Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars

I found this recipe over on Six Sister's Stuff.  These are the most authentic peanut butter bars that I have found to remind me of those that I used to eat during my school years.  They are amazing and addictive!

1 C sugar
1 C brown sugar
1 C butter
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1 C peanut butter
2 C oats (not quick)
2 C flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt

Cream the butter and sugars together. 
Add vanilla, eggs, and peanut butter. 
Mix in remaining ingredients
Spread dough on greased jelly roll pan (18x13x1).
Bake at 350* for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Spread 1 1/2 C peanut butter on top while still hot.
Allow to cool and top with frosting.

Chocolate Frosting
1/2 C butter
1/4 C milk
2 tsp vanilla
3 Tbsp cocoa
2-3 C powder sugar

Mix all ingredients together until smooth.

No Bake Cookies

No Bake Cookies are a favorite at our house and with them being super simple and super quick to make I will usually comply.  These are a a great go to treat!

Here are 2 variations for you to enjoy:

Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies

2 C brown sugar
4 Tbsp butter
1/2 C milk
3/4 C peanut butter
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla
3 C oats

Bring to full boil the first 3 ingredients and remove from heat.
Add the peanut butter, salt, and vanilla and stir until completely incorporated.
Stir in oats and drop by tablespoon onto parchment paper.
Allow to cool and harden before enjoying.

No Bake Cookies

2 C sugar
1/2 C butter
1/2 C milk
1/4 C unsweetened cocoa
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 C peanut butter
3 C oats

Boil the first 4 ingredients for 1 minute.
Add the vanilla, salt, and peanut butter and incorporate completely.
Stir in the oats and drop by tablespoon onto parchment paper
Allow to cool and harden before enjoying.

**IMPORTANT: Start your 1 minute when mixture comes to a FULL boil.  If you don't boil long enough, the cookies will not set.  Also, if you boil too long the cookies will become dry and crumbly.**

Chili

I know there are a million chili recipes out there, but here is yet another.  I love chili in the fall and let's face it, fall is knocking on our doorsteps.  Please don't kill the messenger, but let's think of the happy things that fall brings... like chili... and hot cocoa, hoodies, fall colors, and cooler temperatures.   Without further delay, here is my version of a sweet and slightly spicy chili:

1 lb pork sausage or 1-2 lb cubed beef sirloin
large chopped onion
3 cloves garlic
1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 can/bottle of dark beer
2 (6oz) cans tomato sauce
1 can beef broth
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 Tbsp cumin
1 Tbsp cocoa
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp cayenne
1 tsp coriander
1 tsp salt
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp worcestershire sauce
2 cans beans (chili or kidney or pinto)

Saute meat, onion, and garlic until brown.
Add remaining ingredients and simmer for several hours.

**The beer is obviously optional, but it adds good flavor and the alcohol is burned off during the cooking process.**

Flourless Oatmeal Muffins

Very versatile and yummy muffin for your breakfast.  I would almost prefer without the nuts and fruit, but for that added umph of health I added them in.  My kids sure enjoyed them for breakfast.

2 1/4 C oats
1/4 C nuts (optional)
1/4 C dried fruit (raisins, craisins, apple)
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 C milk
2/3 C honey or brown sugar
2 eggs
2 Tbsp oil or softened butter

Preheat oven to 450*
Line muffin tin with paper or spray with oil
**I like to blend most the oats to a finer texture
Mix all ingredients in bowl until an even texture is achieved.
Divide batter between muffin tin bowls.
Bake 12-14 minutes or until golden brown.

Jack-in-the Box Tacos

My husband loves Jack-in-the-Box tacos, but considering we don't have any locations here, he has settled for these.  Pretty darn yummy!

1 lb ground beef
1/2 C refried beans
1/2 tsp garlic salt
2 Tbsp chili powder
1/4 C taco sauce
12 corn tortillas
6 slices American cheese
shredded lettuce
oil for frying

Brown ground beef and break it apart into small crumbles with back of wooden spoon.
Add refried beans, stirring to make a semi-smooth texture.
Add in seasonings and taco sauce, remove from heat.
Heat oil until hot.
Spread 1/12 mixture on tortilla and fold in half.
Drop in hot oil and fry on both sides until crispy.
Once fried, cool for a few moments, pry open slightly, and slide half a slice of cheese inside.
Garnish top of taco with lettuce and extra sauce.

