Honey Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders

Ingredients

           1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar

             1/4 cup honey

            1/4 tsp salt

                                    1 cup Progresso (or any brand you want) plain panko crispy bread                    

           crumbs

                         1 pkg. (14 oz) uncooked chicken tenders (not breaded)

             1/4 cup honey

Directions

 1) Heat oven to 400 degrees. Spray large cookie sheet with cooking spray.

2) In medium bowl, mix brown sugar, honey and salt. In large resealable food-storage plastic bag, place bread crumbs. Dip chicken into brown sugar mixture. (You will have to really press down when do this) Place in bread crumb bag; seal and shake to coat. Place chicken on cookie sheet.

3) Bake 15 to 20 minutes, turning once, until chicken is no longer pink in center and bread crumbs are golden brown. Serve with honey.


                                                                    Prep: 10 min    
                                                                    Total: 30 min.  
                                                                   makes 4 servings


this is a favorite kid friendly honey and brown sugar flavored tenders..and go great with fries..

Apple Kielbasa

                                                                            Ingredients

2 lbs kielbasa (or smoked sausage anything really that comes in a link form)

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 cup chunky applesauce

2 tbsp. Dijon mustard

2 cloves garlic, minced

Directions

1) Cut Kielbasa into 1 inch pieces

2) Combine the brown sugar, applesauce, mustard and garlic and place in crockpot with kielbasa.

3) Cover and cook on high for 2 hours.

(You could do low for 4 hours if you want) 

Tastes really good. This could also be used as an appetizer as well. Its simply and easy to make. 

Balsamic Roasted Pork Loin

2 tbsp. steak seasoning rub (I used the Cowboy Rub from McCormick)

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

1/2 cup olive oil

2 lbs boneless pork loin

1) Dissolve steak seasoning in balsamic vinegar, then stir in olive oil. Place pork into a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade overtop. Squeeze out air and seal bag. Marinate 2 hours to overnight.

2) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

3) Place pork into a glass baking dish along with marinade. Bake in preheated oven, basting occasionally until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees, about 1 hour. Let roast rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Prep: 5 min. 

Cook:  1 hour

Ready in: 3 hours 5 min

Servings: 8

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Cheesy Garlic Baked Chicken

4 Boneless skinless chicken breasts -thin 

4 garlic cloves-minced

4 tbsp. brown sugar

3 tsp. olive oil

1 tsp. salt

1 cup of cheese (any type you want)

1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line a casserole dish with tin foil this will help with the clean up afterwards. Lightly grease it.

2) In small saute pan, saute garlic with the oil until tender.

3) Remove from heat and stir in brown sugar & a teaspoon of salt.

4) Place chicken breasts in a prepared baking dish and cover with 3/4 of the garlic and brown sugar mixture.

5) Add salt and pepper to taste.

6) Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.

7) Within the last 10 minutes before removing it from the oven put your cheese on top then put the remaining brown sugar and garlic mixture on top of the cheese and let bake 10 minutes longer or until cheese is fully melted.

*You can use more then 4 pieces of chicken just double up on everything else so you have enough. 

Extra-Crispy Spicy Fried Chicken

3 eggs

1/3 cup water

about 1 cup "Texas Pete" hot sauce

4 cups flour

2 tsp. pepper

2 tsp. paprika

3 tsp. cayenne pepper

1 qt. buttermilk (optional) 

Salt, Pepper, and garlic powder (to taste) 

1 (1 to 2 1/2 lb.) chicken, cut into pieces

Peanut oil, for frying

1) Place cut up chicken in a large bowl, and cover with buttermilk. Cover and chill for two hours or overnight. This is an optional (but highly recommended) step.

2) In a large bowl, add eggs water, and red pepper sauce. Whisk until combined.

3) In a large gallon freezer bag, mix flour, pepper, paprika, and cayenne. 

4) Remove chicken from buttermilk (if marinated) and sprinkle lightly with salt , pepper, and garlic powder.

5) Place all chicken pieces in freezer bag with flour mixture. Shake until all pieces are evenly coated. 

6) Remove chicken pieces one at a time, shaking excess flour. Dip each piece in the egg mixture, and return to bag flour. After all pieces of been dipped in the egg mixture and put back in the bag, give it a second shake to coat chicken pieces again.

