Bagel pizzas!

I love making bagel pizzas. They are awesome, because you can make them to your liking. I made a breakfast one for me, and a dinner one for the hubby. They are so easy!

Ingredients: This really just depends on what you like!
                  But for my breakfast one I used    eggs, scrambled
                                                                        cheese
                                                                         bacon (and I cheated and bought the already cooked and                
                                                                        crumbled kind)
                                                                        Bagels ( My favorite are the 'Everything' bagels.)

                    For the dinner ones I used     ground sausage, browned and drain grease
                                                                   pizza sauce (get the squeeze bottle kind...makes it easy!)
                                                                  onion, chopped
                                                                   pineapple tidbits
                                                                    shredded cheese

                                                                   

                                                               
Directions: So depending on what you are making,....just prepare the toppings. (Brown the meat if you are doing that, or scramble the eggs if you are making that...etc.....chop up anything you need, etc.)
   Then, just create your bagel pizza! If you're making a dinner one, put the sauce down first, then layer it up! If you're making a breakfast one, put a layer of cheese down first, then layer it up!
  Bake at 350 for about 6 minutes or until it looks melted. :)

Avocado Chicken Salad Sandwich

I am so behind on my posts....I found this one that I made for St. Patrick's Day! Woa....oh well! It's never too late! :) This sandwich is yummy and there is NO mayo in it, yay...healthy bonus!!

Ingredients: 1 avocado
                    1 large can of white chicken ( I mean...you can buy chicken breasts...and cut off the fat,...and boil it...and then wait forever to shred it because it's so freaking hot, and then shred it......ugh...just buy the can ;)
                    Purple grapes, halved
                    Pecans, halves
                    1 onion, chopped (optional)
                    Your favorite bread or tortillas

Ok, so drain the can of chicken and then put it in a large bowl. I always mash it up a bit with a fork. Then, just scrape out the avocado and mix with the chicken. Then, add all your extras...the onions if ya want them, the halved grapes, and pecans...tada! You are done! Put it on bread or in a tortilla as a wrap...yummy and healthy!

Peanut Butter Brownie Cupcakes

Ok, so I realize I can not compete with Pinterest.....but at least I can give my stamp of approval on the worthy ones! I have made SO many recipes from the ever so addicting pinterest, and they are not all good. THIS one however is definitely a keeper. They look so fancy too when you're done. Perfect for company or a party, etc.

Ingredients: Package of brownie mix (and whatever the box says you need too)
                   8 oz. cream cheese, softened
                   1/3 cup sugar
                   1 egg
                    1/4 cup peanut butter
                  1/2 tsp. vanilla
                   Whip cream
                   maraschino cherries

Directions: Preheat your oven to 350.
    Make the brownie mix as it says on the box. Pour into lined cupcake pan. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg, peanut butter and vanilla until blended well. Spoon a decent blob into the center of each brownie batter cup. Press down on it a bit to push it in the batter a little. Bake for about 30 minutes. Let them cool and then top with whip cream and a cherry! Yummy!

Easy Corn Casserole

Ok, so I haven't posted on here in forever! I feel like the last couple months have flown by! We just recently moved to a new house, and we are finally settling in. I don't even know what recipe to start with....but I'm keeping it simple and going with an extra easy one. :)
   This corn casserole is seriously SO easy and it goes well with many dishes. I usually like to make it with "mexican" dinners...like if I make tacos, or enchiladas. It would go good with chili too!

Ingredients: 2 eggs, beaten
                    1 can corn, don't drain
                    1 can cream corn, don't drain
                    1/4 cup butter (melted)
                    1 box jiffy cornbread mix
                     1 onion, chopped
                    *jalapeno, chopped *if you're feeling spicy

Directions:  So all you have to do is mix the beaten eggs with the cans of corn, then add the melted butter, jiffy mix, onions, and jalapeno (if you want them). Pour it in a greased 8x8 dish.
Bake at 375 for about 45 min. to up to an hour. SO EASY!

