Spicy Mamas

Cheesy Potato Chowder

2010-01-26T18:33:00.003-07:00

2 cups diced potatoes
1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup sliced carrots
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 cups water
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar(sharp is best :-) )
1/4 cup flour
1/4 lb ham diced

Mix veggies, salt, pepper and water in pot. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes until veggies are tender. While veggies are cooking, in separate small pan melt butter and then stir in flour. Add milk and cook for 3-4 minutes or until heated, stirring occasionally. Add cheese and stir until melted. Do NOT drain water off of cooked veggies. Add cheesy sauce and ham to veggies, simmer for a few minutes until ham is heated.
Enjoy! :-) This soup is soooooooo good! I like to double the carrots and celery and have a thick soup. The original recipe called for cooking the whole thing in the microwave, I adapted it for stove top.
Stacie

Polly's bread machine recipe #2

2010-01-14T17:17:00.006-07:00

1 1/2 cups hot water
3 Tbsp. Oil
1 egg
1 1/2 Tbsp sugar
3/4 Tbsp salt
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
3 cups white flour
1 Tbsp. yeast

Polly always mixes it on the one hour bread machine cycle. When it is done mixing, she turns it off and the heat in the breadmaker raises it to the top of the pan. Then she makes whatever she wants to make with it.

Hamburger buns:
Make 15 balls put them on a large greased cookiesheet/jelly roll type pan in rows of 3 balls X 5 balls. Then flatten them til they touch. Let raise til doubled in size. And bake at 350 for 10 – 15 minutes or til lightly browned.

Pizza
Take one recipe, roll out in a large pizza pan, poke with a fork. Bake til barely brown. Do not raise. Then put on toppings and bake til heated and cheese is melted.

Cinnamon rolls Polly’s way
Roll out flat. Coat dough with oil, sprinkle on white sugar and cinnamon. Let raise and bake. Makes one pan full.
Submitted by Grandma Susie

Mexican Rice and Beans

2009-10-26T21:22:00.003-06:00

2+ cups beans ( Kidney and Black beans)
1 1/2 cups corn (frozen)
1 jar of salsa
2 1/2 cups V8 juice
1 cup uncooked brown rice
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon oregano
3/4 teaspoon salt
Shredded cheddar cheese for the top (after cooked)

In a 9×13 inch baking dish place all the ingredients together and stir until mixed.
Cover with foil and bake in a 375 degree oven for 1 1/2 hours or until rice is cooked. Sprinkle your shredded cheese over the top of cooked casserole and place back in oven until melted.

We just had this for the first time tonight and loved it! It's going to become a staple here! :-)

Enjoy! Stacie

Pesto Perfecto!

2009-09-02T20:38:00.005-06:00

2 cups fresh basil (thoroughly washed and dried)
4 lg. garlic cloves
1 cup pine nuts or almonds
1 cup olive oil
1 1/4 cups freshly grated Romano cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Place basil, garlic and pine nuts in food processor and chop finely. While food processor is running add olive oil in a steady stream. Add cheese, salt and pepper and mix well. Store in refrigerator or drop by large spoonful(or cookie scoop) onto a wax lined cookie sheet and freeze. After they are frozen solid, place them into a freezer container. Put one or two into spaghetti sauce or thaw and spread on pizza crust before adding other pizza stuff. Spread on bread and grill to serve with grilled meat. Makes a pasta salad delicious!
Makes 3 cups

This pesto is so good!!! I was able to get a big bunch of fresh basil at farmers market for only $3 to make a batch of this. For the cheese, at Sam's I found a four cheese grated blend that is really yummy. Try this pesto to make this sandwich: toasted bread, pesto, sliced mozzarella, sliced tomato, sliced avocado, salt and pepper, fresh basil leaves, more pesto on top slice of bread. A slice of chicken breast would be good too!
Enjoy! Stacie

Easy Peach Jello Jam

2009-08-26T15:08:00.001-06:00

Makes 3-4 pints
6 cups mashed fruit (I cut them in very small chunks)
3 cups sugar
2 (3 oz) pkgs peach jello
1 Tbs lemon juice (optional)

Immerse peaches in boiling water for 2 minutes and then rub the skins off under cold water. Cut peaches in small pieces. I even used a potato masher.
Mix fruit and sugar in large pan.
Bring to boil and boil 3 minutes. Stir often so it doesn’t scorch.
Add jello.
Cool and freeze in clean containers. This recipe can be doubled.
Enjoy! Grama Susie

