best chewy granola!

3 cups oats(not quick)
raw sunflower seeds
sliced almonds
flaxseed meal(i like it better than regular flaxseed because its ground up!
oatbran
coconut
mix ingredients in bowl.Use 3 cups of oats, but the rest you can just add how much you like! You can use different types of nuts or add sesame seeds etc!

in a small saucepan on med. heat bring next ingredients barely to a boil.Stirring whole time.
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup canola oil(dont use olive oil its too strong and it burns)
1/2 tsp. salt
after barely bringing to a boil, pour over ingredients in bowl. Stir till mixed. Put into a lightly greased dish (i use 9by13 glass dish)
cook in a preheated oven at 275 for 28mins.

When granola is done add raisins or dried blueberries and stir, then let sit till cooled! This is sooo yummy! It comes out chewy! The stuff you buy at the store is way too expensive! You can put it over yogurt or whatever! I pack it in my hubbys lunch so he can munch on something healthy at work! We all love it!!

Bruschetta!!! MmmmMMmmmMMmmm ;)

This is my new FAVORITE recipe!! I absolutely love it and it's super easy to make!! That's always a winning combination ;)

INGREDIENTS

Bean Topping:
1	15-ounce can canellini beans, rinsed and drained well
3	Roma tomatoes, chopped
2	plump clove garlic, minced or pressed
1	celery stalk, chopped
2‑3	Tablespoons best quality fruity olive oil
2	teaspoons red wine vinegar, or to taste
1‑2	Tablespoons lemon juice, or to taste
1/4	cup basil, torn into small pieces or chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste 2 large pieces of chicken diced up into small pieces ( or as much as desir

• Grilled Bruschetta:

4	1/2" slices bread from crusty artisanal-style Italian loaf
1	plump, halved clove garlic (or more as needed)
extra virgin olive oil

PREPARATION:

Bean Topping:

1. In a medium bowl, place the cut tomatoes with a pinch of salt, toss to coat and allow to rest five minutes. Add two tablespoons olive oil and the garlic, toss to coat. Add the beans and celery and toss to coat. Add the red wine vinegar, some grindings of pepper and toss. Taste mixture -- should be flavorful and a little juicy. Adjust taste and texture with another splash of olive oil, vinegar, or pinch of salt. Fold in basil.

Grilled Bruschetta:

1. Heat grill pan to medium-high. Grill slices of bread until marked on both sides. Rub one side of each piece with the cut sides of the garlic. Drizzle with olive oil. Cut slices of bread in half, top each with a tumble of bean mixture, some juices.

Smores Bars!!!

If you love regular smores you will really LOVE these!!! I can't get enough!!!!


INGREDIENTS:

• 2 packages grahm crackers
• 2 sticks butter
• 1/4 c sugar
• 1/4 - 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 cups milk choc chips
• 1/2 bag (?) small marshmallows
  

DIRECTIONS:

1. heat oven to 350
   
2. put grm crckrs in ziplock bag and crush (or put in food processor:) until fine
3. add sugar and salt and mix
   
4. melt butter and mix well with grm crckrs
5. pour most of it(save some to sprinkle over top;) in pan and then pack down into an even layer on pan (I use the bottom of a measuring cup ;)
   
6. place in oven for 11-14 min (it's perfectly done when your kitchen smells like grm crckrs :)
7. let cool while you melt choc chips
   
8. pour layer of choc chps over grm crckrs and spread evenly
9. cover evenly with a layer of marshmallows
10. set oven to broil
11. place in oven for 1-2 min (watch carefully!)
12. remove and place in fridge for 1-2 hours
13. ENJOOYYYY!!!! (and trust me you most def will!!!;)
    

Crispy Ranch Chicken

Did I mention how much we LOVE ranch?? :D Here's another winner... (ps this one is also super easy!! YAY!!)

Ingredients:

• 1 packet hidden valley ranch dry mix
• 1/4 c unseasoned dry bread crumbs or corn flakes
• 6 bone in chicken pieces or 6 boneless chicken boobs ;)
  

Directions:

1. Combine ranch packet and bread crumbs in gallon size ziplock baggy
2. add chicken ( we like to cut them into smaller pieces so we get more delicious ranchiness in each bite :)
   
3. toss baby toss
4. bake on ungreased baking pan for 50 min at 375 or until inside is no longer pink/juices run clear
5. SHAZZAAMM!! Crispy ranch chicken :)
   

Ranch Potatoes!!

