Inside Bobbi Jo's Kitchen

Verde Chicken Casserole

2009-10-23T07:28:00.000-07:00

1-10.5 oz. can cream of chicken soup
1-cup sour cream
2-4oz. cans of green chilies, diced
4 cups rotisserie chicken or I use chicken cooked in the crock pot (changing the seasoning on the chicken a little)
3/4 cup salsa verde
9 flour tortillas
2 1/2 cups Mexican cheese blend, shredded

In a large bowl, combine chicken soup, sour cream, green chilies, chicken, and 1/4 cup salsa verde.

In a 13 X 9 baking dish, spray pan with cooking spray, arrange 3 tortillas to cover the entire bottom surface of the pan. Spread 1/2 of the chicken mixture on top of tortilla layer. then sprinkle 1/2 cup of cheese on top.

Repeat tortilla layer, chicken layer, and cheese layer.

Top cheese layer with 3 tortillas and spread 1/2 cup salsa verde evenly over the top. Lastly, sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups cheese.

Bake at 400* for 15 minutes, uncovered.

This was a yummy dish the family liked it.

They gave it 8 Forks

Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Easy Chicken & Feta Bake

2009-09-15T17:16:00.001-07:00

Easy Chicken & Feta Bake

Ingredients:
3 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast halves
2 T. lemon juice, divided
Salt
Pepper
I tend to like things with a little more flavor so I added some of my favorite spices to this such as garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning.
1 Pkg. (4oz.) crumbled Feta Cheese
Red pepper and parsley to sprinkle on top

Arrange chicken in 13 X 9- inch baking dish. Drizzle with 1 T. lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper and other seasonings if you chose to use them. Top with Feta Cheese. Drizzle with remaining lemon juice. Bake at 350* for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through. Sprinkle with the red pepper and parsley.
I am serving this with broccoli and fruit
Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Made this for dinner and it was so easy as you can read. The Feta cheese does have an odd odor but so good tasting. It turned out delicious! The family loved it and gave this meal

Smothered Meatloaf

2009-09-15T05:33:00.000-07:00

I saw this recipe on Food Network over the weekend and it looked so good so I decided I would be making it this week.
Smothered Meatloaf
In greadients
4 cups Potatoes O'Brian ( the ones with the onions and peppers in the freezer section)
1 lb. lean ground beef
1-1/4 lb. lean ground beef
1-1/4 lb. ground pork
1 (5.29 ounce) box of Garlic Herb Shake and Bake
1 envelope Beefy Onion Soup Mix
1 (4.5 ounce) jar sliced Mushrooms, drained
1 Egg
1 (12 ounce) can of condensed Cheddar soup, divided
1/2 cup, evaporated milk
1 (10 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 onion, sliced thin
1 (8 ounce) package sliced fresh mushrooms

Directions:
Place potatoes in the bottom of a 5-quart crock-pot.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, shake and bake, onion soup mix, sliced mushrooms, and egg. Set Aside.
In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup Cheddar soup and evaporated milk. Add to meat mixture. Using a wooden spoon or clean hands mix thoroughly and form into a loaf. Place in slow cooker on top of the potatoes. Make sure it is in the center and that the meatloaf isn't touching the sides of the crock.
Stir together remaining Cheddar soup with cream of mushroom soup. Pour over the meatloaf. Top with onions and mushrooms. Cover and cook on HIGH setting for 1 hour. Reduce the temperature to LOW setting and cook for an additional 5 to 6 hours.

Family of forks opinions Loved it!
Hugs, Bobbi Jo

I Am Here

2009-09-05T10:45:00.000-07:00

After what I can't believe over 3 months of not adding to my kitchen blog I will be posting more on here.
Yesterday Hubby and I went to see the movie "Julie & Julia". Of course I came home and ordered the book from Amazon. I was so motivated when I came out. I love food. I love to cook and eat it. This movie tugged on my heart strings to the smell, feel and taste of food. I enjoy seeing my family enjoying the fruits of my love in the kitchen. So I will be posting recipes.
This is a challenge for me at this time due to my program I am on to balance out my hormones I can't eat certain things but I can make them for the Forks in my life. I have been cooking for them mind you. Not making them starve. he he
Be back this week with a recipe or two. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Chili Verde

2009-05-11T13:28:00.000-07:00

Chili Verde (from Once-A-Month-Cooking by Mimi Wilson & Mary Beth Lagerborg) I love this recipe because there are so many things that can be used from your food storage.

