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.
Monday, September 29, 2008
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.
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!
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!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
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!
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!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, September 22, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
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
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
Saturday, September 20, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
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.
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!
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.
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
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)
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)
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