So...we pretty much LOVE anything ranch so here is one of our all time FAVES!! BONUS it's SOOO easy!! ;D

Ingredients:

• 1 oz hidden valley ranch salad dressing dry mix (*not dips*they're super easy to mistake ;)
  
• 2lbs small red potatoes quartered
• 1/4 c vegetable oil (we like to use light olive oil ;)
• 1 tbsp garlic powder

Directions:

1. Place all potatoes in a gallon size ziplock baggy
2. add oil and seal/toss to coat potatoes
3. add ranch mix and garlic powder
4. toss em some more
5. keep tossin :P
6. Bake in an ungreased baking pan for 30-35 min on 450
7. WALLLAAHH!! :D
   

broccoli cauliflower salad

this is soo good! my husband hates broccoli and cauliflower....but this is his favorite salad!

broccoli and cauliflower cut super fine. really small clumps is the key to this salad!
roasted "un"salted sunflower seeds
1 pack bacon,cooked until crispy, then crumble
red onion finely chopped-only use about 1/2 of a small one

1 cup mayonaise-use best foods,not miracle whip
3 tbsp. vinegar
3 tbsp. sugar

Finely chop everything, put in bowl. Sprinkle in sunflower seeds,add crumbled bacon. I just add as much as i want of all the chopped items.It will be mostly broccoli and cauliflower. Then mix mayo,vinegar,and sugar. Pour over salad,stir and mix it all in right before eating(you want everything to stay crisp!). Depending on how much you make, you may not use all dressing. Usually i dont use all of it. Just stir some in and taste to see if you need more!

bean salad or dip

i usually make this as a dip for corn tortilla chips but it can also be a side!

2 cans drained,rinsed black beans
1 can corn drained
cherry tomatoes quartered, or grape tomatoes cut in half
cilantro chopped
green onion, or red onion chopped (can use both)
ranch dressing(i always use homemade from the ranch packets)
tabasco or red pepper sauce

rinse beans,......chop everything, add. Stir in ranch and tabasco to taste! Soo good!

Chicken and Broccoli

This is my favorite dinner to make! Its very easy and these are my two favorites foods on the planet!! Also this is made for the oven but if you have a big enough skillet w/a lid on the stove top to cook everything together thats what I like to do then I don't have to worry about heating up my oven.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (but I use as much as I want for just Pierson and I)

1 Package (10 oz) frozen broccoli, thawed (again if its just Piers and I, I will only add 1/2 bag)

1 can (10.75 oz.) cream of chicken soup

1/2 cup milk

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 cup grated cheese (I usually add only 1/2 cup cuz I'm not a cheese person, but then I put cheese on top once everything is on top of our rice.)

1. Place chicken breasts cut into thirds, with broccoli, into a greased baking dish.

2. Combine remaining ingredients and pour over top. Sprinkle with more cheese and/or bread crumbs, if desired.

3. Cover and bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees. Uncover for the last 10 mins to brown. serve over rice or noodles. (I always do rice)

P.S. if you cook the chicken in advance only cook in the oven for 30 mins or until the sauce has thickened

ANYWAYS I hope you guys like it!! cuz I do!! :D ENJOY!!

Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos

Woohoo! I finally found some yummy taquitos that are BAKED not fried! MMMmmm ;D

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup (3 ounces) cream cheese
• ¼ cup green salsa
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic
• 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 cup grated pepper jack cheese
• 6-inch corn or flour tortillas (as fresh as possible; the longer they sit, the more likely they are to crack)
  
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (optional)
• Kosher salt

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 425° F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it lightly with cooking spray.
2. Heat cream cheese in the microwave 20–30 seconds so it’s soft and easy to stir. Add green salsa, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, and granulated garlic. Stir to combine and then add cilantro, green onions, chicken, and pepper jack cheese.
3. Wrap 3 to 4 tortillas at a time in damp paper towels and microwave 20–30 seconds so they are soft and pliable. If you find your tortillas are cracking when rolled, use damper paper towels and increase the microwave time.
4. Place 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture on the lower third of each tortilla, keeping it about half inch from the edges, and then roll it up.
5. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet in a single layer. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray or brush with vegetable oil. Sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt on top(optional). Place pan in the oven and bake 15–20 minutes or until crisp and the ends start to get golden brown. Cool 5–10 minutes and then serve with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or pico de gallo. ENJOY!
   

