Mountain Dew (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Mountain Dew Apple Coobler

Cooking with Soda pop is always fun.  I will be posting more in the future.



MOUNTAIN DEW APPLE COBBLER

2 Granny Smith Apples (peel and slice into 8 sections each)
2 cans crescent rolls (1 can for each apple)
2 sticks butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups Mountain Dew
Cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Wrap each 1/8 apple section in crescent roll dough. Place in lightly greased baking dish. Melt butter & stir in sugar. Spread over apples. Pour Mountain Dew over apples. DO NOT STIR.

Sprinkle with cinnamon and chopped pecans.

Bake, uncovered, at 350°F for approximately 45 minutes.

Can be served with ice cream or whipped cream

Enjoy
The Old Guy

Chicken and Biscuit Bake

This Chicken and Biscuit Bake is, basically, a cross between chicken and dumplings and a pot pie. In any case, it's fabulously good and comes together in a convenient casserole!


3 cups (approx.) of cooked, shredded chicken (I used 2 breasts for this)
1 1/2 cups chicken stock or broth
1/4 cup (half of a stick) butter, melted
2 cups Bisquick
1 1/2 cups milk
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 1/2 cups frozen mixed veggies (allow to thaw for about 30 minutes before adding to recipe)
3 chicken bouillon cubes
Pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Warm chicken stock in a small sauce pan and add in the bouillon cubes to dissolve. Keep warm until ready to use.

Lightly coat with non-stick spray a 9 x 13 casserole dish or large, round casserole dish (mine was a 12" round). Pour in the melted butter.

Layer the shredded chicken on top of the butter.

Sprinkle on the veggies.



In a small mixing bowl, combine the milk and Bisquick. (It's okay if there are a few lumps remaining.)



Pour over the chicken and vegetables. DO NOT MIX!

Sprinkle on a little black pepper, if desired.



Combine the cream of chicken soup with the warmed stock in a small mixing bowl.

Once blended, slowly pour over the Bisquick layer. Again, DO NOT MIX!

(Yes, it'll looks like a big, soupy mess. Trust me ... this is what it's supposed to look like!)



If using a 9 x 13 pan, bake for 40 - 45 minutes or until casserole is set and top is brown and bubbly. If using a large, round dish (mine was 12"), bake for 50 - 55 minutes or until casserole is set and top is brown and bubbly.

Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes. 

 

Enjoy The Old Guy

Polish Sausage And Cabbage Soup

Here in Michigan we had 90 degree weather last week, and this week, highs in the 70's and lows in the 40's.
Like the old saying goes, in Michigan if you don't like the weather, wait a few minutes.
With these fall temps my taste buds are thinking about soup. So dig out the slow cooker and go for it.  This one is a keeper.

2 cups potatoes, cubed and peeled
4 cups cabbage, shredded it fine
1 carrot, shredded it fine
1 large onion, chopped
2 teaspoons caraway seeds, crushed (optional)
1-1/4 lb Polish sausage, cooked, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/2 inch slices
4 cups fat free chicken broth or you can just use water
black pepper and salt to taste

Directions:Place potatoes, cabbage, carrot, onion, caraway seeds, sausage, pepper and salt in crock pot. Pour broth over all.Cover, cook on low for 10 - 12 hours or high for 5 - 6 hours.

Enjoy

The Old Guy

Pizza Balls

Looking for a quick idea for dinner? The kids will LOVE IT and would love helping you make it!





PIZZA BALLS

Ingredients:

3 cans Pillsbury Buttermilk Biscuits (10 ct)
60 pepperoni slices (2 per biscuit)
Block of cheese (Colby/Monterrey Jack or Cheddar)
1 beaten egg
Parmesan Cheese
Italian Seasoning
Garlic Powder
1 jar pizza sauce

Directions:

Slice cheese into approx. 28 squares. Flatten each biscuit and stack pepperoni and cheese on top (Like in the picture) Gather edges of biscuit and secure on top of the roll. Line rolls in greased 9x13 pan Brush with beaten egg. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Bake at 425 degrees F. for 18 to 20 minutes. Serve with warm pizza sauce for dipping. 

Enjoy
The Old Guy









 

Olive Garden Chicken Marsala (a copycat recipe)

Judging from the number of views, copy cat recipes are very popular on my blog.  So, here is one you should really enjoy.
You can turn this recipe into Chicken Vesuvio by using a Pino Grigio instead of the Marsala and serving it on roasted or pan fried potatoes.





