Dill Dip

This dip is perfect for a nice little snack on a warm summer's evening. Enjoy!
1 Cup of Sour Cream
1 Cup of Mayo
1 Tablespoon of dill weed
1 Tablespoon of Bon Appetit*
Mix ingredients together and refrigerate. This makes 2 cups of vegetable dip.
*Bon Appetit is a part of the McCormik gourmet collection. You can buy this at Macey's. Not Walmart

Poutine

My favorite comfort food.
I don't know why I haven't introduced this one to my husband until now.

Oh-so-good!

This is a standard dish in Canada.

(my picture was not as beautiful so I got this one from the web.)

Poutine

*french fries (I made my own)

brown gravy (from a mix or from scratch)

shredded cheese or cheese curds (I prefer Mozzarella)

* For the fries. Cut up several potatos into 1/4 inch wedges. Cover in Olive Oil, garlic salt and a little chile powder. Bake at 450 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Or until golden brown.

Smoother your fries in gravy and top with cheese.

Serve warm so cheese melts. Eat with a fork!

Banana Bars

After searching for the perfect recipe to satisty my sweet tooth, I came across this gem. These sweet bars are soft and taste sensational with cream cheese frosting. My pic came out lousy, so I borrowed this one from kitchentrialanderror.com. Have fun with this recipe. Your family will love it. -Christine

1/2 c. butter, softened
1 3/4 cup sugar
3 eggs
3 ripe bananas
3/4 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

Grease  jelly roll pan and preheat oven to 350.Cream butter and sugar in mixing bowl. Beat in eggs, bananas, vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingrediants. Mix everything together until just combined. Pour and smooth out into jellyroll pan. Bake 20-25 minutes. Cool. Frost with desired frosting.

Emeril's Fruit and Nut Granola

I got this recipe out of a food magazine and I thought I would give it a try since I am crazy about granola. I remember "accidentally" eating an entire box of granola bars at a house I was babysitting when I was12 years old. I have been hooked ever since. I definately prefer this recipe since it is not overly sweet like the grocery store kind. I reduced the amount of nuts since I didn't have enough and it still turned out awesome. It is a great after school snack too. -Christine

Ingredients


3/4 cup Honey

2 tbsp  Butter

3 cups Oatmeal

1 1/3 cups Slivered Almonds

1 tsp Kosher Salt

1 cup Premium Dried Cranberries

1/4 cup Brown Sugar

1/3 cup  Creamy Peanut Butter


Directions

Preheat oven to 325.

In a small saucepan, heat 1/4 cup honey and butter over low. Cook, stirring until butter melts. 2 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine oats, almonds and a pinch of salt. Drizzle honey mixture over oat mixture and stir to combine; wipe saucepan clean. Spread mixture evenly on a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let cool completely on sheet. 10 minutes. Return to large bowl and add raisins; stir to combine.

Lightly butter an 8-inch square baking dish. In saucepan combine 1/2 cup honey, nut butter and brown sugar over medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves, 10 minutes. Drizzle over oat mixture and stir until combined; firmly press granola into dish with a spatula. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Cut into 16 bars or squares. store in an airtight container at room temperature up to five days.







Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/recipes/emerils-nutty-granola-bars/#ixzz1FT3FLBcQ

Mary's Easy Picnic Cake

This you could make with your eyes shut, it is so easy!  It works well in a bundt pan as well as a 9x12 pan!  My friends Mary H. shared this recipe with me, LAUREL UDALL  It is super moist! Picture from allrecipes.com~Mom

Picnic Cake
Combine the following:
1 package of chocolate cake mix (dry)
3 eggs
1-15 oz. can of apple pie filling (cut into small pieces if the apple chunks are too big)
Mix well and pour into a 9x12 pan (or bundt pan). Top off with the topping of the following:
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup chopped nuts (I prefer pecans)
1-6 oz package of chocolate chips (You can add more)
Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Top with chopped nuts and chocolate chips

Popcorn Balls

Picture from Paula Deen

These are so good. Tori had a class Christmas party today so I whipped up a batch of Popcorn Balls. What child wouldn't want a popcorn ball?! These one's are from Grandma Matheny's vault and are to-die-for. ~BJ

Popcorn Balls
recipe by Grandma Matheny

2 cups sugar
2 TBS vinegar
1 cup water
1 cup Molasses

cook in a heavy sauce pan for 10 minutes (softball stage).