Ingredients:
8 oz. dry pinto beans (1 1/4 cups) or one can
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (2 cups) you could even use canned
1 4oz. can chopped green chilies
1 tsp. ground cumin
3/4 tsp. dried oregano leaves
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
3 chicken bouillon cubes
1 tsp. minced garlic (1 clove)
1 tsp. salt
2/3 cup finely chopped onion
1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese *This gets put into a bag if freezing or save for on top if using that day.
1 doz. corn tortillas
1-11 1/2-ounce jar salsa* Saved for later

Directions:
Rinse pinto beans, soak them in cold water overnight, then drain them. If using a can drain off juices. Cut chicken into 1 inch cubes; cook until no longer pink in a small amount of water. Conbine cooked chicken with chilies and seasonings; refrigerate until needed. At the same time, combine beans, water, bouillon cubes, garlic, salt and onion in a large pot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until beans are soft, about 1 hour. Add more water if necessary.
Combine chicken and spices with beans; simmer 10 more minutes. Cool and freeze. Place grated cheese in a 1 quart freezer bag, attach to the 1 gallon freezer bag (or 5 cup container) with the chili.
To serve, thaw chili an cheese. Simmer chili 30 min, stirring occasionally. Top chili with salsa and grated cheese; serve on warmed corn tortillas. Makes 6 servings.

This is one that all the forks or should I say spoons enjoy.

Geniet van uw voedsel, Bobbi Jo

Great BlogG

2009-03-25T07:58:00.001-07:00

I wanted to let you know about a great blog I found called Low-Fat Life . The lady that is the host of the blog is named Carolyn. She is a beauty and has some wonderful recipes that are LOW FAT!! Loving it!~ I am always looking for good recipes. So go check her out and tell her I sent you by.
I will be back in the exercising circuit soon. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Crock Pot Lemon Pepper Chicken

2009-03-24T06:34:00.000-07:00

This one might end up on a family favorite list.

Ingredients:
1 whole roaster/fryer chicken (good sized one)
2 Tbsp. lemon pepper seasoning or more to your taste
1 lemon
1 onion
Cooking spray

Spray crock-pot with olive oil or something like Pam cooking spray. Wash out and clean out the chicken. Make sure you take out it's little lunch sack in the cavity.
Take about 4 pieces of aluminum foil and ball them up. Place them underneath the chicken in the crock pot to keep it from sticking. This will be it's little rack to sit on.
Clean off the outside of the lemon and cut it into three big pieces and then clean and cut up onion into several different pieces and place in the cleaned out chicken. This flavors it nicely throughout the body.
Place washed, cleaned out whole chicken in the crock-pot on the foil balls. For me I like to Spray a little bit of the cooking spray on the chicken this makes the seasoning stick and also makes the skin a little crunchier. You could also use butter in the place of the spray. Sprinkle with lemon pepper seasoning. Cook on high 5-6 hours or on low 8-10 hours. There is no need to add liquid as the chicken will make it's own juices while in the crock-pot.

This is wonderful served with steam broccoli with a sprinkling of shredded cheese on it .
A tossed green salad and some fruit and this is a wonderful meal.

This got 8 forks from the family. It is easy, quick to make and very tasty. Better than the ones you buy pre-made at the market.

Geniet van uw voedsel, Bobbi Jo

Green Burrito

2009-03-16T14:38:00.000-07:00

Green Burrito

Very easy to make ahead and store extra green chili in the freezer.

GREEN CHILI:

1 lb. ground beef (from freezer), or ground turkey
2 tbsp oil
1 onion, finely chopped (Food Storage)
5 tbsp flour
1 (14-1/2 oz.) can tomatoes, chopped
2 cups water
1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chili (Food Storage)
1-2 jalapeno peppers, chopped, more or less to taste (optional)
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder

Thaw meat and onion. Heat meat & onion over medium heat. Cook until onion is soft but not brown. Stir in flour, add tomatoes, water, green chili, jalapeno peppers, salt, and garlic powder. Stir until thickened. Reduce heat to low, simmer 30 minutes. Use to prepare Burrito Casserole.

Assemble Burrito Casserole:

1 package, whole grain tortillas, corn or flour or (homemade)
2 cups refried beans; canned, or homemade (Food Storage)
2 cups Mexican blend cheese or cheddar cheese, shredded
sour cream

Heat tortilla briefly in microwave, or on hot griddle so the tortilla is pliable. Place 1/4 cup refried bean mixture inside the tortilla with 1-2 tbsp shredded cheese, and 1-2 tsp sour cream. Roll up tightly, place in 9 X 13 casserole dish. Make 8-10 burritos. Smother the burritos with hot green chili in casserole dish. Place casserole in the oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes or until the mixture is bubbly. Serve hot burritos on plates or family style. Set up optional garnishes in the middle of the table or have it buffet style.

