Dot’s Spinach Chicken Lasagna

2 1/2 Tbsp olive oil 
1 small onion, chopped 
1 clove garlic, chopped (2 Tbsp)
8 oz mushrooms, thinly sliced
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano 
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 6 oz bag fresh spinach 
3 c chicken, cooked and shredded
3 c chicken stock
1 1/2 c milk
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 c flour
1/2 c Parmesan cheese, shredded
9 no-boil lasagna noodles
1 1/4 c mozzarella cheese, shredded

Heat oil and sauté for 5 minutes: onion, garlic, mushrooms, basil, oregano, red pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt.  Stir in spinach. Remove pan from heat and stir in chicken. Set aside. 

Combine chicken broth, milk, nutmeg and remaining salt and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Gradually whisk in flour and simmer till thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese and remove from heat. 

Pour in 1/2 cup sauce into bottom of a 9 x 13 baking dish. Top with a layer of noodles and then 1 cup of the chicken mixture and then 1 cup of the sauce and a 1/4 c of a cup mozzarella. Repeat layers. Last layer should have lasagna noodles with chicken mixture then sauce on top. Sprinkle with mozzarella.

Cover with foil. 375 degrees. Bake for 25 then uncover and bake for 15 minutes more. 

Travis's Mango Salsa

4 mangos, peeled and pitted, cubed
1/2 of a medium red onion
1 jalapeño pepper, diced
2 limes, halved and juiced
Cilantro to taste

Roasted Okra

Wash okra and slice into spears.

Put in ziploc bag and add 1/4 c olive oil. Marinate 4-8 hours or overnight (or 2 days)

Lay out parchment paper on cookie sheet. 

Sprinkle desired spices on top - garlic salt (or garlic or garlic salt, onion powder, oregano, etc.)

Bake at 400 for 40 minutes depending on desired crunchiness.

Top Loin Roast

Top Loin Roast

At least 3 hours before (can do day ahead)

Make an herb rub for the meat  (based off a 2 pound roast)

-      2 garlic cloves

-      2 tsp. salt

-      ½ tsp. ground black pepper

-      2 tsp. olive oil

-      2 tsp. oregano 

-      1-2 tsp. thyme 

Chop garlic finely, then mix all the ingredients together to form a rub/paste.  Pat meat dry, then rub meat with the herb paste. Cover and chill.

When ready to cook:

1. Brown the pre-seasoned meat in a pan, then remove.

2. Brown the cut veggies on one side.

3. Lay foil over the veggies to the edge of the pan and poke holes in it.

4. Lay roast on top of foil with any fat facing up.

Bake at 350 for 45 minutes, remove roast, then crank the heat way up (450-500) to finish veggies and thicken drippings. Veggies are flipped, foil removed, and put back into oven 15-20 minutes.

(Meat should be 145 for medium)

*Used potatoes and carrots, cut into halves/chunks.

*If meat is not quite as done as you’d like, or someone in the family likes their meat well done, it’s easy enough to throw the meat in a pan and sear it on the stove for 30 seconds to 1 minute each side to get browned up a bit more.

Recipe is based loosely off of recipes from Epicurious and American Test Kitchen

https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/roast-new-york-strip-loin-with-garlic-herb-crust-104494

* this cut of meat in Honduras is - cabeza de lomo entera

Butter Cream Icing

1 3/4 c shortening
1/4 c butter
4 c powdered sugar
1/2 c evaporated milk
2 tsp vanilla
dash almond or coconut flavoring

Mix until smooth.

Turtle Cake

1 box German chocolate cake mix
1/2 c butter
1 can (7 oz) condensed milk
1 pkg (14 oz) caramels, unwrapped
6 oz nuts
6 oz chocolate chips

Prepare cake mix according to directions. Pour 1/2 of batter into greased 9x13 pan. Bake in 350 over for 15 minutes. Combine butter, milk, caramels in large bowl. Heat in microwave, stirring once or twice, until melted. Cool. Pour over cake. Pour remaining cake batter over caramel mixture. Sprinkle nuts and chocolate chips on top. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes.

Banana Split Cake

2 c graham cracker crumbs.              
1/2 c melted butter
2 tsp sugar
1 pkg cream cheese, softened
2 c powdered sugar
16 oz can crushed pineapple, drained
5 bananas, halved lengthwise
9 oz cool whip
1 c chopped nuts
maraschino cherries

Combine cracker crumbs, butter & 2 tsp sugar. Pat into 9x13 pan. Bake @ 300 for 10 minutes. Cool.

