Author: QuiltLady

GRILLED HULI HULI CHICKEN a.k.a. TERIYAKI CHICKEN

Huli Huli is a cooking method of roasting chicken on a spit and serving it with a teriyaki-like sauce. Huli is the Hawaiian word for turn and as it cooks people would shout HULI as the chickens turned on the spit.

This tasty recipe has succulent chicken, delicious teriyaki, and sweet pineapple to recreate the VERY best of the HULI HULI experience. I bet you might even hear the waves lapping up on the shore, the Hawaiians shouting TURN or the sizzle of the drippings hitting the open fire.

GRILLED HULI HULI CHICKEN
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/3 cup Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce
1/4 cup Bragg’s Liquid Aminos
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup frozen pineapple juice concentrate
2 cloves garlic, minced

  • Whisk together all ingredients except the chicken.
  • Place chicken in a large ziplock bag.
  • Pour juice mixture over chicken, turning chicken pieces to coat well and seal bag.
  • Marinade in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
  • Heat grill to low-medium
  • Drain the chicken and discard the marinade.
  • Grill chicken until juices run clear and chicken is cooked through, but DO NOT OVER COOK!
  • Serve over rice with grilled pineapple slices.

 

DINNER is meant to be DINNER, in a SINGLE pan when possible :D – PORK TENDERLOIN with GREEN BEANS & ROASTED PEARS

DINNER is meant to be enjoyed, and cooked in a SINGLE pan whenever possible 😀  I want to make JUST ONE  fantastic dish that is so flavorful and satisfying that it can stand alone or simply be paired with a salad or FRESH rolls.  Now to be honest this takes 2 pans UNLESS you use a LARGE cast iron skillet which is my weapon of choice 😀 or at least an ovenproof skillet of some sort.

PORK TENDERLOIN with GREEN BEANS & ROASTED PEARSserves 2-4
2 pound pork tenderloin
1/2 pound green beans, washed, trimmed and cut
1-2 BOSC pears, cored and sliced
1 shallot, chopped
5-6 large mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
FRESH thyme sprigs, trimmed and chopped
1/3 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 tablespoon teriyaki sauce
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1+1 tablespoon butter

  • Preheat oven to 375°.
  • Spray sheet pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
  • Heat avocado oil and butter in a large skillet over medium high heat.
  • When sizzling, add shallots and green beans. Stir 3-4 minutes until beginning to soften and cghar.
  • Season with FRESH ground salt and pepper.
  • Add mushrooms and pears, sauteing 2-3 minutes more.
  • With slotted spoon transfer to sheet pan.

 

  • Pat tenderloin dry and generously season with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Add tenderloin to the still hot pan and quickly sear on all sides.
  • Transfer tenderloin to sheet pan. RESERVE PAN and EVERYTHING IN IT for sauce.
  • Roast 13-15 minutes (140°).
  • Remove from oven and tent with foil.
  • Rest 5 minutes.

  • Return pan to medium heat.
  • Add garlic and thyme, cooking until fragrant.
  • Whisk together the chicken broth and cornstarch until lump free.
  • Add teriyaki sauce and chicken broth to pan, simmering until begins to thicken.
  • Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of butter.
  • Season to taste.
  • Plate and ENJOY!

HONEY ORANGE PINEAPPLE CHICKEN ala SLOW COOKER

HONEY ORANGE PINEAPPLE CHICKEN ala SLOW COOKER serves 6-8

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup orange pineapple juice
Juice of 1 LARGE lemon
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup QUALITY honey
1/4 cup apricot pineapple preserves
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
1/4 cup Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce
1/4 cup Heinz Chili sauce
8 ounce can crushed pineapple
1 small can Mandarin orange segments, drained WELL
1 small onion, finely chopped

1 cup sliced carrots
Prepared rice
chopped green onions for garnish

  • In a mixing bowl whisk together orange pineapple juice, lemon juice, chicken broth, honey, preserves, brown sugar, cornstarch, teriyaki sauce, Chili sauce, Country Bob’s sauce and crushed pineapple.
  • Spray slow cooker insert with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Place chicken breasts in slow cooker in as shallow a layer as possible.
  • Top with onion and carrot pieces.
  • Pour juice mixture over top.
  • Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
  • Cover and cook 1 hour more.
  • Top with Mandarin orange segments, turn off heat, cover and let sit 5 minutes.
  • Serve over hot cooked rice. Top with fresh chopped green onions.

