a little st. patty's day yum~

sorry that i don't have a pic of this one. but it is totally worth giving it a shot! this is a delicious dish from my friend mykelle's mom judy. she also brought us this great one. make it this week to celebrate this fun Irish holiday with your family.

{judy's corned beef & cabbage}

corned beef brisket

cabbage

baby carrots

new potatoes

onion

Cover Corned beef with water. Bring to a boil and then turn to low for 1/2 hour per lb. Add baby carrots, new potatoes, and chopped onions. cook for last 1/2 hour with beef. Add cabbage chopped in blocks for the last 10 min(secure with toothpicks so cabbage doesn't fall apart). Make glaze right before serving so its nice and warm. Pour over corn beef and vegetables for a yummy meal.

Glaze:

1 cube butter

1 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup hot or spicey mustard

2 T. vinegar

Bring to boil and then turn off while stirring frequently

calli's "burrito" chicken enchiladas...

this recipe comes from my friend Calli's kitchen. i am so glad that my friend tyson married her, cause i love her. i am friends with all of her in-laws, but wish i got to see her more:( love ya Cal! & you are going to love here too... as soon as you make these!

they are called "burrito" enchiladas cause they are stuffed with everything you would put in a burrito, but they are rolled, smothered & baked like enchiladas:) & they are perfectly delish!!!! i am eating leftovers of them as i type:) give them a try asap, you'll be so glad you did!

{Calli's "burrito" chicken enchiladas}

{Santa Fe lime rice}

1 cup rice, either long grain or basmati

2 cups chicken broth

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp garlic powder

juice of 1/2 lime

2 TBSP butter

1/4 tsp cumin

1/3 cup cilantro

melt butter in a pot & add all seasonings & cilantro. add rice & cook over medium heat for 2 minutes stirring constantly. add stock & lime juice return to simmer, turn to heat to low. cover & cook about 30 minutes.

set aside.

{chicken}

1 pound chicken, cooked & shredded

you can cook the chicken any way you want. My favorite way is to boil it on the stove, it takes about 25 minutes. I have also cooked it in the crockpot for about 3 hours on high, or just cut up one of the already made chickens from Costco.

{sauce}

1 cup salsa verde

1 package buttermilk ranch

1/3 cup cilantro

1/3 cup sour cream

1/3 cup mayo

1 tsp minced garlic

1/2 tsp coarse salt

1 Tbls fresh lime juice

1/4 tsp cumin

1/4 cup sugar

Put in a blender and blend away

( I usually do one and a half of this for the six burritos. I love the sauce so I like more of it then the recipe calls for.)

{Burritos}

6 burrito size tortillas

shredded cheese

1- 15 oz can black beans, drained

rice, recipe above

I put the chicken, rice, beans and cheese in the tortillas. wrap them up cover them with sauce and then put them in the oven on 350 for 40 min covered with tin foil, then I take the tin foil off sprinkle more cheese on top and then cook them for another 10 minutes:)

** i like them topped with pico, avocado & sour cream:)

a little more cpk yum...

while on my long vacation from blogging, i did actually go on vacation. one of my purchases- the last of the cpk cookbook trilogy:)

i bought my first cookbook from california pizza kitchen in 1997, my senior year of high school, while on vacation with my friends. i was a food nerd even way back then:) since then i have made lots of food from it & the other i bought a few years later. now, they have a new family cookbook & it included one of mine & my kids favorites... yep, there mac & cheese. super easy, super tasty & oh so not healthy! so if any of you are trying to be better this year with your eating, maybe stop reading now. still with me??? make this, as easy as box mix, mac & cheese today!

{cpk's mac & cheese}

1 large bag- fussili pasta

2 lbs. velveta cheese, cubed

1 quart heavy cream

2 tsp. salt

cook pasta in salted until el dente. drain & set aside. in the same pot combine cream, velveta & salt. stir continually until cheese is melted & smooth. add cooked pasta & mix. serve immediately.