7) Heat oil in deep fryer or deep pan to 350 degrees. Working in batches , drop each piece of  chicken into the hot oil. Fry for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown, turning occasionally if oil does not completely cover chicken. Keep in mind that dark meat chicken takes longer to cook than white meat. Watch your wing segments, as well; these will finish cooking first. 

Serve with whatever side you want and enjoy :)

Rosemary Roasted Chicken w/Potatoes

2 tsp. paprika
1 1/2 tsp. crushed rosemary leaves
1 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 tsp. coarse ground black pepper
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. salt
6 bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed (about 2 lbs) or you can use chicken legs
1 1/2 lbs small red potatoes cut into 1 in cubes


1) Mix oil, all of the spices and salt in large bowl. Add chicken and potatoes; toss to coat well. Arrange chicken and potatoes in a single layer on a foil- lined 15 x 10 x 1 in baking dish that is sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. ( you also can use a stick of butter and rub it all over the bottom of the foil if you don't have the cooking spray)

2) Roast in a preheated 425 degree oven for at least 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender, turning potatoes occasionally.

prep time: 15 minutes
cook time: 30 minutes (or more)
makes 6 servings

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

Boneless Chicken breasts, chopped into small chunks (use as much as you think you'll need)
1/3 cup flour
Olive Oil
1/2 tbsp. salt
1 tsp. balsamic vinegar
3 tbsp. ketchup
6 oz. frozen orange juice concentrate (thaw it or throw it in the microwave for about 45 sec)
4 tbsp. brown sugar


1) In a bowl, mix the orange juice, brown sugar, vinegar, salt and ketchup. Pour the flour in a small bowl. Cover the chicken breasts chunks in flour and shake off excess.

2) Pour s small amount of Olive oil in a skillet and brown the flour covered chicken. The chicken doesn't need to be fully cooked since its going in the crock pot.

3) After the chicken is done cooking, pour the pieces into the crock pot. Then cover the chicken with the sauce mixture and stir it up.

4) Cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.

Serve over rice and you can also add veggies if you want. Just make sure to double the sauce recipe if you have  a lot of chicken. That way it doesn't burn.

Spicy Oven-Fried Chicken

2 cups flour

2 tbsp. seafood seasoning

2 tsp. hot sauce (you can use more depending on how spicy you want)

1 tsp. pepper

3/4 tsp. salt

1 1/4 tsp. paprika, divided

1/2 cup nonfat milk

1 (2 1/2 to 3 1/2 lb.) pkg. chicken pieces

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large resealable plastic bag combine flour, seafood seasoning, hot sauce, pepper, salt and 1 tsp. of the paprika: set aside. Place milk in a shallow bowl. Dip each piece in milk, then place in bag. Seal bag; shake to coat.

2) Pour oil into a 15 x 10 x 1 in. pan. Place chicken in pan and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 tsp paprika.

3) Bake, uncovered, 1 hour or until chicken is golden brown and meat is no longer pink (165 degrees). Drain on paper towels before serving. 

Serves 4. 

prep time: 15 min

cook time: 1 hour

You can change it up with the recipe as far as the spices go..you can add additional or add more of one of the ones above..All depends on taste. 

Chicken Parmesan Casserole

2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper ( or more to taste if you want it hotter)
1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
2 cups marinara/pasta sauce (any kind you want. I used Parmesan & Romano flavor)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
2 oz. Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, divided
3.5 oz garlic croutons, roughly crushed, leaving some larger pieces ( I used New York Texas Toast Garlic & Butter)




1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with cooking spray.

2) Spread the cubed pieces of chicken across the bottom of the baking dish in a single layer. Sprinkle the minced garlic, red pepper flakes & basil evenly over chicken. Spread the sauce evenly across the top. On top of the sauce layer, sprinkle 3/4 cup of the mozzarella and 1 oz of the parmesan evenly across the dish. Sprinkle the crushed croutons across the top and follow with the remaining cheese.