Soft Molasses Cookies

2009-08-11T13:54:00.000-06:00

Soft Molasses cookies

½ cup butter, softened
½ c. shortening
1 ½ c. sugar
½ c. molasses
2 eggs
4 c. flour
½ tsp. salt
2 ¼ tsp. baking soda
2 ¼ tsp. ground ginger
1 ½ tsp. ground cloves
1 ½ tsp. ground cinnamon

In large mixing bowl, cream together butter, shortening and sugar until light colored and fluffy. Beat in molasses and eggs. Add dry ingredients and blend thoroughly. Roll dough into walnut size balls. Roll in sugar and place 2 ½ inches apart on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 11 minutes. Do not overbake. Cool on wire rack. Store in lightly covered container to maintain softness. Yield: about 3 doz.

Starbucks Caramel Macchiato

2009-07-01T17:00:00.002-06:00

Homemade Starbucks Iced Caramel Macchiato

Ingredients* Vanilla Syrup* 2 cups water* 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar* 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract* 1/2 cup fresh espresso* 8 ounces milk, steamed with foam* 3 to 4 tablespoons caramel sauce* 4 small ice cubes and (optional) whipped creamDirections1. You can use vanilla syrup from a bottle or from Starbucks for the drink or make your own vanilla syrup following this Top Secret Recipe:2. HOT Caramel Macchiato3. Simply combine 2 cups water and 1 1/2 cups sugar in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, then add 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract. Remove from heat and cool. Store in a covered container.4. To make your coffee drink, add two tablespoon of vanilla syrup to a 16-ounce glass. Add 1/2 cup fresh brewed espresso followed by 8 ounces of steamed milk.5. Add 3 to 4 tablespoons caramel sauce to the drink. Stir before drinking.6. NOTE: Iced Caramel Macchiato7. Same ingredients, plus some small ice cubes and (optional) whipped cream:8. In a pint glass or iced tea glass (we're assuming 16 oz), add vanilla syrup and fill about 3/5 of the way with cold milk. Add ice almost to the top and pour espresso (2 shots would be typical) over the top. If you've done it right, the espresso will mix in only about halfway down without stirring. If adding whipped cream, add it here. Drizzle the top with caramel and enjoy.9. Makes one 16-ounce drink (grande size).*Note* You can now pocket the $3.90!!!

Lisa McConnell sent this to me this afternoon. I haven't had a chance to try it, but it sounded so good! Grma Susie

Old Fashioned Colorado Green Chili

2009-01-20T20:17:00.003-07:00

This is a simple recipe that can easily be modified to suit your taste.
Ingredients:
2 lbs. cubed pork
1 tbsp. minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
1/4 tsp pepper
3 tbsp. flour
2 cups diced fresh tomatoes (you can substitute 1 14 oz can)
1 14.5 oz can chicken broth
1 cup water
2 ½ cups diced green chilies (about 20 chilies)
2 cups diced onion.
Salt & pepper to taste.
Instructions:Brown pork in skillet with garlic and pepper. Add flour and brown as well. In crock pot, mix pork, garlic, tomatoes, water, green chilies and onion. Simmer for at least 2 hours. Water can be added to thin down and flour can be added to thicken.(You can also cook it in a large pot on the stove at low heat.)Hint: Let simmer at least an hour before tasting and modifying by adding chilies, more tomatoes, garlic, etc.This is a very meaty, very slightly thickened chili – thin for Colorado style chili. If you like really thick chili, use 4-5 tbsp. flour rather than 3 and/or reduce the water.Makes approximately 3 quarts. Serves 8-10.

The following is a note from Karen:

I made this recipe yesterday and it went over very well. I doubled it so I had enough for 2 meals and some to freeze. I added 2 pureed jalapenos as it was pretty mild and it turned out about the right spiciness. You could spice it up or down according to your taste. I had frozen some whole tomatoes from the garden last summer that I used instead of the fresh and they worked well. Instead of chicken broth I used bullion cubes. I made it up in the morning and cooked it all day in the crock pot - you wouldn't have to cook it that long. Yesterday we ate it over tortillas with refried beans, lettuce, cheese, sour cream and picante sauce. Today we ate like a soup with cheese, sour cream, picante sauce, and tortilla chips/and or tortillas on the side. Both ways it was good.
Karen W's recipe...sent by Grma Susie