**for leftovers- reheat one bowl at a time in microwave. add 1-3 tsp. of water per bowl. cook 30 seconds, stir & cook another 30 seconds or until heated through.

bear's white bean chicken chili...

now that the weather is really getting colder i have been craving soup almost everyday! this is a great recipe i got from my sister-in-law & she got it from her sister-in-law:) it is also great because it's a crock pot recipe! yummy & easy... perfect! you can also make variations on this. change up your toppings, be creative! & stay warm:)

{Bear’s White Chicken Chili}

2 cups chicken broth

3 frozen chicken breast

1/2 white or yellow onion, chopped

2 cans mild diced green chiles, undrained

2 cans great northern beans, undriained

1 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. oregano

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

sliced jalapeno peppers, optional

Cook in crock pot on high 3-5 hours. About 1/2 hour before serving, cut up chicken and put back in crock pot.

Right before serving, add:

1 cup sour cream

1/2 block cream cheese

top with extra sour cream, cheese, avacado, cilantro, corn chips, pico, ect.

Fast version:

Grill chicken. Bring all other ingredients to a boil. Boil until beans and onion are tender. Add chicken and serve as above.

Evans' hearty chicken noodle soup...

this the weather getting cooler, nothing hits the spot more than a bowl of nice warm soup! & pair that with an easy recipe & you have a match made in heaven. this is a classic from my brother-in-law & sister-in-law. they always make it for fall conference lunch & serve it with yummy breads. sometimes they even make homemade noodles for it:) wow, the ambition!

{Evans' hearty chicken noodle soup}

2 tsp. chicken bullion

2 cans chicken soup stock

2 cups chopped carrots

2 cups chopped celery

1/2 cup chopped yellow onions

2 cans cream of chicken soup

1 can evaporated milk

2 cups cooked, diced chicken

2/3 bag Grandma’s homestyle egg noodles, already cooked

Heat chicken bullion & stock together. Add vegetables & simmer until tender. Add cream of chicken soup & milk. Add cooked chicken & noodle. Simmer until noodles are tender.

Makes 2 1/2 quarts or 10- 1 cup servings

grandma hope's messy mikes...

my grandma always made these "messy mikes" named after my uncle mike. & we always thought the name was so funny. i love this recipe & think it is a perfect quick or even make ahead dinner for a school night dinner.

{Grandma Hope’s Messy Mikes}

1 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef

2 TBSP butter

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 can chicken gumbo soup

1/4-1/2 cup ketchup (to taste)

1/4 cup brown sugar

salt & pepper

In a large skillet, melt butter & add onions. Cook until translucent. Add ground beef & salt & pepper. Brown ground beef until cooked through. Drain off fat. Add to soup, ketchup & brown sugar to the drained meat. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Add additional salt & pepper to taste. Serve on hamburger buns with cheese of your choice.

holy crap... did you think i died???

i officially will the award for the biggest blog slacker:) this summer has just been CrAzY!!! no excuses though, i have been a slacker & hopefully anyone who still actually checks this blog doesn't hate me;). here is a tasty classic we have been making a lot this summer. Enjoy!

{kacy's asian chicken salad}

1- 16 oz. bag coleslaw

5 green onions, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

1 red pepper, chopped

3 chicken breasts, cooked & cubed

1/2 cup slivered almonds

1/4 sesame seeds

1 cup cashews

2 packages Chicken flavor Ramen noodles, uncooked & crushed, seasoning reserved

{Ginger Sesame Dressing}

3/4 cup oil

1/4 cup sugar

2 TBSP rice vinegar

3 TBSP soy sauce

3/4 tsp. dark sesame oil

2 packages Ramen noodle seasoning packet

1/4 tsp. pepper

1 tsp. minced fresh ginger

1 tsp. dry mustard

Scatter almonds, cashews, sesame seeds & crushed uncooked ramen noodles on a cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 8- 10 minutes. Watch closely so they don’t burn. Remove from oven & cool.

In a large bowl mix coleslaw, green & red peppers, onions & chicken. Stir until mixed.