Mix cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Spread over crust. Layer pineapples on top. Arrange bananas over pineapple. Spread with cool whip. Sprinkle with nuts. Garnish with cherries. Chill.

Pecan Sandies

1/2 c shortening
1/2 c sugar
1/2 c powdered sugar
1 egg, beaten
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cream of tarter
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
1 3/4 c flour
1/2 c finely chopped pecans

Beat shortening and sugars together until fluffy. Add vanilla, salt and egg. Beat until smooth. Mix dry ingredients together and add to creamed mixture about a third at a time. Dough will be a little thick. Stir pecans into cookie dough with a spoon and blend well. Chill dough 30-45 minutes.

Roll cookie dough into a 1-1 1/4 inch ball. place on ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten balls to 1/4 inch thick. Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes until slightly golden.

Ravioli Casserole

1 lb lean ground beef
1 med onion, chopped
2 Tbsp oil
1 clove garlic, chopped
10 oz pkg frozen chopped spinach
1 lb can spaghetti sauce
8 oz can tomato sauce
6 oz can tomato paste
1/2 tsp salt
7 oz pkg shell macaroni, cooked
1 c shredded sharp cheese
1/2 c soft bread crumbs
2 eggs, well-beaten
1/4 c oil

Brown ground beef, onion and garlic in 2 Tbsp oil. Cook spinach per directions. Drain & reserve the liquid to make 1 cup. Combine liquid, spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, tomato paste and salt. Stir into meat mixture. Combine spinach with macaroni, cheese, crumbs, eggs and 1/4 c oil. Spread spinach mixture in 13x9 baking dish. Top with meat mixture. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 or until very hot. Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving.

Waikiki Meatballs

Mix, shape into balls, brown, pour off grease:
1 1/2 lb ground beef
2/3 c cracker crumbs
1/3 c minced onion
1 egg
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp milk

Mix.  Pour on top of meatballs. Simmer until thick.
2 Tbsp cornstarch
1/2 c brown sugar
1 can (13 1/2 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
1/3 c vinegar
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1/3 c green pepper

Curried Steak Strips

1 1/2 lb round steak
3 Tbsp flour
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 Tbsp bacon drippings
1 tsp curry powder
1 sm onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
3/4 c water
1 15 oz can tomato sauce
2 tsp lemon juice

Cut steak into 1/8" by 2-3" pieces. Combine flour, salt & pepper. Coat meat with flour mixture and brown in drippings. Stir in all but last 2 ingredients. Cook slowly for 30 minutes. Add tomato & lemon and cook for 30 minutes more.

Mexicali Meat Pie

6 slices bacon
1 lb ground beef
1 c drained corn
1/4 c chopped green pepper
1/4 c chopped onion
1/4 c corn meal
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
8 oz can tomato sauce
1 egg
1/4 c milk
1/2 tsp mustard
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 c shredded cheddar cheese
4 olives, sliced


Fry bacon and break into large pieces. Chill 1/3 c drippings until firm.

Prepare crust by mixing 1 c flour, 2 Tbsp corn meal, chilled bacon drippings and 3 or 4 Tbsp water. Place pastry in 10" pie plate.

Brown ground beef and drain. Stir in corn, pepper, onion, corn meal, oregano, chili powder, 1/2 tsp salt, pepper & tomato sauce. Place meat mixture in pastry plate. Bake at 425 for 25 minutes.  Combine egg, milk, 1/2 tsp salt, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and cheese. Spread on pie. Top with bacon and olives. Bake 5 minutes more until cheese melts. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Venison Grenadine

venison filets
flour
onions
butter
1 1/2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 Tbsp vinegar
2 beef bullion cubes
1 tsp garlic powder

Dissolve bullion cubes in 1 c hot water. Sauté onions in butter until golden brown. Remove onions to temporary plate. Dip venison in flour. Brown in pan used for onions. Add vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic and bullion water. Continue cooking until meat is done and sauce is thickened. Serve over rice.

Broiled Ham

1/2 c apricot preserves (or peach)
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp salt
1 Tbsp water

Mix ingredients and spread glaze on top of ham. Broil on each side for 5 minutes.