Clean Out Your Fridge Quiche

2009-01-10T21:20:00.003-07:00

(Makes 2 large pie pans)

12 eggs
1 cup milk
2 cups shredded cheese
1 lb. sausage, browned (or throw in bacon if you prefer)
1/2 cup onion
1 clove garlic, minced
any chopped vegetables of your choice:
spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, red peppers...
salt, pepper, a little but of Lawry's, whatever you like for seasoning
4 cups brown rice, cooked

Grease two pie pans. Press brown rice in pans to make the crust. Saute onion and garlic. Mix all ingredients together. Pour into pie pans.
Bake at 375* for 50-60 minutes. Let sit for 10 minutes.

I was just given this recipe by a friend and we LOVE it! I just made half the recipe. She says she makes them both and sticks one in the freezer. Then it's an easy dinner to just thaw and bake!
Enjoy! Stacie

Jamaican Stew

2009-01-10T21:10:00.004-07:00

2 tsp. olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup chopped red pepper
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
1/2 tsp salt
1 small can diced green chilies
1 can diced tomatoes
4 cups cubed(1/2 inch) sweet potato
1/2 cup water
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp pepper

Stir in right before serving:
3 Tbsp peanut butter

Serve with:
chopped dry roasted peanuts
lime wedges

Heat oil in skillet, saute onion and garlic. Mix with remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil and simmer for 45 minutes or cook in crockpot for 8 hours on low.

I like to throw in some cooked chicken as well. This is one of our favorite soups!
Enjoy! Stacie

Pumpkin Muffins

2008-11-19T20:58:00.002-07:00

1 1/2 cup flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup sugar
1 cup pumpkin
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp salt
Mix dry ingredients and set aside. In large bowl beat eggs. Stir in pumpkin, melted butter and chocolate chips. Slowly add dry ingredients. Spoon into muffin pan, lined with muffin papers. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes. For mini muffins, use mini chocolate chips and bake 15-18 minutes.
These are SCRUMPTIOUS!!! I am not a big fan of chocolate chips in breads/muffins so in the regular size muffins I used 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips. I think closer to 1/2 cup would be perfect. :-)
Enjoy!
Stacie

Grape Salad

2008-10-18T15:11:00.003-06:00

4 lbs grapes(2 lb. green & 2 lb. red), washed and dried
8 oz. cream cheese
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup sugar
2-4 Tbsp brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Cream the cream cheese, sour cream and white sugar. Stir grapes into cream cheese mix. Sprinkle top with brown sugar and chopped pecans.
Makes 10 servings

A great potluck dish!
Stacie

Lisa's Awesome Bean Salad

2008-10-18T15:07:00.002-06:00

1 can corn
1 can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
3 medium plum tomatoes, chopped (approx. 1 1/2 cup)
1/3 cup chopped onion
1 Tbsp + 1 tsp dried basil
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
2 Tbsp lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste
Chopped cilantro(optional)

Mix all ingredients together. Serve chilled.
Makes 8 servings

We love this salad!
Stacie

The Best Zuchinni Bread

2008-10-18T14:59:00.004-06:00

3 eggs
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup applesauce
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
3 cups grated zucchini
1 tsp vanilla
2 tsp maple extract
2 cups white flour
1 cup wheat flour
3 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Topping:
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup flour
2 Tbsp butter
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
3/4 cup oatmeal

Preheat oven to 325*. Grease and flour 2 loaf pans.
In large bowl, beat eggs until light and fluffy. Mix in oil, applesauce and sugars. Stir in zucchini, vanilla and maple. Combine remaining ingredients and stir in egg mixture. Divide into prepared pans.
Combine topping ingredients and spread over the top of the loaves.
Bake for 60-70 min. or until done!
YUM!!!!
Enjoy! Stacie

Blueberry/Cherry Rhubarb jam

2008-06-27T10:36:00.002-06:00

5 cups cut up rhubarb
1 cup water
3-4 cups sugar
1 15 ¾ oz. can blueberry or cherry pie filling
2 3 oz, pkgs. Raspberry jello(for blueberry); cherry jello with cherry pie filling)

1. Cook rhubarb and water until tender.
2. Add sugar and cook a few minutes more, stirring constantly.
3. Add pie filling and cook 8 minutes more.
4. Remove from heat and stir in jello and stir until dissolved.
5. Pour into containers and store in refrigerator or freezer.