Olive Garden Chicken Marsala Recipe

Ingredients
4 chicken breasts, boneless & skinless
1/2 cup flour
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Dried oregano to taste
4 Tbsp oil
4 Tbsp butter or margarine
2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 cup Marsala wine

Procedures
POUND chicken breasts between sheets of plastic wrap until about 1/4" thickness.
COMBINE flour, salt, pepper and oregano in a mixing bowl. Dredge chicken pieces in the flour, shaking off any excess.
HEAT oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken breasts on medium heat for about 2 minutes on the first side, until lightly browned. Turn breasts over to cook other side, then add mushrooms to skillet. Cook breasts about 2 more minutes, until both sides are lightly browned. Continue to stir mushrooms. Add Marsala wine around chicken pieces.
COVER and simmer for about 15 minutes.
TRANSFER to serving plate.

Enjoy
The Old Guy

Baked Apples in a Bag

Perfect Late night snack

Baked Apples in a Bag. Quick and easy snack when you're craving something sweet but want something decently healthy. This would be a great after school snack as well.  Let the kids help too.  You do the peeling and cutting and let the kids assemble.

1 apple peeled and sliced, 1tsp sugar, 1tsp water, 1/4tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp cornstarch, 1 or 2 tablespoons raisins (if desired). Put in bag and microwave 2 min. tasty treat! Only 59 calories
Use a Ziploc Zip "n Steam bag or a similar vented bag.

Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole

I love Tater Tots!  I love Sloppy Joes!  Here is a recipe that combine both.  What's wrong with that?  NOTHING.

Enjoy

Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole

Ingredients

• 1.25 lb. ground beef
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 sweet onion, diced
• 1/2 (15.2 oz.) can corn, drained
• 1 (15 oz.) can Manwich Original Sloppy Joe Sauce
• 2 oz. 1/3 less-fat cream cheese
• 8 oz. cheddar cheese, grated
• 16 oz. seasoned tater tots
• Scallions, chopped, for sprinkling on top as desired

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the peppers and onions until the meat is cooked through. Drain the fat and return to the heat. Stir in the corn, Manwich, and cream cheese. Cook over low heat until the cream cheese is melted.
Pour the sloppy joe mixture into a 9x13 baking dish. Top with half of the grated cheese.
Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the top of the cheese. Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheese.
Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped chives if desired. Serve immediately.

The Old Guy

Old Fashioned Chocolate Chippers

Comfort food at it's best from Granny's Kitchen.



















Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup brown sugar
1 cup sugar
2 sticks butter, soft
2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs, beaten
3 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup nuts, chopped
2 cups chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375° F. Cream together butter and sugars; beat in vanilla; beat in eggs; measure then sift flour, soda, salt and beat into creamed mixture. Stir in nuts and chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoon onto baking sheet and bake 8 minutes. Makes 5 dozen cookies
Granny's Favorites Cookbooks

Enjoy.
The Old Guy

Pizza Grilled Cheese

Now that school has started, here is a great sandwich for lunch or an after school snack

Pizza Grilled Cheese

Ingredients
4 sliced bread
butter
4 mozzarella, sliced
pepperoni (cut in half or mini)
Italian seasoning or basil
Parmesan cheese (opt)
pizza sauce (for dipping)

Cooking Directions
*Warm a medium/large skillet over medium heat. Butter each piece of bread on one side. When skillet is hot place a piece of bread butter side down on the skillet then add one slice of cheese and small shake of Italian seasoning or basil (add a small shake of Parmesan cheese here too if desired). Top with a desired amount of pepperonis (I used about 8 -10 whole regular pepperonis per sandwich) If any other toppings are desired, add now. Add another slice of mozzarella and top with slice bread butter side up.
Repeat with second sandwich. When bottom slice is golden brown then flip over carefully. Once both sides are brown remove from pan cut and serve with pizza sauce if desired.

Enjoy

The Old Guy

How to Store Onions and Garlic and Shallots

This tip will save you a lot of money, and it works.

How To Store Your Garlic, Onions And Shallots So They Can Last For Months

Instructions:
1. Make sure onions, garlic etc are firm and blemish free.
2. Use brown lunch paper bags.
3. Hole punch.
4. Paper clips for holding bags closed.

How to make:

1. Punch the bags. You can do this any way you wish, even randomly all about the upper half of the bags. Typically holes are punched by folding the bag a few times and then punching in a row, spacing the punches an inch or so apart. Another method would be to fold the bag in half lengthwise, punch along one edge, flip the folded bag over and punch along the other edge, approximately 1" between punches. It by no means needs to be perfect, simply punch holes for ventilation. The result is multiple rows of holes.

2. Fill the bag up to half full (just below or at first punched holes), fold over the top, label it and paper clip it to hold the top down."

