Country Living & Country Cooking

2010-10-01T00:48:00.009-04:00

This Blog has been moved to:

www.georgiapeachgal.wordpress.com

New site....

2010-10-01T00:10:00.002-04:00

Exported & still under construction!!!

www.georgiapeachgal.wordpress.com

2010-09-24T23:19:00.004-04:00

Hold on to your hats! We'll be sailing soon!

I will be moving this Titanic, Vessel, Pontoon ... ok - one man float... to the other side.

Other side you say? We're, I"m exporting to - WORDPRESS ~ sounds scary doesn't it?

For some reason BLOGGER is having an issue with comments. I've had several emails saying they can't post a reply! Enough of that! I want to move somewhere, so you can tell me how much my recipes s*ck! Any comment would be a good one!!

When you log-on to this site you should be redirected.

Don't listen to Maxine... Heeee~

Artichoke Spinach Dip

2010-09-23T20:00:00.002-04:00

Artichoke Spinach Dip
Printable Recipe

1 - 14 oz. can artichoke hearts, drained and finely chopped
1 - 9 oz.bag fresh baby spinach, chopped
1-1/2 cups fresh Parmesan cheese, grated and divided
1-1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup light sour cream
1/3 cup light mayonnaise
1 - large garlic clove, minced
1 - Tablespoon minced onion
2 -pinches red pepper flakes
Salt & Pepper, to taste
Paprika, to taste

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Combine the artichokes, spinach, 1 &1/4 of Parmesan cheese, 1&1/4 cups of Monterey Jack cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, garlic, onion, red pepper flakes and salt & pepper in a large bowl mix well.

3. Spoon artichoke mixture into a 1-1/2- quart baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses on top, and then sprinkle with paprika. Bake for 30 minutes. Serve warm with tortilla or pita chips, crackers or vegetables.

Recipe adapted from: Browneyedbaker

Avocado Mask for your Hair

2010-09-22T20:51:00.015-04:00

Image via Wikipedia

I told you that I'd post something healthy! Although, this is for your hair. :)

Do you have an avocado and olive oil?

Here's the recipe for soft, silky hair.

Blend 1 ripe avocado & 1/2 tsp of olive oil until smooth, then work mixture into damp hair with comb. (or with your hands) Pop on a plastic shower cap, (or wrap hair in plasticwrap) and let sit 30 min.

Rinse and shampoo as usual.

From: First for Women Magazine

*The avocado's abundant vitamin E and essential fatty acids will nourish damaged hair and leave it smooth and silky.*

My Testimonial

Oh my gosh! There is nothing like the feeling of smashed up avocado on your head. It's ooey -gooey, squishy, mushy, nasty and gross ... you get the idea. :) ICK! Just be sure not to accidentally drop some on the bathroom floor. It doesn't look that good - if you know what I mean. YIKES!

Pros: It does leave your hair very smooth, sleek and silky. I'm actually very impressed! Will I use it again? Yes!

Cons: It's very messy and it looks gross. I've never liked the way guacamole looks, so what can I say?? hee-hee!

TIP! Be sure to Puree the avocado until it's very smooth, and just when you think it's smooth enough... pulse it a time or two more. JUST MAKE SURE THERE ARE NO CLUMPS!

I will never buy a deep conditioner again!! Just use avocados and olive oil! Deep conditioning at it's best for about a buck.

Reflecting back: When I was young, many moons ago, my mother would drench her hair in olive oil and wrap it up with saran wrap. I laughed. Only because, I really couldn't understand why she did it. Boy, if she could have seen me tonight. HAH! I know now - hair tends to get dryer as we age. :)

I'm calling her tomorrow and telling her my new found secret. I think she'll return the laugh!

2010-09-17T18:09:00.012-04:00


What's for Dinner?

Doesn't the tommy-toe tomato look appetizing? Yum!   It's the only thing I found this afternoon that didn't contain any fats.

That being said ....

I went to the doctor this week. It was just for an annual check-up. Well, my triglycerides are high. Basically meaning that I can't eat nothing ~~fattening,~~ I mean good. Don't you feel sorry for me? Well, thanks. :-)

I've been looking online for foods to stay away from. I found out that you should stay away from: saturated fats and trans fats. Which are basically found in everything from A to Z. You can tell I'm whining, can't ya?

So, within the next few weeks I will try to post some healthy recipes. I'm typing that and thinking of biscuit roll-ups. Geeesh, what is wrong with me? What are biscuit roll-ups? It's just biscuit dough rolled out. Then you put browned sausage on top along with CHEESE sauteed onions, bell peppers, red peppers. (just whatever you like) roll it up and cut into slices bake until done. Ok, now, my eyes are glazed over just thinking about it. *snap out-of-it*

Instead we need to think about oatmeal, and cereal that tastes like hay.

One more thing ....

I don't even want to talk about fish oil capsules? Exactly how do they excrete oils from fish? *I'm fainting*

Yes, the doctor told me to start taking fish oil capsules. I can't make myself look at them in the vitamin isle. eeekkkk! woe-is-me.

I want a hot dog!

Labor Day and Fall

2010-09-09T13:44:00.004-04:00

I hope everyone had a Happy Labor Day!

I know we did. We met some old friends that we haven't seen in a while. We laughed and had a great time. We talked about everything from kitty cats to how to solve the World's problems.

We've come to a conclusion though ... we'd rather stay in the country ... listening to waterfalls, enjoying the wildlife, mountains and all that the country has to offer.. Ahhh, the country life.

In the upcoming weeks (as time permits) - I'm going to be decorating my blog for Fall. Hey wait. Let me say that again Fall, Fall, Fall - yes! It's about time, don't you think? We've had such a hot summer in the south - I'm ready for pumpkins, black cats, watching the leaves change colors - the crispness in the air. And everything that Fall entails for us.

Change baby, change!

Mini-Burgers

2010-08-24T19:39:00.005-04:00


Mini-Mac & Mini-American Cheeseburger

Mini-Mac and a Mini-American Cheeseburger

Aren't these the cutest looking things ever!

For the sauce - make this a couple hours ahead of time so the flavors blend.