Sour Cream Enchiladas

1 lb diced chicken
1 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp cumin
1 chopped onion
1 tbsp butter
8 8-inch tortillas (we use Tortilla Land brand)
2 C cheese
1/4 C butter
1/4 C flour
1 can (15 oz) chicken broth
1 C sour cream
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies

Cook and season chicken and onion in pan over med-high heat, until chicken is cooked through.
Melt butter in a saucepan, and stir in flour to make a roux; stir constantly until bubbly.
Whisk in chicken broth, bringing mixture to a boil, stirring frequently.
Remove from heat and add sour cream and green chilies.
Cook tortillas on stove top.  Divide chicken between tortillas and sprinkle 1 1/2 Tbsp cheese in each.
Roll tortillas and place seam side down in 9 x 13 pan, that has been lightly sprayed with canola oil non stick spray (we use the Sam's Club brand).
Pour sauce over tortillas and sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
Cook in 400* oven for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Taco Seasoning

3/4 tsp paprika
2 tsp dried onion flakes
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp chili powder
3/4 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
3/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp coriander (optional)

Mix together in small bowl or sprinkle directly over ground beef.
*If using as taco beef, add 3/4 C water and simmer for 5 minutes.

Taco Casserole

1 lb ground beef
1 pkg taco seasoning
3/4 C water
1 can (15 oz) beans (refried, black, or pinto)
2 C monterey jack cheese
1 C salsa
1 onion chopped
1 can (2 1/3 oz) sliced olives
1 chopped tomato
2 C coarsely crushed corn chips (we like Mission brand or fritos)

Brown ground beef, add taco seasonings and water. Simmer 5 minutes.
Heat beans on stove until hot. Stir in cheese and salsa.
Spread bean mixture in bottom of 9" square pan. Add beef on top. Sprinkle corn chips, remaining cheese, and olives on top.   
Bake in 375* oven until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from heat and sprinkle tomato on top.

Christmas Morning Traditions and Good Eats

Ever since I was little, my Mom would have Russian Tea simmering in the crockpot and Butterscotch rolls baking in the oven for our Christmas breakfast.  Now that I have kids I find myself keeping this tradition alive and we look forward to it every year.  We have had to change the butterscotch rolls up a bit because we can no longer have the frozen Rhodes rolls, but this year I finally was able to perfect them.  Thank goodness because I was getting very upset about ruining the rolls the past 2 years!!

Russian Tea

2 C sugar
2 C water
2 Quarts water
2 C orange juice
3/4 C lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond flavoring

In saucepan combine sugar and 2 C water and bring to a boil.  Boil for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine the rest of the ingredients in your crockpot and get it heating up. 
When sugar water is done boiling add to your crockpot and allow to heat through. 
Drink up!

Butterscotch Rolls

1 C warm water
1 egg
2 Tbsp melted butter
3 1/4 C flour
1/4 C sugar
1 tsp salt
1 Tbsp yeast

Place ingredients in order given into your bread machine and set on dough cycle.
Once done, remove and separate into 12-18 equal size rolls.

Combine:
1 3/4 ounce box of butterscotch pudding mix (NOT instant)
1/4 C sugar
1/2 C chopped nuts (we like pecans)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 C brown sugar

Melt 1/4 butter.

Dip roll in butter and roll in pudding mixture to coat well.  Place in greased bundt pan and repeat.
Cover and allow to rise until double.
Bake in 350* oven for 20-25 minutes or until browned.

Broccoli and Cheese Soup

1/2 C butter
5 Tbsp flour
5 C milk
Pint of half and half
2 heads of broccoli, chopped
Onion, chopped
7 chicken bouillon cubes
garlic powder
16 oz Velveeta

Melt butter over medium heat in saucepan.  Whisk in flour and allow to cook for 1 minute.  Slowly add in milk and continue to stir for about 5 minutes.

Transfer to large stockpot and add the rest of the ingredients, except the Velveeta.  Allow to simmer until the broccoli and onion are tender.

Add cheese and heat soup through over medium heat. 

