Puppy Chow

This is just one of those fun recipes that the kids love. Of course the hot part I do, but I let the older kids do all the stirring and shaking. If you make this for a child's birthday party, serve it in a large dog bowl.

Puppy Chow

Ingredients:
1 stick butter
1 C. peanut butter
1 lb. box powdered sugar
1 lg Box Crispix cereal
12 oz pkg. milk chocolate chips

Preparation:
Melt margarine, peanut butter and chocolate chips in a microwave on medium setting until melted. Stir.

Place one large box of Crispix cereal in a large pan and pour chocolate mixture over top and coat thoroughly.

Place 1 lb box of powdered sugar in a grocery bag. Put coated cereal in the bag and shake until powdered sugar covers cereal mixture.

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Peanut Butter Cookies

This is one recipe that it doesn't matter what the weather is like, I make when the kids are visiting. It gives them all a chance to "make" cookies. Even my youngest niece Gracie who is 3 helps out. It is also the first real recipe I learned as a kid.

The only difference is we do not do the fork thing. To make it so little ones can really get into helping we use a plastic cup dipped in sugar, then squish the balls of dough. With Gracie it is a game...we do 1, 2, 3, squish...she loves it! She is giggling the whole time and then when the cookies are cooled off, shows everyone what she made.

Peanut Butter Cookies

* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 3/4 cup butter, room temperature
* 3/4 cup peanut butter
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 3/4 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla



In a bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Beat together the butter, peanut butter, and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Gradually beat in the flour mixture.

Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled, or about 2 to 4 hours.

Take tablespoonfuls of dough and roll into balls with hands. Place about 3 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Using a fork dipped in flour, lightly press cookies, flattening and forming a criss-cross pattern on each cookie with the tines.

Bake at 375° until golden brown, or about 10 to 12 minutes. Cool on baking sheets for a minute; transfer to rack to cool completely.

Makes about 4 dozen peanut butter cookies.

Brownie Pizza

Well I have decided today is kids day. All my recipes today will be ones that you can make with your kids. Older children would be able to make them on their own when a grown up is around. This next one is really fun for kids to help with. I let them help with the mixing and leave the decorating up to them. It lets them use their imagination, they have fun with it and it gives them a sense of pride when it is served for dessert. You don't have to use the candies I have, you can use anything. The green gummies are pepper pieces, the red are pepperoni, pecans are mushrooms and the black licorice pieces are the olives.

Brownie Pizza

1 package brownie mix
1 can vanilla frosting
Green gummy lifesavers
Red fruit by the foot or Red gummy lifesavers
4 oz shredded Coconut
Some Yellow food coloring
Pecans, coarsely chopped, if you like them
Black licorice, chopped very small, if you like it

Prepare the brownie mix using the two egg recipe and spread the batter into a 13 inch pizza pan that has been greased or lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes or at 325 degrees for a dark or coated pan. Do not over-bake. Cool completely.

Spread frosting on top within 1 ½ inches of edge. Lots of cheese!

Place the coconut in a baggie with 2-3 drops of yellow food coloring. Close the bag and squish until colored yellow. Sprinkle on top of the frosting. Extra cheese!

Using a small scissors, cut fruit by the foot into circles and scatter over coconut. Or you can use red gummy lifesavers. Just like pepperoni!

Using a small scissors, cut green gummies and sprinkle on top. Looks like green peppers.

If you like them, chop pecans and licorice and sprinkle on top. Now you have mushrooms and olives too.

Cut into slices and enjoy!

Breakfast Tacos

One of the things I remember about being a kid was helping in the kitchen. Mom would let us help with some of the meals. My nieces and nephew all help out in the kitchen and love coming to see me as we always have fun making things. Granted their favorite thing to make are cookies, but they love helping make these breakfast taco's. I set everything up so they can build their own. I do precook all the meats and eggs so little hands don't get burned. It is a fun recipe for those rainy summer mornings or even a summer dinner. Serve with some fresh fruit and you have a nice simple meal. Try different combo's you think your family will enjoy and have fun with the recipe!!

