Meatloaf

Meatloaf

1 pound ground beef

1 medium onion chopped

1/2 cup milk

1 egg

8 crackers, crushed

1/4 cup ketchup

/4 cup water

1 tsp dry mustard

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

salt & pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine ground beef, onion, milk, egg, salt & pepper mix well.

Place in a loaf pan.

In a bowl combine remaining ingredients mixing well.

Pour over beef and bake 1 hour. 

Drain off grease before serving.

This pairs well with potatoes and a vegetable. 

ENJOY!

Chicken Fried Steak

CHICKEN FRIED STEAK

2 Lbs. Round Steak, tenderized

1 cup flour

2 eggs beaten

1/2 cup milk 

Oil

Salt & Pepper to taste

GRAVY

6 Tbsp oil

6 Tbsp flour

3 cups milk

Salt & Pepper to taste

How to cook the steak

Cut steak into 6 pieces. 

Combine flour salt & pepper.

Dredge steak in flour mixture. Combine eggs and milk dip steaks in the mixture.

Then again in the flour.

Fry steaks in hot oil until golden brown on each side.

How to make the gravy

With 6 tbsp oil in frying pan add flour, cook and stir until flour browns.

Add milk stir to thicken. Season with salt & pepper. 

Pour over warm steaks.

ENJOY!

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

7 cups potatoes, peeled & cubed

6 cloves of garlic, peeled 

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese

2 tbsp butter

1/2 tsp salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

1 tsp. dried rosemary (optional)

In a saucepan cover, potato & garlic with water bring to boil. Reduce heat.

Simmer for 20 minutes & drain.

Return potatoes & garlic to pan & add remaining ingredients.

Mix thoroughly.

You can also add chopped parsley, bacon & cheddar cheese to top when served.

Enjoy!

Cold Macaroni Salad

COLD MACARONI SALAD

1 (12 oz) pkg. macaroni

1 (16 oz) can peas

1 cup celery chopped

1 small onion chopped

1 cup cooked ham, diced

3 eggs, hard boiled

1 cup mayonnaise

Cook macaroni according to package directions. 

Rinse with cold water and drain. 

Combine remaining ingredients. 

(Add more mayonnaise if to dry). 

To serve line a serving bowl with lettuce leaves. 

Place salad in the bowl.

This is great for brunch or as a side dish.

ENJOY!

Beef & Onion BBQ Sandwich

Beef & Onion BBQ Sandwich

1 pound beef steak tips, 3/4 thick

1 Tbsp flour

1 large oven bag 

1medium onion,(thinly sliced into rings)

4 crusty rolls

BBQ SAUCE

3/4 cup chili sauce

1 tbsp chili powder

1 tbsp brown sugar

2 cloves garlic

1 tsp hot pepper sauce

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Cut beef steaks in strips set aside

Shake flour in the oven bag, Place sauce ingredients an onion into the bag. 

Squeeze and mix well.

Place beef into bag turning to coat. 

Place bag into baking pan arranging ingredients to even layers.

 Close bag and cut 1/2 inch slits in top.

Bake 45 to 50 minutes or until beef is tender. Serve in rolls.

This would go great with any salad or homemade fries.

ENJOY!

Best Taco Soup

BEST TACO SOUP

1pound ground beef

1 cup chopped onion

1 clove garlic

1 envelope Taco Seasoning Mix

1 (16 oz) kidney beans (undrained)

1 (16 Oz) pinto beans (Undrained)

1 (16 oz) whole kernel corn (drained)

1 can diced tomatoes

1 to 2 jars  jar Salsa

1 envelope Ranch Dressing Mix

1 bag Corn Chips

1 cup grated cheddar cheese (for garnish)

Salt to taste

Cook ground beef, onion, garlic in skillet until done.

Drain well.

Stir in Taco seasoning. 

Add beans, salsa, corn, tomatoes blend well.

Stir in ranch dressing mix.

Simmer over low heat about 10 to 15 minutes.

Serve over Corn chips and sprinkle with Cheese.

