The best brownie cups EVER!!

1 German Chocolate Cake Mix
1 egg
1/2 cup butter

In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, egg and butter until smooth. Scoop batter 2/3rds full into a muffin tin sprayed with non stick spray. Scoop 1 tablespoon pretzel crumble on top of brownie batter. Pat down lightly. Bake at 350 for about 10 minutes. I did the mini muffin cups and they took about the same time to bake.

Pretzel crumble
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 T brown sugar
1 cup crushed pretzels

*I halved this recipe for the mini cups and it worked perfectly.

1/3 bag of caramels- melt in a saucepan until creamy
1 cup milk chocolate chips

*I just used caramel syrup and it tasted fine.

I found this recipe here and I just had to try it out. She has so many good treats that I want to try out. The only thing is that I can't make them just for us because we will end up eating ALL of them in one night. We have no self-control.
So last night we had people over and I got my chance and these brownies were an absolute hit. I can't even describe how delicious they are/were and my pictures really don't do justice, but they are the perfect combination of chocolate and caramel. Just take my word and try them yourself.

Teriyaki Meatballs

1 lb ground beef
1 cup quick oats
1 egg
1/4 large onion, finely chopped
1/8 cup oil
1/2 cup ketchup
1/6 cup vinegar
1/4 tsp dry mustard
1/4 tsp garlic salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/8 tsp pepper
1/8 cup Worcestershire
1/2 T flour

Combine onion and oil in fry pan. Cook onions. Combine ketchup, vinegar, mustard, garlic salt, sugar, pepper, worcestershire, and flour in saucepan. Mix together with the onions and simmer. While sauce is simmering make meatballs. Mix beef, egg and oats. Form into balls and place in glass baking dish. Pour sauce over top and bake at 375 for about 30 minutes.

These are so yummy. I got the recipe from a friends blog and we seriously eat these at least once a month, which for me is a lot. She doesn't quite follow the recipe but I do because I love them just the way they are. If you don't want to have as much kick don't add the dry mustard; although I really think that is what gives it so much flavor. Serve these up with a side of rice and mmnnn you won't be disappointed!

Banana Muffins

1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
3 ripened bananas (about 1 cup)
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg
4 T melted butter

In large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Set aside. In another bowl, mash the bananas and then add both sugars, egg, and melted butter. Whisk until smooth. Add to the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Do not over mix. Drop mixture into sprayed muffin cups and bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes. If using mini muffin pan cook about 10-12 minutes.

We woke up this morning with gray clouds and a little drizzle of rain and for some reason I just felt like baking something which for me is a little strange. I saw all my brown bananas on the counter and decided why not? So even though we had already eaten breakfast, I whipped these out and they were so good. Light and fluffy. My daughter even ate a few even though she had just finished her oatmeal.


Yum. Yum.

Pulled Jerk Pork

2 1/2 lb pork boneless shoulder
1 T Jamaican jerk seasoning
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup cola
2 cups barbecue sauce

Rub jerk seasoning over pork, sprinkle with thyme. Place in slow cooker. Sprinkle with onion. Pour cola over pork. Cover and cook on low 8-10 hours. Remove pork from cooker and shred . Remove juices from cooker and reserve 1/2 cup. Return pork to cooker and stir in BBQ sauce and 1/2 cup of reserved juice. Change cooker to high and cook 30-45 minutes. Serve on hamburger or sandwich buns.

Once again, I got this recipe from a neighbor because it was soooo good. I've only made it once myself and I used a really spicy BBQ sauce and it had a little too much kick. Next time I will use a sweeter sauce because the other seasonings give it enough kick for me.

Bowtie Festival

1 oz melted butter
1 tsp chopped garlic
1/8 cup diced red onion
1/8 cup diced cooked bacon
1/4 cup roma tomatoes
3 oz sliced cooked chicken
1 oz heavy whipping cream
3 oz alfredo sauce (recipe follows)
1/8 cup Asiago cheese
1/2 tsp salt, pepper, garlic salt
10 oz precooked bowtie pasta

Alfredo:
1 quart heavy whipping cream
1 cup parmesan cheese
1 T pepper
1/4 cup whole milk

Alfredo directions: Saute cream, milk and pepper to a consistent boil. Remove from heat. Fold in parmesan cheese. Store in fridge until use.

In heated sauce pan combine butter, garlic, onion, bacon, tomato, chicken, and spice mixture. When onions become translucent, add heavy cream and asiago cheese. Once cheese and cream have reduced by half, add alfredo sauce and pasta. Toss until well combined. Remove from heat and let stand until sauce thickens.

This recipe is sort of a lot of work (I won't lie), but if you have a little time then it is definitely worth it. I found the recipe online a while back and have only made it a couple of times because once again heavy whipping cream, not that good for the hips. Every now and then I just want to have a nice meal so we splurge and then go for a long walk.
Oh and I know the recipe is wierd with the oz measurements. Next time I make this, I will try to figure out what it equals to in terms of cups and tablespoons to make it a little easier.