*I always sprinkle sea salt on top when it's done

Southwest Cornbread Salad

I got this recipe from a cookbook from my sister Lisa's work. All the employees put in a few of their favorite recipes and this one sounded good, so thanks Brenda! It's something different and would make a great side dish for the upcoming summer cookouts. :)

Ingredients: 16 oz. pkg mexican cornbread mix
                    1 oz. envelope ranch dressing mix
                    1 c. buttermilk
                     1 c. mayo
                     1 small head of lettuce, shredded
                    2 large tomatoes, chopped
                    1 (15 oz. ) can black beans (rinsed and drained)
                    1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
                   Red pepper, chopped
                    Pkg. of shredded cheese
                     Pkg. of bacon bits
                   1 onion, chopped

Directions: Prepare the cornbread according to directions on package. Cool and crumble. Set aside. Mix the ranch mix with the buttermilk and the mayo. Set aside. Layer a deep pan ( A 9x13 will work if you don't have anything deeper, but it will be filled to the tip top!) with half of the cornbread, lettuce, tomatoes, beans, corn, peppers, cheese, bacon bits, and onion. Spoon half of the dressing evenly over the top. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients and dressing. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours.

Servings: A Lot!

In The Pan

This recipe means a lot to me, because it's my grandma Howards. It reminds me of our visits to her in Missouri. I actually need to ask my cousins exactly who came up with this and named it....if I had to guess it would be my Uncle Jim. My Grandma and my Uncle are both in heaven right now, so this dish means a lot. Thanks Kelly for reminding me!
   Also, I know the picture looks like a pile of mush, and it's a little bit hillbilly....(I am not ashamed! :) But I am telling you those are the best dishes!!

Ingredients: 1 1/2 - 2 lbs. ground beef
                    4 slices bacon, uncooked
                     2-3 cans of vegetarian vegetable soup
                     1 onion, chopped
                    Potatoes (5 lb bag)
                    Cheese for the potatoes (optional) *
                    Ketchup (for dipping, of course!)

Ok, so first just spread the beef out into an ungreased 9x13 pan. Cook it at 325 for about 15-20 minutes or until it's cooked pretty much all the way through.
   While that is going, make your mashed potatoes. For people that don't know how to make potatoes.......cut the skin off the potatoes and chop them into chunks and boil them in water until soft. Then drain. Then, add about 1 stick of butter and a little milk until you get the right consistency while blending with a blender. Then, if you want add some cheese to it for cheesy potatoes. (If I have it in the house I do....if not I don't.) I actually had some onion and chive cream cheese I threw in there with some shredded cheese I had. Whatever you feel like.
      So after the meat is done, drain the grease from it and put 4 pieces of raw bacon on top. Then, put the cans of veggie soup, then the chopped onion, and finally the mashed potatoes. Bump the oven up to 350 and cook for about 15 minutes or so, or until the mashed potatoes get a little crisp at the peaks.
   When it's done make sure to take the bacon out. My family always gave the bacon to the dogs....a nice little treat! :) My Uncle even used to have a dog named MINDY, (true story) I always joke with my mom about that too, because the dog was there BEFORE me......(thanks for naming me after a dog mom! haha....she was a good dog!)

ENJOY! (Don't forget to dip in ketchup! )

SERVINGS: A FAMILY :)

Strawberry Zebra Popcorn Balls

I have been looking for a yummy popcorn ball recipe for a baby shower I'm throwing for my sister in law. I found a simple one on pinterest, and then of course changed some things to it. The theme to her baby shower is pink and zebra print, so that's what I was going for with the pink strawberry flavor and the drizzled chocolate and white chocolate on top is supposed to be for the zebra print. Use your imagination! :) These are soooo cute and you could use any flavor jell-o for any color for any occasion!
Warning: They are pretty sweet and chewy...but that's what popcorn balls are for!

