Along the path...

Kristen (a teammate at work) and I threw a baby shower for Anna (a co-worker) yesterday. It was so much fun planning and executing the luncheon. We served curried chicken pasta salad, veggies, fruit, cupcakes and had blue punch. I didn't really measure anything for the pasta salad, but was asked for the recipe. I used my family's "that looks about right" method. Here's the recipe(ish): Curried Chicken Pasta Salad Fun shaped pasta Frozen peas Celery, diced Apple, cored and diced (I prefer a firm, sweet apple like Fuji) Red grapes, halved Bottled coleslaw salad dressing Canned chicken, drained (I prefer Costco's canned chicken) or a couple of cooked, cubed chicken breasts Dehydrated onion (can use diced red onion) Curry powder Cumin White pepper Black pepper Salt Nuts (I use raw cashews) Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse peas under hot water in a colander and drain well. Dice fruits and celery. Mix fruits and vegetables in a ...

So I'm not much of a popcorn fan, but I came across this recipe for homemade microwave popcorn on Our Best Bites and I soooo want to try it. You can control the salt, the fat, the portion--everything. Just maybe not for breakfast... Brown Paper Bag Microwave Popcorn 1/4 c. unpopped popcorn kernels 1 brown paper lunch bag Tape Seasonings like melted butter, kosher salt, seasoning salt, Creole or Cajun seasoning, bacon salt, or Garlic Bread Seasoning Place unpopped popcorn in the brown paper lunch bag. Fold the bag over twice, tape it shut, and gently push the air out. Pop for 2 1/2-3 minutes or until there are 1-2 seconds between pops. Remove the bag from the microwave and shake gently before carefully opening the bag. Season as desired.

Sweet Rice Source: Recipezaar / by knobbyknee NOTE: The amount of sugar makes it very sweet. You can alter the amount of sugar if you would like, just remember it is supposed to be sweet! Also, let the sugar disolve in the stock so you won't have sugar that has sunk to the bottom of the pan. 6-8 servings 50 min / 10 min prep 1/2-1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1/2 of a white onion, chopped (add more or less to your taste) 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro 1 1/3 cups white rice 3 cups chicken broth 1/4-1/2 cup white sugar Put a little oil in bottom of pan (maybe about 1/2-1 tablespoon). Saute chopped onion until transluecent. Add the chopped cinlantro (no big stems) and saute a minute more. Add the rice, cooking until it is light brown (being careful not to burn). Combine the chicken broth and sugar, letting sugar disolve. Then stir into rice until combined. Bring to a boil. Cover and let cook on low, med-low until rice is done, about 25-30 minutes. Fluff with a fork before servin...

Mango and Apple Salad yields 4 servings 1 mango, peeled and cubed 1 apple, peeled and cubed (your choice--or Granny Smith) 3/4 c. cashews 1 T. basalmic vinegar 1/2 tsp.cinnamon 1/4 tsp. ginger Toss everything together and add a pinch of salt for flavor as needed.

Grilled Spicy Lime Pineapple with Ice Cream Ingredients: One Can of Pineapple rings in water or light syrup 3 TBSP Agave Nectar 2 TBSP of Lime Juice, or the juice of one small lime Cayenne pepper to taste Your favorite low fat/low sugar Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Directions: Drain and rinse pineapple rings. In a bowl mix Agave Nectar, Lime juice and a couple dashes of cayenne pepper. Thoroughly coat pineapple with agave mixture. Grill pineapple until tender and slightly charred. Top immediately with a scoop of Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and enjoy!!!

Creamy Tortilla Soup 8 corn tortillas 1 T olive oil 1 onion 3 cloves of garlic pressed or minced 2 whole carrots grated 2 whole zucchini grated 5 cups fat free chicken broth 2 cups salsa 2 t. cumin 2 t. chili powder ½ t. pepper 3 c. frozen corn 1 can black beans 4 T cornstarch 1/3 c. cold water 1 lb. boneless chicken breast shredded 1/3 c. cilantro fresh 4 cups fat-free half and half 4 oz reduce-fat cheese Preheat oven to 350. Cut six of the tortillas in half then slice into ¼ inch strips. Place on a baking sheet and spray with cooking spray . Place in the over and turn after 4 minutes. Cook another 4 minutes until crispy. Remove from oven and cool. Cut the remaining tortillas, into diced pieces. Very small squares. In a large pot warm oil and saute the onion and garlic. Add broth if necessary. Add carrots and cook then add zucchini and cook. Add broth as needed. Add the diced tortilla cover and cook 2 minutes. Add the rest of the chicken broth and bring to a boil Add salsa, spices, ...