This makes an easy meal. You can also mix it all up (except corn chips and cheese) in Crockpot and simmer on low during the day when you are busy.

Enjoy!

Peanut Butter Pie

Peanut Butter Pie

1 9 inch ready made Graham cracker crust
1 Large Cool Whip
1/3 cup crunchy Peanut Butter 
1/2 cup Confectioners Sugar
3 oz. pkg. Cream Cheese
Chopped Nuts (optional)

Mix all the ingredients together and pour into pie crust. Chill for 2 hours.

Hope you ENJOY!

Cream Cheese filled Pumpkin Bread

Cream Cheese filled Pumpkin Bread I hope you ENJOY!

INGREDíENTS:

Breád

1 lárge egg

1 cup pumpkín puree

1/2 cup líght brown sugár, pácked

1/4 cup gránuláted sugár

1/4 cup líquíd-státe coconut oíl (cánolá or vegetáble máy be substítuted)

1/4 cup sour creám (líte ís okáy; or Greek yogurt máy be substítuted)

2 teáspoons váníllá extráct

2 teáspoons cínnámon

1 teáspoon pumpkín píe spíce

1/2 teáspoon ground nutmeg

1 cup áll-purpose flour

1/2  teáspoon bákíng powder

1/2  teáspoon bákíng sodá

pínch sált, optíonál ánd to tást

Creám Cheese Fíllíng

1 lárge egg

4 ounces softened bríck-style creám cheese (líte ís okáy)

1/4 cup gránuláted sugár

3 táblespoons áll-purpose flour

DíRECTíONS

1. Preheát oven to 350F. Spráy one 9×5-ínch loáf pán wíth floured cookíng spráy, or greáse ánd flour the pán; set ásíde.
2. Breád – ín á lárge bowl, ádd the fírst ten íngredíents, through ground nutmeg, ánd whísk to combíne.
3. ádd the flour, bákíng powder, bákíng sodá, optíonál sált, ánd fold wíth spátulá or stír gently wíth á spoon untíl just combíned; don’t overmíx; set ásíde.
4. Turn ábout two-thírds of the bátter out ínto the prepáred pán, smoothíng the top líghtly wíth á spátulá ánd pushíng ít ínto corners ánd sídes ás necessáry; set ásíde.
5. Creám Cheese Fíllíng – ín á lárge bowl, ádd áll íngredíents ánd whísk to combíne. álternátívely, míx wíth á hánd míxer.
6. Evenly pour fíllíng míxture over the breád, smoothíng the top líghtly wíth á spátulá ánd pushíng ít ínto corners ánd sídes ás necessáry.

Beef Stroganoff

BEEF STROGANOFF

2 pounds tenderloin tips

1 medium onion, chopped

1/22 pound mushrooms, chopped

1/2 clove garlic, chopped

1 cup white wine

1 cup sour cream

Salt, Pepper & Cayenne to taste

Olive Oil

1 package of Egg Noodles (cook according to package)

Cut Tenderloin Tips in 2 inch slices about 3/8 inch thick.

Saute in olive oil with chopped onion until almost done then add mushrooms. 

Add Garlic &remaining  ingredients and simmer for 5 minutes. Serve over Egg Noodles.

This is great during the week to have as a quick Dinner.

ENJOY!

Easy Little Caesars Copy Cat Bread Sticks

Easy Little Caesars Copy Cat Bread Sticks

These will go well with Pizza or Spaghetti or by themselves

1 pizza crust dough (10-14 ounces)

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

1/8 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Unroll dough on a clean surface.
Cut dough in half lengthwise, and then cut 8 strips vertically with a pizza cutter (making 16 small breadsticks). 
Place each strip onto a lightly greased baking sheet.
Bake 6-8 minutes or until golden brown.
While breadsticks are baking, melt the butter and stir in garlic salt.
 Remove breadsticks from the oven and brush on garlic butter mixture. 
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. 
                                Serve with sauce for dipping, if desired.                                                                                                                                                                      

This is a crowd pleaser for sure and would make everyone want more. I hope you ENJOY!