Ingredients:  3 bags of popcorn ( I think I just got the regular butter kind)
                     1 cup light corn syrup
                   1/2 cup sugar
                     1 small box of jell-o (I got strawberry)
                  Almond Bark brand chocolate and white chocolate chunks
                    paper cupcake holder things

Directions: So in a pan, stir in the corn syrup and the sugar. Heat to boiling. (stir it pretty constantly) Once it reaches a boil, let it boil for one minute only, and then remove from stove and stir in the jell-o mix. Pop your bags of popcorn and then pour the mixture over it and stir it quickly to try and cover it evenly. It's easier to use your hands too, just be careful because it's kinda hot! Then, just form them into cute little balls. Butter your hands to prevent them from sticking all over you. Then, melt the chocolates in the microwave and drizzle on top! Place in the cupcake holders and you're done!

Servings: Depends on how big you make them...but I think mine made like 25.

Cheesy, Broccoli Tator Tot Casserole

Hello everyone! I haven't posted any recipes in a long time....gotta lot of catching up to do! This casserole is so easy and it usually goes over pretty well with kids. It even has mushroom soup in it...but they won't know! As a new parent I have come to learn the joy of hiding healthy foods into meals.

Ingredients: 1 lb. ground beef
                    1 can of cream of mushroom soup
                   Bag of tator tots
                   Fresh Broccoli, chopped
                   Package of shredded mozzarella cheese

   The cheese could have probably been melted a little bit more, but I was STARVING at the time and couldn't wait! :)

Directions:  So first just brown your meat and drain the grease. While you are doing that, boil the water for your broccoli and cook until tender. Then, drain it and set aside. Add the cream of mushroom soup to the meat. Lightly grease a 9x13 pan and pour the meat/soup mixture into the pan. Then, spread the cooked broccoli over it, then the next layer is the cheese. (only use 1/2 of the package)
  Then, just dump the whole package of tator tots on top. Bake at 375 for about 20 minutes. Then sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top and bake it an additonal 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted...or in my case...until you can't take it anymore and you just gotta eat!

Servings: It's so hard for me to figure the servings out because I think my family eats more than the average household! haha..we're hungry! but I would say like 4-6 people.

Stuffed Baked Potatoes

This was something I just randomly put together one day. It turned out really good. It's super easy, something different and pretty healthy too!

Ingredients: Potatoes (I only made 2...but it will make up to 4 or 5 I would say if you are using a whole pound of ground turkey.)
                  1 lb. of ground turkey (or ground chicken)
                  1 onion, chopped
                 Fresh broccoli, chopped (about 1 head's worth)
                 Red pepper, chopped
                  Shredded cheese
                 BBQ sauce
                *Foil

Directions: So first, call your mom and ask her what to preheat the oven to for baked potatoes. Haha! I put this, because no matter how many times I ever make baked potatoes I can NEVER remember what to bake them at. So, for documentation purposes, my mom says preheat oven to 425! (what would I do without her?!) Wrap your potatoes up good in foil and poke some holes in the top with a fork. *Sometimes you really gotta stab it pretty good through the foil to get through....also good for a little anger management, lol.* :)
     Then, cook those in the oven until they are soft....when you can squeeze the sides and feel it's soft...It usually takes a good 45 minutes.
    While the potatoes are baking, you can brown your meat, drain the grease and set aside.
Also, boil your chopped broccoli in water until soft, then drain the water and set aside.
 When the potatoes are done, just unwrap them from the foil, slice them in half and top with the meat, bbq sauce, onion, peppers, broccoli and shredded cheese.

*Serves about 4-5, but the great thing about these is you can do as many or as few as you want. :)
 
                 

BBQ Chicken Wraps with Crunchy Oriental Cole Slaw

Me and my husband actually came up with this idea one night when we were both really hungry. He wanted BBQ chicken and I actually wanted a salad....but this is what we came up with, and it was really good!