3) Bake for 40-45 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

makes 8 servings

Strufoli

2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. baking flour
4 tbsp. sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp. vegetable oil
1 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 fl.oz whiskey (rye, bourbon or Canadian works but not scotch)
3 cups honey
oil or shortening for deep frying
multi-color sprinkles (non-parells)


1) Mix all dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
2) Add all liquid ingredients (except honey) to dry to form a dough.
3) Knead dough well.
4) For balls roll dough out in 1/4 inch round strips like pencils.
5) Cut the pieces at small intervals with an angle cut.
6) Deep fry until golden brown.
7) Drain on paper towels.
8) Heat honey in a microwave until it starts to thin out and become pourable.
9) Add balls to the honey and toss to coat. Sprinkle with sprinkles.



There are many versions of this recipe..this is just one..  enjoy :)

Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread

1 cup sugar
2 tbsp. cinnamon, ground
3 cans (7.5oz ea.) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted



1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix sugar and cinnamon in plastic bag. Cut biscuits into quarters. Shake 6 to 8 pieces at a time in Cinnamon sugar mixture. Place biscuit pieces in greased 10 cup bundt pan.

2) Mix leftover cinnamon sugar mixture with melted butter. Pour over biscuits.

3) Bake 35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan 5 minutes. Invert onto serving plate. Serve warm.


makes: 16 servings
prep: 10 min
cook: 35 min

Smokey Chipotle Chicken

 

1 pkg of chicken (about 3 to 4 pieces) cut into bite size cubes

1 16oz bottle chipotle sauce/marinade

1) Put about 1 tbsp of oil in pan and heat.

2) Cut up chicken into bite size cubes (or however big of small you want)

3) cook until all chicken is cooked thru and browing (about 15 min)

4) Pour Chipotle sauce over and let boil then lower to simmer. About 5 min.

5) Serve over rice. (or whatever you choose) 

6) Enjoy!

This is a very simple and cheap dish.

Pizza Meat Loaf

1 envelope Onion Soup Mix (you can also use Savory Herb & Garlic Soup Mix)

2 lbs ground beef (or meatloaf mix beef) 

1 1/2 cups bread crumbs

2 eggs

1/4 cup water

1 cup pasta sauce, divided

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except 1/2 cup pasta sauce & 1/2 cup cheese.

2) In a 13 x 9 in. baking dish or roasting pan, shape into loaf. Top with remaining 1/2 cup pasta sauce. 

3) Bake, uncovered, 50 minutes.

4) Sprinkle top with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Bake an additional 10 minutes or until done. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. 

Makes about 8 servings

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Barbecue Beef (made in crock pot)

3lbs rump roast

3 tbsp. flour

1 (15oz) can tomato sauce 

1/2 cup chopped onions

1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar

2 tbsp. lemon juice

3 beef bouillon cubes

1 1/2 tsp. chili powder

1 garlic clove, minced 

1 tsp. dry mustard

1) Coat meat with flour and set aside.

2) In crock pot, combine remaining ingredients.

3) Place meat in crock pot and turn to coat with sauce.

4) Cover and cook on low for 10-12 hours or on high for 6 hrs.

5) Slice or shred meat into small pieces.

6) Mix into sauce

7) Serve on rolls.

This will make your house smell so good..I even could smell it from outside my kitchen door before coming into my house. Very tasty. 

London Broil in Slow Cooker

1 London Broil (any size)
2 bottles of marinade (I usually use Lawrey's but you can use any kind you want)



1) Pour one bottle into Slow cooker
2) Cut up the london broil into slices and put into crock pot
3) pour the other bottle of marianade  into crock pot
4) cook on high for 2 hours


If you use more then one london broil (which you can do if you are feeding more people) then just double up on the bottles.

Slow Cooker Garlic & Brown Sugar Chicken

                                           

     Ingredients 

4-6 chicken breasts (or thighs would work too)

1 cup packed brown sugar

2/3 cup vinegar

1/4 cup lemon-lime soda

2-3 tbsp. minced garlic

2 tbsp. soy sauce

1 tsp. fresh ground pepper

2 tbsp. corn starch

2 tbsp. water

rice or noodles, cooked

red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

1) Spray slow cooker with non stick cooking spray. 

2) Place chicken (I used frozen chicken, thawed chicken works great too) inside slow cooker. 

3) Mix together brown sugar, vinegar, soda, garlic, soy sauce and pepper together. Pour over chicken. 

4) Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. 

5) Take chicken pieces out of slow cooker (mine basically fell apart) and pour remaining sauce into saucepan. Place saucepan over high heat. 