MEXICAN TORTILLA BAKE a.k.a. FOLD OVER TACOS

Your favorite taco in a casserole – perfect for potlucks!

FOLD OVER TACOS
1 pound ground beef
1 cup finely chopped onion
2 cans Rotel tomatoes
1 cup red enchilada sauce
1 can re-fried beans
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon FRESH ground sea salt
1/4 teaspoon FRESH ground black pepper
12 6 inch tortillas
6 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature 30 minutes
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Wrap tortillas in foil and warm in preheated oven for 10 minutes.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat cook beef until crumbled and pink is gone.
  • Drain off excess fat.
  • Add tomatoes, sauce and seasonings. Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.
  • Pour half of the meat and sauce into the bottom of a 13 x 9 baking dish.
  • Top with half the beans.  Set aside.
  • Stir together the cream cheese and one half of the re-fried beans.
  • Spread cream cheese mixture on each tortilla and top with a spoonful of the sauce.
  • Fold each tortilla over and arrange in baking dish partially overlapping.
  • Pour remaining meat sauce over top of tortillas.
  • Cover and bake for 15 minutes.
  • Sprinkle with cheese and bake 5 minutes more until cheese is melted.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 4 of 2019

GOOD MORNING! Here we are beginning week 4 of 2019 and I find myself wondering where the first 3 went?  I’m having such a tough time getting all my energy back – so much so that I already feel behind for the year 🙁  Oh well, onto this week’s Monday post as I pray to find some energy.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING Welcome to the Pacific Northwest where the weather is almost always wet at least some of the day and ever changing at this time of the year.  When I looked at the weather yesterday there were supposed to be having several days of sunshine later this week and now today there aren’t any forecasted  🙁  We’re supposed to be a bit dryer this week which won’t take much since we were SUPER wet last week with flash flood watches and such.  The highs are supposed to be in the mid 40’s and the lows in the mid 30’s.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Peanut butter Banana Oatmeal and Lemon Green tea

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA Our favorite munchkins spent a rainy Saturday night with us and after an uneventful game of CLUE we landed on a game of Monopoly that still sits waiting to be finished next weekend. 😀

INSPIRATION

SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED The NFL playoff games were on yesterday and kept us entertained through a rainy Sunday.  We’re long time RAMS fans and were thrilled that they are advancing to the Super Bowl!!  We REALLY wanted the Chiefs to beat the Patriots, unfortunately it just didn’t happen.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE / WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS / APPOINTMENTS

  • LAUNDRY… Just a couple loads to get caught up on
  • LIVING AREAS… clean and tidy
  • KITCHEN…clean and tidy, but need to add felt stops to the self-closing cabinet doors
  • YARD… nothing
  • BLOG… still need to write up a few more new recipes and I’m still adjusting the party links to downsize the ones I participate in.   Three weeks into the new year and I have eliminated yet another 3 party links bringing it up to 16 gone.  There are at least 5 more on the chopping block for this week.  So many blogs have become too commercial and the ads as well as the layer of pages to get to the content have become just too much to bother with.
  • CRAFTS/PROJECTS… working on some garland for next year’s Christmas tree – I’ll post about it if it works out the way I’m hoping
  • APPOINTMENTS… oncology follow up that is also a day away with shopping and food 😀
  • TO DO… some paperwork, cable comparisons for my mom to get her bill to a manageable price, phone calls and still working on my cookbook cross reference system for upcoming recipes I want to make.

