Category: MISC

Pudding Cake

Chocolate Cake~Banana Pudding…

Chocolate Cake~Chocolate Pudding…


I’m thinking of Lemon Cake~Lemon Pudding next…


One box of cake mix prepared per box instructions…
Two boxes of pudding mix prepared per box pie filling instructions…
Pour cake mix in glass pan…
Pour pudding mix in center of cake mix…
Heat oven to 350 and bake for 50 minutes…

Happy Eating…

CHICKEN SALAD STUFFED AVOCADO with LEMON GARLIC VINAIGRETTE

CHICKEN SALAD STUFFED AVOCADO with LEMON GARLIC VINAIGRETTE
2 cups chopped rotisserie chicken
4 green onions, sliced thin
1 stalk celery, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon blood orange vinegar*
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 tablespoon sugar
salt and pepper to taste
1 avocado or tomato per person

  • Combine chicken and celery in mixing bowl.  
  • Salt and pepper generously.
  • In a small food processor blend garlic, green onions, lemon juice, vinegar, oil and sugar until well mixed.
  • Pour vinegar mix into mixing bowl and toss well.
  • If using tomatoes carve out centers with sharp knife.  Slice insides onto plate.  Salt and pepper generously.
  • If using avocados carefully scoop out of shell with a large spoon and arrange on plate with tomato slices.  Salt and pepper generously.
  • Fill centers with chicken salad.
  • Serve with garlic toast points.

*or flavor of your choice

SUNDAY BEST, CHURCH CLOTHES & the THEATRE

The last several months have been a little stressful for us with all the trips to the hospital, the invasive tests and surgery.  Hubby has been a true prince throughout it ALL!  When I went for the original test before the Big “C” diagnosis, the facility was an hour away and it was a routine test that was going to be followed up by a doctor at a later date so I went by myself.  As with so many things in life, routine turned into something else.  Halfway through the test I was introduced to a new doctor who observed the remainder of the test with a few technical requests to the technician and then he sat me down and proceeded to tell me I had cancer and that my care was being transferred to an oncologist.  I had a mammogram scheduled for an hour later and had to sit and wait for that having heard the worst possible news I could have been given.  I then had to drive an hour home and tell hubby the worst possible news I could.  He took it like a trooper and has been my hero ever since, well even more so than he was before.
Since December 28th I have been a prisoner of my disease.  The best positive advice I have given myself is the I AM NOT MY DISEASE and I will not quit living life.  I still haven’t been released to “normal” life, but as long as someone else drives I can start to get out a bit more.  So, hubby and I are reinstating a ‘date night’ into our life starting with tonight.

I loved getting out more than I will ever be able to describe.  I just about live in flip flops, Levis and comfy t-shirts, but being able to get dressed up, put on some make up every now and then is awesome. My question is, what has happened to the world while I was away?  

We drove to the theater district and parked.  It was almost too easy.  We chose a little romantic Italian restaurant for dinner ~ you know tablecloths and cloth napkins, quiet and subdued lighting type of place where we had a great meal, but sat just across from us was a father and daughter waiting for 3 others in their party.  Daughter was hyper and all over the place, spilling drinks and let’s not forget her flashing roller shoes.  Dad was loudly on his cell phone and ignoring the daughter ~ need I say more?
We then walked to the theater where we sat out front and waited a while, people watching.  I was appalled by the people coming to the theater in ragged clothes that I wouldn’t be seen  in weeding my garden or painting the house.  Does no one take any pride in their appearance anymore?  When the ushers are wearing tuxedos, doesn’t it seem only prudent that you should be wearing something nicer than holey jeans and t-shirts with inappropriate sayings on them?
These are just my observations, but personally I’m sick of casual grunge!  Despite all this date night was a success and has be reinstated in our life to help give up perspective!

Fire Day Friday: Mustard Crusted Top Sirloin

All I have to say is… oh my god this was good!!

Ok.. I really do have more to say then that, but still… oh my god this was good!!!