6) Mix together corn starch and water, pour into saucepan, and mix well. Let sauce come to a boil and boil for 2-3 minutes or until it starts to thicken and turns to glaze. 

7) Remove from heat and let sit for a minute or two (it will continue to thicken as it cools down).

8) Serve chicken over rice or noodles and top with glaze. Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top if desired.

Prep: 5 minutes

Cook: 8 hours

Total: 8 hours 5 minutes

Serves: 6 

Slow Cooker Pizza Chicken

1 1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 small onion, sliced
2 medium bell peppers, cut into strips (optional)
2 cups tomato pasta sauce (from 26 oz jar)
1 pkg (16 oz) rotini pasta
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (4 oz)


1) Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. In a 3 1/2 to 4 quart slow cooker, place chicken. Top with onion and bell peppers. Add pasta sauce.

2) Cover; cook on low 4 to 6 hours

3) Cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Place pasta on platter ( or you can do it on each plate). Top with chicken and sauce. Sprinkle with cheese.


Makes 8 servings

prep: 10 minutes
total time: 4 hours 10 min

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Bourbon Chicken (without the Bourbon)

Ingredients 

5 chicken breasts (cubed) 

2 tbsp. oil

1 tsp. garlic , minced

1/4 cup apple or pineapple juice

1/3 cup brown sugar

2 tbsp. ketchup

1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar

1/2 cup water

1/3 cup soy sauce

pinch red pepper flakes

1 tbsp. cornstarch

Directions

1) Cut chicken into small 1-2 inch pieces.

2) Heat up a large skillet over medium high heat. Once it is hot, pour 2 tbsp. olive oil into it.

3) Add your chicken pieces to the pan and let them cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4) The chicken will start to get a bit juicy and bubbly. Put the lid on the pan, slightly tilted and drain the juices out into the sink .Return the pan to the stove top and continue cooking over medium high heat.

5) Into a medium sized mixing bowl combine 1 tsp. garlic, 1/4 cup apple or pineapple juice, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 1/3 cup soy sauce, a pinch of red pepper flakes and 1 tbsp. cornstarch. Whisk it all together until the cornstarch is dissolved and all ingredients are well combined.

6) When your chicken has a nice brown sear on some of the pieces, pour the sauce into the pan. Stir it around to cover all the chicken pieces.

7) Reduce the heat to a low simmer and cover the pan with the lid at an angle to allow some steam to escape. Let this simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring a couple times during the cooking period.

8) Serve over white or brown rice.

Prep: 15 minutes

Cook: 30 minutes

Total: 45 minutes

Serves: 5-6

Honey Sauced Chicken

Honey Sauced Chicken


3/4 lb. chicken (of your choice)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/8 cup chopped onion (or 1/16 cup onion flakes)
1/8 cup ketchup
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes



1) Season both sides of chicken with salt and pepper, put into crock pot.
2) In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, onion, ketchup, oil, garlic and pepper flakes. Pour over chicken.
3) Cook on low for 3 hours or high for 1 1/2 hours.
4) When done cut chicken into bite size pieces, then return to pot and toss with sauce. Serve over rice or noodles.


This can also be baked in the oven:

Dice Chicken and season both sides with salt and pepper, place in 8x8 pan. Pour sauce over chicken and bake at 350 for 20 minutes, stirring after 10 minutes

Cola Chicken

1 cup cola (not diet)
1 cup ketchup
1 onion, sliced (or chopped/ minced onion..whichever you prefer)
1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast

1. Wash and pat dry chicken. Salt and pepper to taste.

2. Place chicken into crockpot with onion slices on top.

3. Add cola and ketchup.

4. Cover; cook on low 6-8 hours.

Golden Parmesan Potatoes

2lb. Yukon Gold Potatoes (about 6) cut into 1/8th inch thick slices (about 6 cups)
3 tbsp. butter, melted, divided
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided



1) Heat Oven to 425 degrees
2) Rinse potatoes; pat dry with paper towels.
3) Brush 1 tbsp. butter onto bottom and up side of 9 inch pie plate. Toss potatoes with remaining butter and 1/4th cup cheese; layer on bottom and up side of pie plate. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
4) Bake 1 hour or until potatoes are tender. Loosen potatoes from side and bottom of pie plate; invert immediately onto serving plate.



