Spaghetti Sauce

This is a recipe that was given to me by one of my favorite people in the world. He is my butcher and is soon retiring. I am so sad about that!

Ingredients:
3-4 pounds pork (Ribs or Pork Chops) If you use ribs, cut into 2-3 rib sections. I used chops that the butcher cut for me. He cut one chop into 4-6 pieces. He even cut the bone. I am using boneless chops next time.
Olive Oil
Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder
Tomato Sauce
Italian Seasoning

In a fry pan heat enough olive oil to coat bottom of pan, plus a little extra
I trimmed the fat off the meat
Brown the meat
Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder
Add tomato sauce. I used 4 small cans and 1 large. The small cans were flavored with basil and oregano I think. I also had to add about a cup of water.
Add Italian Seasoning
Simmer 4+ hours. I Let mine cook around 5.5 hours
Serve over cooked pasta

This is so easy! I served it over homemade gnocchi. I'll have that recipe tomorrow. It was also easy, but took a lot of time!

I'm Back

After a long absence, I downloaded a virus and the computer was being fixed, I'm back. If anyone is still looking at this blog, check back for an amazing spaghetti sauce. It tastes great and is as easy as opening a can!

Cafe Rio Taco Tuesday

Emily sent this to me. I don't know how to explain it other than it is Cafe Rio goodness! This is three separate recipes for one meal. They all use pretty common ingredients. The most exotic is tomatillos. I have never used them personally, but my husband has. If we can buy them in the small town we live in, I know you can get them anywhere. Thank you so much for taking the time to send this!
I'll be posting in a few days, maybe a week, the next giveaway.

Cafe Rio Chicken
Ingredients:
1 small bottle Kraft zesty Italian dressing (I use Kraft Free)
1 T chili powder
1 T cumin
3 cloves garlic, minced
5 lbs. chicken (I use tenders)

Put chicken in a crock pot
Mix the rest of the ingredients together
Pour over top of the chicken
Cook on low for 4 hours
Shred chicken with 2 forks, and then cook for 1 more hour

Cafe Rio Rice
Ingredients:
3 c. water
1 T chicken bullion (or use chicken broth instead of water)
2 t minced garlic
1/4-1/2 bunch cilantro
1/2 can green chile's
1/2 t. salt
1/2 T butter
1/4 onion
1 1/2 c rice

Blend cilantro, green chile's and onion together in food processor or blender
Bring water to boil, and add all ingredients
Simmer covered for 30 minutes

Creamy Tomatillo Dressing
Ingredients:
3 fresh tomatillos husked, washed, quartered
1 pkg. Buttermilk ranch dressing
1 c. mayo
1/3 to 1/2 c. buttermilk
1 c. fresh cilantro
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 t. cayenne pepper
fresh lime juice to taste (1-3 T)
Cumin ( a few sprinkles)
2-4 drops green Tabasco
1-2 T sugar

Mix all ingredients in blender
The buttermilk is depending on how thick you want it
A lot of the ingredients are determined on how you like it! So, taste it and go from there!!!
This dressing doesn't last long in the fridge. So, use it up quick!

My husband will love this. He loves Cafe Rio.

Turkey Soup

This year Thanksgiving was at our house. The first holiday we've had in our home! It was fantastic. Does anyone have a left over turkey carcass? We sure did. Our turkey was 31 pounds! Saturday afternoon was spent putting the remains to good use and here's how.

Ingredients:
Leftover turkey bones
Carrots (I like to use the big carrots, not the baby kind)
Celery
Onion
Leftover gravy
Salt and Pepper
Chicken Bouillon
Leftover turkey meat
Bag of noodles

Put the turkey in a big pot. It can have the skin and meat still on it. (Wow that sounds gross)
Add enough water to cover or a little less
Peel and cut up the carrots. They don't have to be perfect, you'll throw these away
Cut up the celery
Cut the onion
Put all veggies in the pot
Add your gravy if you have any
Put it on the stove to boil
We let our cook for well over two hours We wanted to get the full flavor
Add salt and pepper to taste. You can also use garlic powder and/or onion salt
If it isn't as strong as you would like, add chicken bouillion
In the meantime you can be slicing up new veggies
Once you have a good flavor take it off the stove
Strain the broth into another pot
Throw everything else but the broth away
Add your fresh veggies to the broth
Throw in your leftover turkey meat
This is the point where some people like to get fancy and add homemade noodles Thing is, you can buy noodles that are just like homemade I like them Whichever you choose throw them in now
Cook this until the noodles and veggies are soft

This does take a bit of work but is sure beats eating cold turkey sandwiches for a week! We made a ton of soup which I intend to freeze. My sister is going to school so I will stock her freezer as well as mine with the soup. If you do this, do NOT add the noodles. You can do everything but that. Add the noodles when you are actually going to eat it. If you freeze them they get mushy and gross.

Fix It and Forget It Friday

Tis the season for seasonal food! Cranberries are a big thing this time of year right? So let's try this! There are also some spices that fit in with seasonal tastes!

Ingredients:
3-4 lb. pork roast
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup ground or finely chopped cranberries
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp. grated orange peel
1/8 tsp. cloves
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg

Sprinkle roast with salt and pepper. Place in slow cooker.
Combine remaining ingredients. Pour over roast.
Cover. Cook on low 8-10 hours

This has a mixture of tastes sure to impress any dinner party! Add a twice baked potato and you'll be a hit!

Hawaiian Pork Sandwich

This is the first recipe submitted by a guy! He's been a friend of mine for a long time, we lost track of each other for a couple years, but thanks to the wonderful Facebook we're back in contact, good thing, because these sandwiches sound amazing! This is a crock pot recipe, but I'm doing it today!