Ingredients: 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
                   Your favorite bbq sauce
                   Tortillas
                   
*For the slaw:   Package of coleslaw mix (16oz)
                         6-8 green onions, chopped
                          1/2 cup butter
                          1 head of broccoli, cut into pieces (cut most of the stem off too)
                           2 (3 oz.) packages chicken flavored ramen noodles
                         1 cup slivered almonds
                           1 cup unsalted sunflower seeds
                         1/2 cup sugar
                          1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
                         1/2  cup olive oil
                         1 tsp. soy sauce

               The cole slaw is really good by itself too! It would make a good side item :)

Directions: For the bbq chicken, just boil your chicken in water on the stove until done. Then, just shred it or cut it into pieces and pour bbq sauce on top.
   For the slaw:   Get a HUGE bowl and dump the coleslaw mix, chopped green onions and broccoli pieces in. Set aside.
    Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Crumble the ramen noodles into a bowl, and mix with the almonds and sunflower seeds. Sprinkle the seasoning packets that came with the noodles in there. Then, add it all to the skillet. Cook and stir until the noodles and nuts are toasted. (about 8 minutes)
   In a jar with a tight lid, combine the sugar, vinegar, olive oil, and soy sauce. Seal it and shake hard to blend together.
    Right before serving, combine the slaw mixture with the nuts and noodles. Pour the dressing over all, and stir briefly to coat.

* Get a tortilla, put some bbq chicken in it, and top with the coleslaw. yum!

*Serving size: For the actual meal as a wrap...it will make about 4-6 (since we only had 2-3 chicken breasts) but the coleslaw makes a TON!

Roasted Tomato, Spinach & Asiago Pasta with Chicken

I've had this recipe for years now and it's always good. I usually make it in the summer, and have my hubby make the chicken on the grill, but the kitchen skillet is just as good! :) Even though it's pasta, it's a light dish because it doesn't have thick sauces or anything like that.

Ingredients: 3 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
                   1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
                   2 T. olive oil
                   2 tsp. minced garlic
                   1 tsp. salt n' pepper
                   Bag of spinach leaves (I never use quite the whole bag)
                  1 pkg. of thin spaghetti (I always get the fiber wheat kind)
                  Block of asiago cheese (unless you can find it shredded....I never can)
                  Pine nuts
                  2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Directions: Preheat oven to 400. Cut the cherry tomatoes in halves and toss with the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and salt and pepper. Spread on a foil lined baking sheet. Roast for about 20-30 minutes or until shriveled and brown.
    While those are cooking, you can cook your chicken however you like. I always just put a little seasoning on the chicken and either grill it outside on the grill or inside on the skillet.
  Prepare your pasta as usual.
 Then, when the tomatoes are done, scrape them into a bowl and add the spinach leaves. It usually ends up being about 4 cups worth, but put as much as you want.
  Then, when the pasta is done, toss it with the spinach mixture. Add the pine nuts, sliced chicken, and grate asiago cheese on top. :)

Vanilla Sauce for Pancakes

Mmmmm.....this one is really good! What a great substitution for syrup! yum, yum! If you're making bacon too, I recommend throwing it in the oven so you don't have to deal with frying it on the stove and it popping all over you while you're trying to flip pancakes!

Ingredients: 2 T cornstarch
                   1/3 cup sugar
                   1/8 tsp. salt
                   2 cups milk
                   2 egg yolks, beaten
                   1 T. butter (melted)
                   2 tsp. vanilla
                  Strawberries (or your favorite fresh fruit)

Directions: Mix the cornstarch, sugar and salt in a pan. Whisk the milk and egg yolks together and gradually stir into pan. Cook on MEDIUM until it comes to a boil. Don't turn up the heat, because you don't want the egg to cook! It takes awhile, but just keep stirring it until it does. Let it boil for one minute, then remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla. Pour on top of pancakes and top with strawberries, or your favorite fruit  :)

