Our prayers are needed for this family!!!!

Click on graphic above and pray... my heart aches for them.

Rhubarb, Anyone??

For more Wordless Wednesday, click here. The only words I could think of is ... bring on the recipes! lol

Heavenly Surprise Cupcakes

Heavenly Surprise Cupcakes

Source: TOH prize winning recipes
Ingredients:

* 2 eggs
* 1-1/4 cups Sugar
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 2/3 cup canola oil
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup baking cocoa
* 1-1/4 teaspoons baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* FROSTING:
* 2/3 cup butter-flavored shortening
* 2/3 cup butter, softened
* 1 cup Sugar
* 1 can (5 ounces) evaporated milk
* 1 tablespoon water
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 cups Powdered Sugar

Directions:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, buttermilk, oil and vanilla until blended. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; gradually add to egg mixture until blended.
Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350° for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
For frosting, in a large bowl, cream the shortening, butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the milk, water and vanilla. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth.
Cut a small hole in the corner of a pastry or resealable plastic bag; insert a small star tip. Fill bag with frosting. Push tip 1 in. into center of cupcake and fill with frosting just until tip of cake begins to crack. Pipe frosting in a spiral pattern over the top, beginning near the edge of the cupcake. Yield: 1-1/2 dozen. Editor's Note: The texture of this frosting is typical of one made with granulated sugar.

Triple Chocolate Quick Bread

Triple Chocolate quick bread

Source: TOH prize winning recipes
Ingredients:

* 1-1/2 cups miniature semisweet chocolate chips, divided
* 1/2 cup butter, softened
* 2/3 cup Dark Brown Sugar
* 2 eggs
* 1-1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* GLAZE:
* 1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
* 1 tablespoon butter
* 2 to 3 tablespoons half-and-half cream
* 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Pinch salt

Directions:
Ina microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup chocolate chips; set aside to cool. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and cooled chocolate; mix well. Add applesauce and vanilla; set aside. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in the remaining chocolate chips.
Spoon into four greased 5-3/4-in. x 3-in. x 2-in. loaf pans. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing to wire racks.
For glaze, melt chocolate chips and butter in a small heavy saucepan; stir in cream. Remove from the heat; stir in confectioners' sugar, vanilla and salt. Drizzle over warm breads. Cool completely. Yield: 4 mini-loaves.

Round Steak with Dumplings

Round Steak with Dumplings

From: TOH Prize Winning Recipes
Ingredients:

* 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 tablespoon paprika
* 3 pounds boneless beef top round steak, cut into serving-size pieces
* 2 tablespoons canola oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2-2/3 cups water
* 2 cans (10-3/4 ounces each) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
* 1/2 teaspoon pepper
* DUMPLINGS:
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup dried minced onion
* 2 tablespoons baking powder
* 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
* 1-1/2 teaspoons celery salt
* 1-1/2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
* 3/4 teaspoon salt
* 1-1/2 cups milk
* 6 tablespoons canola oil
* 1 cup dry bread crumbs
* 1/4 cup butter, melted

Directions:
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine flour and paprika. Add beef, a few pieces at a time, and shake to coat.
In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown steak in oil on both sides in batches, adding more oil if necessary. Remove and keep warm.
In the drippings, saute onion until tender. Stir in the water, soup and pepper. Bring to a boil. Return meat to pan. Cover and bake at 325° for 1-1/2 hours.
Meanwhile, for dumplings, combine the flour, minced onion, baking powder, poppy seeds, celery salt, poultry seasoning and salt in a bowl. Combine milk and oil; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.
Increase oven temperature to 425°. In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs and butter. Drop dumpling batter by rounded tablespoonfuls into crumb mixture; roll to form dumplings. Place on top of simmering beef mixture.
Cover and bake 20-25 minutes longer or until a toothpick inserted in a dumpling comes out clean (do not lift the cover while baking). Yield: 10-12 servings.

Crockpot Hot Fudge Cake

Hot fudge Cake

Source: TOH prize winning recipes



The originator of this recipe says that she sometimes subs butterscotch chips for the chocolate chips for a nice change. NO eggs in this recipe. :)


Ingredients:

* 1-3/4 cups Dark Brown Sugar, divided
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 6 tablespoons baking cocoa, divided
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup milk
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1-1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
* 1-3/4 cups boiling water
* Vanilla ice cream

Directions:
In a bowl, combine 1 cup brown sugar, flour, 3 tablespoons cocoa, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, combine the milk, butter and vanilla; stir into dry ingredients just until combined. Spread evenly into a 3-qt. slow cooker coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with chocolate chips.
In a bowl, combine the remaining brown sugar and cocoa; stir in boiling water. Pour over batter (do not stir). Cover and cook on high for 4 to 4-1/2 hours or until a toothpick inserted near the center of cake comes out clean. Serve warm with ice cream. Yield: 6-8 servings.