Anyone who knows me, I mean really knows me, knows that jello and I do not play well together. My jello usually turns out too soft or too firm or too runny or too not-jelloy. Don't ask me how it happens. It must be a trade secret. But, I came across this recipe and thought I might try it. How badly could I mess it up? It doesn't even have to set. 1 container Cool Whip, 8 oz. 1 container small curd cottage cheese, 16 oz. 1 small box orange jello (can use sugar free or other flavors) 1 large can crushed pineapple, 20 oz., well drained 1-2 can mandarin oranges, well drained (to taste) Gently combine cool whip, cottage cheese, drained pineapple, and dry jello powder in a large bowl. Gently stir in mandarin oranges, reserving some for garnishing if desired.Garnish with mandarin oranges. Chill well before serving.

Recipe for slow cooker oatmeal, care of Epicurean Aspirations . Oatmeal to go. A simple, healthy crockpot breakfast recipe. Just warm a serving in the microwave and you're good to go. Add to crockpot: 4 cups of water for every 1 cup of steel cut oats Set on low Cook for 3-4 hours. Dress it up as desired with a little milk, cream, dried fruit, fresh fruit, syrup, cinnamon and sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, almond extract, etc.

I am a collector of many things: dust, craft supplies, and recipes to name a few. Recently I stumbled across a new recipe website while searching for a restaurant in Atlanta. What better way to bookmark it than in my blog? I love that you can select a recipe to make in the comfort of your own home based on a main meal ingredient you want to use, the type of dish, preparation method or course. And they are famous to boot! Hmmmm.... Maybe I'll try Dutch Kitchen's Mud Pie or Harry Caray's Chicken Visuvio or Broccoli Salad or Tomato Basil Soup or Blue Willow Inn's Gingerbread with Lemon Sauce or Collard Greens . What's for dinner?

Tres Leches Cake (Rathbun's) Equipment: Mixer, 9”x 2 ½ “Single Piece Cake Pan - Yield 1 Cake Cake 2C. Sugar 5 Eggs (Separated) 1/3 C. Milk 1tsp. Vanilla Extract 1C. All Purpose Flour ½ T. Baking Powder ½ tsp. Cream of Tartar Milk Syrup 8oz. Evaporated Milk 14oz. Sweetened Condensed Milk 8oz. Heavy Cream 1tsp. Vanilla Extract 2T. Tequila Procedure: Tres Leches Cake: Preheat Oven 325*/Spray Mold and Paper Sides and Bottom Beat 1 ½ C. sugar and egg yolks until light and fluffy. Combine milk and vanilla extract; sift flour and baking powder together. Alternately fold the milk mixture and flour mixture into the egg yolks until smooth. Reserve. Beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar until soft peaks are achieved. Gradually add the remaining sugar and continue to beat until whites are glossy and firm but not dry. Gently fold the white into the yolk mixture. Pour this batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40-50 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out dry. Pierce cake with f...

This recipe came from a co-worker at a potluck Halloween luncheon. It was Yummmm! 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes 1 can cream of chicken soup 1 lb. Velveeta cheese 1 med. onion, chopped (or 2 Tbs. dried minced onion) 1 pkg. Doritos (we usually use ¾ of the bag) Bake or boil the chicken and cut it up into bite-size pieces. In a saucepan, slowly heat the tomatoes, soup and cheese. In a 9x13-inch pan, put 1 layer chicken, 1 layer chopped onions, 1 layer Doritos. Pour cheese-and-soup mixture over the top. Bake at 375 degrees for 20-30 minutes.

Cream: 2/3 c. butter 2/3 c. butter flavored Crisco 1 c. white sugar 1 c. brown sugar Incorporate: 2 eggs 2 t. vanilla 3 1/2 c. flour 1 t. salt 1 t. baking soda 1 bag chocolate chips (dark, milk, or semi-sweet) nuts, optional Bake: 375 degree oven for 8-9 minutes

The other day, I was talking with a coworker about cake. After thinking about it for a while, I decided my favorite cake is Best Ever Apple Pudding Cake. I don't have my mom's recipe handy, but this one looks similar. Ingredients 2 cups packed brown sugar 1/2 cup shortening 2 cups whole wheat flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 2 teaspoons cinnamon 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon salt 4 cups grated apples 1/2 cup chopped nuts SAUCE: 1 1/2 cups brown sugar 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup light corn syrup 1/2 cup evaporated milk 1 teaspoon vanilla Cream together the brown sugar and shortening in a bowl. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add to the creamed mixture. Add apples and nuts. Pour into a greased 9 x 13 inch pan, and bake in a 350° F. oven for 45 minutes. While pudding is baking, prepare sauce by bringing the brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and evaporated milk to a boil in a heavy pan. Remove from heat, and add vanilla. Serve warm sau...

This recipe came in an e-newsletter from one of our printers at work of all places. I've tried a similar type of recipe using a spice cake mix and can of pumpkin pie filling. These Snickerdoodles sound easy and delicious! Twisted Snickerdoodle Cookies 1 package white or yellow cake mix (Can double recipe and use one of each) 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or 1/4 cup applesauce) 2 eggs 2 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Heat oven to 350. Mix cake mix, oil and eggs in large bowl with spoon until dough forms. Some dry mix will remain. Refrigerate for an hour so it is easier to roll into balls. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Mix sugar and cinnamon in small bowl. Roll balls in cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10 - 12 minutes or until set. Cookies will be light golden brown. Do not overbake or they will be hard. Cool on wire rack.

