Top 20 Cookbooks

Happy Friday All!!! I have to share with all of you my love affair I have with cookbooks. I LOVE THEM. Though you can get almost any and all recipes online for free, there is something about a collection of recipes in a book. Especially one that has been used frequently in the kitchen. I know a cookbook rocks when it is stained and covered in food splatters. That means the owner uses this book often so the recipes must be good! (It also means the owner of the book needs to use lids on saucepans. :D ) I have a couple of these books in my kitchen. I have been collecting cookbooks since I was a teen. I used to grab those small cookbooks while standing in the grocery store line. Ahhhh memories. I have started writing my own cookbook as well but it will not be available for a while. I am having...

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Creamy Apple Cider

Twist on a classic. I had a craving for anything with Butterscotch Schnapps this weekend. I decided to buy a box of instant cider and make friends with my coffee mug. Quick, easy and full of love! Creamy Apple Cider 1 package of instant cider mix 3/4 cup hot water 1/4 cup apple juice 2 Tablespoons of Butterscotch Schnapps 1 small scoop of vanilla ice cream (optional) Mix all ingredients together and enjoy! That simple.....

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Posted in: Beverages

Sour Cream and Onion Muffins

I had a bag of cornbread mix, frozen green onions and a plan! I made a really yummy country dinner the other night that included baked apples, mac and cheese and corn on the cob. Comfort food city! I needed a bread to join the fun. I decided to experiment and try this dandy muffin. It was very moist rich and full of flavor. Enjoy! Sour Cream and Onion Muffins (Makes about 8 muffins) Preheat oven to 350F 1 Package of Martha White Buttermilk Cornbread Mix 1/4 cup water 1/3 cup chopped green onion 3 Tablespoons of sour cream 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt Prep Muffin pan by spraying with Pam cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together. Spoon into muffin pan-should make about 8 muffins filled 3/4 of the way. Bake at 350 for 17-20...

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Posted in: Breads,Sides

Vegetable Pot Pie

Comfort food of Fall. Boy oh boy I could write about different recipes all day. From Mac and Cheese to soups and stews. One quick and easy recipe I make is vegetable pot pie. Now, for all of my meat fans out there, you can easily add a can of chicken to this to make traditional chicken pot pie. It is that easy. I must say, I had no idea how many calories were in a premade pie crust. Holy Moly! Almost 900 calories in just one crust! So I opt to not put a crust on the bottom of the pan, that and I do not like "doughy" crust. Even if you prebake the bottom shell, it will still come out doughy to me. Vegetable Pot Pie 2 cans of Veg All diced vegetables (12-14oz cans), drained 1 can cream of potato soup 1 small can cream style corn 1 Tablespoon...

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Posted in: Main Dish Recipes

Baked Apples

Today is Johnny Appleseed's Birthday. Born in 1774, John Chapman was a great example of charity. He loved apples and would randomly plant apple seeds in the Indiana, Ohio and Illinois area. He would plant nurseries and return every couple of years to tend these nurseries. So on behalf of Mr. Johnny Appleseed, I am providing a great and yummy baked apples recipe for you all to enjoy. Remember, an apple a day keeps the doctor away! These apples, soaked in butterscotch and sugar will keep the blues away too! :D Baked Apples 5-6 small apples cored and sliced (I use fugi or gala) (note: try to keep slices similar in size so they cook evenly) 1/2 stick of butter 1 Tablespoon of Truvia (or 3 Tablespoons brown sugar) 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice...

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Posted in: Desserts,Sides

Cheese Tortellini Soup

Autumn is approaching in TN and I love it! Fall is my favorite season so I have to celebrate. A few ways I celebrate this time is by decorating, cooking and cleaning. I know, I know, cleaning should be daily, but I mean deep cleaning. I love a clean house, smells of fall candles burning in each room and pumpkin spice in the oven. I also really enjoy making my dollar go a long way by making meals that I can get several servings. One of these meals is a quick cheese tortellini soup. It is very simple to make, full of veggies and nutrients, and does not cost much to make. Picture borrowed from http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/sun-dried-tomato-tortellini-soup-10000000689966/ Cheese Tortellini Soup (Prepared in Pressure Cooker) 1 medium onion,...

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Posted in: Main Dish Recipes

Apple Dumplings

Happy Apple Dumpling Day! I have never made these before, nor have I yet. :D I am out of town this weekend but it doesnt mean I can not find a trusted recipe and repost it for you all, right? Celebrate the day with someone you love and eat an apple dumpling for me! :D I have not tried this recipe but I will soon. This recipe is taken directly from Ree (The Pioneer Woman) so she gets 100% credit. Or should I say her Mom gets the credit? According to her blog, I think this one is from her Mom's collection. Now, what threw me is the use of Mountain Dew in this baby. I LOVE MD but in baked goods? I am willing to try if you are! :D Thanks ladies and I hope everyone has a great Apple Dumpling Day!! Apple Dumpling Reci...