Pork Steaks

Melt butter in fry pan. Place pork steaks in pan. Cover with ketchup. Cook, covered on low heat until browned on bottom then turn over. Cover browned side with ketchup. Cook til meat is done in center. Serve with red rice.

Pork Roast in Crock Pot

Pork roast
1 can cream of mushroom soup

Place pork roast in crock pot. Cover with soup. Cook on high 5 hours or on low for 8-10 hours. Make gravy out of the soup/drippings. Serve with rice.

Ham & Swiss Sandwiches

1/4 c butter
2 Tbsp onion
1 tsp mustard, prepared
1 tsp poppy seeds
6 rolls
6 slices ham
6 slices swiss cheese

Mix butter, onion, mustard and poppy seeds. Spread on rolls. Cover with cheese and ham. Cook 1 1/2 minutes on high in microwave.

Peanut Butter and Fudge Bars

2 c brown sugar, packed.  

1 c butter
1/4 c plus 2 Tbsp peanut butter
2 eggs
2 c flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
2 c oatmeal
1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
2/3 c peanuts, chopped

Grease 9x13 pan. Mix brown sugar, butter and 1/4 c peanut butter until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.  Combine flour, baking soda, salt and stir in to butter mixture. Stir in oats. Set aside 1 c for topping. Spread remaining oat mixture into pan.

In saucepan combine milk, chocolate chips and 2 Tbsp peanut butter. Cook over low heat until chocolate is melted, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in peanuts. Spread over crust in baking pan. Drop remaining oat mixture by teaspoonfuls evenly over chocolate mixture.

Bake 25-30 minutes until light brown. Cool.  32 bars.

Playdough

1 c flour
2 Tbsp oil
2 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 c salt
1 c water
food coloring

Mix all ingredients and heat over medium heat until mixture begins to stiffen. Pour out and cool.

Peterson Salad

2 c sour cream
2 c marshmallows
2 c chopped coconut
1 can mandarin orange slices
1 can fruit cocktail

Mix ingredients together. Serve.

Spinach Dip

1 1/2 c sour cream
1 c mayonnaise
1 envelope vegetable soup mix
1 small onion, chopped
1 pkg frozen chopped spinach

Thaw and drain spinach. Mix ingredients together. Serve.

Taco Salad

1 head lettuce, chopped
1 jar avocado dressing
12 oz shredded mozzarella
4 tomatoes, diced
2 green peppers, diced
1 c fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 bunch green onions, diced
1 c black olives, diced

Layer on large serving plate. Serve with tortilla chips or Doritos.

Waldorf Salad

Combine:
2 c diced apples
1 c chopped celery
1/2 c walnuts, pieces

Blend:
1/4 c mayonnaise
1 Tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp lemon juice
dash salt

Fold into the mayonnaise mix:
1/2 c whipped topping
then apple mix.

Chill

Layered Salad

In 9x13 baking dish, layer:   
1 head lettuce, tear in pieces
1 c diced celery
1/2 c diced green pepper
1 10-oz pkg frozen peas
1 sm can water chestnuts
2-4 hard cooked eggs

Mix together and spread over lettuce layers:
2 c mayonnaise
2 tsp sugar

Sprinkle on top:
1/4 lb grated cheese
10 slices bacon, chopped (or bacos)

Cover. Refrigerate 24 hours. 8-12 servings

Ramen Salad

1/2 head cabbage

green onion
1/2 c sliced almonds
1 pkg chicken flavor Ramen Noodles
2 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
flavor packet from noodles
1/2 c oil
3 Tbsp vinegar

Mix cabbage, onions & almonds. Mix in ramen noodles. In a separate bowl, mix sugar, salt, pepper, flavor packet, oil & vinegar together. Pour dressing over cabbage mix. If preparing ahead of time, don't mix in noodles until ready to serve.

Refrigerator Pickles

3 c sliced cucumbers
1 c sliced onions
1 c sliced green peppers
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 c white vinegar
2 c sugar
1 tsp celery seed
1 tsp mustard seed

Sprinkle vegetables with salt and let stand for 1/2 hour. Mix rest of ingredients, heat and bring to a boil. Pour over cucumber slices. Place in jars and refrigerate.

