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Showing posts from May, 2014

Jambalaya

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This is Wes's favorite meal that I make. He loves all the bold flavors and the meat combination. I've made it with only shrimp and sausage and it is still delicious! You can use shrimp or chicken if you do not want to use both.  The recipe list is a little daunting on this one, but it is so good and I am sure you will be making it again. I'm sure you have most on hand already. Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups water 1 14oz can diced tomatoes 1 8oz can tomato sauce 1/2 lb fully cooked andouille sausage 1/2 lb shrimp 1 Chicken breast (about 1/2 lb) 1 small onion 1 large (or 2 small) celery sticks Mix: 1 cup medium/long grain rice 1 Tbs dried parsley 2 cubes of beef bouillon 1/2 tsp dried thyme 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp black pepper 1/4 tsp cayenne 1/4 tsp salt 1 bay leaf 1/2 tsp old bay seasoning 1/2 tsp of any Cajun seasoning you have on hand (optional) Directions: 1) In a dutch oven, saute the onion and celery for 5 minutes over medium heat. 2) Add...

Breakfast Sandwiches

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These are my homemade McMuffins. I've made these things hundreds of times and people always love them. For the meat, you can use sausage, turkey sausage, bacon, ham or whatever else you want. The melty cheese with the egg ......... oh so yummy......... Makes 4 sandwiches Ingredients: 1/2 lb breakfast sauage 4 eggs 4 slices of Kraft American Cheese (yes the processed kind works BEST) English muffins, put through the toaster salt and pepper Directions: 1) Divide the meat into 4 equal patties, flatten them out and make them larger than the English muffin because they will shrink! Cook over medium heat until done. 2) Start heating a skillet over medium heat until warm. Spray with nonstick spray and then crack the egg. I always break the yoke with the shell right after I set the egg down (It spreads out the yoke so you aren't eating chunks of only white or yellow). Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook until done to your liking. 3) Assemble the sandwich: meat patty, ...

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

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My mom used to make this all the time when we were kids - it was my favorite. Cheesy spaghetti - who cannot like that! She stopped making it and I had a big craving for it so I whipped this up for the family and they loved it! Just like mom used to make. My family of 5 ate this whole thing, but we have some big appetites, so if you don't you might want to half the recipe. Made: 6-8 servings Ingredients: 1.5 lb chicken, diced 2 bell peppers, diced 1 can of rotel 1 can of cream of chicken soup 12 oz Velveeta 1 lb spaghetti Directions: 1) Make spaghetti al dente according to package directions 2) Meanwhile, saute the bell peppers in some olive oil over medium heat for 5-7 min  3) Season the chicken with salt and pepper and add to the peppers. Cook until the chicken is done then remove from heat. Don't overcook the chicken. 4) Drain the spaghetti and rinse with cold water so the noodles do not stick. In the big pan put in the soup, Velveeta, and rotel. Heat unt...

Southwestern Casserole

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This recipe is really healthy, so I had my doubts about how good it would turn out - but it was so easy and delicious. I will be keeping this one around. I love it when a recipe is healthy and delicious! Do not be fooled either - just because it is healthy the taste is not compromised.  I used cayenne and Hot green chilies so it had a nice kick to it - you could always use mild if you wanted. Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, diced 2/3 cup brown rice 1 Tbs olive oil 1/3 cup diced onion 2 medium zucchini, sliced 1/2 cup mushrooms 1/2 tsp cumin salt 1/4 tsp cayenne 1 (15 ounce) can of pinto beans 1 (4 ounce) can HOT diced green chilies 1 1/2 cup Gruyere cheese (cheddar or Jack would also work) Light Sour Cream, for topping Directions: 1) Cook the brown rice according to package directions. This will take about 45 minutes. (Make sure your rice is done and no longer hard) 2) Preheat oven to 350, and grease a 9x13 casserole dish. 3) Heat the olive oil over medium ...

Mac n Cheese

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Wes made some smoked brisket this weekend - it was soooo good. I made this mac and cheese to go along with it and it was sooo cheesy and yummy and delicious! I want to make it again just thinking about it.  I added tomatoes to it to break up the flavors a little Ingredients: 8 oz elbow macaroni 2 cups milk 3 Tbs butter 1/4 cup flour 2 cups Gruyere  1 cup Cheddar cheese, extra-sharp 1/4 tsp black pepper 1/4 tsp cayenne 1/4 tsp nutmeg 1/2 TBs salt  3 roma (small) tomatoes (or a can of diced tomatoes) 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Directions: 1) Preheat oven to 375, cook macaroni according to package directions. End about 2 minuetes early since the macaroni will finish cooking in the oven. 2) Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan, being careful not to boil it.  3) In a large pot, melt butter and then add the flour. Cook over loe heat for 2-3 minutes stirring with a whisk. Add in the warm milk and cook for another 2 min until the milk has thickened....

Breakfast Oatmeal Cookies

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Some days I don't always have time or the hot water for oatmeal. These little cookies are a healthy way to eat your breakfast and get that metabolism goin' in the mornin' - they are very easy because they only need 3 ingredients! Also a good way to use up those old bananas. I made 2 types, you can probably use any fruit for the second one. Or raisins... or whatever you want! Chocolate Chip 1/2 cup quick cooking oats  1 banana 1/4 cup choc chips Raspberry  1/2 cup quick cooking oats 1 banana 1/4 cup raspberries Directions: Preheat oven to 350. Spray a baking sheet or use parchment paper. Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Form into cookies and bake for 15 minutes.