Thousand Island Dressing (secret sauce for the mini-mac) ;-)
1/2 cup mayo
2 TBS. ketchup
1 TBS. white vinegar
2 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. sweet pickle relish
1 tsp. finely minced white onion
1/8 tsp. salt
dash of black pepper
dash of paprika

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Stir well.

Place dressing in a covered container and refrigerate for several hours, stirring occasionally so sugar will dissolve and the flavors blend.

Assemble the mini-mac using just lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions and secret sauce. You know the drill. :)

List of Ingredients

Mini-Buns
1-1/2 pound hamburger meat (makes 12 sliders)
Lettuce, finely shredded
Small Tomatoes, Sliced
Onion, diced
Cheese
Dill Pickles, sliced
Mayo
Mustard
Ketchup

Enjoy your little sliders!

Breakfast Pizza

2010-08-23T18:31:00.002-04:00

Breakfast Pizza - In a cast iron skillet

We had this for supper tonight. Just use whatever you have in your fridge - or whatever floats your boat.

1/2 pound bulk pork sausage
1 cup Canadian bacon, chopped
8 oz. weight Pkg. Refrigerated Crescent Rolls
1 cup frozen O'Brien hash browns, thawed
1 cup cheese, shredded (I used Mexican three cheese blend)
5 eggs
1/4 cup milk
Salt & Pepper, to taste
Couple dashes Worcestershire Sauce
2 green onions, chopped
2 Tablespoons Parmesan Cheese, shredded

Separate rolls into triangles. Place on ungreased large cast iron skillet with points toward center. Press over bottom and up the sides to form crust.

Brown sausage and drain. After cooking sausage - add in chopped ham (no need to cook ham, it will get hot in the oven) - and combine.

In a bowl; Combine eggs, milk, salt, pepper and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk to combine.

Sprinkle hash browns, sausage and ham over crescent rolls....

Add cheese ....

Top with egg mixture, green onions and Parmesan Cheese.

Bake at 375 for approx. 15 minutes until eggs are set, or until your liking.

Would you like a piece?

Enjoy!

Reuben Spread

2010-08-08T15:20:00.003-04:00

Hot Reuben Spread

This is a delicious spread. I love the tanginess of all the flavors that make up this recipe. Serve with toasted squares of rye and pumpernickel bread.

1 - 8oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup mayo

1 tablespoon ketchup

1 whole pickle, finely diced

1 small onion, finely diced

1 can chopped sauerkraut, drained and rinsed

1/4 pound thinly sliced deli corned beef, chopped

4 slices Swiss cheese, chopped

In a small crock-pot combine cream cheese, mayo, ketchup, pickle and onion. Stir to combine Add in kraut, corned beef and cheese; mixing well. Cover and cook for 1 to 2 hours on low, or until the spread is smooth and the cheese is melted. Serve hot.

Grilled Mozzarella Cheese Sandwich

2010-08-05T18:39:00.008-04:00

Sometimes I crave a good homemade mozzarella cheese stick, don't you? I thought there had to be some way to get the taste of a cheese stick, but without the hassle of making them from scratch. Or, heating up your oven for the store bought frozen ones. Hence, the grilled mozzarella cheese was born! :)

Tastes like a cheese stick- Grilled Mozzarella Cheese Sandwich

1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons of Italian Bread Crumbs
1/8 tsp. garlic salt
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 tsp. Italian Seasoning
1/8 tsp. oregano
1 to 2 tablespoons butter, for frying
2 -slices bread (I used honey-wheat)
2 to 3 slices of Mozzarella (depends on how gooey you like it)

Break egg into a wide shallow bowl, beat lightly with a fork. Combine the next five ingredients in a different bowl, stir to combine. Put the butter in a frying pan and melt over medium-high heat. Dip the bread in egg, then in your dry seasoning. Place in your hot skillet battered side down; place cheese slices on bread and fry until golden brown. Assemble your sandwich and enjoy.

Makes one sandwich
Serve with marinara sauce on the side, optional

Simple Tuna Salad

2010-08-03T20:10:00.008-04:00

It's been so hot in the south - who wants to cook? Not this earthling. :) I say that because; We're going to have solar plasma spewing at us tonight. Well, not technically right at us. Sounds Sci-Fi, doesn't it.
Here's the link if you're interested.

So, as I was saying ... lets have something light, cool and refreshing tonight. And those of you lucky enough to see the Northern Lights ... Happy stargazing and enjoy!

Tuna Salad with Swiss Cheese & Crackers - for one

6 oz. canned Solid White Albacore Tuna in water, drained & flaked
Drizzle of olive oil
1/2 tsp. fresh dill, chopped
1/2 tsp. fresh chives, chopped
1 tsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice
Couple dashes of celery seed
Mayo, to taste
Salt & Pepper, to taste
Swiss Cheese & Crackers

Combine drained tuna in a small bowl, drizzle with olive oil. Add dill, chives, lemon juice, celery seed and mayo; mix well. Add salt & pepper to taste. Serve with Swiss Cheese and crackers.

Makes an excellent light meal or snack for one.

Tomato Phyllo Pie

2010-07-29T19:23:00.006-04:00

I've been wanting to make this for the longest time. Tonight, I finally did. It was fantastic. Please feel free to adjust the toppings to your liking.

*can't you just hear the crunch*

Here's what I used:

Tomato Phyllo Pie
Recipe adapted from: RelishMag

1/4 cup butter, melted
2 large garlic cloves, crushed
1 pinch of dried oregano and Italian seasoning
8 phyllo sheets
1-1/2 cups mozzarella, shredded
3 medium red, yellow and green tomatoes, thinly sliced (drain on paper towels to remove excess moisture)
4 oz. crumbled feta cheese (more or less)
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil (basically a good handful)
Parmesan, shredded; to taste

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 375F

Combine butter, garlic, oregano and Italian seasoning. Place one phyllo sheet on pan with parchment paper. Brush with butter mixture. Repeat with remaining phyllo sheets and butter mixture.

Sprinkle phyllo with mozzarella to within 1 inch from edges, top with sliced tomatoes. Sprinkle with feta cheese, basil and parmesan. Roll phyllo edges to form a rim. At this point you might want to brush on a little more butter to help hold phyllo. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until phyllo is crisp and cheese is melted.