Basil Linguine with tomatoes and spinach

I love this recipe it takes about 3min to prepare and 7 to cook ;) It doesnt have any meat but I bet it would be awesome with kalenes grilled chicken recipe!

INGREDIENTS: 3 cups vegetable broth
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1 (9oz) package linguine
3 cups lightly packed fresh spinach(roughly chopped)
1 cup halved small cherry tomatoes( I prefer reg tomato)
1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
3 tbsp basil

DIRECTIONS: Bring broth/stock and garlic salt to a boil in a large skillet or pot. Add linguine; cook over meduim-high heat for 5-7min or until most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir in spinach and tomatoes; cook and stir for 1 more min. Add cheese and basil and toss well with 2 forks to mix.

Makes 4 servings. Nutrition per serving: 290 calories, 15 g protein, 5 g total fat ( 0 trans, 1.5 g sat.), 45 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 5 g sugar, 10 mg cholesterol, 640 mg sodium, 6 points

A Twist on Chilli

3 cans pinto beans-drained
1 can tomatoe sauce
1 can crushed tomatoes w/green chilis (can use Rotel)
1 can regular diced tomatoes
1 packet taco seasoning
1 packet ranch dressing mix
1 lb. ground beef or ground turkey
onion

Cook ground meat in skillet w/chopped onion. Season meat how you like
Add all ingredients in a pot. Stir and heat...then
tortilla chips
cheese
sour cream
lettuce (optional)
After your chilli is cooked, in a bowl, layer chips, next chilli, put cheese on top and a scoop of sour cream. If you want lettuce put it after chips, or it can even go on top! Very easy and delish!!

Spicy Roast Chicken with Tomatoes and Marjoram

1 pack grape or cherry tomatoes (i like grape tomatoes, they're a little smaller)
1/4 c. olive oil (can use a little more)
5 garlic cloves pressed
1 1/4 tsp. dried crushed red pepper
2 tbsp. dried marjoram (marjoram is a spice)
chicken tenderloins-about 10
salt/pepper

mix all ingredients (except chicken) in a bowl.
lay chicken in a flat baking dish
pour mixture over chicken
salt and pepper to taste
cook at 450* for about 20-25 mins. until chicken is done!
this is a really good italian recipe that Holly gave me! I love it! very healthy!

Easy Alfredo Sauce! Mmmmm!

What you will need:
1 1/2 sticks of butter
1 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream
1 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Melt the butter in the a saucepan. Then add cream and cheese. Heat until cheese has melted. Easy Peasy! Lemon Squeezy!
***We like it over penne pasta with blackened chicken! It is also a great dipping sauce for bread!
ENJOY~Lindsey :)

Delicious grilled chicken (soo easy!)

chicken breast tenders
olive oil
chopped cilantro
chopped green onions-green part only
garlic-use fresh pressed
1 tbsp montreal steak seasoning
lime juice

in a large gallon ziplock bag add olive oil, about an inch in bottom of bag. Then add all other ingredients...chicken last. I just add as much as i want of everything depending on how many peices of chicken i use. Make sure all chicken is nicely covered w/ingredients. Marinate in fridge up to 3 hrs. Cook on grill! you can also use regular chicken breasts and cut them in half, long ways,...i just like them smaller so they get coated w/marinade better! This chicken is soo good! Everyone loves it...especially the men!!

Eric's Famous Ranch Burgers

MMMmmm:) This is def one of our all time fave's! Eric and I seriously make this about once a week! (Plus Eric cooks on his grill aka man stove so I get a break!! wooohhooo! :)

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning
• 1 onion chopped
  
• 3/4 c saltine crackers
• 1 egg

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix all ingredients together in large bowl and make into patties
2. Throw on the grill (or grill pan for stove top if your man just isn't up for cookin;)
3. Throw on some sexy buns, add your favorite toppings, and ENJOY!! ;D
   

Hawaiian Chicken Wraps aka:perfect tacos

This is one of my inventive recipes so I don't have any exact measurements... sorry. But it is the best!

Ingredients: Chicken breasts
pinnaple chunks
lettuce
tomato
olives
sour cream
Baby rays BBQ sauce or Bullseye (sweet brn sugar or sweet n tangy)
Soy sauce
Brown sugar
montreal seasoning
tortillas
grn onions
mexican cheese

Directions: Cook chkn on med-low w/seasoning, after somewhat cooked(no pink on the outside) add pinnaple chunks w/a little juice, pour soy sauce over chkn(not allot, just basted), smooth brown sugar over the chicken. After the sugar settles in a bit smooth bbq sauce and more brown sugar over the top of chkn, repeat these steps until cooked. Serve on tortillas with all condiments, don't forget the cooked pinnaple, enjoy!