I use sugar-free jello and 3 cups of sugar and it is still plenty sweet. Mom purees the cherry pie filling because some of her kids and grandkids do not like whole cherries in their jam…we on the other hand, like them. I mostly use the cherry pie filling as that is what our family likes best and that’s what was served at Convention for the most part. Kathy Williams' recipe...submitted by Grandma Susie

Soup with Stuff in it

2008-01-30T12:08:00.000-07:00

1 lb hamburger, browned
1 can each of:
Stewed tomatoes
Special tomato sauce
Sliced carrots (or diced)
Sliced potatoes
Wax beans
Green beans
Kernel corn
Chili beans (NOT drained!)

one chopped onion
1/4 cup brown sugar
water as needed
cheese to top with when serving

This is so easy! Just add it all together and simmer it for awhile or throw it in the crockpot and let it sit. This is very freezable too! It's pretty flexible too - add other beans, different veggies or whatever you've got on hand. Enjoy! Melody

The Best Ever, Good-For-You, Oatmeal Pancakes!

2007-12-08T10:34:00.000-07:00

1 1/4 cups quick cooking oatmeal

1 cup plain yogurt

1 cup low fat milk

1 tsp honey or sugar

1/4 all purpose white flour

1/4 cup whole-wheat flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

2 large eggs, beaten

1/4 cup chopped walnuts

In a large bowl, combine oats, yogurt, milk and honey. Stir in flours, soda, and salt. Add beaten eggs and mix well. Add chopped walnuts. Batter will be thick.

Heat large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spoon about 1/4 cup batter onto hot griddle for each pancake. Cook until bottoms are browned and bubbles on top start to pop, about 3 minutes. Flip and cook until other side is browned, about 2 minutes. Repeat with remaining batter. Add additional milk if batter gets too thick.

Serve hot with maple syrup or fresh fruit. Makes about 12 pancakes.

**This is our favorite pancake recipe. I like to add apple pie spice to the batter. If you don't have plain yogurt, fruit flavored works just as well, it just makes the pancakes a little sweeter. Leftovers (or planned overs!) reheat very well in the toaster oven!!! Yum, yum, yum!!!! Enjoy! Stacie

Turkey Enchiladas

2007-12-02T20:29:00.000-07:00

3 tablespoons plus 1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 3/4 cups finely chopped onions
1 28-ounce can enchilada sauce
5 plum tomatoes, finely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped canned chipotle chilies*
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
3 cups coarsely shredded cooked turkey
2 cups grated Monterrey Jack cheese
3/4 cup sour cream
12 5- to 6-inch corn tortillas

*Chipotle chilies canned in a spicy tomato sauce are sold at Latin American markets, at specialty foods stores and at some supermarkets.

Heat 3 tablespoons oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 1/2 cups onions and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Add enchilada sauce, tomatoes and chipotles. Cover; simmer 20 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup cilantro. Season sauce with salt and pepper. Mix turkey, 11/2 cups cheese, sour cream, 1/4 cup onions and 1/2 cup cilantro in bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Cook 1 tortilla until pliable, about 20 seconds per side. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining tortillas.

Spread 1/2 cup sauce in 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dish. Spoon 1/4 cup turkey mixture in center of each tortilla. Roll up tortillas. Arrange seam side down in dish. Spoon 2 1/2 cups sauce over enchiladas. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup cheese. Bake enchiladas until heated through, about 30 minutes.

Rewarm remaining sauce in saucepan over medium-low heat. Transfer to sauce boat. Serve enchiladas, passing sauce separately.

NOTES: I prefer using green enchilada sauce. Sis replaced the turkey with chicken and Mom doesn't fry the tortillas. A great use for leftover turkey or chicken, and goes very well with fresh guac and frijoles a la charra.

Aunt Lisa

Basic Guacamole

2007-12-02T20:23:00.000-07:00

2 ripe avocados
½ small onion, cut up
1 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
2 T lemon juice

Combine all ingredients. Smash avocado with fork to desired consistency. Makes about 1 ¼ cups. Place avocado pit in with any leftovers to keep it from turning brown. Mmmmm mmmm good.