 

Enjoy

The Old Guy

Snackin' Apple Cake

Thesouthernladycooks.com his a wonderful site.  She post recipes that are simply and down to earth.
This Snackin' Apple cake did not last long in my house.  In fact I had to bake a second one.   I drive fir Meals on Wheels for my county here is Michigan and shared this cake with some of my clients and they loved it too.





This Applesauce Snackin’ Cake makes a great afternoon snack with a glass of milk or cup of coffee.  How many times have you ended up with one cup of applesauce in the refrigerator that is about to spoil and you don’t know what to do with it?  I usually make this cake because it is quick and easy and I hate to see anything ruin.  This cake is so moist it really doesn’t need a frosting.
4 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 cup applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/8 teaspoon allspice
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup raisins
1 cup nuts (I use walnuts, you can use whatever you like)
Whisk together butter, sugar, egg, applesauce and vanilla in a large bowl.  In another bowl whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and nutmeg.  Pour the flour mixture into the first mixture and mix well with a spoon. Fold in raisins and nuts.  Spray a 9 x 9 inch baking dish and add batter.  Bake in preheated 350 degree oven 35 to 40 minutes testing for doneness as ovens vary.  Remove and let cool.  Can frost with your favorite frosting or just dust with powdered sugar on top.  Enjoy!
Note:  You could double this recipe, too.

Enjoy
The Old Guy

Peeling Hard Boiled Eggs 

 

I have tried many ways of cooking hard boiled eggs so that they would peel easily, but this method works the best best. I have tried. Thanks to who ever posted it, and thanks to "delightedmomma.com" for posting it originally.          

Gooey S'mores Brownies

Once again the internet has provided a chocolate lovers delight.  Check out Swirls of Flavor on Facebook or Pinterest.  Thanks Gwenn.

OMG.  These are GREAT!!

Gooey S’mores Brownies
4 whole graham crackers
1 pkg. (19.5 oz.) chocolate fudge brownie mix, Pillsbury
2 eggs
1/2 cup oil
1/4 cup water
4 pkgs. (1.55 oz. each) Hershey’s milk chocolate candy bars
1 cup marshmallow fluff
1 cup mini marshmallows
1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line 8″ x 8″ square baking pan with foil leaving 2-inch overhang. Coat with cooking spray.
2. Line bottom of prepared pan with 3 whole graham crackers and one graham cracker cut into thirds.
3. With mixer on medium speed combine brownie mix, eggs, oil and water, beating until a batter forms.



4. Pour brownie batter over graham cracker layer, covering evenly.
5. Bake 1 hour or until toothpick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs.




6. Remove from oven. Immediately top with three whole candy bars and one candy bar cut into thirds. Let stand until chocolate has melted, about 30 minutes.





7. Top with dollops of marshmallow fluff. Swirl with knife to make topping.
8. Top with mini marshmallows.
9. Serve ooey gooey warm (you’ll need lots of napkins!) or completely cooled, your choice! Cut into 12 brownies.
Makes 12 servings.

Enjoy
The Old Guy

 Cheese, Potato and Smoked Sausage Casserole

Quick is good.  Easy is good. Inexpensive is good. Taste is very good.  I hope you enjoy this recipe I found.





Cheese Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole

Ingredients:
3 cups Idaho potatoes, peeled, boiled and cut into cubes when cool, approx. 1 lb.
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 lb. Velveeta cheese, diced
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 lb. smoked sausage
1/8 teaspoon paprika

Directions:
Cut skinless smoked sausage in half, lengthwise, and then chop into 1/2 inch "half moon" cuts. Cook in a frying pan for about 15 minutes, turning frequently to SLIGHTLY brown.
Meanwhile, put cooked & diced potatoes in 2 quart casserole. Add cooked meat and give it a gentle toss.
Mix all remaining ingredients (except for shredded cheddar cheese & the paprika) in a saucepan over medium heat until warm, melted and smooth. (Use a whisk and stir constantly.).
Pour white/cheese sauce over potatoes and meat. Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top, and then sprinkle paprika evenly over the top.
Bake in preheated 350°F oven for 35-45 minutes (watch, until golden brown on top).

**NOTE: You can substitute: 1/2 lb. hot dogs, sliced into 1/2-inch slices OR 1/2 lb. ham diced into 1/2-inch dices OR 12 oz. can of Spam diced into 1/2-inch dices, instead of the smoked sausage.** 

Enjoy
The Old Guy

Oven Baked Frito Pie

I found this recipe on Facebook.  Thanks to who ever posted it.  It is good.

