A SPOON AND A WHISK

GRANOLA

2010-09-16T11:41:00.001-05:00

8 cups rolled oats
6 cups wheaties cereal
2 cups wheat germ
2 tsp. salt
2 cups brown sugar
1 lb. raisins ( I use 1-2 cups)

Mix ingredients in large bowl

Combine and heat in small saucepan until warm:

½ cup honey
1 cup warm water
1 cup oil
3 tsp. vanilla

Stir liquid into dry ingredients. Pour onto 2 cookie sheets. Bake 2 hours at 200 degrees. Stir and rotate after 1st hour. Serve with yogurt and fruit!

Low Fat Corn, Black Bean and Tomato Salad

2009-06-27T17:12:00.004-05:00

Use whatever type of corn is convenient. Four ears of grilled corn will do the trick here, and be more flavorful. But if time is short, you could use frozen or canned sweet corn instead.

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:
•2 cups corn kernels (about four ears of grilled corn, or use frozen or canned)
•2 cups less-sodium black beans
•2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
•Jalapeno or Serrano pepper, finely chopped
•1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
•1 tbsp olive oil
•Juice of 1 large lime
•1 tsp cumin

Preparation:

Combine corn, black beans, tomatoes, jalapeno/serrano chile pepper and cilantro in a medium bowl. Whisk oil, lime juice and cumin together. Drizzle over salad and toss until coated.
Serves 6.

Per Serving: Calories 141, Calories from Fat 28, Total Fat 3.2g (sat 0.4g), Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 157mg, Carbohydrate 23.1g, Fiber 5.5g, Protein 5.1g

~Southwest Chicken~

2009-04-15T06:34:00.002-05:00

Ingredients:

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (8.75 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
ground cumin to taste

Instructions:

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium high heat. Brown chicken breasts on both sides. Add tomatoes with green chile peppers, beans and corn. Reduce heat and let simmer for 25 to 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. Add a dash of cumin and serve.

(serve over rice if desired)

Yield: 4 servings
4.5 POINTS per serving

Pasta E Fagioli

2009-02-08T22:19:00.002-06:00

Makes 8 to 10 servings.
Prep & Cook Time
60 minutes

NUTRITION INFO
Calories: 267
Carbohydrates: 49 g
Cholesterol: 5 mg
Dietary fiber: 14 g
Protein: 16 g
Saturated fat: 1 g
Sodium: 167 mg
Sugars: 7 g
Total fat: 2 g

Ingredients:
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons Chicken Stock, or water
• 2 1-lb. cans light red kidney beans (purée 1/2 can)
• 1 1-lb. can cannellini beans (white kidney beans)
• 2 1-lb. cans no-salt added whole tomatoes, juice reserved
• 4 cups water
• 2 medium-size carrots, sliced
• 1 teaspoon each dried leaf basil and oregano
• 1 bay leaf, broken in half
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/3 cup macaroni, ditalini, if possible
• 1/4 cup red wine (optional)

Directions:
1. Sauté onion, garlic and bell peppers in stock in a 6-quart saucepan until onion is translucent.

2. Add remaining ingredients except macaroni and wine.

3. Simmer on low heat, stirring constantly, 20 minutes.

4. Add macaroni and wine, if desired, and extra water if soup is too thick and simmer 15 minutes or until macaroni is firm but tender. Serve hot.