Breakfast Tacos

6 Tortillas

8 Eggs

2 tablespoons Milk

6 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled

1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

In a medium size microwave-safe bowl, mix together well eggs and milk; cover bowl with paper towel.

Microwave on HIGH for 3-4 minutes, stirring once after 2 minutes, or until cooked and fluffy.

Heat tortillas as directed on the package. Spoon warm eggs onto each tortilla.

Top with crumbled bacon and shredded cheese and fold tortilla.

Some additional topping idea's:

Breakfast Sausage
Salsa
Guacamole
Bell Peppers (lightly sauteed)
Any kind of cheese you happen to have in the house

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Simple Goulash

Some days I don't feel like spending a lot of time at the stove. I don't remember who gave this to me, but it has become one of those staple meals in our house. It is not only easy to make it is inexpensive too!! Again this is another recipe that depending on my mood I add frozen veggies to in the last few minutes of cooking.

Simple Goulash

1 pound ground meat
4 cups cooked rice (approx. 2 cups uncooked)
1 can tomato soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese you want)

In large skillet brown ground meat with salt and pepper to taste. Drain fat. Turn heat to med./low. Add cooked rice and both soups. Mix well and then smooth out in skillet. Top with cheese and heat until cheese starts to slightly bubble.

Baked Mac and Cheese

Forget that box stuff, making the real deal is easy and tastes soooo much better!! Once you have tried this, I don't think you would want the box stuff anymore.

Like with most of my recipes you can do different things to this one to change the taste. Use different types of cheeses, such as Monterey Jack and Cheddar, add some taco seasonings and browned ground beef for a totally different dish. Use your imagination and have fun with it!!


Baked Mac and cheese

1 16oz box Macaroni
2 - 8 oz Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1 quart milk
Seasoned Bread Crumbs

cook mac according to box...but only for about 8 min, as you want it undercooked.

While that is cooking cut up cheese in smallish chunks, spray a three quart baking dish with cooking spray. Makes clean up a breeze!!

drain macaroni

put macaroni in pan, add the quart of milk, add cheese, salt and pepper to taste, mix well

Put in oven at 350, cook for about 15 min....carefully put a thin layer of bread crumbs over mixture cook for about another 45 min...top should be golden brown and inside should not be runny.

Yummy Strawberry Spinach Salad

With summer right around the corner and the heat starting to move in already here in Florida, it is the perfect time to start eating salads again. This recipe is one of my favorites now. You can do a lot with it to make it a little different each time. I have changed a few things with the salad that to me just made sense.

I don't put the fruit on it until I serve it and I serve the dressing on the side. It can be made a few hours ahead and left to chill while you do other things. As a side note, the dressing is a really good marinade for chicken. If you find it is too sweet, you can adjust the sugar and use less. You can also use Balsamic Vinegar in place of white vinegar.

Strawberry Spinach Salad

INGREDIENTS

* 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
* 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
* 1/4 cup white sugar (you can use your favorite sugar substitute)
* 1/2 cup olive oil
* 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
* 1/4 teaspoon paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 tablespoon minced onion (any kind, red works really well)
* 10 ounces fresh spinach - rinsed, dried and torn into bite-size pieces
* 1 quart strawberries - cleaned, hulled and sliced
* 1 small can Manderin Oranges
* 1/4 cup almonds, blanched and slivered (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar, olive oil, vinegar, paprika, Worcestershire sauce and onion. Cover, and chill for one hour.
2. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries and almonds. Pour dressing over salad, and toss. Refrigerate 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Tonga Toast - Polynesian Resort

Tonga Toast (Banana Stuffed French Toast)

from the Polynesian Resort

2 or 4 slices sourdough bread cut 1 inch thick
1 banana
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
oil for frying
whipped butter if desired
Maple syrup if desired

Depending on the size of the bread slices, cut a 1 inch pocket in one side of the bread slice.

Cut banana in half crosswise, then split each piece lengthwise. Remove peel and stuff 2 pieces in each pocket, again depending on size. Set aside.