Garnishes:

· Tabasco sauce

· 1/2 cup sour cream

· 2 cups shredded lettuce

· 1-2 tomatoes, diced

· Guacamole

· Green onions, chopped

Geniet van uw voedsel, Bobbi Jo

Cheeseburger Soup

2009-03-03T05:49:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef
3/4 cup chopped onion
3/4 cup shredded carrots
3/4 cup diced celery
3 T. butter or oil
3 cup chicken broth
4 cups diced potatoes
1/4 cup flour
8 oz. Valveeta cheese ( I think I will be using a higher quality real cheese)
1 and 1/2 cup milk
1 tsp. basil
1/4 cup sour cream
salt and pepper ( I will be adding many more spices to this )

In a stock pot, brown beef, drain, rinse with hot water, and set aside. Saute onion, carrots, celery and basil in same pan about 5 minutes. Stir in flour and add broth, potatoes and beef. Cover, reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Add cheese, milk, salt and pepper. Cook and stir until cheese melts. Remove from heat and blend in sour cream. Serve
I have not tried this recipe before but it is on my menu this week.

Crock Pot Beef Casserole

2009-03-03T05:39:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
2 lb. stew beef cut into 1 inch pieces (I find these a lot at discount prices in the managers special dept)
1 envelope onion soup mix
1 (10 1/2 oz.) can of cream golden mushroom soup

Spices to kick it up a bit (my choice) onion, garlic and more garlic, Old Bay Seasoning, salt and pepper.) I think I will also put some yummy veggies that are cut up in small chunks.
Combine all ingredients in crock pot. Stir together well. Cover and don't peek at it. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours. Serve over cooked egg noodles.

I have not tried this recipe before but it is on my menu this week.

Baked Chicken Parmesan

2009-03-03T05:29:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
3 lb. chicken parts
1 cup bread crumbs
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp. oregano
1/4 tsp. pepper
Salt to taste
1 clove garlic or 1 Tbsp. garlic powder
3/4 cup melted butter

Combine bread crumbs, cheese, oregano, pepper and salt; set aside. Lightly saute garlic in 2 T. butter then stir in remaining butter. Dip chicken in garlic butter then roll each piece in bread crumb mixture. Place chicken in 9 X 13 pan and sprinkle with remaining bread crumb mixture. Pour on remaining butter. Bake at 350* for 55 min.

For our family I will add more garlic and some Provence Herbs. I find that a lot of recipes take it way to far on the safe side of flavors so I always kick more in to it.
I have not tried this recipe before but it is on my men for this week.

Panda Express Chow Mein

2009-02-13T06:35:00.000-08:00

Panda Express Chow Mein this is a copy cat recipe from Recipe Zarr.
30min/20min prep
It says that it serves one it served way more than that.
Ingredients;
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 scallions, trimmed, and cut corsswise into 1/2 inch thick pieces
1-1/2 cups sliced napa cabbage
1/4 cup celery
1/4 cup bean sprouts
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon oriental sesame oil
1/2 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in 1 tablespoon of water
red pepper flakes, to taste
1/4 lb. vermicelli, cooked

1. In a large heavy skillet heat the vegetable oil until it is hot but not smoking and in it stir-fry the scallions, cabbage, celery and bean sprouts for about 3 minutes, or until the cabbage is wilted.
2. Add the sugar, broth, soy sauce, and the sesame oil and simmer the mixture, stir it into the vegetable mixture, and bring the liquid to a boil.
3. Stir the cornstarch mixture, stir it into the vegetable mixture, and bring the liquid to a boil.
4. Season to taste with red pepper flakes. Simmer until heated through and serve over noodles. Now I added my cooked, drained, noodles to it and mix them while on the heat. It turned out just fine.
The family liked it. I did add more soy sauce and peppers than what was called for.

So next time you are hungry for Chinese food try making it at home and have fun with it.

Geniet van uw voedse, Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Panda Express Orange Chicken

2009-02-12T14:51:00.000-08:00

Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe

A copycat recipe from Panda Express. This chicken is tangy and flavorful. Give it a try! I'm sure you and your family will enjoy it. I got the recipe off of Recipe Zarr's web site.

45 min | 15 min prep

SERVES 6

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken, chopped into bite sized pieces
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
white pepper
oil (for frying)
1/2 cup cornstarch, plus
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup flour
1 tablespoon gingerroot, minced
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed hot red chili pepper
1/4 cup green onion, chopped
1 tablespoon rice wine
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

Orange Sauce for Stir Fry

1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons water
5 tablespoons sugar
5 tablespoons white vinegar
1 orange, zest of

Place chicken pieces in large bowl.
Stir in egg, salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon oil and mix well.
Stir cornstarch and flour together.
Add chicken pieces, stirring to coat.
Heat oil for deep-frying in wok or deep-fryer to 375 degrees.
Add chicken, small batches at a time, and fry 3 to 4 minutes or until golden crisp.
(Do not overcook chicken).
Remove chicken from oil with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels; set aside.
Clean wok and heat 15 seconds over high heat.
Add 1 tablespoon oil.
Add ginger and garlic and stir-fry until fragrant; about 10 seconds.
Add and stir-fry crushed chiles and green onions.
Add rice wine and stir 3 seconds.
Add Orange Sauce and bring to boil.
Add cooked chicken, stirring until well mixed.
Stir water into remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch until smooth and add to chicken.
Heat until sauce is thickned.
Stir in sesame oil and orange zest if desired.
Serve over jasmine rice.