Mustard Glazed Ham

MUSTARD GLAZED HAM

1 Boneless Fully Cooked Ham

3/4 to 1 cup water

1/4 cup Orange Marmalade

1/4 cup Mustard

1/4 tsp ground Ginger

Preheat oven to 325 degrees

Place ham in a shallow Roasting pan and water to the pan.

Bake uncovered for 1 hour.

In a bowl combine Orange Marmalade, mustard & ginger 

and mix well.

Brush some on the Ham and bake for 1 hour longer or until Meat Thermometer reads 140 degrees, brushing occasionally with Glaze.

This makes a great meal for the holidays or anytime.

I hope you ENJOY!

FRESH VEGETABLE SALAD

FRESH VEGETABLE SALAD

1 cup apples

2 cups broccoli florets

2 cups cauliflower 

1/2 cup chopped celery

1/2 cup chopped green peppers

1/2 cup chopped onions

1/4 cup grated carrots

1 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sugar

 3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese 

6 slices baked, cooked & crumbled

Toss vegetables in large bowl.

In a small bowl mix sugar, mayonnaise & parmesan cheese pour over vegetables,.& add bacon.

Toss & coat well.

Cover & chill.

This is a great brunch idea or a side dish for any meal.

Golden Rod Beans

GOLDENROD BEANS

2 cans green beans

1 to 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise

2 boiled eggs

2 tbsp flour

2 tbsp butter

1 teaspoon chopped onion

1/3 cup water

Slice eggs an separate, chop the whites & onions (they go in the sauce as you cook)

In a skillet add butter & flour, stir (DO NOT BROWN)

Add 1 to 1/2 cups mayonnaise & water.

Add Whites of eggs & onions to the sauce, simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.

Heat green beans and drain.

Pour sauce over green beans and crumble egg yolks on top. 

Serve while hot.

Enjoy! 

This makes a great side dish for pork chops or chicken.

Pepperoni French Bread Pizza

Did the picture make you want pizza? 

Well here's a way to have it without waiting for delivery. 

It says pepperoni but you can add any topping you like to it. 

I like ham & pineapple, all meat pizza, just cheese pizza.

Like I said whatever you like.

Pepperoni French Bread Pizza

1 (24 inch ) loaf french bread

48 thin pepperoni slices

1 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese

2 tbsp olive oil

1 jar pizza sauce

Preheat oven to 425 degrees

Half bread lengthwise and brush with olive oil

Spread pizza sauce over cut slices of bread

Arrange pepperoni (whatever you topping is ) over sauce

Top with mozzarella cheese

Bake 10 to 12 minutes, Until cheese has melted and crust is golden.

Serve with a salad, ENJOY!

MOMS FUDGE

MOMS FUDGE

1 2/3 cup sugar

2 tbsp butter

2/3 evaporated milk

1/2 cup nuts

2 cups miniature marshmallows

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/2 cup chocolate chips

1 tsp vanilla 

Combine sugar, butter, milk in saucepan bring to boil stirring constantly for 5 minutes. 

Remove from heat. 

Add nuts & Marshmallows, choc chips, salt, vanilla.

Beat until it cools slightly (until it starts to get hard) pour into buttered pan let cool. 

Slice into pieces.

ENJOY!
And don't tell mom...LOL

Amazing Coconut Pie

AMAZING COCONUT PIE

2 cups milk

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup biscuit mix

4 eggs

1/4 cup butter

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

1 cup Coconut Flakes

Combine milk, sugar, biscuit mix, eggs, butter, vanilla blend for 3 minutes on low with a mixer.

Pour into greased 9" pie pan. Let stand for 5 minutes.

Sprinkle with coconut and bake for 40 minutes at 350 degrees.

This is a quick recipe for an awesome pie. I hope you enjoy.

Homemade Sweet & Sour Sauce

This sweet and sour sauce is great on Grilled chicken.

HOMEMADE SWEET & SOUR SAUCE

1 small can pineapple juice 6 to 8 ozs

4 tbsp brown sugar

4 tbsp ketchup

2 tsp cornstarch

2 tbsp water

1 small can crushed pineapple

Mix juice, sugar,& ketchup bring to boil.

