Homemade Cornbread

Ingredients:

1 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 1/4 cup cornmeal
1 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 400ºF. Grease bottom and side of round pan, 9x1 1/2 inches, or square pan, 8x8x2 inches.

2. Beat milk, butter and egg in large bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients all at once just until flour is moistened (batter will be lumpy). Pour batter into pan.

3. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Sauteed Zucchini & Mushrooms

Ingredients:

3 sliced zucchini
1 cup mushrooms
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tsps black pepper
2 1/2 tsps McCormick Southwest Seasoning

Directions:

In a medium size bowl mix together oil, pepper, and southwest seasoning. 

Add veggies and toss until all coated.

Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Add veggies and sautee 5 to 7 minutes.

Be sure to stir often. Once veggies are tender turn off heat.

Let sit for 2 minutes.

Oatmeal/Apple/Cinnamon Breakfast

Ingredients:

2 sliced apples
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
4 cups oatmeal
4 cups water

Directions:

Put all ingredients in crockpot in order. Do NOT stir. Cook on low 8 to 9 hours.

Dr. Oz Slim down Drink

I'm starting these drinks tonight. I had one before dinner and could not taste the apple cider vinegar in it.

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/swimsuit-slimdown-plan

Sauteed Zucchini Coins

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups thinly sliced yellow zucchini
2 cups thinly sliced green zucchini
1 teaspoon dill weed
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
2 green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions:

In a large, nonstick frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the zucchini slices and saute until their colors intensify, about 5 minutes. Add the dill, cilantro and scallions and stir until evenly mixed. Transfer to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with lemon juice and serve immediately.

Oven Roasted Sweet Potato Fries

Ingredients:

2 medium-sized sweet potatoes, rinsed and dried
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
2 tsp. smoked paprika
1 tsp. coarse salt
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. freshly-cracked black pepper
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/4 tsp. cayenne (optional)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.

Carefully cut the potatoes into 1/4" thin strips, or to your desired thickness and length. Then place in a large bowl, and toss with the remaining ingredients (oil and spices) until potatoes are evenly coated.

Then spread out the potatoes evenly on a baking sheet prepared with parchment paper or silicone baking sheet. (Try not to overcrowd the sheet, or have multiple layers of fries -- you want them to be roasted, not steamed.)

Place in oven and cook for 20-25 minutes, turning the fries once or twice during that time to cook evenly. (May take more or less time, depending on the size and thickness you cut the fries.) Remove once the edges slightly begin to brown and fries begin to crisp.

P.F. Chang's Mongolia Beef Copycat Recipe

Ingredients:

1 pound of flank steak
1/4 cup cornstarch
vegetable oil, for serving and sauteeing
1/2 teaspoon minced ginger
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, not packed
vegetable oil, for frying
2 large green onions, sliced on the diagonal into one-inch lengths
cooked rice, for serving
steamed broccoli, for serving

Instructions:

Slice the flank steak against the grain into 1/4" thick 1-inch long slices. Add the cornstarch to a wide, shallow bowl and coat the steak with the cornstarch. Set aside and allow the cornstarch to soak into them meat while you make the sauce.

Heat 2 teaspoons oil over medium-low heat in a wok or large cast-iron or stainless steel frying pan. Add the ginger and garlic, saute until fragrant about 2 minute, stirring often.

Add the soy sauce and water then whisk in the brown sugar. Turn heat up to medium-high, bring to a boil and cook 2-3 minutes (not longer - the mixture will thicken up when you add it to the steak) whisking often. Remove to a bowl and set aside.

Add 1/2 to 3/4-inch oil to the same pan and heat over medium heat until the oil shimmers. You can test it by adding a piece of steak - it should sizzle and start cooking immediately.

Add the beef to the oil and cook for about two minutes turning the pieces over so they brown on both sides. Remove with a slotted spoon or spider to a paper towel lined plate.

Let oil cool down - then drain off.
Heat the same pan over medium heat and add the meat back in along with the sauce and green onions. Cook for 2 - 3 minutes, stirring to coat the meat all over with the sauce.