WW Chicken Fried Rice

2009-01-18T23:13:00.003-06:00

Ingredients

2 spray(s) cooking spray
4 large egg white(s)
1/2 cup(s) scallion(s), chopped, green and white parts
2 medium garlic clove(s), minced
12 oz uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 cup(s) carrot(s), diced
2 cup(s) cooked brown rice, regular or instant, kept hot
1/2 cup(s) frozen green peas, thawed
3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
Instructions
Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and set pan over medium-high heat. Add egg whites and cook, until scrambled, stirring frequently, about 3 to 5 minutes; remove from pan and set aside.
Offheat, recoat skillet with cooking spray and place back over medium-high heat. Add scallions and garlic; sauté 2 minutes. Add chicken and carrots; sauté until chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
Stir in reserved cooked egg whites, cooked brown rice, peas and soy sauce; cook until heated through, stirring once or twice, about 1 minute. Yields about 1 cup per serving/3 points

~Crockpot White Chicken Chili~WW

2009-01-07T23:48:00.001-06:00

Ingredients

28 oz fat-free chicken broth
30 oz canned cannellini beans
30 oz canned great Northern beans
1/2 medium onion(s), chopped up
1/3 cup(s) tomatillo salsa
15 oz canned navy beans
3 item(s) raw chicken breasts
3 tsp ground red pepper

Instructions

Cut the chicken breast into small pieces and put in crockpot. Cut up onion half and put in crockpot. Dump all the other ingredients in the crockpot and let it cook for 5 hours on high. You can also add other spices/seasonings that you may like for taste, but it is great just the way it is.

*This freezes well!

Servings 12 ~ WW Points 4

~Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies ~ WW

2009-01-07T23:14:00.001-06:00

Ingredients

2 tbsp butter, softened
2 tsp canola oil
1/2 cup(s) packed brown sugar, dark-variety
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp table salt
1 large egg white(s)
3/4 cup(s) all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
3 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips, about 1/2 cup

Instructions
Preheat oven to 375ºF.

In a medium bowl, cream together butter, oil and sugar. Add vanilla, salt and egg white; mix thoroughly to combine.

In a small bowl, mix together flour and baking soda; stir into batter. Add chocolate chips to batter; stir to distribute evenly throughout.

Drop rounded half-teaspoons of dough onto one or two large nonstick baking sheets, leaving a small amount of space between each cookie. Bake cookies until golden around edges, about 4 to 6 minutes; cool on a wire rack. Yields 2 cookies per serving. 1 WW point

Easy Pumpkin Muffins~ WW

2008-12-29T12:32:00.001-06:00

Ingredients:

1 Spice Cake Mix
1 can pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
1/2 cup water

Points ~ WW ~ 3
Directions:

Mix together. Batter will be very thick.
Spray a muffin pan with non-stick spray and divide in to 12 muffins (do not use paper liners - there is not enough fat in this recipe to keep them from completely sticking to the liners!)
Bake at 350 for 16-18 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean
Yes - it’s a cake mix. But there is no more sugar in it than any commercial muffin mix and you have the added benefit of the fiber and vitamins in the pumpkin.

Variations:
Add some pecans, cranberries or shredded carrot
Use chocolate cake mix for delicious choco-pumpkin muffins. Go completely decadent and add mini-chocolate chips
Can’t find spice cake mix? Use a yellow cake mix and a 1-2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice

~It's Time~

2008-12-29T00:25:00.001-06:00

Layered Mexican Chicken

POINTS® Value: 6
Servings: 12
Preparation Time: 20 min
Cooking Time: 45 min
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

This Mexican lasagna will last up to five days in the refrigerator. It's a terrific make-ahead meal from our Cook Once, Eat All Week Series.
Ingredients

1 spray(s) olive oil cooking spray
2 pound(s) uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breast
30 oz canned black beans, rinsed and drained
3 cup(s) fat-free sour cream
2 cup(s) shredded reduced-fat Mexican-style cheese, divided
8 oz chopped green chilies, two 4-oz cans
2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp black pepper
12 medium corn tortilla(s), cut into 2-inch strips
1 cup(s) salsa, mild, medium or hot

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Coat a lasagna pan with cooking spray.

Place chicken in medium saucepan and fill with enough cold water just to cover chicken. Set pan over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 10 to 15 minutes; drain. When chicken is cool enough to handle, cut into 1-inch pieces.

Transfer chicken to a large bowl and add beans, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheese, chilies, cumin, and pepper; mix well and set aside.