Oven-Baked Frito Pie

Ingredients:
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 can (16 oz) chili beans
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 envelope low sodium taco seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (2% fat kind)
3 1/2 cups corn chips (Fritos)
1 1/4 cup fat free sour cream

Directions: Cook ground beef until meat is browned; drain. Stir in beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning mix and 1/4 c. of cheese. Sprinkle 1 cup corn chips in bottom of 8x8 baking dish. Cover with chili. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Spread sour cream over chili. Top with remaining corn chips and cheese. Bake 4-5 minutes longer.

Enjoy
The Old Guy

Kitchen "Miracle" Cleaner

FINALLY...HERE IT IS!

How to clean your cookie sheets--Kitchen "Miracle" Cleaner! You put about 1/4 cup of baking soda in a small glass bowl and squirt in hydrogen peroxide until it makes a nice paste. Then you rub it on the offending dirt/stain/grease...whatever! You can usually just use your fingers...but you can also use a small sponge as well.

Cool, and it works

Enjoy

The Old Guy

 

White Chicken Enchiladas

White Chicken Enchiladas


10 soft taco shells
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
2 cups shredded Monterrey Jack cheese
3 Tbsp. butter
3 Tbsp. flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup sour cream
1 (4 oz) can diced green chillies
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13 pan
2. Mix chicken and 1 cup cheese. Roll up in tortillas and place in pan.
3. In a sauce pan, melt butter, stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Add broth and whisk until smooth. Heat over medium heat until thick and bubbly.
4. Stir in sour cream and chilies. Do not bring to boil, you don't want curdled sour cream.
5. Pour over enchiladas and top with remaining cheese.
6. Bake 22 min and then under high broil for 3 min to brown the cheese.


Enjoy
The Old Guy

Pecan Cake Bars

Pecan Cake Bars

For crust:

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt

For topping:

1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup honey
2 tablespoons heavy cream
2 cups chopped pecans

Preheat the oven to 350ºF and line a 9x13-inch pan with foil, leaving enough for a 2-inch overhang on all sides.

First make the crust by creaming together the butter and brown sugar until fluffy in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add in the flour and salt and mix until crumbly.

Press the crust into the foil-lined pan and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.

While the crust bakes, prepare the filling by combining the butter, brown sugar, honey and heavy cream in a saucepan and stirring it over medium heat. Simmer the mixture for 1 minute, then stir in the chopped pecans.

Remove the crust from the oven and immediately pour the pecan filling over the hot crust spreading it to cover the entire surface.

Return the pan to the oven and bake an additional 20 minutes.

Remove the pan and allow the bars to fully cool in the pan.

Use the foil overhang to lift out the bars and transfer them to a cutting board. Peel off the foil, slice into bars and serve.

 

Enjoy

The Old Guy

Crockpot Breakfast Casserole

This breakfast recipe comes from Facebook posted by my friend Natalie Mercer






Breakfast casserole in the crock pot! Cooks while you sleep!

Ingredients:
1 bag 26 oz. frozen hash browns
12 eggs
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon ground mustard
1 16 oz. roll sausage
maple, sage or regular sausage.
Salt and pepper
16 oz. bag shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:
1. Spray crock pot and evenly spread hash browns at the bottom.
2. Crack 12 eggs in a large bowl.
3. Mix well (and slowly) using a whisk.
4. Add the milk.
5. Go ahead and sprinkle in the ground mustard. This might sound like a weird ingredient, but I've come to love (and use) this in most of my recipes.
6. Add plenty of salt....
...and lots of fresh pepper. Mix well and set aside.
7. Cook the sausage on high heat, drain and set aside.
8. Add sausage on top of hash browns.
9. Is this enough cheese? Maybe? Probably. Throw the whole big bag in there.
10. Mix it up well. Or good, depending on where you're from.
11. Pour the egg mixture over everything in the crock pot. Using a wood spoon, even everything out so it's spread evenly.
12. Turn the crock pot on low for 6-8 hours.

Chocolate Eclair Cake

I found this recipe on Facebook and it was so good I had to share.  Thanks to whoever posted it.

