Sloppy Joes

This is for a sweeter Sloppy Joe. It's nothing like Manwich.

2 lb. Hamburger (I use ground turkey)

1 Cup Ketchup

1 tsp. Dry Mustard

1 TBS. Vinegar

1 medium onion

1 tsp Salt

1/4 tsp. Pepper

1/2 c. Brown Sugar

1 TBS. Worcestershire

1 tsp. chili powder (optional-I never add).

Brown hamburger(or turkey) and onion; drain fat off. Combine all other ingredients. Add to hamburger and onion. Top on toasted buns and enjoy.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Delish

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bliss

In a mixer add

1 cup shortening

2 sticks butter at room temperature

1 cup sugar

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

3 TBS. Turbinado (from Trader Joes) or a very coarse sugar.

Cream together till light and fluffy

Add to the mixture

2 extra large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

Mix

In a separate bowl, sift together:

4 cups of flour

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking soda

Add a cup at a time to the mxture

Add 1 bag milk chocolate chunks and 1 bag Semi-sweet choc. chips

Refrigerate till chilled

Roll into balls

Put into plastic bag and freeze

Heat oven to 375

Bake 8-12 minutes or until they start to brown

Let set on cookie sheet

Control yourself

Original recipe found HERE

May 12x12

Warning: I am trying to play catch up, expect a lot of posts with publishing dates from the past months.

1. growing lady bugs.

2. Ainsley thoroughly enjoying a grape.

3&4. beautiful flowers from our yard.

5. Ainsley's new bike we picked up off of the side of the street.

6. you can't tell from this picture, but I was trying to document Ainsley horribly rough knees and skin.

7. after school snack.

8. dinner prep: pringled halibut and rice pilaf.

9. Eden's date night with mom to Powell's candy shop.

10. She choses sour rainbow strips and even got a little treat for Asher and Ainsley too.

11. waiting for school to begin, Eden on the i-touch, Ainsley eating grapes, and who knows what Asher is doing.

12. Ainsley looks like such a big girl in this picture.

Cucina's Curried Chicken Salad

I love this chicken salad because it is so different from any other plain old chicken salad. Every time I make it I am asked for the recipe.

2 pounds boneless, skinless, cold poached chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch dice (sometimes I use a Costco rotisserie chicken)

4 ribs celery, thinly sliced on diagonal

2 cups red seedless grapes (I slice mine in half)

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (i leave these out)

1/2 cup golden raisins

In a large mixing bowl, combine the poached chicken, sliced celery, red grapes, walnuts and raisins.

Dressing

1 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup half and half

1/2 cup apricot preserves

1/4 cup rice vinegar

2 tablespoons curry powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon white pepper (i use black)

In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients for dressing. Gently fold the dressing into the salad. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Restaurant note: Since we started serving this salad, not a day goes by when we don't sell out. It is easy, flavorful and with the addition of the apricot preserves, it gives the salad a sweet tangy edge to the chicken. The perfect luncheon salad, over greens, or just in a tick roll for a great sandwich.

Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

10 cups chicken stock

28 oz. Can diced tomatoes with juice

8 oz. Can tomato paste

1/3 cup flour

1/3 cup butter

1 1/2 tsp basil

1 1/2 tsp oregano

1 pt whipping cream

1 1/2 lbs. cooked tortellini (fresh or frozen)

Pour chicken stock into large pot and heat. Add basil and oregano. Then add can of diced tomatoes with juice and can of tomato paste, and puree all together. I use a hand blender (NOT a hand mixer) directly in the pot. You may also use a food processor or regular blender, but be careful when pouring and blending the hot liquid. In a separate pan, make a roux by melting butter and then adding flour. Mix the two and cook for 1 or 2 minutes. Whip the roux into the broth and simmer until thickened, stirring often. Next add pre-cooked tortellini and make sure it is heated through. Last, add whipping cream. Serve and enjoy!

Ruth's Chris Special Sweet Potato Casserole

Ruth's Chris Special Sweet Potato Casserole
source: Ruth's Chris

For the Crust:
1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup flour
1 cup chopped pecans
1/3 stick butter

For the sweet potato mixture:
3 cups mashed sweet potatoes
1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs, well beaten
1 stick butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Combine brown sugar, flour, nuts and butter in mixing bowl. Set aside.

Combine sweet potatoes, sugar, salt, vanilla, eggs and butter in a mixing bowl in the order listed. Mix thoroughly. Pour mixture into buttered baking dish. Sprinkle the surface of the sweet potato mixture evenly with the crust mixture.

Bake for 30 minutes. Allow to set at least 30 minutes before serving.

Sour Cream Lemon Pie

1 cup sugar

3 T cornstarch

1/2 cup butter

1 T lemon rind

1/4 cup lemon juice

3 egg yolks

1 cup milk

1 cup sour cream

Mix all ingredients except sour cream and butter. Bring to a boil slowly (mixture will thicken). Remove from heat. Add butter. Let cool. Add sour cream. Pour into pre-cooked pie crust.