Broccoli Cheese Soup w/Ham

It's been getting a lot colder here lately so I've been in the mood for a nice hearty soup to warm my bones!  This one hit all the right spots and made a TON so I had enough for leftovers, lunch for work, AND a huge dish for my Mom, who is always happy to take advantage of me cooking too much, lol!  Try this recipe out tonight!  And remember, you can always easily freeze your leftovers!

Ingredients:

- 2 (16oz) pkgs of Frozen Broccoli
- 16 oz of Velveeta Cheese, cubed
- 4 to 6 potatoes, cut into cubes
- 2 small onions or 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cups of Ham, cubed
- 3 cans Cream of Celery soup
- 2 cans Cheddar Cheese soup
- 1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
- 6 to 7 cups of water

Directions:

1.  Cut up your potatoes, onion, and ham.  Toss into a large stock pot with your water and bring to a boil. You don't want your water to completely cover your veggies, but it should be a good amount.  I just eyeball it.  Allow to boil until your potato is cooked through.  While this is coming to a boil, cube your cheese so it's ready when you are.

2.  Once your potato is cooked, toss in your soups and lower your burner to medium heat.  Looks unappetizing now, but trust me, that will change!  Stir in and add some pepper if you want.  I also added a pinch of red pepper flakes, but just because I wanted to ;-)

3.  Now toss in your Velveeta chunks and stir until melted through.  Allow to heat about 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally.  Shut heat off and wait an additional 10 minutes with the lid on. 

Here's the final product.....

Creamy, cheesy, and amazing!  One of my favorite dishes!  Serve with croutons, crusty bread, or just as is!  Enjoy!

Meal Plan Monday 11/26 thru 12/2

Another week, another plan!

Here's what's on the menu for this week....

MONDAY
- Broccoli/Ham/Cheese Soup
- Bacon and Cheese Biscuits
- Salad

TUESDAY
- Leftovers

WEDNESDAY
- Breakfast Casserole
- Toast
- Fruit

THURSDAY
- Salisbury Steaks
- Mashed Potatoes
- Corn

FRIDAY
- Shrimp
- Crab Cakes
- Baked Macaroni and Cheese
- Salad

SATURDAY
- Baked Chicken Breast
- Stuffing
- Green Beans

SUNDAY
- Chipolte Beef Tacos
- Cheese Quesadillas
- Salad

Semi-Homemade Pumpkin Pie

This pie is called semi-homemade because I did not make the crust.  It is still a damn good pie though!  I suggest if you want the creaminess of homemade pumpkin pie, but, like me do not have the time to make your own crust, make this one!  It's simple, takes less than 10 minutes to whip up, and it's better than the frozen ones you buy at the grocery store!!!

Ingredients:

- 1 can PURE pumpkin puree (do not buy the already seasoned pumpkin...ugh!)
- 1 (14oz) can of Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1 frozen Pie crust, defrosted
- 2 Eggs
- 2 tsp. Cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. Ginger
- 1 tsp. Nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp. Salt
*NOTE:  This recipe makes 1 DEEP DISH Pumpkin pie.

Directions:

1.  Preheat your oven to 425 degrees and place your pie crust on a baking sheet.  Now toss your pumpkin puree into a large bowl and toss in your sweet milk.

2.  Now add your spices and your eggs.

3.  Mix together with a whisk, then switching over to a rubber spatula, scraping the sides of the bowl, until it's well combined.  Pour your mixture into your pie crust.

4.  Now, bake your pie crust at the 425 for 15 minutes.  After that time, turn the temperature down to 350 degrees and allow your pie to keep baking for 35-40 minutes.  Mine is almost always done at the 35 minute mark, but ovens vary.

5.  When you remove your pie, check it by inserting a clean butter knife into the center of the pie carefully.  If the knife comes out clean, it's done!  If not, place it back into the oven for a few more minutes.  Allow your pie(s) to cool for 2 hours at room temp before putting them into the fridge.

Here's the final product.....

Perfect!  Is there anything more Thanksgiving than pumpkin pie?!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!!

Chicken Florentine

Chicken Florentine is a dish that looks complicated, but really is not.  You can serve it over pasta, rice, or as we eat it, just as is!  I usually pair it with some garlic bread and a nice garden salad.  Maybe even a glass of wine on special occasion.  It's very rich and inviting, and if you search your sales, it is very affordable.  Try this one sometime soon!

Ingredients:

- 2 large Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and sliced.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 3 tsp. Garlic, minced (I use jarred)
- 1 Tbsp. Lemon juice
- 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1 Tbsp. Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 Cup Half and Half
- 1 pkg. Frozen Spinach, drained
- 1 container of fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 bag (2 cups) shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1 Cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1.  Cook your chicken, seasoning it with a bit of salt and pepper.  When done, let sit for at least 20 minutes.  Now, slice up your chicken into good size pieces and set aside.

2.  Grab your spinach and, using a colander, drain all the water from it.  You'll have to squeeze it in your hands VERY well.  Once you've removed all the water, spread it out over the bottom of a 9X9inch pan.

3.  Grab your fresh mushrooms and spread over the spinach.  You may end up using the whole container, or you may not.  It just depends. 

4.  Get your butter and melt it in the microwave.  While it's melting, get your parm, seasoning, lemon juice, and cream ready.

5.  Once your butter's melted,  toss in your parm, seasoning, lemon juice, half and half, garlic, and your can of soup.  Mix well.

6.  Now pour half of your creamy cheese mixture over your mushrooms and garlic.  Add the chicken to your pan, spreading it evenly.  Now, add the rest of the sauce.  Cover the dish with your Mozzarella and your bacon.  Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes.  Once it's done, remove and allow it to sit for 2 minutes.