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Posted in: Desserts

Happy Mayflower Day!

Mayflower Day celebrates the date the Mayflower sailed from Plymouth, England to America. On September 16, 1620, 102 men, women, and children set sail from Plymouth, England, headed to their new home in Virginia. This is an important day for all of us in the states so enjoy Mayflower Day! Here is a Mayflower coloring page for the kiddies to enjoy!  And for all of you kiddies at heart (AKA: Adults) here is a good recipe from Sandra Lee from the Food Network to jump start your weekend called the Mayflower Martini. Enjoy! Mayflower Martin...

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Spinach and Mushroom Pizza

I am always looking for ways to make my cooking time shorter and a bit easier. I also like to try out new ideas that just "hit me". I was craving a spinach pizza the other day so I decided to make my own. I took a tip from Sandra Lee of the Food Network and made it "Semi-Homemade" style. It turned out very well and I wanted to eat the entire thing by myself. :D The hubs loved it too. Note about cheese: I usually use block cheese that I hand grate because the pre-shredded cheeses have a powdery film and do not seem to melt as well.  Spinach and Mushroom Pizza 1 Frozen Cheese Pizza of your choice-I used Tony's Four Cheese 1/2 block of shredded Monterey Jack Cheese 2 cups frozen chopped spinach (I like a lot of spinach) 1 cup sliced mushrooms-I used white button caps 1/2 white or red...

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Posted in: Main Dish Recipes

Hot Bean Dip

This makes a lot of dip so it is great for a large crowd. I made this last night for Nathan and me and it was very good. I have seen several "bean dip" recipes out there so I just combined several in my head to create this one. Hope you enjoy. Hot Bean Dip Ingredients1 (8 ounce) package low fat cream cheese, softened 1 cup low fat sour cream 1 (31 ounce) can refried beans 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans 1 package taco seasoning mix 1 teaspoon of red pepper blend seasoning, optional 1/4 cup chopped green onions 1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese 1 (8 ounce) package shredded Monterey Jack cheese DirectionsPreheat oven to 350 degrees F In a medium bowl, blend the cream cheese and sour cream. Mix in the refried beans, taco seasoning, green onions, 1/2 the Cheddar cheese and...

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Posted in: Appetizer Recipes,Main Dish Recipes

Easy Drop Biscuits

These guys are super simple to make and  filling. My husband loves biscuits and gravy and I do not mind supporting his gravy habit on occasion. :D I first had these at my friend's home in Kentucky and they were great. She got the recipe from her Grandmother, who is having a birthday weekend this weekend! Happy Birthday Ma'maw! Easy Drop Biscuits2 cups all purpose flour 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt 1 cup cold milk3 tbsp. oil2 tbsp butter1 tbsp. sugar or ¼ teaspoon Truvia Preheat oven to 450°F.Lightly grease a baking sheet.Measure dry ingredients into a medium bowl (sifting is not necessary). Add oil, butter and milk to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Immediately drop by spoonfuls onto baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-15 minutes.Biscuits...

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Posted in: baking

Chili Recipe

Chili Recipe...Who doesn't like a warm bowl of chili on a cool fall day? Of course it is not so cool outside but I always have room for chili in my kitchen! I make my chili in the pressure cooker but I will post alternate directions for those who use the stove top. Classic Chili Recipe 1 large can of chili beans, undrained 1 small can of kidney beans, undrained 1 small onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup mushrooms, chopped 1 can  tomato sauce 1 can diced tomatoes, unsalted 1 cup vegetable broth 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper 1 Tablespoon of Pepper blend spice mix (if you do not have on hand, use a pinch of cayenne, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon paprika) 1 Tablespoon of Cumin Olive oil In a large pot, heat oil until hot and add onions. Saute for about 2 minutes...

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Posted in: Main Dish Recipes

Words of Thought

This is simply a random post since I do not have a recipe to share today. Yesterday was a bit hectic for me because my computer decides to get "sick" and contract a nasty virus. Basically I watch as my software and files are permanently deleted from their happy homes on my computer. (Picture the classic movie scene where the actor, while in slow motion, yells out the word NOOOOOO) Yes that was me at 12:00 yesterday afternoon. Luckily, I don't trust any antivirus software and still back up all files to an online server. Keep this story in mind as I tell you about my computer dying  in May. My desktop computer decides it wants to participate in the power-surge parade. Apparently the parade was awesome because a couple of days later, my desktop simply dies on me. Will not boot up at all....

