Soft Breadsticks

Mandy gave me this recipe a while back and I use it all the time. You don't have to let the dough rise and they still turn out wonderful. They are very soft and full of flavor.

1 1/2 Cups warm water

1 Tbsp yeast

2 Tbsp sugar

1 tsp salt

3 1/2 - 4 Cups flour

1 stick butter (to be melted and put on the bread sticks)

Garlic seasoning

Parmesan cheese

Dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Mix all the ingredients except the butter and roll into rectangle and cut out bread sticks with pizza cutter. Spray cookie sheet with Pam. Twist breadsticks and lay onto pan. Melt butter and brush ALL the butter onto the breadsticks. Sprinkle with garlic seasoning ( I use Johnny's Garlic seasoning found at Costco) and Parmesan cheese. You do not have to let them rise, although I usually let them if I have time, but either way they are tasty. Cook at 400 degrees for 15-17 minutes.

Peachy Fruit Salad

This is a yummy salad and I love it. The neat secret is the peach pie filling coats the bananas so they do not turn brown. Most of the items are in my pantry so it is very easy.

Peachy Fruit Salad
1 20 oz can peach pie filling
1 20 oz can Pineapple (chunks or tidbits), drained
1 15 oz mandarin oranges, drained
1 pkg strawberries, frozen slightly thawed (I always just use a handful or 2 from my big Sams bag)
2-3 bananas sliced
Optional: you can also add blueberries, grapes, cherries or marshmallows

Mix all together. It is best after being chilled but can be served right when you mix it up. The strawberries should be added shortly before serving because they can get mushy

Chicken Salad Sandwich

This is a different twist on your normal chicken salad sandwich. It is sooo good and never have I served it up where the guest didn't just oooh and ahhh over it (well, except for some of my children).

1 lb chicken, cooked and chopped (I cube the raw chicken and boil it)

2 ribs celery, chopped (I don't like celery, so I leave this out)

1 C purple grapes, cut

1 apple, chopped

1 oz Parmesan

2 Tbsp chopped onion

1 C mayo

1 clove garlic, chopped

1/2 - 1 tsp dill (this is important, it gives a great flavor)

salt

pepper

Combine the Parmesan, onion, mayo, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Fold in the rest of the ingredients. The best is to serve them on the Costco croissants, but they are also VERY yummy on regular buns.

Chili Blanco

This is another family favorite. It gives chili a different twist. And, I like the recipe because I use beans from my food storage.

1 lb. dried small white navy beans

2 onions, chopped

1 can (48 oz) chicken broth

4 cups cooked chicken, chopped

1 can (7 oz) chopped green chilies

6 to 8 cloves garlic, minced

3 Tbsp chopped fresh oregano, OR 2 tsp dried

4 tsp ground cumin

1 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (I use much less)

3 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

Cook ll day in slow cooker set on high or cook on stove top until beans are tender. Stir in Monterey Jack Cheese just before serving. Garnish with additional cheese and corn chips.

Taco Potatoes

I have to preface this entry with the fact that yes, I am from Idaho, and we know how to eat potatoes in a million ways, but the first time I had this I was in Arizona.

Ingredients:
Baked Potatoes
Browned hamburger with taco seasoning
Lettuce
Shredded Cheese
Salsa
Sour Cream
Tomatoes
(You get the idea- any taco toppings that you enjoy)

This is an easy way to make a baked potato a complete meal. To save time I bake my potatoes in the microwave. I cut them in half and put them on a plate and cover the entire plate with saran wrap. I poke a few holes in the top to let out steam and then microwave them for about 7 minutes. For taco meat, I buy my taco seasoning in bulk at Sams Club. I like the seasoning and it is a lot less expensive than the little packets. Enjoy!

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

I got this great recipe from Jana. I made this for supper yesterday and start to finish was less then 30 minutes. It hit the spot! I buy premade meatballs from Walmart and Costco, (the price is comparable to plain hamburger meat) making this a very easy dinner. I usually double the recipe and freeze half of it for another meal.

1 8 oz. can pineapple chunks (save juice)

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 Tbsp. cornstarch

1/2 cup water

3 Tbsp vinegar

2 Tbsp soy sauce

1 1/2 tsp dry mustard

1/8 tsp cloves

1 beef bullion cube

Combine pineapple juice with the rest of the ingredients. Cook and stir over medium heat until thick. Add meatballs and pineapple if you want. Cover and simmer until ll ingredients are hot. Serve over rice.

Red Bean Soup

6 cans small red beans ( I get these at Walmart)
1 1/2 quarts chicken broth
2 tsp minced garlic
1/4 cup oil
3 bay leaves
3/4 green bell pepper, chopped finely
3 celery stalks, chopped finely
1 med onion, chopped finely
1 bunch green onions, chopped tops only
1 dash hot sauce ( I use Louisiana hot sauce)
2 tsp Tony Chachere's creole seasoning

In large stock pot saute the onions and celery in the oil till clear then add the bell peppers and garlic till browned. Add the remaining ingredients with the exception of the green onions and simmer for 1/2 hour. Using a potato masher smash some of the beans and cook an additional 20 min or until creamy. Stir in the green onion and serve over rice.