Ingredients:
Pork Roast
Sweet and sour sauce
1 can pineapple rings
Yellow or green onion, chopped
Sandwich style rolls

Rub the roast with the sweet and sour sauce, you can let it marinate over night
Put in crock pot with 1/4 cup water and 1/4 cup pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple)
Add onion
Cook on high 1 hour
Turn to low for 8-10 hours
Once it is cooked shred the meat mixing the onions in with it
Add more sweet and sour sauce until it is the consistency of a pulled pork BBQ sandwich, but be careful to not overdo it
If you like a little kick add crushed red chili
Serve on roll with a slice of pineapple

Thanks Ty, can't wait to try these, once I'm sick of turkey of course!

Taco Tuesday

My favorite thing for dinner is breakfast. I love breakfast foods. So, here's to breakfast!

Breakfast Burrito:
1 Egg for every burrito you'll need
1 Package bacon or sausage your favorite kind
1 Package flour tortillas, warmed
Grated cheddar cheese
Sour cream
Hot sauce

Scramble the eggs
Cook the meat
Assemble your burrito, eggs first, then meat, top with cheese
Roll up
Add a little sour cream to the top with hot sauce

Fix it and Forget it Friday

It's been a long week for me. Hence, not so many posts! I came across this is one of my cook books and it is perfect for times when you are busy!

Ingredients:
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 can cream of chicken, celery OR mushroom soup (10 3/4 oz.)
1/3 cup milk
1 package Stove Top stuffing mix and seasoning packet
1 2/3 cup water

Place chicken in crock pot
Combine soup and milk, pour over chicken
Combine stuffing mix, seasoning packet and water. Spoon over chicken
Cover. Cook on low 6-8 hours

While this has the meat and a side in one, I'd add a vegetable for good measure.

Taco Tuesday

If you're in a pinch, this is so easy! I usually have all this stuff at home because we eat it in different ways!
Bean and Cheese Burritos

Ingredients
1-2 cans refried beans
1 package flour tortillas
Shredded cheddar cheese

It best to first heat beans through on stove top
Put beans down the middle of tortilla and top with cheese
Heat in microwave until cheese is melted
Roll up like a burrito

We like to have sour cream on the side to dip. It's good with just a plain old green salad.

And the Winners Are...

OK, the drawing for November is closed. You now have a week to send me your address so that I can mail your prize. mealtimhelp@hotmail.com
The winners are :
Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:8 3 9 6 12
Timestamp: 2008-11-17 18:27:08 UTC
#8
Amber said...
I would love to be entered!Amber
#3
Erin said...
I have seen these in the store, but hadn't given them a try yet. What a great opportunity to try them!P.S. I will e-mail you one of my favorite easy recipes...
#9
Nichole said...
Oh enter ME...I have been wanting to try the produce bags!! You're the best!Nichole ;)
#6Brandi and Shawn said...
I want to win win win!!!
#12
THE MASCARO'S said...
AMY
You have until Friday to get me your addresses before I choose a new winner!

Saturday Sweets

Have you ever seen the blog cake wrecks? I think it is hilarious! So all week, she finds awful cakes, posts a picture and comments about it. On Sundays, she has something called Sunday Sweets. It's one day out of the week where the cakes are fabulous. You really ought to check it out. Anyways, I take Saturday and Sunday off for the whole meal preparation. So I don't post on here either. I was emailed a cookie recipe and thought if anyone else wants to send "sweets recipes" I'll post them on Saturdays. We'll call is Saturday Sweets. This will be mainly for all of you to share your recipes. I'll put on one occassionally, and if I don't get a new recipe, we'll just skip it.

So here's the first. My friend from high school sent this one. She calls the EST cookies. As in easiEST, yummiEST, and fastEST. She also had this to say about them:
"So I know you have mostly posted Meal time items but I consider these cookies Meal time helps because they take so little time to make and leave me with plenty of time to make dinner!!"
Thanks Girl!

Ingredients:
1 box of cake mix ANY flavor ANY brand
1/3 c. oil
2 eggs

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Mix all ingredients together until smooth. The mix will have a thick consistency.
Roll into one inch balls and place on cookie sheet 2 inches apart.
Take the bottom of a drinking glass dipped in flour and flatten the balls down.
Bake for 6-8 minutes.
Let cool on the cookie sheet for 1 minute before removing.
Frost after 5 minutes with any flavor frosting you want!
You can make ANY combination of cookie you want (Chocolate on Chocolate, Rainbow cake mix with Rainbow frosting, Spice cake mix with cream cheese frosting).
These are SO tasty and SO worth the LITTLE amount of time it takes!

Let me just add my two cents. If you make the Devils Food Cake buy the cream cheese frosting. Frost one cookie and top with another. It's a little homemade Oreo!

Corn Dog

I noticed that I use a lot of hotdogs on here. I guess I find them so versatile! Have you ever tried to make a homemade corn dog? I think they are awesome! I used a fryer and that made it so easy, but I bet you could try to fry them on the stovetop. I wonder what they would be like baked. If you try that, let me know, it would be a lot healthier. So here's how I did it.

Ingredients:
Hot Dogs (Again, I like High Grade)
Corn Bread Mix (I used the cheap Jiffy Mix stuff and it was great, but any would work)
Vegetable Oil

Heat the oil
Mix the corn bread how it says on the package
Coat hot dogs in the batter
Fry until golden brown

I used skewers, but they were actually more of a hassle than it was worth, tongs work a lot better. If you want smaller corn dogs cut the hot dog to the size you want. We had friends over for this, real gourmet meal right? But we also made homemade french fries and fry sauce to go with it. If you want to try something new to dip both in, add equal parts sour cream and mayo, not miracle whip. It's awesome!

Cream of Broccoli Soup

This recipe comes from Erin. Thanks for the recipe and I'll put you down for a second time to the drawing the month. Thanks for the recipe! I forgot to mention that this only takes about 20 minutes start to finish and her kids will eat it! That's a good thing to remember! Thanks for reminding me!