Sub: You can use any all purpose potatoes

Extra: Garnish with chives before serving.

8 servings total
prep: 10 min
total; 1 hr 10 min

Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

5 Slices of Bacon (any type)

1 Pork Tenderloin (1lb)

1/4 tsp cracked black pepper

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 tbsp. apple juice

1 tsp. dijon mustard

dash ground nutmeg

1) heat oven to 400 degrees

2) wrap bacon around tenderloin. Place in foil-lined pan sprayed with cooking spray; sprinkle with pepper.

3) bake 20 min. or until cooked to 135 degrees. Meanwhile bring remaining ingredients to boil in saucepan on medium heat, stirring occasionally.

4) brush meat with glaze. bake 10 min or until done (145 degrees) cover loosely with foil. Let stand 5 min. before slicing. 

makes 6 servings.

        

                                                                                               

Pretzel-Crusted Chicken

1/2 cup butter, melted
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
1 cup finely crushed pretzels
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 1/2-2lbs chicken (thighs/drumsticks, etc)


In a shallow bowl, combine the butter, cayenne and garlic powder. In another shallow bowl,combine the pretzels and pepper. Dip chicken in butter mixture, then roll in pretzel mixture.

Place in a greased 13in x 9in baking dish. Bake chicken, uncovered at 350 degrees for 50-55 minutes or until thermometer reads 180 degrees, turning once.


Prep: 10 minutes Bake: 50 minutes  makes about 5 servings

Orange-Glazed Cornish Hens

4 Cornish Hens, thawed
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/2 cup. frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup honey


1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Wash hands. Rinse hens with cold water & pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle hens with salt and pepper; place in oiled roasting pan. Wash hands.

2) Roast hens 30 minutes. Combine orange juice concentrate, ketchup and honey. Baste hens with glaze. Roast, basting every 10 minutes, 40 minutes longer or until internal juices of chicken run clear. (or insert instant read meat thermometer into thickest part of chicken. Temp should read 180 degrees). Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Refrigerate leftovers immediately.

Prep: 10 min. cook: 70 min  servings: 8

Cheesy Bacon Chicken

Boneless, skinless Chicken Breast (as much as you want)
Bacon (however much you want)
Cheese
Onions (or onion salt/powder)
Garlic (or garlic salt/powder)

From the ingredients you can really do whatever you want with this. It's not an exact recipe. You can also add green peppers or BBQ sauce, whatever you want. Its pretty hard to mess up.

1) Cook bacon & crumble it.
2) Cook the onions or green peppers in the bacon grease (if using them). Then cook the chicken in the grease adding any garlic/onion salt/powder you want.
3) Put cooked chicken in baking dish. Add onion/ green pepper mixture to top. Sprinkle on crumbled bacon. Add cheese. Put in heated 350 degree oven till cheese is melted.
4) Enjoy!

French Toast Casserole

Challah or other firm white bread
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 3/4 cup milk
1 tsp Cinnamon (or to taste)
8 large eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
maple syrup, for serving

1) Using a piece of waxed paper, generously grease a 13in x 9in. glass baking dish with softened butter.
2) Slice the Challah into 12 (1in. thick) slices, then cut each slice into 1in. cubes.
3) In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar & cinnamon.
4) Arrange half the bread in a single layer in the prepared dish, then sprinkle half the sugar mixture evenly over the top. Add a second layer with the remaining bread & the sugar mixture.
5) In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs. Add the milk & vanilla extract whisking until well blended.
6) Starting from the sides of the dish & working toward the center, pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread. With a spatula, gently press down on the bread to coat it with the egg mixture. Cover the dish with aluminum foil & refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hrs.
7) Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake the casserole covered for 20 min. Then remove the foil & continue baking until the casserole turns a light golden brown & looks slighty puffed, about 30 min. more. Serve warm with maple syrup.

Pizza Dog Burgers

1 egg, slighty beaten
1/4 cup milk
1/2 lb. bulk Italian Sausage
6 franks (hot dogs)
3/4 cup soft bread crumbs ( 1 slice)
1/2 lb. ground beef
1 (8oz) can pizza sauce
spices (whatever you wanna add is ok)

1) Combine the eggs, bread crumbs, milk and 1/2 tsp. salt in a bowl, then add the sausage and ground beef; mix thouroughly. (If adding additional spices add them now)
2) Roll around franks, then roll on wax paper to make sure they are firm.
3) Place on a greased baking sheet and cover.
4) Bake at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes.
5) Brush with pizza sauce and then bake a little longer (about another 10-15 minutes)
6) Brush with pizza sauce again and serve on toasted rolls (if you choose).

