Meatloaf

You will need:

• 1 1/2 pound of ground beef
• 1 egg
• 1 chopped onion
• 1 cup of milk
• 1 cup of dried bread crumbs
• salt 
• pepper
• 2 tbs brown sugar
• 2 tbs prepared mustard
• 1/3 cup of ketchup

Directions:  

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, combine he meat, egg, onion, milk and bread.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Place in a lightly greased 5x9 inch loaf pan, OR form into a loaf and place in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
5. In a small separate bowl combine brown sugar, mustard, and ketchup. Combine them well and spread on the top of the meatloaf.
6. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees F for 1 hour.

            ~ Ahhhh meatloaf, my favorite meat dish. This always goes perfect with some mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, corn, salad, and biscuits. This is a major favorite of mine :)   ~

My Favorite Scrambled Eggs

You will need:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup of shredded cheese (any)
• 2 strips of bacon
• 1 garlic clove
• Pepper

Directions:

1. Place the bacon in a small frying pan and put it over medium heat.
2. In a medium mixing bow, mix together your eggs, cheese, and a pinch of pepper. Set aside.
3. Flip the bacon.
4. Dice the garlic and add to the mixing bowl.
5. Once the bacon is done, make sure to dry off the grease with a paper towel.
6. Dice the bacon and add it to the egg mixture and whisk it all together until everything is fully mixed.
7. Butter your medium- large frying pan and put a small slice of butter in to grease the surface.
8. Pour your egg mixture in and scramble them until they are fully cooked.

            ~ I make this every Sunday for my mom and my uncle. It is easy and quick to make and goes well with toast and jam and a cup of milk or orange juice. It is one of my favorite breakfasts to make. Enjoy! ~

Ginger Bread Men

 You will need:

• 3 cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons of ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 3/4 cup of softened butter
• 3/4 cup of firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup of molasses
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl.
2. Beat butter and brown sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
3. Add the molasses, egg ,and vanilla... mix in well.
4. Slowly beat in the dry ingredients until they are all fully combined.
5. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for four hours OR overnight.
6. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
7. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured working surface.
8. Cut out gingerbread men with 5 inch cookie cutters.
9. Place them on ungreased baking sheets 1 inch apart.
10. Bake them for 8 to 10 minutes.
11. Let them cool on wire racks.
12. Once they are all cool you may decorate them to your liking.

            ~ I have never made gingerbread men before. My grandma made them once for Christmas and they were so cute and amazingly tasty. I plan on trying to make a batch or two this year. These yummy cookies are perfect for the holidays and they are very very yummy. I can never get enough :)    ~

Chocolate- Chip Pumpkin Squares

You will need:

• All- purpose flour
• 1 tbs of Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 1 tsp of baking soda
• 3/4 tsp of salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 1/4 cups of white sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp of vanilla extract
• 1 cup of pure (unsweetened) pumpkin puree
• One 12 ounce bag of chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350*F
2. Line the bottom and the sides of a 9x13-inch baking pan with tin foil leaving an overhang on the sides.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together: flour, pie spice, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
4. With an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar on medium-high speed until smooth. Then beat in egg and vanilla until fully combined.
5. Beat in the pumpkin puree into the mixture (may appear curdled). Reduce speed to low and add in the dry ingredients until combined.
6. Fold in chocolate chips.
7. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
8. Bake until the edges begin to pull away from the sides of the pan. 
9. Check to see if it is done by inserting a toothpick in the center and if a few moist crumbs are attached then it is done.
10. Remove the pan from the oven.
11. Remove the cake from the pan by using the tin foil as an aid.
12. Remove foil.
13. Cut into 24 squares.

           ~ I really really love this treat. I made it last year for Thanks Giving and Christmas and everyone loved them. They have the perfect taste of pumpkin spice, chocolate, and they warm the coldest heart. It takes about 30 minutes to make. It is delicious and when you bake it in the oven, your house will smell amazing... trust me. ~  

Spinach Souffle

You will need:

• 1 bag (16 oz) frozen chopped spinach
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine
• 1/4 cup flour (all-purpose)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoon very finely chopped onion
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg, fresh is best
• 3 large eggs, separated
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

Directions:

1.   Thaw spinach in a colander; squeeze well to get as much moisture as possible out.

2.   Preheat oven to 350°. Butter a 1-quart souffle or casserole dish.

3.   Heat butter in a saucepan over medium low heat. When butter has melted, add flour; stir until smooth and bubbling. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.