The family liked this one a lot. Even the pickiest of the forks liked it and gave it a 8 out of 8 forks.

Geniet van uw voedsel, Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Bread Stickes or No-Fail Deep Dish Pizza Crust

2009-02-10T15:08:00.001-08:00

I had found this recipe back in September on Everyday Food Storage. Great web site to use your food storage or maybe things you just have in your pantry. I made the garlic bread and it took about 15 minutes in all. I should have halved the recipe because it got really puffy it was good but there was a lot of it.
For the garlic bread you use garlic salt or powder and a little bit of parsley flakes. Here is the link you can watch a video on how to do it Everyday Food Storage. Crystal thank you for this one!

30 Minute Breadsticks OR No-Fail Deep Dish Pizza Crust

(If it is too thick for your family, you can either half the recipe or put one full recipe onto two cookie sheets)

2 1/2 C. Medium Hot Water
5 tsp. SAF Instant Yeast*
2 Tbsp. Sugar
3 Tbsp. Oil
1 tsp. Salt
6 C. Flour (you can do half all-purpose and half white wheat or 100% whole wheat)
1 to 2 Cubes of Butter

Directions:
1. Pour medium hot water in mixing bowl. Sprinkle yeast on top and allow to dissolve.
2. Add sugar, salt, and oil. Gradually add approximately 6 cups of flour.
3. Melt 1-2 cubes butter on cookie sheet in oven as it is heating to 400 degrees and melt in oven. 4. Place dough on cookie sheet and press to fill pan, make sure butter gets on top of the dough.
5. Allow to double in size (About 10-15 minutes)
6. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until desired browning is accomplished.
7. Cut into strips or top with favorite pizza toppings.

* When using regular yeast change amount to 2 Tbsp

So yummy and hot!
This was dinner lasagna, garlic bread and French style green beans.

The family loved the bread sticks. They gave it ! I will be using this recipe to make homemade pizza's from now on.
Give it a try!

Geniet van uw voedsel

Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Savory Pie

2008-12-31T18:58:00.000-08:00

I found this recipe on a blog that found it on another blog "Once In A Blue Moon". I just had to try it seeing that it uses many of my favorite ingredients and my very favorite cheese of all time Brie.
Ingredients for the Savory Pie (more of a pastry)
Puff Pastry
Brie Cheese
Spinach (frozen, thawed and saute)
Onion (saute)
Mushrooms (saute)
While the spinach is sauteing place 1 sheet of Puff Pastry on a baking sheet.
Then spread the spinach on the pastry. Saute the onion then add the mushrooms. After they are done spread them on top of the spinach. Slice up the Brie cheese and place on top of all of this. Place another sheet of Puff Pastry on top and pinch down edges.
I brushed on a light coat of butter before placing in the oven.
Set oven at 400* and bake for 20 minutes or until lightly golden brown. This smells so yummy and is so beautiful.
And close up: This smells so comforting and delicious.
Oh my goodness so yummy!!! I had to try it. We are waiting for DH to come home.
I give this one a major I know the rest of the Forks will feel the same way. Happy New Year to you all. Be safe and have a wonderful New Year!

Geniet van uw voedsel, Bobbi Jo

Turkey TIP

2008-12-27T17:13:00.001-08:00

I made turkey Christmas day and tried a new way of cooking it. OH MY GOODNESS and YUMMINESS!!! A while back I was watching the FOOD TV and saw a program about this little town called Turkeyville. The couple started a restaurant a long time ago that serves turkey dinners and other turkey dishes 365 days a year. The man that is the owner cooks his turkeys breast down until the last half hour and then flips it over (by it's hind legs! Opps that was my Crocodile Hunter coming out) so the top will brown. This keeps all the meat moist and so good. The family, even my young non-turkey liker, said it was so moist and good.
It was the most moist turkey we have ever had!
So next time you are going to cook the large bird try this out I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Cheesy Broccoli Soup

2008-12-09T19:57:00.001-08:00

Cheesy Broccoli Soup
2 Tbsp. butter
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 Tbsp. flour
2 1/2 cups milk
1 lb. Velveeta Cheese or you can use regular cheddar or low fat cheddar, chopped into 1-1/2" cubes
1 pkg (10-16oz. depending on how much broccoli you want int he soup) frozen broccoli, thawed and drained
1/8tsp. pepper
1 tsp. marjoram
1/4 tsp. Adobo

Melt butter over medium heat in a large saucepan (6 qt. is good) on stove-top. Add onion and saute until tender. Add flour, stirring constantly for 1 minute over medium heat.
Add milk, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 1 minute. Add all remaining ingredients and cook until cheese is melted and soup is heated through. YUMMY!! Nice and filling with crusty bread or serve in a bread bowl.
Family of Forks had to use spoons for this one but still voted by fork with only 4 of us eating tonight the vote was unanimous

Four out of four loved this soup. Great comfort soup!
I know I haven't posted in a while I have been seeing so many other wonderful FOOD blogs that I haven't felt the need to. I guess I should be better at this.