Arrange half of tortillas in bottom of prepared lasagna pan, overlapping pieces to cover surface. Top tortillas with half of chicken mixture, layer with remaining tortillas and then top with remaining chicken mixture. Sprinkle with remaining cup of cheese.

Bake until filling is bubbly and cheese is melted, about 30 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before slicing into 12 pieces. Serve with salsa on the side.

Learn more about our Cook Once, Eat All Week Series.

~Chocolate/White Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rod's~

2008-12-22T21:43:00.007-06:00

Ingredients

10 ounces pretzel sticks (Pretzel RODS)
12 ounces milk chocolate chips (or melting disks)
1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

candy sprinkles (optional)
miniature M&M chocolate candies (optional)
mini Reese's pieces (optional)
chopped peanuts (optional)

Directions

Melt milk chocolate chips in double boiler or in microwave.

If you are using the white chocolate, wait until later before melting unless you can keep it over warm water.

Dip each pretzel rod about 2/3 of the way up in chocolate.

Lay on wax paper lined baking sheets.

Allow to set a little, but not completely dry.

Dip a fork into the white chocolate and drizzle over the milk chocolate by gently swishing the fork back and forth over the rods but not touching them.

Take plate or wax paper and roll each pretzel in the desired topping. Lay back on wax paper to set completely.

These are great to give in a unique glass or mug.

For More great recipes head over to Lana and Lisa's.

Have a great Tuesday.

Cheryl

~Spinach Salad~

2008-12-21T00:59:00.001-06:00

Spinach Salad
2 Bunches fresh spinach
1 Small purple onion
3/4 lb Fresh mushrooms
3/4 lb. Swiss cheese
1 Cup Cottage cheese
1/2 lb bacon - crisp and crumbled -- toss all ingredients together

Dressing
3/4 T. Poppy seeds
1/3 Cup white vinegar
1/2 Cup oil
1/3 Cup sugar
3/4 T. Grated onion
3/4 Tsp. salt
1/3 Tsp. mustard

~Cereal Snack Crunch~Take Your Pick

2008-12-16T20:01:00.006-06:00

INGREDIENTS
8 cups Chocolate Chex cereal
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
6 tablespoons butter or margarine
3 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup vanilla baking chips

DIRECTIONS
Into large microwavable bowl, measure cereal; set aside. Line cookie sheet with waxed paper.
In 2-cup microwavable measuring cup, microwave brown sugar, butter and corn syrup uncovered on High 1 to 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute, until melted and smooth. Stir in baking soda until dissolved. Pour over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Microwave on High 3 minutes, stirring every minute. Spread on cookie sheet. Cool 10 minutes. Break into bite-size pieces.
In small microwavable bowl, microwave vanilla baking chips uncovered on High about 1 minute 30 seconds or until chips can be stirred smooth (bowl will be hot). Drizzle over snack. Refrigerate until set. Store in tightly covered container.

MUDDY BUDDIES

INGREDIENTS
9 cups Corn Chex, Rice Chex, Wheat Chex or Chocolate Chex cereal (or combination)
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

DIRECTIONS
Into large bowl, measure cereal; set aside.
In 1-quart microwavable bowl, stir together chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter. Microwave uncovered on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag.
Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

Now head over to Lisa and Lana's where you are sure to find more great recipes.

Well, I'm not sure, I may be toooooo late. There is a give away over at Lisa and Lana's for a great cookbook holder. I was getting my things ready for Tuesday. And it is Tuesday, but I should have done this last night. It is a great cookbook holder. And, Lisa and Lana are great hostesses! Either way!

Have a very blessed Wednesday!