Chocolate Pretzel Melts

I got this recipe from my mother in law Pam. (I've seen them on pinterest too...but seriously what's NOT on there!!) These are the easiest things to make ever! Plus, they are so super cute. It's a really great appetizer/snack for any party. I made some for the superbowl, so I did blue and red colored m&m's. But you could do any theme! ( blue/pink for baby showers, etc!) Thank you Pam! :)

Ingredients: Bag of pretzels (the regular "pretzel" shaped kind)
                   Bag of hershey kisses*any kind you want!* I have used the cookies and cream kind and the regular ones
                    M&M's (just the regular kind)
                   *Or if you are doing the pretzel "sandwich" kinds all you need is pretzels and hershey kisses

Directions: So all you have to do is preheat your oven to 270. Then, just put a whole bunch of pretzels on a cookie sheet (grease it a little) and place a hershey kiss over each pretzel. Bake for about 5 minutes (or until you see the chocolate is soft). Immediately after you remove from oven you can either top each one with an m&m or make a "sandwich" and press another pretzel on top. Both ways are yummy!
    Just let them cool on the cookie sheet until they harden up.....or if you can't wait, just throw them in the refrigerator for awhile.
*Awesome because you can make as many or as few as you want! Plus with all the different flavors of hershey kisses out there, it makes for so many options! :)

The Best Brownie Topping

Brownies are awesome, but when you pair it with this topping they are even better! It's a cream cheese mixture with fresh berries on top....yum yum!

Ingredients: Your favorite brownie mix
                    8 oz. cream cheese, softened
                    1/3 cup sugar
                    1/2 tsp. vanilla
                   1/2 cup apple jelly
                   Fresh strawberries, raspberries and blueberries

Directions: So first, just make the brownies according to the box you got. When it's done, let it completely cool. (it takes about 1 hour or so) In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla and the apple jelly until smooth. Spread over the brownie and top with the fresh fruit. Refrigerate about 1 hour or until chilled.
:)

Cinnapear Banana Smoothie

I love to make smoothies! They are such an easy way to eat a healthy, quick lunch. Serve it with a sandwich or something on the side and you are good to go!

Ingredients: 2 pears
                    1 Banana
                    1 cup milk
                    1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
                   1/2 tsp. cinnamon
                    pinch nutmeg

Directions: Cut the fruit up in pieces (take skin off pears) and freeze them before making. This way, they serve as ice cubes. Then, just throw everything into a blender and blend until done. :)

*Serves 2

Turkey and Veggie Mini French Loaf Bites

I had a hard time naming this one. I came up with this after seeing something similar to it online. I don't remember what the other one was named either....but it's hard to name something without having like 50 million words in the name to describe it! So Turkey and Veggie Mini French Loaf Bites it is!! Betcha can't say that 5 times fast! :)

Ingredients: Can of refrigerated french loaf dough
                   Chive and onion cream cheese
                    Deli Turkey of your choice (or chicken, or roast beef, or ham....whatever you like) about 1/2 pound- 3/4 pound should do, thinly sliced
                   2 Tomatoes, sliced
                    1 Onion, sliced
                    2 Cucumbers, sliced
                   Your favorite cheese ( I used colby jack slices)

                     Directions: So first, just bake the french loaf according to the package. (I believe it takes about 20 or so minutes.....which is great....now you have time to cut up your veggies :)
      Once the bread is done, let it cool a bit....then just slice it into pieces and spread the chive and onion cream cheese on it. This makes it really yummy so really layer it on! The next layer is the meat, then top with your veggies (I did 1 onion, 1 tomato, and 3 cucumbers per piece) Then, put a piece of cheese on each piece and stick it in your oven on BROIL for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Yum!

* Servings is about 4 hungry people.

Super Healthy Super Bowl Dip!

I love dips and this one is so good! It's so healthy too so you don't have to feel bad about eating a lot of it!