I’M READING Five Years gone by Marie Force

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH Not much on the DVR, we’re pretty caught up for now and I’m just NOT getting very excited about TV except for a couple cooking shows.

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

DINNER

DESSERT

MONDAY – FRIDAY

GREEN TEA,

BANANA & YOGURT

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

MONDAY

KOREAN FRIED CHICKEN

TUESDAY

SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

PORK EGG ROLL BOWL

FRIDAY

FRENCH ONION PENNE PASTA

PINEAPPLE

RAISIN

TAMALES

OR

BLUEBERRY

COFFEE CAKE

SATURDAY

 PANCAKES

CHICKEN LASAGNE

SUNDAY

 BACON & EGGS

OUT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

 

BAKED CRANBERRY MEATBALLS

This recipe is the result of 3 recipes combined together. The flavor profile is so unique, it’s actually hard to describe. They are tangy, they are sweet and they are purple! 😀 BUT, they are delicious!!!!

BAKED CRANBERRY MEATBALLS makes 50+ meatballs
1 1/2 cups cranberry sauce (use this link for the homemade sauce recipe or see notes)
1 1/2 cups sauerkraut
12 ounces Heinz chili sauce
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 shallot, chopped
1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix
2 pounds ground beef
2 LARGE eggs, lightly beaten

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • In a large mixing bowl mix together the soup mix and bread crumbs.
  • Crumble beef over top.
  • Pour eggs over top and gently mix with your hands JUST until combined.
  • Shape into evenly sized meatballs and place in baking dish.
  • In a large saucepan combine the chili sauce, cranberry sauce, sauerkraut, chicken broth, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Heat JUST to a boil over medium heat stirring to dissolve all the sugar.
  • Pour over uncooked meatballs.
  • Baked covered 1 hour.
  • Uncover and bake 15-20 minutes more until cooked through and sauce is thickened.

NOTES: I like to use homemade cranberry sauce, but you can easily use a can of Ocean Spray whole berry sauce.

JALAPENO BBQ MEATBALLS aka TANGY SMOKEY MEATBALLS

JALAPENO BBQ MEATBALLS aka TANGY SMOKEY MEATBALLS

MEATBALLS
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 LARGE egg, beaten
1 cup quick cooking oats
6 ounce can evaporated milk
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon FRESH ground sea salt
1/2 teaspoon FRESH ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

  • Line a large jelly roll pan with foil. Use 2 pans if necessary.
  • Spray foil with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.

 

  • Preheat oven to 375°.
  • In a large bowl combine eggs, oats, milk, onion, salt, pepper and garlic powder until well blended.
  • Add the ground beef and mix thoroughly.
  • Shape meat into 1 inch balls and place on baking sheet 1 inch apart.
  • Bake uncovered 25-30 minutes.
  • While baking, prepare sauce.
  • At 30 minutes, pour off grease and combine meatballs onto a single tray.
  • Pour sauce over meatballs, turning balls to coat.
  • Return pan to oven and bake another 20 minutes.

SAUCE
1 cup jalapeño ketchup
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

  • In a saucepan whisk together sauce ingredients.
  • Bring to a SLOW boil.
  • Simmer 5 minutes.

BUFFALO MAC & CHEESE NESTS

BUFFALO MAC & CHEESE NESTS
2 cups elbow pasta
2 cups small chopped rotisserie chicken pieces
1 clove garlic, minced
1 shallot, finely chopped
1/3 cup BBQ sauce or Frank’s Original hot sauce
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons Wondra flour
3/4 cup milk
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
slices thin provolone cheese
finely chopped red onion for garnish (optional)
finely minced crumbled crisp bacon for garnish (optional)

  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • Cook pasta al dente’ per package directions.
  • Spray mini-muffin pans with non-stick cooking spray.