Baked Chicken

1/2 c parmesan cheese
1 Tbsp minced onion, dried
1 tsp seasoned salt
2-3 lbs chicken pieces

Mix ingredients and toss with chicken.  Bake at 350 for 1 hour.

Crock Pot Chicken

Place chicken in crock pot. Cook on low for 8-10 hours.

Crock Pot BBQ Chicken

Place chicken in crock pot. Cover with BBQ sauce. Cook on low for 8-10 hours.

Easy Pot Pie

1 1/2 c cooked chicken
1 onion, diced
2 Tbsp butter
2 c cooked vegetables
1/2 c chicken broth
2 Tbsp flour
5 count can of rolls or biscuits

Sauté onion in butter until translucent. Mix flour and broth and add to onions. heat, stirring for 2 minutes. Add chicken and vegetables. Continue stirring until mixture is heated completely. Cut up rolls and place on top. Put in 375 oven for 7-8 minutes until rolls are browned.

Chicken Strata

6 slices day-old bread
2 c cooked chicken
1/2 c chopped onion
1/2 c chopped celery
1/2 c chopped green pepper
1/2 c mayonnaise
2 slightly beaten eggs
1 1/2 c milk
10 1/2 oz can cream of mushroom soup
2 slices cheese

Tear 4 slices of bread into 1" cubes. Place 1/2 in bottom of 1 1/2 qt casserole. Combine chicken, vegetables and mayonnaise. Spoon over bread. Add rest of bread cubes. Combine eggs, soup and milk. Pour onto bread mixture. Chill 1 hour or overnight if desired. Butter 2 remaining bread slices. Cut in squares and place on top. Bake at 325 for 1 hour or til set. Place cheese on top for last few minutes til melted.

Philippine Chicken

1 chicken, cut up in pieces
garlic salt
1 1/2 Tbsp white corn syrup
1/4 c soy sauce
1/4 c vinegar

Place chicken in casserole. Sprinkle with garlic salt. Mix syrup, soy sauce and vinegar. Pour over chicken. Cover. Bake at 350 for 1 hour.

Honey Chicken

Garlic powder
Chicken
1 egg yolk
1 1/2 Tbsp honey
4 Tbsp butter, melted

Sprinkle chicken with garlic. Mix with honey and 2 Tbsp butter. Brush onto chicken. Place in greased baking dish. Bake at 325 for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Baste several times with butter while baking. Turn chicken over. Bake 10-15 minutes longer until brown.

3 Ingredient Chicken

1 1/2 c Western or Russian salad dressing
2 pieces chicken
1 onion, sliced

Place dressing in frying pan. Heat. Add chicken and onion. Cook covered on low heat about 30 minutes until chicken is fork tender. Baste and turn chicken several times while cooking.

Granola

Mix together in large bowl:
2 c oatmeal
2/3 c wheat germ
1/4 c powdered milk
1/2 Tbsp cinnamon
1 c nuts

Heat in small pan:
1/3 c oil
1 tsp honey
4 tsp syrup
1/2 c brown sugar
1 Tbsp vanilla

Add heated ingredients to dry ingredients. Bake on greased cookie sheet for 6 minutes at 300. 

Wild Turkey

Wild turkey - less than 10 pounds

Marinate with coca-cola, Worcestershire sauce and oil. Put turkey in baking bag in roaster without lid.  Place on bottom oven rack. Bake at 325 for 1 - 1:15 hours.

Shank Ham

Place ham shank in greased roaster with cut side up. 

Add 1 1/2 c water.  

Cover with roaster lid. 

Bake at 325 - 10 minutes per pound.

CROCK-POT 

Grease crock pot.

Add ham.

Cook on high for 5 hours for 9 1/2 pounds - test this to confirm 

Sweetened Condensed Milk

1 c powdered milk
1/3 c boiling water
2/3 c sugar
3 Tbsp butter

Combine water and sugar. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Put into blender and mix, slowly adding butter then gradually adding milk powder. Blend until smooth. The longer it is blended, the thicker it will get.  Make sure that the mixture isn't grainy. Store in refrigerator.

Lemon Bars

1/2 c butter.  

1/4 c powdered sugar
1 c flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 c sugar
1/4 tsp salt
3 Tbsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp flour
1/2 tsp baking powder

Cream butter, sugar and 1 c flour. Place in 9x13 pan. Bake for 20 minutes. Combine rest of ingredients and pour over baked layer. Bake 25 minutes longer. Cool.  Sprinkle powdered sugar over the top and cut into squares. 

