Chicken Noodle Soup

Love to make this for New Mother's- not spicy, and makes enough to last a few meals. Perfect for the ill ones in your house too!! You can always make a large pot then freeze half- for later. Makes a large amount!!

6 Chicken Breasts
1 onion peeled
3 bouillon cubes
2 tsp Italian Seasoning
1tsp garlic salt
salt & pepper to taste

Boil together for 1 hour. Take onion out- discard. Drain chicken and broth through a strainer keeping BROTH!! Let chicken cool- and cut into chunks.

1 large package of Egg noodles
2 cans of carrots
1/2 stick of butter
1/4 cup of sugar
1/2 cup graded Parmesan cheese
3 tbsp parsley flakes

Add broth back to large pot and allow to come to rolling boil. Add noodles- cook until soft. Reduce heat to low. Then add all remaining ingredients- leaving cheese for last. *be careful not to let cheese melt on bottom of pot*
Add chicken and simmer for 45 minutes.

*Rating...5 trips back to the Kitchen*

Homemade Pizza by Kids

We love to make Homemade Pizza!! The kids LOVE to Help. Here is what the kids like the most. My Niece A.G. helped us this day!

1 package of Pillsbury Pizza Dough (in the section with biscuits & crescent rolls)

1 jar- of Organic Spaghetti Sauce (you will only use half the jar)

1 package of Oscar Meyer Deli Chicken strips

16 ounces of fresh graded mozzarella cheese

1 bell pepper (thinly sliced)

1 Roma tomato (thinly sliced)

1 small can of sliced black olives

(you can add any more or omit any of the ingredients for your taste)

I only Bake on STONES....so, I like to add a little of cornmeal on bottom of stone before you add dough- it helps it to stick and not slide while you roll out dough.

Bake in oven for 8-10 minutes at 350*

Remove dough and let cool- especially if kids are helping. Then add tomato sauce and vegetables. Top with cheese.

Place back in oven- until cheese is completely melted and crust is lightly golden brown.

*Rating...5 trips back to the kitchen*

Kids love the fact they help create their own pizza. For mini pizzas you can substitute a can on 8 Jumbo Biscuits. This is a great idea for a slumber party- to have each child make their own pizza!! My mom did this for us....glad I can continue the fun tradition!!

Homemade CANDY!!

This is what my kitchen table looks like....at Christmas time- I LOVE to make candy and give it to all the people who help us out during the year!! I try to make enough to give everyone at least one box- with a mixture of these candies! *Note theses batches were all doubled or tripled- The recipes are for only one batch of each.*

The Dark Brown Candy you see in the Picture-

EASY Chocolate Candy

6 ounces of Semi sweet Chocolate Chips

12 ounces of Butterscotch Chips

12 ounces Chopped Pecans

Melt Both chips in microwave 2 minutes at first- then 30 seconds at a time after until melted. Stir in nuts. Drop spoonfuls on wax paper to set up. Let dry completely- then store in air tight container.

The Light Brown colored candy in the picture-

Captain Crunchies

1- 12 ounce package of white chocolate chips

1- 12 ounce package of peanut butter chips

1/2 cups of peanut butter

6 cups of Peanut Butter Captain Crunch cereal (I have started using Reese's Pieces cereal)

Melt chips in microwave 3 minutes. Add peanut butter and stir until blended well. Immediately pour over cereal. Stir together. Drop spoonfuls on wax paper. Let dry. Once dry, store in air tight container.

I was first given a piece of Captain crunchies by a sweet customer of mine named Sybil C. Later found the recipe in a book from a friend Linda G. Good Friends, Great Cooks!!

White candy in picture-

Muddy Buddies aka...Puppy Chow

9 cups of Rice Chex

1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 Cup powdered sugar

Measure cereal in LARGE bowl- set aside. In a 1 quart microwavable bowl melt chips & peanut butter- for 3 minutes. Stir in Vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal covering completely stir very gently. Put cereal in 2 gallon Ziploc bag. Add powdered sugar into bag, shake until coated. Spread on wax paper to cool. When cooled completely- store in air tight container.