Cheryl

2008-12-14T16:30:00.001-06:00

Snack Mix
1 1/2 cup Kix cereal
1 cup Cheerios
2 cups small cheese crackers
2 cups thin pretzels
1/2 lb. mixed nuts
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 tsp. worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp. celery salt
1/4 tsp. garlic salt
Heat oven to 250 degrees. Combine cereals, pretzels, crackers, and nuts in a 9x13 pan. Blend melted butter and seasonings. Pour over mixture and stir thoroughly. Bake 30 minutes, stirring after 15 minutes.

Happy Snacking!

Cheryl

~BANANA BARS WITH TOASTED PECAN FROSTING~

2008-12-11T00:01:00.000-06:00

Preparation time: 20 min Baking time: 20 min
Yield: 48 bars

Bar Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup Butter, softened
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup Sour Cream
2 eggs
2 large (1 cup) ripe bananas, mashed
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Frosting Ingredients:
1/4 cup Butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Heat oven to 375°F. Combine sugar, 3/4 cup butter, brown sugar, sour cream and eggs in large bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy. Add bananas and vanilla. Continue beating until well mixed. Reduce speed to low; add all remaining bar ingredients. Beat until well mixed.

Spread batter into greased 15x10x1-inch jelly-roll pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely.

Melt 1/4 cup butter in 1-quart saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly and watching closely, until butter just starts to turn golden (5 to 6 minutes). (Butter will get foamy and bubble.) Remove from heat. Cool completely.

Combine browned butter, powdered sugar, cream cheese and vanilla in small bowl. Beat at low speed, scraping bowl often, until smooth (2 to 3 minutes). Frost cooled bars. Sprinkle with pecans.

TIP: Instead of frosting, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top using a fine mesh strainer or sifter.

TIP: To toast pecans, spread evenly in shallow pan. Bake at 350°F. for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring once, until lightly browned. Cool completely.

Nutrition Facts (1 bar): Calories: 120, Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 20mg, Sodium: 70mg, Carbohydrates: 17g, Dietary Fiber: 0g, Protein: 1g

~ALMOND BUTTER CRUNCH~

2008-12-10T22:09:00.002-06:00

This toffee candy is filled with almonds and covered with chocolate.

Preparation time: 5 min Cooking time: 8 min
Yield: 1 1/2 pounds (48 pieces)

3/4 cup Butter
2/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup light corn syrup
1 cup slivered almonds
3/4 cup real semi-sweet chocolate chips

Melt butter in 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Stir in all remaining ingredients except chocolate chips. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until mixture is golden brown in color (8 to 12 minutes).

Pour mixture into 15x10x1-inch jelly-roll pan. Sprinkle chocolate chips over candy; spread evenly. Cool completely; break into pieces. Store in container with tight-fitting lid.

Nutrition Facts (1 piece): Calories: 70, Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 10mg, Sodium: 30mg, Carbohydrates: 7g, Dietary Fiber: <1g,>

~Butterfinger Cake~

2008-12-08T21:04:00.000-06:00

Ingredients
1 box German Chocolate Cake Mix (baked according to package

1 can sweetened condensed milk
Cool Whip for topping
5 Butterfing candy bars

Chocolate Syrup
1 jar caramel ice cream topping

Instructions for Butterfinger Cake
Bake the cake according to package directions and in a 13 x 9 inch
pan. When it's done, and while it's still hot, punch holes in the
cake and pour the sweetened condensed milk over the top making sure
some of it sinks in the holes.
Do the same with the caramel ice cream topping.
Sprinkle on some of the broken candy pieces.
When it's cool, spread the Cool Whip topping on the top, and then
sprinkle the rest of the broken bars. Then drizzle more caramel all
over and then drizzle chocolate syrup all over in zig zags.
Hint! Put all your candy bars in the freezer. When you're ready to
use them, take them from the freezer. Leave the wrappers on and take
a mallet or a hammer and smash them inside the wrappers. Keep cool
until you need them.

WARNING ~ VERY RICH, BUT OH SO DELICIOUS!

Now join Lana and Lisa for more great recipes!
Enjoy!!!

~Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chunk Cookies~

2008-12-08T03:15:00.003-06:00

1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2/3 cups brown sugar, firmly packed
2 egg whites
5 Butterfinger candy bars (cut into 1/2 inch pieces)
1-1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1-1/4 cups chunky peanut butter

Beat butter; add both sugars and beat well. Add egg whites, stir in Peanut Butter and vanilla. Mix well, then set aside. Combine the flour, soda, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing well. Stir in candy.

Shape dough into 1-1/2 inch balls and place 2 inches apart on lightly greased cookie sheets.

Bake at 350 degrees for 11 minutes or until browned. Cool for 3 minutes on the cookie sheets, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

YIELD: 4 Dozen cookies!

Stay tuned for more Butterfinger tomorrow

~Carmel Crunch~

2008-12-07T02:53:00.000-06:00

Good Housekeeping ~ Tried and True Recipe
Ingredients

2 bag(s) (2.9 to 3 ounces each) microwave light popcorn, popped, or 20 cups popped corn
1 jar(s) (12 ounces) salted dry-roasted peanuts (2 1/2 cups)
1 cup(s) (2 sticks) butter (no substitutions)
1 cup(s) granulated sugar
1 cup(s) packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup(s) light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon(s) baking soda

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Lightly grease two 15 1/2" by 10 1/2" jelly-roll pans or spray with nonstick cooking spray. Place popped corn in very large bowl; discard any unpopped kernels. Add peanuts; toss to combine. Set aside.
2. In 3-quart saucepan, heat butter, sugars, and corn syrup on medium until butter melts and sugars dissolve, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently with metal spoon or heat-safe spatula. Increase heat to medium-high and heat to boiling, about 3 minutes; boil 3 minutes longer. Remove saucepan from heat; stir in baking soda (mixture will bubble vigorously), and pour over popcorn mixture in bowl. Stir immediately; continue stirring until all popcorn is evenly coated.
3. Divide popcorn mixture between prepared jelly-roll pans; spread evenly. Place pans on 2 oven racks. Bake popcorn mixture 45 minutes, rotating pans between upper and lower racks halfway through baking and stirring occasionally.
4. Cool popcorn mixture completely in pans on wire racks, about 1 hour. Break apart any large clusters of popcorn when cool. Store in tightly sealed containers at room temperature up to 2 weeks.

~More Recipes~ Holiday Goodies~

2008-12-06T23:23:00.003-06:00

I fell a bit behind on adding something daily.

Tiger Butter

6 squares white almond bark

1 cup crunchy peanut butter

Melt in microwave. Pour in a cookie sheet lined with wax paper.

1/2 cup real milk chocolate chips

Melt chocolate chips separately in microwave. Pour over mixture in cookie sheet and swirl with a knife. Let set. Break into pieces.

Heath Bark

1 block ~ chocolate Almond Bark

1 package Heath Toffee Bits

Melt Almond Bark in microwave for 2 minutes

Stir 3/4 package of toffee bits into the melted chocolate. Pour onto wax paper lined cookie sheet. Let set 2 hours; then break apart.

Haystacks ~ 1

6 ounces chocolate chips

12 ounces butterscotch chips

1 large can chinese noodles

1+ cup roasted peanuts

Melt chocolate and butterscotch chips in microwave. After melted, mix in chinese noodles and peanuts. Drop by tablespoon onto wax paper.

Haystacks ~ 2

1 block of white Almond Bark

1 bag white chocolate chips

Microwave for 2 minutes

Stir in broken pretzels and peanuts. Drop with tablespoon onto wax paper. Let set.

Enjoy!