Applebee's Baby Back Ribs

3 (1lb) racks pork baby back ribs cut in half
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
3 tbsp. dark brown sugar
3 tbsp. worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. liquid smoke
1/2 tsp. salt


1) Place ribs in a large pot  and fill pot with enough water to cover ribs.
2) Bring water to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 1 hr. , or until ribs are fork tender.
3) While ribs are boiling, combine remaining ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
4) Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring often, for 30 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
5) Place boiled ribs, meat side down, on a broiler pan.
6) Brush with half the sauce mixture and broil 4" to 5" from heat for 6-7 minutes.
7) Turn ribs over, brush with remaining sauce, and broil additional 6-7 minutes, or until edges are slightly charred.

Serves 3


Tip: If you like the ribs falling off the bone, add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar to water before placing ribs to boil.

Slow Cooked Beer Dogs

2 pkg. sausage dogs
2 cans sauerkraut
1/2 bottle beer (any beer brand will do)
buns
mustard (or any topping you want)

1) Put the sauerkraut & beer in a slow cooker, add sausage dogs & cook on low 3-4hrs.

2) Serve on buns with sauerkraut & mustard.

serves: 8

Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

8 oz uncooked spaghetti
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup (4oz) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
2 tbsp. grated parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp. italian seasoning
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 jar (26oz) meatless spaghetti sauce
1 can (14.5oz) Italian diced tomatoes, undrained
1 jar (4.5oz) sliced mushrooms, drained (optional)
4 breaded fully cooked chicken patties (10 to 14oz)



1) Cook spaghetti according to pkg directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the ricotta, 1/2 cup of mozzarella, parmesan, italian seasoning and garlic powder; set aside. In another bowl, combine the spaghetti sauce, tomatoes and mushrooms.

2) Drain spaghetti; add 2 cups spaghetti sauce mixture and toss to coat. Transfer to a greased 13in x 9in. baking dish; top with cheese mixture.

3) Arrange chicken patties over the top; drizzle with the remaining spaghetti sauce mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until bubbly.

makes at least 4 servings

Penne Pasta w/Vodka Sauce

1 lb. penne pasta
1 stick butter
1 small onion, chopped
1 tsp. minced garlic
2 cans crushed tomatoes (28oz ea.)
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 cup. vodka
1/2 pint heavy cream
salt & pepper to taste

1) Cook pasta as directed on box. Heat large skillet, melt butter, add onion & cook until translucent. Add garlic, cook 2 minutes, stir in tomatoes cook 5 minutes & stir in sugar, salt & pepper then cook 15 to 20 minutes stirring occasionally.
2) Stir in vodka & cook another 10 minutes. Stir in cream & cook additional 3 to 5 minutes.
3) Enjoy over pasta.

Tip: you can use any pasta you want. to kick it up you can add crushed red pepper. Sprinkle it with parmesan cheese, omit the garlic or substitute 2 shallots for the onion.

Pizza Mac & Cheese

1 pkg. (7.25oz) mac & cheese dinner mix
6 cups water
1 lb. ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 small green pepper, chopped
1 1/2 cups (6oz)  shredded part skim mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 cups (6oz) shredded cheddar cheese
1 jar (14oz) pizza sauce
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni


1) Set the cheese packet from dinner mix aside. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add macaroni, cook for 8-10 minutes or until tender.

2) Meanwhile, in  a large skillet, cook the beef , onion and green pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.

3) Drain macaroni; stir in contents of cheese packet. Transfer to a greased round 2 1/2 qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese. Top with the beef mixture, pizza sauce, pepperoni and remaining  cheeses.

4) Bake , uncovered, at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until heated through.