Green Bean Bundles

Our Families FAVORITE....Holidays are just not the same without them!!

Preheat oven to 375*

3- 16 ounce cans of whole Green beans
1/2 tsp minced garlic
1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 stick butter
1 lb. bacon ( I like the peppered bacon)
Salt & pepper to taste

Cut Bacon strips in half. Wrap around a bundle of green beans (3 or 4) and place seam down in 13x9 inch dish. Bring sugar, garlic, salt & pepper to boil. Pour over beans. Cover & Bake for 45 minutes. Uncover last few minutes- to make sure bacon is crisp.

*Rating...5 trips back to the Kitchen*

Fun Snack for Kids

Here is a fun snack- My friend Minna was looking for New Ideas for snacks. I remembered about the post I did about this great snack!
Here is what you will need:
Crackers
Peanut Butter ( If you use organic cashew or almond butter- it is better for you)
Raisins or Craisins
Carrots
Creative mind
Kids

Use PB on each cracker and then place a dried fruit on top. Then make a face on each individual cracker or you can make a large face, as I did.

*You can also use PB on Celery and place dried fruit....or we like to eat bell peppers....that make interesting characters too- with Ranch dressing.

*You can slice an apple and they can place then in different shapes. It is a good math lesson too- teaching about fractions and also good lessons in sharing.

*You can use it as a learning colors, shapes & textures- all different fruit & veggies.

*I cut open a whole pineapple after T asked over and over- when we would go to the store, "what is that- it looks ugly?" I used it as a lesson on how just because something looks bad on the outside- when you cut it open and it smells sweet & tastes great....You never judge by the outside of anything or anyone. You look inside at their heart!!

You can use different veggies & fruit- and I makes eating healthy fun!!I surprised T one day when he came home from school- HE LOVED IT!! Thought it was the neatest thing!! We have special snacks like these often!!
What snacks do you like to fix with your kiddos??

How to Make Homemade Mashed potatoes

This is how I make my mashed potatoes....I would love to see how you make yours...send me a link- I will check it out. I learned this technique from watching my mom & my Mamaw cook potatoes.

I start out with 5 red potatoes. I usually use red- unless I have others that need to be used. I then wash them thoroughly and cut any yuck spots out-you know nasty little black looking things.

I also like to keep the outside skin on....it is good for you- If I use Russet potatoes I usually peel them. Each their own. If you like them peeled....peel away at this point. If you have ever had Cracker Barrel creamed potatoes....they leave their skin on- taste the same to me.

Then I cut them up into chunks and boil them in water (or chicken broth if I have it) while whatever else I am cooking is getting prepared & cooking- I have NEVER really paid attention to the time. But if you put a knife in the pot and a potato comes out with it....they are not done...probably about 20 mins or so.

Then I drain the pot of all water and the potatoes should look like this.

I then take about a 1/4 cup of milk (you can add more if needed) and 2 spoons of butter- and mash them up with a handle masher. You can use a electric mixer if you would like-they will be much more creamier and no lumps....we are lump likers....so I use my hands. Mash up and down and stir side to side and when the become creamy.Once they are creamy I add the two things I think all kitchens should have Salt & Pepper...I love the fresh ground black pepper and have recently fallen in love with sea salt- thanks to my sister, she says it is better for you! *Rating...5 trips back to the Kitchen*

I love to make mashed potatoes and I love my masher- every time I make them I think of my Mamaw, she passed away in September 2009. She was famous for her fried chicken and mashed potatoes!!

When I moved out on my own, I was making fried chicken and mashed potatoes for my boyfriend (husband now) and I had NO MASHER?? What to do?? I used a FORK... mashed a whole pot of potatoes with a fork!! Work let me tell you!!

I saw my Mamaw the next week and said "Hey what do you use to mash up the potatoes when you are making mashed potatoes?" Told her about my FORK story....and she showed me her masher. I said " I need to get one of those!"

