Sausage/Tortellini Soup (Marci's)

(makes about 9 C.)

Combine in Crockpot on low for 4 hrs:
1 lb. Italian sausage
2 cloves minced garlic
1 C. sliced carrots
3 Tbsp. dried parsley
28 oz. stewed tomatoes
8 oz. tomato sauce
1/2 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. oregano
6 C. beef broth
1/2 C water
1 diced green pepper

30 min. before serving, add:
1 Onion chopped
1 sliced zucchini
12 oz. bag of tortellini

Biscuits and Gravy

Biscuits (start these before the gravy; they take forever)

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• 1 scant tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 5 tablespoons cold, unsalted butter, preferably European style (I use normal, salted butter)
• 1 cup whole milk 

PREPARATION

1. Preheat oven to 425. Sift flour, baking powder, sugar and salt into a large mixing bowl. Transfer to a food processor. Cut butter into pats and add to flour, then pulse 5 or 6 times until the mixture resembles rough crumbs. (Alternatively, cut butter into flour in the mixing bowl using a fork or a pastry cutter, or butter knives.) Return dough to bowl, add milk and stir with a fork until it forms a rough ball. Add a tad more milk to get the bits in the bottom if necessary.
2. Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface and pat it down into a rough rectangle, about an inch thick. Sprinkle flour if needed. Fold it over and gently pat it down again. Repeat. Repeat multiple times because it makes the flakes. Cover the dough loosely with a kitchen towel or paper towel and allow it to rest for 30 minutes.
3. Gently pat out the dough some more, so that the rectangle is roughly 10 inches by 6 inches. Fold again if desired. Cut dough into biscuits using a floured glass or biscuit cutter. Do not twist cutter when cutting; this crimps the edges of the biscuit and impedes its rise.
4. Place biscuits on a cookie sheet and bake until golden brown, approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

Gravy

1 pound bulk pork sausage

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups milk (2% or whole)

1-2 T. butter to thicken (eyeball it)

Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Warm a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and break into chunks with a spatula. Cook until the meat is crumbled and browned all the way through. Add the flour and cook until dissolved, about 1 minute. Stir in the milk. Cook, whisking frequently, until the gravy is very thick and bubbly (you can add more milk later if you need to thin, or more butter or flour to thicken). Season generously with salt and lots of freshly ground black pepper. Serve with hot biscuits.

Spinach Fettucine

1lb. dried fettuccine
dash of olive oil
2 T. butter
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 lb chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
1 1/4 c. light cream
pinch of fresh grated nutmeg
alt and freshly ground black pepper
2/3 c. fresh grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra to serve

Bring a large saucepan of water to boil, and add fettuccine with dash of olive oil. Cook about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender. Drain and set aside, cover to keep warm.
Melt butter in large frying pan and sauté garlic for 1-2 mins, then add spinach. Cook over med. heat about 5 minutes until moisture evaporates, stirring frequently.
Add cream and nutmeg, season with salt and pepper. Toss in fettuccine and Parmesan, stir, cook for final minute.

4-6 servings

Smoothies

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Frozen banana

Milk (or milk substitute)

Peanut butter

Chocolate syrup

Green Smoothie (Healthier) Version:

Frozen banana

Soymilk (or other milk option)

Peanut butter

Honey (a tablespoon or two - you don't have to measure, but don't overload it)

Spinach

Oats

Use the amounts you think you'll like! Blend it all together and enjoy :)

P.S. 

1)  It works with crunchy peanut butter or creamy - I only ever have crunchy on hand so that's what I use

2)  If it turns out too thick just add some more milk in

3)  It saves pretty well in the fridge; I put it in a mason jar and have the green one for breakfast for 4 or five days.  Just remember to shake it first!

Broccoli Apple Salad

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, (about 2 medium heads)
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• ¼ cup diced red onion
• 2 large apples, finely chopped (I used gala apples)
• ½ cup pecans, coarsely chopped
• ½ cup dried cranberries

Optional Creamy dressing ingredients:

• ½ cup lite mayonnaise
• ½ cup low fat greek yogurt
• 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 Tablespoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon pepper

Serves 4-6

Instructions

In a large bowl combine broccoli, carrots, red onion, apples, pecans, and dried cranberries.
The dressing is optional; use your own if you desire.

To make the dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, greek yogurt, lemon juice, sugar, salt and pepper.  Add the dressing to the salad and toss to coat. Chill until ready to serve.