Eat & enjoy! And just hope that there aren't too many people around that enjoys this better than you do. :)

Peach Cobbler

2010-07-25T17:31:00.012-04:00

Today we are having Peach Cobbler. I haven't had my oven on in a while since it's like 100 degrees outside and has been for several weeks. But, I got the loveliest looking peaches - I just had to make a cobbler.

First ....

Sift your dry ingredients. Don't you like my sifter? I think it's 20 years old. It used to have a wooden ball on the handle, but it fell off. I know that's more info than you wanted to know. :)

Look! It's a snow covered mountain! I can wish, can't I? :) *sorry about the glare*

Combine wet and dry ingredients; stir until well combined.

Put sliced peaches on top. With a spoon or your hands gently press peaches into mixture, until they are level with the batter. DO NOT STIR It wouldn't hurt to place a sheet pan underneath to catch any spills.

Serve with vanilla ice cream!

Georgia Peach Cobbler

Dry Ingredients

1 cup sugar

1 cup self-rising flour

1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

------------------------

Wet Ingredients

1 stick butter, softened

1 cup milk

1 tsp. vanilla

_______________

5 cups fresh peaches, sliced

Sift dry ingredients in a baking dish, add the wet ingredients; mixing well. Place sliced peaches on top. Do not stir peaches in mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes.

2010-07-21T18:24:00.005-04:00

Poor Man's Lasagna
Recipe Adapted from: Tasty Kitchen

This is so simple and quick to make. (my kind of meal) It reminds me of Hamburger Helper Lasagna without all the preservatives.

1 pound lean ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
12 oz. small Bow-Tie Pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
24 oz. of your favorite spaghetti sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup light sour cream
Salt & Pepper, to taste

Fry ground beef and onion until meat is no longer pink and onion is translucent; drain. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta and drizzle with olive oil. Mix in your spaghetti sauce. Add your cooked hamburger onion mixture, seasonings, cheese and sour cream. Fold together and allow it all to combine and melt together, over low heat for about 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Serve and enjoy!

2010-07-19T19:09:00.009-04:00

Chicken Fajitas
Printable Recipe
Recipe adapted from: BlogChef

I was craving chicken fajitas today. I've seen this recipe over at BlogChef and drooled over it many times; So, I finally made it. Other than the noted changes, I went by his recipe exactly. So good and yummy!

Ingredients:
8 flour tortillas (I used wheat)
1.5lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 ½ teaspoons seasoning salt
1 ½ teaspoons cumin
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion (sliced)
1 medium green pepper (sliced)

Optional condiments (can use some or all)-
Sour cream
Guacamole
Salsa - I used a fire roasted salsa - it added an extra depth of flavor
Tomato
Cheese - I used Monterey Jack
Cilantro, to taste
I also added green onions, to taste

Cooking Instructions:

Step 1: Slice chicken into small strips. In a large bowl mix garlic powder, seasoning salt, cumin, chili powder, red pepper flakes, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and lemon juice. Add chicken strips and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours.

Step 2: In a skillet add 2 tablespoons of oil and sauté onions and green peppers for 3 minutes or until the vegetables have reached your desired tenderness. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 3: Add more oil to the pan if necessary. Add chicken strips and sauté until no longer pink inside (fully cooked). Add vegetables back to the pan and toss with the chicken. Spoon mixture onto flour tortillas; add optional condiments (if you want) and serve.
(Makes 4 servings)

2010-07-17T13:31:00.004-04:00

Tomato Sandwich

Yum!

A vine ripened tomato .... + bread and mayo = Love! Don't you agree?

One of the summertime classics that I can't wait for each year, is the tomato sandwich. So fresh and cool to eat on a hot summer day.

I'm posting this luscious sandwich for two reasons.

1. I'm eating it right now.

2. So I can look back at this picture in the dead of winter, and drool.

Directions: As if you need any.

Get a couple slices of your favorite bread; slather with mayo, and add mater slices.

Salt & Pepper.

Eat & Enjoy.

Just another picture. So, when we look back we can drool some more. I'm mean like that. :-)

2010-07-17T13:14:00.003-04:00

Homemade Dill Pickles

One of my favorite things of all times. Recipe to be posted soon.

2010-07-02T21:38:00.016-04:00

This is the best sweet and tangy salad dressing recipe ever. Subjectively speaking, of course. :)

Homemade French Salad Dressing
Printable Recipe

3/4 cup canola oil
1/2 cup ketchup
1 Tablespoon onion, chopped
3 Tablespoon sugar
1/4 cup vinegar
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. salt
1 pinch of garlic powder

Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Store in the refrigerator a couple hours before serving.

Adapted from: AllRecipes

Banana Bread

2010-06-19T17:09:00.022-04:00

Do you have some bananas in the kitchen turning brown? Thinking about tossing them out?

Well, let me tell you ... this is when bananas are in their prime. So, "carefully" pull the peelings off and make ...

Banana Bread

Buttermilk Banana Bread with Vanilla-Almond Glaze

1 stick unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
3 average sized bananas, mashed. (extra ripened for more banana flavor)
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract (I used homemade vanilla extract)
1- 1/2 cup self-rising flour

Cream butter and sugar together. Add eggs, bananas, buttermilk and vanilla. Mix well. Slowly add flour to banana mixture. Mix until well combined.

Pour batter into a greased and floured 1.5 qt loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 - 55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

*pan size I used; 5.25 x 9 x 2.75 *

*Tip: Pour the glaze recipe over a warm bread, not hot. Very Important!*

For the Vanilla - Almond Glaze

Combine in a small bowl:

1 cup confectioners sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1/8 - to 1/4 tsp. almond extract

Whisk together and pour over your scrumptious banana loaf.

Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from: Melskitchencafe

Egg Muffins

2010-06-19T10:41:00.005-04:00

Good Morning to all! Would anyone like an egg muffin?

Egg Muffin with Canadian Bacon

English Muffins
Butter
Canadian Bacon
Eggs
Cheese Slices

Split muffins and place on a sheet pan, spread with butter and broil until butter is melted. Meanwhile; fry Canadian bacon until heated through and browned a bit. Poach your eggs. I cook mine in the microwave for about 50 seconds. Assemble your muffins and top with cheese.

Enjoy!

Fried Squash

2010-06-18T23:03:00.004-04:00

Crookneck Yellow Squash - Fresh from the garden.