Cream of Broccoli Soup

About 5 cups of water
1 head of broccoli
3-4 chicken bouillon cubes
About 2 cups milk

1/2 cup butter (no substitutes)
1/2 cup flour

1 cup cheddar cheese OR
1 can cheese whiz OR
1 cup Velveeta

Put the water, broccoli cut into small pieces, and bouillon cubes into a large pot. Boil until broccoli is cooked (about 10 minutes). Pour in the milk, turn heat down to medium and heat until the milk is warm.

In the meantime, melt the butter in a saucepan on medium-medium/high. Add the flour and stir it together. Let simmer while stirring frequently for 3-4 minutes. Stir butter/flour mixture into the broccoli water. Stir until somewhat thick. (Do not let it boil or if you use real cheese it will curdle.) Add the cheese, cheese whiz or Velveeta. Use white pepper and seasoning salt to taste.

Serves 6ish

This would be good in a bread bowl too. I love that!

Taco Tuesday

Cheesy Tacos

Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup taco seasoning
1/2 lb. (8 oz.) Velveeta Mild Mexican Cheese with Jalapeno Peppers, cut up
1 pkg. hard taco shells, warmed
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 chopped tomato
1 cup salsa

Brown meat in large skillet, drain
Stir in water and seasoning mix
Add Mexican Velveeta
Cook on low heat until Velveeta is completely melted, stirring frequently.
Spoon evenly into the taco shells
Top with lettuce, tomato and salsa

November Giveaway

It's already time for another contest. Ziploc sent me 5 coupons for Up to $3.00 On any Ziploc Zip n' Steam Cooking Bags, Ziploc Vacuum Bag Refills or Ziploc Produce Bags. I checked at our local Wal-Mart and this coupon will get you 1 of 2 size Zip 'n Steam bags; 10 of the medium or 7 of the large. I didn't look for the others because I really like the Zip 'n Steam. These bags are actually really cool. There will be 5 winners this month as I planned to give all 5 away this month instead of one a month for five months, where is the fun in that?
Here's the rules for this month:
1. Post your name, you can use your first name only if you want, on this post
2. I will use random.org again to pick 5 winners and will post whatever the winners posted here on Monday November 17
3. Those winners will have until Friday the 21st to email me their mailing address at mealtimehelp@hotmail.com
4. If I don't hear from the winners, I will go back to random.org to start the process over again the following Monday. This way, there is no personal info posted for the world to see.
Want an extra chance to win?
Send me your favorite recipe at mealtimehelp@hotmail.com

Fix it and Forget It Friday

Have you ever made a Cornish game hen? These were intimidating to me! I like the whole boneless skinless no work chicken breast. But then we tried the game hen on a BBQ and they were amazing. I'll have to post that next week. But I found this at www.cdkitchen.com. It sounds fast and good. I love stuff in the slow cooker. It is always so tender and flavorful.

Ingredients:
2-4 Cornish hens
2 cans (14 oz) chicken broth
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
salt

Season hens with lemon pepper, salt and sprinkle with minced garlic
Pour chicken broth in crock pot and carefully set hens into the broth
Crock all day on low more than 5 hours

Serve with rice. Minute rice of course!!! And some steamed veggies.

Angel Hair Tuna

I also found this on Taste of Home. It has tuna, which I like, but the old hubbie does not. I will have to make this when he's away.

Ingredients:
2 packages angel hair pasta with Parmesan cheese dinner mix (You know like a Lipton or Pasta Roni)
1 can tuna, drained (Use 2 cans if you want a little extra tuna taste)
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3/4 cup crushed butter-flavored crackers (about 15)
1/4 cup butter, melted

Prepare pasta dinner mixes according to package directions
Stir in the tuna and Italian seasoning
Transfer to a large serving bowl; cover and let stand for 5 minutes to thicken.
Toss cracker crumbs and butter; sprinkle over the top
(I'm going to skip the crackers. I don't know, it seems weird)

Fix It and Forget It Friday

Missing the summer days yet? One of my favorite things of summer is BBQ! I really enjoy the flavor of a good BBQ sauce. But just because it is cold it doesn't mean we can't enjoy that all winter too! And on top of it, this is so easy!

Ingredients:
8 pork chops-I realize by leaving the bone in you get more flavor. I like boneless pork chops so much better. Either way, they taste good.
1 cup (or more) BBQ or sweet and sour sauce

Cover just the bottom of the slow cooker with sauce with 1/4 cup water
Brush each chop with sauce, then place in slow cooker
Cover and cook on low 7-8 hours

Chili Dog

So after yesterdays "creative" Taco Tuesday, it got me thinking about hot dogs. I said yesterday that I really like high grade hot dogs. Let me just tell you all, they are so worth the extra cost. Once you buy them, you won't want any other again!

Ingredients:
As many hot dogs as you have people. If you do use high grade plan on one per person. Even big eaters usually won't eat two whole dogs. Maybe one and a half!
1-2 can chili. I really like Nalley
Enough buns for dogs. When I make these, I like to buy the big crusty deli rolls.
1 bag grated cheese

Cook your hot dog how you like it. BBQ, microwave, boil, broil whatever suits you.
Heat the chili through on medium heat on the stove
Cut rolls in half
Put dog in roll and top with chili and cheese

Oh, I can't wait to have these! I like that these are so easy and anything goes with it. Baked fries, or fry them up. Chips or salad. Or a salad from the deli!

Taco Tuesday

I've used up all my ideas for Taco Tuesday, but then I found this on Kraft Foods. I don't know about it! It may be really good for kids, who knows? I love hot dogs, especially high grade hot dogs, so this might be good.