Lena's Brownies

2 sticks butter, melted
6 Tbsp cocoa
2 tsp vanilla
2 c sugar
4 eggs
1 c flour
1 c nuts (optional)

Grease and flour 9x13 pan. Mix in ingredients one at a time, mixing well. Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes.

FROSTING
3 Tbsp butter, softened
1/4 c cocoa
1 1/3 c powdered sugar
2 Tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla

Mix all ingredients and spread over cooled brownies.

Buckeyes

1 c margarine.    

2 c peanut butter
3 c powdered sugar
12 oz chocolate chips
1/4 lb paraffin

Mix butter and peanut butter until creamy. Gradually add sugar until mixture will make a small ball. Form balls about the size of large marbles.

Melt chocolate chips and paraffin in double boiler until mixture is quite thin. Dip balls in chocolate mixture. Drain on waxed paper til firm.

Carmel Corn

Place in large roaster
  5-6 qts popped popcorn

Melt in saucepan and boil for 5 minutes:
  2 c brown sugar
  1 c butter or margarine
  1/2 c white corn syrup

Remove from heat and add:
  1 tsp vanilla
  1 tsp salt
  1 tsp soda

Mix well.  Pour on top of popcorn. Stir.  Bake for 40 minutes at 250. Cool on waxed paper.

Pumpkin Bread

3 c sugar

4 eggs
2 c pumpkin (16 oz can)
1 c oil
3 1/3 c flour
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp salt
3 tsp cinnamon
1 c chopped nuts (optional)
1/3 c water

Combine sugar, eggs, pumpkin, water and oil. Mix well. Combine dry ingredients and add slowly to pumpkin mixture. Grease and flour 2 loaf pans. Bake at 350 for 1 - 1 1/4 hours.

Banana Bread

2 eggs
1 stick butter
2 bananas, mashed
1/4 c nuts, optional
1 c sugar
2 c flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and beat well. Stir in bananas (and nuts). Add dry ingredients. Line pan with wax paper. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.

Apple Dandy

8 oz pkg brown/serve sausage patties cut into fourths
1/4 c margarine
3 c soft breadcrumbs
2 med size apples, cut into 1/2" slices
2 Tbsp sugar
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1 c milk
2 eggs
1/4 tsp salt
1 c shredded cheddar cheese

Melt butter. Stir in breadcrumbs. Press 2/3 of mixture into 8" square pan. Mix apples with sugar and cinnamon. Pour over crust. Add sausage. Beat milk, eggs & salt until foamy. Pour over ingredients in pan. Sprinkle with remaining breadcrumbs & cheese. Bake at 400 for 40 minutes.

Baked Apple & Sausage Pancakes

8 oz pkg brown/serve sausage links
1 c pancake mix
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 c milk
1 egg
1/2 c chopped apple

Brown sausages. Mix rest of ingredients until batter is smooth. Add apple. Pour into well-greased 10x6 baking dish. Arrange sausages on top. Bake at 450 for 20 min.

Corn Fritters

1 Tbsp oil
1/2 can drained corn
1/2 c flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 egg
1/4 c milk

Stir with fork til blended. Fry in hot oil.

Refrigerator Bran Muffins

2 c raisin bran cereal
2 c boiling water
1 c margarine
1 1/2 c sugar
4 eggs
1 qt buttermilk
5 c flour
5 tsp soda
1 tsp salt
4 c additional raisin bran cereal

Place 2 c cereal in bowl and pour boiling water on top. Set aside til cool. Cream together margarine, sugar and eggs. Beat in buttermilk and soaked bran cereal.  Sift together flour, soda and salt. Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture and fold in until flour is moistened.  Fold in additional cereal.  Store batter in refrigerator. Keeps 3-4 weeks.

To bake: preheat oven to 400. Fill well-greased muffin tins 2/3 full. Bake 20 minutes. 

Quick Caramel Coffee Cake

1 can refrigerator biscuits
1/2 c melted margarine
1/2 c brown sugar

Mix margarine and brown sugar in casserole pan. Cut biscuits into quarters. Stir in. Bake according to package directions.