Fried Squash

Oil, for frying
7 fresh squash, sliced
Approx. 1 cup of cornmeal
1 onion, diced
Salt & Pepper, to taste
Few shakes of onion powder

I always fry squash in an electric skillet. Preheat skillet to 350 degrees add oil, just enough to lightly cover the bottom. Combine squash, cornmeal and onions in a zip-lock bag and shake. Carefully put squash/onion mixture into skillet. Cover with lid. Turn squash when browned - at this point you may need to add more oil. (just a little, as needed) While cooking; you will also need to tilt your lid to let the steam escape.

Right before squash is done sprinkle with salt, pepper and onion powder.

My Veggie Box

2010-06-16T23:47:00.002-04:00

Bibb Lettuce

My Roma Tomatoes

Oh... I have babies ...Roma Babies

Oh, it's a baby dill plant. How I LOVE DILL! :) Dill, Dill, Dill! I really don't know why I love this herb so much. Is it because, I love dill pickles. I would love to live where there were fields of dill. Ok, that's getting a little deep, I know. Moving on...

Oh look. It's a pickle ... I mean a cucumber! :)

My summer favorite - cucumbers! Dill PICKLES

Wow! Just a little 4x8 box will grow quite a lot. And, I didn't even mention my basil. (lower right side of picture)

Nutter Butter Banana Pudding

2010-06-12T14:10:00.006-04:00

Nutter Butter Banana Pudding

1 - 5.1 oz Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix
1   - 20 oz   can crushed pineapple, drained
3   -   large bananas, sliced
1/2 box Nutter Butter Cookies, broken in half
1   -   8 oz   extra creamy cool whip
Cherries to garnish, optional

Put pudding mix in a medium size bowl; set aside.

In another bowl - drain pineapples, and reserve liquid.

Combine the juice of the pineapple with two cups milk, pour over pudding mix. (you should get 1-cup of pineapple juice from the can) added with milk to make three cups of liquid.

Whisk pudding mix. If the pudding mix doesn't set up rather quickly, put it in the freezer for just a little while.
Add the drained pineapple, and sliced bananas to your pudding; stir to combine.

In a 2-1/2 quart bowl add: a layer of broken nutter butters, then 1/2 of pudding mixture, then 1/2 of the cool whip. Continue layering and top with cool whip, garnish with cherries.

Refrigerate overnight.

*The next time I make this I'm going to add some almond extract or vanilla extract - or maybe both.*

recipe adapted from: Southern Living

Fried Green Tomatoes

2010-06-07T21:05:00.009-04:00

Our first green tomatoes of the season ...

bet you can't tell what I'm going to do with them ...

First, dredge in cornmeal ... yes, just cornmeal, no flour.

And fry. I use olive oil - or sometimes canola oil - or both.

You guessed it ... :)

Fried Green Tomatoes

Fry until golden brown - serve hot. Season with salt & pepper, of course!

That's as simple as it gets.

Hope you enjoy these tart, garden gems.

Fried Green Tomatoes
Printable Recipe

Oil, for frying
2 - medium green tomatoes, sliced
1/2 to 3/4 cup cornmeal
salt & pepper to taste

In a non-stick pan, heat oil over medium heat. Meanwhile; Dredge sliced green tomatoes in cornmeal and fry until golden brown on both sides; drain on paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Lemonade

2010-06-06T17:27:00.005-04:00

What is more refreshing than ice cold lemonade on a hot summer day?

For an added touch; freeze some berries and grapes in ice cube trays. Just put berries in your trays add water and freeze. These ice cubes are really pretty in a lot of drinks.

Lemonade

six lemons
1 cup sugar
6 cups cold water

Juice the lemons - you'll get more juice out of your lemons by first rolling them between your hand and the counter top before cutting in half and juicing.

In a pitcher combine lemon juice, sugar and cold water. Stir until sugar is dissolved.

Cheese Sticks

2010-05-31T19:14:00.002-04:00

Would anyone like a Cheese Stick?

Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
Printable Recipe

2 eggs, beaten
1 cup Italian bread crumbs
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 tsp. garlic salt
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1 cup cornstarch
1 package mozzarella string cheese

Beat eggs in a small bowl; set aside
Mix the Italian bread crumbs, Panko bread crumbs, garlic salt and onion powder in a medium bowl; set aside.
Put the cornstarch in a medium bowl; set aside.
Cut cheese sticks in half. One a time, dip cheese sticks in egg mixture, roll in cornstarch, dip back into egg mixture, then roll in bread crumbs. Continue this process until all the cheese sticks are coated.
Place cheese sticks in the freezer for approx. one hour.
Fry in canola oil until golden brown. approx. 1- 1/2 to 2 minutes.
Drain on paper towels.
Sprinkle with powdered parmesan and serve with ranch, or marinara sauce.

*keep a close eye on them because they will fry up in a hurry*

Enjoy!

2010-05-25T19:03:00.011-04:00

Left-over bread - Garlic Bread

I still had some hoagie buns from the other night. So, why not make some garlic bread?

I mean it goes well with;

Spaghetti
Lasagna
Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp Creole
Coconut Shrimp
BBQ Shrimp
Pineapple Shrimp
Alright, enough of the Bubba Gump Shrimp Ideas

What about;

Steak and Potatoes
Chicken Scampi
Garlic Chicken and Noodles

Or just plain out by itself.

This is another no recipe - recipe. It's meant to give you ideas, and dreams of garlic and cheese tonight!    You can thank me later. :)

Ingredients:

Bread
Garlic Powder - sprinkle extra
Garlic Salt
Italian Cheese, Shredded.

Broil until cheese is melted and gooey and all that good stuff.

2010-05-23T14:54:00.005-04:00

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
Printable Recipe

This is one yummy cake. Don't be turned off because of the mayo. Which makes for a moist cake.

2 ounces, weight Bittersweet Chocolate, Chopped (do Not Exceed 61% Cacao)

⅔ cups Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1-¾ cup Boiling Water
2-¾ cups All-purpose Flour (I used cake flour)
1-¼ teaspoon Baking Soda
¼ teaspoons Baking Powder
1 cup Sugar
1 cup Packed Dark Brown Sugar
1-⅓ cup Mayonnaise (do Not Use Reduced Fat Or Fat-free)
2 whole Large Eggs, Room Temperature
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour two 9-inch-diameter cake pans with 1 1/2-inch-high sides.

