Friday, August 27, 2010

Homemade Mac N Cheese


Another all time favorite.


Super easy too!
1 can Campbell's Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can Evaporated Milk
1 box elbow macaroni
4 ounces cubed processed cheese food
salt, pepper to taste
1 package shredded chedd. cheese
Boil noodles, drain
mix all other ingredients
(reserve 1/2 shredded chedd. cheese for topping)
Pour into crockpot, or bake in oven until bubbly

LASAGNA


This is our standard Freezer Meal.

All of the girls can now make it.

1 Package Uncooked Lasagna Noodles
1 jar Spag. Sauce
1 container cottage cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (reserve a bit for topping)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 eggs
spices of your choice (italian seasoning, parsley, Mrs. Dash)
*meat optional (ground beef, sausage, ground turkey)


First mix cottage cheese, spices, eggs in a mixing bowl

Spread about 1 cup pasta sauce in baking dish

Top with uncooked noodles, cheese mixture, meat, then 1 cup of pasta sauce.

Repeat Layers
Freeze until ready to use :)




Bake at 375 degrees F for 1 hour

Uncover and top with remaining mozzarella cheese.

Let stand 5 minutes.

FREEZER FOOD TIME



MEXICAN LASAGNA

I have this one all ready to go in the freezer...for those super busy days, late school days, busy with baby days, or just a day I don't feel like cooking...an nice meal is ready to go!!


Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef
1 can refried beans
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
12 uncooked lasagna noodles 2 cups water
2 1/2 cups picante sauce
2 cups sour cream
1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese


1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F


2. In a large bowl, combine beef, beans, oregano, cumin and garlic powder.
3. Place 4 uncooked noodles in bottom of a 9x13 inch pan. Spread half of beef mixure over noodles. Top with 4 noodles. Spread with remaining mixure, and top with remaining noodles.
4. In a medium bowl, mix water and picante sauce. Pour evenly over layers. Cover tightly with foil.
5. Bake 1 1/2 hours in the preheated oven, or until noodles are tender.
6. Blend sour cream and olives in a medium bowl. Spoon over lasagna, and top with Jack and Cheddar cheese. Bake uncovered until cheese melts, about 5 to 10 minutes






You can change out the Lasagna Noodles for Soft Taco Shells or soft Corn Torillas.
We prefer the soft taco shells, they bake up really nice.




You can also exchange the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken....
we do that alot too :)
**If you use lasgana noodles, choose the WHOLE WHEAT ones...they are better for you!!

AUGUST RECIPES

I am in love with cooking again.
Back to school time is the best time for me to organize
the kitchen, and my recipes for the school year.




I am SO much more organized with meal planning, and my "once a week" cooking method.







Wes has been busy in the kitchen too, experimenting with our garden's bounty.
Here are some of his favorites:
Chocolate Habeneros


Multi Colored Hot Peppers


His new recipe:
Pepper Salad:

It is very simple:

Chop a variety of mild or hot peppers, tomatoes,

tomatillos, onions and green tomatoes.

Toss with a bottle of Italian Dressing, add 1/4 cup of shredded Parmesan Cheese.

Chill for 1 hour and it is ready to serve!