Chicken Salad

3 Chicken breasts shredded
2 pk ramen noodles crushed
1 bunch grapes halved
6 T. Sesame seeds
1 head cabbage
1 small pk almonds

Mix and coat with dressing

Dressing
2/3 C. oil
1 tsp salt
3 T sugar
1/2 t. pepper
4 T vinegar
ramen flavor packs

Mix and pour over salad

Really yummy even the next day when the noodles are soft.

Sausage Fettuccini

1 lb. ground Italian sausage
1 to 2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 T. all-purpose four
1-1/2 to 2 c. half-and-half
2 to 3 T. grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste
8 oz. pkg. fettuccini, cooked

Brown sausage, garlic and onion; whisk in flour, half-and-half, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Heat thoroughly without boiling. Spoon over fettuccini. Serves 4.

Wild Rice Soup

This is great for a cold winter day. It's super yummy and different from your typical soup.
1 (6 oz) pkg. Wild Rice (I think I used Uncle Ben's, which you can find next to the Rice-a-Roni's and things)
1 c. finely chopped onion
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. dried chervil (which I didn't have, so I just left it out)
1 tsp. or more curry powder (I like curry, so I added more for a stronger flavor)
1/2 tsp. dried mustard
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 c. butter, melted
1 (8 oz) pkg. sliced fresh mushrooms (which I avoided since I don't like them. You can leave them out or put them in for the flavor, then take them out later. I like the flavor, just hate the sliminess)
1/2 c. thinly sliced celery
1/2 c. flour
6 c. chicken broth
2 c. half and half
Cook wild rice according to package directions. Meanwhile, cook onion and next 5 ingredients in butter in a large Dutch oven (or wok) over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until onion is tender.
Add mushrooms and celery; cook, stirring constantly, until mushrooms are tender. Reduce heat to low. Add flour, stirring until blended. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Gradually add chicken broth; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened.
Stir in cooked rice, half-and-half and cook until thoroughly heated. Yield: 12 cups

Meg's Stir Fry

I have hesitated to put this recipe on, although it is really good, because when I come up with my own recipes the measurements are, at best, very vague. Hopefully, I can give you a good enough idea to recreate what I make. :-)

Stew meat (or any meat you can cut into half-inch cubes) I use elk or deer most of the time, sometimes beef. I use about a half-pound of meat, but you can use as much or as little as you like.

1 bag frozen vegetables -- I've used many different varieties, our favorite is GV Deluxe Stir Fry, I've also tried adding my own mix of veggies, but the frozen bags are much easier.

Sauce:
2 c. beef broth
2 T. cornstarch
1/2 c. soy sauce

Cut the meat into half-inch cubes and fry in a large skillet. Add the veggies, heat until warm

Meanwhile, mix broth, soy sauce and cornstarch. When the veggies are heated add the sauce to the meat and veggies. Bring to a boil and let thicken.

Serve over rice.

Sweet & Spicy Glazed Steaks

I officialy have the most awesome husband ever. Last night he surprised me with dinner! He made Sweet & Spicy Glazed Steaks, a recipe he found himself. It was YUMMY, and I asked for the recipe so I could put it on here.

1/2 cup chunky salsa
1/4 cup ketchup
2 Tbsp packed brown sugar
1 Tbsp Dijon-style mustard
Steaks

Combine all ingredients in medium bowl. Reserve 1/2 cup; brush remaining on steaks during last 5 minutes of grilling (or broiling). Serve with reserved sauce. Makes about 3/4 cup.

Chicken & Noodles

8-oz. pkg. medium egg noodles, cooked
3 10-3/4 oz. cans cream of chicken soup
16 oz. can chicken broth
6-1/2 oz. can chicken

Combine ingredients in a large saucepan; heat until hot and mixture reaches desired consistency. Makes 4 to 6 servings.


Note: There are endless possibilities with Chicken & Noodles! Add whatever veggies are handy or sprinkle with cheese for a twist!

