Pork Curry

You will need:

• 1 tbs of olive oil
• 1 pound of bite sized (cubed) pork
• 1 zucchini (cubed)
• 1 red pepper (long thin strips)
• 2 diced garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup of canned coconut milk
• 4 tbs of curry powder

Directions:

1. Pour the olive oil into an iron skillet and once skillet is warm, add in the pork. (Make sure that when the pork hits the pan, you hear a sizzling "applause").
2. For the next 5 minutes, chop all of your veggies and add your garlic and peppers first.
3. Once pork is fully cooked and the peppers have been cooking for about 3 minutes, add the coconut milk, curry powder, and zucchini.
4. Cook for another 5 minutes stirring from time to time on a medium to low heat.
5. Remove from the heat and serve with rice, naan bread, or pits bread.

           
            ~~ I LOVE CURRY! It is so healthy for you, especially the spices and vegetables you get within it, and the leftovers are delicious. Enjoy this little recipe I just discovered myself last week. I had no curry sauce, so I made my own and it turned out great. ~~

Berry Delicious Smoothie

You will need:

• 1 large banana
• 1/2 cup of raspberries
• 1/2 cup of a mix of blackberries and blueberries (frozen)
• 1 cup of vanilla yogurt
• 1 cup of milk (any kind works)

Directions:

1. Add the frozen berries first so they get blended well.
2. Next, add the banana, raspberries, yogurt and milk.
3. Secure the lid on your blender and blend on low for 30 seconds then go to medium speed.
4. Stop the blending and add a small splash of milk to help make the mixture less thick and blend again at medium speed.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

            ~ I just made this over the weekend with my new Ninja! It was lovely! This smoothie is perfect for a nice warm day. Until next time! ~

Chocolate-dipped Graham Crackers

You will need:

• 3 Hershey bars
• 4 graham cracker halves
• 1/2 cup of milk

Directions:

1. Add the milk and the chocolate bars into a small sauce pan and stir over medium heat.
2. Let the chocolate sauce cool.
3. Dip and fully cover the graham crackers and let the chocolate solidify and enjoy.

          ~~~ I love these treats so much. I get them at my lo0cal candy store and they are yummy!~~~

Italian Meatballs

You will need:

• 1 # ground chuck
• 1/2 cup Italian dry bread crumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup finely minced fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup Parmesan or Romano cheese
• little salt and pepper
• 5 to 6 cloves of fresh garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped

Directions:

1. Mix all together with your hands
2. Form into walnut-sized balls
3. Place on hot skillet with a little extra virgin olive oil and brown over medium heat
4. Place in your favorite marinara sauce and cook for a half an hour so flavor can come through
5. Serve with hot pasta and enjoy!

            ~~ I love Italian foods! So here is a lovely meatball recipe! Warms the soul! Until next time, as always, I will see you in the next post.~~

Easy Bisquick Chicken Pot Pie

You will need:

• 1 cup of cooked chicken cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 2/3 cups of frozen veggies - thawed
• 1 can (10 oz) of cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup of Bisquick mix
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg
• Poultry seasoning for taste
• Kosher salt and pepper for taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
2. Mix chicken, veggies, seasoning and cream of chicken soup together and spread into bottom of non-greased 9" round glass pie pan.
3. Mix remaining ingredients (bisquick, milk, and egg) and pour on top of he chicken mixture in the pan.
4. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes OR until the top turns golden brown.

            ~~ This is a recipe my mamaw made me. :) It is really yummy and warms the coldest heart.~~

Gluten-free Scones

You will need:

• 1 3/4 cups King Arthur Gluten-Free Multi-Purpose Flour or 2 1/4 cups brown rice flour blend*
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, optional
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold butter
• 3/4 cup diced dried apricots, raisins, or cherries
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup cold milk
• 1 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract

Directions:

1.  Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a divided scone pan, or grease (or line with parchment) a baking sheet.
2. Whisk together the flour or flour blend, sugar, baking powder, xanthan gum, salt, and nutmeg.
    
3.  Work in the cold butter till the mixture is crumbly.
    
4.  Stir in the dried fruit.
 
5. Whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla till frothy.
    
6. Add to the dry ingredients, stirring till well blended. The dough should be cohesive and very sticky.
    
7. Drop dough by the 1/3-cupful into the scone pan or onto the baking sheet; if you haven't added dried fruit, use a slightly smaller amount of dough, about 1/4 cup. Let the scones rest for 15 minutes.
    
8. Sprinkle the scones with sparkling sugar or cinnamon sugar, if desired. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, till golden brown. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes or so before serving. Best enjoyed warm, with butter and jam.