Steak on a Stick

This, some roasted potatoes and a spinach salad! YUM!



Steak on a Stick

Source: TOH prize winning recipes


Ingredients:

* 1 beef flank steak (1-1/2 pounds)
* 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
* 1/4 cup water
* 2 tablespoons molasses
* 2 teaspoons ground mustard
* 1 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions:
Freeze steak for 1-1/2 hours. Cut diagonally into 1/4-in. slices. In a bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Pour 1/4 cup into a small bowl for basting; cover and refrigerate. Pour remaining marinade into a large resealable plastic bag; add the beef. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Drain and discard marinade. Coat grill rack with cooking spray before starting the grill. Thread beef ribbon-style on 12 metal or soaked wooden skewers. Grill, uncovered, over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side or until meat reaches desired doneness, basting frequently with reserved marinade. Yield: 6 servings.

Caribbean Chicken

Time to get grilling!

Caribbean Chicken

Source: TOH prize winning recipes
Ingredients:

* 1/2 cup lemon juice
* 1/3 cup honey
* 3 tablespoons canola oil
* 6 green onions, sliced
* 3 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
* 3 teaspoons dried thyme
* 3/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)

Directions:
In a blender, combine the first nine ingredients, cover and process until smooth. Pour 1/2 cup into a small bowl for basting; cover and refrigerate. Pour remaining marinade into a large resealable plastic bag; add chicken. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate for up to 6 hours.
Drain and discard marinade. Coat grill rack with cooking spray before starting the grill. Grill chicken, covered, over medium heat for 4-6 minutes on each side or until a meat thermometer reads 170°, basting frequently with the reserved marinade. Yield: 6 servings.

Cheeseburger Mini Muffins

Source: TOH prize winning recipes



Cheeseburger Mini Muffins
Ingredients:

* 1/2 pound ground beef
* 1 small onion, finely chopped
* 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 tablespoon Domino® or C&H® Granulated Pure Cane Sugar
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 3/4 cup ketchup
* 3/4 cup milk
* 1/2 cup butter, melted
* 2 eggs
* 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
* 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:
In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.
In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, combine the ketchup, milk, butter, eggs and mustard; stir into the dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in the beef mixture and cheese.
Fill greased miniature muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake at 425° for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Serve warm. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 5 dozen. Editor's Note: Muffins may be baked in regular-size muffin cups for 20-25 minutes; recipe makes 2 dozen.

~*~ TOH Coffee Cake Muffins ~*~

Coffee Cake Muffins

Source TOH Prize winning recipes :)
Ingredients:

* 1/4 cup Domino® or C&H® Pure Cane Dark Brown Sugar
* 1/4 cup chopped pecans
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup Domino® or C&H® Granulated Pure Cane Sugar
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 egg
* 3/4 cup milk
* 1/3 cup canola oil
* GLAZE:
* 1/2 cup Domino® or C&H® Pure Cane Powdered Sugar
* 1 tablespoon milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, pecans and cinnamon; set aside. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, combine the egg, milk and oil; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.
Spoon 1 tablespoon of batter into paper-lined muffin cups. Top each with 1 teaspoon nut mixture and about 2 tablespoons batter. Sprinkle with the remaining nut mixture.
Bake at 400° for 22-24 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack. Combine glaze ingredients; spoon over muffins. Serve warm. Yield: 1 dozen.

~*~ Meaty Apple Skillet ~*~

Meaty Apple Skillet

Source:TOH prize winning recipes
Ingredients:

* 1 large tart apple, peeled and thinly sliced
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 2 teaspoons cornstarch
* 2/3 cup cranberry-apple juice
* 1 pound smoked kielbasa or Polish sausage
* 3/4 pound bulk pork sausage, cooked and drained
* 3/4 pound pork sausage links, cooked and sliced
* 1-1/2 cups cubed fully cooked ham

Directions:
In a large skillet, saute apple slices in butter; sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg. Cover and cook for 5 minutes or until apples are tender.
Combine cornstarch and juice until smooth; stir into apple mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add sausage and ham; heat through. Yield: 12-16 servings.

