French Dressing!!!

One thing I was having a hard time with was dressings. The organic is NEVER thick and creamy or even tastes as good as "the bad for you stuff" ;)

I joined a group in CafeMom Budgeting and Grocery Shopping FUN FUN and another mom posted this: I can not wait to try it!!!

Sweet French dressing (Catalina style)

• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup catsup
• 1/2 c. white sugar
• 1/2 c. white vinegar
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. paprika, or chili powder if you like a bit of a bite

Whisk all ingredients together until mixed well. Store in refrigerator.

Grilling Season!

One thing my Hubby already misses.....because it is Summer, is the need for a grill :)

This is on the list of things to try on the Grill!!!

......now onto finding an organic steak sauce!!

Mmmm Biscuits!!!

Tweaked this (Thyme and Cheese Biscuits) recipe a bit :)

Ingredients:

2 Cups Unbleached Flour

3 tsp. baking powder.....aluminum free

1/2 tsp. minced fresh parsley

1/2 cup mozzarella veggie shreds

5 tablespoons organic butter

1/2 cup almond milk

Mix and cook as directions :)

Preheat over to 400 degrees. Grease a cookie sheet and set aside. Mix flour, baking powder, herbs and cheese in a large mixingbowl, using a fork. Cut in the butter. Mixture will be crumbly. Add the milk and stir until dough holds together, you may add more milk if necessary. Drop by large spoonfuls on the cookie sheet an inch apart. Bake 10-12 minutes.

THEN I cooked some butter and added some garlic and put on top of the COOKED biscuits :) Mmmm Good!!

I turned the oven off and let them sit in there a bit!!

Veggie Spaghetti!!

So last night was a clean out the fridge into dinner night :) And it was...minus 1 of the kids.....thumbs up all around!!!!!

Ingredients:

Whole Wheat Noodles

Asparagus

Organic Can of Tomatoes

Organic Tofu

Mushrooms

Onions

Organic Can of Spaghetti Sauce

Black Olives

Veggie Shreds

Oregano

Parsley

Salt & Pepper

I started the water for noodles. And cooked the Asparagus for 10 minutes on 350*.

Then warmed a bit of Olive Oil and sautéed the Tofu, Mushrooms, Olives and Onions.
Added some salt and Pepper. Then some Parsley and Oregano. Then added the (cooked) Asparagus.



When the noodles are done, put them in a casserole pan, add the tofu mix on top, jar of spaghetti sauce, then can of tomatoes, topped with the shredded "cheese" ;) Topped with more parsley and basil.

Muffins!

These muffins sent my 5 yr old singing and dancing, "I love love love muffins muffins muffins"

We didn't have 3 bananas so I used 2 bananas and 2 small apples!!!!

Mmmmmm!!!!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups flour (whole wheat)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda (aluminum free)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder (aluminum free)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/3 cup butter, melted

TOPPING

• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon, to taste (organic)
• 1 tablespoon cold butter
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional).....didn't use these!

Directions

1. 1

   In lg bowl, mix the 1st 4 ingredients.

2. 2

   Mix bananas, sugar, egg and butter.

3. 3

   Stir into dry mixture just until moistened.

4. 4

   Fill muffin cups 3/4 full.

5. 5

   Combine first 3 topping ingredients.

6. 6

   Cut in butter until crumbly.

7. 7

   Sprinkle over muffins.

8. 8

   Bake at 375° for about 20 minutes, until muffins test done.

9. 9

   Cool in pan for 10 minutes.

Quick Lunch!

• Salsa
• Tofu Cream Cheese
• Veggie Shreds (like shredded cheese)
• about 2 cups of leftover rice.....from last nights dinner!!

Warm in a pot and put in Tortilla!! We use Ezekiel 4:9, Sprouted Grain :)

YUMMY!!!

Tomato and Mozzarella Bites

TOMATO AND MOZZARELLA BITES

INGREDIENTS:
20 grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
20 fresh basil leaves
20 small balls fresh mozzarella cheese (often labeled bocconcini)
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
20 toothpicks

--------------------------------------…

DIRECTIONS:
Using a toothpick, spear a half of a tomato, a piece of basil, a mozzarella ball, and another half of a tomato. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Place on a serving dish and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Mix the vinegar and oil together in a small bowl to serve as a dipping sauce.