I wonder if this is anything like the Waterfall Beef Salad Melinda orders when we all go for Thai. If it is, sha-zam! Know where to buy lemongrass? INGREDIENTS ( Nutrition ) 2 green onions, chopped 1 lemon grass, cut into 1 inch pieces 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1 cup chopped fresh mint leaves 1 cup lime juice 1/3 cup fish sauce 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce 1/2 cup white sugar 1 1/2 pounds (1 inch thick) steak fillet 1 head leaf lettuce - rinsed, dried and torn into bite-size pieces 1/2 English cucumber, diced 1 pint cherry tomatoes DIRECTIONS In a large bowl, stir together the green onions, lemon grass, cilantro, mint leaves, lime juice, fish sauce, chili sauce and sugar until well combined and the sugar is dissolved. Adjust the flavor, if desired, by adding more sugar and/or fish sauce. Set aside. Cook the steak over high heat on a preheated grill for approximately 4-6 minutes on each side, until it is cooked medium. Do not overcook the meat! Remove from heat and slice into t...

I don't cook much any more. Leftovers get really tiring and it's not much fun cooking for one. Mom's birthday was this past weekend and I offered to make Sunday dinner so she wouldn't have to cook for all of us. Since my ward starts at 12:30, it had to be something really quick that could come together from about 4-5 or a crockpot meal. I opted for the later. About 10 am, I loaded my large crockpot with 2 lbs of baby carrots, brown rice for about 13 people, 2 cans of cricken broth, plus some chicken boullion for added flavor, about 20-25 chicken tenders, and a can of cream of mushroom and a can of cream of chicken soup. For seasoning, I had hoped to use a dry onion soup mix on top. No luck. None in the cupboard. Instead I opted for celery seed, rosemary, dehydrated onion, parsley, and pepper. I'm trying to remember because I thought it turned out pretty well and might want to recreate it later. After church, I was a little worried there wasn't enough liquid in w...

Several years ago, a friend decided to change her diet. She's a raw foodie! I must admit that the concept had me concerned at first (raw chocolate, raw meat, raw cake, raw milk, raw veggies...), but I've tried several of her recipes and they are quite good. And, no, she doesn't eat raw meat. Angie began a blog recently to share her joy of the raw food world. Eventually she plans to make a raw food recipe book. If you are interested, she would love you to try her recipes and give her feedback. This image came from her blog for a wrap recipe . Hmmm... I think I need a s'more or maybe a crudite.

Candy recipe links galore! Just click on the name of the CANDY and bam the recipe appears! 'Tis the season... (Thanks Aunt Sandra and Karen W.) 2 Minute Microwave Fudge 5 Minute Fudge 7 Layer Bars Aaron's Buttery Cashew Brittle Almond Bark Amanda's Peppermint Creams Ann's Cream Nut Candy Bavarian Inn Peanut Bars Beth's Delicious Fudge Brownie Fudge Dessert Buckeyes Buckeyes Butter Toffee Candied Yams Candy Bar Brownies Candy Cane Brittle Candy Cane Fudge Caramel Krispie Treats Caramels Carmel Corn Carol's Christmas Treats Chocolate Almond Bars Chocolate Balls Chocolate Billionaires Chocolate Chow Mein Candy Chocolate Covered Cherr ies Chocolate Covered Nuts Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls Chocolate Covered Pretzels Chocolate Covered Pretzels Chocolate Covered Pretzels Chocolate Nut Caramels Chocolate Popcorn Chocolate Silk Bon Bons Chocolate Truffels Christmas Candied Walnuts Christmas Crackle Candy Christmas Mice Chunky Mallow Candy Cinnamon Hard Candy Ci...

Ever loathe the weekly (or daily) grocery trips? Ever get to the grocery store and wonder what happened to your list? Wish you could automatically generate one rather than having to plan one out? Want a monthly calendar to help you plan meals? Need new meal ideas to add to your staples? Nicole blogged about this website and its dinner planning hints and tips. You can create your own online recipe database and share recipes. I think this sounds like a fabulous (and free ) idea! Watch the interview with KSL's Studio 5 or visit the website SimplifySupper.com . Sign me up, Scotty!

Homemade Play Dough Ingredients: 3 c. flour 3 c. boiling water 1 1/2 c. salt 6 tsp cream of tartar 3 TBSP oil food coloring Directions: 1. In a large bowl, mix together flour, salt, cream of tartar and oil. 2. Add boiling water and mix well. You can knead dough on floured surface until no longer sticky (do not add too much flour or dough will dry out). 3. store in air tight container or ziploc bags.