October 3, 2012

Chicken Fried Chicken

There is nothing more comforting on a rainy day than warm food!  A few days ago, when it was raining cats and dogs, the only thing I wanted to do was curl up in a blanket and eat something warm!  One of the most comforting meals I can think of is chicken fried chicken!  It's a Southern classic, and soothes any soul.  This is one of the BEST chicken recipes I have ever made. If you are wanting something super good and crowd pleasing, this is the dish to make.  This is a perfect dinner to make for company too.  I have yet to meet someone who doesn't like chicken fried chicken- or at least the gravy on top :o)

Chicken Fried Chicken

4 skinned and boned chicken breasts
1-2 tsp salt
2-3 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 sleeve saltine crackers, crushed (I used whole wheat and it was still good!)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup milk
1 large egg
oil for frying
Flatten chicken breasts to 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Sprinkle with half of the salt and pepper. Set aside. Combine cracker crumbs, flour, baking powder, remaining salt and pepper. Whisk together milk and egg. Dredge chicken in cracker crumb mixture; dip in milk mixture, and dredge in cracker mixture again. Coat a skillet with enough oil to completely cover the bottom, about 1/4 inch. Over medium high heat fry chicken, in batches, 10 minutes, adding oil as needed. Turn and fry 4 to 5 more minutes or until golden brown. Remove to a wire rack in a cookie sheet and place in oven to keep warm, at 225 degrees.

Country Gravy
1/3 cup flour
2 - 3 tablespoons pan drippings
3 cups milk
salt & pepper to taste

Reserve 2 -3 tablespoons of the drippings in skillet. Add 1/3 cup flour to the skillet with the drippings. Cook over medium high heat. Using a whisk mix the flour into the drippings until it starts to brown and become a paste (roux). Whisk constantly.

Slowly add the milk whisking constantly and blending the liquid with the flour mixture until combined. Let the gravy come to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer until the gravy thickens up. If the gravy is too thick, add more milk.

Enjoy :o)

September 25, 2012

Cheesy Chili Hash Brown Bake

This week has brought us the beginning of Fall, and our weather here in Kentucky is total proof of it! I love this time of year.  It's cozy and comforting, plus Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner!  What is better than that?  Cool days and cooler nights always put me in the mood for some real comfort food.  What better comfort food for a Fall day than a pot of chili (with noodles of course!) When I saw this recipe in Southern Living, I instantly wanted to try it.  It combined a classic- chili, with hash browns and cheese.  This is comfort food to the max!  Plus, anything with cheese must be good.  I made a few adjustments to the Southern Living version and it was still an amazing outcome!  I substituted home made chili for the ground beef and chili with beans, then simply added the hash browns and cheese.  I think you will enjoy this!  It's even tastier topped with fresh jalapenos!


Ingredients


  • 1 1/2 pounds
     lean ground beef or turkey 
  • (15.5-oz.) can original sloppy joe sauce
  • (15-oz.) can chili with beans
  • 1/2 (30-oz.) package frozen country-style shredded hash browns (about 4 cups)
  • 2 cups (8 oz.) shredded Cheddar cheese 
  1. Preparation
  2. 1. Preheat oven to 425°. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring often, 7 to 10 minutes or until meat crumbles and is no longer pink. Stir in sloppy joe sauce and chili.
  3. 2. Spoon chili mixture into 8 lightly greased 10-oz. ramekins. Top with frozen hash browns.
  4. 3. Bake, covered, at 425° for 30 minutes; uncover and bake 10 more minutes or until browned and crisp. Sprinkle with cheese, and bake 5 more minutes or until cheese is melted.
  5. Note: We tested with Manwich Original Sloppy Joe Sauce and Hormel Chili with Beans. Chili mixture can be baked in a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish as directed.

September 19, 2012

Chocolate Chip Cookie Delight

If you are craving chocolate chip cookies, you will definitely want to try this recipe!  It is a lot like the chocolate delight that you've probably had at some point.  It's the addictive dessert that has a shortbread crust, and a creamy chocolate pudding mixture.  It's amazing. This recipe is even more amazing!  It has a chocolate chip cookie crust, a cheesecake layer, a chocolate pudding layer, and a whipped topping.  It's the perfect ending to any day!  When I made this it was completely gone (pan licked) in two days!  This gets 2 thumbs up :o)

From Taste of Home:

Ingredients

  • 1 tube (16-1/2 ounces) refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1 carton (12 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided
  • 3 cups cold 2% milk
  • 1 package (3.9 ounces) instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • Chopped nuts and chocolate curls, optional

Directions

  • Let cookie dough stand at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften. Press into an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 14-16 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
  • In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Fold in 1-3/4 cups whipped topping. Spread over crust.
  • In a large bowl, whisk milk and pudding mixes for 2 minutes. Spread over cream cheese layer. Top with remaining whipped topping. Sprinkle with nuts and chocolate curls if desired.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight until firm.

September 14, 2012

Red Velvet Poke Cake

One of my favorite flavors is chocolate.  Any kind of chocolate will usually make any and everything better!  I like it in cake, cookie, cupcake, drink, candy, and basically any form.  So when I came across this recipe online, I knew I had to try it!  It's a combination of red velvet cake, cool whip, oreos, and cheesecake!  Could it get any better? This really is an easy cake to make, and it's simply wonderful!