I knew I had created something special when I overheard Chris in the other room, as I was taking pictures, exclaim:  “Wow, the potatoes are really good.”  2 clicks of the camera later, I hear – “Oh, man, these green beans are good too.”  2 clicks of the camera later, I hear – “Oh my god the steak is amazing, and so tender!  Mmmmmmmm!!!”

(YAY!!)  I love hearing that!!!  Nothing better then being patted on the back for something you created in the kitchen… or in this case… on the grill!!  Honestly, the steak was so good, there was no need for any type of seasoning or sauce after it hit our plates.  I didn’t get as great of a sear on the outside as I would have liked – a better sear would have gave me more of the crust I was looking for – but it was cooked perfectly otherwise!!  And Chris was right, it was really tender and very flavorful!
Mustard Crusted Top Sirloin
Printable Recipe 
Ingredients:
1 lb top sirloin steaks (I had one really big piece that I cut into two smaller pieces) (oh, and you can use any cut of beef, by the way)
3 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 Tablespoon freshly chopped rosemary
1 Tablespoon freshly chopped thyme
Salt and Pepper

Directions:

In a small bowl, mix together the Dijon, olive oil, lemon juice, rosemary, and thyme until well combined.  Season both sides of the steak with salt and pepper.  Slather the sauce over both sides of the meat and allow to marinate in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours.
Remove the steak from the refrigerator.  Preheat the grill to 400-425 degrees.  Place the steaks over the heat and grill about 4-8 minutes per side (depending on desired doneness).  Remove from the grill and allow to stand for 4 minutes before cutting into it.  Enjoy!

SUNDAY BEST, CHURCH CLOTHES & the THEATRE

The last several months have been a little stressful for us with all the trips to the hospital, the invasive tests and surgery.  Hubby has been a true prince throughout it ALL!  When I went for the original test before the Big “C” diagnosis, the facility was an hour away and it was a routine test that was going to be followed up by a doctor at a later date so I went by myself.  As with so many things in life, routine turned into something else.  Halfway through the test I was introduced to a new doctor who observed the remainder of the test with a few technical requests to the technician and then he sat me down and proceeded to tell me I had cancer and that my care was being transferred to an oncologist.  I had a mammogram scheduled for an hour later and had to sit and wait for that having heard the worst possible news I could have been given.  I then had to drive an hour home and tell hubby the worst possible news I could.  He took it like a trooper and has been my hero ever since, well even more so than he was before.
Since December 28th I have been a prisoner of my disease.  The best positive advice I have given myself is the I AM NOT MY DISEASE and I will not quit living life.  I still haven’t been released to “normal” life, but as long as someone else drives I can start to get out a bit more.  So, hubby and I are reinstating a ‘date night’ into our life starting with tonight.

I loved getting out more than I will ever be able to describe.  I just about live in flip flops, Levis and comfy t-shirts, but being able to get dressed up, put on some make up every now and then is awesome. My question is, what has happened to the world while I was away?  

We drove to the theater district and parked.  It was almost too easy.  We chose a little romantic Italian restaurant for dinner ~ you know tablecloths and cloth napkins, quiet and subdued lighting type of place where we had a great meal, but sat just across from us was a father and daughter waiting for 3 others in their party.  Daughter was hyper and all over the place, spilling drinks and let’s not forget her flashing roller shoes.  Dad was loudly on his cell phone and ignoring the daughter ~ need I say more?
We then walked to the theater where we sat out front and waited a while, people watching.  I was appalled by the people coming to the theater in ragged clothes that I wouldn’t be seen  in weeding my garden or painting the house.  Does no one take any pride in their appearance anymore?  When the ushers are wearing tuxedos, doesn’t it seem only prudent that you should be wearing something nicer than holey jeans and t-shirts with inappropriate sayings on them?
These are just my observations, but personally I’m sick of casual grunge!  Despite all this date night was a success and has be reinstated in our life to help give up perspective!