Add:
2 sticks of butter

cook for another 10-15 minutes (medium hardball stage). I use a glass of ice water and drop some of the mixture into the water to test the consistency of the sauce. Once it forms into solid drops and is still chewy when you take it out of the water, it is done.

Pop 2 bags of popcorn.

I poured out the popcorn onto a cookie sheet and then poured the liquid on top of the popcorn. Then gently form into balls and wrap in plastic wrap or serve. 

*Tip- let the mixture cool before sticking your hands into the popcorn or you could get burned. 
Makes about 15 balls.

Rolo Turtles

Yay! These are super easy and make great Christmas presents! -Louisa

All you need to do is get a bag of pretzels and lay them out on a cookie sheet (with wax paper underneath) and put Rolo candies on top. Bake for 5 minutes at 250 degrees. Take out and immediately place M&M's on top of the Rolo's. Put in refrigerator to cool if desired.

Lightened Up Butterscotch Praline Bars

These are so rich and delicious! And so perfect for the holidays (now you don't have to feel so guilty about eating two of these at once!) I found this from mandasrecipecollection.blogspot.com. I don't even know this girl, but she is a great blogger who does healthy stuff....which I like. -Christine


1/2 cup packed brown sugar

2 1/2 tbsp melted butter

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour

1 1/4 cups quick-cooking oats

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp baking soda

cooking spray

1/3 cup fat-free sweetened condensed milk

3/4 cup butterscotch morsels (found in the baking section with the chocolate chips)

dash of salt

1/2 cup toasted walnuts, chopped

unsweetened coconut for sprinkling on top

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine the sugar, butter, vanilla and egg in a large bowl. On top, spoon in the flour, outs, 1/4 tsp salt and baking soda. Combine until a crumbly mixture forms (it helps to use a fork or your hands). Place 1/2 of the mixture in the bottom of a greased 8 x 8 inch square baking pan. Press to form a crust. In another bowl, combine the chips, sweetened condensed milk and dash of salt. Microwave for 1 minute, stirring once, or until chips are melted. Stir in walnuts. Pour mixture over the crust and spread to form an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top, gently pressing it into the melted chips. Sprinkle coconut on top. Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Cut into 18 bars. Serves 18.

Butterfinger Cookies

I have been reading a fun series of Culinary Murder Mysteries, this one was entitled Key Lime Pie, and with each book comes a slew of new recipes. I tried this one and loved it, so here you go. If you are interested in the books...or recipes go to josiskilpack.com or you can buy her books at Deseret Book.~BJ

Butterfinger Cookies

½ cup butter

2/3 cup sugar

¾ cup brown sugar

1 egg

1 ¼ cup peanut butter

1 ½ tsp. Vanilla

1 cup flour

½ tsp baking soda

¼ tsp. Salt

5 Butterfinger candy bars, chopped (about 2 cups)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter and sugars. Add egg, mix. Add PB and vanilla, mix until smooth. Add four, baking soda and salt. Mix well. Add Butterfingers, mix. Roll into 1 inch balls, or use the 1 inch scoop. Drop by spoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes.

Makes 4 dozen.

*Chop candy bars with a knife. You don't want the pieces too fine or you lose the crunch.

No Fry Doughnuts

Since I am anti-fried, here is the recipe. I adapted this from Jessica Seinfied's cookbook (you know the one, it teaches us how to sneak veggies into our families dinners). Warning: These don't really taste a whole lot like "real" doughnuts, but they are quite delicious.