Remove the meat and leave the excess sauce behind. Serve over rice with broccoli, if desired.

Summer Vegetable Tian

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium yellow onion
1 tsp minced garlic
1 medium zucchini
1 medium yellow squash
1 medium potato
1 medium tomato
1 tsp dried thyme
to taste salt & pepper
1 cup shredded Italian cheese

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Saute both in a skillet with olive oil until softened (about five minutes).

While the onion and garlic are sauteing, thinly slice the rest of the vegetables.
Spray the inside of an 8×8 square or round baking dish with non-stick spray. Spread the softened onion and garlic in the bottom of the dish. Place the thinly sliced vegetables in the baking dish vertically, in an alternating pattern. Sprinkle generously with salt, pepper, and thyme.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, top with cheese and bake for another 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown.

Homemade Corn Dogs

Ingredients:

1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
1 1/2 cups buttermilk (regular milk works too)
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 Tablespoon honey
1 (10 count) package Hot Dogs
10 wooden skewers or chopsticks 
2 Quarts Vegetable Oil, for frying

Directions:

In a medium or large pot, add the oil. Turn heat to medium and heat oil to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl, add the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Stir together. Then add the beaten egg, buttermilk, oil and honey. Stir until combined. (Batter should be a little thicker than pancake batter) 

Remove hot dogs from package. Wipe them all dry with a paper towel (this will help the batter stick to them better) Insert one skewer or wooden stick into each hot dog. 

Pour the batter into a tall drinking glass. Holding by the skewer, take one hot dog and dunk it into the batter, coating all of the hot dog. Slowly remove from batter and let a little excess batter drip back into the cup. Immediately place it into the hot oil, while still holding the stick. Turn as necessary to brown all sides. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until all sides are a deep golden brown. Remove from hot oil and place on paper towels to drain grease. Repeat with all hot dogs

Taco Pie

Ingredients:

2 c. hamburger
1 c. shredded lettuce
1-4oz. can diced green chili's drained
2 Tbs. cilantro
8-10 inch flour tortillas
1-6 oz. avocado dip
1-16 oz. can refried beans
1 c. sour cream
1 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped tomatoes
2 Tbs. sliced pitted ripe olives
2 Tbs. cilantro
Salsa

Directions:

In a bowl combine chicken, lettuce, chili's, and cilantro. Set aside.

Place one of the tortillas on a large platter. Spread with half of the avocado dip. Then top with a second tortilla. Spread with half of the refried beans. Cover with a third tortilla. Sprinkle with half of the chicken-lettuce mixture. Add a forth tortilla. Spread with half of the sour cream sprinkle with half of the cheese. Repeat layers, ending with sour cream and cheese. Garnish with tomatoes, olives, and cilantro. To serve, cut into wedges. If desired, serve with salsa.

Pizza-dillas

Ingredients:

6 (10 inch) flour tortillas
2 cups shredded mozzarella
30 (approx.) pepperoni slices
1 med. bell pepper
½ med. red onion
1 (2.25 oz.) can sliced black olives
1 small can mushrooms
½ batch thick & rich pizza sauce

Instructions:

Prep the ingredients by thinly slicing the vegetables and draining the olives and mushrooms.For each pizzadilla: Measure ⅓ cup of shredded cheese. Sprinkle half of the cheese over one half of the tortilla, add toppings and then sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. Fold the empty side of the tortilla over the toppings.Place the pizzadilla in a prewarmed skillet (medium heat) and cook until brown and crispy on the bottom. Carefully flip the pizzadilla over and cook until brown and crispy on the second side. Once both sides are crisp and the cheese is melted inside, slice into thirds with a pizza cutter. Dip in the pizza sauce prior to eating.

Beef Nacho Casserole

Ingredients:

1 pound lean ground beef
2 cups medium salsa
1 can whole kernel corn, drained; (10 oz.)
1 cup All purpose flour
1 packet taco seasoning
2 cups crushed tortilla chips
2 cups shredded cheese, Mexican blend
3/4 cup Sour Cream

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 x 13 glass casserole pan.