Thicken with water & cornstarch.

Add crushed pineapple and stir until heated.

Serve as a dipping sauce or brush on grilling chicken a few minutes before removing from grill.

Hawaiian Ham Casserole

Serve up some bread or Rolls with this recipe. This will be a crowd pleaser.

This is great during the fall & winter.

HAWAIIAN HAM CASSEROLE

2 cups cooked ham (cut in 1/2 inch pieces)

2 tbsp butter

8 1/2 ozs can pineapple chunks,  drained

3 tbsp brown sugar

1 can condensed onion soup

4 large sweet potatoes 10 1/2 can

1/2 cup chopped pecans 

salt & pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Heat butter & lightly brown ham in it.

Stir in pineapple chunks, 1 tbsp brown sugar and onion soup season to taste.

Cook until it just reaches boiling then remove from heat.

Place ham mixture in baking dish pour sweet potatoes over ham. 

Mix pecans & remaining brown sugar and spread over potatoes. 

Bake for 30 minutes in Preheated Oven.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

This is one of my all-time favorite foods. 

You can have this any day of the week 

Stuffed Bell Peppers

3 large bell peppers

1/2 lb ground beef

1 cup breadcrumbs 

1 tbsp chopped onion

1 tsp salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 can (8ozs) tomato sauce

Olive Oil

1 Tbsp Chopped Garlic

Choice of shredded cheese ( small Bag)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. 

Cut a thin slice from stem end of peppers and remove seeds and membranes. 

Place in baking dish.

In skillet brown ground beef, onions & garlic, drain.

In a bowl, place remaining ingredients and add meat mixture and stir until blended.

Stuff peppers with mixture and bake for 30 minutes covered. 

Top with shredded cheese & bake uncovered until cheese is melted.

(You can replace Breadcrumbs with 1 cup of leftover rice.)

Two Quick Meals

Along with your favorite salad, I have two different ideas for you. Enjoy

Cheese & Hash Grilled Sandwich

1 can (16 oz) Roast Beef Hash

1/3 cup Ketchup

2 tsp. dried onion

1 tsp parsley flakes

3/4 tsp oregano

4 English Muffins, split & buttered

8 slices cheese cut in strips (whichever cheese you prefer)

 Mix hash, ketchup, onion, parsley, & oregano: spread on muffin halves. Top with the cheese strip. 

Set oven at broil or 550 degrees. Broil 8 to 10 inches from heat until cheese is melted and the hash is bubbly and hot. (8 sandwiches)

CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE

1/2 small cabbage

3 tbsp butter

1 package Has Browns with onions

 1 3/4 cups water 

1 tsp salt

 1 can (12 oz) corned beef

Coarsely shred cabbage it will measure 3 cups. In large skillet melt butter. Stir in cabbage, hash browns, water, & salt. Cook uncovered over medium heat until liquid is absorbed and the bottom is brown. * about 12 Minutes.

Add corned beef, turn with spatula cook 3 minutes or until heated.

Summer Appetizers

                                             

I hope this picture makes you want some fresh fruit.
Combine some Fresh strawberry & Fresh pineapple top with cool whip or vanilla ice cream.



SUMMER APPETIZERS

My favorite place to buy fruit during the summer is the local farmers market. But when they are closed I found the grocery store with the freshest fruit is PUBLIX.

here are two recipes to help you enjoy the fruits of summer.

FRUIT NIBBLERS

1/2 cantaloupe

1/2 honeydew melon

2 or 3 oranges

1/2 cup orange juice

Scoop balls from melons or cut melon into 1-inch cubes. Place 3 ball on each 12-inch skewers. Insert skewers into oranges and serve on a plate. Serve orange juice in small bowls for dipping melon balls.