The next day she came by my house- and had gone to the store and bought me a potato masher. The same one I use today!! If you knew my Mamaw you would really be shocked by this- she was VERY frugal, we didn't get any gifts unless it was Christmas or birthday. For her to spend money on me for my need- I was very honored and happy to receive it!! I have NEVER EVER NOT thought of her when I am making mashed potatoes since.

Hope your Potatoes are Creamy, your Belly Full and you heart filled with Happiness!!

Mollie

Fried Deer Steak, Mashed potatoes & Green beans

This is my Husband FAVORITE MEAL EVER!!!

Fried Deer Steak

1 package of deer steak...can't find it in the store- ask your local hunter!
3-4 cups of Flour
2 sheets of wax paper
Salt
Pepper
Cast Iron skillet ( you can use regular-it is not the same, it will do though)
2 cups of Canola Oil

Put your oil in the skillet and turn on medium-high.
While oil is getting hot- Prepare meat.
If you meat is NOT tenderized....wait to heat oil- it takes longer.

Prepare meat-
Take each piece, trim fat off (white part) and tenderize with either and tenderizer mallet or a Knife (by making short small movements on meat)
Then salt & pepper each side and set aside.
When all the meat is done- move on to flouring

Flouring Meat-
Take your wax paper and lay in a cross shape- (this way when you are through you fold all four sides of wax paper up and make a ball to throw in the trash)
Add flour to middle of wax paper
Then take each piece of meat and flour each side- twice.
If your oil is HOT enough place it in the skillet (to know if you oil is hot enough, throw a pinch of flour in the skillet- if it sizzles, it is ready. If NOT wait a little longer)

Let each piece sit in hot oil for a few minutes, moving it with a fork to make sure it doesn't stick to pan. Then turn and when both sides are golden to medium brown remove.

After first batch might need to remove heat to medium- so grease does not burn!!

I lay the steak on a plate with a paper towel to drain the grease.


IF YOU HAPPEN TO BURN THE GREASE remove from heat completely....or cause a GREASE FIRE......take that FLOUR on the wax paper you have and throw it on the pan. Call the Fire department if that doesn't do it--- and get out of the house......PLEASE!!!

Mollie's Kitchen is NOT responsible for any Kitchen Fires- But my own!!

Side items are:
1 bag of frozen Pict sweet Cracked Pepper Seasoned Green Beans with Red Pepper & Onions
Follow instructions on cooking on the bag.

Homemade Mashed Potatoes (click to get recipe)

This a good southern meal- Hope you like it!!

*Rating...5 trips back to the Kitchen*

My Goulash

Sounds awful but it is quick and easy. This is what I first made up when I got married- only using the ingredients I had. Some goulash are similar, I was throwing in left overs too!!

Preheat oven to 350*

2 pounds ground chuck (or beef) cooked & drained
2 cans of stewed tomatoes
1 can of whole kernel corn (drained)
1 Green bell pepper
1 small can of tomato sauce.

As your meat is browning do the following. Cut up bell pepper, pour tomatoes & corn into a large oven safe pot.

Then once meat is done add meat. Stir together well. Then add in can of tomato sauce.

Bake in oven for 30-45 minutes on 350*

Serve with a side salad and bread with butter.

*Rating...3 trips back to the kitchen*

Broccoli & Chicken Casserole

Another one of my husband's favorites- My mother-in-law gave me when we first got married.


Preheat oven to 350*

1 Large Bag of Frozen Broccoli
3 Chicken Breasts- boil until cooked tender, then cool
1 can of Mushroom ( I use Cream of Chicken if I am out of mushroom)
1 cup of Mayo
2 Tbsp Lemon Juice
1 tsp curry powder
2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
4-6 slices of toast- buttered

Put broccoli and just enough water to fill bottom of dish- place in microwave save bowl or 13x9 dish (if it will fit). Microwave on high for 10 minutes or until broccoli is tender enough to cut with fork. (or follow directions on bag to cook broccoli) Let warm, then drain water.

Take chicken and shred- sprinkle on top of broccoli. In a separate bowl mix- soup, mayo, curry powder & lemon juice. Spread on top of chicken.