Make Ahead and Freeze Mexican Wraps

I tried this recipe the other day, it turned out really good and it's quite easy. A couple of notes: it makes a ton. It says it's for 16 tortillas, I halved the recipe, filled 12 tortillas, and still had enough left over for one or two more. I would say if you make the full recipe you will need a lot more than 16 tortillas. Also, I used frozen corn, cheddar cheese, and put in a full can of diced tomatoes, since I didn't know what to do with half a can of leftover tomatoes. I didn't try freezing any of them because they all got eaten. Enjoy!

2 cups uncooked brown rice
4 cups water with salt added (may use garlic salt)
4 (15-ounce) cans black beans
2 (15.5-ounce) cans pinto beans
1 (10-ounce) can whole kernel corn
1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (or your favorite salsa)
16 (10-inch) flour tortillas
1 pound shredded pepper jack cheese

Combine rice and water in a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35 to 40 minutes, or until tender.

While rice is cooking, place black beans and pinto beans into a colander or strainer and rinse. Add corn and diced tomatoes with green chilies and mix. Transfer to a large bowl and mix in rice and cheese.

Divide the mixture evenly among the tortillas and roll up.

If freezing: wrap individually in plastic wrap, place into a large freezer bag and freeze. Reheat as needed in the microwave for lunch or snacks.

Chile-Cheese 'Taters

32-oz. pkg. frozen seasoned potato wedges
1/2 c. butter, sliced
1 onion, chopped
4-1/2 oz. can chopped green chiles, diced
12-oz. pkg. shredded mozzarella and Cheddar cheese blend
10-3/4 oz. can cream of chicken soup
1-1/2 c. sour cream

Arrange a layer of potato wedges in the bottom of a greased 13"x9" baking pan; dot with butter. Combine remaining ingredients; spread over potato wedges. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes. Serves 4-6.

Creamy Italian Chicken

This is from 101 Things to do with a crock pot. We LOVE it and it is super easy.

4 frozen skinless chicken breasts
1 envelope dry Italian salad dressing mix
1 can (10 3/4 oz. ) cream of chicken soup
1 pkg. (8oz.) cream cheese, softened

Combine all ingredients in greased 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on low 6 to 8 hours. (We like it plain or serve over white rice.)

Curry Chicken Casserole

This is a recipe Ariana requested from Derek Curtis, but as he didn't have permission to post here or something, he sent it my way in the hope that I would pass it along. I did, and I am also going to post it here, because I have since found out that Derek does 70 to 80% of the cooking at their house, but for some reason, he tries to hide that fact. I already warned him that I was going to tell the world, so here goes!

4 large chicken breasts
1 c. Cheddar cheese
3/4 c. dry bread crumbs


Sauce

1 c. cream of chicken soup
1/2 c. Miracle Whip
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. curry powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Boil chicken in water until tender. Remove, cool, and tear into small pieces. Put a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 pan, add chicken and pour sauce over the top. Mix until all chicken is covered. Add the cheese to the top and bread crumbs on top of the cheese.

Bake at 350°, uncovered, for 30 minutes.

Goes great over rice; I usually use brown rice, or if I'm in the mood for a lot of curry, yellow rice (says Derek).

Cheese Enchiladas

Mary, here is the recipe you requested . . . (Yummy & easy - that's why I like it!)

1 pkg. Tortillas
Grated Cheese (about 1/4 cup per tortilla)
Chopped Onion (desired amount)
1 Can Enchilada Sauce (Rosarita is yummy - maybe a big can)
1 Envelope Brown Gravy Mix


Make gravy as described on envelope. Add can of enchilada sauce. Pour a small amount of combined gravy/sauce mix in bottom of glass baking pan. Set the rest aside. Fill tortillas with cheese and onion and roll up. Place tortillas seam side down in 9 x 13 pan. Cover with remaining sauce. Sprinkle a small amount of cheese on top. Bake at 350* until cheese inside tortillas is melted and sauce is bubbly. Top with sour cream and lettuce. Optional: add cooked chicken, London broil, or other meat cooked in salt and pepper.