CHICKEN COUNTRY CASSOULET ~ CLASSIC GOOD EATS

CHICKEN COUNTRY CASSOULET
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
1/2 pound thick-cut bacon, diced
1 pound fat sausages of choice, cut into bite sized pieces
3 tablespoons butter
1 large Vidalia onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 carrots, sliced
1/2 pound snap peas, washed and deveined
1/4 cup fresh minced parsley
1 14-ounce can petit diced tomatoes, basil, garlic & oregano
1 tablespoon Classico sun-dried tomato puree
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme or 1 tablespoon dried
2 +/- cups chicken stock
2 cups seasoned bread crumbs**
salt and ground black pepper

  •  Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
  • Brown the bacon until browned and crumbly in Dutch oven casserole dish.  Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  • Add chicken and sausages and brown on all sides. Remove from fat and set aside. 
  • Add the onions and garlic and cook 3-4 minutes until softened. 
  • Add the carrots, snap peas and parsley, sauteing 3-4 more minutes.
  • Add tomatoes, tomato puree, spices and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add meat back in.
  • Add enough of the stock to just cover the meat and veggies, you don’t want things swimming around too much.  You can always add more stock during the cooking if needed. 
  • Cover dish and cook 1 hour.
  • Add more stock if necessary. Spread crumbs over the top and cook uncovered for 40 more minutes or until browned. 
  • Try adding other vegetables such as broccoli or white beans for variety.  

    **I used crushed ritz crackers today and they worked reallllllllllllllly well as a substitute!

      PRECIOUS EMAIL THAT CAN’T HELP BUT MAKE YOU SMILE

      KIDS WERE ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS. THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS ABOUT THE BIBLE WERE WRITTEN BY CHILDREN. THEY HAVE NOT BEEN RETOUCHED OR CORRECTED. INCORRECT SPELLING HAS BEEN LEFT.

      1. IN THE FIRST BOOK OF THE BIBLE, GUINESSIS, GOD GOT TIRED OF CREATING THE WORLD SO HE TOOK THE SABBATH OFF.
      2. ADAM AND EVE WERE CREATED FROM AN APPLE TREE.  NOAH’S WIFE WAS JOAN OF ARK. NOAH BUILT AN ARK AND THE ANIMALS CAME ON IN PEARS. 
      3. LOTS WIFE WAS A PILLAR OF SALT DURING THE DAY, BUT A BALL OF FIRE DURING THE NIGHT. 
      4. THE JEWS WERE A PROUD PEOPLE AND THROUGHOUT HISTORY THEY HAD TROUBLE WITH UNSYMPATHETIC GENITALS.
      5. SAMPSON WAS A STRONGMAN WHO LET HIMSELF BE LED ASTRAY BY A JEZEBEL LIKE DELILAH. 
      6. SAMSON SLAYED THE PHILISTINES WITH THE AXE OF THE APOSTLES. 
      7. MOSES LED THE JEWS TO THE RED SEA WHERE THEY MADE UNLEAVENED BREAD WHICH IS BREAD WITHOUT ANY INGREDIENTS      . 
      8. THE EGYPTIANS WERE ALL DROWNED IN THE DESSERT. AFTERWARDS, MOSES WENT UP TO MOUNT  CYANIDE TO GET THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. 
      9. THE FIRST COMMANDMENT WAS WHEN EVE TOLD ADAM TO EAT THE APPLE.       
      10. THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT IS THOU SHALT NOT ADMIT ADULTERY. 
      11. MOSES DIED BEFORE HE EVER REACHED CANADA.  THEN JOSHUA LED THE HEBREWS IN THE BATTLE 
      OF GERITOL. 
      12. THE GREATEST MIRICLE IN THE BIBLE IS WHEN JOSHUA TOLD HIS SON TO STAND STILL AND HE OBEYED HIM.
      13. DAVID WAS A HEBREW KING WHO WAS SKILLED AT PLAYING THE LIAR. HE FOUGHT THE FINKELSTEINS, A RACE OF PEOPLE WHO LIVED IN BIBLICAL TIMES.
      14. SOLOMON, ONE OF DAVID’S SONS, HAD 300 WIVES AND 700 PORCUPINES.
      15. WHEN MARY HEARD SHE WAS THE MOTHER OF JESUS, SHE SANG THE MAGNA CARTA. 
      16. WHEN THE THREE WISE GUYS FROM THE EAST SIDE ARRIVED THEY FOUND JESUS IN THE MANAGER. 
      17. JESUS WAS BORN BECAUSE MARY HAD AN IMMACULATE CONTRAPTION. 
      18. ST. JOHN, THE BLACKSMITH, DUMPED WATER ON HIS HEAD. 
      19. JESUS ENUNCIATED THE GOLDEN RULE, WHICH SAYS TO DO UNTO OTHERS BEFORE THEY DO ONE TO YOU. HE ALSO EXPLAINED A MAN DOTH NOT LIVE BY SWEAT ALONE.
      20. IT WAS A MIRICLE WHEN JESUS ROSE FROM THE DEAD AND MANAGED TO GET THE TOMBSTONE OFF THE ENTRANCE. 
      21. THE PEOPLE WHO FOLLOWED THE LORD WERE CALLED THE 12 DECIBELS.       
      22. THE EPISTELS WERE THE WIVES OF THE APOSTLES.
      23. ONE OF THE OPPOSSUMS WAS ST. MATTHEW, WHO WAS ALSO A TAXIMAN.
      24. ST. PAUL CAVORTED TO CHRISTIANITY. HE PREACHED HOLY ACRIMONY WHICH IS ANOTHER NAME FOR MARRAIGE. 
      25. CHRISTIANS HAVE ONLY ONE SPOUSE. THIS IS CALLED MONOTONY.