Cheryl

~Spicy Pretzels ~ Seasoned Pretzels~

2008-12-03T23:50:00.003-06:00

Spicy Pretzels

Ingredients:
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 pkg. dry ranch dressing
1 1/2 tsp. garlic salt
1 tsp. ground cayenne pepper (or more if you like)
1 tsp. lemon pepper
1 12 bags of round mini pretzels

Directions: Mix together all ingredients except pretzels in a small sauce bowl. Place pretzels in EXTRA LARGE ZIPLOCK bag. Pour mixture over pretzels. Flip bag every 15-20 minutes to coat pretzels.

Seasoned Pretzels

1 bottle Orval Redenbacher popping oil
1 pkg ranch dressing mix
1 tsp dill weed
1 tbsp. garlic powder
2 bags of round mini pretzels

Directions: Mix all ingredients EXCEPT pretzels in a small bowl. Microwave for 2 minutes. Pour over pretzels EXTRA LARGE ZIPLOCK bag. Flip bag every 15-20 minutes to coat.

Great for giving as gifts.

~Recipe A Day~

2008-12-02T23:46:00.010-06:00

I'm going to attempt to add a recipe every day till Christmas. I have quite a few recipes that are great for giving as gifts or for parties, etc.

PEANUT PATTIES

Ingredients:

2 ½ cups sugar
2/3 cup white corn syrup (Karo)
1 cup evaporated milk
3 cups raw peanuts
4 tablespoons butter
3 cups powdered sugar
3 drops red food coloring

Directions:

In a heavy saucepan combine the sugar, syrup, evaporated milk and peanuts. Cook until mixture reaches firm ball stage on a candy thermometer.

Remove from heat. Stir in butter, powdered sugar and food coloring. Stir until fairly stiff. Drop by tablespoon to desired shape onto foil (these will stick if dropped onto waxed paper).

Makes about 42 pieces. ~ These are super easy to make!

CARAMEL-FILLED CHOCOLATE COOKIES

2 1/2 Cups Flour
3/4 Cup Unsweetened Cocoa
1 Tsp Baking Soda
1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Firmly Packed Brown Sugar
1 Cup Softened Butter
2 Tsp Vanilla
2 Eggs
1 Cup Chopped Pecans
48 Rolo Chewy Caramels in Milk Chocolate, Unwrapped (9 oz package)
1 Tbsp Sugar
4 oz Vanilla Flavored Candy Coating, if desired

Heat oven to 375. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off. In small bowl, combine flour, cocoa and baking soda; blend well.

In large bowl, beat 1 cup sugar, brown sugar and margerine until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs; beat well. Add flour mixture; blend well. Stir in 1/2 cup of pecans. For each cookie, with floured hands, shape about 1 tablespoonful dough around 1 caramel candy, covering completely.

In small bowl, combine remaining 1/2 cup pecans and 1 tablespoon sugar. Press one side of each ball into pecan mixture. Place, nut side up, 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 for 7 to 10 minutes or until set and slightly cracked. Cool 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheets. Cool completely on wire rack.

Melt candy coating in small saucepan over low heat, stirring constandly until smooth. Drizzle over cookies.

Yield 4 dozen cookies.

combine remaining 1/2 c

Till tomorrow!

Cheryl

~Abundance of Recipes~

2008-11-25T10:29:00.005-06:00

I recently received a link to a ton of CANDY recipes. In my efforts to try to link it here, I found, not only a ton of CANDY recipes, but a ton of all kinds of recipes.

So, since this is the time for cooking, baking, etc. or if you just like to cook/bake, etc. here is the link:

northpole

Sweet treats!

Cheryl

~Holiday Fun~

2008-11-22T01:54:00.005-06:00

Can you believe next week is Thanksgiving? This year has seemed to fly by, but also has been a very long, exhausting year. So many changes. As I look back, there is so much to be thankful for. Last year at this time, as some of you know, was when Janet was diagnosed with a very aggressive brain cancer. It was then, and still is, a very scary time. But, God has been so very good to my family. For this I am so very thankful.

Now, I would like to know since it is coming to a time when we are usually cooking and baking more, if anyone would be interested in doing a recipe swap?