Ingredients:
1 package hot dogs
1 package taco shells
1 bag shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 bagshredded lettuce
1 chopped tomato
1 jar taco sauce

Put hot dog in taco shell
Wrap loosely in paper towel
Microwave for 45 seconds to 1 minute or until heated through
Top with cheese, lettuce, tomato and taco sauce

Deep Dish Hunters Pie

So October marks the deer hunt around here and many men and women have slayed the beast! I figure that many of us may have freezers full of deer or elk meat this time of year so here's one that sounds as good to me as you can get when eating wild meat! By the way, I found it at Taste of Home. There are a lot of ingredients, but I guess that's how you get the wild taste out of the meat! Also, it seems a lot like shepards pie.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup milk
1 Tbs butter
1/4 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
FILLING:
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 cup sliced carrots
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1 Tbs butter
2 cups cubed cooked venison
1 1/2 cups beef broth
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
3 Tbs all-purpose flour
3 Tbs cold water
1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 Tbs minced parsley

Cook potatoes in boiling water until tender
Drain and mash
Add the garlic, milk, butter, rosemary, salt and pepper
Set aside.
In a large skillet, saute mushrooms, carrots, onion and green pepper in butter until tender
Add venison, broth, thyme and nutmeg
Bring to a boil
Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until meat and vegetables are tender.
Combine the flour and water until smooth
Stir into skillet
Bring to a boil
Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened
Transfer to a greased 13x9 baking dish
Spread mashed potatoes over the top
Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30-40 minutes or until bubbly
Sprinkle with cheese
Bake 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted
Sprinkle with parsley

Happy Halloween

It's been a busy week for us! I'll be back Monday with meal ideas! Happy Halloween and let the Holiday Season begin!

Taco Tuesday: Navajo Taco

This is a little harder...but not too bad and tasty.

Ingredients:
Rhodes Dinner Rolls Enough for however many scones you need (Thawed, but still cold)
1-2 cans chili
1 Bag Shredded Cheese
1 Bag Shredded Lettuce
1 Chopped Tomato
1 Can Sliced Olives

Optional:
Sour Cream
Salsa
Hot Sauce

So here's the hardEST part making the scones
Heat some vegetable oil to fry these babies up. I use my wok, it's deep and big enough to fry three at a time. (I need one of those cool fryers.)
When they are all thawed, flatten them out
Then fry those bad boys up. The oil has to be hot. Drop one drop of water in, if it pops and sputters, the oil is hot enough.
Fry one side until it is light to medium brown. I like them lighter than my hubbie does.
Then flip it over and fry the other side.
That's it, not so hard.

Meanwhile heat you chili up in another pan
Cook on medium until heat through

Assemble your taco:
Scone
Chili
Lettuce
Cheese
Tomatoes
Olives
Top with sour cream or whatever

This is another one of those on dish dinners, you've got all you need with the Navajo taco. No sides needed.

Quick and Easy BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

So I messed up on Friday, it wasn't a fix it and forget it. Sorry. I posted a bunch and scheduled them. My bad. But Fridays are still fix it and forget it from now on!

Now, I have to say how excited I am that you are looking at this blog. It's so fun to get recipes from everyone so keep them coming! I know you have a meal that you turn to in emergencies!

This recipe comes from Amber is West Jordan, Utah. It sounds so simple Thanks so much.

Ingredients:
Thinly sliced chicken lunch meat cut into strips
1 bottle of BBQ sauce (She likes Famous Daves, me too.)
Kraft Cheese slices
Hamburger buns

Heat a sauce pan on medium
Put in BBQ sauce and chicken
Cook on medium until heated through
Place on buns and top with cheese

Ok, she was even so nice to add they eat this with chips and green salad. I think some oven baked fries would be nice too.

I'll be posting the next giveaway the first of November.

And the Winner Is...

From random.org the winning number is:

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:

2
Timestamp: 2008-10-25 15:28:06 UTC

Here is what number 2 posted:

Amy said...
I love the quick stir pitcher!!!!! But I'm poor so I had to buy a generic and it's not as great. Please pick me!
Amy Dimick

October 20, 2008 6:13 PM

I know Amy, so I'll get the prize to her. Thanks to everyone who entered! Also, thank you to Liesel Steele for donating the Quick Stir Pitcher. Remember her for all your Pampered Chef needs!

I've also gone through and deleted all comments for this post. I realized that many of you might not want your email addresses available like that! Next months giveaway will be done differently! And yes, there already is a prize for next month, and we'll have 5 winners! That's right, 5! Keep checking this blog for recipes and your chance to win next month! Also, please send any recipes you want to share to mealtimehelp@hotmail.com If there is anything you would like to see a recipe for send it there too!

Another Sloppy Joe

In my new love for sloppy joes, I've found another way to enjoy them. Don't roll your eyes if you've been doing this for years, this was a first for me! My friend Amy made these for dinner Wednesday night and I love them! This would make a good snack too.

Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef
1 can Manwich
1 tube Pilsbury Grands Rolls
Grated cheese

Brown the ground beef
Mix in Manwich
Put one roll per hole in a muffin pan
Press the roll to the bottom and sides
Fill with beef
Cook according to directions on roll package
Sprinkle with cheese right at the end so it will melt

We had spaghetti salad with this. So easy and so good.

Potato Chowder

This recipe is for clam chowder, but like I've said before, seafood is a no go around here. But if you like it, add the clams in.

Ingredients:
2 cups potatoes cubed
1 cup celery diced
1 onion diced
1 quart half and half
3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp sugar
salt and pepper to taste

Put all three veggies in a pot
Add enough water to just cover
Boil until potatoes are tender
In a sauce pan mix butter and flour to make a rue
Add half and half and mix
Put the half and half mixture in pot with veggies (Do NOT drain the water)
Add sugar and salt and pepper

We are going to put 2 cups corn in ours for a little extra. I like frozen corn the best. If you add thaw the corn first.