In a separate bowl, mix all of the dressing ingredients. Whisk together until sugar is dissolved. Pour dressing over salad & mix well. Add cooled nut mix just before serving & toss one more time.

brit's tex-mex shredded beef tacos...

the first time i ever made these, i had a roast & wanted to so something different with it. so i checked all my cupboards & this is what i came up with:) i have made them over & over since, but never been confident enough with "the recipe" to post it. so, this time i wrote it all down as i went, the way i thought i had done it the other times & it was perfect. so here it is--

{brit's tex-mex shredded beef tacos}

4-5 lbs. beef chuck roast

3- 14.5 oz. cans mexican style stewed tomatoes, undrained

1 can water

2 envelopes sazon goya

1 tsp. salt

1 TBSP dried chopped onion

1 TBSP cumin seed

2 tsp. beef bullion

place all ingredients into a heavy metal roasting pan. do not stir or mix. pre-heat oven to 400 degrees & cook for 4-4 1/2 hours. checking about halfway through to make sure you have enough liquid. if all liquid is gone add 1/2 cup water & continue cooking. remove pan from oven & carefully remove lid. using 2 forks, shred the meat & mix with the remaining liquid. replace the lid & let sit at least 30 minutes.

serve on tortillas, i prefer corn, with tomato, onion, cilantro, avocado, sour cream & lime. do not under any circumstances use ketchup:)... sorry dad, i'm calling you out on this one.

easy homemade mac & cheese...

so believe it or not, i had never made homemade mac & cheese before yesterday. i don't know why. but it was so easy & super yummy. i took it as my "dish i had never made before" for recipe club last night & i'm glad i did. i think it would be so yummy with bbq chicken or i might even make it this weekend as a side dish for my sons cowboy party... which don't worry, we're having pigs in a blanket:) give me a break- they're 5. hope that you took me up on my try new recipe challenge & that you HAVE found some new favorites! happy cooking- Brit

{easy cheesy homemade mac & cheese}

1 lb. elbow noodles
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
3 1/4 cups half and half
1 tsp salt
4 1/2 Cups Colby Jack, divided

1/2 tsp tabasco

1/4 tsp white pepper

Cook pasta according to package directions. making sure to

salt the water.

In large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour making a roux. Gradually stir in half and half whisking until thickened. Stir in salt, tabasco & pepper. Remove from heat. Add 3 cups of cheese, stir until cheese melts. Add drained & rinsed pasta to cheese sauce. Stir until well combined. Stir in 3/4 cup more cheese & stir, cheese should be stringy. Spoon into a baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until cheese on top is melted & bubbly.

sooooo yummyy! can't wait to dig in:)

this is what is in my crock pot right now for recipe club tonight. & let me just say that i love it & think it is so delish! it is also a great option for any christmas-ish dinner you might have. perfect alternative to the holiday ham or turkey. it's so easy my kids could make it:) & really is so tasty! give it a try tonight... okay, it's to late for tonight, but tomorrow for sure!

{cranberry mustard pork tenderloin}

1-16 oz. can whole cranberry sauce

1/3 cup dijon mustard

1/2 cup brown sugar

juice of 1 lemon

1 TBSP salt

2- 1 lbs. pork loin roasts

mix all ingredients except pork roasts together in a medium bowl. place roast into a crock pot, pour cranberry mix over the the roasts. cook on high for 1 hour. turn down to low & cook an addition 4 hours. let cool 10 minutes before cutting.

market streets creamy clam chowder...

in staying with the theme of yesterday... here is another great take-out, made-in recipe from kristin. we went up to see thriller as friends this fall & had to go get soup & salad @ market street before the show. as we were bellied up to the bar, kristin says--"oh, i have the recipe for THIER clam chowder." to which i of course responded... "well why haven't you brought it to recipe club!?!" so, without fail, the next month she delivered! thanks kris!