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Crock Pot Creamy Potatoes

I love Crock Pot Potatoes. Who is with me? I am always looking for new potato recipes. I need a few more "low fat" ones though. Hey if you have a good low fat recipe, please send my way so I can try! :D Now, with this recipe I decided to take spin off of a family recipe I had that used processed American cheese. I am really trying to watch my "artificial" intake so I opted for real cheeses instead. Artificial=salt. Salt + Crystal=water retention. Ugh.On a natural medicine note: dandelion root really helps with water retention and detoxes the liver. You can search for dandelion root tea on Amazon. See link.  Dandelion Root Tea - 30 - Bag Now onto the recipe: Crock Pot Creamy PotatoesIngredients1 package (2 lbs) frozen cubed hash brown...

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Posted in: Main Dish Recipes,Sides

Tilapia Po Boy Sandwiches

I was telling you that all that I will still eat fish on occasion, though I am vegetarian. Tilapia is one of my favorite types of fish because of the mild fish flavor. I altered this recipe, just a bit, from the Salvo-lutions blog. Thanks for the inspiration! Tilapia Po Boy Sandwiches 2  7 oz  Tilapia Fillets 1 tomato 1/2 red onion sliced  3 to 4 leaves of Romaine lettuce (I used mixed greens, I am a  spinach girl!) A good loaf of crusty bread like Italian 1/2 cup of Mayo ( I used lite) 3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped juice of 1 lime salt/pepper to taste cajun seasoning for fish (one pinch on each side) For the Po'Boy. In a skillet with 2 tablespoons of oil, 1 tablespoon of butter, cook the fish. (about two minutes on each side on medium heat) Sprinkle cajun seasoning...

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Posted in: Main Dish Recipes

Bailey's Irish Cream Cake-Recipes for Baking

Bailey's Irish Cream Cake Chocolate is one of my favorite flavors. I decided to try this very easy cake after sampling Bailey’s Irish Cream. This cake is as sinful as the name and adds a punch to any party! · 1 box chocolate cake mix · 1 stick of unsalted butter, softened · 1 T sugar · 1 T vanilla extract · 3 eggs · 1 1/3 c milk · 3 T sour cream · 1/4 c Ghirardelli's semi sweet chocolate chips, melted · 9 T Bailey’s Irish Cream liquor (separate 3 T and 6 T) · 1 tub Cool Whip Topping Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. Using a stand or hand mixer, whip butter and sugar until fluffy; add vanilla. 3. Add one egg at a time, mix on low speed....

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Posted in: Desserts

Dressing Recipe

Dressing Recipe...Now this is not just any recipe. I have adapted this from my Great Grandmother's traditional chicken and dressing recipe. Two of my favorite recipes, dressing and peach cobbler, both came from this sweet lady. I have made this into a vegetarian's dream! The traditional recipe, which called for chicken and chicken broth has been a family secret, but I have never been one to keep secrets well. :D I want to share! The key is to not overcook your dressing. It may seem a bit undercooked in the middle at first, but it will firm up after it sets for about 15 minutes. Mock Chicken & Dressing Recipe Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE ...

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Posted in: Main Dish Recipes

Smoked Salmon Pinwheels

Thanks to Heather from Healthy with Heather blog. I found this recipe from visiting the Secret Recipe Club website. I am so excited to possibly join them in a couple of short months! That is if Amanda will have me! LOL :D Smoked Salmon Pinwheels Makes 5 rolls ~ about 30 pinwheels depending on how big you slice them Ingredients·         8 ounces cream cheese, softened·         6 ounces feta cheese crumbles·         6 ounces smoked salmon (I could not find a good smoked salmon. I used canned pink salmon and 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke I had on hand)·         1/2 cup green onion, diced·        ...

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Posted in: Appetizer Recipes,Main Dish Recipes

Sweet and Creamy Coleslaw

Sweet and Creamy Coleslaw....Heaven! Just in time for Labor Day Weekend fun! What are your plans for this holiday weekend? The hubs and I are heading to a couple of comic book stores, a movie and shopping. Fun times! So tonight to kick off the weekend right, I made finger foods, drank fruity beer,  had a couple of glasses of wine and lots of laughs watching Entourage. My "finger foods" consisted of cheese, crackers and grapes for starters with a glass of wine. Then finished with Smoked Salmon Pinwheels (recipe for tomorrow) and a side of my sweet coleslaw. I should not say "my" coleslaw since I did not originally create the recipe. I saw it on AllRecipes.com (one of my fave sites by the way)! Go here for the original recipe I made a few adjustments, as you will notice, but I love this...

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Posted in: Sides