Chocolate Eclair Cake

Chocolate Eclair Cake!!!
1 cup water
1/2 cup butter
1 cup flour
4 large eggs
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 large box (5.1 ounces) vanilla instant pudding
3 cups milk
1 8 oz. container cool whip (you won’t use the whole container) or one batch of homemade whipped cream
chocolate syrup or homemade chocolate sauce

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400. Lightly grease a 9″X13″ glass baking pan.
Eclair Crust: In a medium saucepan, melt butter in water and bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Stir in flour. Mix in one egg at a time, mixing completely before adding another egg. Spread mixture into pan, covering the bottom and sides evenly. *If the sides of your pan are too greased you won’t be able to get the mixture to stay up the sides so make sure to just lightly grease.
Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown (Mine only took 25 minutes.) You may want to check it occasionally-you don’t want to overcook the crust, it will ruin the cake! Remove from oven and let cool (don’t touch or push bubbles down).
Filling: Whip cream cheese in a medium bowl. In separate bowl make vanilla pudding. Make sure pudding is thick before mixing in with cream cheese. Slowly add pudding to cream cheese, mixing until there are no lumps. Let cool in fridge.When the crust is completely cooled, pour filling in. Top with layer of cool whip however thick you want it and serve with chocolate syrup. *If you want to make this even better use homemade whipped cream.

Enjoy

The Old Guy

Raw Ground beef (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ground Meat and Cabbage Casserole

Ground meat and Cabbage, and it's a Casserole.  What could be bad?

Meat and Cabbage Casserole


1 to 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef or ground turkey
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 16-ounce bag shredded cabbage with carrots
1 teaspoon salt, divided
Pepper to taste
16 to 20 ounces jarred, tomato-based spaghetti sauce (any flavor)
1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon chives, chopped (optional)
1/2 to 1 cup Cheddar cheese, grated

________________________

Sauté the onion and garlic in butter until soft, but not brown in a medium-sized skillet.
Add the ground beef or turkey, ½ teaspoon salt and pepper, to taste.
Cook, breaking up the meat until the meat loses its pink color. Drain.
In a 2-quart buttered casserole or baking dish, half of the cabbage.
Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and pepper, to taste.
Add the meat mixture, pressing down slightly. Add the remaining cabbage.
Mix together the spaghetti sauce, the Worcestershire sauce and chives.
Pour the sauce over the top of the casserole. Cover.
Bake at 350ºF for approximately 1 hour or until the cabbage is soft and
the meat is cooked through. Add the cheese on top. Bake, uncovered,
for an additional 5 to 8 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Serve at once.

Serves: 4 to 6.

Enjoy

The Old Guy

Tortilla Apple Dessert

More Cinco de Mayo stuff.  This dessert is really fantastic.

Tortilla Apple Dessert

(21 ounce) can apple pie filling
6 (8 inch) flour tortillas
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup water


Spoon about one heaping quarter cup of pie filling evenly down the center of each tortilla.
Sprinkle with cinnamon; roll up, tucking in edges; and place seam side down in prepared dish.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, white sugar, brown sugar and water. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes.
Pour sauce over enchiladas and let stand 45 minutes.
Bake in preheated oven 20 minutes, or until golden.
Serve with vanilla ice cream

Enjoy
The Old Guy

Meatloaf (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Mexican Meatloaf

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, here is my version of a Mexican Meatloaf.

Mexican Meatloaf 

3 tablespoons onion, chopped

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2-1/2 cups tomatoes, cooked or canned

1-cup cornmeal

1-pound ground beef

¾ cups whole kernel corn, cooked or canned

2 large eggs, beaten

2 teaspoons salt

1-teaspoon paprika

1-teaspoon chili powder

Fry onion in vegetable oil until lightly browned. Add tomatoes and bring to a boil. Add cornmeal very slowly and cook and stir 10 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and blend lightly. Turn mixture into a greased 9 inch x 13 inch x 5 inch load pan. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 45 minutes.

Let cool slightly and serve with your favorite Salsa.

Muy Deliciouso 

Enjoy

The Old Guy

Angel Food Cake (Photo credit: toadstool ring)

Angel Food Dessert

A box of Angel Food Cake mix (just the contents of the box, no need to follow the directions on the box), and combine it with a 20 ounce can of crushed pineapple in its own juice. (No need to use a mixer, just stir it by hand) When you do this, something magical happens. The mixture starts to froth and it turns into an amazingly airy, fluffy bowl of deliciousness right before your eyes. Once it’s all mixed up, simply pour it into a 9 x 13 baking dish and bake it at 350 for 30 minutes.

Enjoy

The Old Guy

Cleaning Fruit

 
Cleaning fruit - Fill sink with water, add 1 Cup of Vinegar, and Stir. Add all fruit, and Soak for 10 minutes. Water will be dirty, and fruit will sparkle with no wax, or dirty film. Great for Berries too, as it keeps them from molding. Do this with strawberries, and they last for weeks!