 

  • In a saucepan melt butter.
  • Add Wondra and combine until golden.
  • Whisk in milk until smooth.
  • Add Colby Jack cheese and stir until smooth.
  • Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Add pasta and stir to coat.
  • Press 2 tablespoons into each muffin tin.

 

  • In a mixing bowl combine chicken, garlic, shallot and BBQ sauce.
  • Spoon a small amount over each pasta mound.
  • Add a small thin slice of provolone over each mound.
  • Bake until golden, 12-15 minutes.

SAUCE
2 tablespoons BBQ sauce or Frank’s original Hot sauce
1 cup bleu cheese dressing
2 tablespoons half and half

  • Blend all together a dribble over each prepared nest.


NOTE: When using a soft cheese like Mozzarella in a recipe of this type there is a secret to keep it from just melting into a GLOB of gooey mess in your pasta.  The secret?  Cut it into very small pieces and freeze it for 30 minutes before adding it to your sauce.  It will incorporate into your pasta perfectly after that.

I have MANY MANY versions of mac & cheese.  One for every mood 😀

ALTERNATIVE FLAVORS for the MAC & CHEESE:

CAJUN MAC & CHEESE slow cooker version – serves 8
1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs*
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (I like Slap your MAMA)
1/2 teaspoon Frank’s original hot sauce
1/2 pound andouille sausage, halved and sliced into half moons
1 small red pepper, seeded, stemmed and diced
1 LARGE shallot, diced
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
4 1/2 cups bowtie pasta
1/2 cup shredded gouda cheese
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar
+/- 1/3 cup milk

  • Combine chicken, Cajun seasoning and hot sauce in slow cooker, tossing to coat chicken well.
  • Add sausage, red pepper, shallot and broth, stirring to combine.
  • Cover and cook on low 6 hours or high 3 hours.
  • Stir in pasta Cover and cook 20 minutes more, stirring occasionally.
  • Turn off slow cooker and remove insert from heat.
  • Top with cheeses (DO NOT STIR IT IN), recover and let sit 5 minutes until melted.
  • Add milk and stir to desired consistency.

NOTE:

  • 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken can easily be substituted for the chicken thighs. If using rotisserie chicken, add pieces at the same time as the pasta.

BUFFALO RANCH MAC & CHEESE #2 SLOW COOKER version
1 pound rotini pasta
1/2 cup thinly sliced celery
1/2 cup thinly sliced carrots
1 small onion, finely diced
1/2 cup Frank’s original hot sauce
1 ounce Hidden Valley Ranch dressing powder
4 cups chicken broth
8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
milk

  • Combine the pasta, celery, carrots, onions, hot sauce and ranch dressing mix in the slow cooker.
  • Stir in broth, cover and cook on high 1 1/2-2 hours or until liquid is absorbed.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Top with cheese DO NOT STIR IT IN)and let sit until melted, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in cheese, adding enough milk to reach desired consistency.

NOTE: Rotisserie chicken makes a nice protein for this dish. Add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

TEX MEX MAC & CHEESE serves 4
1 small yellow onion, chopped fine
1 small green pepper, stemmed, seeded and diced
1 tablespoon avocado oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 pound ground beef
2 cusp beef broth
2 cups tomato sauce
8 ounces elbow macaroni
1 small can chopped green chiles
1 can Green Giant shoepeg corn
FRESH ground sea salt & black pepper
2 cups shredded Jack cheese or Mexican blend
2 tablespoons FRESH cilantro

  • Heat oil in large skillet/saute’ pan.
  • Add onion and bell pepper, stirring occasionally and cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add garlic and chili powder, cooking until fragrant.
  • Crumble beef into pan, cooking until pink is gone.
  • Add beef broth, tomato sauce and pasta, simmering over medium heat 9-12 minutes until pasta is tender.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Stir in corn, chiles and half the cheese.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Sprinkle with remaining cheese, cover and let sit 3-5 minutes until melted.
  • Sprinkle with cilantro and serve.