      MEXICAN LASAGNA~HEALTHY MEALS

      This is a huge piece of lasagna. Enormous. I’m totally full. This recipes makes a LOT of food. It’s a great recipe to freeze individual portions for quick lunches or dinners. Packed with protein, this cheesy, tasty sauce is full of flavor but isn’t spicy at all. You do need a big baking pan for this, I think that I used an 11 x 17 in. pan. You probably could split it and use 1 – 9 x 13 pan and 1 – 8 x 8 pan and just freeze one. I might just do that next time.
      MEXICAN LASAGNA
      1 pound ground turkey
      1 onion, chopped
      1 tablespoon minced garlic
      1 red pepper, chopped
      1 can of corn or frozen corn
      1 (4 ounce) can diced green chili peppers
      1 (10 ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chil peppers
      1 (8 ounce) jar taco sauce
      1 can diced tomatoes, drained
      1 can refried beans
      1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
      1/2 cup sour cream
      12 – 8 inch, whole wheat tortillas, toasted
      1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
      • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). 
      • In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the ground turkey for 5 minutes. 
      • Add the onion, peppers and garlic, and sauté for 5 more minutes. 
      • Drain any excess fat. 
      • Mix in the tomatoes, green chile peppers, tomatoes with green chile peppers, taco sauce, corn, black beans and refried beans. 
      • Stir mixture thoroughly, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. 
      • Spread a thin layer of the meat mixture in the bottom of a 11 x 17 pan. 
      • Cover with a layer of 3 tortillas followed by more meat mixture, then 1/2 of the sour cream. 
      • Repeat tortilla and meat layers, spreading sour cream on one more layer, until all the tortillas are used, topping off with a layer of meat mixture and cheese. I use 3 tortillas on each layer, 2 side by side and one cut in 1/2 spread over the open area. 
      • Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until cheese is slightly brown and bubbly.

      Total calories = 3789
      8 huge servings = 473 calories per serving
      12 servings = 316 calories per serving

      STUFFED PORK LOIN ~ FORK TENDER

      OOPS wrong adage, but the try, try again really fits.  I like to succeed, but I also LOVE to experiment.  My dear friend Jenn and hubby both gave yesterday’s Bleu cheese spread for the DANISH CUBE STEAK REVISITED two thumbs up, but I couldn’t stop there – I still had spread left!  I also had a fresh pork loin and had just read Martha’s STUFFED FLANK STEAK recipe and voile’ just like Melanie Griffith, er Tess McGill in Working Girl combining Trask and radio to succeed, I had an idea! I combined pork roast, our new favorite Bleu cheese spread and Martha’s flank steak style with superb results – true success!