Blueberry Coffee Cake

2 c flour
1 c sugar
3 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 c margarine
2 eggs
1 c milk
1 1/2 c blueberries

Mix dry ingredients. Cut in margarine. Add eggs and milk. Stir only until dry mixture is moistened. Fold in blueberries. Pour in greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.

Apple Cake

2 c apples, chopped
1 c flour
1 c sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp vanilla
3 Tbsp margarine, melted

Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add apples. Combine egg, vanilla & margarine. Pour over dry mixture. Mix thoroughly. Batter will be stiff. Spread in greased 9x9 pan. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Alternative: substitute 3 c. diced peaches and 1 tsp cinnamon for the apples.

Sunny Orange Coffee Cake

1 c brown sugar
1/2 c margarine
2 eggs
2 c flour
1/4 tsp salt
3 tsp baking powder
1 c orange juice
1 tsp vanilla

Cream sugar and margarine. Add eggs. Add dry ingredients. Beat well. Add orange juice. Pour into greased 9x9 pan. Bake at 350 for 25030 minutes.

Can add a glaze to the top if desired.

Churches Honey Biscuits

2 c flour
4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp sugar
1/2 c shortening
1 tsp cream of tartar
2/3 milk
1/3 c honey

Place flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, cream of tartar in a mixing bowl. Work in the shortening until the mixture feels like cornmeal. Pour milk into flour and mix well. Knead about 12-15 times. Break dough into about 1/4 - 1/3 cup size and roll dough into balls then pat to 1/2" thickness. Place biscuits into 450 oven and bake 10-12 minutes.

French Onion Soup

Broth

1/4 packet onion soup mix (optional)

Sautéed onions

Toast, cut in cubes

Mozzarella cheese 

Put broth in pan. Add onions. Add soup mix if desired. Heat until desired temperature. 

Put soup in bowl. Add toast pieces. Top with mozzarella. 

Black Beans & Rice

1 bag black beans

Water

Ham

Place beans in large soup pot. Cover with water. Bring water to a boil.  Cook beans for 2 hours or until soft. 

Serve over rice. Add honey if desired. 

Split Pea Soup

Bruncheon Eggs

6 eggs
2 c milk
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dry mustard
1 lb sausage
3 or 4 slices French bread, cubed & sautéed in melted butter

Beat eggs, milk, salt & mustard. Cook & drain sausage. Layer bread, cheese and sausage in greased 9x13 dish. Pour egg mixture over all. Refrigerate overnight. Bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes.

Texas Company Eggs

1/2 lb bacon, cooked
18 eggs
3/4 c milk
8 oz sour cream
1 1/2 c shredded cheddar cheese

Whip eggs and milk. Scramble until they just hold their shape (soft and a little runny) Spread eggs in greased 9x13. While eggs are hot, spread with sour cream. Top with cheese then bacon. Cover. Refrigerate overnight. Bake at 350 uncovered for 20 minutes or until hot.

Nan's Glazed Fruit

If taking to a picnic or potluck double recipe

1 - 20 oz can pineapple chunks 1 - 11 oz can mandarin oranges
4 oz pkg vanilla pudding & pie filling mix (not instant)
1 - 10 oz jar (drained) maraschino cherries
2 or 3 bananas sliced

Drain pineapple and mandarin oranges, reserving 1 1/2 cups of juice. Combine reserved juice and pudding mix in saucepan; mix well. Cook until thickened, stirring constantly.  Cool. Combine pudding, pineapple, mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries and banana slices in bowl. Mix lightly. Chill before serving. May be made 1 day ahead.  

Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Breast

1 Tbsp brown sugar 

1 1/2 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder 

1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp black pepper

4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless

1 Tbsp oil

Preheat oven to 425. Line baking dish with parchment paper. Flatten chicken breast with roller or mallet and place on paper. Mix dry ingredients together. Drizzle oil over chicken and rub spices on top. Bake for 16-18 minutes or to internal temperature of 165. Take out of oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. 

Peanut Butter Cookies

1 c sugar    

1 c peanut butter 

1 egg

Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients together. Take a spoonful of dough and roll into a ball and place on parchment paper. Use a fork dipped in sugar to cross-cross the tops of the cookies. Bake for 12 minutes or til lightly browned. Let cool. 

Tips: break eggs into measuring cup first so that peanut butter slides out easily, mix in enough sugar that dough is a little stiff and not sticky, only bake cookies til lightly brown then allow to cool until they harden.