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.