4.   Gradually add milk, stirring constantly.

5.   When mixture is thick and boiling, remove from heat. Stir in the finely chopped onion, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and the nutmeg.

6.   In a metal or glass mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks have formed.

 7.  In a separate bowl, beat yolks until frothy and lemon colored.

8.   Stir egg yolks into the sauce mixture; stir in the spinach.

9.   Stir about 1/4 of the beaten egg whites into the spinach mixture, then gently fold in the remaining egg white mixture.

10.   Pour into the prepared souffle dish; set dish in a large pan then add water to a depth of about 1 inch.

11.   Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The top will be lightly browned. Serve immediately.

            I make this every Thanksgiving. Last couple of years I have had to make three batched of this for two different parties! People that tell me they don't think it would be good try a bite then next thing you know they are coming back for seconds. :)
            

Sunshine Cake

You will need:

• 1 package of yellow moist cake mix
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
• 1 can of mandarin oranges
• 16 ounces of frozen whipped topping, frozen
• 1 package of vanilla pudding mix
• 1 can of crushed pineapple with juice

Directions:

Beat the eggs, and add them to the boxed cake mix. Add the oil and the mandarin oranges to the batter; remember to add the juice as well as the fruit. Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9 x 13 inch pan.

Bake the cake for 40 minutes in a preheated oven at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Cool on wire rack.

While cake is baking, prepare the frosting by mixing together the whipped dessert topping, the package of instant pudding, and the crushed pineapple with its juices. Set frosting in refrigerator to set. Frost when cake has thoroughly cooled.

            I really enjoy a slice of sunshine cake. It is easy and quick to make and great for birthday parties. MY friends mother gave me this recipe. I have never made it yet by myself but I will soon.

Ranch Chicken Breasts

You will need:

• 2 chicken breasts
• Ranch dressing
• 2 1/2 cup of bread crumbs
• 1 Large zip-lock bag
• Pepper

What to do:

1. Place your two rinsed chicken breasts into the zip-lock bag.
2. Pour in as much ranch as needed to marinate the chicken.
3. Securely close the bag and begin massaging the ranch on the chicken.
4. Leave the bag with the ranch and chicken in the fridge for about an hour.
5. Preheat the oven to 400*F.
6. Put bread crumbs in a large mixing bowl.
7. Take the chicken out of the bag and cover them with the crumbs.
8. Place the chicken breasts on a glass baking dish and cook for 20 minutes on each side.
9. Set out to cool and enjoy.

            My grandmother would sometimes make this with macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, and salad. When I was young I loved this a lot and I still do. It is always great when the chicken is cooked right and the meat is still juicy and the outside has a crunch to it.

Mashed Taters

You will need:

• 8 potatoes.
• 1 stick of butter.
• 1/4 cup of milk.
• 3/4 cup sour cream.
• 2 cloves of diced garlic.
• 1 teaspoon of pepper
• 2 teaspoons of salt.

Directions:

1. Peel potatoes.
2. Put them in a pot with boiling water.
3. Let them cook for 15 minutes or until they become soft.
4. While they are cooking, dice the garlic and set it aside.
5. Strain the potatoes and put them back into the pot.
6. Add the milk, butter, and sour cream.
7. You can now begin to mix everything together with a mixer or a masher.
8. When everything looks combined enough add the salt, pepper, and diced garlic.
9. Mix everything in together and serve.

            For me this is a simple and yummy thing to make. I love making it as a side dish to some meat like steak, ribs, or meatloaf. This is my favorite thing to make because it always turns out creamy and good because of the sour cream. The sour cream and the butter really give it the texture. If you are allergic to milk feel free to use soy or almond milk or even coconut milk. The milk is just there to make it easier to mix up. Give it a try and enjoy!  :)

Chocolate Chip Cookies

You will need:

• 2 1/4 cups of all purpose flour.
• 1 tsp. of baking soda.
• 1 tsp. of salt.
• 1 cup (2 sticks) of softened butter or margarine.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar.
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar.
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract.
• 2 large eggs.
• 2 cups of chocolate chips.

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 *F.
2. Combine four, baking soda and salt in a small bowl. 
3. Beat butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract in a large mixer bowl until creamy and then add eggs one at a time beating well after each addition.
4. Gradually beat in the flour mixture.
5. Drop in and stir the chocolate chips in.
6. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.
7. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until they are all a golden brown.
8. Let them cool for about 20 minutes before serving. 
9. Eat.
10. Enjoy!