~*~ TOH Southwest Sausage Bake ~*~

Contest Winning Recipe

Southwest Sausage Bake

From Quick Cooking

This layered tortilla dish is not only delicious, but it's a real time-saver because it's put together the night before. The tomato slices provide a nice touch of color. I like to serve this crowd-pleasing casserole with muffins and fresh fruit.NOTE: Not my notes - the notes are from the cookbook. :)

SERVINGS

12

CATEGORY

Breakfast/Brunch

METHOD

Baked

PREP

15 min.

COOK

60 min.

TOTAL

75 min.

INGREDIENTS

* 6 flour tortillas (10 inches), cut into 1/2-inch strips

* 4 cans (4 ounces each) chopped green chilies, drained

* 1 pound bulk pork sausage, cooked and drained

* 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese

* 10 eggs

* 1/2 cup milk

* 1/2 teaspoon each salt, garlic salt, onion salt, pepper and ground cumin

* Paprika

* 2 medium tomatoes, sliced

* Sour cream and salsa

DIRECTIONS

In a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish, layer half of the tortilla strips, chilies, sausage and cheese. Repeat layers. In a bowl, beat the eggs, milk and seasonings; pour over cheese. Sprinkle with paprika. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 50 minutes. Arrange tomato slices over the top. Bake 10-15 minutes longer or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting. Serve with sour cream and salsa. Yield: 12 servings.

~*~ How Great Thou Art ~*~

This is what we were greeted with on the way to church this morning. Actually these pics were taken after. I wish I could have gotten the before and after pics. This is Mt. Rainier and the lenticular clouds surrounding it this morning! Absolutely beautiful. (you can click on the pictures and it will make them larger.) And as my eyes drank in this beautiful scene my heart was reminded of this beautiful song!


O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.


Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!


When through the woods, and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.
When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur
And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.


Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!


And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.


Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!


When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"


Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

Gifts

Just wanted to post a pick of a cheery gift from a sweet friend. :)

The Friday Declutter! :)

I'm BACK! lol Back to my decluttering! Today's challenge was to declutter our wallets. Mine wasn't actually too bad this time. I had some receipts that needed to be thrown and some expired cards. Done and cleaned and organized! If you want to see how others have done with their wallet declutter, click HERE.

Actually a productive day, today. My first day UNemployed. Yes, I joined the 9.2 % and growing Washingtonians that have been laid off. Economy. I got 2 kitchen counters reorganized, potato salad made, dinner in the crockpot, a stack of clothes that needed attention taken care of, lists made with my game plan! Getting back on track! Feels good!

Friendship

Friendships are very important. And some friendships come along once in a lifetime. This is Pam and she is one of my once in a lifetime friends. I met Pam over 30 years ago when our children were younger. We had built a home and she lived across the alley from us. I remember the first time I met her. She couldn't have been 100 lbs dripping wet. Our children had been playing together, usually in our back yard and she came over to introduce herself as their mom. :) Little did we know that was to be the beginning of a very special friendship and bond. Soon after that we became Sisters in the Lord and the friendship took off. We were together all the time. It would not be uncommon for a friend looking for one of us to call the other's home looking for us. lol Garage sales, car pooling kids to school, Bible Study, praying together, etc. Friends that were there for one another.

1 PM in the afternoon, "Pam, there's been an accident and Markie is at the hospital. Can you come over quick and stay with the girls so I can get down there?"

12:30 AM "PAM! Something is wrong with Lissa. She is having seizures! We have to get her to the hospital!!! Can you get over here quick and stay with the kids???"

You know! The friend that is there thru thick and thin. Spring comes and I make my first macaroni salad of the season. "Hey, Pam. I made my black ant salad (it had black olives in it so we joked). You guys come on over for dinner tonight!" Then the snow days! The kids sledding down at the school - Let's potluck! Friday night family get together time. Library movies and popcorn. Talking till all hours of the night! Laughing, sharing, praying. Adventures? Oh yes, we had those too! December 1977 - they were planning a trip to California for Christmas. Randy had made a camper for their truck.


Pam: Why don't you come with us?

Me: We don't have a trailer!


Pam: Well, let's look for one in the classifieds!


Me: We don't have a car to pull it!


Pam: Use our station wagon, it has a hitch!


