Slow Cooker Berry Cobbler Recipe

Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Slow Cooker recipes are the best when you're pressed for time and this dessert is a fantastic example using fresh fruit and biscuit topping.

Our version below is made with fresh blackberries however if you're not a berry lover, feel free to choose another fruit.

If you love a biscuit topping, this cobbler is the perfect dessert treat.

This old-fashioned made-from-scratch cobbler hits every checkmark when it comes to authentic delicious desserts and is made all in the slow cooker.

For the recipe just scroll to the bottom hit print and viola, you're ready to make the easiest slow cooker cobbler on the planet.




17

Baked Broccoli Fritters

Tuesday, February 28, 2012
If you're looking for a great snack using broccoli, these baked fritters are delicious.

Perfect served with any meal and they can be air fried, fried in oil, or baked.

Just around any riced vegetables will work great with this recipe if you're not a fan of broccoli.

These even freeze well and can be reheated and wrapped in foil in the oven for another meal.

Scroll down to the recipe card for the printable and read all the suggestions I have to make these different each time.




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Microwave Potato Chips Recipe Plus Video

Sunday, February 26, 2012
My favorite snack with the healthiest ingredients. I made them, I know what's in them and these taste amazing, real potatoes, salt and hardly any calories. What more can you ask for with this simple recipe that takes no more than 4 minutes for a plate of them?

Microwave Potato Chips Recipe Plus Video



20

Lime Pepper Chicken Freezer Marinade

Thursday, February 23, 2012
Lime Pepper Chicken Freezer Marinade is easy to prepare by mixing the marinade in a bowl adding the meat and freezing it for later all ready for the hurried busy weeknight meal you need to make.

After it is frozen, just cook any method you like. This chicken is bursting with flavor, juicy and tender every time.

We included grilling, pan-fried, baked, air-fried and slow cooking methods, and to make your meal easier just add some frozen vegetables to the microwave or white cooked rice on the side.





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Grandma's Lentils and Rice Soup with Video

Sunday, February 19, 2012



Lentils and Rice Soup of course it's Grandma's best recipe and my favorite~
Of course grandma never used a crockpot, everything went into the pot, dried lentils, rice, all cooked at once. I adapted it a little, I love to sort the lentils, cook them in the crockpot first. The freshness with the tomatoes and fresh herbs make this broth the best tasting soup ever!

1/4 cup olive oil
4 carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 fresh basil leaf or dried
1 teaspoon freshly chopped parsley or dried
1 pound of  fresh plum tomatoes put through food processor or 1 can whole tomatoes
4 cups cooked lentils see video for cooking method 1 cup cooked rice set aside
6 cups to 8 cups vegetable or chicken stock or use half water,  half broth
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 cups very well cleaned and rinsed chopped escarole, kale, swiss chard or spinach or more if you like
pinch of red pepper or cayenne
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
Optional for meat lovers: If meats are preferred try some sauteed Italian sausage chunks, ham, bacon or other smoked pork.
Serving suggestions: Garlic bread, Italian hot crusty bread and grating cheese for garnishing.
Although you do not have to soak or cook lentils ahead of time when they are dry, I like to know they are completely cooked and clean before I use mine not just washed. This recipe can be made however without cooking the lentils first by using the crock pot as I do in the video.  I make a whole bag of dried and use them in various recipes throughout my week. Lentils will keep in the refrigerator for around a week. and still taste fresh. Dried around a year on the shelf.
Lentils and Rice soup recipe note:
 If using a crockpot for the whole recipe that's not problem, however, you will have to brown the garlic and vegetables in a separate pan first, proceed the same way cooking on high for 2 to 3 hours.

For Stovetop:
In a large soup pot on low heat add oil the minced garlic,  finely minced carrots, celery, chopped greens  and cook till tender around 2 minutes or so making sure garlic isn't brown and just until the greens are wilted. Add  all the spices, tomatoes and simmer for 1/2 hour ( then add the cooked lentils and rice simmer for around another 1/2 hour. Stir in the balsamic vinegar at the end seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with shredded grating cheese, Italian bread or garlic bread.









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Slow Cooker Asian Bourbon Beef Roast

Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Slow Cooker Asian Bourbon Beef Roast is the easiest cooking method to make a fork-tender roast with Asian beef (or pork roasts) flavors to serve with sandwiches, rice, or stir fry.

This is a meaty delicious tender roast and when seasoned and slow cooked this Asian-style meat is fantastic in flavor of course, the bourbon gives this its unique flavor.

When slowly cooked correctly it will be easy to shred and taste great just sliced in a place with roasted vegetables or plain white rice.

The setting can be set to low or high and the perfectly cooked roast after a long day of work, shopping, or chores to come home to await you deliciously.

We've included in our recipe card homemade gravy and some other suggestions below when serving side dishes.

The meat is very tough if you don't cook it slowly, just read all the tips before starting and you will have the best Asian Bourbon Beef Roast ever!

This meat uses simple pantry ingredients that you may already have in your cupboard.