Serves 6

Pork Sandwiches w/Root beer BBQ sauce

1 boneless pork sirloin roast (2 lbs)
1 medium onion, sliced
2 tbsp. dried minced garlic
3 cups root beer,  divided
1 bottle (12 oz) chili sauce
1/8 tsp. hot pepper sauce
8 kaiser rolls, split

1) Place roast in a slow cooker. add onion, garlic and 1 cup root beer. Cover and cook on low for 9-10 hrs or until meat is tender.
2) In a small saucepan, combine chili sauce, hot pepper and remaining soda. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes or until thickened.
3) Remove meat from slow cooker; cool slightly. Discard cooking juices. Shred pork with two forks and return to slow cooker. Stir in bbq sauce. Cover and cook on low for 30 minutes or until heated through. Serve on rolls.

Makes at least 8 servings

Tempting Tacos

1 lb. ground beef
1/4 cup worcestershire sauce
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin (optional)
12 taco shells
 taco garnishes


1) In 12-in. nonstick skillet, brown ground beef with onion and garlic: drain. Stir in worcestershire sauce, chili powder and cumin. Simmer 2 minutes or until liquid is almost absorbed. Evenly fill taco shells. Serve with garnishes (salsa, chopped tomatoes, chopped onions etc...)

Diana's meatloaf

3/4 cup milk
1 1/2 cups bread crumbs
2 lbs. ground beef (meatloaf mix works best)
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. ground pepper
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper (optional)
1 small onion, finely chopped, about 1/4 cup
2 eggs, well beaten
1/4 cup ketchup
3 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp. prepared mustard

1) In a medium bowl pour milk over bread crumbs.
2) Add beef, salt, peppers, onion and eggs.
3) Mix thoroughly.
4) Turn meat mixture into a 9 x 5 in. loaf pan that has been greased or sprayed with nonstick spray.
5) In a seperate small bowl mix ketchup, brown sugar and mustard. Spread over top of meat loaf.
6) Bake in a 325 degree oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hrs.
7) Drain off any fat and let sit 5 minutes before slicing.

Tip: You can also mix the ketchup, brown sugar and mustard together and add to the meatloaf to make it moister, if you choose. The measurements for the topping can be adjusted as to taste.

Chipotle-Marmalade Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves ( 6oz ea.)
1/4 tsp. salt
dash pepper
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/3 cup orange marmalade
1 tbsp. canola oil
1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp. minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
1 tbsp. honey
1 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
4 tsp. cornstarch
2 tbsp. cold water

1) Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Transfer to a slow cooker. In a small bowl, combine the broth, marmalade, oil, vinegar, chipotle pepper, honey, chili powder and garlic powder; pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hrs or until meat thermometer reads 170.

2) Remove chicken to a serving platter: keep warm. Skim fat from cooking juices; transfer to a small saucepan. Bring liquid to a boil. Combine cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually stir into the pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve with chicken.

Beef Goulash

1 tbsp. olive oil.
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 lb. ground beef
1/2 tsp.salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
1 1/2 cups whole tomatoes, crushed
2 tbsp. tomato paste
1/2 tsp. sugar
1 1/2 cups pasta, rotini or other pasta, cooked



Saute the onions and garlic in the olive oil. Add the meat and brown. Drain off excess fat.

Mash tomatoes with potato masher. Add tomato paste, salt, pepper, & sugar to meat.

Mix meat sauce, tomatoes and pasta together. Serve hot.

Serve with garlic bread.

San Francisco Chops

4 pork chops, 1/2 to 3/4in. thick, about 1 1/2lbs
1 tbsp oil
1 clove garlic, minced
Sauce:
2 tsp. oil
4 tbsp. dry sherry or broth
4 tbsp. soy sauce
2 tbsp. brown sugar
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
2 tsp. cornstarch
2 tbsp.water


1) Trim pork chops of fat.
2) Heat oil in skillet. Brown chops on both sides.
3) Remove and add a little more oil if needed.
4) Saute garlic for a minute, being careful not to burn it.
5) Combine oil, sherry or broth, soy sauce, brown sugar & red pepper.
6) Place chops in skillet. Pour sauce over them. Cover tightly.
7) Simmer over low heat until chop are tender & cooked through, 30 to 35 min. Add a little water, 1 to 2 tbsp. if needed to keep sauce from cooking down too much. Turn once.
8) Remove chops to platter. Stir in cornstarch dissolved in water. Cook until thickened.
9) Pour over chops & serve.