CHILI MAC & CHEESE
1 pound ground beef
16 ounces penne or bowtie pasta
2 tablespoons Wondra flour
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon FRESH ground sea salt
4 cups beef broth
2 cups salsa
1-2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese

  • In a large skillet brown beef over medium high heat.
  • Drain off fat.
  • Add beef to slow cooker.
  • Sprinkle flour, salt and chili powder over beef and toss to coat.
  • Add pasta.
  • Stir in beef broth, cover and cook 1 1/2-2 hours or until liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally.
  • Stir in salsa.
  • Top with cheese (DO NOT STIR IT IN) cover and let sit until cheese is melted.
  • Stir cheese in gently.

CHOCOLATE BANANA BREAD – Chocolate makes EVERYTHING better!

CHOCOLATE BANANA BREAD
2 cups flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 LARGE eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/4 cup mashed bananas (about 3 medium)
1 teaspoon butter vanilla emulsion
1/4 cup whole milk
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
3/4 cup mini chocolate chips

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Spray large (9×5 inch) loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl sift together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
  • In another mixing bowl cream together the butter and sugar until creamy.
  • Add eggs and mix well.
  • Add bananas, vanilla emulsion and milk, blending JUST until combined.
  • Fold in nuts and chocolate chips with a wooden spoon or spatula.
  • Pour into prepared pan.
  • Bake 1 hour or until tester comes out clean.
  • Let cool on rack 30 minutes before slicing.

PEASANT CHICKEN


PEASANT CHICKEN – serves 4
1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
1/4 cup WONDRA flour
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
3 carrots, peeled and diced
1/2 pound green beans, trimmed and cut
2 shallots, sliced thin
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup chicken broth
Juice of 1 lemon
rice or pasta, prepared per package directions using chicken broth as your water ingredient for more flavor

  • Heat oil and butter in large saute skillet over a medium-high heat.
  • Generously season chicken pieces with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Dredge chicken pieces in flour.
  • Add chicken pieces to skillet browning 2-3 minutes per side.  Remove chicken to platter and tent to keep warm.
  • Add carrots to pan and saute’ 5 minutes until beginning to soften.
  • Add green beans and saute’ 2-4 minutes more.
  • Add shallots and saute’ 2 minutes more.
  • Add garlic and saute’ 2 minutes more.
  • Stir in broth and lemon juice.
  • Add chicken back into skillet, simmering 5 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce is beginning to thicken.
  • Serve over rice or pasta.

 

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 3 of 2019

GOOD MORNING everyone! WOW we’re already entering week 3 of 2019,  Why is the time passing by so fast? I’m up early and hoping for a VERY productive day.  My energy levels are still lagging, but I need to take advantage of the better weather today before the next set of storms roll in.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – The past few days have been pretty nice, days in the 50’s and nights in the 30’s, at least for a couple hours midday LOL 😀 Mornings have been quite gray and foggy, but the sun makes an appearance in time for the sunset most days.  Today will be no exception, but we’re supposed to be back to mostly rain by Wednesday and stay that way for the rest of the week.  I have on Levis, my favorite canvas tennies and comfy sweatshirt.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Peanut Butter Oatmeal with Banana Slices and Green Tea

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE / WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS / APPOINTMENTS

  • LAUNDRY… ALL caught up as of yesterday.
  • LIVING AREAS… Need to vacuum and do a bit of tidying.
  • KITCHEN… REALLY clean as I’ve been polishing counter tops.
  • YARD… nothing
  • BLOG… still need to write up a couple more new recipes and I’m still adjusting the party links to downsize the ones I participate in.   Two weeks into the new year and I have eliminated another 5 party links bringing it up to 13 gone.  There are at least 5 on the chopping block for this week or at the most the end of the month. A few blogs are still on break so I’ll continue evaluating this category until I have it where I want it.  So many blogs have become too commercial and the ads as well as the layer of pages to get to the content have become just too much to bother with.
  • CRAFTS/PROJECTS… I’m working on next year’s Christmas gifts and will tell you it involves the fabric in the picture below and I found these great pieces on sale this past week.
  • APPOINTMENTS/TO DO… I need to get the oil changed on the car, track down a few medical records to have transferred, am hoping for enough sun today to get at least the small storage space gone through in search of more needed paperwork for the VA…

CRAFTS / PROJECTS What I CAN show you  😀  but CANNOT tell you what the parts will equal.