1 cup white sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cloves
2 tsp cinnamon
3 cups flour
1 cup buttermilk
3 eggs
1 tbl. honey
1/2 cup melted butter
* preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease baking pan.



*In medium bowl, mix sugar, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon and flour. Mix buttermilk, eggs, honey and butter in a separate medium bowl, and stir into the dry ingrediants. Put the dough into a large ziploc bag and snip one of the corners. Pipe the dough out into doughnut shapes. Warning: make the holes larger because the doughnuts spread out while baking.

*Bake for 10 minutes. Add buttercream chocolate frosting.

Grandma Matheny's Bran Muffins

Sorry, I know the skull ornament is odd, but my kids eat more when the food is decorated. I made these one night when I needed my "sweet bread" fix. I am also a sucker for anything that calls for buttermilk. These are awesome for breakfast or snack with a cold glass of milk. You really can never go wrong with a recipe from grandma Matheny too.

2 cups All Bran cereal
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup soft butter
2 eggs
2 cups of buttermilk
2 1/2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 cup each of nuts/raisins (optional)

 Combine the cereal and boiling water and let stand for a few minutes. Add the butter, eggs, buttermilk. When mixed, add the mixed dry ingredients. Add nuts and raisins if desired.  Fill lined muffins tins half full. The remaining batter can be covered and refridgerated. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with a little slab of butter and honey. Enjoy!

Simple Pumpkin Muffins

Simple. Tasty. Kids love 'em. Perfect for the Fall. I got this recipe from OurBestBites. ~BJ

Easy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

2 spice cake mixes (Duncan Hines, although not pictured, is the best for this recipe)

1 30-oz. can pumpkin

1 12-oz. bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips

 

Combine all the ingredients and bake at 350 for 20-22 minutes. 

Oat Toast

OK so I'm the one sister that hasn't put on a recipe yet...so finally I'm going to contribute. Don't let the looks of this recipe get to you. Being a starving college student, this little pick me up is a quick, cheap delicious thing to make when you don't have a lot of time in the morning. All you need is:
1-2 slices of bread (preferably whole wheat)
Honey
Creamy Peanut Butter
Old Fashion oats (NOT quick oats, or oatmeal)
Toast your bread, spread on some peanut butter, drizzle on the desired amount of honey, then sprinkle on a handful of oats. (You could also slice up some bananas and throw those on too) Give this a try. Its simple, cheap and delicious.
-Janelle

Crispy Wontons

So yummy. Might be a little more time consuming but they are so worth it! (Sorry about the bad picture.) -Louisa

Ingredients

• 3/4 pound ground pork
• 8 canned water chestnuts, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon Kikkoman Soy Sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger root
• 1 (16 ounce) package wonton skins
• Vegetable oil for deep-frying
• Tomato ketchup and hot mustard or Kikkoman Sweet & Sour Sauce

Directions

1. Combine pork, water chestnuts, green onions, soy sauce, cornstarch, salt and ginger in medium bowl; mix well. Place 1/2 teaspoonful pork mixture in center of each wonton skin. Fold wonton skin over filling to form a triangle. Turn top of triangle down to meet fold. Turn over; moisten 1 corner with water. Overlap opposite corner over moistened corner; press together firmly.
2. Heat oil in wok or large saucepan over medium-high heat to 375 degrees F. Deep-fry wontons, a few at a time, 2 to 3 minutes, or until brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels. Serve warm with ketchup and mustard or sweet & sour sauce, as desired.