Geniet van uw voedsel, Bobbi Jo

Buttermilk Pie

2008-11-03T07:00:00.000-08:00

This recipe is from Tina's beautiful blog at Cherry Hill Cottage. This pie is so yummy!
This buttermilk pie recipe has been a Tina's family favorite~ the recipe is over 50 years old.

Buttermilk Pie~

1/2 cup flour

3 3/4 cup sugar (yes this is right~ its a lot of sugar) ; - )

1 teaspoon salt

6 eggs

1 cup melted butter

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix well~ pour into unbaked pie shells. Bake at 350 for 30 to 40 minutes. Makes two pies.

The family enjoyed this pie. Even the pickiest of the forks enjoyed the great comfort of this pies taste.

Geniet van uw voedsel Bobbi Jo

Chicken Tetrazzini -Great for using food storage supplies

2008-10-08T12:52:00.000-07:00

This is so easy and so yummy! It can be used as part of your plan for rotation of your food storage. If you would like the changes leave me a comment and I will be glad to let you know what to use.
Ingredients needed:
1+ lbs boneless chicken breast tenders
12 oz. thing spaghetti noodles, cooked
1 10-3/4 cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 3/4 cup sour cream
4 oz. sliced mushrooms, drained
1 small onion, chopped up and saute'
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Spray

Directions:
Cook chicken and dice in small pieces. combine chicken, cooked noodles, soup, Parmesan cheese, sour cream, and mushrooms in large bowl. Place in sprayed 13 X 9. Bake *350 for 30 min. Sprinkle w/ grated Parmesan for last 5 min.
Serve with hot peas and hot rolls.

This was loved by the family. There was one serving left over and Son in love took it to work for lunch today. I will be making this one again. It isn't strong tasting but just right.

Geniet van uw voedsel Bobbi Jo

Family Favorite Meatloaf

2008-10-03T12:50:00.000-07:00

1 ½ lb. extra lean ground beef

1 egg

1 cup milk

1 cup Italian bread crumbs

½ tsp. salt, garlic powder, onion powder

1 chopped onion

Separate bowl

2 T. brown sugar, 2 T. mustard, 2 1/3 cup ketchup

Directions:

Mix beef, egg, milk, bread crumbs, salt, garlic, onion powder and onion. Shape into two small loaves in a 9 X 13 pan.

Mix brown sugar, mustard, ketchup. Pour over meatloaf.

Bake *350 for 45-55 min.

Yields 8 servings
Family loved this one better than any of my other meat loaves.

Geniet van uw voedsel, Bobbi Jo

Register

2008-10-02T15:22:00.000-07:00

If you are not registered to vote you only have till Monday October 6Th. That is this coming Monday.
And remember if you don't vote, you don't get to gripe !!

Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Tagged Again

2008-10-01T14:35:00.000-07:00

So I got tagged 2 times today! WOW I feel oh so cool. So this is FOUR:

Four.

4 things I did today:
1. Made lunches

2. Went shopping with Coco to Ross & Wal-Mart

3. Did dishes

4. Worked on Blogs

4 things on my to do list:

1. Make dinner

2. Go to bed before 10. Going to bed way too late and getting up at 4:15am is wearing me out.

3. Make lunches for tomorrow

4. Make a dessert for tonight

4 of my guiltiest pleasures
1. Chocolate

2. Sleeping in on Sundays past 6

3. Long baths while reading a good book with a candle burning.

4. Diet coke.......my very bad habit next to cocoa!

4 random facts about me
1. I actually love fashion I just can't wear it!

2. You can tell when I am feeling down my kitchen gets to be a mess

3. I am addicted to lots of crafts. Ask Coco.

4. I hate fixing my hair, getting dressed for church and meetings.

4 bloggers I'm tagging
Sherwood Family
Bowman Bunch
The Nichols
Kamikazern's Realm