{picture courtesy of foodtravelblog.com}

*market street grill clam chowder*

1 cup potatoes, diced ½ inch
1 cup celery, diced ½ inch
1 cup onion, diced ½ inch
1 cup green pepper, diced ½ inch
1 cup leeks, diced ½ inch
¾ cup chopped clams (canned or fresh)
¾ tablespoon coarse ground black pepper
1 ½ tablespoon salt
¾ tablespoon whole thyme
6 bay leaves
1 teaspoon Tabasco
¾ cup sherry wine
2 cups water
¾ cup clam juice (drained from canned clams or purchased separately in can)
¾ cup butter, melted
1 cup flour
2 quarts half-and-half

Directions:
Combine melted butter and flour in oven-proof container and bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes. In large saucepan, combine remaining ingredients except half-and-half. Simmer until potatoes are thoroughly cooked. Stir butter-flour mixture into chowder and stir until thick. Mixture will be slightly less thick than cookie dough. Remove chowder from heat. Stir in half-and-half until blended. Heat to serving temperature, stirring occasionally.

Serve immediately. Makes 12 servings.

bahama mama chicken tortilla soup...

**sorry i didn't get this posted yesterday!!!! believe me i tried & tried & tried! my computer was on the fritz & kept freezing on me... arrgggghhhh! anyhoo, here it is.

this is another take-out, made-in. i love finding & making up copy cat recipes for some of my restaurant favorites. in this case, Rumbi's Island Grill. i love there chicken tortilla soup! creamy, with a hint of coconut milk & a squeeze of lime... simply delicious. a great twist on a cold weather classic. give it a try the next time you need some warm comfort!

{bahama mama chicken tortilla soup}

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts

8 cups chicken stock

1 cup matchstick carrots

1/3 tsp. ground allspice

1/2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped

1/8 tsp ground cinnamon

1 TBSP fresh ginger, minced

1 TBSP minced fresh garlic

1 cup chopped roma tomato, juices drained off

1 cup coconut milk

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

tortilla strips**

limes, cut in wedges

salt & pepper to taste

lightly salt & pepper chicken breasts on each side. grill or broil until browned & cooked through. cut into bite size chunks.

in a large pot, combine chicken stock, carrots. all herbs, spices & seasonings. bring to a boil, simmer for 10 minutes or until carrots are tender. add coconut milk, chopped, drained tomatoes, chicken & cilanto. heat through but DON'T BOIL. add salt & pepper as needed.

ladle into bowls & top with tortilla strips & a lime wedge.

Enjoy!!!!!

**for the tortilla strips, you can either slice up corn tortillas & bake or fry them... or just pick some up at your local tex-mex restaurant. bajio, cafe rio & costa vida are all really nice about selling strips & they aren't too expensive.

heaphy's lasagna a la mexicana...

this is a great dish that my sister, heaphy- whose real name is heather,  brought to recipe club quite a while ago, but i try to space things out a little:)  no matter how long ago she brought it, it is totally yummy!  it's a great mix of dishes & flavors.  it's also really kid friendly which is also a plus!

{heaphy's mexican lasagna}

½ Pkg. (16 strips) wide Lasagna noodles

1 lb. lean ground beef

½ c. chopped onion

½ c. chopped green bell pepper

2  12 oz. jars salsa

1 7 oz. can whole kernel corn, drained

1 tsp. chili powder

1 c. (8 oz) cottage cheese

2 c. shredded medium cheddar cheese

Sliced black olives

Sour cream

Cook lasagna noodles and drain.  Brown onion, green pepper and ground beef, drain grease.  Add salsa, corn and chili powder.  In 9x13 pan, arrange noodles and sauce alternately with cheeses between.

(Save some cheese for top) Garnish with extra cheese and sliced olives.  Cover with foil (use tooth-

picks to keep foil from sticking to cheese!) Bake at 375F for 30-40 minutes.  Let rest for 10 minutes after removing from oven.  Serve with sour cream.

grandma hope's taco filling...

first, let me apologize for my absence!  between summer vacations & a load of injuries at our house:(  the blogs have taken a little bit of a back seat.  but i am back with a great family heirloom recipe.

my grandma hope was famous for her veggie packed taco filling!  since you make it in large batches & freeze it in containers, it is perfect for those busy nights, when you need something yummy & nutritious on the table quickly.  give it a try & i promise you won't we disappointed!

