 wedges. Roll wedges into crescent rolls and place on greased baking sheet.
*Baste with melted butter and cover and let rise until doubled. Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes or until golden.

Breakfast Pizza

This is super yummy and we actually have it for dinner:) It would be easy to assemble the night before and pop it in the oven for a warm delish breakfast!
1 can refrigerated crescent rolls
1/4 lb. bulk pork sausage
1/2 c. frozen has brown potatoes, thawed
2 tbsp diced red pepper
2 tbsp diced yellow pepper
1/2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
2 eggs
2 tbsp milk
1/8 tsp pepper
1 tbsp shredded parmesan cheese

*Separate crescent dough into four triangles; arrange in lightly greased casserole dish. Press onto the bottom of pan, building up edges slightly, seal perforations.

*In a small skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain.

*Sprinkle over crust. Top with potatoes, peppers and cheese. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and pepper. Pour over pizza; sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

*Bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes or until eggs are completely set and top is golden brown.

Reese's Pieces Cookies

These cookies are my absolute FAVORITE!! I use the mini Reese's pieces for baking, but sometimes I'll substitute them for chopped Andes mints. Both versions are delish!
Let's get started:
3/4 c. butter
1/2 c. shortening
2 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
2 c. flour
3/4 c. cocoa
1 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 bag Reese's pieces for baking
*Cream butter, shortening, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat well. Combine cocoa, flour, soda, salt. Stir in Reese's. Drop by tsp. onto ungreased cookie sheet{I always use parchment paper for a no mess clean up} Bake at 350 for 9-10 minutes. They will flatten as they cool.

BBQ Chicken Pizza

I came across this awesome cookbook while visiting my fabulous in laws in K-Ville. My sister actually knows the lady that wrote it and we took a little cooking class at her home. This pizza will not last 60 seconds in your house. I couldn't even get a final picture of it when I was done because my hubby already started digging in!! Here's what you'll need:
2 cups cubed cooked chicken{my chicken isn't quite cubed yet}

2TBS. olive oil
1c. BBQ sauce
1 small can crushed pineapple
2 c. mozza cheese
1/2 c. red pepper
1/2 c. sun dried tomatoes
1/2 c. red onion slices
pre baked pizza crust

*Add BBQ sauce and pineapple juice from crushed pineapple to cubed chicken in skillet and heat through.

Spread on pre-baked pizza crust

Sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese, remaining toppings, then remaining cheese.Bake 15 minutes at 425.

Grilled Chicken

This marinade recipe was from my husband's Fabulous Aunt Pat.
Here's what you'll need:
1 c. soy sauce
1 c. 7up
1/2 c. oil
1/8 tsp. horseradish sauce
*Add ingredients to a large Ziploc bag and add meat. Marinate for a few hours then throw meat on the grill until done. Serve with my recipe for Potato Salad and you have a delish summer dish!

Pizza Divine

Ok. So sorry I don't have pics. I'll get better. Here's a delish and super easy pizza to make that I learned at a cooking class.
Ingredients:
Italian pizza round
Onion dip{I like the Lipton brand that mixes w/sour cream}
Toppings
Mozzarella cheese
*Preheat oven according to pizza round instructions. Spread onion dip. Add toppings and sprinkle w/cheese. Bake until cheese is bubbling and starting to brown.

Super Easy Boneless Ribs

Looking for a super easy dinner? All you need is 4 ingredients and a crock pot! Let's get started...

What you'll need:
Boneless Pork Ribs
BBQ Sauce
Few splashes of Worcestershire Sauce
Brown sugar

*Dump first three ingredients in the crock pot, sprinkle brown sugar on top, and set on low for about 7 hours. Tah Dah!! There you have it! Melt in your mouth super yummo ribs:)

*Leftovers for the next night can be shredded, place on tortilla, and add black beans, corn, sour cream, and cheese for sweet pork burritos!!

Creamy Egg Salad

Do you have left over hard boiled Easter eggs? Here's a super tasty recipe to use them in.
Creamy Egg Salad:
2 pkgs 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. mayonnaise
1 tsp ground mustard
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
8 hard boiled eggs, chopped
1 medium onion
Croissants
*In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, mayo, mustard, paprika and salt. Stir in eggs and onion. Serve on Croissants with lettuce if desired.

Succulent Baby Back Ribs

Use only baby backs because spareribs don't have as much meat and will cook to death!!

*Put ribs on a rack in a broiler pan{make sure you tin foil the bottom and spray the pan with cooking spray}. Cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour at 350.

*Drain the grease and put ribs on greased cookie sheet. Baste with Rib Sauce{Below} and cover with tin foil.



*Turn oven down to 325 and coat both sides with Rib Sauce. Cook for 1 hour, turning over at 30 minutes.
*Turn oven down again to 300. Re-baste, drizzle with honey and cook for 1 hour more. Turning over at 30 minutes again.
*I like to baste my ribs more than this recipe calls for, but it's totally personal preference.