I've Been Tagged

2008-10-01T07:59:00.000-07:00

Erin the $5 Dinner Mom has tagged me. I've never been tagged before. This will be fun! Is this kind of like those emails that you get from people and they get annoyed at you because they want you to send it to others? I think it is fun.
7 Random/Weird Facts about me:
1. I don't like to touch socks. Clean or dirty mine or others.
2. I could watch and do watch re-runs of Frasier, Jon & Kate Plus 8 and Little House on The Prairie.
3. I wanted to change my name to Coco when I was 13 but my parent's wouldn't let me so I decided that I would some day name a daughter Coco.
4. I really never thought I would get married or have children and gave up when I was 22. Then at 23 met DH and we are headed to 22 yrs. now.
5. I have major OCD ( never been actually diagnosed but have been told I am anal by my own children and DH) about some things:I fold my clothes before I put them in the hamper, I have to butter my toast on a certain side that it comes out of the toaster and to the edges for the bread, my dishwasher has to be loaded a certain way with the silver ware in their individual spaces that I have assigned them,if I am writing in pen and I make a mistake on a list I have to start all over. There are so many others that I can't mention or else you will call my therapist and have me put away.
6. If I see someone come out of the bathroom I have to wash my hands or if I go into the bathroom to pick up something or go through my bathroom to get something out of my closet I have to wash my hands.
7. My dream life would be to be a true homesteader and have animals to live off of, garden all we had to eat, can, store and be totally self-sufficient. Yes I would miss my Internet blogging buddies, but I could live without electricity.
Now I am tagging 7 other Bloggers: Vanessa Fanciful Twist, Leslie at My Country Home, Beverly at How Sweet The Sound, Coco at The Lucas Gang,
Meredith at The Hammond Zoo, Megan at So Much Tew Say, Ruthann at Warm Pie, Happy Home. This was a hard one because there are so many wonderful ladies to tag that I follow their blogs. But go check them out.
Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Sloppy Joes Recipe

2008-09-30T14:15:00.000-07:00

This recipe was requested by Gabriela. Her blog is just beautiful, stop by and say hi to her.
This is an altered recipe from the cook book "Not Just Beans" by Tawra Jean Kellam. I recommend this book to everyone. You can order it here Living On A Dime .
This is also the name of the newer book that also has this recipe in it.

This is the Sloppy Joes simmering and my corn cooking.

Sloppy Joes
Hamburger buns or what ever kind of buns you prefer
1 lb. Ground beef ( since I have 8 people to feed I used 1-1/2 lb. beef and then Beef Flavored TVP) to make enough.
1 med. onion, chopped
1 T. garlic powder (or more) he he
1/2 T. ketchup
2 tsp. brown sugar
1/8 tsp. lemon juice
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp. salt
I also add chili sauce to it. If you can't find it in the store it is so easy to make. The recipe will follow this:
Brown meat and onion until onion is tender and meat is no longer pink. Drain fat. Add other ingredients and heat thoroughly. When done serve in the bun. YUM!
Homemade Chili Sauce:
1 cup tomato sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 T. vinegar
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
dash of ground cloves
dash of allspice
dash of red pepper flakes (or more). Mix all this together and use or store in a container for up to 2 weeks.
I don't like many pre-made sauces or pre-made much due to the taste of preservatives so I tend to make a lot of my mixes and sauces. Plus you know what is going into it.
As you see in the picture my corn pan (on the right) wasn't very big and I had 16 ears of corn to cook, my large pan is being used for the chicken for dinner for the rest of the weeks recipes. So I decided to cook the corn ahead of time. Preheat the oven to 170. I placed a jelly roll pan in the oven with a little bit of water and placed the corn in there to keep warm so it could all be served at one time. This worked out very well.

I am thinking next time of using Provolone cheese on top of the meat mix and toasting them.

Geniet van uw voedsel, Bobbi Jo

What to do With Eye Round Steak

2008-09-29T06:33:00.000-07:00

The other week I found a great deal on eye round steak that I couldn't pass up. I figure I would use it in something someday soon. So I re-wrapped it and froze it.

I got the steak out last week and decided to see what I could do with it. I ended up making this on Friday night. This was the night of the big debate for President so it is
now called Debate Steak. This is what you will need for the recipe:

pkg. Round steak thin cut (there was about 14 in ours) this was very thin slice about 1/2 inch.

In a bowl mix up 1/2 flour, 1 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. pepper,1 T. garlic powder and 1 T.onion powder.

Coat both sides of the steak with the flour mixture.

Then put some olive oil in a large frying pan and sear it on both sides.

Spray crock pot with cooking spray

Place each piece of steak in crock pot staggering the layering of the steaks.

Cut up one small white onion and separate rings and place on top of the steaks.

With the remainder of the dripping in the pan add the left over flour and a little bit of water to make rue.

Then in a small bowl mix; ¾ to 1 cup of sour cream, 1/4 c. milk, Thai Seasoning, Old Bay, Weber Gourmet Burger seasoning,Garlic powder, Onion Powder, Cayenne pepper and mix well. It depends on how spicy you want this. I added a little too much for some people of the Cayenne and Thai Seasoning but good for others.

After it is all blended pour over the steak in the crock pot and set on low for 3-4 hours. Serve with sour cream in case it is too spicy. One of our forks was on a date.