Sorry this recipe is a little vague - I called Heidi to see what size of can of enchilada sauce, and she didn't remember. It is flexible, though, depending on how much sauce you like on stuff!

Macaroni and Cheese

Soooo yummy!

INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 pound elbow macaroni
8 tablespoons (1 stick) plus 1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded Muenster cheese
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded mild Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack
2 cups half-and-half
1 cup (8 ounces) Velveeta, cut into small cubes
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter a deep 2 1/2-quart
casserole.

Cook Macaroni until barely done or not quite done. Strain and return to pan.

In a small pan, melt 1 cube butter and dump into macaroni

Add half and half,1 ½ cups shredded cheese, velveta and eggs to the macaroni

Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to the buttered casserole. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2
cup of shredded cheese and dot with the remaining one tablespoon of butter.

Bake until it's bubbling around the edges, about 35 minutes. Serve hot.


Nutritional information: 798 calories, 49.3 grams of fat, 28.6 grams
saturated fat, 202 mg cholesterol, 786 mg sodium, 61.0 grams carbohydrates,
27.7 grams protein, 1.8 grams fiber

Chicken Alfredo Sandwiches

I made these for dinner last night and they tasted SOOOO good!!! They are easy and fairly fast, so when you are in need of a quick meal, these should satisfy. They are even pretty healthy and perfect for the warmer weather. Enjoy!

1/2 tsp. Italian Seasoning
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
red pepper, cut into strips (you can roast these if you'd like)
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley (or 2 tsp. or so of dried parsley)
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
4 Italian rolls, split
1 cup fresh baby spinach
1/2 cup-1 cup Alfredo Sauce, warmed (the amount depends on how much you want on your sandwich, really)

1. Combine the Italian Seasoning, salt and pepper; sprinkle over chicken. In a large skillet, cook chicken in oil over medium heat for 8-10 minutes on each side (I put the seasoning on both sides of the chicken), or until juices run clear (you know the drill, right?). Top with red pepper strips during the last 3 minutes of cooking.

2. In a small bowl, combine the butter, parsley, onion powder and garlic powder; brush over cut sides of rolls. Place cut side up on an ungreased cookie sheet and broil until lightly browned.

3. On each roll bottom, layer 1/4 cup spinach, 1 Tbsp. (or more) Alfredo Sauce, a chicken breast half and another tablespoon or so of Alfredo Sauce. Replace roll tops. Eat and Enjoy!

Mexican Roast

Super Easy and delish crock-pot dinner:

Mexican roast
3-5 lb beef roast
1/2 c water
1 small onion
2 cloves garlic
1 t. dried oregano
1 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
1 14 oz can mexican style crushed tomatoes (I can't always find crushed tomatoes, so I get the sliced ones and put them in the blender for a few seconds)
1 4oz can chopped green chilies

Brown roast on all sides with oil in skillet (I don't do this and it turns out fine!)
Place in crock pot. Combine remaining ingredients and pour over roast. Cover and cook on low for 10-12 hours. Shred beef with forks and serve with sauce,
Serve with tortillas, (I buy the kind you cook your self) cheese, beans, lettuce, sour cream, tortilla chips. Can make into salad, or taco's/burritos.

*It makes a ton, so you can freeze half and save for another meal.

Almond Chicken Salad

This is Savannah's recipe from our family cookbook and I made it for dinner last night and both Spencer and I thought it was a perfect spring/summer meal...light and easy! I had to make a few changes, due to ingredients, but anyway, thanks Vans for the great recipe.

Almond Chicken Salad
2-3 cups cubed cooked chicken
15 oz. can of Mandarin Oranges
8 oz. can Pinapple tidbits
1/4 cup almonds, cashews, or in my case last night, since I had neither of those, Macadamia nuts (worked great with the oranges and pineapple)
Salad Dressing (or Mayo, Miracle Whip, whichever you prefer) a big spoonful or so
Plain Yogurt (about 2 big spoonfuls, I think...8 oz or so would probably be good)
a bit of salt and pepper, to taste
and then I also added chow mein noodles

Mix together and serve in Pita Bread. It's really good!