Source: http://therecipecritic.com/2015/01/broccoli-apple-salad/

Spicy Thai Peanut Noodles

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips then cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded and sliced into thin strips then cut into-2-inch pieces
• 1 cup matchstick carrots
• 3/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro 
• 1/2 cup lightly salted roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Peanut Sauce
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (crunchy works too - you're adding peanuts later anyways)
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 3 Tbsp soy sauce
• 2 Tbsp honey
• 2 Tbsp Sriracha (more or less to taste)
• 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 1/2 Tbsp peeled and minced fresh ginger
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic
• 1 Tbsp sesame oil
• 
  

Serves 4ish

Directions

• Cook spaghetti according to directions listed on package. Meanwhile prepare peanut sauce by combining all sauce ingredients in a mixing bowl, whisking until well blended and smooth.
• Drain pasta and pour into a large serving bowl. Toss with sauce then add bell pepper, cucumber, green onions, cilantro and peanuts and toss lightly. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.

Source: http://www.cookingclassy.com/2015/08/spicy-thai-peanut-noodles/

Pineapple Cashew Fried Rice

Serves anywhere from 2-6, depending on how you eat it

ingredients:

1 cup of brown jasmine rice
1 cup of light canned coconut milk
1/2 cup fresh pineapple juice
1/2 cup water 

5 tablespoons coconut oil
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 sweet onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
2 cups cubed pineapple
2 large eggs, slightly beaten
1 1/2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
4 green onions, sliced
1/2 cup cashews, some chopped if desired

Directions:

*The directions don't have to be as hard as they make it sound, with all the putting in and taking out and such. Just make fried rice with those ingredients :P

In a large saucepan, add rice, coconut milk, juice and water, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce to a simmer, and cook until the rice has absorbed all of the liquid - about 20-30 minutes. The time will differ depending on your rice, so check the directions and adjust any additional liquid accordingly. For reference, I use Trader Joe's brown jasmine rice. Let the rice completely cool. You can do this ahead of time!

In a large skillet or wok, melt 1 tablespoon of coconut oil over medium-high heat. Add in onions and peppers with a pinch of salt, then stir and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until slightly soft. Add in garlic and ginger, stirring for 30 seconds. Remove veggies with a large spoon and set aside in a bowl. Increase the heat a bit in the skillet, add another tablespoon of coconut oil and add pineapple. Stir and cook until golden - about 5-6 minutes. Add to the bowl of veggies.

Add 1/2 tablespoons of coconut oil to the skillet and add eggs, quickly stirring the entire time they cook, which will take about a minute. Break them apart as much as you'd like. Add eggs to a separate bowl and set aside, breaking them apart more with a spatula if you want. 

Keep the heat high under the skillet and add 2 1/2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Add in the cooled jasmine rice, tossing to coat, then let sit for 1-2 minutes to crisp up and get golden. Stir, breaking apart any pieces, and repeat for another 1-2 minutes. Repeat another 1-2 times until the rice is a bit crispy and golden.

Reduce the heat to low and stir in soy sauce - if you are not using a low-sodium version, add a bit less and taste before adding more. Add the veggies and pineapple back in, then stir in the green onions and cashews. Taste and season additionally if desired. Serve immediately. This can be eaten alone or can serve as a great base for chicken, shrimp, pork or tofu!

Source: http://www.howsweeteats.com/2013/06/pineapple-cashew-fried-rice/

Flourless Brownies that are Actually Good

INGREDIENTS
6 tbsp. unsalted butter OR coconut oil
¾ c. granulated sugar
8 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped*
2 eggs, room temperature
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tbsp. cornstarch
¼ tsp. salt

Makes 16ish brownies


DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8x8 or 9x9 inch square pan with foil (prefer a metal one), then lightly spray or butter, set aside.
In a small saucepan set over low heat, melt the butter, then add the sugar. Once the sugar is incorporated, add the chopped chocolate, stirring until smooth. Remove from the heat beat for 2 minutes with a hand mixer or whisk. Add the eggs, one at a time, then the vanilla extract.
Using a mesh sieve (or a sifter), sift the cocoa powder and cornstarch into the saucepan, then add the salt. Stir together, then beat the batter vigorously for 1-2 minutes. I like to use a hand mixer for this on a medium speed. Beat until the batter is smooth and shiny.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 22-30 minutes or until the brownies are set in the center, taking care not to over-bake. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 45 minutes before removing and slicing.


NOTES
*I like to use 2 semisweet Ghirardelli baking bars... as they are 4 oz. each.
-Fruit, nuts, chocolate chips/chunks, a sprinkle of sea salt, or a swirl of dulce de leche all make great additions to these brownies!