Top with cheese. Then take toast buttered fresh from toaster & cut into 1/2 inch pieces ( I stack all of them and cut then up) And lay toast on top.

Bake at 350* for 30 minutes

*Rating...3 trips back to the kitchen*

Easy Chocolate Cake

This cake cannot be messed up unless you burn it in the oven!! Try it you will like it!! Very Moist!!

1 Devil's food cake mix
1 can of cherry pie filling
3 eggs

Mix together well!! Place in a greased fluted pan.

Bake at 350* for 45-50 minutes.
Let cool and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

*Rating...5 trips back to Kitchen*

Cucumber Sandwiches

Have you ever been so thankful to know someone who can cook so extremely well- it is insane. This lady went to our church and has since gone to live with Jesus....but NO ONE can cook like Mrs. Lou... she could make dirt taste good. I was fortunate to get a few of her recipes & she had many in the church cookbook I have yet to try!!


SOAK OVERNIGHT
2 cucumbers (peeled & sliced)
1/2 Cup vinegar
1 cup of water
1/2 cup of sugar


Mix the next day
8 ounce cream cheese
little mayo- to make it easy to spread
1 Tbsp Worcester sauce
1 Tbsp Garlic salt
1 Tbsp Onion salt

One loaf of WHITE bread ( I know it is not good for you- it's just not the same on wheat)
Take a circle cutter (or top of the lid of a medium jar) and cut circles in each piece of bread. Save the crust for making homemade croutons or go feed the ducks at the pond!

Take each circle shaped bread and spread mixture on each piece and top with a cucumber.

Delish!!

*Rating...5 trips back to the kitchen*

New Orleans Crab dip

Great for a finger food fellowship or to snack on while watching a good game!!

8 ounce Cream cheese
1 cup Mayo
2-8 ounce packages of Imitation crab meat
1/2 cup celery (finely chopped)
1/2 bell pepper (finely chopped)
2 cloves of garlic (minced & finely chopped)
1-1 1/2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning (your choice I like Tony C's)

Mix all together and refrigerate at least an hour before serving.
Serve with chips or crackers.

*Rating...4 trips back to the Kitchen*

Chicken Taco Soup

Great for a cold day!! This recipe is big enough to feed an army!! You can use less chicken & 1 can of beans, tomatoes & corn for smaller pot. I usually freeze half- or send a pot to the neighbors!!

3-4 Boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 container of Chicken Broth (SAVE)

2 chicken bouillon cubes

1 small onion

2 cans of pinto beans (drained)

2 cans of red kidney beans (drained & rinsed)

2 cans of great northern beans (drained)

1 can of whole kernel corn (drained)

2 cans of Rotel

1 package of taco seasoning

1 package of hidden valley ranch dressing

Cook chicken & onion in broth (might need to add a few cups of water) and boil until chicken is done. Remove chicken & onion....drain broth but SAVE broth!!

Pour broth back into soup pot and cook on High combining the seasoning packages. Then add all beans, corn & tomatoes.

Bring to boil, stirring occasionally. When it reaches a boil- lower heat to LOW. Simmer until ready to serve.

I top mine with fresh graded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream!!

*Rating...5 trips back to the kitchen*

Banana Pudding

This was the first banana pudding I have ever had.... and liked- I am not a lover of the yellow fruit myself- But, any time I fix this pudding.... I am LOVED!!!

My friend Heather Chandler gave me this recipe.

2 Large Packages of French Vanilla pudding (sometimes I use one french vanilla- one Banana cream)

3 cups of Whole or 2% milk

1 can of Eagle Brand Milk

1 Large Cool Whip

1 Box of Nilla Wafer

3-4 Bananas (slice into 1/4 inch slices)

In a LARGE bowl mix both of the pudding packages with 3 cups of Milk. I like to use my whisk.

Then add the eagle brand milk. Mix with Mixer on medium until blended well.

Fold in cool whip, then mix again on medium until all cool whip is blended.

Layer bottom of serving dish with Nilla wafers & bananas. Then pour in half of pudding mixture. Then add another layer of wafers & bananas. Add rest of pudding.