Enjoy

The Old Guy

Marshmallow Whipped Cheesecake

 

Marshmallow Whipped Cheesecake

Graham Cracker Crust:
40 squares of graham crackers (crushed)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine (melted)

Mix above ingredients. Press into top and sides of 9 x 13' greased pan. Reserve 1/2 cup for top.

Filling:
10 1/2 oz. large marshmallows (40 marshmallows)
3/4 cup milk
2 - 8-oz. packages of cream cheese
12-oz. Container of fat-free Cool Whip

Melt marshmallows and milk over low heat. Beat cream cheese; add marshmallow mixture. Cool. Fold in Cool Whip. Spread into crust and sprinkle with remaining graham cracker crust. Refrigerate until set.

Enjoy
The Old Guy

Chicken Vegetable Bake

"

This was SO good!!" 4-6 raw chicken breasts, new potatoes, green beans (fresh or canned-really any green veggie would work. Broccoli is good, too). Arrange in 9x13 dish. Sprinkle with a packet of Italian dressing mix* and then top with a melted stick of butter. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 1 houror until potatoes are done and chicken juices run clear.
* I was out of Italian dressing mix, so I used Caesar dressing mix.It worked just fine and tasted really good. I added a little chicken broth too.

Enjoy.
The Old Guy

Pepper Jack Meat Loaf

Pepper Jack Meat Loaf

1 pound ground beef, turkey or chicken
1 cup celery, diced
½ cup onion, diced
1 cup oatmeal or crumbled saltine crackers
2 eggs
2 cups pepper jack cheese shredded ( or your favorite cheese)
¼ cup ketchup
1/8 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a loaf pan.

Mix meat, celery, onion, oatmeal or crackers, eggs together well. Press half of the meat mixture into prepared loaf pan. Place cheese over meat mixture. Top with remaining meat mixture and press down to seal. Spread ketchup over top of meat loaf…sprinkle with chili powder ( or not), salt and pepper.

Bake, covered lightly with foil, for 30 minutes.

Increase oven temperature to 425 degrees F, remove cover and continue to bake for 20 minutes or until edges are bubbling and knife inserted in center comes out clean.
Let sit for 5 minutes then slice and serve.

Enjoy.
The Old Guy

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

Great for Low Carbers

Just like mac and cheese without the pasta
2 lbs cauliflower florets
8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
8 oz shredded Monterrey Jack cheese, divided
8 oz block cream cheese, softened
4 tablespoons heavy cream
2 bunches green onions, sliced (1 1/2 cups)
6 sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 clove garlic, grated
Salt & pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Steam cauliflower florets until tender.
While cauliflower steams, cream together 6 oz of the shredded cheddar, 6 oz of the Monterrey Jack, cream cheese, and heavy cream.
Stir in sliced green onions, chopped bacon, and garlic.
Set aside.
Drain any liquid from steamed cauliflower and add to cheese mixture.
Stir cauliflower and cheese mixture together.
Taste for seasoning, and add as necessary.
If you want a finer texture, give a few mashes with the potato masher.
Pour into a 2-3 quart casserole and sprinkle on remaining cheddar and Monterrey Jack cheese.
Cover dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil and continue to bake until cheese is brown and bubbly. 

Enjoy.

The Old Guy

Vidalia Onion Bacon Pie

It’s the sweet season of Georgia-grown Vidalia onions. Squattier than their kin, onions labeled Vidalias are unique to Georgia and may only be grown in certain parts of a 20-county area in the southeastern part of the state. Due to the soil and the climate, the onions are sweeter even when raw, making them particularly suited to dishes with smoky and salty flavors. This also makes them great raw in salads.

Vidalia Onion Bacon Pie

• Yield 8 servings

Caramelized onions, bacon and cheese fill this hearty quiche.

Add 1/4 cup of chopped green onion to the filling to add a splash of green.

Ingredients

Crust:

Cooking spray

1/2 cup cornmeal

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 egg

2 tablespoons butter

2 to 4 tablespoons ice water

Filling:

1 tablespoon butter

3 medium Vidalia or sweet onions, slivered

2 eggs

1/2 cup half-and-half

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for top

1 cup (4-ounces) shredded white Cheddar cheese

1/2 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen

4 slices thick, smoky-style bacon, cooked and chopped

Instructions

1. To prepare crust, coat a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate with cooking spray.
2. Place cornmeal, flour, baking powder and salt in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a pastry cutter blade; pulse to combine. Add egg and butter; pulse until mixed. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until a dough ball forms. This will form a sticky mass of dough. Press into pan. If the dough is too sticky, add a little cornmeal.
3. Preheat oven to 350F.
4. To prepare filling, melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and sauté 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Drain if necessary.
5. Combine eggs, half-and-half, salt and pepper in a bowl. Whisk well. On bottom of pie, sprinkle half the shredded cheese. Top with corn kernels,  onions and bacon. Pour egg mixture over top. Top with remaining cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
6. Bake 40 minutes, until top is set and browned.