Cucumber Sandwiches

CUCUMBER SANDWICHES

INGREDIENTS:
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 (.7 ounce) package dry Italian salad dressing mix
2 loaves French bread, cut into 1 inch slices
2 medium cucumbers, sliced
1 pinch dried dill weed

--------------------------------------…

DIRECTIONS:
In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, mayonnaise and Italian dressing mix. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight.
Spread the cream cheese blend onto slices of French bread. Top with a cucumber slice, and sprinkle with dill. You can make as many or few as you like. the cream cheese mixture keeps for about a week in the refrigerator so you can make them over and over again!

Yummines!!!!

Dessert Tonight :)

Brownies!!!

Ingredients

4 oz unsweetened chocolate 4 oz butter.....(a stick) 3 eggs ½ t salt 2 c sugar 2 t vanilla 1 c flour 1 c walnuts, chopped powdered sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350. Heat the chocolate and butter in the saucepan until almost completely melted. Remove from heat. Beat eggs and salt until foamy. Gradually whisk in sugar until thickened. Add vanilla and chocolate, then flour, then walnuts. Butter the baking pan and spread the brownie batter into it. Bake for 25 minutes, then insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out nearly clean, the brownies are ready. If it's very chocolately, bake another 5 minutes. Cool, cut, dust with powdered sugar, and serve.

Got Browning Bananas?

Try THIS Yumminess!!!!

Cold Pasta Salad

• Broccoli
• Tomatoes
• Cucumbers
• Mushrooms
• Whole Wheat Spaghetti Noodles
• Drops of Olive Oil
• 1/4 Cup Vinegar
• T Oregano
• T Chives
• Italian Dressing

Mix the blue ingredients and a bowl and let it marinade for a bit!

Cook the noodles and let them cool!! I learned the hard way ....do not overcook them!!

Cut the veggies and mix with the marinade and the Italian Dressing!!

Brocolli Yumminess :)

From this site :)

We made this with out the nuts.....just didn't have them on hand!

Ingredients
12 ounces orecchiette or some other short pasta (3 cups)
1 bunch broccoli (1 1/2 pounds), cut into small florets
1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped
kosher salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup grated Parmesan (1 ounce)

Directions
Heat oven to 400° F.
Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve ¾ cup of the cooking water, drain the pasta, and return it to the pot.
Meanwhile, on a rimmed baking sheet, toss the broccoli, walnuts, oil, garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Roast, tossing once, until the broccoli is tender, 18 to 20 minutes.
Toss the pasta with the broccoli mixture, butter, and ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. (Add more water if the pasta seems dry.) Sprinkle with the Parmesan before serving.

Trailers.

Cheesy/Salsa Skillet.

Tweaked from this recipe :)

what you need!

2 cups multi-grain penne pasta, uncooked OR I have used Brown Rice OR Quinoa too!

1 cup frozen corn, thawed

1-1/4 cups Organic Salsa

1 large green pepper, cut into short thin strips

1 cup Mexican Style Finely Shredded Four Cheese

make it!

COOK pasta as directed on package.

MEANWHILE, heat large nonstick skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium-high heat. Stir in salsa, corn and peppers. Bring to boil. Simmer on medium-low heat 10 min. or until chicken is done, stirring occasionally.

DRAIN pasta. Add to chicken mixture; mix lightly. Top with cheese. Remove from heat; cover. Let stand 1 min. or until cheese is melted.

Mac & Cheese.

My Daughter usually is our Mac & Cheese Maker ;) She follows Kit's Mac&Ch. But this is another good one!!

Ingredients

1 (8 ounce) package whole wheat pasta
1 (8 ounce) package shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 (12 ounce) container small curd cottage cheese
1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup butter, melted

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil, add pasta, and cook until done; drain.
In 9x13 inch baking dish, stir together macaroni, shredded Cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. In a small bowl, mix together bread crumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle topping over macaroni mixture.
Bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until top is golden.

Potato Soup!

