Butternut chicken bisque

This delicious curry came from my sister's college dinner group. I'll type it out with my own notes later

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Twice-baked potatoes- A New Favorite

My friend Ashley, whose husband is also away right now, invited us over for dinner last week.  She made twice-baked potatoes, and my kids loved them! (me too!)  I don't have an exact recipe, I just sort of copied what she did.  The second time they were even better because I added more milk and mixed the toppings into the potatoes.

I usually bake about 8 potatoes, depending on size. I cut them in half length-wise right after I get them out of the oven, then let them cool off for a few minutes. Then I scoop the insides into a bowl, mix in some milk, softened butter, salt and pepper, mash it all up, like I'm making mashed potatoes.  Then, the fun part, add some shredded cheese, bacon pieces, and broccoli (I sauté it first with onions or garlic), you could use whatever toppings/add-ins you want. Refill the potato skins with the mash mixture. Usually I do all of the early in the day and let them sit until I'm ready to bake them again. It usually takes 20-30 minutes at 350 to reheat them and brown them just a bit.

Nestlé chewy brownies

The first time I tried these, I made the following alterations, out of necessity: used whole wheat (home ground hard red), replaced 1/4 c of the butter with canola oil. The turned out great! I made a double batch in a baker's sheet and turned the heat down a bit and increased the baking time a bit. Since the whole wheat went so well, I've decided to see how many other 'healthy' alterations I can make, like applesauce for oil and some healthier sweetener option, I will update if future alterations go well.

Ingredients

1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter or margarine, melted
2 tablespoons water
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Baking Cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Powdered sugar

Directions

PREHEAT oven to 350º F. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking pan.

COMBINE granulated sugar, butter and water in large bowl. Stir in eggs and vanilla extract. Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt in medium bowl; stir into sugar mixture. Stir in nuts. Spread into prepared baking pan.

BAKE for 18 to 25 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out slightly sticky. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Cut into bars.



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using pita bread

This isn't really a recipe, but it is really good and simple.  You need to find soft whole pita bread (not pocket).  You can also use the 'flat-out' wraps, but the pita bread is better.  Also, some Spike or other low or no-salt seasoning.

Spray both sides lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning.  Heat over medium heat until browned and slightly toasted.

Meanwhile, slice up 1/2 an avocado (leave the pit in the other half and refrigerate in ziploc bag, or just use the whole thing :).  When the pita is ready, move it to a plate, spread avocado on pita bread, salt & pepper if desired, then mash it slightly onto the bread.  You can just eat it like this, or add some turkey on top.  It is DELICIOUS!

These pita breads are great for personal pizzas too.

Breakfast Pizza

This is another meal we don't have often.  I made it for breakfast today.  I've also used it occasionally for a 'breakfast for dinner' meal.  We were first introduced by Elise when we visited them in Florida- thanks Elise!

Breakfast Pizza
1 lb. breakfast sausage

2 8 oz. crescent roll dough
2 cup frozen hash browns
2 cups shredded cheese

8-10 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Directions
Brown & crumble sausage, drain and set aside.  (This step can be done ahead of time.)

Preheat oven to 375.  Press dough into 10x15 pan (I usually use a stone, rimmed baking sheet).

Spread sausage, then hash browns over crust, top with cheese.

Beat together eggs, milk, salt & pepper.  Pour over crust and toppings.

Bake until eggs are set, 25 - 30 minutes.

Sticky Buns

I made these for Saturday morning, since it's General Conference Weekend.  Sometimes we have them for holiday mornings too.

Sticky Buns
18-20 frozen rolls (like Rhodes)
3 oz. pkg butterscotch pudding (not instant)
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/3 c. melted butter
OPTIONAL: 1/2 c. pecans (I like this, but the kids don't, so I don't add them unless I'm making more than one batch)

Spread rolls in bundt pan. Sprinkle with pudding mix and brown sugar, then drizzle melted butter over all of it.  Leave covered on counter overnight.  In the morning, bake at 325 for 25 minutes.

Grandpa's Waffles

This is my Grandpa Dixon's recipe.  I usually make the following adjustments: more whole wheat & less white flour, sometimes omit sugar, use 1/3+ cup powdered milk (sift with other dry ingredients) and about 1 3/4 c. water in place of the 2 c. milk.  Sometimes I substitute applesauce for all or part of the oil.

Grandpa's Waffles
Beat together:
2 eggs
1/2 c. oil or melted butter

Sift:
1 c. white flour
1 c. whole wheat
4 tsp. baking powder
1 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt

Also: up to 2 c. milk

Add egg/oil mix and milk to dry ingredients.  *Don't over-mix!* Cook on med/high to high setting on waflle iron.