Source: http://lifemadesimplebakes.com/2014/07/rich-fudgy-flourless-brownies/2/

Flatbread

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups / 500g plain flour (level cups, unsifted, not packed), + keep ¼ cup extra for dusting & adjusting dough
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3.5oz / 100g butter
• 1½ cups / 375ml milk
• 2 to 3 tbsp olive oil

Makes 8 large pieces

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine butter and milk and heat until butter is just melted - on stove or in microwave.
2. Combine 4 cups flour, salt, butter and milk.
3. Sprinkle work surface with flour then knead for a few minutes until it is smooth - it doesn't need much kneading. Add extra flour if the dough is too sticky.
4. Wrap with glad wrap and rest at room temperature for 30 minutes or so.
5. Dust bench top with flour, cut dough into 8 pieces, roll into balls, then roll out into about ⅛" / 0.3cm thick rounds - the thinner it is, the more pliable the cooked bread will be.
6. Tip: Roll out the rounds, ready to cook. Just make sure you use baking paper or cling wrap to keep the pieces separated, flour will not suffice. (paper towel works too)
7. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium high heat - or lower if you have a heavy based skillet.
8. Place one flatbread in the pan, cook for around 1 minute - it should bubble up - then flip and cook the other side, pressing down if it puffs up.
9. Stack the cooked bread - the moisture helps soften the surface, making them even more pliable.
10. Continue to cook with remaining pieces.
11. Optional: brush or spray bread with olive oil to give it a glossy look, like I did for the photos. Brushing with butter melted with crushed garlic while cooking also adds a beautiful garlic flavour!

NOTES

1. Higher heat = crispier crust, though still pliable inside, the thin crispy crust on the outside might crack when you roll it.

2. Dough keeps in the refrigerator for around 3 days.

Source: Flatbread by Julie Goodwin

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

INGREDIENTS

• 3 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters
• 4 cloves roasted garlic
• 1 cup half and half
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 4 tablespoon butter
• garlic powder to taste

Serves 4-6

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Add to a large pot all potatoes. Fill with water until the water level is 3 or 4 inches above potatoes.
2. Put the pot over high heat and allow to come to a rolling boil. Boil until potatoes are fork tender, about 20 mins.
3. Drain potatoes well (too much water left in mashed potatoes can make them gummy)
4. Add to a medium bowl, cooked potatoes, garlic cloves, butter, salt and pepper.
5. With hand mixer on lowest speed, mix potatoes and add-ins together until the biggest chunks are about 1" in diameter.
6. Slowly drizzle half & half into potatoes while continuing to mix on low speed. Allow the potatoes to have a few small chunks in them so they don't get over-mixed.
7. OPTIONAL: garnish with a pat of butter and chives.

Source: http://www.louloubiscuit.com/easy-garlic-mashed-potatoes/

This Needs Karla's Rolls. Badly.

I have created this post because I am appalled at the fact that Karla's rolls aren't on here. Please rectify this stiflingly awful situation.  I would but I don't have the recipe so I don't have that power. Thank you!!

~LJ :)

   P.S. I love you all I just really want Karla's rolls please help me thanks ^-^  xx

Taco Soup - Weight Watchers

1 lb. ground beef (or turkey)
1 onion (diced)
1 can pinto beans
1 can black beans
1 can chili beans
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can Mexican diced tomatoes
1 pouch ranch dressing mix
1 pouch taco seasoning
1 can corn

***IMPORTANT - DO NOT DRAIN ANY OF THE CANS BEFORE DUMPING THEM IN THE CROCKPOT!

Serve with any combination of the following:
Tortilla chips
Grated cheese (Mexican or cheddar)
Sour cream 
Avocado
Olives

Brown the beef and add the onion to cook for 2ish minutes.  Meanwhile, dump all the cans of beans and tomatoes into a crockpot.  Add the beef and onion.  Add the ranch mix and taco seasoning and stir.  Cook on high for 4ish hours or low for 6ish hours.  Add the corn in the last hour (or if you know you'll forget that step, go ahead and add it at the beginning--I do).

Sharmon's pancakes

Combine ingredients and cook on griddle to your preference:

4 Cups of milk (create sour milk by adding 3 Tbsp vinegar and waiting 5ish minutes)
3 eggs
6 Tbsp oil
3 Cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1-1 1/2 tsp salt

Add extra flour to thicken if desired.

This makes a lot of pancakes.  If you are cooking for less than 6-8 people, definitely consider cutting this recipe--thirds is easier than halving it.

Taryn Kucala’s Spinach dip

1 pkg. frozen spinach thawed and drained of excess water
1 pkg. cream cheese
1 C. sour cream
2-3 Cups cheddar cheese
1 pkg Good Seasons salad mix
artichokes hearts (i buy the jarred kind marinated in olive oil) chopped up - amount varies on my mood... haha...