Ingredients: 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
                    Bag of frozen corn (16 oz), thawed
                   3-4 tomatoes (medium), chopped
                    1 onion, chopped
                   1 avocado
                   juice of 1 lime
                    3 T. olive oil
                   1-2 T. cilantro ( I got the kind that comes in the squeeze bottle...I recommend it!)
                    salt and pepper
                 Your favorite tortilla chips

Directions: In a big bowl, combine the rinsed beans, corn (make sure it's thawed. I just put mine in the microwave for like 3 minutes...just make sure you don't cook it all the way. You want the kernels to have a bit of a crunch and not soggy. Read the directions on the back...you have to put it in a bowl and add a little water too), chopped tomatoes, and chopped onion. Then, just add the olive oil, cilantro, juice from the lime and a little salt and pepper.
   Stir it up really good and put it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  When it's ready to serve, add the chopped avocado into it. Yummy! Makes for awesome leftovers too!

Parmesan Baked Tilapia with Zuccini

This is a really good tilapia recipe. The topping for this is what makes it so good! It's really easy to make, so if you feel like making fish, try this recipe. :)

Ingredients: Tilapia (the recipe will make for up to 4- 6 pieces depending on the size.....)
                    2-3 zuccini's (or sometimes I do 2 zuccini's and 1 squash)
                   1/8 cup lemon juice
                    3/4 cup parmesan cheese
                   4 T. butter
                    4 T. mayo
                    4 T. onion, chopped fine
                    1/2 tsp. salt
                   1/2 tsp. dried basil
                   pepper to taste

                 
                 Directions: Preheat oven to 350. Place the fish in a buttered dish (9x13). Slice the zuccini (and squash if you're using that too), and place on top of fish covering all of them. Brush the tops with the lemon juice.
    Bake for about 20-30 minutes. Meanwhile, combine the parmesan cheese, butter, mayo, onions, and seasonings. Mix well.
     When the fish is done spread the mixture on top and turn the broiler on and bake another 5 minutes or until golden brown.

Three Milk Banana Heaven Cake

This is one of my hubby's favorite cakes. Very, very yummy! I've made it for family a few times now and it's always a hit.

Ingredients: 1 box white cake mix (I get betty crocker supermoist...but I don't think it matters....)
                    1 1/4 cups water
                    2 T. veggie oil
                   3 eggs
                    1 cup mashed banana (about 2 to 2 1/2 bananas)
                  1 can (14oz.) sweetened condensed milk
                    1/2 cup coconut milk (NOT cream of coconut!) I have never seen it at walmart...I always have to go to Kroger...and it's in the liquor aisle.
                   1/2 cup whipping cream
                    1 container whipped fluffy white frosting
                 extra banana and coconut flakes for the top *optional*

Directions: Heat oven to 350. Grease the Bottom Only of a 13x9  pan with spray.
  In a large bowl, beat the cake mix, water, oil, eggs and mashed bananas with electric mixer for 30 seconds on low, then about 2 minutes on medium speed.
  Pour into pan and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until done. Cool completely. (about 1 hour)
 Poke top of cake about every 1/2 inch with a long tined fork...or whatever works,...because honestly who has one of those?? Not me, I just used a baby spoon, but I flipped it around and used the end you hold it with. Perfect! So you'll find something around your house to use!
   In a large bowl, stir together the condensed milk, coconut milk and whipping cream. Carefully pour evenly over top of cake. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight until mixture is absorbed into the cake.
   Then, spread the frosting over the cake and top with shredded coconut and fresh banana slices.
Store covered in refrigerator.

Chicken Cobb Salad Sandwich

I love cobb salads, but I never keep lettuce for it around the house because it always seems to go to waste, so I decided to turn it into a sandwich. This sandwich has everything on it you would find in a cobb salad. It's got the chicken, bacon, tomato, avocado, boiled egg, cheese, onion ....you name it...this is a big sandwich!