Oriental Chicken Wraps

2 chicken breasts, cubed
Terriyaki marinade (recipe below)
1 can mandarin oranges, drained
bag of mixed green salad (or whatever is in the fridge)
Chow Mein noodles
sliced green onions
flour tortillas
Creamy Sesame Dressing (recipe below)

Terriyaki Marinade:
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup oil
1/2 cup Sprite
1/2 tsp minced garlic

Allow chicken at least one hour to marinate but overnight is best.

Creamy Sesame Dressing:
1 cup mayo
2 T sesame oil (or whatever you have)
2 T lemon juice
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 tsp pepper
5 T milk
*Usually I half this and still have plenty.

Layer tortillas with salad, chicken, oranges, green onions, noodles. Drizzle sauce over the top and then roll up. Super delicious!

I know this may sound like a lot of work because it has multiple recipes but trust me it is so easy and very delicious. Most of the stuff can be made earlier in the day so when it comes time for dinner you just have to cook the chicken and pull things out of the fridge. This is definitely a fall back recipe when I know we are having people over for dinner.

Chinese Chicken Salad

1 head of lettuce
green onion to taste
parsley (optional)
2-3 chicken breasts, cubed and grilled
wontons, fried and cooled

Dressing:
1/2 cup oil
2 cups vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
3 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

*this makes a lot of dressing so I usually half it and still have plenty.

Chop up the lettuce, green onion, chicken and parsley. Mix together in large bowl. Cook wontons and then crumble on top. Most of the time I just serve the dressing on the side so my lettuce doesn't get all soggy. If I am serving for a large group then I just mix the dressing in with everything else.

My SIL made this for us a few summers back and it was so nice on a hot day to eat a cool refreshing salad. I obviously got the recipe and so now we make it every now and then. Sadly it isn't that healthy for you so we don't make it lots but it is still delicious with lots of flavor!

Chicken Enchiladas

12-14 oz can enchilada sauce
1 package of cream cheese
shredded chicken (2-3 large breasts)
tortillas
grated cheese

Melt cream cheese with about half the enchilada sauce.
Boil chicken until done, shred. Mix chicken with cream cheese mixture.
Pour a bit of enchilada sauce on bottom of glass baking dish. Roll mixture into tortillas. Pour rest of sauce on top. Cover with grated cheese. Bake at 350 for about 15 minutes.

This is definitely a family favorite. I've made it several times for both sides of our family and they have all loved it, including the kids! You can't beat that.

Asian Beef and Broccoli

1 lb boneless beef top round or top sirloin steak (I just buy whatever is cheap)
2 packages Oriental-flavored ramen noodles, broken up
1 1/2 tsp cornstarch dissolved in 1/2 cup water
1/2 lb fresh broccoli florets
2 medium carrots, washed and thinly sliced

Cut steak into thin strips. Add ramen seasoning from package to cornstarch mixture in large bowl. Toss in beef. Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in large nonstick skillet over med-high heat. Stir fry vegetables 1 minute. Add noodles and 1 1/2 cups water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 3-5 minutes. Remove, keep warm. Heat 1 Tbsp oil in same skillet over med-high heat. Stir fry 1/2 of beef at a time, 1-2 minutes or until no longer pink (do not overcook). Serve over noodles and vegetables.

Garlic Potato Soup

2 lbs potatoes, chopped

Cook 1/2 onion and 4-6 cloves minced garlic; 5 minutes
Add 28 oz chicken broth, potatoes, and 1/2 tsp salt and pepper.
Bring to boil. Reduce heat, simmer uncovered 10-12 minutes.
Blend half the soup at a time. Thin with water.

Serve with bacon bits, cheese, sour cream and green onions.

I love this recipe because it is made from things that are pretty much always in my pantry. So when it is time to start dinner and I have nothing planned, wala, 30 minutes later dinner is served.

Sweet and Sour Sauce

1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 T cornstarch
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1/3 cup pineapple juice
1 T soy sauce
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp ground ginger

In a 2 cup measuring bowl, combine all ingredients. Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes to until thickened and bubbly, stirring every minute until mixture starts to thicken and then every 30 seconds.

We like to have this with chunks of grilled chicken and pineapple, served over rice. Yummy.

Easter Classics

Baked Beans

2 cans pork and beans
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp mustard
1/2 T Worcestershire
1/4 cup chopped onion

Mix all together. Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes. Serves 4-6.

Funeral Potatoes

6-8 medium potatoes- cooked, peeled, grated
*I normally only peel half the potatoes because I like the skins.

Mix together:
1/4 cup melted butter
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup green onion
1 cup shredded cheese

Fold in potatoes. Bake at 325 for 20 minutes.

Potstickers

12 wonton/potsticker wrappers

In medium bowl combine:

6 oz cooked ground beef/turkey/pork (we like turkey)
1/4 cup diced onion
2 T ginger (If your not a fan of ginger, don't use as much)
1 T minced garlic
4 T green onion
1 tsp soy sauce
1/4 tsp sesame oil
pinch salt and pepper

Place 1 T of mixture in middle of wrapper. Brush edges with water or egg to close. Fry 3-5 minutes. Serve with rice and terriyaki/sweet and sour sauce.