Ingredients:
1 box Red Velvet cake mix
ingredients needed to make cake (eggs, oil & water)
1 (3.4 oz.) box instant Cheesecake-flavored pudding
2 cups milk
1 (8 oz.) tub frozen whipped topping, thawed
10 Oreo cookies, crushed (optional)

1.) Make red velvet cake according to box directions.  Let the cake cool, then poke holes across the entire cake.  (You can use a straw, or a chop stick.)
2.)  Make cheesecake pudding according to box directions, spread evenly across cake, making sure pudding fills the holes.
3.) Top with whipped cream and oreos.
Enjoy :o)

September 6, 2012

Chocolate Pecan Graham Cracker Snacks

Over the weekend I was craving something chocolate.  Unfortunately, I hadn't been to the store to buy anything, so my options were very limited!  I looked through the pantry to see what I could come up with.  I had cinnamon graham cracker sticks, chocolate chips, and pecans.  I melted some chocolate chips and drizzled it over the cinnamon graham cracker sticks.  Then topped it off with some chopped pecans and chocolate chips.  This actually turned out to be one of my most eaten inventions, and it fully satisfied my craving!  I hope you enjoy!  These make a perfect football snack or a nice treat while watching one of your favorite shows coming up! These are seriously so easy to make, and even easier to eat! And as always, they are best when enjoyed with a nice, hot, cup of coffee!

1 box cinnamon graham cracker sticks
1 cup mini chocolate chips, melt 1/2 cup and reserve the rest.
1/2 cup chopped pecans

-Melt 1/2 cup chocolate chips.  Drizzle over graham cracker sticks. Top with the remaining chocolate chips and chopped pecans.

*If you can't seem to find the graham cracker sticks, you can always sub regular graham crackers!  The toppings are also limitless :o)

August 25, 2012

Golden Grahams S'mores Bars

This is the perfect time of year for a bonfire, or in our case, a fire pit!  And what else goes better with a bonfire than S'mores?  This Golden Graham S'mores bar recipe is a great spin on the original treat. It's a perfect combination with all of the wonderful flavors of S'mores, but not as messy! I will warn you: they are addictive, and you may want a big cold glass of milk close by :o)



Golden Grahams S'mores Bars
from Cooks.com

Ingredients:
-3/4 cup light corn syrup
-3 tbsp butter
-1 package (2 cups) chocolate chips
-3 cups mini marshmallows
-1 tsp vanilla
-1 box Golden Grahams cereal

Directions:
1. Grease a 13 x 9 inch pan and set aside.
2. Over medium heat, heat syrup, butter, and chocolate chips, stirring constantly until chocolate chips are melted. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
3. Place cereal in a large bowl. Pour chocolate mixture over cereal and mix until completely coated. Fold in marshmallows, 1 cup at a time.
4. Press into pan and let sit 1 hour (refrigerate if desired).

August 24, 2012

Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken


Spicy food is a favorite in our home. When I came across this Jalapeño Popper Chicken recipe I knew I had to try it! I added a few extras in the recipe to make it even more tasty! This recipe is a perfect combination of spicy, creamy, and delicious! It's wonderful with mashed potatoes and your favorite veggies..I hope you enjoy :o)


Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup finely crushed tortilla chips
2 tsp. olive oil

1.5 – 2 tsp. chili lime seasoning (such as Tajin)
2 tsp. garlic salt, divided

8 oz. reduced fat cream cheese

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1-2 jalapeño peppers, seeds and ribs removed, minced

1 cup milk
4-5 chicken breasts
Preheat the oven to 375.
In a small skillet over medium heat, combine the panko crumbs with the olive oil. Cook, stirring often, until the panko is golden and crispy. Place in a shallow bowl or dish. To the panko, add tortilla chips, chili lime seasoning and 1 tsp garlic salt, stir to combine.
Add milk in another shallow bowl or dish. In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, 1 tsp. garlic salt, and jalapeños.
Using a small knife, cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, or horizontally slice the chicken through the center, until it is almost butterflied. Evenly divide the cream cheese mixture between each chicken breast’s pocket. Use toothpicks to secure, if necessary.
Dip the chicken pieces one at a time first into the milk, and then into the panko breadcrumb mixture, making sure to coat the chicken completely. Place the chicken on the prepared baking rack and cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
Enjoy :o)

August 23, 2012

Pumpkin Crunch Coffee Cake

Pumpkin Crunch Coffee Cake

Fall is my favorite time of the year! I love everything about it..the crisp and cool weather, the changing colors of the leaves, the comfy clothes, inviting atmospheres, and the warm comfort food!  There is nothing that says Fall more than the flavor of pumpkin.  I found a recipe for pumpkin coffee cake and added a few extra touches.  I think you will enjoy this! It's exceptionally amazing with a nice hot cup of coffee! Enjoy! Happy (almost) Fall :o)



⅓ cups Water
1 can Pureed Pumpkin (15 Oz)
2 whole Eggs
1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract
2 teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice
1 box Yellow Cake Mix (18 Ounce Box)
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1 cup Brown Sugar, Divided
½ cups Flour 

4 Tablespoons Butter
¼ cups Granulated Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
¼ cups whole milk
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 small container cool-whip topping

Preparation Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350F.

In a large bowl mix together the water, pumpkin, eggs, 1 Tablespoon of vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined. Add the cake mix and baking soda and mix until just combined.

Grease a 9×13 pan and pour batter into pan.

In a small bowl cut in butter with 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 cup flour. Sprinkle over the top of the cake. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

For the glaze, combine the other 1/2 cup brown sugar, granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and milk in a saucepan and bring to a simmer until all sugar is dissolved.

When cake is finished baking, poke holes in the top with a toothpick. Pour glaze over the cake. Serve cake warm or at room temperature.

Top with cool whip and chopped pecans.

Enjoy :o)



January 17, 2012

I'm back!

Well, I am back! I have waited way to long too do this! However, I do have a good excuse: I had my little Hannah banana, who happens to be my everything :o) Anyway, I will be posting on here much more often, and with other things besides food! I have so many creative things that I want to make and share, so this will be my avenue of sharing it!