Ingredients: Your favorite bread (I used pumpernickel rye swirl)
                     sliced deli chicken lunch meat
                      Bacon (2-3 pieces)
                     Tomato, sliced
                     Avocado, sliced (and I also mix some in with a little mayo to spread on the bread)
                     1 egg, hard boiled
                      your favorite cheese (I used colby jack shredded...only because I forgot it at the store...I would get actual slices next time)
                     onion, sliced
                     Ice berg lettuce leaves

                                     This is what the layering process looks like! I told you this sandwich is huge! :)

Directions: Cook your bacon and while it's frying you can get everything else together. Also start boiling your egg in water to get it hard boiled. Slice up your tomato, onion, lettuce and avocado. In a small bowl, add half the avocado and a little mayo and stir it until smooth. Then, spread that on each slice of bread.
  Now just layer everything on top! Any order you want. yummy!

* This sandwich serves 2 people  ;)

Banana Oatmeal Cookies

I got this recipe from a cookbook that my Aunt Debby and cousins AJ and Jaylen got for me for Christmas.  These are the THE BEST cookies! So moist and yummy! I crave one just thinking about them. My 16 month old son LOVED them...........

        would this face lie to you? haha!!!!

Ingredients: 3/4 c. butter, softened
                    1 c. sugar
                    1 egg
                    1 tsp. vanilla
                   1 cup bananas, mashed (it's about 2-2 1/2 whole bananas)
                    1 1/2 c. flour
                    1 tsp. salt
                     1/2 tsp. baking soda
                    1/4 tsp. nutmeg
                    1/4 tsp. cinnamon
                     1 3/4 c. quick oatmeal
                   1/2 c. pecans, chopped
                   Powdered sugar for dusting

Directions: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla, and mashed banana, beat well. In a seperate bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking soda, nutmeg, and cinnamon, then add to the creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in the oatmeal and nuts.
  Drop by spoonfuls onto a greased sheet.
Bake at 350 for about 10-12 minutes. Do not overbake! They may seem "doughy" but that's just because  of the banana...makes for a very moist cookie!!!  Remove from oven and sift powdered sugar on them while they are still warm. yum!!!!!

* Makes about 2 dozen cookies.

Chicken and Herb Wild Rice Soup

This is my moms recipe. It is so good and SO healthy. Everything in this soup is good for you, so if you're trying to eat better this year....this is the soup to make! To make things easier, I would chop everything up beforehand. Thanks mom! :)

Ingredients: 1 t. olive oil
                   1/2 c. chopped onion
                   1/2 c. chopped celery
                  1/2 c. chopped red pepper
                   1 cup sliced mushrooms
                  2 1/2 c. chicken broth
                 2 c. water
                   1/2 c. uncooked wild rice
                  1 c. diced potatoes
                  1 c. diced carrots
                 15 oz. can garbanzo beans, drained
                1/2 t. thyme
                 1/2 t. mustard powder
                 1 t. basil
                 2 c. cooked, diced chicken (about 2 pieces of boneless skinless breasts)
                1/2 c. frozen peas

Directions:
     First make sure you cook your chicken and cut it into pieces. Set it aside. Also, make sure to chop up all the ingredients first and set them all aside. It makes it easier.
    Then, in a big pot over medium high heat add the olive oil. When it's hot add the onion, celery, red pepper and mushrooms. Saute 2 minutes.
   Add the broth, water, wild rice, potatoes, carrots, garbanzo beans, thyme, mustard powder, basil and cooked chicken.
   Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat. Simmer about 45 minutes. Then, add the peas and cook 5 more minutes.

Raspberry Avocado Smoothie

I know this smoothie sounds weird with the avocado in it and all....but I'm telling you it's good! You wouldn't even know there was avocado in it if I didn't tell you. A great way to eat healthy and not even notice it!

Ingredients: 1 Avocado
                    3/4 cup orange juice
                  3/4 cup cran-raspberry juice
                   1/2 cup frozen raspberries, not thawed

Directions: Just throw everything into a blender and blend until smooth. Yummy!

Serves about 2-3 people.