Geniet van uw voedsel, Bobbi Jo

Crock-Pot Applesauce Recipe

2008-09-24T22:17:00.001-07:00

I got this recipe from the Crock Pot Lady 's blog A Year Of Crock Potting. She has a wonderful blog and uses her crock pot on something everyday of the year.
It is so easy and I did change just a few things, as usual
For this recipe you will need:
4 frozen chicken breast halves or thighs.( I used more with how many people I have to feed)
1 1/2 cups of applesauce (homemade is the best, I used more of this too!)
1T. onion flakes, or 1 yellow onion, chopped finely (I used way more)
1 T. apple cider vinegar
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes(optional, I used more than this too but I like to kick things up a notch, BAHM).
I also added some garlic powder and onion powder.
*Put the frozen chicken pieces into your crock pot. Add the onion (if you are using the dried onion, wait and add it to the applesauce). In a bowl, mix the applesauce, vinegar, and spices together. Pour on top of the chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 5-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
Conclusion: I always put in the extras so the dishes have a lot of flavor. I don't like plain food. The family loved it and gave it 8+ Forks. Son in law said he gave it 3 forks of his. When I make this again I will use my homemade mango/apple applesauce with it and maybe even a little bit of pineapple.

Geniet van uw voedsel, Bobbi Jo

A Must Have - Silpat

2008-09-19T09:51:00.000-07:00

This is mine. It is a Exopat and is pretty much the same thing. As the below description of a Silpat. I have 2 of these and they are awesome. I just love mine. I use the Exopat mostly for making cookies. They never stick to the pan, Yeah! I bought mine many years ago at a Kitchen store in VF Factory Mall for those who live in Arizona. On Baseline and Power. I am sure most good kitchen stores will carry them now. These were at the time right around $20 each and so worth it. They are such a time saver. Now I love parchment but these are used over and over again, save the parchment for making icing tubes for decorating cakes. This might be a good stocking stuffer this year.
The Original Silicone mat for Patisserie

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Can be used at temperatures varying from -40°C to 250°C or -40°F to 482°F

BJ

Crock-Pot Roast

2008-09-18T12:32:00.000-07:00

I know you are probably thinking it is a roast what is there to cooking that? I have just a few tips that I have used and if I don't use them they aren't enjoyed as much.
1) Buy Chuck Roast & Diet Coke (caffeine free or not) Pepsi can be used but I am not a Pepsi fan.
2)Freeze your roast
3)Day to cook roast take out of freezer in the morning and prepare the crock-pot
4) Pour half of the can of Diet Coke into crock-pot.
5) Place roast in the crock-pot
Geniet van uw voedsel, Bobbi Jo

Swedish Meatballs

2008-09-17T13:32:00.000-07:00

I hate when I forget to get out the meat to thaw or what I have planned just doesn't sound good. Guess what I did? Yep I forgot to get out meat and thawing meat in the microwave has a tendency to make it rubbery and ewe. I decided to make dinner simple. Here is what you need for this recipe:
1 pkg. Rosina's pre-cooked Swedish Meatballs(freezer section, save on time and money) When you bake these in the oven there is very little fat in them.
1 15 oz. can tomato soup
1 26 oz. can chicken w/rice
1 26 oz. can cream of mushroom
1 to 2 cups milk so it is not too thick but you don't want it too thin either
1/2 to 1 cup sour cream
1 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese
Big dash of garlic powder, onion powder and pepper .
1 pkg. ranch dressing mix (you could make up your own mix of spices to put in if you wanted)
I put this all in the crock-pot to cook for 4 hours. When almost done cook in a separate pot some wide egg noodle noodles. The above crock-pot mix will be served over the noodles.
Serving with some veggies and fruit.
Rosina's Swedish Meatballs.
I tasted the mix before I started the crock and I think this will be a keeper. This can opening and running to the garage to get the meatballs out of the freezer took me a total of 12 minutes. I think it will be as good as any restaurants food . We will see!
Geniet van uw voedsel, Bobbi Jo
Conclusion: This turned out very good. We had some left over but it really made a bunch. Family Rating:

Add this one to the keep book. BJ

Bread Pudding

2008-09-16T14:30:00.000-07:00

When I have way too many heals from the bread loaves left over I gather them up and make bread pudding. This is not a thinning recipe. This is why you use the bread to make homemade breadcrumbs most of the time.
For this recipe you will need:
8to 10 Slices of Bread ( yes, you can use the inner pieces too!)
8 eggs
3 or 4 cups Milk
1 Tbsp. vanilla
Cinnamon for sprinkling on top
Optional: Chocolate chips (white and chocolate are so yummy especially around the holidays)
In a 5 Qt. pan crack eggs and mix. Add in the milk, vanilla and if you are adding chocolate do so at this time. After well mixed stagger the slices of bread on top and push down a little into the liquid. The more milk you add the runnier the pudding will be when cooked. The bread absorbs a good amount of the milk. Then sprinkle with cinnamon before putting into the oven.
Place in a 350* pre-heated oven for about 45 min. uncovered. You don't want it to be too runny or too hard so keep an eye on it. I usually can tell it is ready when I can smell it well throughout the house. It is like testing out a cake if you put a knife down into the center and it comes out almost clean it is done cooking. So yummy served warm.
Geniet van uw voedsel, Bobbi Jo
Conclusion: This is almost always a big hit with most of the family.
Family Rating:
BJ