Decorate top with bananas on top and wafers in side of pudding (see picture) or however you like to decorate it.

Cover & Chill in refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

*Rating...5 trips back to the kitchen*

Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Very Easy, great for a Brunch or Family Breakfast!!

2 packages crescent rolls
2 pounds sausage of your choice
2 packages of cream cheese

Preheat oven to 350*
Brown sausage & drain grease.
Mix sausage with Cream cheese- set aside.
Line 13x9 dish with 1 can of crescent rolls.
Place sausage mixture on top of that layer.
Then layer other can of crescent rolls on top.
*optional* you can brush eggs whites on top to give a pretty look!

Bake until crescent rolls are golden brown.

*Rating...4 trips back to Kitchen*

Vegetable & Egg Casserole

Great for a brunch or for a Breakfast Family occasion- Makes a big casserole!

8 Eggs
3 Cups of Milk
1 Tbsp dried Dijon Mustard
2 tsp basil
1 tsp salt
2 Tbsp melted butter
2 Tbsp Flour
2 Cups Shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups sliced mushrooms
2 cups chopped tomatoes
2 cups green pepper
10 cups cubed bread (french 8 cups)

Night Before:
Beat Eggs, add milk, mustard, basil, & salt. Gently stir in rest of ingredients.
Pour into greased 13x9 dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight or at least 8 hours.

Morning after:
Remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking. Bake uncovered for 1 hour at 350*

*Rating...5 trips back to the kitchen*

EASY Fruit Cobbler

EASY PEASY Cobbler.... If you can't make anything- well, honey you can make this!! Try it you'll like it!! I learned this from my friend Linda G- she is a wonderful cook!!

1 Cup of Flour
1 Cup of Sugar
1 Cup of Milk
2 tsp. Baking Powder
1 Stick of butter
1 Can of fruit (cherry, peach, etc)

Preheat oven to 400*

Melt stick of butter in 13x9 Pyrex pan (I place in oven while mixing others....careful not to melt it)
Mix all dry ingredients, then stir in liquid except butter & fruit.
Pour in Pyrex once butter is completely melted.
Take a spoon a drop spoonfuls of fruit on to the top of the mixture.

Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve with vanilla ice cream!

*Rating...5 visits to the kitchen*

Ham & Cheese Mini Sandwiches

These are GREAT for a finger food fellowship!! I am always asked for the recipe!!

1 Package of Hawaiian Rolls
1 Package of cooked Ham
1 Package of Swiss Cheese ( I like to add Cheddar if I have some left over)
Stick of Butter
1 1/2 Tbsp Mustard
1 1/2 Tbsp Worcester Sauce
1 1/2 Tbsp Poppy seeds
1 tsp. Onion powder

Preheat oven to 350*

In a 13x9 Pan place all rolls after slicing them in the middle
Take a large knife and cut the Ham & Cheese in little 2 inch squares. Best way to describe.... cut a cross down the middle of both stacks of ham & cheese.

Take top off roll place 1 piece ham, 1 piece cheese, 1 piece ham, 1 piece cheese in that order then replace the top of the roll. Repeat until all rolls are full. If you have left over ham or cheese- pack a homemade lunch-able for the kids the next day.

In a microwave melt all remaining ingredients.... stir well, then top each roll with a spoonful of mixture. Then pour remaining all over the rolls.

Cover with foil then bake in oven until all the cheese has melted. Uncover for last 5 minutes or so to slightly brown the rolls.

*Rating...5 trips back to the kitchen*

Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup

My mother-in-law gave me this recipe when we were first married. It is the first one in my Homemade book of recipes, thought it would be the first one for the Blog...enjoy!!

This is GREAT the next day, you can make a big pot and freeze it too. It can feed an army...or large family, or Deer Camp!! VERY EASY!!

1 LARGE POT
1 box of beef broth
2 beef bouillon cubes
2 Large cans of stewed tomatoes
3-4 pieces of Bacon
2 Large cans of Veg-all vegetables (not the large veggies just the large can)
4 Potatoes (peeled & cut in chunks)
2-3 lbs Hamburger meat
1-small onion
1 can tomato sauce

Boil tomatoes & bacon add a can of water per can of tomatoes you put in. Boil for 35-40 minutes

Add cans of vegetables & cut up potato. Boil for another hour.