So we purchased a NON selfcontained (that means no potty!) 16' trailer and set off in the dead of winter for a 2 week vacation. Our 4 children at the time and our daughterlike friend and us in a stationwagon and the trailer. Move forward to Christmas day - sitting in a bowling alley parking lot (a place that Pam and her hubby haunted years earlier when they dated) saying: "OK, what do we do next?" "Let's go visit Gene and Randa!!!" Oh... did I mention this was DECEMBER and Gene and Randa live in MONTANA!~!! 4 flat tires, EVERY one getting sick, a side trip off the road into the snow and having to get towed out just minutes away from our destination, we ended up on our friends' door step! LOL yes, Adventure. Seemed to follow our travels! A friend always there. Friends are a gift from God.

Ah, but life happens. God called them away to Iowa and a tearful goodbye. And we had another adventureous trip out to Iowa in 1980. The Mountain had just blown, we rented a motor home and started off halfway across the states to spend 3 weeks with our friends..... Just mom and dad and our 5 kids. 4 blowouts on the motorhome, an alternator repair, barely missing the historic 12 tornadoes that touched down in Grand Island, Nebraska, a quick side trip to drive by my childhood home in Lincoln and in the middle of a storm, we finally arrived at our IOWA destination. Picnics, time at Six (?) Flags in Des Moines, tours and our time was over and headed home again. They came back to Washington 4 years later but live several hours from us. We visited when we could but family and life kept us both busy. The friendship? Still there .... one where you can see each other and just pick up right where you left off. It had been 12 years or better since I have talked or seen Pam, although she has never been far from my thoughts. MANY MANY times, over the years, I have longed for my friend to visit with and pray with......quiet tears of missing her... only a phone call away but we had just drifted apart....

Recently, my daughters had been posting some older pictures on Facebook. When looking at some of them I saw a pic of Pam's daughter and low and behold, Tracy had tagged it and Tammy was on Facebook! I sent a friend request and waited and watched. Soon, it was accepted. As soon as I saw that I hightailed it over to Tammy's homepage to check out her friends and there was PAM! Sent a friend request and soon it was accepted and a message on my wall. Wrote back.... got her phone number... the following Saturday.... 2 or more hours on the phone catching up. I had FORGOTTEN how we could talk. And of course we never really caught up because one thing leads to another and the first story never gets completed before the next topic gets talked about! HA! Oh... more tears of pure joy. Have we gotten together yet? No not yet. Life and family is still there... when one is the pastor of a church and the other has tons of grandkids with activities going on, it will take time to coordinate our special time together. But it will happen. That bond that the Lord gave us YEARS ago is still there. We will always have a special place in each others hearts and there will be time for us and we won't drift again. Do you have a special friend like this? Cherish that friend. Thank God for that friend. I know I do! "A friend loves at all times."

Wordless Wednesday - Which way to the beach?

To see what others are sharing, click HERE.

Kristina's First Watermelon Basket

This is my daughter's first watermelon basket. I think she did a fantastic job! It is one thing that I have wanted to try but have not felt confident enough to try. Little does Kristina know but she will be making a lot more of these in the future. "What do you want me to bring, mom?" "Oh, bring one of your watermelon baskets with fruit, please!" LOL. I am proud of you, Kristina!

Happy Birthday, son!

My baby turns 30 today! (I can remember when I turned 30!!) Bless his heart. I remember all the joy that he has brought into my life. He was my baby, still is my baby. He was born 2 years after my special needs daughter, weighing in at 10 pounds and 10 ounces! He was/is such a sweetheart. Blond hair, big smile! He idolized his oldest brother. He was 5 going on 15! Today, he is 30 going on 15! HA! He is a kidder. He is a very good dad! He started his family before his brother and I remember when at the hospital to see my oldest son's new baby, my youngest son was giving fatherly advice! How strange but wonderful that was! I am proud of my baby, as I am each of my children. He loves the Lord. He has a beautiful wife, not just outwardly but inwardly and he has 3 (soon to be 4) lovely children that he desires to raise in a fashion honoring the Lord. Wasn't it just yesterday that this handsome young man was outside the front window playing army and whacking down one of the largest thorny weeds I have ever seen with a big ol' stick, leaving just stubble in the ground? Wasn't it only yesterday that he and I drove out to grandma's to play cards with her? Wasn't it just last basketball season that I was cheering him on in the stands as he played basketball for his high school team?? Wasn't it just last week, we were at his wedding?? Where does the time go? Thank GOD for memories! Happy birthday, Son! I love you and I am very proud of you.