DIP CUPS

Red Bell Pepper

Green Bell Pepper

Baby Carrots

Cucumber

Cherry Tomatoes

Buttermilk Dressing (my Favorite is Kraft)

(You need Tooth Picks, Clear Plastic Cups)

Slice Bell Peppers & Cucumbers. Put toothpicks into Cherry Tomatoes. Pour Buttermilk Dressing into the bottom of clear plastic cups. Arrange Slices of Bell Peppers, Slices of Cucumbers & carrots into cups top with a few Cherry Tomatoes.

I hope you enjoy these quick recipes for your next summer party.

Strawberry Banana Bread

STRAWBERRY BANANA BREAD

1 pack Strawberry Muffin Mix

1 cup Mashed Banana

1/4 cup milk

1 egg, beaten

Grease bottom of a loaf pan. Mix all the ingredients together and pour batter

into prepared pan.

Bake 50-60 minutes (until toothpick comes out clean).

Remove and let cool in pan 10 minutes.

My Friend

For 30 plus years I have enjoyed crochet. I made this outfit for one of my Grandkids.

To me, crochet is one of the most peaceful things anyone can do with their time.

The worse part is I haven't crocheted in a year come august14th.

You see my best friend died last year and she had taken up crochet after she retired to pass time.

We made hats one year together and donated them to a cancer center in a local town.

When she passed away last year it just hasn't felt right to even pick up my hooks.

She and I have been friends since we were in the first grade and this last year just hasn't been right without her in our lives.

We watched each other's kids grow up and comforted each other in time of need but most of all we laughed together and each always gave their opinion rather the other wanted to hear it or not.

We actually were more like sisters than friends. 

Don't get me wrong lord knows we had our share of ups and downs but we both knew the other was always there. 

It is hard when you are the one who survives and you have to go on.

 Some days I do question why her, why did she have to leave at 50, But then I remember it's not our choice. 

We are only here for a limited amount of time and we all need to make the most of it. I have days where I just want to cry because I miss her so much we have known each other for over 45 years so yeah its hard.

Always let the ones you love know how much they mean to you because no one is promised tomorrow.

Learning something new

So this past May I decided to learn to play the guitar.

 I have really been enjoying it I even bought my Grandsons one so they could join along. 

It has been our over the summer project.

When taking on something new I have to admit I jump in with both feet and try my best to accomplish my goal. 

Just like my anything else in life you never know what you can you do until you try.

What might be something that you would like to learn?

What is stopping you from beginning?

With all that is available online to help you learn for free,

 why do you talk yourself out of something you might enjoy?

I had my doubts when I started learning the guitar that I might not be able to do it, but again if I didn't try I would never know if I could do it.

I hope this short story inspires you to find something you want to try and go for it.

About Me

My name is Rita. I am a Wife, Mother & Nana. 
My husband and I were both born and raised in the south and we still reside there. 

                                 

I love Photography, sewing, learning to play the Guitar, cooking and spending time with family & friends and chatting with friends online about life.

 A family is the most important thing in life and I treasure mine. 

I want my blog to inspire people and get them to try different things in life.

You never know if you can do something if you never try.

I do hope you enjoy your visit here and find something to inspire you.

Sour Cream Potato Salad

SOUR CREAM POTATO SALAD

6 Medium Potatoes

1/2 cup cooked ham, finely chopped

1/3 cup chopped onion

1/3 cup chopped green pepper

1/4 cup chopped celery

1 Tbsp. butter

3/4 cup Sour Cream

3 Tbsp. vinegar

1 tsp. salt

 1/4 tsp. black pepper

Cook potatoes in salted water for 25 to 30 minutes until tender then drain.

In a 10 inch skillet, cook ham, onion, green peppers, and celery in butter until tender drain off fat.

Stir in sour cream, vinegar, salt & black pepper.

Heat thoroughly but do not boil. Combine sour cream mixture with potatoes and serve.

This would make a great addition to Sunday dinner or a great side dish for pork chops.

I hope you enjoy these recipes if you do would you kindly give us a like and share.