Combine chopped chocolate and cocoa powder in medium metal bowl. Add 1 3/4 cups boiling water and whisk until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Set aside.

Sift flour, baking soda, and baking powder into another medium bowl.Using electric mixer, beat both sugars and mayonnaise in large bowl until well blended, 2 to 3 minutes. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating until well blended after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Add flour mixture in 4 additions alternately with the melted chocolate mixture in 3 additions, beating until blended after each addition and occasionally scraping down sides of bowl.

Divide batter among prepared cake pans (about 2 1/3 cups for each).
Bake cakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes.

Cool cakes in pans on racks 20 minutes. Run small knife around sides of cakes to loosen. Carefully invert cakes onto racks and let cool completely.

Frost with your favorite icing.

*recipe from CozyKitchen

2010-05-16T18:11:00.004-04:00

This is a quick and easy cheese steak and oh so good. Just walk a mile or two after eating. :)

Onion Pepper Cheese Steak - For Two

1/2 Pound Thinly Sliced Deli-Roast Beef
1/4 Cup Zesty Italian Dressing
2- Tablespoons Butter
1 - Small Onion, roughly chopped
1 - Small Green Bell Pepper, Chopped
2 - Hoagie Buns, Split

Instructions:

Combine Roast Beef and Italian Dressing in pan, simmer on medium heat until heated through.

Meanwhile; Melt butter in a pan; add onions and green peppers. Saute until translucent and browned.

Butter split Hoagie Buns; sprinkle with garlic powder and shredded Italian Cheese. (to taste)

Brown Buns under Broiler approx. 5 to 7 minutes.

* Makes Two Six Inch Hoagies.*

Sprinkle with extra cheese - this is necessary.

Enjoy!

Chicken Nuggets with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

2010-05-13T17:39:00.003-04:00

Honey Mustard Sauce

Ingredients

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
1 tablespoon Grey Poupon
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 tablespoon lemon juice

* Mix altogether and chill.

The Chicken Nuggets in the picture are really easy to make.

Cut chicken into bite size pieces.

Roll in cornstarch then in a beaten egg mixture, and fry.

That's it! Oh...sprinkle with some garlic salt, or garlic powder and pepper, of course.

2010-05-11T18:59:00.004-04:00

Garlic-Parmesan Croutons

6 cups day old bread, cubed (I used Sourdough with this recipe - French Bread is great to use also.)
1 tsp. garlic salt
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. parsley
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/3 cup extra light olive oil

1/4 cup Parmesan & Romano (powdered cheese)

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Combine first 7 ingredients; toss well. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Turn every five minutes so croutons will not burn.

Remove from oven; and toss with the Parmesan & Romano.

When cooled store in air-tight container.

2010-05-11T18:36:00.000-04:00

2010-05-09T15:19:00.007-04:00

Happy Mother's Day to all.

I picked these flowers from my yard this morning to give to my Mother. I'm frugal like that. :)

Just a short story to my mom on Mother's Day.

Through the years ... You have put up with a lot from us kids.

From kittens being born under your chest of drawers. To my first dog, running rampantly throughout your house after his bath.

I won't even mention the time we forgot to let him out of the house and he tore down your living room curtains. But, the good thing about that was - you did make us housebreak him. He was only trying to get outside to use the bathroom.

I won't mention overloading the dishwasher with extra (dish washing liquid) which made bubbles that reached your kitchen ceiling.

I won't mention having a peach fight on the roof of your house - oops, I don't think you know about that one.

I will, however, say thanks for putting up with us silly kids (my sister and I) through trying times.

We love you.

************************************************************************

Just an update - since Mom didn't post. :) (she's new to computers and such)

She called me after reading this:

Mom: Stacy that is so pretty - I love you, too. I'm trying to print this out but my printer isn't printing.

Me: Ok, I will walk over and see what's wrong.

Mom: Nevermind, It started printing.

Me: Ok. Good!

Mom: It won't stop printing

Me: How many times did you hit the print button.

Mom: About 40 times

Me: Ok, I'll be over to show you how to cancel print jobs.

Mom: No. That's Okay. I'll just let it print out 40 copies.

Me: (thinking to myself) I'm glad you love me that much to deplete your ink cartridge.

2010-05-03T18:48:00.018-04:00

Chicken Parmigiana
Printable Recipe

Ingredients:

4 to 5 whole Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Trimmed and Pounded Flat
1/2 cup Flour
Salt and Pepper, to taste
1/3 Cup Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon Butter
1 Medium Onion, Chopped
4 to 5 Cloves Roasted Garlic, Chopped
3 Cans (14.5 Oz) Tomatoes with Basil, Garlic and Oregano
2 Teaspoons Sugar
1/2 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning
1/2 Teaspoon Oregano
1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (approx. 6 to 7 thin slices) enough to cover chicken
1/4 Cup Chopped Fresh Parsley
1 Pound Whole Wheat Thin Linguine, Cooked

Preparation Instructions:

Mix flour, salt and pepper together on a large plate.
Dredge flattened chicken breasts in flour mixture. Set aside.
Heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and onions cook until golden brown.
In another pan add: cooked onions (from chicken pan), roasted garlic, tomatoes, sugar, italian seasoning, oregano. Simmer for at least 30 minutes.
Toward the end of cooking time add chicken cover with the parmesan and mozzarella cheese.

Allow to simmer until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with parsley

Place cooked noodles on a plate and cover with sauce. Place chicken breast on top and sprinkle with more parsley.

Serve immediately.

Side Suggestions: Roasted Broccoli and Garlic - (recipe to be posted later)

2010-05-02T08:40:00.003-04:00

A cool and refreshing dessert

Strawberry-Banana Yogurt Pops
Printable Recipe

1 Cup Strawberries, sliced
1 Banana, chopped
3 Tablespoons Milk
1 Cup Vanilla Yogurt
1 Tablespoon Honey

Mix altogether in blender; pour into Popsicle molds and freeze.

Dill-icious Dill Dip

2010-04-27T20:34:00.006-04:00

Dill Dip
Printable Recipe

I just adore dill - it's one of my favorite herbs.