Here's the final product.....

I like to sprinkle a bit of red pepper flakes over mine.  It's so filling, garlicky and just plan satisfying.  Enjoy!  

NO BRAINER! Taco Seasoning

Making your own taco seasoning is the simplest thing in the world!  It's cheaper than buying pre-made seasoning because you will most likely already have everything on hand, and won't have to buy anything extra.  Here is my version of taco seasoning.  I use it on EVERYTHING, it's not just for tacos! 

Ingredients:

- 1 tablespoon Paprika
- 1 tablespoon Garlic Salt
- 1 tablespoon Chili Powder
- 1 tablespoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 tablespoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried Parsley
- 1 tablespoon Cumin
- Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:

Toss it into a bowl, mix with a fork and there you have it....Taco seasoning!!

Here's the final product.....

Sprinkle on chicken, beef, steak, ribs, or anything else your heart desires!!  Enjoy!

Meal Plan Monday 11/12 thru 11/18

Yeah, yeah, yeah.  I know...it's not Monday.  It's Tuesday.  And I didn't post a meal plan last week.  But if you've seen my schedule this past week and a half...you would understand!  Now...on to the meal planning!!

MONDAY
- Homemade Subs on wheat bread
- Kettle chips
- Potato Salad
- Coleslaw

TUESDAY
- Chicken Fajitas
- Refried Beans N Rice

WEDNESDAY
- Baked Fish
- Crab Cakes
- Fries
- Broccoli
- Garden Salad

THURSDAY
- Firestarter Chili
- Biscuits
- Salad

FRIDAY
*Happy Birthday to my niece Maddie!*
- Leftovers

SATURDAY
*My baby girl turns 6!!  Happy Birthday Mommy's little Becca Boo!*
- Out to dinner and Birthday Cake!!!

SUNDAY
- Chicken Florentine
- Garlic Bread
- Salad

Basic Sugar Cookies

A sugar cookie can be dressed up for any occasion or holiday.  You name it, you can use it to decorate a sugar cookie.  However, the best way for a sugar cookie to be, in my opinion, is just as it is.  No frosting, no decorating, no fuss, no muss.  Simple and beautiful.  Either way, however you like to enjoy your sugar cookies, this recipe is for you!  It's tasty, sweet, and easy to create.  The sugar cookies made here were decorated for Halloween. (but I did keep a few unfrosted for the hubby and I ;-))

Ingredients:

- 2 3/4 cups Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 sticks butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups Sugar
- 1 Egg
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.  Mix together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, and your pinch of salt in a bowl.  Set aside.

2.  Grab another larger bowl and place in your butter and sugar.  Cream together until well mixed.  I use my electric mixer and then squish it a bit with my CLEAN hands.  This just seems to incorporate the sugar and butter a lot better.

3.  Now toss in your egg and vanilla and continue to beat together until well mixed.  Now toss in your dry mixture, continue to mix until that mixture is well combined.  I like to use my electric mixer until it's almost there, then switch to my hands again. 

4.  Now that you have dough, you can either make them into balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet that way, or you can dust your counter top and create shapes.  Here, since it was Halloween, I cut mine out into pumpkin shapes. 

5.  Now, bake for 8-12 minutes or until they're a nice light golden color.  Remove, allow to sit for 1 minute, then remove to a rack for cooling.  Once cooled, you can frost or decorate to your heart's content. 

Here's the final product.....

Very festive, fun, and tasty!  Enjoy!

Calzones

A Calzone is an Italian turnover filled with pizza toppings and cheese.  Translated, it means "pant leg", which is pretty funny, and only slightly similar ;-)  Anyway, my family and I love calzones!  It gives you the satisfaction of eating yummy pizza, but it's a nice twist and really, I enjoy it more than pizza!  You can make them bigger than this or smaller, filling them with whatever your heart desires!  Sweet calzones are even delicious!  Try this one tonight!

Ingredients:

- 1 roll of pizza dough (makes two large calzones...I usually buy two tubes for the 4 of us.)
- Mozzarella cheese
- Pizza sauce
- Your favorite pizza toppings!!!  We use:  Pepperoni, Ham, bell pepper, onion, mushrooms, banana peppers, jalapenos, red pepper flakes, parsley, garlic, etc!

Directions:

1.  Pop open the tube of pizza dough and spread it out on your pan.  I do not roll it, or stretch it very much.  Then use a pizza cutter to cut down the middle, separating your dough into two calzones.  Spread sauce over each side, using as much sauce as you prefer.

2.  Now, toss on your favorite toppings.  Here, I'm showing my daughters calzones.  One likes just sauce, banana peppers, and lots of cheese.  The other likes sauce, cheese, pepperonis, bell pepper and banana peppers.  You can even let your kiddos put it on themselves!  Just be sure to leave room on the edges for folding!!!

3.  Once you've filled your calzone with your choice of toppings, CAREFULLY fold it over and use your fingers to press the dough together best you can.  Try to get it completely closed so your toppings don't ooze out, but, sometimes, cheese happens!  I then sprinkle the calzone's top with some garlic powder, red pepper flakes, parsley, or even a tiny bit of shredded cheese.  Or, you can leave it the way it is!

4.  Bake your calzone on the cookie sheet per the tube of dough's directions.  Usually 15 minutes at 350 degrees.  You want the dough to be a nice golden brown.  When it comes out, allow it to sit for 2 minutes before slicing it in half.

Here's the final product....

 The top photo is of my daughter's calzone

This photo is of mine....everything packed in there but the kitchen sink, lol.  And let me tell you...it was DELICIOUS!!!

Enjoy!!