Funeral Potatoes

I love this dish! It's SO easy and SO good!Almost every family get together Eric's family has someone always brings this because it's so delicious and there's hardly ever any leftovers! They probably call them funeral potatoes because they're so good you feel like you've died and gone to heaven! ;D haha

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 c southern style hashbrowns
• 1 c sour cream ( I use lowfat)
• 1/2 - 1 tsp salt
• pepper to taste
• 1 c cheddar cheese, grated
• 3-4 green onions, chopped
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1/4 c butter
• (optional) 1 onion diced
  
• 2 c corn flakes crushed
  

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Mix all ingredients EXCEPT corn flakes in large bowl
3. pour ingredients into a 9x13 pan
4. evenly spread crushed corn flakes over top
5. drizzle another 2 tblsp melted butter over top
6. bake for 45 min
7. ENJOY!
   

Lemon Poppyseed Bread

This is my holiday bread cuz everyone loves it! I find myself making so much of it because everytime I turn around Brads eaten bites out of everybody elses loaves!!

Ingredients: 1 c oil
3 eggs
2 1/4 c sugar
3 c flour
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 c milk
1 1/2 tsp almond extract
1 1/2 tsp butter extract
1 cont. of poppyseeds(usually 1.5 oz)

Glaze: 1/4 c orange juice
1/2 tsp butter ext
1/2 tsp vanilla ext
1/2 tsp almond ext
1/2 c sugar

Directions: Mix oil, eggs, sugar, flour, salt, bk powder, then mix in milk and flavor last. Pour in greased bread pans. Cook on 350 for 50-60min. Glaze while hot. This usually makes 2 reg size loaves of bread. ENJOY!

creamy italian chicken (CROCPOT)

one of my favorite recipes because of how convenient and easy it is... plus u gotta love the crocpot!

Ingredients: 4 skinless chicken breasts
1 envelope dry italian salad dressing mix
1/4 c water
8 oz pkg cream cheese/ softened ( I use lowfat philly)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
4 oz can of mushrooms, drained (optional)

Directions: Place chicken in crocpot. Pour water and dressing mix over chkn. Cook on low heat for 5-6 hrs (depends on ur crocpot, I can get away with 4-5). Combine cream cheese and soup, then mushrooms. Pour over chicken. Cover and cook for 2 more hours (I can get away with 1). Serve over rice or pasta ( I generally serve with rice). YUMMY for my TUMMY! this is one of brads favorites!!

Chicken and Broccoli Braid

This may not sound the tastiest...but trust me it's delicious ;) I just recently tried it and it's SO good and looks like its alot harder to make than it really is(which I def love!;)

Ingredients

• 2 cups diced, cooked chicken meat
• 1 cup fresh broccoli, chopped
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 clove crushed garlic
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup low fat mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoons dried dill weed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon italian seasonings
  
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup diced onion (dep on how much you like em:)
  
• 2 (8 ounce) packages refrigerated crescent rolls ( I use lowfat)
  
• 1 egg white, beaten

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees F).
2. In a large bowl, toss together chicken, broccoli, red bell pepper, garlic, Cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, dill weed, salt, italian seasonings, and onion.
3. Unroll crescent roll dough, and arrange flat on a medium baking sheet. Pinch together perforations to form a single sheet of dough. Using a knife or scissors, cut 1 inch wide strips in towards the center, starting on the long sides. There should be a solid strip about 3 inches wide down the center, with the cut strips forming a fringe down each side. Spread the chicken mixture along the center strip. Fold the side strips over chicken mixture, alternating strips from each side. Pinch or twist to seal.
4. Brush braided dough with the egg white. Bake in the preheated oven 25 to 28 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. ENJOY! :D
   

Let's get COOKIN all you GOOD LOOKINS! ;)

I have to say I am SOOO excited about this because I can't tell you how many nights I walk in my kitchen and wonder what the heck am I making tonight?? I know you all feel my pain and now we can all help each other answer that annoying question much easier and maybe without losing any more hair!:D I know you all have favorite recipes that you probably make all the time and if we all share them we can have much more of a (good) variety and maybe make a favorite every night! Basically living the dream...:)haha I can't wait to start trying everyones delicious recipes!MMMM.... I can taste the yumminess all ready;) I LOVE YOU ALL!! ;D