So, if you are, please leave me a comment. And, if you have any other ideas or suggestions, please let me know.

I know I have a ton of recipes for snack foods and such that are YUMMY, and great if you do a lot of baking and gift giving with treats during the holidays.

I will start posting these very soon!

~Banana Pudding Squares~ Low Fat~

2008-11-20T16:12:00.004-06:00

Here is a recipe for: Banana Pudding Squares ~ Low Fat & Yummy

Prep Time: 30 min Total Time: 3 hr 30 min Makes: 24 servings

35 Reduced Fat NILLA Wafers, finely crushed
1/4 cup margarine, melted
1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Neufchatel Cheese, 1/3 Less Fat than Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP FREE Whipped Topping, thawed, divided
3 medium ripe bananas
3 cups fat free milk
2 pkg. (4-serving size each) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Fat Free Sugar Free Instant Reduced Calorie Pudding & Pie Filling
1/2 square BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, grated

COMBINE wafers and margarine; press firmly onto bottom of 13x9-inch dish.
MIX Neufchatel cheese and powdered sugar until well blended. Stir in 1-1/2 cups of the whipped topping. Spread evenly over crust; set aside. Cut bananas in half crosswise; cut each piece lengthwise in half. Arrange over Neufchatel cheese mixture.
POUR milk into large bowl. Add dry pudding mixes. Beat with wire whisk 2 min. Spoon over bananas. Spread with remaining whipped topping. Sprinkle evenly with chocolate. Refrigerate at least 3 hours before serving. Store leftover dessert in refrigerator.

Have a "sweet day!"

Cheryl

~Soups~ Paula Dean's Taco Soup

2008-11-19T13:15:00.000-06:00

Paula Dean – Taco Soup
Ingredients:

2 pounds ground beef
2 cups diced onions
2 (15 1/2-ounce) cans pinto beans
1 (15 1/2-ounce) can pink kidney beans
1 (15 1/4-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can tomatoes with chiles
2 (4 1/2-ounce) cans diced green chiles
1 (4.6-ounce) can black olives, drained and sliced, optional
1/2 cup green olives, sliced, optional
1 (1 1/4-ounce) package taco seasoning mix
1 (1-ounce) package ranch salad dressing mix

Corn chips, for serving
Sour cream, for garnish
Grated cheese, for garnish
Chopped green onions, for garnish
Pickled jalapenos, for garnish

Directions:
Brown the ground beef and onions in a large skillet; drain the excess fat, then transfer the browned beef and onions to a large slow cooker or a stockpot. Add the beans, corn, tomatoes, green chiles, black olives, green olives, taco seasoning, and ranch dressing mix, and cook in a slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours or simmer over low heat for about 1 hour in a pot on the stove. To serve, place a few corn chips in each bowl and ladle soup over them. Top with sour cream, cheese, green onions and jalapenos.

Yield: 12 to 16 servings Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 8 hours crock pot, 1 hour stock pot method Ease of preparation: Easy

Do you have a favorite Taco Soup recipe you would like to share?

Happy Cooking!

~The Siesta Fiesta Cookbook~

2008-11-19T13:13:00.006-06:00

I was over at The Siesta Fiesta Blog this morning when I ran across what other than a COOKBOOK. They have just sold all they ordered, but if they can get another 100 people who would like one, they will be ordering more. I had/have a very strong urge to order this new cookbook. The cookbook is $18, but if I'm not mistaken, some of the proceeds goes to a worthy cause.

Has anyone purchased this cookbook? If so,....would you like to share are your thoughts.

If you see any other new cookbooks or anything you would like to share, let me know.

Have a great day!

Cheryl

Favorite Things ~ Old & New

2008-11-18T20:57:00.003-06:00

Hey ~

I've wanted to put my recipes in blog for some time. As I go along, who know what else I'll add. If you have any recipes or tips you would like to share, let me know.

Check back for more to come....very soon....

Cheryl