{grandma hope's taco filling}

6 lbs. lean ground beef, browned & drained

 2 green peppers, chopped

1 yellow onion, chopped

 6 potatoes, peeled & grated

6 carrots, peeled & grated

1 pint ketchup

 1- 46 oz. can tomato juice

  3 packages taco seasoning

 

In a very large pot or electric skillet, brown ground beef & drain off fat.  Add peppers, onions, potatoes & carrots.  Stir until combined.  Add in ketchup, tomato juice & taco seasoning.   

Simmer for about 3 hours, or until veggies are tender.  Makes enough for a very large crown, or as I prefer- place in tupperware containers & freeze until needed.  Perfect for tacos, nachos, taco salads, etc.!

kristin's lemon salmon linguine...

this dish is so yummy & easy!  the light lemon sauce is perfect for summer grilling.  it would be great with some grilled asparagus or some summer squash!  give it a try this week.

{Kristin’s Lemon Salmon Linguine}

1 TBSP butter

1 TBSP olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

1 1/2 cup chicken broth

1 TBSP fresh basil, chopped

1 tsp. grated lemon zest

3 TBSP fresh lemon juice

salt & pepper to taste

12 oz. linguine, cooked & drained

1 lb. salmon fillets

1/2 cup half & half or heavy cream

Pre heat broiler.  Spray broiler pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Warm butter & oil in a medium sauce pan over medium heat.  Add garlic & cook for 2 minutes.  Stir in chicken broth, basil, lemon zest & 2 TBSP lemon juice.  Season with salt & pepper.  Reduce heat to low & simmer for 5 minutes.

Place salmon on the prepared broiling pan.  Sprinkle with the remaining 1 TBSP lemon juice.  Broil, 4 inches away from heat, for 5 minutes per side, or until frish flakes easily when tested with a fork.

Slowly stir half & half  into the butter & lemon mix in the sauce pan.  Pour half of the sauce over cooked linguine & toss lightly.  Place salmon over the pasta & pour the remaining sauce over the top.  Serve immediately.

** In the summer i usually grill the salmon topped with sliced lemon & butter.  turn carefully.

katie's ham & swiss sliders...

i love these little sandwiches so much i can't even explain it in words!  they are delicious & oh so easy.  they are perfect as a little make ahead if you have a busy morning... now that summer is here!  or if you just want a pretty quick & easy dinner.  with a yummy pasta & potato salad, they would be great!  thanks kate for sharing:)

{katie's ham & swiss sliders}

24 good white rolls, if you are in utah we like shirley's or judy's

24 pieces good honey ham

24 small slices swiss cheese

1/3 mayo

1/3 cup miracle whip

{poppy seed sauce}

1 1/2 TBSP poppy seeds

1 1/2 TBSP yellow mustard

1 stick butter, melted

1 TBSP minced onion

1/2 tsp. worschestershire sauce

in a small bowl, mix together mayo & miracle whip.  spread into both sides of the center of each roll.  place a slice of ham & a slice of swiss inside of each roll.  close rolls & place into a large baking dish or heavy cookie sheet.  place very close together.

in a medium bowl, whisk together all of the poppy seed sauce ingredients.  pour evenly over all of the sandwiches.  let sit 10 minutes, or until butter sets slightly.  cover with foil & bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes or until cheese is melted.  uncover & cook for 2 additional minutes.  serve warm.

** sandwiches can me assembled a day ahead & kept in the fridge ready to bake.

Dani's Hawaiian Beef Teriyaki...

this recipe is so yummy & really easy!  that's why i love it.  the key is to get good steak that is thinly sliced.  also, if you don't already use Calrose sticky rice... you have no idea what you're miss:)  pick some up today, you can cook it on the stove top or in a rice cooker.  you should be able to find it in either the rice or asian isle of your local grocer.