If you want the clams, add one can of clams with the juice.

This is thick enough that you can put it in a bread bowl. I love that! I'm just going to make rolls for this.

It's already Wednesday and there still aren't many entries for the Quick Stir Pitcher. Don't be shy! Enter yourself on the October 20th post before Saturday.

Crescent Roll Hot Pockets

My sweet sister in law sent this one. I love her, but she is self proclaimed non cooker. My kind of girl, so if she makes this, anyone can!

Ingredients:
1 can refrigerator crescent rolls

Filling 1:
Pizza sauce (Spaghetti sauce is the same thing right?)
Sliced pepperoni
Grated cheese

OR

Topping 2:
2 large chicken breasts, cooked, cubed or shredded (about 2 cups)
Mix with 1 package cream cheese

Here's how to assemble:
Unroll the crescent rolls
Press 2 together to make a rectangle
Put filling on half. You can stuff these, but make sure you can close them!
Fold over and press shut
If everything is precooked, bake them according to the directions on the roll package

Taco Tuesday

This recipe comes from Melissa in Idaho! Thanks for a good addition to Taco Tuesday!

Taco Soup
Ingredients:
1 can of corn
1 can of kidney beans
1 can diced tomatoes
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 lb hamburger meat
Grated cheese

Brown the meat with half the taco seasoning
Combine meat, canned goods (undrained) and rest of seasoning pack into a pot
Bring to boil.
Sprinkle cheese on top

I'm sure that sour cream would be good on top too. Add some tortilla chips or flour tortillas and you've got a meal!

Thanks Melissa! Keep those recipes coming!

First Giveaway

Finally, we are having the first giveaway on this blog! Are you so excited?
I have to say thank you to Liesel Steele who donated a Quick Stir Pitcher from The Pampered Chef. Anyone can buy The Pampered Chef from her. I also have to say that I have never met her and she was so nice and easy to work with! She even brought the pitcher to my house...twice! Here is how you can reach her 2steele08@gmail.com or (307)248-1953

So here are the rules:
1.Anyone can enter to win, but you have to enter yourself
2.To enter post your name and email as a comment on this post
3.For an extra chance to win, post the following paragraph on your own blog:

If you have ever had a hard time deciding what to make for dinner, there is a new blog for you: http://mealtimehelp.blogspot.com You'll find simple meal ideas, a place to share your favorite dinner time meals and maybe learn a trick or two for old time favorites. There will also be monthly giveaways. You'll always have an answer to the question "What's for dinner?"

If you do this, send me your blog address to mealtimehelp@hotmail.com and I will enter you a second time.
4.I will do a random.org drawing Saturday October 25
5.I'm adding a rule, you have to live in the 48 Continental US!

Fix it and Forget it Friday: Spanish Style Beef

This recipe comes from my friend Rhonda. She makes this super easy two ingredient dish.

Ingredients:
1-2 pounds stew meat, cubed
1 jar Pace Picante Salsa

Put meat in crock pot
Add salsa
Mix together
Cover
Cook on high 6-8 hours

That's it! You gotta love this one!

She serves it over rice with salad and green beans.

Garlic Pork Tenderloin with BBQ Sauce

I haven't tried this, but it sounds really good and way easy. I can't wait to try it!

Ingredients:
1 lb. pork tenderloin
1 Tbsp. GOOD SEASONS Garlic & Herb Dressing Mix
1/2 tsp. each paprika, dried thyme leaves, dried sage leaves
1/2 cup BULL'S-EYE Original Barbecue Sauce

Place pork in foil-lined shallow baking pan.
Mix dressing mix, paprika, thyme and sage until well blended
Rub evenly over pork.
Bake pork at 425°F for 20 to 25 minutes or until cooked through (160°F).
Cut pork into slices. Serve with barbecue sauce.


Sides to go with this: Steamed broccoli and a baked potato

Baked Salmon with black olive salsa

I have never tried this. It's seafood!!!

Ingredients:
1 salmon fillet (1-1/2 lb.)
1/4 cup sliced pitted black olives
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1/4 cup chopped red onion
5 cherry tomatoes, quartered
1/4 cup KRAFT Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing

PREHEAT oven to 400°F.
Place salmon, skin side down, on foil-lined baking sheet.
COMBINE remaining ingredients; spoon over salmon.
BAKE 18 to 20 minutes or until salmon flakes easily with fork.

Taco Tuesday

For this taco Tuesday we are doing the traditional taco with a chicken twist! Everything is the same except use chicken instead of ground beef.

Ingredients:
2-3 Boneless skinless chicken breasts
Taco Seasoning (1 packet or 1/4 cup bulk seasoning)
3/4 cup water
Taco shells soft or crunchy
1 Bag of shredded lettuce
1 Bag of grated Mexican cheese
1 Tomato

Cook chicken in skillet with a couple tablespoons of oil
Shred chicken
Add taco seasoning and 3/4 cup water
Mix well and heat through

Soft flour tortillas are better than crunchy corn.

I'm sure everyone knows how to put a taco together, if not email me and I'll walk you through it!

Sides we like with this: 1 can of refried beans, chips and salsa, and olives.

Cheesy Chicken and Salsa Skillet

I found this at kraftfoods.com

Ingredients:
2 cups multigrain penne pasta, uncooked
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1-1/4 cups TACO BELL® HOME ORIGINALS® Thick 'N Chunky Salsa
1 cup frozen corn, thawed
1 large green pepper, cut into short thin strips
1 cup KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Reduced Fat Four Cheese Mexican Style Cheese

COOK pasta as directed on package.
MEANWHILE, heat large nonstick skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium-high heat.
Add chicken; cook and stir 2 min.
Stir in salsa, corn and peppers.
Bring to boil. Simmer on medium-low heat 10 min. or until chicken is cooked through, stirring occasionally.
DRAIN pasta. Add to chicken mixture; mix lightly.
Sprinkle with cheese.
Remove from heat; cover. Let stand 1 min. or until cheese is melted.