Pork Chops

I'm not sure what to calls these, except good.  I'm not really a pork chop person, but we devoured these at my house.  It was really good served over rice.  Broccoli and sweet peas would be an excellent addition to this meal.  Don't be afraid of the long list of ingredients because most are seasonings that we all have in our cupboards.  This recipe called for soy sauce, but we are soy free here and unable to use it.  If you are making this and can use soy sauce it calls for 3/8 C.  You could then subtract the vinegar, 2 bullion cubes, molasses, ginger, 1/2 C + 1 Tbsp water....

1 1/2 lbs pork chops
1 Tbsp oil
2 tsp oil
3/4 C + 3 Tbsp water
3 beef bullion cubes
1 1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar
3/4 tsp dark molasses
1/8 tsp ginger
pinch of pepper
1/4 tsp garlic salt
4 Tbsp brown sugar
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
2 Tbsp water
2 Tbsp flour

Heat 1 Tbsp oil in pan and brown pork chops on both sides.
Combine 2 tsp oil, water, bullion, vinegar, molasses, ginger, pepper, garlic, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes and pour over pork chops.
Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, flipping pork chops half way through.  Watch the liquid level and add 1-2 Tbsp water if needed.
In pan, stir in flour dissolved in water.
Cook until thickened and serve over rice, if desired.

Lasagna Soup

We have all been very sick at my house and soup has been calling my name.  I wanted something a bit different and decided on this recipe.  We loved it!  Jamie told me to make sure and keep this one on the regular dinner list.

1 lb Italian sausage
2 C chopped onion
1 C diced carrot
2 C mushrooms (optional, didn't have any so didn't add it)
2 Tbsp minced garlic
4 C water
6 chicken bouillon cubes
1 can Italian style diced tomatoes
1 (10 3/4 oz) can tomato sauce
1 C small pasta shells
2 C freshly chopped spinach
1 - 2 C shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 C shredded Parmesan cheese for garnish

Brown sausage in large saucepan over med-high heat.
Add onions and carrots and saute until onions are transparent.
Stir in mushrooms and garlic and saute for an additional 3 min.
Add water, bouillon, tomatoes, and tomato sauce and bring to boil.  Simmer until carrots are tender.
Add pasta and cook according to package directions.
Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
Place 1/4 C cheese in bottom of each bowl and top with soup.  Garnish with Parmesan cheese.

Spinach, Cream Cheese, and Turkey Enchiladas

I finally found a healthier, yummier, soy free version of enchiladas!  I'm not a beef person right now, so the fact that they have turkey instead makes them even better.  My kids were whining about the spinach, until they tried them and then they were singing my praises.

1 - 1.5 lbs ground turkey
1 chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
2 C chunky salsa
1 (8 oz) can diced tomatoes
12 flour tortillas
1 C Mexican blend cheese
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese

Cook ground turkey, onion, and garlic over medium heat until turkey is no longer pink.
Add spinach and 1 C of salsa to turkey meat.  Cook for 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.  Remove from heat and add cream cheese.  Mix until melted.
Place 1/3 C meat mix in the middle of a flour tortilla, roll and place in greased 13x9 inch pan.
Bake for 20 minutes in a 350* oven.  Remove from oven and top with 1 C salsa mixed with diced tomatoes.  Sprinkle with cheese and return to oven for 5 minutes.

Microwave Caramel Popcorn

The kids and I were craving caramel popcorn, but I had no time to make it before we headed out for our camping trip.  Once we got there though, it was on.  We are in love with this simple and cheap popcorn.  I was hesitant because I didn't want my caramel popcorn to have a marshmallow taste, but it doesn't add that taste at all.

1 bag of microwave popcorn
1/4 C butter
1/2 C brown sugar
3/4 C miniature marshmallows

Pop the popcorn and put in a bowl.
Place butter, brown sugar, and marshmallows in microwave proof bowl, microwave for 2 minutes.
Stir well and pour over popcorn
*We didn't have mini marshmallows in the trailer, so we used 5-6 regular sized marshmallows.  Just make sure and really watch them because they tend to expand and hop out of your bowl.  I had to stir the sauce every 30 seconds or so just to try to keep them contained.

Southwest Bake

3/4 C brown or long grain white rice, uncooked
1 1/2 C water
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 can diced green chilies
1 (11 oz) can mexicorn or corn, drained
1 C salsa
1 C sour cream
1 C shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 C chopped onion
1 can black olives, sliced and drained
1 C shredded cheddar or mexican blend cheese

Cook rice with water.
Meanwhile, combine remaining ingredients (to last cheese) and add rice once it is cooked.
Bake, uncovered, at 350* for 40 minutes.  Sprinkle cheese over top and bake 10 minutes longer.
This can be served in bowls as a casserole, in tortillas, or even with a side of chips.