Broccoli Cheese Soup

I love soups and my favorite soup of all time is broccoli cheese, so I was on a mission to find a good recipe for one. This one is it! Very yummy. :)

Ingredients: 6 T. butter
                   1 onion
                     Fresh Broccoli ( I used about 2 1/2 of the big ones...you know the ones that already have the plastic stuff wrapped on them at the store)
                    58 oz. chicken broth
                    16 oz. of velveeta cheese, cubed
                   2 cups of milk
                    1 T. garlic powder
                    2/3 cup cornstarch
                    1 cup water
  *shredded mozzarella cheese and crackers* optional

                    Directions: In a big pot on medium heat, melt the butter and cook the onion until soft. Stir in the broccoli and chicken broth. (I cut most of the stem off the broccoli and make the pieces small and medium bites)
   Simmer until tender (about10-15 minutes)
  Reduce heat, then stir in cheese cubes until melted. Mix in the milk and garlic powder.
In a small bowl, stir the cornstarch into the water until it's dissolved. Stir into soup and cook stirring frequently until the soup thickens.
 Top with the shredded cheese if you want and crackers.

*Serves a lot!!! I would say 8 people.

Homemade Granola with Yogurt

This recipe is awesome. It's so easy and makes for a really good breakfast or snack.

Ingredients: 3 cups ROLLED OATS (Not Instant!)
                    1 cup almonds (I got the sliced kind)
                     1 1/2 cup cashews
                    3/4 cup coconut
                    1/4 cup plus 2 T. Dark brown sugar
                     1/4 cup plus 2 T. maple syrup
                     1/4 cup veggie oil
                     3/4 tsp. salt
                    1 cup blueberry craisins (or just regular raisins)
        Vanilla yogurt *optional* (I get the activia vanilla)

                  Directions: In a bowl combine the oats, nuts, coconut, and brown sugar. In another bowl, combine the syrup, oil, and salt. Then, combine them together.
    Pour onto an ungreased cookie sheet (the biggest one you have!)
Cook at 250 for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Stir it every 15-20 minutes to get a good color on it.
Remove from oven and add the craisins (or raisins) Mix well. Top with yogurt.

*It makes a lot, but this stays good for awhile as long as you store it good. I just put mine in a big ziplock bag and me and my hubby ate it for breakfast for days! It's also really good without the yogurt as a quick snack to munch on.

Barbecued Chinese Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Happy New Year 2012! In honor of the new year I thought I'd post something healthy, fun and yummy! I love lettuce wraps. I got this from Rachel Ray (LOVE her!) I changed up a few things though to my taste and made it a little easier too. Gotta try these!

Ingredients: Pkg. of ground chicken
                    2 T. sesame oil (you can also use peanut oil)
                    Sea salt and black pepper
                    minced garlic (about 2-3 tsp.)
                    1 inch of ginger root, grated
                    1 orange, zested
                     1/2 red pepper, chopped small
                    Can of water chestnuts (6-8 oz.) drained and chopped
                    1 onion, chopped
                     3 T. Hoisin Chinese BBQ sauce (it's in the Asian aisle, and it's a pretty small jar...couldn't find it at Walmart...had to go to Kroger)
                    Head of iceberg lettuce

Directions: Add oil to a large pan on medium/high heat. (OR...if you happen to have one of those stir fry skillet things use that! That's what I did and it was perfect!) Add the ground chicken, and cook and chop up until cooked through. Add some salt and pepper to season, then the garlic and the ginger root.
   Cook a minute more. Then zest the orange peel over the pan. (I just used a cheese grater...I need to get that tool!) Add the red pepper, water chestnuts and onion.
    Cook another minute. Add the Hoisin BBQ sauce and stir to coat the mixture evenly.
 Then, just transfer into your little leaves of lettuce and you are done! You can squeeze a little of the orange on it too if you want. I tried it with and without...good both ways...but you already have the orange and used the peel anyways...so you might as well! :)

*Serves about 4-5 people.