Monthly Archives: May 2015

Cookies

Peanut Butter No Bake Bars

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter, melted
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs, (substitute Gluten Free graham crackers if you want gluten free bars)
  • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • 4 tablespoons peanut butter

Directions

In a medium bowl, mix together the butter, graham cracker crumbs, confectioners’ sugar, and 1 cup peanut butter until well blended. Press evenly into the bottom of an ungreased  9×13 inch pan.

In a metal bowl over simmering water, or in the microwave, melt the chocolate chips with the peanut butter, stirring occasionally until smooth.  Spread over the prepared crust. Refrigerate for at least one hour before cutting into squares.

Desserts

Crockpot Baked Apples

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 6 gala apples, cored
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup apple juice

Directions

Mix nuts, brown sugar, butter and cinnamon in a small bowl. You can use pecans and raisins, if you prefer.

Using a grapefruit spoon, core apples leaving 1/2 inch on the bottom.

Fill apples with the filling, and place in crockpot. Pour juice around the apples.

Cook on high 2 1/2 to 3 hours OR bake in 9×13 inch pan 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Main Dishes

Beef Stroganoff

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1/2 ” strips
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/2 cup butter, divided
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 1/3 cups beef stock
  • 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 1 (3 oz) cream cheese, softened

Directions

Place beef in a large bowl. Stir in red wine, salt and pepper. marinate 10 minutes, remove beef and pat dry. Save the liquid

Heat oil in skillet and stir in the beef, Cook 5-7 minutes. Remove beef and drain grease. Add 2 tablespoons butter. Stir in the onion, garlic and salt. Cook until translucent. Remove onions to beef platter.

Add 2 more tablespoons butter to skillet and cook the mushrooms 10 minutes. Remove to platter.

Melt 1/4 cup butter in pan. Wisk in flour and work 4 minutes. Gradually add the beef stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and pour in wine marinade, worcestershire sauce. mustard and red pepper. Then add beef and onions. Simmer 1 hour.

Stir in mushrooms, sour cream and cream cheese 5 minutes before serving.

Seasonings

DIY Italian Seasoning

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons dried basil
  • 3 tablespoons dried oregano
  • 3 tablespoons dried parsley
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoons rosemary
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Directions

Mix together ingredients and place in a spice grinder or small bowl and crush with back of a spoon. Store in airtight jar.

Main Dishes

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs with Homemade Marinara Sauce

Meatballs

  • 1 lb. ground meat
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup grated Romano or Parmesean Cheese
  • 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons parsley, chopped
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 4 oz mozzarella cheese cut into cubes
  • 4 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Directions

Heat 4 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. In a large bowl, mix together the first 8 ingredients and slowly mix in the water. The meatballs should be moist but hold their shape. Scoop 1 tablespoon meat. Place cheese in middle of meat, cover with another piece of meat mixture. Roll in a ball making sure they are sealed. Place in preheated fry pan and cook 2 minutes each side. Place browned meatballs on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake in 400 degree oven 10-12 minutes.

Marinara Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Directions

Brown garlic in olive oil, 1 minute and add tomatoes, salt and pepper, sugar, seasoning, red pepper, mix to combine. Simmer 10 minutes stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper. Add the meatballs to the sauce and stir to coat. Serve immediately over noodles.