1 cup light sour cream
2/3 cup mayo
1 - teaspoon dried parsley
2 - tablespoons minced onions (or dehydrated onions)
1 - teaspoon seasoned salt
3 - tablespoons of fresh dill, chopped (or more if you love dill, like me)

Mix together and refrigerate overnight. Serve with fresh veggies and crackers.

Cherry Limeade

2010-04-25T10:32:00.006-04:00

Cherry Limeade

1 cup lemon-lime soda (I used diet 7-up)
3/4 to 1 cup Nestle Cherry Juicy Juice

Fill 24 oz size glass 3/4 full with ice. Pour in soda and cherry juice. Garnish with lime wedges and a maraschino cherry.

2010-04-24T19:17:00.009-04:00

Baked Potato Casserole

4 to 5 medium Idaho Potatoes, approx. 1 pound; cooked and cubed (leave some of the skins on)
1 - small onion, diced
1 - clove garlic
3 - Tablespoon margarine or butter
1/3 cup mayo
1/2 cup sour cream
1- cup cheddar cheese, shredded
couple splashes of milk
1 - green onion chopped; (green part only)
1 - tsp. garlic salt
1 - tsp. onion powder
freshly cracked ground pepper

3 - slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Put cooked, cubed potatoes in large bowl. Set aside. Saute onion and garlic. Pour over potatoes. Add next nine ingredients and stir well. Transfer to small casserole dish; add crumbled bacon on top. Bake in covered dish at 325 F for 30 to 35 minutes until bubbly.

2010-04-21T21:57:00.011-04:00

Chicken Provolone with Garlic and Tri-Color -Peppers

This is one of the easiest recipes and I make it a lot. Sorry no precise measurements here.

Season Chicken with garlic salt, garlic powder and pepper. Grill until done. At this point you might want to cut up the chicken into bite size pieces, which I didn't do. :)

Saute peppers, onions and garlic. Pour over chicken.

Top with provolone cheese. Melt under broiler. And you are done! This is good on sandwiches, over garlic noodles or just by itself.

Strawberry Cobbler Cake

2010-04-18T15:00:00.015-04:00

I know, I need a photographer in the worst way. I have a strawberry eclipse going on here.

Strawberry Cobbler Cake

1 - cup butter, divided
1 - cup granulated sugar, divided
1 - whole egg
1 - tsp. pure vanilla extract
1-1/2 cup self-rising flour- sifted
1/2 cup milk
3 - cups strawberries, hulled and sliced

Preheat oven to 350

Soften 3/4 cup of butter, add 3/4 cup sugar and beat on medium, mix well. Add egg, vanilla, mixing well.

Add flour and milk to butter mixture until well combined.

Pour batter into greased 8 inch pan.

(looks like icing, doesn't it? Yummy goodness!

Top with sliced strawberries.

For the topping, combine 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar in a small bowl. Cut in 1/4 cup chilled butter. Sprinkle over the cobbler.

Bake 350 for 45 minutes.

Serve with Ice Cream or Whipped Topping. Which ever you prefer.

Enjoy.

Strawberry Cobbler Cake

1 - cup butter, divided
1 - cup granulated sugar, divided
1 - whole egg
1 - tsp. pure vanilla extract
1-1/2 cup self-rising flour
1/2 cup milk
3 - cups strawberries, hulled and sliced

Preheat oven to 350

Soften 3/4 cup of butter, add 3/4 cup sugar and beat on medium, mix well. Add egg, vanilla, mixing well.

Add flour and milk to butter mixture until well combined.

Pour batter into greased 8 inch pan. Top with sliced strawberries.

For the topping, combine 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar in a small bowl. Cut in 1/4 cup chilled butter. Sprinkle over the cobbler.

Bake 350 for 45 minutes.

2010-04-10T18:06:00.016-04:00

Spring is a-buzzing in the South. This beautiful butterfly landed on my Lilac Bush, It was like she wanted me to take her picture, so I did! She had pollen all over her wings. Ahhh-choo.

We're going through Dogwood Winter right now. That's always fun. Spring just teases you with warmth then bam it's cold again.

Legend of the Dogwood Tree. Click.

Bottoms up to Spring!

Did you know this about Dandelions? <---click

Buzz~~~ This wisteria tree was filled with bumble bees. I snapped this shot then got the hay out of there!

2010-04-06T21:26:00.011-04:00

I'm ready for Summertime.
This daisy picture was taken last summer '09

Bugs on flowers - pictures of sunflowers ....these are some of my favorite things.

I am so glad to say that....(we) started planting our garden today. It's a community garden- where everyone pitches in. (My kinda garden) We planted corn, potatoes, onions and cabbage.

I can't wait to plant my... (((beloved cucumbers))). I LOVE PICKLES. Love to can them, love to make fridge pickles. But, that's another subject. I just can't think of homemade pickles right now. I'll explain more about my pickle and canning love later. It stems from my Grandmother.

Pickles, Pickled Beets, Pickled Beans and Corn, OH MY!

**I'm not for certain. But, the little bug on my Daisy looks like a BABY STINK BUG?! Geeesh.**

2010-04-03T10:54:00.006-04:00

The Egg Family. My niece made these.

Aww, and goofy Uncle Harry. Ok. I'm lying. I don't have a niece or an Uncle Harry. I'm just trying to find someone to take the blame for these eggs I made. It looks like they've seen better days.

Anyway, I thought these would be a cute idea for Easter. I hope yours turns out better than mine did.

Directions:

Cut a small slice off the bottom of hard boiled eggs, so they will sit upright. 1/3 from top, cut a zig-zag around egg. remove top and carefully squeeze out yolk. Mash all yolks with a fork and add mayo, mustard, salt & pepper. Pipe yolk mixture back into eggs, replace top of egg and add sliced olives for the eyes. Use a pimento or sliced carrot cut into a small triangle for beak.

Good Luck! :)

2010-03-28T16:02:00.014-04:00

Do you see anything strange? I can't quite put my finger on it, but I think something is wrong with my finger.

That's my index finger, by the way.

Don't worry - I'm chopping black olives. For a pasta salad that I love.

The best thing about this Pasta Salad is that you can add whatever you like and it turns out great.