Aunt Lisa

Creamy Chicken Italiano

2007-11-26T09:49:00.000-07:00

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (or chicken breast tenderloins....adjust amount for the number of people you are cooking for)
1 envelope dry Italian salad dressing mix
1/4 cup water
8 0z pkg cream cheese softened
1 can Cream of Chicken soup (Cream of Mushroom is good too)
4 oz can mushroom pieces drained (optional)

Place chicken in slow cooker. Combine salad dressing mix and water, pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours. Combine cheese and soup until blended. Stir in mushrooms, pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low 1 hour or until chicken juices run clear. Serve over noodles or rice.
This has become one of my favorites. It is easy, and VERY tasty! I often double it for company, or for left overs the next day. If you are running behind, you can cook the chicken in the skillet. Do not let it brown if you want the "white" look, just cook it at 250 degrees or so. I use fettuccine noodles and mix them right in after they are cooked, then serve it all mixed together.
Grma Susie

Cappuccino Mousse Trifle

2007-10-25T16:17:00.000-06:00

2 1/2 cups cold milk

1/3 cup instant coffee

2 pkgs. (3.4 oz.) instant vanilla pudding mix

1 (16 oz.) coolwhip, divided

2 (10.75 oz) loaves frozen pound cake, thawed and cubed

1 (1 oz.) square semi-sweet chocolate, grated

1 teaspoon cinnamon

In mixing bowl, stir the coffee granules into the milk until dissolved; remove 1 cup and set it aside. Add pudding mixes to the remaining milk mixture; beat on low speed for 2 minutes or until thickened. Fold in half of the coolwhip.

Place 1/3 of the cake cubes in a 4 qt. serving bowl or trifle bowl; pour on 1/3 of the reserved milk mixture, spread on 1/3 of the pudding mixture and 1/4 of the grated chocolate. Repeat layers two more times. Garnish with remaining coolwhip and chocolate. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Cover and refrigerate until serving. Makes 16-20 servings.

*This is always a hit! It keeps well for a couple days as well. A favorite around here! :-)

Enjoy!! Stacie

Feta Chicken

2007-10-02T21:14:00.000-06:00

6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
8 oz. crumbled feta cheese
Italian style bread crumbs
4 T. butter, melted
garlic powder
thyme

Pound out the chicken breasts with a meat tenderizer until 1/4 to 1/2 thick. Roll in bread crumbs and place on cookie sheet. Put cheese on 1/2 of each and fold over. Sprinkle each with garlic powder and thyme. Drizzle with melted butter and secure shut with toothpicks. Bake at 450* for 20 minutes.

Karena

Mom's Pumpkin Cookies

2007-10-02T21:04:00.000-06:00

2 cups sugar
2 cups shortening
1 (16 oz.) can pumpkin
2 eggs
2 t. vanilla
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
1 t. salt
2 t. ground cinnamon
1 t. ground nutmeg
1/2 t. allspice
1 (12 oz.) pkg. butterscotch chips (optional)
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Cream shortening and sugar. Mix in pumpkin, eggs and vanilla. Add dry ingredients and chips and nuts. Mix well. Bake at 350* for 12-15 minutes.

Makes 7 dozen cookies---but you'll eat them all!!:) :(

Karena

Mediterranean Chicken

2007-10-02T13:12:00.000-06:00

6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 small block of mozzerella cheese, sliced
4 small zuchinni, sliced
4 small yellow squash, sliced
4 large tomatoes, sliced
dried basil
dried oregano
garlic salt
salt and pepper

Place chicken breasts in large baking dish. Sprinkle with garlic salt. Place 3 small slices of cheese on each chicken breast. Then layer 3 slices of zuchinni on each. Sprinkle with basil. Place 3 slices of squash on each. Sprinkle with oregano. Place 2 slices of tomato on each. Season with salt and pepper. Cover dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake at 400* for 30 minutes. Serve with hot cooked rice.
* I like to buy extra zuchinni, squash and tomatoes. I dice them all and put them in a baking dish. Add some basil, oregano, garlic salt, salt and pepper and a little onion. Mix well, add 1/2 cup water, cover tightly and bake at 400* for 30 minutes. Makes a yummy side dish with the chicken! :-)
Enjoy!
Stacie

Peanut Butter Dip

2007-09-11T15:22:00.000-06:00

1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
Apple wedges and miniature pretzels

In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, peanut butter and cinnamon. Stir in chocolate chips. Serve with apples and pretzels.
I made this for the first time recently and it was a big hit with adults and kids. I used lowfat yogurt and peanut butter and that worked well too. Enjoy!! Melody

Beef Sandwiches Au Jus

2007-08-19T16:26:00.000-06:00

2 C. water
1 T. beef bouillon
1/2 tsp. pepper, divided
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1/8 tsp. garlic salt
1 medium onion
1 small green pepper, thinly sliced
4 T. butter, divided
1/4 tsp salt
1 pound sirloin steak, cut into 1/2" strips
4 French Rolls, split
4 slices Provolone cheese

Mix first 5 ingredients, simmer uncovered 15-20 minutes.