Fix It and Forget it Friday

For a little while now, Fridays will be devoted to one of my favorite ways to cook...the crock pot! I love that you can make dinner in the morning and not have to touch it all day. Then when it is time to eat, the meal is done! I'm starting with my favorite crock pot meals, Beef Stew

Ingredients:
2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch cubes
1/2 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 clove garlic or a couple shakes of garlic salt
1 bay leaf (I never use this because I don't have bay leaves laying around)
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 onion, chopped (I also don't use this, my family doesn't like onions)
1 1/2 cups beef broth (You can buy it canned or use bullion)
3 potatoes, diced
4 carrots, sliced
1 stalk celery, chopped

Place meat in slow cooker
Pour flour, salt and pepper over meat. Toss to cover meat.
Stir in remaining ingredients
Cover and cook on low setting 10-12 hours or high setting 4-6 hours

Serve in a bread bowl. Surprisingly, WalMart has amazing bread bowls.

French Onion Soup

This may sound crazy but my husband and I really don't like onions. However, we love this soup!

Ingredients:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 large yellow onions, sliced 1/4-inch into half circles
1 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups Beef Broth (I really love Swanson Beef Broth, it comes in a box)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 Loaf french bread
Sliced Swiss cheese

In a large dutch oven pot, melt butter
Add onions
Cook on medium heat until onions become soft
Stir the onions just to keep them from sticking to the bottom of the pan
Sprinkle flour over onions and stir to coat
Add beef broth
Season to taste with salt and pepper
Simmer and heat through around 10 minutes

Meanwhile:
Cut bread into slices
Toast under the broiler
When both sides are toasted top with a slice of Swiss cheese
Put back under broiler to melt cheese

When soup is done serve in bowls with bread and melted cheese on top

Taco Tuesday

This variation is for taco salad

Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef
Taco Seasoning (1 packet or 1/4 cup bulk seasoning)
3/4 cup water
1 Bag of salad
1 Bag of grated Mexican cheese
1 Tomato
1 can pinto beans
1 Bag of tortilla chips
Sour Cream or salad dressing
Sliced Olives

Brown the beef in a skillet
Drain fat
Add taco seasoning and 3/4 cup water
Mix well and heat through
Microwave pinto beans until warm in a microwave safe bowl
Put chips on plate
Layer with salad, meat, cheese, beans and tomato
Top with sour cream or salad dressing and sliced olives

Manicotti with Cheese

This recipe is found on the back of the American Beauty Manicotti box.

Ingredients:
1 package Manicotti
1 3/4 cups Ricotta Cheese
2 cups Mozzarella Cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
2 Tbs chopped fresh parsley
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
3 cups Spaghetti Sauce

Boil pasta until tender
Heat oven to 350 degrees
In a large bowl mix all the cheeses, salt, pepper and parsley
Spoon into cooled pasta tubes
Spread a thin layer of spaghetti sauce on bottom of a 13x9 pan
Arrange filled pasta in a single layer over sauce
Pour remaining sauce over pasta
Cover with foil
Bake 40 minutes
Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes or until hot and bubbly

This is good with garlic bread, salad and green beans.

Chili Quesadillas

I had these at a friends house. They were so easy and I love chili so these were really good. I like it as a meal, but it can also be an appetizer.

Ingredients:
1-2 Cans of Chili depending on how many people you are feeding. I love Nalley Original Chili
1 Package of Flour tortillas
1 Bag of grated cheese

Take one tortilla and spread chili on it
Sprinkle with cheese
Put another tortilla on top

My friend had one of those sweet quesadilla makers, but I don't so...
Put in on a cookie sheet and broil until top starts to brown
Turn over and broil other side until brown

You can dip in sour cream which is tasty!

Shrimp Dijonnaise

I don't like seafood, period. But I realize a lot of people do. So any recipe posted will not have been tried by me. However, the picture for this one looks nice.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup melted butter
2 Tbs. canola oil
2 Tbs. Dijon mustard
1 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce
3 garlic cloves minced
3/4 pound uncooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined

In a Ziploc bag combine everything except shrimp
Mix together
Add shrimp seal bag and coat
Refrigerate 4 hours turning occasionally
Drain and discard marinade
Broil shrimp 4 inches from heat about 4 minutes or until shrimp turn pink

The picture of this has a rice/veggie mix with broccoli on the side.

*This recipe comes from the Taste of Home Cooking School magazine

Italian Zest Chicken

I haven't tried this yet, but you can count on it within a week. It looks so good. But I'm not sure why it is Italian Zest I'm failing to see where the zest comes into play. And by the way, this is out of a magazine called Taste of Home Cooking School. I went to this with some friends and got the magazine free. There are a few things in it that I am going to post.

Ingredients:
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp paprika
1 tsp water
2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1/4 tsp dried Italian seasoning

1 ZIPLOC Brand Zip 'n Steam bag

In a small bowl combine garlic, paprika and water
Let stand one minute to thicken
Spread the mixture over chicken and rub on all sides
Sprinkle with Italian seasoning
Put chicken in bag and seal
Cook in MICROWAVE (what? sweet!) on high for 4-5 minutes or until chicken juices run clear
Let stand for 1 minute before handling


Oh my heck, if that isn't he easiest chicken meal ever I don't know what is. You can invite people over and they would never know it was nuked! I love it!

Here is a twist to mashed potatoes. After the potatoes are boiled and drained, add a block of cream cheese with the normal amount of milk. Mash like normal. The cream cheese alone gives the potatoes a good taste without gravy, but for a little extra sprinkle in some Montreal Steak Seasoning.