Tri-Color Pasta Salad

1 box Tri-color pasta, cooked and drained
Black Olives
Fresh Dill
Parmesan Cheese
Chives
1 package Good Seasons Italian Dressing, prepared according to directions.
Salt & Pepper to taste

Combine and toss!

Enjoy!

Don't you love my precise measurements and meticulous directions?

2010-03-26T19:40:00.014-04:00

This dish is so quick and easy to put together and it has a nice smokey flavor, too.

Smokey Creole Goulash

1 cup Lil’ Smokie Sausages, chopped

1 cup ham, chopped

1 small onion, diced

1 small bell pepper, diced

1 - 16oz can chili beans, mild - or HOT if you feel daring.

2 - 14 ½ oz cans tomatoes, okra, and corn

1 - bay leaf

1 tsp. Louisiana Cajun Seasoning

1 tsp. chili powder

½ to 1 tsp. cumin

1 tsp Liquid Smoke

Couple dashes of onion powder and garlic powder

2 cups whole grain brown rice, cooked

Drizzle pan with olive oil. Sautee Little Smokies, Ham, onions and bell pepper until browned.
In a dutch oven combine the remaining ingredients - except rice. Stir and simmer on medium heat for 15 minutes. Add meat to soup mixture.

Stir in cooked rice and reduce heat to low. Cook for an additional 15 minutes.

It’s ready when you are!

2010-03-25T19:04:00.012-04:00

Lasagna Soup
Serves 6

1 lb. hamburger
1 small bell pepper, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
32 oz. beef broth
2 14.5-oz. cans petite-diced tomatoes, undrained
1 15-oz. can tomato sauce
2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp. salt
2 c. mafalda (mini lasagna) noodles (I used radiatori noodles - couldn't find mafalda)
1/2 c. grated parmesan cheese
Shredded mozzarella

Add ins: diced carrots, & mushrooms

1. In a Dutch oven or soup pot, cook hamburger, bell pepper, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat until hamburger is browned. Be sure to add garlic when the meat is almost ready - you don't want to burn the garlic.

2. Stir in thyme, brown sugar, broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and salt. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes.

3. Add noodles. Simmer until noodles are tender, about 10 minutes.

4. Stir in parmesan cheese.

5. Serve with shredded mozzarella.

2010-03-23T17:50:00.006-04:00

Egg & Olive Sandwich

An old classic that I enjoy from time to time.

Hard-boiled Eggs, Chopped
Olives with pimentos, Chopped
Mayo
Mustard
Dash Celery Seed
Dash Dried Dill
Extra pimentos

Spread on Sandwich and enjoy.

2010-03-20T14:46:00.020-04:00

TACO SAUCE

I'm making tacos tonight - nothing fancy. But, then I realized that I was out of Taco Sauce. Oh no! I have to have my taco sauce. I mean, a taco isn't complete without it. So, here is a simple recipe that's easy to make and tastes great.

I think my cilantro leaf is upside down. I knew, thought, it had a shiny side? .....What? I didn't say nothing...continue reading, carry on...

TACO SAUCE

8 ounce (1 cup) tomato sauce

1/4 cup water

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 tablespoon of dried onion flakes

1 tablespoon white vinegar

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon sugar

1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper

Mix together until smooth. Pour sauce into pan and cook over med-low heat for 10 minutes or until onion flakes are re-hydrated and soft.

2010-03-05T19:51:00.012-05:00

Sweet & Sour Chicken

Look at this golden goodness - straight from the oven.

As I was making this recipe. I wanted to add all the yummy stuff that goes along with sweet and sour chicken like; bell peppers, red bell peppers, pineapple chunks. But, let me tell you - this is good just as is. Especially if you are in a hurry to get supper finished and out of the kitchen - like I was tonight.

The next time I make this dish, I will add all those other goodies. So, look for a new picture later on.

I served it with brown rice and my only change to the recipe was, that I added about a 1/4 tsp. of garlic powder to the chicken, before I put it in the oven.

Recipe by: My Kitchen Cafe

Sweet and Sour Chicken

1-1/2 pounds chicken strips
Salt and pepper
1 cup cornstarch
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup canola oil

Cut boneless chicken breasts into chunks. Season with salt and pepper. Dip chicken in cornstarch and then in egg. Fry in a little oil until brown but not cooked through. Place in a single layer in a baking dish. Mix sauce ingredients (below) together and pour over chicken.

Sauce:
¾ cup sugar
4 tablespoons ketchup
½ cup vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic salt

Bake for one hour at 325 degrees. Turn chicken every 15 minutes.

2010-03-05T09:52:00.008-05:00

Peanut Butter Cookies

*Recipe from my Aunt Janice*
Photo to be posted soon.

1 cup of sugar
1 cup of peanut butter
1 egg
1tsp. vanilla flavoring

Pre-heat oven to 325

Mix all ingredients together and drop by spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet.
Use fork to flatten cookie batter out.
Bake for 25 min.

Garlic Cheddar Biscuits

2010-02-23T17:48:00.028-05:00

Garlic Cheddar Biscuits

Ingredients:

2 cups of bisquick
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 -1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
2/3 cup of buttermilk

2 tablespoons of butter
1 teaspoons of oregano
1 teaspoon of garlic salt

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400.

Combine the biscuit mix, cheese, and garlic powder. Stir well.

Add the milk and stir. The mix should be thick, not sticky. You may need to use your hands to get the ingredients well combined.

Bake for 10 minutes of until lightly golden.

While baking, melt the butter in a small bowl and add the oregano and garlic salt.

Using a pastry brush, brush on the butter. - Return to the oven for about 5 minutes.

2010-02-21T09:29:00.007-05:00

Fridge Pickles

2 whole Cucumbers (in the wintertime I use one long english cucumber)
1 small clove Garlic
1 cup White Vinegar
1 cup Water
1/3 cups Sugar
1 Tablespoon Salt
1 teaspoon Dill, Dried
1 pinch Red Pepper Flakes
1 pinch Coriander Seeds
6 small whole Peppercorns

Use cucumbers with no wax residue on the peels.

Slice cucumbers in 1/4″-1/8″ slices.

Slice garlic clove

Put cucumbers and garlic in a bowl.

