Mini Pizza's

This is a favoirte in our house, especially with the kids.  Sorry, I don't have any pictures of this one, but the next time we make it I'll take some.

Grands Biscuts (2 packages)
Pizza sauce
toppings of your choice
cheese

Take and seperate the grands biscuts and then flatten to look like mini pizza dough.  Put pizza sauce, toppings and chese.  Place on cookie sheet and bake at 375 for 13 min, or until cheese is melted.  3 mini pizzas is perfect for an adult and the kids each eat one a piece.

No-Fuss Sunrise Smoothie

I hate breakfast.  I normally don't eat it which doesn't help with losing weight.  Well I pulled out one of my many cookbooks and found this recipie for a breakfast smoothie.  It comes from a Dr Phil cookbook and it was super good.  It is easy and filling. 

Frozen Fruit mixture:
2 cups blackberries (fresh or frozen)
2 cups raspberries (fresh or frozen)
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
2 large bannanas, thinly sliced
(we also added 2 cups of blueberries)

Individual smoothies:
1 cup of apple juice
1/4 teaspoon vanillia

Combine the berries and bananas in a large ziplock bag and freeze.  This will keep for up to 4 months.

To make the smoothie, scoop 1 cup of fruit mixture into a blender.  Add the juice and vanilla and blend until smooth.

I had this and a granola bar for a very filling breakfast that is also healthy.

Red Potatoes

This is a favorite dish of our family that my mom made for us when she was out visiting recently.  This is super easy and great to add as a side to any dish.

½ bag of red potatoes

Olive oil

¼ cup butter

Italian seasoning

Oregano

Salt and pepper

Garlic

Onion powder

Melt butter and a few table spoons of olive oil in 9x13 pan at 350.  While that melts clean and cut into quarters the red potatoes.  Once butter is melted pour potatoes into dish and mix in seasionings until potatoes are coated.  Cover and bake at 350 for 45 min to an hour.

Pork Chop Stuffing Bake

This is a variation on a family recipie that I tried out and we loved it. 

2-4 Pork Chops
2 TBSP chicken bullion base
2 cups hot water
2 cans Cream of Chicken Soup
1 box of Pork Stuffing (6oz) and 2 cups of additional stuffing
1/2 cup melted butter

Brown pork chops for 4 min per side.  While they brown take the bullion base and hot water and mix together.  Add to the soups and heat on stove.  Melt butter and mix with the stuffing.  Place 1/2 the stuffing on the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan.  Add the pork chops and then soup mixture to that.  Add the remianing stuffing to the top and bake in the over for 45 min at 350 degrees. 

You can add mashed potatoes and veggies to the side to make it a complete meal.

Chicken Potato Casserole: Crockpot Style

I used to make this in the oven and after several times of it boiling over and not cooking properly I decided to try it in the crockpot.  It turned out perfectly.  This one is super easy and quick to put together.

3-4 Chicken breasts, thawed
3 cans of Cream of chicken Soup
5-6 potaotes, peeled and cut into quarters
1 medium onion, cut into chunks
1 package of Lipton Onion soup mix

Place chicken, potatoes and onion in crockpot.  Add the soups and 1/2 can of water.  Cook for 6-8 hours.  Can add cheese at the end, if so desired.  Enjoy!

Easy Parmesan chicken

This is a crockpot dish we tried earlier this week and just loved.  My kids asked for seconds which is always a sign that they will have it again.

1 medium onion, cut into thin wedges

1 TBSP olive oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 jar of spaghetti sauce
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
1/4 grated parmesan cheese
Cooked pasta
Place onion in crockpot.

Heat oil in skillet over medium high heat until hot. Lightly brown chicken on both sides. Place Chicken in crockpot. Pour pasta sauce over chicken, add basil, oregano and bay leaf. Cook on Low for 6-7 hours or on high 3-4, or until chicken is tender (I did it for 6 and the chicken just fell apart) Remove lid and discard bay leaf.
Sprinkle chicken with cheeses. Cook, uncovered on low for 15-30 minutes or until cheesse have melted. Serve over spaghetti.

Crockpot Mexican Rice Casserole

This is a favorite in our home, and makes for a great easy meal with great leftovers.


1 lb hamburger
1 medium onion, chopped
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
8oz can of tomato sauce
1/4 cup water
1 package of taco seasoning
1 TBSP chili powder
1 cup instant rice, uncooked
1 cup shredded cheese


Brown the hamburger and onions in a pan. While that cooks chop up the bell pepper and prepare the kidney beans and tomatoes. Combine all ingredients in crockpot, except rice and cheese. Cook on Low for 8 hours. Stir in rice, cover and cook until tender (about 20-30 minutes). Sprinkle cheese on top. Can be served with tortilla chips or eaten alone.