            I love making chocolate chip cookies because my grandmother used to make them a lot when I was little. There is no challenge in making these yummy, sweet, and delicious treats. They are my favorite original and simple dessert to make.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries.

You will need:

• 10 strawberries.
• 1 1/2 cup of chocolate chips (any type of chocolate will do).
• Chopped nuts.
• Tin foil or wax paper.
• A small microwavable bowl.

Directions:

1. Take your chocolate chips and put them into the small microwavable bowl and microwave them for a minute and thirty seconds. Take out the bowl and stir the chocolate every thirty seconds.
2. Lay out the wax paper or tin foil.
3. When the chocolate is finally melted dip the strawberry in on its side and twirl it around in the chocolate until everything but the top part and stem are covered in chocolate.
4. Do this with all of your strawberries and lay them one-by-one on the tin foil/wax paper.
5. Sprinkle any nut of your choice (I suggest chopped almonds or walnuts) on top of some or all of the strawberries.
6. Let the chocolate solidify and cool.
7. Serve them for yourself or a lover or a friend. :)

                I love chocolate and strawberries a lot. The first time I tried to make these it was not at pretty as i  thought but the second time I did it they were great. The nuts give them a nice flavor but you don't have to use them if you are allergic. You can also use different chocolates like white, milk, and dark for your strawberries. They are a great gift for an anniversary, wedding, or valentines day. I just love making them for the fun of it though. Enjoy!

No-Bake Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of milk
• 2 cups of sugar
• 3/4 cups of chocolate chips
• 1 stick of butter
• 1/2 cup of peanut butter
• 3 cups of Quaker oats
• 1 tsp of vanilla

Directions:

1. Combine milk, sugar, chocolate chips, and butter in a large saucepan and let it boil for one minute and stir constantly.
2. Remove the sauce pan from the heat and add in the peanut butter.
3. Lay out some wax paper or tin foil on a table or counter top.
4. Add in the Quaker oats and stir until the mixture is combined.
5. Take a spoon and drop them onto the wax paper/ tin foil.
6. Let them solidify.
7. Eat and enjoy.

Ever since I was a toddler I have always loved these. I learned the recipe from my Ma-maw. It is not hard to make and It takes about five minutes to make and about 20 minutes for the cookies to solidify (depending on the weather temperature. The colder the house is the faster they solidify.). They are also CARB FREE!!! Only chocolate, sugar, milk, butter, peanut butter, and oats basically! It is a yummy and easy thing to make if you are having visitors of even for the Holidays they are a great treat.


WARNING!!!   These cookies will last not even an hour because they are so amazingly tasty
!

Chicken curry and white rice.

You will need

• 2 cups of a curry sauce of your choice.     
• 2 chicken breasts.
• 2 tbs of olive oil.
• 1/2 red bell pepper.
• 1/2 green bell pepper.
• 4 garlic cloves.
• 1 cup of green onions.
• 1 cup of white rice.
• 1 cup of water.

Directions:

1. Cube chicken breasts and put them into a 1\2 - 2 inch deep frying pan along with olive oil, cover it with a lid, and stir frequently.
2. As the chicken cooks, dice the garlic and put that in with the chicken.
3. Get a large sauce pan and put in the rice and water, cover it and let it cook on medium/low.
4. Chop the peppers any way you prefer just as long as they are bite sized.
5. Add peppers and curry sauce to the chicken and garlic.
6. Stir it constantly and chop green onions and add them.
7. Put the curry on low and cover it and stir it frequently.
8.  Check on rice to see if the bubbling has stopped. It there is water leaking out and bubbling out that is fine.
9. Take the curry off of the heat and set it aside with the lid off to cool.
10. When rice is finished it should be steaming and a little moist.
11. Serve with Naan bread.

             I honestly love making this curry. It takes about a half an hour to make and if you cook everything just right then it will taste delicious. I made this last night and my mother and I filled our bellies. They are great leftovers as well.

Famous Porkchops

Famous Porkchops.

You will need

• 4 boneless loin pork chops, 3/4 inches thick
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flowers
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/8 tablespoon pepper
• 1 egg, slightly beaten
• 1/2 cup of dry bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

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Directions:

 In small bowl, combine flour, salt, paprika and pepper. In another small bowl, whisk egg. Coat chops with seasoned flour; dip in egg mixture, and coat with crumbs. In large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Brown chops on one side until golden brown (about 4 minutes); turn and continue cooking for another 4 minutes.