Combine water, sugar, salt, dill, red pepper flakes, coriander and peppercorns in a bowl - whisk until sugar and salt are dissolved.

Pour over the cucumbers and garlic.

Cover and let marinate in refrigerator for at least two hours.

Serve cold.

2010-02-20T17:15:00.008-05:00

Comfort Meatballs

-aka The best meatballs around! My goodness! You have to make these - so good.

Recipe from: The Pioneer Woman

Ingredients

FOR MEATBALLS
1-½ pound Ground Beef
¾ cups Oats
1 cup Milk
3 Tablespoons Very Finely Minced Onion
1-½ teaspoon Salt
Plenty Of Ground Black Pepper, to taste
_____
FOR COOKING MEATBALLS
1 cup All-Purpose Flour (coating For Frozen Meatballs)
Canola Oil
_____
FOR SAUCE
1 cup Ketchup
2 Tablespoons Sugar
3 Tablespoons Vinegar
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire
4 Tablespoons (to 6 Tablespoons) Onion
1 dash Tabasco- optional

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine all meatball ingredients. Roll into medium-small balls and place on a cookie sheet. Place sheet in freezer for five minutes.
After 5 minutes, remove meatballs from freezer and immediately dredge in unseasoned flour.
Brown meatballs in canola oil until just brown. Place into a baking dish.
Combine all sauce ingredients. Pour over meatballs and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Salmon Patties

2010-02-20T16:46:00.009-05:00

Now that my fresh herbs are growing; I thought I'd post some updated Salmon Patty pictures (first three pictures). I just grabbed some fresh Dill, Parsley and Chives from my herb garden - cut with kitchen scissors mix with salmon - enjoy.
Don't you love fresh herbs?

Salmon Patties

1- can salmon 14.75 oz.
1 egg,beaten
1 tablespoon onion, minced
2 tablespoon cornmeal mix

Drain, debone and flake salmon; add egg, onion, and cornmeal mix. Stir to combine. If the salmon seems dry add a little bit of olive oil.

Form into patties and fry in vegetable oil until brown.

Just a tip - ok, maybe a personal preference.

*when done - dunk 'em in ketchup, yes ketchup.* The first time I added a squirt of ketchup on my plate with my salmon patties, my husband, Harvey, looked at me like I was from Mars. Now, We all know that men are from Mars! Geeesh!* Me? I'm from Georgia. ;-)

Peach Crunch Cake

2010-02-16T16:09:00.008-05:00

What is a GeorgiaPeachGal doing without a peach recipe on her blog? - for shame-for shame

Ok, so, I stumbled upon The Pioneer's Woman's blog today. And, just happened to notice the wonderful peach recipe posted by: Bakerella

All I can say is YUM - and I need a treadmill in the worst way~

Peach Crunch Cake

24-½ ounces, weight Jar Peaches In Light Syrup
1 box (18.25 Oz. Box) Yellow Cake Mix
1 stick Butter
1 cup Brown Sugar
½ cups Chopped Walnuts

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Pour peaches and syrup in a 13 x 9 dish.

Sprinkle "dry" cake mix right on top. DO NOT MIX! Did y'all hear that?

Cut stick of butter in 16 pieces and arrange on top of the cake mix.

Sprinkle brown sugar on top next, and then nuts.

Bake for about 40 minutes.

Serve warm or cold … with or without ice cream.

Enjoy!

*I'm already thinking about changing this up with strawberries in syrup and strawberry cake mix.* Can you imagine the possibilities?

2010-02-15T17:33:00.005-05:00

Cheese Bread

I made all that bread last night, so what's a girl to do? Make cheese bread, of course!

Cheese Bread

3/4 cup black olives, chopped
1/4 cup green olives, chopped
1 green onion
1/4 cup real mayo
1/4 cup parmesan
1 tsp. garlic powder
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 cup mozzarella or monterey jack cheese

Mix together and spread on 1/2 loaf french bread. Bake on 325º for 20 to 25 minutes.

Italian Bread Using a Bread Machine

2010-02-14T18:07:00.027-05:00

Can you smell the aroma ... Oh my goodness! This bread is so good- and it makes your house smell divine.

Italian Bread

4 cups Bread Flour (I used White Lily - for Bread Machines)
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1 1/3 cups warm water
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1 envelope active dry yeast (1/4 oz) = 2-1/4 tsp.
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
2 tablespoons cornmeal

Directions

Place flour, brown sugar, warm water, salt, olive oil and yeast in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select dough cycle; press Start.
Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Form dough into two loaves. Place the loaves seam side down on a cutting board generously sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover the loaves with a damp cloth and let rise, until doubled in volume about 40 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
In a small bowl, beat together egg and 1 tablespoon water. Brush the risen loaves with egg mixture. Make a single long, quick cut down the center of the loaves with a sharp knife. Gently shake the cutting board to make sure that the loaves are not sticking. If they stick, use a spatula or pastry knife to loosen. Slide the loaves onto a baking sheet with one quick but careful motion.
Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until loaves sound hollow when tapped.

My Notes: Step 3 - Add a couple/three shakes of Italian Seasoning, Garlic Salt, Garlic Powder. Mix with egg wash and slather it on; use all of the egg wash mixture. It may seem like a lot - but, it's not. You will be proud how your bread will glisten when you remove it from the oven!

*Forget the cornmeal...line your baking sheet with Parchment Paper.

I wasn't too sure how to roll out the bread. So, here is a video I found helpful. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaJU__UTGFs

FOCUS on how she rolls the bread...tucking as she goes - Put on your baking sheet with seams down. (on your parchment paper)

The Neighbors will show up on your doorstep when you make this bread! Disclaimer: If you do not like your neighbor's ... don't make this bread!

Chocolate Cobbler

2010-02-09T13:03:00.002-05:00

1 cup self-rising flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons plus 1/4 cup baking cocoa, divided
1/2 cup milk
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup packed brown sugar
1-3/4 cups hot water
Vanilla ice cream, optional
Directions

In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar and 2 tablespoons cocoa. Stir in milk and oil until smooth. Pour into a greased 8-in. square baking pan. Combine the brown sugar and remaining cocoa; sprinkle over batter. Pour hot water over top (do not stir). Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until top of cake springs back when lightly touched. Serve warm with ice cream if desired. Yield: 6-8 servings.