A friend of mine shared a similar recipe with me!!

This is how we make it :)

Half Gallon of Milk.....we use almond Milk

Bag of Cheddar Cheese

6 -8 Potatoes

Salt/Pepper/Chives

Sour Cream & Green Onions to Top

We usually have it with some Home Made Bread too!!

Mmmmm!!

I cook the potatoes in the oven.....until soft on the inside.

In a pot OR crock pot depending on my mood I add the other ingredients.

When the potatoes are done I cut in half and scoop out the middles into the soup!!

Cook till warm......add toppings!!

Rice ~ Cheese ~ Broccoli Cups

Tweaked from this recipe :)

1 cup brown rice

1 cup veggie broth

1-1/2 cups frozen chopped broccoli, thawed, drained

2/3 cup Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese

1/4 cup Home Made Ranch Dressing

2 eggs, lightly beaten

make it!

PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Prepare rice as directed on package, substituting chicken broth for the water. Place cooked rice in large bowl; cool slightly.

STIR in remaining ingredients until well blended. Spoon mixture evenly into 8 greased medium muffin cups.

BAKE 25 min. or until lightly browned.

Chinese Fried Rice & Orange Sauce

Tweaked from THIS recipe :)

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups cooked white rice, cold
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

1. In a small bowl, beat egg with water. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium low heat. Add egg and leave flat for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from skillet and cut into shreds.
2. Heat oil in same skillet; add onion and saute until soft. Then add rice, soy sauce and pepper. Stir fry together for about 5 minutes, then stir in egg. Serve hot.

The orange Sauce: From Owl Haven!

Orange Chicken Sauce:
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/4 cup orange juice concentrate
1/4 cup water
Grated zest from 1 orange

I just mixed them int he Wok and cooked till it looked like I wanted it too lol!!

Pot Pie.

Taken from THIS Site :)

T butter 6 c assorted vegetables 1 clove garlic, minced ¼ c flour 3 c warm milk ½ t thyme 2 T fresh parsley, minced 1 t salt or soy sauce black pepper

Directions

Melt the butter in the saucepan, add the vegetables and sauté over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes. Add garlic and continue sautéing for another 5 minutes. Sprinkle flour on top and continue cooking, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Gradually add the warm liquid, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens. Add thyme and parsley and continue cooking until all of the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in salt and pepper, then transfer vegetables to the baking casserole. Preheat oven to 400. Make the pie crust dough, then roll it into a circle slightly larger than the casserole. Lay on top of the vegetables, without sealing the edges. Place in oven and bake until filling is bubbling and crust is golden brown, 20-30 minutes. THE CRUST: ½ c flour 6 T cold butter, sliced 3-4 T cold milk or water Directions Food processor: Place flour in the food processor, add a slice of butter, pulse, add another slice, and continue until until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Transfer to counter or bowl. Bowl: Place flour in the bowl and add a few slices of butter. With the two knives, cut the butter into the flour, add the rest of the butter, and continue until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Stir in liquid, 1 T at a time, just until the dough holds together. Roll into a ball, then divide in two. To use, roll out each half of the dough into a circle, about 12 inches in diameter and 1/8-inch thick. Place one circle in pie plate, saving the other for the top or for another pie, and use with your favorite pie or quiche recipe.

Warm Taco Dip.

This one I found on a Vegetarian Group on CafeMom :) This has become one of our Favorites!!

Pkg. Cream Cheese
Can of Black Beans, drained, rinsed, & mashed
1 c. Salsa (Chunky-style, not too liquid-y works best)
1-2 cups Shredded Cheddar or other Mexican-type cheese
10-15 Medium or Large Black olives, sliced
1-2 Green Onions, sliced
1 Avocado, mashed
A dollop of Sour Cream

Spoon cream cheese into casserole dish (2qt. size or larger works well) & spread it evenly.

Add the mashed beans & spread them evenly atop the cream cheese.

Spread the salsa evenly over the beans.

Top this with shredded cheese.

Sprinkle the olives and green onions over the shredded cheese.

Pop it in the oven (350*) until the cheese on top is fully melted.

Top with mashed avocado & a dollop of sour cream.