P.S.

Cut a thick slice of raw Vidalia Onion to put on your grilled hamburger too.  Yumm

Enjoy.
The Old Guy

Microwave Cookie for one

For those days you just want to make one cookie...

1 tbsp. butter, melted
1 tbsp. white sugar
1 tbsp. brown sugar
3 drops of vanilla
pinch of salt
1 egg yolk
1/4 c. flour
2 tbsp. chocolate chips

MICROWAVE 40-60 SEC IN A CUP OR BOWL. {single serving} deep dish chocolate chip cookie.

Asparagus (Photo credit: Livin' Spoonful)

It won't be long until spring is here, and one of my favorite vegetable to eat is asparagus. Asparagus offers a host of health benefits. It provides both anti-inflammatory phytonutrients as well as vital anti-oxidant nutrients like vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin E and more. Try one of these simple asparagus recipes and make it simple to get your nutrients in a easy and tasty way!

Simple Asparagus Saute

1/2 teaspoon salt, divided

1 pound fresh asparagus, woody ends removed

1 teaspoon olive oil

-- Coarsely ground black pepper

1 tablespoon finely grated lemon rind

1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add asparagus; cook about 3 minutes. Plunge asparagus immediately into a large bowl of ice water. Drain.
2. Heat oil in a nonstick skillet. Add asparagus, remaining salt and black pepper; sauté 5 minutes. Sprinkle with lemon rind.

 Just as good cold as hot, this dish is great for a picnic or for lunch at work.

Cold Green Asparagus Soup

3 tablespoons butter

3/4 cup very finely chopped onion

1 pound green asparagus stalks, thinly sliced

1 1/2 cups cold water

1/2 cup heavy or whipping cream

-- salt

1. In a pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until softened but not browned, about 5 minutes. Add asparagus and cook, stirring, until liquid is released, about 5 minutes.
2. Add water, increase heat to medium-high and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer until asparagus is tender, about 10 minutes.
3. In batches as necessary, transfer to blender (or use immersion blender in the pot) and purée until smooth, adding cream. Transfer to a bowl and season with salt to taste. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 6 hours.
4. Adjust seasoning. Ladle into chilled bowls.
Tip: Use only the tender green parts of the asparagus stems. Save the tips for another recipe.
Variation: You can garnish the soup with asparagus tips cooked in boiling salted water.

Potato Chip Schnitzel

I found this website on Facebook.  Interesting article and occasional recipes.  This is a good one for your passover dinner.

Enjoy.  The Old Guy

You make want to eat dessert first in case you are too full after eating dinner to try this 'winner winner" easy peanut butter cake.

Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

2 & 1/4 CUPS ALL PURPOSE FLOUR
2 CUPS LIGHT BROWN SUGAR (packed)
1 CUP PEANUT BUTTER
1/2 CUP BUTTER (room temperature)
1 TEASPOON BAKING POWDER
1/2 TEASPOON BAKING SODA
1 & 1/4 CUPS MILK
2 TEASPOONS VANILLA EXTRACT
3 EGGS
Preheat your oven to 350 and grease and flour a 10 x 15 cake pan. In a large bowl, mix the first 4 ingredients with an electric mixer; blend at low speed until crumbly. Add the next 5 ingredients and blend at low speed until everything is wet, then beat at medium speed for 3 minutes.

Pour into prepared pan and bake, in the middle of your oven, for 35-40 minutes or until the toothpick test comes out clean.

Let the cake cool (in the pan) for 10 minutes, then spread the frosting on the hot cake (recipe follows) and sprinkle one cup of mini-chocolate chips over the frosting.

PEANUT BUTTER-HONEY FROSTING

1/2 CUP PEANUT BUTTER + 2 TABLESPOONS HONEY + 1 TEASPOON VANILLA EXTRACT + 2 CUPS POWDERED SUGAR + 4 to 5 TABLESPOONS MILK

Warm the peanut butter and honey in the microwave just until it gets soft and easy to stir, then add everything else and beat until smooth. Spread over hot cake and sprinkle with one cup of mini-chocolate chips.

NOTE: You can double the frosting.  I did.

Enjoy.

The Old Guy

Copy Cat Wendy's Chili

Have you ever ordered something at a restaurant and thought "I wonder how they made that?" or "I wish I could make that at home".  Well now is your chance.  A copy cat Wendy's Chili.