Crock- Pot Lasagna

2008-09-15T14:08:00.000-07:00

This recipe originally called for pre-made frozen cheese ravioli. This would be fine but would seem to much like the Ravioli from a can, not wild about that ewe!
So I changed the recipe a bit. For this recipe you will need:
A crock-pot (this could also be done as a casserole.)
1 box lasagna noodles
1 to 2 jars spaghetti sauce (or whip up your own)
1 to 2 containers of cottage cheese
1 8oz. pkg. cream cheese
8 to 12 oz. of shredded mozzarella cheese
1 to 2 lbs. of hamburger or tvp. reconstituted
1 med. white onion, chopped finely so kiddos can't detect them
Garlic powder or 2 cloves chopped, salt, pepper and a spice called Provence Herbs Mill . It is an Italian spice mix. (Can be bought at Fry's or Wal-Mart)
Cook the hamburger up first or make your up your tvp.
Spray the crock-pot heavily with a good cooking spray.
In a large bowl break up the lasagna noodles. Depending on how big the family is you might use the box or just some of it. This could be all made and the left-overs frozen for later. After the noodles add all the other ingredients. Mix in the cooked hamburger or the tvp at the end.
Put in crock-pot for 1 to 2 hours. Serve with a salad, garlic bread and sliced veggies w/a ranch dip for a yummy dinner.
Geniet van uw voedsel, Bobbi Jo
Conclusion: The family enjoys this one. It is nice and cheesy (like me)
Family Rating:

BJ

Cranberry Cheese Turkey Casserole

2008-09-15T13:49:00.000-07:00

This was originally suppose to be a roll-up in a tortilla, but DH doesn't like rolls. So I changed it to a casserole.
For this recipe you will need:
1 can of whole cranberry sauce (place in bowl and mush up)
1 pkg. large tortillas
1 can cream of chicken or cream of celery or cream of mushroom soup (mix with 1/2 can milk to soup)
1 to 2 Lbs. (good quality) deli turkey meat ( you could also use left over turkey chunks)
8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
1 sm. white onion, chopped finely (if you like onions. If not omit)
Add salt, pepper, garlic powder and maybe even a dash of Old Bay Seasoning.
I like to try a little different seasonings in my dishes but you will notice I almost always use garlic powder, salt and pepper.
Pray the casserole dish 13 x 9, with a good cooking spray. Then rip up one or two tortillas to cover the bottom of the pan. Mix in the bowl with the soup some of the cheeses. Pour some spoonfuls of this on the tortillas then place turkey on this.
In a separate bowl mix the cranberry with the onion. Add spoonfuls of this on the top of the turkey and keep doing layers. If you only want 2 layers then make the layers more generous. Put a layer of cheese on the very top. Cook at 325 for about 25 min. or until bubbly. You might even want to add chunks of cream cheese to this.
Geniet van uw voedsel, Bobbi Jo

Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

2008-09-15T12:55:00.001-07:00

This recipe will have the base and a topping.

For this recipe you will need:
2 cups cut up cooked chicken
2 cans of cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 sleeve round buttery crackers (Ritz)
1 sm. white onion chopped finely
1 Tbsp. poppy seed
Dash salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.
Mix all of the above together in a bowl. Transfer to a well greased casserole dish.
Topping
1 sleeve round buttery crackers ( you could replace this with seasoned bread crumbs)
2 Tbls. butter, melted
poppy seeds for garnish
Mix this all together and sprinkle on top of the base. Then sprinkle lightly with poppy seeds. Bake at 325 for 25 minutes.
A little shredded cheese on top before the poppy seeds would be good too.
Geniet van uw voedsel, Bobbi Jo
Conclusion: This was a hit with the family
Family Rating:

. BJ

How A Cook Was Born

2008-09-15T12:20:00.000-07:00

This is the beginning of how my love of spending time in the kitchen has came to be. Growing up I was the youngest of 7 children. My mother tried to teach us how to cook but my oldest sister and youngest brother took in most of the advice. I was more interested in what was going on in my life at the time then learning how to feed people. Growing up I for some reason never thought I would get married let alone have 5 children. I have now been married for a little over 21 years. After our second child was born I started watching a PBS show called "Cooking at the Academy" . It started me getting interesting in cooking. I could cook before but to be honest with you nothing that I would call truly yummy. So I bought a cook book that was advertised on the show.
This was my very first cookbook. And now I have shelves of cookbooks and notebooks of recipes to try or ones that have been tried. I love to cook and bake. I would say my favorite is the goodies to make! I would have to say I have come along way and learn more as I try new recipes.
I will post recipes as they are asked for or as I try them out. My love for cooking has grown into a passion. I love to feed people and to have them truly feel full and good after they have eaten. Geniet van uw voedsel (enjoy your food) , Bobbi Jo