Mix sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.

Mix egg, milk and vanilla until well blended.

Heat about 4 inches of oil in a pan to 350 F.

Dip stuffed bread into egg mixture, allowing it to soak in for a few minutes.

Fry in hot oil until lightly brown, turning to brown both sides. Drain on paper towels on cake rack. Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar and serve at once. Top as desired.

Banana Bread Pudding

Banana Bread Pudding
from Boma, Animal Kingdom Lodge

Yield: 12 servings.

12 croissants (or any bread with high butter content, such as brioche or challah)
1 quart milk
1 quart heavy cream
13 eggs
1 pound 3 ounces granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
8 whole bananas, sliced
6 ounces butter, melted

Heat oven to 320 F. Cut bread into cubes. Place them in a 10-inch round, 2-inch deep baking pan. Slice bananas. Mix with the bread.

Prepare custard by mixing the eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, milk and heavy cream. Pour custard over bread, making sure bread is soaked. Brush top with melted butter. Place baking dish on a large jellyroll pan. Fill jellyroll pan with water to create a gentle water bath while the pudding bakes.

Bake for 1 hour, 15 minutes. Top will be golden, and skewer inserted into the pudding should come out clean.



Vanilla Sauce

24 ounces heavy cream
12 ounces milk
¼ ounce vanilla extract
4 ½ ounces sugar
1 ounce cornstarch
6 each egg yolks

Heat up milk, vanilla, and heavy cream. Dissolve cornstarch with egg yolks. Add sugar.

Once liquid boils, temper some of the liquid into the yolks and stir vigorously. Then return tempered yolks into the pot.

Turn off the heat and stir continuously until well combined and thickened. Transfer the sauce into a bowl and set over an ice bath to cool.

Chicken and Leek Pie

From the Rose and Crown, Great Briton in Epcot.

Chicken and Leek Pie
from Rose and Crown Dining Room, Epcot

2 tablespoons Butter
1/3 cup Onion, diced
1/2 cup Celery, cut on bias
1 cup Leeks, whites only, cleaned and diced
1 pound Chicken breast, boneless, cubed
2 tablespoons Flour
1 1/2 cups Chicken stock or broth
1/4 cup Parsley, chopped
2 teaspoons Salt
1/4 teaspoon Pepper
1/4 teaspoon Thyme
Pie crust, enough for a two crust pie
1 Egg, beaten



Melt butter in a large skillet.Add onion, celery and leeks. Saute until tender (10-15 minutes on medium heat).

Add cubed chicken meat and continue cooking until chicken is tender.

Sprinkle with flour and stir well. Add stock, parsley, salt, pepper and thyme.

Bring to a boil and cook for 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Preheat oven to 400º.

Line a 2 quart casserole dish at least 2" deep with pie crust. Spoon in filling. Top with more crust. Cut hole in top. Brush with egg.

Bake 25-30 minutes until crust is golden brown and filling is hot.

Allow pie to rest 10 minutes before serving.

More Disney Recipes

Seeing I am on a Disney kick today, figured I would post a few more of their wonderful recipes!!

Here is another wonderful recipe! It takes a little work, but it well worth the effort!!

Caramel Apple Pie
from Liberty Tree Tavern, Magic Kingdom

Yield: 1 portion

6oz. Apple Filling
3oz. Shortbread crust (below)
4oz. Vanilla Ice Cream
1/4t. Powdered sugar
1oz. Carmel sauce (below)

Method:

Portion Short crust into 3oz. balls, then roll out to 1/8-inch thickness and put in small tins. Fill crust with 6oz. Apple filling, fold crust edges over apples in random a manner. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Keep pie warm in warmer. At time of service plate on star plate, dust with powdered sugar, then top with caramel sauce and serve with ice cream.



Shortbread crust

Yield: 3 pounds

1# Butter
6oz. Sugar
1/4t salt
4oz. Eggs
1.5# Flour

Method:

Cream butter, sugar, and salt together in mixer. Add eggs gradually until incorporated. Finally add flour to mixture and make dough. Remove dough and refrigerate.