Ingredients

• 2 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 C chopped celery
• 1 46 oz bottle of tomato juice
• 1 29 oz can tomato sauce
• 1/4 C chili powder (more or less to taste)
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp white sugar
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
• 1 15 oz can light red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 15.5 oz chili beans

Directions

• In a large pot over medium high heat, brown the ground beef along with the onion, bell pepper and celery. Drain after cooking and return to the pot.
• Add the remaining ingredients to the pot, mix well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 hours.

Enjoy topped with cheese and sour cream or crackers. Or you can enjoy alone. For one of our leftover chili nights, I cooked some elbow macaroni and we had chili mac. You can’t go wrong with chili mac.

Enjoy
The Old Guy

What to do with your left-over Corned Beef

For a different casserole from the ordinary, this Reuben Casserole is sure to be a hit.  The Reuben Quiche is a winner too.

It has all the ingredients of a Reuben sandwich, but in the form of a casserole.

Reuben Casserole

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 medium tart apple, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup butter, divided
• 1 cup chopped cooked corned beef
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
• 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1/4 cup Thousand Island salad dressing
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese
• 2 slices rye bread, cubed and toasted
• 1 jar (2 ounces) diced pimientos, drained
• 1 medium green pepper, cut into 1/4-inch rings

Directions

• In a saucepan, saute onion and apple in 2 tablespoons butter until tender. Stir in beef, sauerkraut and caraway seeds.
• Spoon into an ungreased 2-qt. casserole. Drizzle with salad dressing; sprinkle with cheese. Toss croutons with remaining butter; sprinkle over cheese. Top with pimientos and pepper.
• Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 20 minutes or until heated through. Yield: 4 servings.
•  
• Enjoy
• The Old Guy

Good Stuff for St. Patrick's Day

Irish Beef Dinner

• 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes                                    

• 2 small parsnips

• 3/4 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
  

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cups finely shredded cabbage

• 2 medium carrots, halved and sliced

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup tomato paste

• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken or beef broth

• 1/2 cup frozen peas

• 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided

• 1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided

• 1/4 cup 2% milk

• 1 tablespoon butter
  

Peel potatoes and parsnips and cut into large pieces; place in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 10-15 minutes or until tender. Drain.

• Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the cabbage, carrots, thyme and Worcestershire sauce.
• In a small bowl, combine the flour, tomato paste and broth until smooth. Gradually stir into meat mixture. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir in the peas, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
• Drain potatoes and parsnips; mash with milk, butter, remaining salt and pepper. Serve with meat mixture. Yield: 4 servings.
  

tuna burger (Photo credit: pcarpen)

Tuna Burgers

Tuna Burgers

1 can (6 ounces) tuna, drained and flaked
1 egg
1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons chili sauce
1/2 teaspoon dill weed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Dash hot pepper sauce
Dash Worcestershire sauce
4 hamburger buns, split
Tomato slices and lettuce leaves (optional)
In a bowl, combine first 13 ingredients' mix well.  Shape into four patties (mixture will be soft).  Coat a nonstick pan with cooking spray' fry patties for 3-4 minutes on each side or until cooked through.  Serve on buns with lettuce and tomatoes.

Enjoy

The Old Guy

  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Haystacks

Sometimes when an Amish or Mennonite family in this area is in need, their local community holds benefit dinners which often feature these "haystacks." The components offered differ from dinner to dinner and with the seasons. It is sort of like a De-constructed taco salad, But I like them much better.

Traditional Haystack

2 lbs lean ground beef
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
1 (14 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
2 cups saltines, crushed
2 -3 cups tortilla chips, crushed
2 cups cooked rice
1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped fine
2 cups tomatoes, diced
1 cup carrot, chopped
1 cup green onion, chopped
1 cup sliced ripe olives
1 cup red pepper, diced
1 cup celery, diced
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1 cup sunflower seeds
1 (11 ounce) jar salsa
Italian salad dressing (optional)


Directions:

1
Brown the ground beef with the taco seasoning in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2
Add the spaghetti sauce and simmer until the meat is cooked through and the liquid evaporates.
3
Don't crush the saltines or tortilla chips too finely.
4
Place all ingredients in individual serving bowls.
5
Each person can make their own "haystack". The traditional order for layering is lettuce, crushed crackers and chips, meat mixture, rice, each of the veggies, cheese, bacon, sunflower seeds, and salsa (plus Italian dressing if added).

I like my haystack, in addition to the ingredients above, to include spaghetti and cheddar cheese sauce.

Enjoy

The Old Guy