Mix it all up except 1 cup of the cheddar cheese reserved for the top!  Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes...
(no one said it was healthy!)

Vanilla Crepes (Cyndi's)

1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups milk
3 egg yolks
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons melted butter

Whisk everything but the spray oil into a bowl and let stand while your pan heats up to medium. I like using two different fry pans because it goes faster, however you may not be able to keep up that pace. I like to use a 1/3 cup or 1/4 cup to pour the batter in the pan. Start by spraying your pan with the canola oil. Most likely you will have to do this for each one. Then pour your batter into the pan starting with the pan tipped to one side pouring from the top so the batter can spread a thin layer over the bottom of your entire pan. Don't worry it took me a few times before I could get it right. One the bottom starts to bubble and the edges start looking dried out. carefully lift one edge with the spatula and then once you have the edge quickly flip the crepe over and finish on the other side.

Chocolate Melting Cake (Carnival Cruise Line)

6 ounces dark chocolate
6 ounces butter
4 eggs (room temperature)
6 ounces sugar
2 ounces flour

Melt butter and chocolate, set aside.  Mix eggs and sugar with whisk for a few minutes and then add flour.  Stir and then add egg mixture to melted chocolate mixture.  Pour into greased mold.  Bake at 390 degress F for 14 minutes.  Enjoy!

Cilantro Lime Rice (from Julie E. Ward)

6 C water
4 tsp chicken bouillon
3 cloves garlic
1 tsp cumin
3/4 tsp salt
1 Tbsp butter
1/2 onion
3 cups rice
2 limes

Blend cilantro, garlic, and onion together in food processor or blender with 1/2 C water.  Bring remaining water to a boil and add all ingredients (except lime).  Simmer covered 30 min.  When done cooking, add the juice of 2 limes.

Bread Machine ½ Whole Wheat Honey Bread

This doesn’t last long in our house – kids prefer this over white bread!

1 C + 2 Tbsp water
1/3 C honey (or a little more)
1 ½ Tbsp shortening
1 ½ C whole wheat flour
1 ½ C white flour
1 ½ tsp salt
1 Tbsp dry milk
1 ½ tsp active dry yeast

Place ingredients in bread machine with wet ingredients first.  Put the yeast in last in a small depression made by your thumb or spoon (to keep the yeast dry until the mixing starts).  Select whole wheat setting (probably best on the lightest color setting) and press start.

Amy’s (no boil) Lasagna

1 pkg. lasagna noodles
1 lb. gr. Beef
1 Qt. spaghetti sauce
1-2 C. water
8 oz. ricotta cheese
1 C. parmesan cheese (+xtra)
1 egg
½ - 1 C. water
Approx. 4 C. mozzarella
1 Tbsp. parsley flakes
Dash nutmeg
Salt & pepper to taste

Brown beef and add spaghetti sauce & 1 C. water.  Let simmer till the rest is ready.

Beat egg in a medium mixing bowl.  Add ricotta, parmesan cheese, ½ C. water, 3-4 C. mozzarella, parsley, nutmeg, salt & pepper and mix.  (If it’s difficult to stir, add more water).

Preheat oven to 350.  Pour 2 C. of sauce mix into bottom of 9x13 pan.  Rinse lasagna noodles in hot water.  Place first layer of noodles in pan then add half of the cheese mixture spread out on noodles.  Pour approx. 1 ½ C. sauce over cheese.  Add another layer of noodles and repeat cheese then sauce directions.  Add last layer of noodles and pour remaining sauce on top.  Sprinkle parmesan cheese and mozzarella on top (I like A LOT).  Cover and bake 40 minutes.  Remove foil and bake 15 more minutes.  IMPORTANT:  Let stand for 10 minutes before serving (or noodles will not cook all the way through).

Amy's Manicotti

I lost the original recipe for this so I am going from memory...

1 package of manicotti
1 jar spaghetti sauce
1 egg
8 oz. ricotta cheese
3 C mozzarella cheese
About 2 C parmesan cheese
1 Tbsp parsley flakes
Dash of nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste

Start the water boiling while making the cheese for the inside.  Beat egg in medium mixing bowl.  Add ricotta cheese, 2 Cups of mozzarella cheese,  1 Cup of parmesan cheese, parsley, nutmeg, salt and pepper  (You can add water if it is difficult to stir). 

Boil the noodles for the recommended boiling time.  Rinse in cold water.  Preheat the oven to 350.  Using a 9X13 pan, pour spaghetti sauce to cover the bottom of the pan.  Fill noodles 2/3 full and place in pan.  Lightly cover with spaghetti sauce and sprinkle remaining parmesan and mozzarella cheese on top. 

Bake uncovered at 350 for 30 min.