To get started just scroll to the recipe card and print this off, don't forget and read the tips.


this is a flavorful Asian style beef roast in a slow cooker


14

Strawberry Frappuccino

Tuesday, February 14, 2012
If you're sick of paying for over priced frappuccino drinks you're going to be amazed how easy and inexpensive they are to make at home like this Strawberry Frappuccino.

We also include a fun summer festival style drink flavor that the kids are over the moon crazy for which our bonus Cotton Candy easy to make frappuccino recipe you can try!

Seriously with just some ice, milk, fruit, and a blender, you can easily save lots of loot making it at home plus it's so much tastier and fresh!!

I love the caramel frappes you get at McDonald's and of course Star Bucks is famous for all these types of drinks as well, but you can do this in your own kitchens.

I actually love making all kinds and will give you some ideas for peach, raspberry, caramel and just change the ingredients for those not fond of strawberry, which we are all fans of here.

Our strawberry frappe is perfect for Valentine's Day although it's great when strawberry season is in full bloom.

Just scroll down to our recipe card for these instructions and start making your own frappuccino's in your own kitchen.


strawberry frappe


24

Brownie Cherries Jubilee

Saturday, February 11, 2012
This heart-shaped Brownie Cherries Jubilee is the easiest fancy dessert made in minutes.

If you love cherries and chocolate and want a romantic dessert that is super easy, this will be one of the most impressive romantic desserts you'll ever make.

The jubilee has rum in it and can easily be ignited to create that dessert-perfect atmosphere for Valentine's Day or any special event for that special loved one in your life.

The brownies can be all homemade with our recipe or use a mix plus the cherries can be canned or from a jar with just a few simple steps you'll have a delicious fancy dessert.

For other creative heart, food recipes check out our all Heart Shaped Food Ideas they are all super easy to make.

Scroll down to our printable recipe card for instructions for your special Valentine's Day dessert or an occasion you want to make that's a wow factor in taste and presentation.



this is a brownie baked with cherries jubilee on top


24

Curt's Italian Stuffed Pizza Pizzone Pie

Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Not sure where my son picked this name Pizzone, but it fit, so that's what it is (smile)

I love that it's kind of a pie, top and bottom crust, it's more like a pot pie pizza~


Depending on what you like the skies the limit and just a little each below is all you need in this pizza.

You will need to stuff your pizza :

  1 pound of homemade pizza dough or store bought
  parchment paper
  1 deep dish pie plate up to 10 inch max size
  1 tablespoon or more of your favorites chopped: olives, peppers, eggplant, mushrooms, escarole,  spinach
  1 cup of packaged or cooked meats: sausage, pepperoni, ham, capicola, meatball, steak, anchovies,  shrimp
 1 cup shredded mozzarella
 2 tablespoons grated romano cheese
 1/2 cup pizza sauce or tomato sauce

 On a large cutting board, cut dough in half. Roll dough out to fit the pie plate up to 10 inches. Line the  pie plate   with parchment paper. Place dough on the paper. Fill with your favorite filling and sauce. Roll the other half of the dough. Place on top of this dough. Press the edges lightly. They will cook together in the over.
Brush top with extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
You can add spices to the top, garlic powder, parsley and oregano evenly would be my preference.
Bake on 400 degree preheated oven until browned on top around 45 minutes.
Serve with more sauce to dip in.

Want some more pizza idea?

Pizza Dough
Sausage Roll
Pizza Fritta
Bread Crumbs
Pizza with Roasted Peppers
Foccacia with Zucchini and Tomato
Calzones
Bagel Pizza
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Grilled Pizza
Crescent Roll Pizza
Spinach and Cheese Calzone
Broccoli Rabe Mushroom Marsala Pizza
16

Heart Shaped Chambord Raspberry Napoleons for your Valentine

Monday, February 6, 2012


Be My Valentine Napoleons, a light airy flaky pastry with a delicious raspberry cream filling made with  canned fruits 

1 pkg. (17.3 oz.) frozen puff pastry sheets or homemade puff pastry
1-1/4 cups cold half-and-half
2 tablespoons Chambord liqueur or raspberry juice or flavoring
1 recipe below of custard or 1 pkg. (4-serving size) French Vanilla or Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding
1 large  white chocolate candy bar melted ( I used Lindt) after melted tint half of the melted chocolate with some with raspberry reserved juice.

Sure to please any sweetheart!

Sauce:

1 can Oregon Raspberries in heavy syrup drain reserving liquid and set raspberries aside in another bowl set some aside for the puddings for flavoring as well.
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon Chambord liqueur or use raspberry juice or flavoring 


 In a small dish mix together mix the cornstarch into a paste with some Chambord to form the thickening agent. In a small saucepan measure out juices to one cup and add water if needed. Add the cornstarch paste.  Simmer for 4 minutes or more until it thickens and remove from heat. Set aside. 