In a large frying pan, cook ground beef until brown. Drain any grease from the pan.

Cook beef with taco seasoning, following package directions.

Add salsa, flour, sour cream, and corn to the beef in the frying pan. Stir to combine.

Put one half of the beef mixture into the bottom of the prepared casserole pan.

Put half of the tortilla chips and cheese on top.

Add the second half of the beef mixture and top with remaining chips and cheese.

Bake uncovered at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and casserole is heated throughout.

Homemade Sauerkraut

Ingredients:

1 medium head green cabbage (about 3 pounds)
1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoons caraway seeds (optional, for flavor)

Equipment:

Cutting board
Chef's knife
Mixing bowl
2-quart widemouth canning jar (or two quart mason jars)
Canning funnel (optional)
Smaller jelly jar that fits inside the larger mason jar
Clean stones, marbles, or other weights for weighing the jelly jar
Cloth for covering the jar
Rubber band or twine for securing the cloth

Instructions:

Clean everything: When fermenting anything, it's best to give the good, beneficial bacteria every chance of succeeding by starting off with as clean an environment as possible. Make sure your mason jar and jelly jar are washed and rinsed of all soap residue. You'll be using your hands to massage the salt into the cabbage, so give those a good wash, too.

Slice the cabbage: Discard the wilted, limp outer leaves of the cabbage. Cut the cabbage into quarters and trim out the core. Slice each quarter down its length, making 8 wedges. Slice each wedge crosswise into very thin ribbons.

Combine the cabbage and salt: Transfer the cabbage to a big mixing bowl and sprinkle the salt over top. Begin working the salt into the cabbage by massaging and squeezing the cabbage with your hands. At first, it may not seem like enough salt, but gradually, the cabbage will become watery and limp — more like coleslaw than raw cabbage. This will take 5 to 10 minutes. If you'd like to flavor your sauerkraut with caraway seeds, mix them in now.

Pack the cabbage into the jar: Grab handfuls of the cabbage and pack them into the canning jar. If you have a canning funnel, this will make the job easier. Every so often, tamp down the cabbage in the jar with your fist. Pour any liquid released by the cabbage while you were massaging it into the jar.

→ Optional: Place one of the larger outer leaves of the cabbage over the surface of the sliced cabbage. This will help keep the cabbage submerged in its liquid.

Weigh the cabbage down: Once all the cabbage is packed into the mason jar, slip the smaller jelly jar into the mouth of the jar and weigh it down with clean stones or marbles. This will help keep the cabbage weighed down, and eventually, submerged beneath its liquid.

Cover the jar: Cover the mouth of the mason jar with a cloth and secure it with a rubber band or twine. This allows air to flow in and out of the jar, but prevent dust or insects from getting in the jar.

Press the cabbage every few hours: Over the next 24 hours, press down on the cabbage every so often with the jelly jar. As the cabbage releases its liquid, it will become more limp and compact and the liquid will rise over the top of the cabbage.

Add extra liquid, if needed: If after 24 hours, the liquid has not risen above the cabbage, dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of water and add enough to submerge the cabbage.

Ferment the cabbage for 3 to 10 days: As it's fermenting, keep the sauerkraut away from direct sunlight and at a cool room temperature — ideally 65°F to 75°F. Check it daily and press it down if the cabbage is floating above the liquid.

Because this is a small batch of sauerkraut, it will ferment more quickly than larger batches. Start tasting it after 3 days — when the sauerkraut tastes good to you, remove the weight, screw on the cap, and refrigerate. You can also allow the sauerkraut to continue fermenting for 10 days or even longer. There's no hard and fast rule for when the sauerkraut is "done" — go by how it tastes.

While it's fermenting, you may see bubbles coming through the cabbage, foam on the top, or white scum. These are all signs of a healthy, happy fermentation process. The scum can be skimmed off the top either during fermentation or before refrigerating. If you see any mold, skim it off immediately and make sure your cabbage is fully submerged; don't eat moldy parts close to the surface, but the rest of the sauerkraut is fine.