Taco Tuesday

I have said before that I really don't like to make dinner. I don't like to decide what the eat. I created Taco Tuesday at our house after reading that Christina Aguilera has it at her house. It's not that I want to be her, I just thought she was onto something. So at least one day a week I know for sure what we are eating. I also like tacos because you can buy everything ready to go like shredded lettuce. So, for the next few weeks, Tuesdays will be dedicated to the different ways we enjoy Taco Tuesday. This first one is the traditional taco.

Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef
Taco Seasoning (1 packet or 1/4 cup bulk seasoning)
3/4 cup water
Taco shells soft or crunchy
1 Bag of shredded lettuce
1 Bag of grated Mexican cheese
1 Tomato

Brown the beef in a skillet
Drain fat
Add taco seasoning and 3/4 cup water
Mix well and heat through

I'm sure everyone knows how to put a taco together, if not email me and I'll walk you through it!

Sides we like with this: 1 can of refried beans, chips and salsa, and olives. It's the end of the season now, but watermelon and cantaloupe are a good addition to this meal.

Swedish Meatballs

Why I love this: Prep time 10 minutes, cook time 15!!! This makes 6 servings.

Ingredients:
1 Packet of McCormick Swedish Meatballs seasoning and sauce mix
1 lb. ground beef
1/3 cup water
2 Tbs. oil 2 cups milk

I follow the recipe on the back of the packet (You can buy the packet at any grocery store)

mix beef, water and seasoning mix in large bowl until well blended
Shape into 1 1/2 inch meatballs (You can make them bigger or smaller depending on how many you want and how much time you have for them to cook)
Heat oil in skillet
Add meatballs
Cook about 8 minutes or until cooked through
Remove meatballs and drain fat
In the same skillet stir milk and sauce packet
Cook on medium heat, stirring frequently until sauce comes to a boil
I put the meatballs back in at this point and let them simmer with the sauce while it thickens
Serve over cooked rice or egg noodles

There is also a method to baking the meatballs on back of the package if you are going for less fat.

I prefer the rice to the egg noodles, but both are good. I love to eat green beans with this. Salad also goes good with it. If you have leftovers, they reheat really well the next day for lunch.

Hotdog Stacks

This recipe comes from a high school friend of mine, Nichole. She says that this sounds gross, but kids love it, and she still does too!

Ingredients:
Package of hot dogs
8 cups mashed potatoes
8 slices of cheese

Cut hot dogs almost in half length wise
Fold so that insides of hot dogs face up
Put on cookie sheet
Spread about 3/4 cup mashed potatoes on top of open hot dog
Place slice of cheese on top
Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted

Nichole says any veggie goes with this. She remembers having jello or pudding with it. Thanks Nichole! Keep the ideas coming!

Pot Pie

I love this for one simple reason, you can make one big pie for everyone to share, or you can make each person their own. If you want to make everyone their own, you need to buy individual tin pie pans. They are inexpensive and even better, disposable! Or you can use one regular size pie pan or a deeper round dish. This does take a little time, not bad though, and really worth it.

Ingredients:
Cooked meat (Beef, Chicken, Turkey) I usually use boiled chicken, 1 breast for 3 people unless you like it more meaty
Gravy: You can buy the packet gravy and make it according to the directions, I really like the bottled gravy. It's made by Heinz. You only need 1 bottle or 1 packet
Potatoes & Carrots Boil until tender
Peas & Corn Buy these frozen. You don't need two full bags, so save the rest for another dinner
Green Beans: Frozen or canned

Obviously you don't have to use everything, just what you like

For the crust: It is just a pie crust with butter flavored shortening
2 1/4 cups flour
3/4 tsp salt
2/3 cup butter flavored shortening
8-10 Tbs cold water

Stir flour and salt
Using a pastry blender cut in shortening until pieces are pea sized
Add water 1 Tbs at a time until flour mixture is moist
Divide in half and roll in two ball

You now have to decide if you want crust on the bottom and top or just on top. I like both...a lot.

Roll out both dough balls. Your dough should be about a 1/4 inch thick
If you are doing a bottom crust, roll the crust onto your pan
Put your filling in (Meat and veggies)
Pour gravy on top
Add your top crust
Cut the edges of the crust to be about 1/2 inch hanging over the edge
Fold under and pinch closed.
Bake at 375 degrees 35-40 minutes until crust is golden.
If the edge starts to get dark, put foil around just the edge.

This is a good dish because it has everything all in one; meat, veggie, starch!

Easy Meatloaf

This recipe comes from my old college room mate, Carissa, I don't think I'll use last names. Anyway, she's a good friend who is getting married, Congrats!!! Thanks for the recipe!

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef (we've also used elk, deer, and whatever else we've found in my dad's freezer and it tastes great)
1 cup Water
1 box Stove Top Stuffing


Mix them all together and place in greased cupcake pan.
Cook for 25 mins at 350.
Everyone gets their own little loaf or two... and can put whatever sauce they like on it.

Carbon County Sloppy Joes

Growing up I hated sloppy joes. Ryan still does. I went to a party a few months ago and there was a fantastic tiny little twist that gave me a whole new love for this sloppy little sandwich!

Ingredients: There is only one way I know how to make these...Manwich
1 can Manwich
1 lb. hamburger
Hamburger Buns

Brown the hamburger
Add the Manwich and heat through
Serve on hamburger buns

Now here is the twist add a Kraft Cheese Single! It really is a tiny twist, but I love it. My mom and dad now also add a fresh slice of tomato.