RIB SAUCE:
2 c. ketchup
2 c. bbq sauce
1/4 c. vinegar
1/4 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. molasses
1 tsp. chili powder
dash of garlic salt
salt and pepper to taste
1 TBSP worchester sauce
1 tsp. dry mustard
1/2 c. water
1/2 c. onion chopped, sauteed
dash cayenne pepper

Best Brownies

*Mix together*
3 cubes softened butter
3 c. sugar
1/2 c. cocoa
*Add & Stir In*
6 eggs
*Add Remaining Ingredients*
2 1/4 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla
*Bake on greased cookie sheet @ 350 for 25 minutes.

Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

* 1 tablespoon canola oil
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (14-ounce) can low-sodium tomato sauce
* 1/4 cup tomato paste
* 1/2 cup water
* 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
* 5 tablespoons molasses
* 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
* 1 whole rotisserie chicken, skin removed, meat shredded into thin strips (about 4 to 4 1/2 cups)
* 6 whole-wheat hamburger rolls
* 6 large green lettuce leaves

Directions

Heat the oil in a large saute pan over a medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, vinegar, molasses, pepper and liquid smoke and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes. Add chopped chicken, return to a simmer, and cook an additional 10 minutes.

Split rolls. Place a leaf of lettuce on each roll, then pile on 3/4 cup of the chicken mixture onto the roll.

Amish Friendship Bread

If you are starting the bread yourself combine 1 cup milk, 1 cup flour, and 1 cup sugar in a zip-top bag and squeeze it together until mixed in. This is day 1. Continue with the rest of normal instructions.
Note: Do not refrigerate the starter. Keep it at room temperature.

Amish Friendship Bread

Day 1: Receive starter from a friend.
Day 2-5: Mush closed bag twice a day.
Day 6: Add 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup milk. Mush bag.
Day 7-9: Mush bag and release air twice a day.
Day 10: Add 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup milk. This is the day you make your bread.

First measure three 1 cup starters and put them in three separate bags. Save one for yourself and give the other two to friends.

Pour remaining batter into a large bowl and add the following ingredients:
1 cup oil
2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 large box instant vanilla pudding

Mix ingredients well. In a bowl, mix together 1 tsp. cinnamon and 1/2 cup sugar. Grease two loaf pans. Pour batter into loaf pans, and sprinkle top with cinnamon-sugar mixture. Bake at 35o degrees for 40-50 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans. This does really well in the freezer.

Easy Chicken and Dumplings

1 whole store-bought roast chicken (about 2 pounds)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 container (7 ounces) chopped onions
6 cans (14 ounces) low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
1 container (14 ounces) pre-cut carrot sticks, chopped
1 container (14 ounces) pre-cut celery sticks, chopped
1 roll (16.3 ounces) golden buttermilk biscuit dough
1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed chicken gravy
Directions

Remove skin from chicken and shred meat into large pieces. Set aside.

In a small frying pan, add vegetable oil and heat over medium heat. When oil is hot, add chopped onions and saute until soft.

In a large pot or Dutch oven, add broth, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, carrots, celery, and sauteed onions. Bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer for about 10 minutes to soften vegetables, and then add shredded chicken. Continue to simmer while making dumplings.

While stew is simmering, prepare dumplings. Open can and remove biscuits. On a lightly floured surface, roll each biscuit to 1/4-inch thick. With a knife, cut each biscuit into 4 pie-pieces. Set aside.

Skim surface for any scum that has risen to top. Stir in chicken gravy.

With the stew still simmering over low heat, stir in dumplings a few at a time. Once all dumplings are in to pot, cover with a tight fitting lid and cook for 10 minutes.

Ladle into bowls and serve piping hot.

O'Henry Bars

1 c. sugar
1 c. karo syrup
1 c. peanut butter
1 c. slated peanuts
3 c. rice krispies
*Heat sugar and Karo until dissolved. Add 1 c. peanut butter and stir. Add 1 c. salted nuts and 3 cups rice krispies. Put in 9x13 inch greased pan. Sprinkle with chocolate chips.{They melt so you can spread them.} You can also use almond bark.

Rainbow Pasta Salad

16-oz. pkg. rainbow rotini, uncooked
6-oz. can black olives, drained and sliced
1 green pepper, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
1 cucumber, chopped
1 c. pepperoni, sliced and quartered
16-oz. bottle Italian dressing, divided
*Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. Mix together pasta and all ingredients except dressing in a large bowl. Por half the dressing over the top; toss to coat. Chill. Stir in remaining dressing at serving time.

Chicken Pesto Pizza

1 italian prebaked bread round
parmesan
2 cooked, diced, chicken breasts
1 jar pesto sauce
2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 red onion, sliced
1/2 jar sun dried tomatoes
*preheat oven to 425 degrees. Butter crust and sprinkle with parmesan. Add pesto, chicken, onions, tomatoes, and cheese. Bake for 15 minutes or until cheese starts to bubble and brown.