Brown hamburger meat with small onion. Drain grease. Add to soup along with can of tomato sauce. Boil for 20minutes.

Serve with cornbread or crackers. B likes to put shredded cheddar cheese on his soup! (I usually start this in the morning and by lunch it is done, but we don't eat it until supper- It tastes better the longer it sits!!)

*Rating... 5 trips back to the kitchen*

Meal Plan for January

When I first started reading blogs I ran across a friend of mine Mer- who I never knew we were so much alike until I fell upon her Meal Planning post!! I honestly, thought I was reading my own words!! She is so prepared and so organized- I just love it!!



I like her do a meal plan and have ever since we have been married back in 1999. I found it helpful because we have ALWAYS lived at least 15-30 minutes from a grocery store. If you buy in bulk it helps, and I use my deep freeze at lot!



I usually will write down all my meals, make a grocery list and stock up. Then I wake up and see what the day holds, when, if my husband comes home? And pick from my list.



I usually have the list in a notepad or on the side of the fridge where I look daily. You will find we are a meat & potato family... although we have a fresh salad with each meal- most of the time. We also like fresh fruit with our meals too.





Here is my Meal Plan for January-



*Steaks & Baked Potato

*Breakfast for Supper

*Roast with potatoes & carrots

*Grilled Chicken with Broccoli

*Taco Salads with re-fried beans

*Homemade Pizza Chicken & Barbeque

*Baked Potato & Salad

*Fried Deer steak & mashed potatoes

*Vegetable Beef Soup with cornbread

*Hamburgers with Steak fries

* Chicken Fried Sandwich with Steak fries

*Jambalaya with corn on cob & red potatoes

*Macaroni Grill in Box with green beans

*Spaghetti with mixed veggies

*Mile High Mexican Pie

*Chicken Broccoli Casserole with mix veggies

*Barbeque Chicken on Grill with corn on cob & baked beans

*Manwich/ sloppy joe with carrots & mixed veggie

*Chicken taco soup with Frito's

*Mexican night- burritos, tacos, taquitos

*My Goulash



I usually do grilled chicken once a week- or two taco salads a month.

I usually get ONE meal off a week- I like Sunday lunch.... my weekly treat!



I will try to post each day what we are eating- I will mostly post some of my favorite recipes too!

Welcome to my Kitchen

I am a planner by heart- No plan... I am a chicken with my head cut off!! I have always had a meal plan procedure and go through the pantry and take inventory before each grocery store trip- not to spend too much on something I already have.

We also live 15 minutes from town... so it is much easier to cook a meal than drive at least 30 minutes to wait.... then eat!!

We don't eat much fast food...my husband drives a truck he can get all the fast food he wants any day he wants. So, he would like a home cooked meal. Not to much to ask for when he comes home.

He is very honest, I love it- he will say, "this is GREAT" and make many trips to the kitchen for more.... or he says "I will eat it this time- but don't make this again!" and go make a sandwich for his second trip.

I tend to cook for an army, I think that is just God's way of preparing me for two growing boys. I also don't know each day when B will be home, how long, how long I have to prepare a meal, IF he is even coming home until about lunch.... therefore, I rely on my deep freeze & microwave A LOT!!

I have always cooked even when I worked 8-9 hour days in the salon, then came home to a hungry husband. I believe that this is my way of serving my husband. I really do just love to cook also, think I got that from my Mamaw who had 3 boys? There was always something cooking in her house.

I do all the grocery shopping with two toddlers in tow- so I really need to be prepared!! I go shopping once a week for small things we need weekly- Bread, Milk, fresh fruits & veggies. But once month I go MEAL PLANNING shopping! BIG TRIP- BIG TICKET!!

Using this blog I will share my meal plans and my very most favorite meals & what we eat daily.

I hope you enjoy this blog and share your great recipes with me also!

Mollie