{Dani's Hawaiian Beef Teriyaki}

4-5 lbs. thinly sliced good steak

1 1/2 cup soy sauce

1 1/4 cup sugar

1 1/4 cup brown sugar

2 TBSP grated fresh ginger

2 TBSP fresh minced garlic

2 TBSP Sherry

1/4 cup oil

2 TBSP toasted sesame oil

2 green onions, chopped- garnish

In a medium bowl mix together soy sauce, sugars, ginger, garlic, sherry & oils.  Whisk until sugar is dissolved.  Place beef in a gallon sized ziploc bag.  Pour marinade over beef.  Refrigerate at least 4 hour up to overnight.  Preheat outdoor grill.  Remove beef from marinade & place on hot grill.  Cook on high heat only turning once.  

Place remaining marinade in a sauce pan & bring to a boil.  Reduce heat & simmer about 10 minutes or until sauce begins to thicken.  Serve steak on sticky rice, top with sauce & green onions.  

Brit's White Chicken Lasagna...

this is another super yummy recipe from this months recipe club.  i brought this one & i highly recommend it:)  it is a nice spin on a classic dish.  think of it like a mix between lasagna & chicken alfredo.

{Brit's white chicken lasagna}

3 cloves fresh garlic, minced

1 shallot, minced

3 TBSP butter

4 chicken breasts, cooked & shredded

2 cans cream of chicken soup

1- 8oz. package cream cheese

2 cups sour cream

2/3 cup milk

1 lb. lasagna noodles, cooked & rinse in cold water

1 lb. mozzarella cheese, grated

In a large sauce pan, over medium heat, brown shallots & garlic in butter.  Add cream cheese, cream soup, sour cream & milk.  Stir until cream cheese is melted.  Add chicken.  

In a 9x13 glass baking dish layer noodles, white sauce with chicken, then cheese.  Repeat steps, ending with mozzarella cheese on top.  Bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes.

Mykelle's marinated mushroom pork tenderloin...

{Mykelle's Marinated Mushroom Pork Tenderloin}

10-12 pork tenderloin boneless chops

Marinade:

1 1/4 cup vegetable oil

3/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup worcestershire sauce

2 TBSP dry mustard

1 TBSP pepper

1/2 cup red wine vinegar

1 1/2 TBSP fresh minced parsley

1/3 cup fresh lemon juice

3 cloves garlic

2 TBSP sugar

16 oz. fresh sliced mushrooms

Place all marinade ingredients in the blender.  Blend on high until light & creamy.  Place pork into large Ziploc bag.  Add marinade.  Marinate in refrigerator for 3-4 hours.  Grill on the barbeque over medium flame until cooked through, basting occasionally with remaining marinade.  

In a sauce pan on the stove, saute mushrooms in 3-4 TBSP butter.  Pour in leftover marinade & bring to a boil.  Boil for a couple of minutes to cook off any meat juice.  Pour over cooked pork & serve.

shredded meat tostada...

this is a great dish for a crowd!  you can make things ahead & even assign toppings to other people.  you can use chicken, beef or pork.  in the theme i started i used pork.  enjoy!

{shredded meat tostada}

4 lbs. chicken, beef or pork- cooked & cut up

2 sweet onions, chopped

3-4 cloves garlic, minced

3- 28 oz. cans crushed tomatoes

2- 7 oz. cans diced green chilies

3- 15 oz. cans pinto beans, undrained

1 1/2 TBSP oregano flakes

1 TBSP cumin

salt & pepper

juice of 3 limes (don't add until after cooked)

Uncooked flour tortillas- fried

Mix together all ingredients except lime juice & tortillas.  Pour into a large roaster.  Cook @ 325 degrees for 2-3 hours.

Squeeze lime juice on just before serving.

Place fried tortilla on a large plate.  Spoon on meat & bean mix.  Top with Sweet rice or Spanish rice.  Serve with any additional desired toppings.

Tomatoes

Avocado

Cheese

Lettuce

Sour Cream

Pico de gallo

Olives

Guacamole

Sweet Corn