Store sauerkraut for several months: This sauerkraut is a fermented product so it will keep for at least two months and often longer if kept refrigerated. As long as it still tastes and smells good to eat, it will be. If you like, you can transfer the sauerkraut to a smaller container for longer storage.

Skinny Shake

Ingredients:

3/4 cup almond milk
15 ice cubes
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 to 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1/2 of a banana

Directions:

Put all ingredients in blender and blend.

Southwestern Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients:

1 lb hamburger meat
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 packet taco seasonings
1 egg, beaten
2 cups cooked rice
4-6 bell peppers
1 can diced tomatoes
Shredded cheese
Salsa
Sour cream

Directions:

Combine beef, onion, seasonings, and egg in large mixing bowl.

Add rice and mix well.

Cut tops off of bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.

Spread can of diced tomatoes in bottom of a 12th baking dish. Add a half can of water and mix well.

Place peppers, cut side up, on top of tomatoes.

Spoon beef mixture into peppers mounding when necessary.

Top each pepper with a spoonful (or two) of salsa.

Bake at 375 in preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. 

Remove from oven and top with shredded cheese and put in broiler for 1 to 2 minutes.

Serve with sour cream and additional salsa.

Corn Fritters

Ingredients:

3 cups oil for frying
1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon shortening, melted
1 (12 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in medium mixing bowl. 

Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Drop batter about 1/4 cup at a time into the hot oil, and fry 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the fritters from the hot oil, and drain on paper towels.

Oven Fried Potatoes

Ingredients:

5 lbs. of potatoes – peeled and quartered
Olive oil

Seasonings:

Dashes of:

Garlic powder
Fresh ground black pepper
Salt
Paprika
Chili powder
Dried oregano

Directions:

Preheat Oven 350 Degrees:

Pat-dry the potatoes with a paper towel and place in a large baking dish. Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes.

In a small bowl combine dashes of the seasonings and sprinkle over the potatoes. Season the potatoes to your taste. Toss the potatoes.

Place in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, until a fork tender and desired crispiness is reached.

These potatoes go great with breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Frozen Nutty Banana Nibblers

INGREDIENTS:

5 medium ripe bananas
1 tbsp. all natural creamy peanut butter
2 oz. nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt

DIRECTIONS:

Peel one banana and mash it with the peanut butter and yogurt. Set aside.

Peel the other four bananas. Slice into half-inch thick slices. Smear the banana, peanut butter, and yogurt mixture on half the banana slices and top with the other halves, making banana sandwiches. Place on a wooden cutting board or a plate and freeze for at least two hours.

Bourbon Style Crack Chicken (crock pot style)

Ingredients:

2-3 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
2 tbls. cornstarch
2 tbls. extra virgin olive oil
2 large cloves garlic, crushed
1/4 tsp. ground ginger or more if you like a stronger ginger flavor
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper - or more if you like it spicy
2 tbls. applesauce, sweetened or not
1/4 cup bourbon or whiskey
1/3 cup light brown sugar
2 tbls. ketchup
1 tbls. cider vinegar
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup lite soy sauce

DIRECTIONS:

Whisk all ingredients into a crockpot. Add chicken and coat with mixture.
Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
Serve over rice.

Cowboy Stew

Ingredients:

1st hamburger meat
2 cans Ranch Style beans with jalapeños
1 can water
Large onion, chopped
2 cans Milestone soup
1 can rote
2 hot links

Directions:

Brown hamburger meat and the drain. Chop the hot links and onions, brown.
Add all ingredients together in a pot and cook until hot.

Oatmeal Banana Cookies

Ingredients:

3 mashed bananas (ripe)
1/3 cup apple sauce
2 cups oats
1/4 cup almond milk
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350.
Mix all ingredients together.

Let sit for 15 minutes and then spoon teaspoonfuls onto baking sheet.

Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until browned.

Jalapeño Spinach Dip

Ingredients:

2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup half-and-half cream
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped seeded jalapeno peppers
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dill weed
Tortilla chips

Directions:

In a 1-1/2-qt. slow cooker, combine the first 10 ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until heated through. Serve with chips. Yield: 16 servings (1/4 cup each).