Bacon Wrapped Potato Bites

Janie, from TOH posted this and I wanted to include all her notes. She is a great cook and writes such detailed reviews including her tweaks and ideas!

When Linda posted this recipe Friday I thought boy I have to try these ~ My first thought was to make a few and serve them with some Chicken Strips. Well I never got around to it and in the end that turned out to be a good idea. A better idea came to mind yesterday morning. Mr wants some scrambled eggs ~ This will be perfect and perfect they were ~ What a fun little recipe to make and in no time at all I had a handful made ~ I found that the potatoes that were cut into sticks held up better and were easier to wrap. I also found out that cutting the long strip down the middle into 2 very thin strips worked out a little better that the wider strips. The potatoes were wonderful, roasted and seasoned perfectly with that nice slight taste of bacon ~ And to top it off That Dip was great ~ Wow ~ It just make the potatoes even more enjoyable~ All of these ingredients are so fitting and perfectly matched. Linda, This is a great Recipe either as a Appy or as a Mini Side ~ Thanks so much for sharing it ~ We really enjoyed ~ The Little Bites" That looked so cute ~ Janie ~

Bacon-Wrapped Potato Bites w/a Spicy Dipping Sauce

Ingredients

1 pound of small or medium potatoes, Cut into 1" pieces~ Try to keep them all the same size'

Boiled till you can stick them with a fork with no resistance, About 3-4 minutes.

I cut them in 1/2 then in 1/2 again creating little semi fat sticks. The bacon was so eay to wrap aroud them and a thought came to mind ~ Frozen french fries would be perfect and every stick would be of perect size~

1-1/2 tsp Rosemary

1 Tbs olive oil ( just eyeballed and I used just (1) ap potato

1/2 tsp salt and some ground pepper

12-oz to 1 pound of thick bacon slices ( for the amount of potatoes I used I used 3 strips of bacon) My potato rendered about 12 small sticks

Drain the cooked potatoes and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle them with the olive oil to coat and add the spices. Toss to coat well. Cut the bacon trips in 1/2 and wrap a piece around each potato bite. Secure with a toothpick. Place the wrapped potatoes on a foil lined baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes. Flip then cook for another 15 minutes.

Dipping Sauce ( Combine all )

1 cup of sour cream

1 tsp hot sauce

salt and pepper

* this is a Perfcet little sauce for the Bites ~ yum ~ Janie

* The toothpicks practically keeps the potatoes from sticking to the foil. It acts as a little leaning tool allowing some of the bacon grease to baste then run off of the potato instead of sitting in it ~

Oh So Easy Tomato Cream Soup

• 2 cups milk
• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

Place all ingredients in a blender; cover and process until smooth. Transfer to a large saucepan; heat through. Yield: 4 servings.

Mashed Potato Meat Loaf

1-1/3 cups water
1/3 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
1-1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
1-1/3 cups mashed potato flakes
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/3 cup chopped onion
3/4 teaspoon pepper
1 pound lean ground beef
1 can (11-1/2 ounces) picante V8 juice
1/4 cup ketchup

In a large saucepan, bring water, milk, butter and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil. Remove from the heat; stir in potato flakes. Let stand for 30 seconds. Fluff with a fork; set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the egg, oats, green pepper, onion, pepper and remaining salt. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. On a piece of waxed paper, pat beef mixture into a 12-in. x 8-in. rectangle. Spoon mashed potatoes lengthwise down the center third to within 1 in. of edges. Bring long sides over potatoes to meet in center; seal seam and edges.
Place seam side up in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30 minutes; drain. Pour V8 juice over loaf. Top with ketchup. Bake 18-22 minutes longer or until meat is no longer pink and a meat thermometer reads 160°. Let stand for 5 minutes before slicing. Yield: 4-6 servings.

Hacienda Hot Dogs

Hacienda Hot Dogs

• 8 Chicago-style beef hot dogs (4 ounces each)
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 bottle (8 ounces) taco sauce
• 8 hot dog buns, split
• 1 cup refried beans
• Shredded lettuce
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• 24 pickled pepper rings
• Minced fresh cilantro

Directions:

Cut a lengthwise slit three-quarters of the way through each hot dog and to within 1/2 in. of each end. Fill pocket with 2 tablespoons cheese.
Place in an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Pour taco sauce over hot dogs. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 15-17 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Spread the inside of each bun with 2 tablespoons refried beans. Layer with lettuce, hot dog, tomato, pepper rings and cilantro. Yield: 8 servings.