If you know me, then you know I LOVE to cook!  I usually get several cookbooks for Christmas and I REALLY look forward to them.  The first thing I do is sit down and read them cover to cover, tabbing the recipes I want to make in the weeks ahead.  As you can see, this year was no exception.  My brother sent me the Half Baked Harvest, my girl friend Heather and munchkins gave me the Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines and Santa brought me the Six Sisters Stuff. 

For some odd reason this process always brings to mind a specific friend, Julie.  Julie’s dad was a professor at our university and they had a lot of talented kids in her family, several of which were in college at the same time which was quite costly so they lived very modestly on a professor’s salary. Julie was the middle girl of 5 and was quite used to getting the hand me downs.  Julie and I became fast friends and hung out a lot.  Many times there were three of us hanging out in Julie’s rec room as Julie’s friend Joann spent a lot of time there too.  Joann wasn’t into the college scene, but came from money and had other priorities most of the time – parties and such while we studied our butts off and worked several jobs.  Anyway, we all had our talents that we brought to the group.  

Julie used to borrow Joann’s designer clothes, A LOT!   Julie also had mad sewing skills.   The funny part was (and I doubt Joann even knows this now) late at night when we were studying Julie would take a break, disassemble whatever piece she had just borrowed from Joann and whip up her own version by using Joann’s piece as a pattern.  Then she’d put Joann’s dress, skirt, etc… back together, no worse for wear.  Long story short (I know, too late) I think I approach other people’s recipes the same way Julie approached designer clothes by taking it apart piece by piece, tweaking it to meet my flavor desires or textural expectations and putting it back together as an all new piece. 😀

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – I just LOVE that sliver of moon that made an appearance just in time for my picture.  The clouds covered it almost immediately.

INSPIRATION

I’m ALWAYS trying to remember that life is FULL of change and my favorite saying is,

“Man plans, God laughs!”

SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED We watched BIRD BOX with Sandra Bullock this past week – scary, but interesting movie.  I’m really sad 🙁 though to hear that teens are actually being so stupid and using movies like this to act out stupid scenarios for social media challenges/DARES.

I’M READING I still didn’t get much reading done this past week so I’m still reading: The Misadventures of Catie Bloom: a romantic comedy (Bloom Sisters Book 1) by Brooke Stanton

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH With shows just coming off hiatus we are actually pretty caught up on prime time shows with no DVR backlog.  There is a growing list for NetFlix and Amazon Prime.

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

DINNER

DESSERT

MONDAY – FRIDAY

GREEN TEA,

BANANA & YOGURT

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

MONDAY

MEXICAN LASAGNE

TUESDAY

HAWAIIAN CHICKEN

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

TORTILLA BAKE

FRIDAY

CHICKEN & RICE CASSEROLE

FUDGY BROWNIES,

CHOCOLATE BANANA BREAD

OR

CRANBERRY PEAR CRISP

SATURDAY

 BISCUITS & SAUSAGE GRAVY BAKE

CHEDDAR CHICKEN POTPIE

SUNDAY

 QUICHE LORRAINE

PERUVIAN SHEPHERD’S PIE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

ROAST PORK with APPLE PEAR CREAM SAUCE

MAGIC COOKIE BARS

PUB BURGERS with TANGY PUB SAUCE BAKED SPICY BACON GREEN BEANS

CHICKEN & RICE CASSEROLE

WHISKEY CHILI MEATBALLS WHISKEY BBQ CHICKEN

 