Taco Bell Quesadillas

I love Taco Bell Quesadillas. I know, they are so unhealthy for you, but they are so yummy.  I found this recipe that is pretty similar, not quite, but it did the trick to save me from my craving.  Do not be afraid of the jalapenos.  After tasting them, I could have easily gotten my kids to eat them because they were so mild.

1/4 C canola mayonnaise
2 tsp minced jalapenos
2 tsp jalapeno juice (from minced jalapenos)
3/4 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1 dash salt
shredded cheddar cheese
shredded monterey jack cheese
tortillas
cooked chicken tenderloins

Combine ingredients down to the salt and stir until smooth.
Taking one tortilla at a time, lay tortilla into hot skillet and sprinkle with 1/4 C of each shredded cheese on 1/2 of the tortilla.
Arrange about 1/4 C chicken slices over tortilla on the same half covered with cheese.
On the emtpy half, spread about 1 Tbsp of sauce.
Fold over, and press gently with spatula.
Cook until cheese is melted and each side of tortilla is golden.

What ingredients should you look for when going soy free?

I just realized that I had wanted to write a list of ingredients that you should be avoiding if you are allergic to soy, but have yet to do so.  Here is a list that I've been compiling of ingredients that mean "contains soy":

• hydrolized soy protein
• miso
• shoyo sauce
• soy flour
• soy grits
• soy nuts
• soy milk
• soy sprouts
• soy protein concentrate
• soy protein isolate
• soy sauce
• tempeh
• textured vegetable protein (TVP)
• tofu
• soy lecithin
• soy meal
• edamame
• tamari
• vegetable oil
• vegetable shortening
• hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP)
• brominated vegetable oil 

I have found that the brominated vegetable oil can be found in your citrus flavored carbonated drinks (Orange Shasta, Mountain Dew, Fresca, Fanta), so be very careful when grabbing that drink!

Soy lecithin of course is found in chocolate (I'll give you a moment to cry over that one).  I have only been able to find Nestle Chocolatier Bittersweet Bar, 4 Ounces and they sell dark chocolate ones as well that are our favorite.

Kara's Broccoli Salad

This is the salad that I am always begging Kara to bring and if I'm craving it and she isn't coming over, I am begging her to send me the recipe... again.  We brought it to the BBQ we went to this weekend and everyone was in love with this salad, even the broccoli haters fell in love.  So give this a try, even if you are one of the broccoli haters and you may find yourself falling in love with this despised vegetable.

A few heads of broccoli, cut into bite sized pieces
Celery, chopped (we always forget this ingredient)
1/2 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 C honey roasted peanuts
1 C mayonnaise
1/2 C sugar
2 Tbsp white vinegar or rice vinegar
1/2 Tbsp curry

Mix bacon, peanuts, mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, and curry until smooth.  Add to broccoli and celery.  Mix thoroughly.

Brett's Garlic Cheese Bread

I have been in love with this bread since the day my brother made it.  I have tried other recipes and they just weren't the same.  Love this yummy bread with homemade spaghetti!

Loaf of French bread, sliced lengthwise
1/2 C butter, softened
1 C mayonnaise
1 C colby jack cheese, shredded
1 C mozzarella cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 350*
Mix ingredients thoroughly and spread on slices of french bread.  Sprinkle with garlic seasoning.  Place on baking sheet and bake 8 minutes.  Then place under broiler for 2-3 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.

Grape Salad

This has got to be one of the easiest and yummiest sweet salads I have made.  I took it to the lacrosse party and had everyone asking for the recipe.  This is the perfect summer salad.
FYI: I used light cream cheese and light sour cream


2 lbs red grapes
2 lbs green grapes
8 oz softened cream cheese
8 oz sour cream
1/2 c sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 c crushed pecans
1/2- 1 c brown sugar (I only used 1/2 c and it was still very sweet)

Mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, and vanilla.  Add in grapes.

Toast pecans and brown sugar in hot oven for 7 min, stirring every few minutes.  Sprinkle over grape mixture.