Saute onions and green pepper in 2 T. butter until tender, remove and keep warm. Sprinkle with salt and remaining pepper. Cook beef in remaining butter over medium heat until no longer pink. Spoon onto roll bottom, top with cheese and onion/pepper mixture. Replace tops and serve with the Au Jus. SERVES: 4

NOTE: The last time I made this sandwich instead of using steak I cooked a chuck roast then sliced it into the Au Jus and simmered it together for a while. You could also buy sliced roast beef and use it instead of the steak. This is one of our favorite sandwiches. One of the best parts is that it is pretty quick and it's easy. Enjoy ! Linda

Frijoles A La Charra

2007-08-19T14:05:00.000-06:00

8 slices bacon
3 jalapeno chiles, stems and seeds removed, diced
1 onion, diced
1 Qt. pinto beans and juice, cooked
1 tomato, chopped
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
2 T. cilantro, chopped

Saute the bacon, jalapenos and the onion until well browned. Add the beans, tomato and spices; bring to a boil, add cilantro, reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes.
NOTE: You can adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes. I usually make sure they have plenty of jalapenos in them and usually I had more cilantro.....just don't overcook the cilantro or you will loose the cilantro taste.

Enjoy! Linda

Southwestern Chicken Panini

2007-08-17T14:02:00.000-06:00

2 cups cilantro
4 cloves garlic
1 jalepeno, seeded and chopped
juice of 1/2 lime
Pinch of salt
2 Tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 Tbsp canned chipotle chili in adobo sauce, minced
1/2 tsp sugar
4 slices bread
2 oz. pepper jack cheese, thinly sliced
3 oz. rotisserie chicken, torn in large pieces

Pulse cilantro, garlic, jalepeno, lime juice and salt in a food processor until minced. Scrape down sides of bowl. With machine running, drizzle in oil until paste forms. (Yummy pesto!) Combine mayonnaise, chipotle and sugar in a small bowl. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Spread mayonnaise mixture on the other side of two pieces and 1 Tbsp. pesto on the other side of the remaining two slices. Top pesto with cheese and chicken. Place the other two slices of bread on top. Grill sandwiches in skillet or panini grill. (Extra pesto can be frozen.)
Enjoy! Stacie

Stuffed Pasta Shells

2007-08-07T19:07:00.000-06:00

4 cups (16 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach,
thawed and well drained
1 package (12 ounces) jumbo pasta shells,
cooked and drained
1 jar (28 ounces) spaghetti sauce

Combine cheeses and spinach; stuff into shells.
arrange in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish.
Pour spaghetti sauce over the shells. Cover and
bake at 350* for 30 minutes or until heated through.
Yield: 12-14 servings. Great for potlucks or spliting
it in half and freezing it! Enjoy!
Sara M.

Bread Machine Bread Recipe

2007-07-30T09:02:00.001-06:00

1 1/4 c. hot water
1 egg (I use jumbo size)
1/4 c. oil
1/4 c. sugar
1/2 Tbs salt
2 Tbs inst milk
2 Tbs inst potato
1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
2 c. white flour
1 Tbs gluten
2 tsp. yeast

Put ingredients in bread machine in order listed.... run on dough cycle. Remove and put into 2 greased bread pans. Let rise 1/2 hour and bake 23-24 minutes at 350. I like the shape of the loaves better in the traditional bread pans.
Hints: You can check the bread machine pan after it has mixed awhile and see if you need to add a TBS water...in case your egg is smaller, or your flour is different. I mix several baggies of the dry ingredients (not the yeast) when I have all the mess out. The bread machine kneads for much longer than my patience lets me knead with the mixer, so it makes a really nice smooth texture. My favorite wheat flour is Montana Wheat from Walmart.
Grma Susie

Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies

2007-07-29T21:11:00.000-06:00

2/3 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
2/3 cup white chocolate chips

Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, mix well. Combine oats, flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to butter mixture slowly, mixing well. Stir in cranberries and white chocolate chips. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire rack.
These are my favorite cookies. The dough is scrumptious! These also freeze very well.
Enjoy! Stacie

Angel Biscuits

2007-07-29T17:52:00.000-06:00

5 C. flour (can use part whole wheat flour)
3 T. sugar
5 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. soda
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 C. shortening
1 T. active dry yeast
5 T. warm water (105*-115*F)
2 C. lukewarm buttermilk
1/2 C. butter, melted (optional)

Sift together dry ingredients. Blend in shortening. Dissolve yeast in warm water and allow to proof for 5 minutes. Add buttermilk. Then add buttermilk-yeast mixture to flour mixture. Stir until well-blended. Chill well covered dough 3-24 hours. Place on lightly floured surface and knead lightly. Roll out to 1/2-inch thickness and shape with a floured biscuit cutter. Dip into melted butter, if desired. For fluffy, high biscuits, place close together on an ungreased cookie sheet, cover with greased plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature for 1/2 to 3 hours. Bake at 450* for 10 to 12 minutes. Serve immediately. Makes 30 biscuits. Quite tasty with jam or honey butter.
*NOTE: prepared biscuits my be refrigerated overnight and baked in the morning. Rest at room temperature 1/2 to 3 hours before baking. Prepared biscuits may also be frozen, covered tightly with aluminum foil. Allow frozen biscuits to stand 3 to 4 hours at room temperature before baking.
These are now the rolls I make the most often as they are so easy. I usually stir them up the night before, then they are ready to roll out in the morning....particularly for hot rolls for Sunday lunch. Linda

Frosted Banana Bars

2007-07-23T15:44:00.000-06:00

1/2 c. softened butter
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 c. sour cream
1 tsp vanilla
2 c. flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
2 med mashed bananas
Cream butter and sugar. Mix in eggs, sour cream, and vanilla. Add flour, baking soda, and salt then mix into creamed mixture. Stir in mashed bananas. Spread into a greased 17 x 13 x 1" pan (large jelly roll type pan. Bake @350 20 - 25 minutes. test with a toothpick

Frosting
Beat 1 pkg cream cheese
1/2 c. softened butter
2 tsp vanilla
Gradually add 3 3/4 - 4 c. powdered sugar to desired consistancy. Frost and store in the frig.
3-4 doz bars.

This gives me another use for ripe bananas beyond banana bread. The kids ask for this when they see brown bananas!!
Grma Susie

Fresh Vegetable Medley

2007-07-17T21:21:00.000-06:00

1 large onion, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 T. olive oil
1 # yellow squash, cut into 1/2 " cubes
1 # patty pan squash, cut into 1/2 " cubes (or zucchini squash)
1/2 green pepper diced or 1 diced jalapeno or anaheim pepper
2 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped
3/4 # fresh green beans cut into 1 " pieces
1 1/4 C. fresh sweet corn
1 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1/4 t. basil
1/4 t. leaf oregano
1 C. shredded monteray jack cheese.

In large skillet, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender. Add squash, tomatoes, pepper and beans. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 15 minutes or until squash is tender. Add corn, salt, pepper, basil and oregano. Cook for 3 minutes or until corn is tender. Top with cheese.

Yields 12 servings

NOTE: I often use "planned over" cooked fresh green beans and corn instead. I just add it towards the end. This is a good recipe to adjust to your liking. It is also a good way to use the fresh vegetables. Enjoy

Enjoy!

2007-07-14T14:54:00.000-06:00

Ok Spicy Mamas, we're up and running! ;-) Now we'll all expect to see some recipes! I'll start off with one that we really enjoy on summer evenings!

Asian Pasta Salad

8 oz. dried linguine, uncooked
3 cups broccoli florets
12 cherry tomatoes, halved
2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 Tbsp. sesame seeds, toasted
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. dark sesame oil
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1/4 tsp. hot sauce
1 large clove garlic, minced

Cook pasta and drain. Rinse with cold water and drain again. Place in a large bowl and add broccoli and next 3 ingredients; toss well.
Combine soy sauce and remaining 6 ingredients in a small jar; cover tightly and shake vigorously. Pour over pasta mixture; toss gently.
Yield: 4 servings.
(We like to have chow mein noodles and peanuts with it. You could also add sauted chicken to make it a main dish!)
Enjoy! Stacie