Mexican Casserole

MEXICAN CASSEROLE

2 cans (16 oz) refried beans

2 cans ( 15 oz) chili without beans

2 lbs lean ground beef

1 large onion

1 green bell pepper, chopped

2 buds garlic, minced

1/2 lb. grated cheddar cheese

1 pkg. large corn chips

Cook ground beef, onion, bell pepper & garlic until. Drain off grease. Spray 9" x 13" pyrex dish with non-stick spray. Layer refried beans, then chili, meat mixture, cheese & corn chips.

Heat well and serve hot.

This makes the perfect quick weeknight meal when you have little time but a hungry family.

Chicken Fruit Salad

CHICKEN FRUIT SALAD

2 cups cooked chicken, diced

2 apples, diced

1 cup pineapple chunks, drained

3 Tbsp. low-fat vanilla yogurt

 3/4 tsp. curry powder

 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Chop chicken and apples.

Mix all ingredients until coated with yogurt. 

Chill

This makes a quick brunch idea for a lazy weekend. Or a great side dish for a BBQ.

Herbed Corn On The Cob

HERBED CORN-ON-THE-COB

1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1 tablespoon parsley

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

6 ears  corn on the cob 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine butter, salt, pepper, parsley

 , and rosemary in a small bowl: mix well.

Cut six 12-inch pieces of heavy duty foil. 

Spread about 1 tablespoon butter mixture onto each ear of corn, reserving remaining butter mixture.

Place 1 ear of corn diagonally on each piece of foil. Roll up tightly twist the ends and seal. 

Place on baking sheet.

Bake corn for 30 minutes

Top corn with a small dollop of butter mixture and serve.

Serves 6

I hope you enjoy this recipe. You can bake it or grill it on the grill, either way, it is amazing. 

Crispy Ranch Chicken

                                       

CRISPY RANCH CHICKEN

2 cups crispy rice cereal

1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese

1 envelope (1oz.)ranch salad dressing mix

2 egg whites, beaten

8 skinless chicken thighs ( about 5 ozs.each)

PICTURE NOT SHOWN

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a large baking sheet with nonstick spray. Combine the rice cereal, parmesan and ranch dressing mix in large bowl.

Place beaten egg whites in medium bowl. Dip each chicken thigh in the egg whites and then in the cereal mixture to coat evenly.

Arrange the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until golden and juices run clear when chicken is pierced with a knife, 20-25 minutes. Serve hot.

For a complete dinner, serve with fresh carrots, sliced cucumber and buttered corn on the cob.

Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

1/2 cup soy sauce

2 tbsp. lemon juice

1 tbsp. cornstarch

 1 tbsp. firmly packed dark brown sugar

1 clove garlic, crushed

1 tsp. black pepper

 2 tbsp. vegetable oil, divided 

2 lbs. top sirloin sliced 1/4 inch thick

1 medium onion thinly sliced

2 medium heads broccoli

 2 tsp. grated fresh gingerroot

In a small bowl combine soy sauce, lemon juice, cornstarch dark brown sugar garlic, and pepper set aside.

Heat 1 tbsp. oil in large skillet or wok over medium heat. 

Add beef and stir-fry until almost cooked through. about 2 minutes. 

Transfer beef to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Heat remaining oil in skillet. 

Add onion and stir-fry for 5 minutes. 

Cut broccoli into florets (should yield about 4 cups) and add to skillet with 1/2 cup water. 

Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes.

Return beef to skillet with soy sauce mixture: add ginger. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens, about 2 minutes. 

Serve hot.

Serving suggestion: serve with egg noodles or rice. 

Cook according to package directions.

This is one of our favorite meals. 

It is quick and delicious. 

ENJOY!

Glazed Pecans

     GLAZED PECANS 

(MICROWAVE)

        May be prepared ahead of time     

2 cups pecans

 1cup sugar

        1/4 cup of orange juice

Mix together pecans, sugar, & orange juice. 

Pour into a microwave-safe dish. 

Microwave for 6 minutes on 70 percent power. 

Remove and mix together. 

Then microwave for another 3 to 4 minutes. 

Remove from microwave and pour onto buttered foil. 

Separate and let harden.

Be sure to bookmark this recipe to have in the Fall. 

They make an awesome snack. 

Thank you for coming by and look for more post in the coming weeks.