Salsa Ranch Chicken Wraps

Salsa Ranch Chicken Wraps

• 4 tablespoons salsa
• 4 tablespoons prepared ranch salad dressing
• 4 tomato basil tortillas (10 inches)
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each), grilled and cut into strips
• 12 slices cucumber
• 8 slices tomato
• 1/2 cup julienned green pepper
• 6 slices Swiss cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided

Directions:

Spread 1 tablespoon of salsa and 1 tablespoon of ranch dressing over each tortilla. Place the chicken, cucumber, tomato and green pepper down each center; top with 1-1/2 slices of cheese. Fold ends of each tortilla over filling.
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Place two wraps folded side down in skillet. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side or until lightly browned and cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining wraps and butter. Yield: 4 servings.

Tamale Pie

Mom's Tamale Pie

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 large green pepper, chopped
• 1 can (15-1/4 ounces) whole kernel corn, undrained
• 1-1/2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
• 5 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 envelope chili seasoning
• 1-1/2 teaspoons Domino® or C&H® Granulated Pure Cane Sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 6 cups cooked grits (prepared with butter and salt)
• 1-1/2 teaspoons chili powder, divided
• 1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

In a large skillet, cook the beef, onion and green pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the corn, tomatoes, tomato paste, chili seasoning, sugar, garlic powder, basil and oregano. Cook and stir until heated through; keep warm.
Spread half of the grits in a greased 3-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon chili powder. Top with beef mixture and cheese. Pipe remaining grits around edge of dish; sprinkle with remaining chili powder.
Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Yield: 12 servings.

Drop Dead Delicious Zucchini

SERVES 4

* 4 medium zucchini

* 1 medium onion, minced

* 1 can roasted red pepper, chopped

* 1/2 green pepper, chopped

* 2 cloves garlic

* 1 egg, beaten

* 2 thyme, sprigs

* 1/4-1/2 teaspoon oregano

* salt and pepper

* 3/4 lb ground beef (or chicken, turkey, fish, 1 can of tuna, or other veggies...you get the idea)

* 2 tablespoons olive oil

* 8 slices cheese (any kind really, we use gouda or gruyere, though this really is a matter of personal preference)

Wash zucchini, and put in a pot of cold water (do not remove ends).

Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes, maybe a little longer depending on the size of your zucchini.

Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a fairly large skillet.

Sautee garlic first, then add onions, green pepper, thyme, and oregano.

When the veggies begin to soften, add ground meat (or whatever you are using), season with salt and pepper, and brown until cooked through.

Drain off any exess grease.

Set aside to cool slightly.

When the zucchini have cooked through, remove from water, and allow to cool enough to handle.

Slice cooled zucchini lengthwise, and scoop out center, leaving a little veggie flesh to form a"boat.

"Mix ground meat mixture with the red peppers, and the scooped out zucchini (chopped), and the egg.

Fill the zucchini boats with the mixture, and top each with a slice of cheese.

Bake in a 375º oven for 20-30 minutes, until heated through, and cheese begins to bubble and brown.

Serve hot.

Note:If making this dish with tuna or fish, I like to add a little mayo or garlic mayo, and substitute the raw egg for a hard boiled and chopped one.

Source: Salsarose from TOH

Southwestern Panini

Southwestern Panini

• 1 medium ripe avocado, peeled
• 1/2 teaspoon Domino® or C&H® Granulated Pure Cane Sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• 8 slices oat bread
• 1/2 pound thinly sliced deli ham
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter

Directions:

In a small bowl, mash the avocado with sugar, garlic salt and lemon juice. Spread over four slices of bread; layer with ham and cheese. Top with remaining bread.
Spread butter over both sides of sandwiches. Cook on an indoor grill for 2-3 minutes or until bread is browned and cheese is melted. Yield: 4 servings.

ABM Herb Cheese Yeast Bread

Herb Cheese Yeast Bread

• 1-1/3 cups water (70° to 80°)
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 teaspoons Domino® or C&H® Granulated Pure Cane Sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 3 cups bread flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 3 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2/3 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

In bread machine pan, place the first nine ingredients in order suggested by manufacturer. Select basic bread setting. Choose crust color and loaf size if available.
Bake according to bread machine directions (check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or flour if needed).
Just before the final kneading (your bread machine may audibly signal this), add the cheeses. Yield: 1 loaf (2 pounds).

Hubby's First Ride of the Season!

First Ron, then Monte, then Doug on The Green Hornet and Bob. This is our parking driveway in front of the house and garage.