Cream Cheese Chicken

Ingredients:

4 boneless/skinless chicken breasts
1 can of cream of chicken soup
1 block of cream cheese cubed
1 packet of Italian salad dressing powder

Put chicken on the bottom of a 9x13 pan
Spread soup over the top
Put cubed cream cheese over the soup
Sprinkle with the Italian dressing
Bake 375 degrees 25-30 minutes
Serve over cooked rice

Steamed broccoli and/or cauliflower make a good side for this dish

Pasta in Tomato Cream Sauce

This pasta dish is so good. It is one of my favorites! It is out of a cook book I got in high school called 30 Minutes or Less. It is super easy to make, is very filling and tastes great.

Ingredients:
8 ounces penne or other tube pasta
1 (14.5 ounce) can of tomatoes with garlic and onion
1/2 cup fresh basil chopped OR 1 tsp dried basil
3/4 cup whipping cream
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Boil pasta until tender and drain
Cook tomatoes over medium high heat in skillet until thickened about 5 minutes
Reduce heat
Add basil and cream
Heat through, do not boil
Toss with pasta and cheese

Sides I like with this: I like homemade bread, but any kind of roll is good, Rhodes are really easy or refrigerator rolls are fast. Of course a green salad goes with this, but so would green beans or a warm veggie.

Frech Dip Sandwiches

Ingredients you will need:

1 lb. of thinly sliced deli roast beef will make about 3 sandwiches
1 packet of Au Jus will give 3 people 1 cup of juice for dipping
Buy enough deli rolls for the amount of sandwiches you will need. Crusty rolls are better, they don't get super soggy
Sliced Swiss cheese, this is optional

Prepare the Au Jus according to the packet instructions
Add the roast beef to the Au Jus
It only needs a few minutes to heat up, remember the meat is already fully cooked, you are just warming it. Cooking it too long causes the meat to be tough.
My husband likes his roll toasted. I just put it in the oven and broil for a couple minutes. When it is almost finished being toasted, I add the cheese to melt it on. I like mine untoasted and plain.

Sides that go well with this: Baby carrots and ranch dip, cottage cheese with salad seasoning or even just a bag of chips.

Breaded Pork Tenderloin

My neighbor Shaun from across the street shared this one with me. This recipe is so easy, the hardest thing is there aren't exact amounts of seasoning.

What to shop for:

1 pork tenderloin roast
Plain bread crumbs
Season Salt
Garlic Powder

In a bowl mix enough bread crumbs to coat the roast with the desired amount of season salt and garlic powder. I go by smell. I really love season salt so when I can smell a hint of it coming through the bread crumbs I call it good. I really love garlic also, but adding too much will over power the season salt. I add less garlic than season salt.
Coat the pork roast in the now seasoned bread crumbs
I cook this in a glass 13x9 pan cover with foil
Bake at 350 degrees around 45 minutes, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should get to at least 170 degrees.

Sides to go with this roast: Cook a bag of frozen corn with butter and salt, slice up some apples and add a salad.

Thanks Shaun!

Chicken Parmesan

This is super easy!

Ingredients to shop for:

4-6 boneless/skinless chicken breasts for your family
Seasoned bread crumbs
1 Jar of marinara sauce
Pasta of your choice we use rotini (spiral pasta), but spaghetti works great

I like to use a meat tenderizer and pound on the chicken a bit. This is good to get the frustrations of the day out! But remember to only pound the chicken to about 1/2 thickness, don't get carried away!

Pour bread crumbs in a shallow bowl or on a plate. (Some people like to first spread an egg on the chicken, I don't do this.) Coat both sides of chicken breasts.
To fry, heat enough olive oil or vegetable oil to coat the bottom of your fry pan. Brown both sides of the chicken. This takes about 3-4 minutes per side.
Bake in oven at 350 degrees until chicken is cooked through, I use a meat thermometer, usually 25-30 minutes.

Serve over cooked pasta with warm marinara sauce. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.

Want a tasty variation? Add mozzarella slices to the top of chicken before baking.

Need a good side to go with this? Try french bread from the bakery and a can of green beans.

Tortellini Soup

My husband made this one night. He is my inspiration for this blog. Love you!

Ingredient List: This will feed 2 adults and 2-3 children
1 bag of frozen tortellini. Ravioli also works, but then it is called ravioli soup
1 large can of tomato soup
Garlic Salt
Black pepper
Parmesan Cheese

Boil the tortellini until they float to the top
Drain
Add soup
Season with garlic salt and black pepper
Heat through
We like to stir in a lot of Parmesan cheese but you can just sprinkle in on top if you like less

Sides to go with this: Bag of salad and garlic bread

Pulled Pork

I found a recipe for an amazing dry rub months ago online. It is in the regular rotation at our house.

What you need for the dry rub:
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp paprika
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp mustard powder
2 tsp salt
3 tsp brown sugar

Here are my variations to this: use only half the red pepper flakes, I don't like things too spicy. Double the brown sugar.

The meat for this is boneless pork ribs. I get this from a butcher counter in Helper, for two of us I buy about 5 cut 3/4 inch thick.

You will also need:
Apple juice
White vinegar
1 bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce
Hamburger buns

Rub the dry rub all over meat; front, back and sides.
Fill a crock pot about an inch to an inch and a half deep with apple juice
Add about a quarter to a half cup of white vinegar.
Add the pork
Pour BBQ sauce over the top. Not the whole bottle, just enough that the tops of the ribs have sauce on them. You'll need the majority of the sauce later.
Cook on high, all day.
If you notice the liquid starting to evaporate, just add more apple juice.
Once the meat is the correct temperature take it out of the juice and onto a cutting board.
Use two forks to pull it apart.
Once it is on your hamburger bun, add your BBQ sauce, as much as you want!

Sides that taste great with this include: Pasta salad, jello parfait from the deli section of a grocery store or baby red potato's. (Quarter the potato's, drizzle melted butter or use spray butter over the top, sprinkle with garlic salt and parsley. Bake in a 375 degree oven until tender)