      STUFFED PORK LOIN – serves 4

      1 small pork roast, cut in half
      1 1/2 ounces Bleu cheese crumbles
      1/4 cup mayonnaise
      1/8 cup minced green onions
      • In a small food processor blend together the mayonnaise, bleu cheese crumbles and green onions until smooth.
      • Cut volcano shaped slice out of the center of each pork half.  Next time I will buy a large roast and have it butterflied, but today I worked with what I had.
      • Fill with bleu cheese mixture.
      • Salt and pepper generously.
      • Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour- 1 1/4 hours.
       

      Now nothing goes to waste at our house.  We use it until it can be used NO more.  If it’s a sauce, it may become a dressing for hubby’s salads by adding flavored vinegars or oils or a filling for a casserole, but it gets used.  I had  a tiny bit of BBQ sauce left and it is one of our favorites, but it wasn’t enough to do much with, so I used it as a rub on the baked potatoes and then mixed the last couple of tablespoons with some butter and sour cream and darned if it wasn’t super yummy and flavorful too!

      Grown Up Mac & Cheese with updated Danish Cube Steak

      GROWN UP MAC & CHEESE
      12 ounce package pasta
      3 tablespoons flour
      3 tablespoons butter
      2 cups whole milk
      1/2 teaspoon sea salt
      1 teaspoon Frank’s hot sauce
      3/4 cup sharp white cheddar cheese
      3 ounces bleu cheese crumbles
      1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

      • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
      • Prepare pasta according to package directions. Drain Well.
      • Melt butter in a medium saucepan.  Add salt.
      • In a small food processor pulse bleu cheese crumbles until fine.  Set aside.
      • Add flour and whisk constantly over medium heat until smooth.
      • Gradually add milk, whisking constantly.  
      • Add hot sauce.  Bring to a slow boil.  Simmer for 5 minutes.
      • Remove from heat and whisk in all cheeses, salt and pepper to taste until smooth.
      • Mix pasta and cheese mixture together until well blended.
      • Scoop into a casserole or ramekins.
      • Bake 15-20 minutes.
      • Top with chopped chives.

      DANISH CUBE STEAK REVISITED
      3 ounces bleu cheese crumbles
      3/4 cup mayonnaise
      1/4 cup minced green onions
      6 pork cube steaks
      1/2 cup panko crumbs
      2 tablespoons butter

      • In a small food processor blend together the mayonnaise, bleu cheese crumbles and green onions until smooth.
      • Coat steaks on both sides with mayonnaise mixture.
      • Dredge through panko crumbs.
      • Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
      • Add cube steaks and brown on both sides.

      IF AT FIRST YOU DON’T SUCCEED, TRY, TRY AGAIN

      Yes, I know that was the title of my last post.  Unfortunately it still fits today, but for new reasons.  As many of you know I was told I had Ovarian cancer and I underwent surgery to remove a large  volleyball sized ovarian tumor as well as many other parts that resided in the abdominal cavity on February 1st.  We truly thought the worst was over as I began my recovery from major abdominal surgery that left me with a 10 inch zipper and zilch for energy!
      Unfortunately the pathology came back and while they do believe the cancer was contained within the tumor without spillage, they are now calling it cancer of an unknown primary source because of the tissue type.  Cancer gets very complicated and is “named” based on the primary source of the cancer.  Even a metastasized cancer is always called by the primary cancer source’s name.  For example a man may have prostate cancer and then they find it has spread to the bones.  He doesn’t now have bone cancer, but metastasized prostate cancer.  
      There is a reason that they call what doctors do “practicing”.  The bottom line for me is that they are now searching for the “primary” source and are hedging towards a “preventative” round of chemo.  My niece suggested a holistic approach as opposed to the chemo and she can rest assured that is high on my priority list, especially without definitive answers to the contrary!
      So, here I am trying to heal from the surgery which isn’t exactly going well, searching for the original cancer source and praying that they don’t need to open me up again (I don’t think I could stand that) or that I will need to go through chemo!   I am not a patient, sit around person to begin with and I’m already chomping at the bit even though my body is resisting my need to get busy again.  So, the moral of this story is listen to your doctors, but BE YOUR best advocate.  Ask questions and if you don’t like the answers ask more questions.  Never hesitate to get 2nd or even 3rd opinions!