Caramel sauce

Yield: 1.5 pounds

1# Sugar
1/4qt. Heavy cream
0.5oz. water

Method:

Add water and sugar it a pot and caramelize sugar to a golden brown. Add cream into caramelized sugar at lowered heat (gradually) until smooth. Cool.

Disney's Strawberry Soup Recipe

Every time we go to the Grand Floridian we eat at the buffet there. They have this wonderful Strawberry Soup. Below is the recipe from Disney and the Grand Floridian. I have made this soup a few times when strawberries are at their peak here in Florida...it is to die for!!

If you would like to make it a little on the fancy side, puree some of the strawberries and swirl the puree on top of the soup. You can also serve the soup in melon bowls.

Strawberry Soup

from the Grand Floridian

2lb. 8oz. strawberries (frozen variety,thaw with juice)
1lb. Heavy Cream
2oz.Sour Cream
3oz. Yogurt
1/2 lb. Fresh Stawberries

Mix Strawberries, heavy cream, sour cream and yogurt. Beat slowly until well mixed and a smooth consistency. Chill, shake well before serving. Add fresh strawberries halves as garnish.

Easy Chicken Recipe

Here is another super easy and inexpensive recipe. You can use pre-cooked chicken if you wanted to.

Chicken Casserole

3 or 4 chicken tenderloins cut up in bite size pieces
1 Box stove top stuffing
1 can chicken gravy

In a pan, put a little oil, add chicken, cook until no longer pink
Mix stuffing mix according to directions as if you were using to stuff a bird

Mix stuffing mix, chicken and gravy all together, put in casserole pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray, cook covered at 350 for about 30 minutes. After 30 min, take cover off pan and cook for another 10 minutes.

When you take the cover off you can sprinkle the top with mozzarella cheese if you would like to give it a twist.

This is another recipe you can add veggies if you want to it when you mix everything together.

Comfort Food Recipe

There are some things that when you feel down or sick, you just know will make you feel better. Comfort foods are one of them. When we had an upset stomach, my mom would make us chicken and rice. Even now I love it and at times just crave it. It is a little bland, but you can add what you like to spice it up. I do sometimes add veggies such as frozen pea or broccoli to it too. Where you take the basic recipe is up to you.

Chicken and Rice

a few chicken tenderloins
can of cream of chicken soup, any kind
rice

Make rice according to package, you want about two cups of rice.

To the water you are making the rice in...add the chicken, cut up to bite size pieces...cook the chicken with the rice

When rice and chicken are done add the soup

Salt and pepper to taste. You can add veggies too if you want...I tend to add frozen peas about 5 min before it is done

Easy Recipes

I love cooking, I always have. To me it isn't just about food, it is a way to show how creative you can be or how much people mean to you. I make tons of cookies at the holidays, birthday cakes and well just about anything!! I love trying new recipes, but then I have my tried and true recipes. I will be posting different recipes one at a time so they don't become a jumbled mess...lol

Below is one that I think you might enjoy!!

This one is for a simple no fat sweet treat. It is so simple it is scary.

Pineapple Angel Food Cupcakes

1 box of Angel Food Cake Mix
1 20 oz can of pineapple in its own juice

Set oven to 350 degrees

Line 3 regular size cupcake pans with papers *

In a large non metal bowl, mix cake mix and pineapple. It will get very foamy and bubbly.

Fill cupcake pans to almost the top of each cup.

Bake for about 22 min, until light golden brown on top. If you can not put all three pans on one rack, rotate pans half way through cooking.

These do not cook very high, so they will not have the normal cupcake tops. Let cool and enjoy!!

* If you don't have muffin pans or cupcake pans, this can be baked in a tube pan or loaf pan. Follow times on box for tube pans, for loaf pan when top is golden brown it should be done.

These also freeze well...place cooled cupcakes on a cookie sheet, once frozen wrap individually. Great for lunch boxes!!