Tip: Boneless pork loin chops can be used. Trim fat & pound to 1/4 in. thickness. Cooking time takes only 20 min.

Polynesian Roast Beef

1 beef top round roast (3 1/4lbs)
2 tbsp. browning sauce, optional
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 medium onion, sliced
1 can (8oz) unsweetened sliced pineapple
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tbsp. cornstarch
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 cup beef broth
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
1 medium green pepper, sliced

1) Cut roast in half; brush with browning sauce, if desired. Combine the flour, salt and pepper; rub over meat. Place onion in slow cooker; top with roast.
2) Drain pineapple, reserving juice; refrigerate the pineapple.  In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cornstarch and ginger; whisk in the broth, soy sauce, garlic and reserved pineapple juice until smooth. Pour over meat. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hrs.
3) Add pineapple and green pepper. Cook 1 hr longer or until meat and green pepper are tender.

makes: 10-11 servings

Bubble Pizza

1 1/2lbs ground beef
1 can (15oz) pizza sauce
2 tubes (12oz ea.) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
1 1/2 cups (6oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup (4oz) shredded cheddar cheese

In a skillet, brown the beef; drain. Stir in pizza sauce. Quarter the biscuits; place in a greased 13in x 9in x 2in baking dish. Top with the beef mixture. Bake , uncovered, at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes. sprinkle with cheeses. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Makes 6-8 servings

Meatball Sandwiches

30 meatballs  (frozen or fresh)
1 cup ketchup
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp. liquid smoke, optional
6 sandwich rolls, split


Place meatballs in an ungreased 1-qt. baking dish. Combine the next five ingredients; pour over meatballs. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 1hr. Serve on rolls.

makes 6 servings

Maple Mustard Chicken

6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6 oz ea.)
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup stone ground mustard
2 tbsp. quick cooking tapioca
Hot cooked brown rice

1) Place chicken in a slow cooker. In a small bowl, combine the syrup, mustard and tapioca; pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low 3-4 hrs or until a meat thermometer reads 170 degrees.

Serve with rice. 

makes 6 servings

Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 bottle (12oz) chili sauce
2 tbsp. brown sugar
2 tbsp. sweet pickle relish
1 tbsp. worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
8 hamburger buns, split

1) In a large skillet, cook beef, celery and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink: drain. Transfer to a slow cooker.

2) Stir in the chili sauce, brown sugar, pickle relish, worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper.

3) Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hrs or until flavors are combined. Spoon 1/2 cup beef mixture onto each bun.

makes 8 servings

Baked Macaroni & Cheese

8 tbsp.butter, divided
1/2 tsp cayenne
3 3/4 cup hot milk
1lb Elbow macaroni, cooked
1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
6 tbsp. flour
salt
freshly ground white pepper
4 cups grated chedder cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt 6 tbsp butter in heavy saucepan over low heat. Add flour and stir constantly for 4 minutes. (flour mixture must foam as it cooks or sauce will have a raw flour taste) Stir in cayenne, salt and pepper to taste. Whisk in hot milk, 1/4 cup at a time and whisk constantly until sauce thickens. Reduce heat to low and stir in 2 cups of cheese. Cook and stir until cheese melts about 2 minutes.

2)Combine cheese sauce and cooked macaroni in large bowl. Salt to taste.Sprinkle 1/2 cup cheese over bottom of buttered 8"x11" baking dish. Create 3 layers of pasta mixture and grated cheese-starting with pasta, ending with cheese on top.

3)Pour cream over macaroni and cheese. Melt remaining 2 tbsp butter in skillet. Add breadcrumbs and stir to coat. Sprinkle over macaroni and cheese. Bake until crust is golden, about 30 minutes. Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.

Serves 8

Sesame Orange Chicken

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
4 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs
2/3 cup teriyaki sesame ginger bbq sauce
2/3 cup orange marmalade
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tbsp. minced fresh gingerroot
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
2 tbsp. sesame seeds, toasted
hot cooked rice

1) Place flour in a large resealable plastic bag. Add the chicken, a few pieces at a time, and shake to coat. Transfer to a slow cooker.

2) In a large bowl, combine the bbq sauce, marmalade, orange juice, soy sauce, ginger and pepper flakes. Pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hrs or until meat is tender. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve with rice.