MAGIC COOKIE BUTTER BARS

MAGIC COOKIE BUTTER BARS
Years ago one of my VERY favorite treats were Eagle Brand 7 Layer bars A.K.A. as Magic Cookie Bars with sweetened condensed milk, BUT, they were so heavy and calorie packed. This recipe is a WONDERFUL substitute for that recipe and the bars are still moist and tender AND they taste amazingly similar – kind of like a loaded Blondie that strives to be overindulgent! This recipe also makes smaller portion which is great for just 2 people

BARS
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons PURE vanilla extract
2 teaspoons QUALITY cinnamon (I use Red Ape)
Heaping 1/3 cup smooth Cookie Butter
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
pinch salt
1/4 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup milk chocolate chips
1/4 cup roasted coconut pieces

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Line an 8-by-8-inch pan with aluminum foil, spray with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
  • Melt 1/2 cup butter and allow to cool slightly.
  • Add the egg, brown sugar, vanilla and cinnamon, whisking until smooth.
  • Add the heaping Cookie Butter, and stir to blend.
  • Add the flour and salt, stirring until just combined DO NOT OVER MIX!!!! – these are like brownies and overtaxing will make them tough.
  • Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula.
  • Sprinkle evenly with the chocolate chips, raisins and coconut.
  • Set pan aside while you prepare the streusel.

STREUSEL
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup whole rolled old-fashioned oats DO NOT USE quick or instant oats
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1-2 teaspoonS cinnamon, to taste
2 tablespoons Cookie Butter, melted for final drizzle after baking
2 tablespoons milk chocolate chips

  • Using the same bowl you made the batter in add all the streusel ingredients except the 2 tablespoons cookie butter and work the mixture with a spoon, a pastry cutter, or your hands until small pebbles form.
  • Sprinkle streusel evenly over top.
  • Bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until center is set and not jiggly; and the edges are set and have pulled away slightly from sides of pan. Test with a toothpick. If it comes out mostly clean, you’re good to go. EVERY oven is different so start checking these at the 30 minute mark.
  • After pulling pan from the oven, heat 2 tablespoons of Cookie Butter and 2 tablespoons milk chocolate chips in the microwave to melt, about 15 seconds.
  • Immediately and evenly drizzle Chocolate Cookie Butter over the top of bars.
  • Allow pan to cool for at least 30 minutes cutting.
  • Lift out foil and place on cutting board.
  • Slice and serve.
  • Store bars in an airtight container for up to 1 week at room temperature, or up to 3 months in the freezer.

ORIGINAL MAGIC COOKIE BARS
“This bar cookie is an old fashioned favorite. Chocolate chips, nuts and coconut are set in a caramelized layer on top of a graham cracker crust.” – Eagle brand

1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs OR ginger snap cookie crumbs
1 (14 ounce) can EAGLE BRAND® Sweetened Condensed Milk
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup golden raisins
1 1/3 cups flaked coconut
1 cup chopped nuts

  • Heat oven to 350° (325° for glass dish).
  • Coat 13×9-inch baking pan with no-stick cooking spray.
  • Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter. Press into bottom of prepared pan.
  • Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over crumb mixture.
  • Layer evenly with chocolate chips, raisins, nuts and coconut. Press down firmly.
  • Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned.
  • Cool.
  • Cut into bars.
  • Store covered at room temperature.

NOTES/VARIATIONS:

  • 7-Layer Magic Cookie Bars: Substitute 1 cup (6-ounces) butterscotch flavored chips* for 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and proceed as directed above.
  • Peanut butter flavored chips or white chocolate chips may be substituted for butterscotch flavored chips.
  • Magic Peanut Cookie Bars: Substitute 2 cups (about 3/4 pound) chocolate-covered peanuts for semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped nuts.
  • Magic Rainbow Cookie Bars: Substitute 2 cups plain candy-coated chocolate candies for semi-sweet chocolate chips.