 

 

            ~~ I love scones! They are the perfect food for breakfast! So here is a gluten-free recipe recommended by my friend Isabella! Check out her blog as well at   http://isabellasadvice122.blogspot.com/ ~~

Coconut Cupcakes

You will need:

Cupcakes

• 3 sticks of unsalted butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 5 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 3 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 14 ounces sweetened, shredded coconut

Icing

• 1 pound cream cheese
• 3 sticks unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 1/2 pounds of confectioners sugar (sifted)

Directions:

     1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

     2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
 
     3. With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs, 1 at a time, scraping down the bowl after each addition.

     4. Add the vanilla and almond extracts and mix well.

     5. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In 3 parts, alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry.

     6. Mix until just combined. Fold in 7 ounces of coconut.

     7. Line a muffin pan with paper liners. Fill each liner to the top with batter. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until the tops are brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

     8. Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Remove to a baking rack and cool completely.

     9. Meanwhile, make the frosting. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, on low speed, cream together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla and almond extracts.

     10. Add the confectioners' sugar and mix until smooth.

     11. Frost the cupcakes and sprinkle with the remaining coconut.


            ~~ I love making cupcakes so much! They are just ay to cute and yummy this will defiantly make your taste buds happy ~~

Buffalo Tri-tip in the oven.

You will need:

• salt
• pepper
• garlic powder
• olive oil
• Buffalo Tri-tip

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Slice off the thick chunks of fat.
3. Sprinkle on salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Amount to your liking.
4. Rub the meat with the olive oil to help with searing.
5. Place into an iron skillet on medium heat searing each side for at least 2 1/2 minutes.
6. Place into oven for 15 minutes on each side.
7. Temperature of the meat on the thick side should be at least 160 - 170 degrees F.

          ~~~ This is a really yummy smelling and tasting dish. It goes great with fried veggies, rice, or mac and cheese with mashed potatoes. My uncle and I just made this this evening for dinner and it is amazing. I highly recommend it. :3   ~~~

Mozzarella Chicken

You will need:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 1/2 cup if shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups of bread crumbs
• salt
• pepper
• garlic salt
• 4 large eggs

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
2. Whisk the eggs in a medium mixing bowl.
3. Put and mix together bread crumbs, a little salt, pepper, and garlic salt in a larger mixing bowl
4. Cut every chicken breast in half long side.
5. Dip and fully coat the chicken in egg, then in bread crumbs placing them in a baking sheet.
6. Bake them for 10 minutes.
7. Remove them from the oven, flip them over.
8. Sprinkle the cheese on top of each chicken breast half and put back in the oven for 15 minutes.
9. Remove them from the oven and serve after 2 minutes of cooling.

            ~I just made these for my boyfriend and his family last week. Everyone said it tasted amazing. It is delicious and easy to make. It goes great with mashed potatoes, or my Spaghetti and Meat sauce~

Bison Meatsauce and Spagetti

You will need:

• 1 pound of ground bison meat
• 2 1/2 cup of pasta sauce
• spaghetti noodles
• 1/2 onion
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Directions:

1. Dice your onion and garlic and place them in a large frying pan with olive oil, put on medium heat.
2. Add in the ground bison.
3. Begin boiling the water for your noodles in a large or medium pot on medium heat.
4. Constantly check on your bison mixture.
5. Once the bison looks nearly fully cooked, add your pasta sauce to the mixture and put the flame on low heat.
6. Once your water begins to broil, place in your noodles and wait until they are fully cooked, stirring from time to time so they do not stick.
7. Strain your noodles.
8. Turn the heat off on your bison and serve with some sour bread, garlic bread, and a simple easy salad.

            ~ ~This is always a great half-an-hour dish to make if you are expecting gusts for dinner in short notice. It is always delicious and if you have any vegetarian gust, put some pasta sauce into a small saucepan and heat it up just for them. :) I am an absolute sucker for Italian foods and meat dishes. (Since I'm mostly Italian.) Try this out, it's a big, belly-filling meal with les dishes to clean!~~

Chicken Strips

You will need:

• Three eggs
• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 1/2 cups of bread crumbs
• salt
• pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the eggs together.
3. In a larger mixing bowl, pour in the bread crumbs. Set both bowls aside.
4. Rinse the chicken breasts and set them on a cutting board.
5. Cut the chicken breasts into 2 inch thick strips.
6. Place hem all in the bowl with the whisked eggs and make sure they all get fully coated.
7. Then place them one-at-a-time into the bread and then onto an ungreased baking pan.
8. Place baking pan in the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
9. Remove the pan from the oven, flip all the chicken strips, sprinkle them with a little salt and pepper, then put the pan back in the oven for another 15 minutes.
10. Remove the chicken from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes and serve.

            ~ This is extremely easy to make if you are having people over. It only takes about 40 minutes to do the entire thing and I love making these along with some mashed potatoes and gravy. Plus you don't have to fry them, so they are totally grease free!
~

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.