Note for  making the pudding:

If using packaged instant pudding. Beat together the instant pudding, half and half and 2 tablespoons raspberry juice. Add a little of the raspberry flavoring, syrup or food coloring  for pink coloring.  Chill about 15 minutes.

 To make a homemade custard:

Custard Filling Recipe:

6 egg yolks beaten
2 cups milk
2 tablespoon of butter melted
1 tablespoon Chambord liqueur
3/4 cup sugar
6 tablespoons of flour
1 tablespoon raspberry flavoring or juice from the Oregon reserved raspberry drained juice, this will turn the cream pink naturally (or if you prefer more pink use a little red food coloring if you wish)

Melt butter in pan add flour stir till smooth and there are no lumps.  Add milk, beaten egg yolks, sugar, butter, raspberry...stir constantly until thick and creamy, if it gets too thick add a little more milk. Remove immediately from pot as it will continue to cook and then pour into a bowl. Add liqueur. Flavor with some raspberry juice, flavoring or more liqueur if you like. For more pink color add a drop of red food coloring until pudding has turned a light pink in color.  Cool with a piece of wax paper over the top, cool completely.

Heart Cut Outs:

Thaw pastry sheets at room temperature 20 min. Preheat oven to 350°F. Unfold pastry. Using 2-inch heart shaped cookie cutter, cut each sheet into 12 hearts. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 20 min. or until golden brown. Remove from baking sheets; cool completely on wire racks. Split each heart in half horizontally.

Assembly:

Place about 1 tablespoon of the pudding cream mixture onto bottom half of each baked pastry heart; top with remaining pastry half.  Drizzle with both colors of  white chocolate starting with white ending with pink. Pour  some of the raspberry sauce over the top, adding some reserved raspberries and drizzle more of the sauce on the plate.


Recipe for regular Napoleons? Click here
19

Crockpot Brownie Recipe

Saturday, February 4, 2012



Nonstick cooking spray
1 1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter (= 1 stick and cut up into pieces)
8 ounces of chopped bittersweet chocolate chopped
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs lightly beaten
1 cup walnuts coarsely chopped
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
parchment paper

Spray a 5-quart crockpot(slow cooker) with cooking spray.  Line the bottom with parchment paper to fit and lightly spray the paper.
In a small bowl, mix together flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
Place in a microwave-safe bowl, butter, and bittersweet chocolate and heat in 30-second intervals stirring,  until the chocolate is melted. Add sugar, stir to combine. Add eggs and flour mixture, walnuts, and chocolate chips, stir until moistened do not over mix.  Carefully pour into the slow cooker and smooth the top with a spatula.
Cover and cook on low for 3 1/2 hours. Then uncover and cook for 30 more minutes. Remove the crock and run a knife around the edge to loosen. Let cool for at least 2 hours. Flip onto the cutting board peel off the parchment paper and cut into squares. You can cut into squares and frost or leave plain and add your favorite ice cream, whipped cream, and hot fudge to the top.

For A Mocha and Chocolate Frosting:

Frosting:
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla
old coffee

Add old morning coffee, a tablespoon at a time until desired thickness is enough to spread on the brownie.
add 2 tablespoons of softened butter. Beat till smooth.
Make a separate batch using the same ingredients (adding chocolate), 2 tablespoons of dry cocoa powder to the bowl mix till smooth.
Spread with white frosting then drizzle some of the chocolate frostings on top. If too thick add more coffee to thin.
23

Linguine with Rock Shrimp

Friday, February 3, 2012








6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup minced fresh garlic
1 bottle clam juice
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup white wine
2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
2 lbs rock shrimp cleaned, out of shell regular fresh shrimp, peeled
salt pepper to taste
4 to 6 anchovies, minced (you can also use a tube of paste and add to the liquid)
1 pound pasta of choice cooked al dente
1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley
optional: hot red pepper flakes


Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large, frypan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until soft, do not brown or it becomes bitter, saute around 3 minutes.

Add the juice, butter, bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cook simmering for 10 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper taste. Set aside. Put the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil, butter in the same large pan heat.

Saute the shrimp, wine, and anchovies.

Cook just until the shrimp turn pink, about 3 minutes.

Add pasta, toss to coat. If you like more buttery flavor add more melted butter to the tops of the rock shrimp, just pour directly over the tops of them.

We like to garnish with cheese, hot red pepper flakes, and parsley.






20

Simple Crostini

Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Simple crostini is the start of a delicious toasted bread appetizer and can be made with a variety of toppings.

With a little creativity depending on what kind of sandwich fillings or salad fixings you prefer, these can be transformed into any kind of orderve.

They make a wonderful starter before a big meal but can also be a light lunch and perfect for when hosting a game day for delicious finger foods.

Quick easy and delicious appetizers you can make in 10 to 12 minutes.

Add a delicious side antipasto escarole salad and that lighter summer meal is complete.

If you love appetizers do try our over 30 Fun Appetizer Recipes, perfect for holidays, game days, and family get-togethers.

Scroll down for these simple instructions on our printable recipe card below.





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