Homemade NutriGrain Bars

I know these don't resemble the actual nutrigrain bar, but it has the same idea. This is the best after school snack or breakfast treat. I like to use apricot jam whenever I am out of strawberry preserves. Have fun with this recipe! It's goooood. Recipe taken from http://www.alaskamom.wordpress.com/

Homemade Strawberry NutriGrain Bars


1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
2 1/2 cups quick oats
3/4 cup butter, melted
12 ounces preserves or jam
1 tablespoon water

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
In a large bowl, combine cake mix and oats. Stir in melted butter until the mixture is crumbly.
Measure half of the mixture (approx. 3 cups) into prepared pan. Press firmly into pan to cover bottom.
Combine preserves/jam and water. Spoon over crumb mixture in pan; spread evenly.
Cover jam with remaining crumb mixture. Pat firmly to make top even.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until top is very light brown.
Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Artichoke Dip

Since the holidays are coming up, it is always nice to have yummy appetizers like this one. I got this recipe from my fabulous sister-in-law, Tamra Murdock. It tastes great with pita chips or even fresh cut up veggies.-Christine

14 oz. can of artichokes, drained and chopped

1/2 cup of mayo

1/2 cup of sour cream

2 tsp curry powder

1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese (shredded or grated)

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

In a large bowl, combine  the first five ingredients. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake in the oven at 350 until warmed through.

Caramel Sauce for Apples

Yum! There's nothing better then bringing the Halloween spirit in then making some delicious caramel apples with homemade sauce. Enjoy! -Louisa

Ingredients:
2 cups brown sugar
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup margarine or butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup milk, more as needed

Directions:
Stir sugar and condensed milk together; heat over low to medium heat, stirring constantly, till sugar dissolves; remove from heat. Add butter and vanilla and stir well. Add milk and stir well. Store in the refrigerator.

Pull Apart Monkey Bread

You gotta love Foods class. We make something new everyday and we made this today! So good. And super easy. -Louisa

2 cans refrigerated biscuits
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 stick butter (room temp.)
1/3 cup white sugar
1 1/2 Tablespoons cinnamon
1 tsp of vanilla

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a bunt pan.
2. Mix brown sugar, butter, white sugar, and cinnamon in bowl. Microwave butter if needed.
3. Pour mixture in the bunt pan.
4. Cut up biscuits into fourths or halves and place on top of the mixture. 
5. Bake for 30 minutes or until biscuits are cooked thoroughly. Let bread cool in pan for 5-10 minutes, then turn out onto a plate. Pull apart and enjoy!

Pizza

Pizza can make a great lunch, dinner or snack. We love pizza around our house. Since we have no close delivery pizzerias we have to resort to making our own. My kid's only gripe is that our pizzas are square. So, a note to whomever gets ME for Christmas...I need a pizza stone or pan. XOXO~BarbaraJo

Pizza

pepperoni
mushrooms
onions
bell peppers
olives
cheese
--------

Canadian Bacon (or ham)
pineapple
cheese

--------
sausage
BBQ beef or pork
BBQ sauce
carmalized onions
cheese

Sauce

I find the simplest solution is to doctor up some pre-made marinara sauce from the grocery store. Just add...
1 TBS sugar
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. oregano
1-2 cloves of garlic

Let simmer on the stove for 5-10 minutes so all the flavors can infuse.

Crust

You can use this recipe for a great, soft dough
or
tortillas
or
bagels
or
English Muffins

Quick and easy pizza anytime you want.

Frank's Buffalo Chicken Dip

On Christmas Eve a few years ago, we went to our friends house for dinner (Chiye and Mike Harper). They had this platter of chicken dip laying out so I thought I would try it. After a few minutes, I realized I was being completely non social because all I could do was gorge myself on this stuff. What I love about this recipe is that it can be served as a dip for celery sticks and tortilla chips or as a wrap in a tortilla.This recipe is also known as "crack dip" because it is highly addictive. You won't be sorry for making this, I promise.

1 block of cream cheese
1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese
1/2 cup Frank's buffalo wing sauce
1/2 cup shredded mozzerella cheese
1/2 pound of shredded, cooked chicken

Preheat oven to 350. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Pour into a greased baking dish and bake for 20 minutes. Serve hot