Baked Oatmeal

This recipe is so easy, fast and delicious! I've made this baked oatmeal before with peanut butter, but my family didn't like it too much, I think I added way too much salt (so my fault). But this was perfect... even for the pickiest eaters. I just topped mine with drizzled honey and chopped fresh strawberries. Serve it with bacon for a yummy breakfast.

Ingredients:
 3 c quick cooking oatmeal
1/2 c sugar
1/2 c packed brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 c milk
1/2 c vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Topping Ideas:
fruit~ strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, raisins)
drizzled honey
chopped fresh mint (optional garnish)
yogurt, maple syrup and raisins
warm milk with sliced banannas
whipped cream and chocolate chips


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Pour into a greased 9x9x2 baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 30-40 mins or until set and edges are lightly browned. (My oven runs hot, so it only took about 26 minutes).

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of Little Lovables and Jeweled Ambrosia

Smoky Corn and Potato Chowder Recipe

It is probably one of the best things I made in a long time, plus it's easy and most ingredients you probably have on hand. Even my kids gobbled it up. Really, it's perfect for the chilly weather, since it's a nice, warm, flavorful, hearty bowl of soup with a perfect blend of texture. Next time I make it, I'm doubling the batch. I wonder how well it will freeze?

yummy topped on Ritz crackers

♥ Ingredients ♥ 

-1 1/2 c milk
-1 can Del Monte Cream Style Golden Sweet Corn

-1 can Del Monte Whole Kernel Sweet Corn, drained
-1 c smoked sausage, halved & thinly sliced (or cubed cooked ham)
-1/2 small onion, chopped (about the size of a corn kernel)
-7 peeled, coarsely chopped potatoes, boiled until tender & drained
              (or 1 can Del Monte Whole New Potatoes, drained and coarsely chopped)
-salt and pepper to taste (white pepper if you want to avoid black flakes)
-1 1/2 c shredded smoked cheddar (or swiss or gouda cheese)
-chopped chives or green onion slivers for garnish

♥ Directions ♥

1. lightly sear sausage in large, sprayed saucepan
2. stir in milk, and cream corn
3. add whole kernel corn, onion and potatoes
4. heat through, stirring occasionally, add salt and pepper.
5. stir in cheese until melted
6. garnish with green onion slivers or chives and serve (I didn't have these, so used Mrs. Dash or something)

*full post here*

Birthday Cupcakes

1 box yellow or chocolate cake mix
1 4 serving box vanilla or chocolate instant pudding
4 eggs
1 c sour cream
1/2 c water
1/2 c oil
Mix all together.  Bake 350 for 17-22 minutes.  Frost and Enjoy.

I did steal this recipe from another cooking blog...but didn't write down where I got it from.  I can't give credit where credit is due!  I am sorry about that. Hope it is ok to post this great recipe:)

Chicken Tortilla Soup

1 1/2 lb shredded chicken (4-5 breasts)
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can green enchilada sauce
1 can corn with juice
1 can beans (black, pinto, whatever you prefer)
1 can diced green chili
1 onion chopped
14 oz can chicken broth
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
1 glove garlic minced
1 t chili powder
1 t cumin
1 t salt
1/2 t pepper

Throw it all in the crock pot and cook 6-8 hrs on low or 3-4 hrs on high.  You can even put the chicken in frozen and then shred before serving.
Put some Mi Nana's Tortilla strips on top....YUM!

Hope you enjoy!  We sure love it!  Donelle

Fruity Puff Pancake Dessert Cake

This puff pancake family favorite recipe comes from my mother in law. She is an excellent cook and this dessert can be enhanced any number of ways. It is a family tradition to eat this dessert during family get togethers. It's a perfect summer time dessert. Keep in mind, the recipe is temperamental based upon altitude and humidity, so some experimentation may be needed. If you prefer something baking and hassle free, try my graham cracker with fruit and icing treat.

(click on picture to zoom for recipe)

You bake your dessert base, which is a mix between a pan cake and a custard. The sides will brown, expand and curl over the pan edge and the cake will rise all puffy like while baking. When you pull it out of the oven, the cake will fall, so serve immediately while still warm. Cut the cake into slices and place on individual plates.

This is the part where each person experiments. Top the cake with a dollop of sour cream, then any freshly washed, cut up fruit you like. Here, we used strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and bananas. Then, sprinkle the fruit with brown sugar. If you like whipped cream or chopped fresh mint, those are good as well. Kiwi, blackberries, peaches and even chopped apple are good too. It seems the one fruit we always use is strawberries though, then whatever else we have, we chop up and add it on top.

Graham Cracker, Chocolate Icing and Strawberry Summer Dessert

This is a simple treat that requires no baking. I simply break the graham crackers along the perforated lines, smear on some chocolate icing (store bought or you can make your own), top with chopped strawberries and a shot of whip cream. If you have fresh mint, that is yummy on top, but my mint plant didn't move with us when we moved.

Easy, fast, no baking involved, simple ingredients and you make the amount you need in one sitting. Oh, and kids love it. Sometimes, I like to spread just a bit of frosting on the graham cracker and eat it without anything else.

Homemade Salad Dressing

1 cup of canola or olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dry mustard
1/4 cup onion

Put it in the blender and mix.

This salad dressing is amazing with Spinach, chopped bacon, boiled egg, red onion, avocado, feta cheese, and a little bit of shredded cheese.