Easy Pigs in a Blanket

This is the perfect recipe for a quick lunch or light dinner. And who doesn't love pigs in a blanket ?

Pigs in a Blanket

1 3/4 c. baking mix ( I used Bisquick)
1/3 c. milk
1 tbsp mustard
8 or 10 strips of cheese ( I used cheddar)
8 or 10 hot dogs ( I use turkey dogs that come in a package of 10)

Heat oven to 400 degrees. In a bowl, mix baking mix, milk, mustard, beat 30 seconds. If it seems to dry add an extra tbsp of milk. Place on surface sprinkled with baking mix. Shape into a ball and knead 10 or so times.

Roll out to a 13 inch circle. Cut into 8-10 wedges. Place one strip of cheese down the middle of each wedge. Top with hot dig and roll up.

Bake 12 min until done and golden on top. Enjoy !

NOTE:  If you want to make baby pigs cut each hot dog in half and dough also. My kids really love the baby piggies in a blanket.  Yields 18-20

Adapted from Bisquick Cookbook

Ham and Potato Crock-Pot Casserole

Ok, so this is one of my favorite go to recipes for dinner. And since it is made in the crock pot it is quick and easy. Love that !

Why I love this recipe:

Uses pantry staples
Left over ham deli meat in the fridge
I've used a mix of shredded cheeses I had in the fridge
Also used a mix of partially full hash brown bags from the freezer
Bottom line, this recipe if forgiving and always comes out yummy
Oh and can't beat that cranberry stuffing topping......


Ham and Potato Crock-Pot Casserole

1 26 oz. frozen shredded hash browns ( or 32 oz cubed )
1 tbsp. dried chopped onion
1 tsp. salt
1 c. sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 c. shredded cheese
1-2 c. chopped ham ( depends how much meat you like )

TOPPING

1 6 oz. box of stuffing, prepared
1/2 c. dried cranberries (optional)

Combine all ingredients except the topping into your slow cooker. Combine cranberries with your prepared stuffing and sprinkle over top the potato mixture.  Cook on high for 4 hours. Enjoy !

Please note: I have used both the shredded and cubed hash browns and even a mixture. But I like the shredded better. They just cook up nicer.

Adapted from: 200 Slow Cooker Creations

Light Lemon Cake

There is no summer party with our family that you will not find this delicious cake. 

Made with a cake mix it goes together quickly but the results are perfect every time.

Light Lemon Cake

Cake

1 pkg. lemon cake mix ( you can also use a yellow cake mix )

1 pkg. (3.4 ounces ) instant lemon pudding mix

1 3/4 c. water

2 eggs

Frosting

3/4 c. milk

1/2 tsp lemon extract ( optional)

1 package ( 1 ounce) instant sugar-free lemon pudding mix

1 carton ( 8 ounces ) Cool Whip, thawed

Combine cake mix, lemon pudding mix, water and eggs. Beat until smooth. Pour into a 9x13 pan and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 min.

For frosting, whisk the milk, extract and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Let stand for 2 min to soft-set. Fold in whipped topping. Spread on cooled cake.

Refrigerate any leftovers, and this tastes just as delicious the next day. 

Enjoy !

Oven Caramel French Toast

One of my favorite go to recipes when I want a yummy breakfast but don't want to do a lot of prep in the morning. I always make this when my in-laws come to town. It is so decadent you don't even need syrup. 

1c. packed brown sugar

1/2c. butter

2T. light corn syrup

1 loaf Texas Toast

1 1/2c. milk

6 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

1/4/tsp. salt

cinnamon (optional)

 In a med. saucepan bring sugar, butter and corn syrup to a boil. Remove immediately and pour into a 9x13 pan. Spread evenly. Let sit for 5 few minutes.

Lay 12 pieces of bread over the caramel. Whisk together milk, eggs, vanilla and salt, and pour over bread. Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired. 

Cover with plastic wrap and chill overnight. Remove from refrigerator while preheating the oven.

Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 min. Let sit 5 min before serving. Enjoy.

Ham & Potato Chowder

This is comfort food at its best. Perfect for a cold winter's night and goes together quickly. We never have any leftovers when I make this soup. Perfect with a loaf of crusty bread...

1 med. onion , chopped
1 Tbsp, olive oil
1/2c. -1 c. diced ham ( I use our extra deli ham from the fridge, great way to use it up before it turns)
4 c. chicken broth
3 large potatoes or 6 small ones, cubed
1 can corn(approx. 15 oz), drained
1 c. milk, divided
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/3 c. flour

In a large saucepan , cook and stir onion and ham in oil until onions are tender. Add broth and potatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 min, or until potatoes are tender.

Stir in corn, 1/2 c. milk, salt and pepper. In a bowl whisk together flour and 1/2 c. milk. Stir into soup and return to a boil. Cook for 2-3 more min. or until thickened. Serve.

Peanut Butter Texas Sheet Cake

For all those peanut butter lovers out there , this is the perfect treat. Moist and sweet with the perfect frosting.  It makes a big pan so it's perfect for parties and potlucks. Enjoy !

Cake:

2c. flour

2c. sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

t tsp.baking soda

1c. butter

1c. water

1/4 c. creamy peanut butter

2 eggs

1/2 c. buttermilk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Frosting:

1/2 c. butter

1/4 c. creamy peanut butter

1/3 c plus 1 TBSP milk

1 tsp. vanilla

16oz. pkg powdered sugar

Cake: Combine flour, sugar, salt and baking soda in bowl and set aside. In saucepan combine butter, water, peanut butter and bring to a boil.  Add to flour mixture, mix well and set aside. Combine eggs, vanilla and buttermilk, add to peanut butter mixture. Spread batter in greased ( I line mine with parchment paper) 16 x 12 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 min. 

Frosting: Combine butter, peanut butter and milk in saucepan on med. heat, bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in powdered sugar and vanilla. Stir until smooth. Spread warm frosting over cake. Let cake rest until frosting has set up.

Recipe from Gooseberry Patch Book: Cupcakes and More Fun Treats 2012

Caramel Corn Pops

My kids go crazy for this stuff and I must admit once I get munching I can't stop myself. It's an easy treat and great for parties or a movie night.

Caramel Corn Pops

8oz bag of corn pops

Caramel Coating ( mix in 2qt. sauce pan)

1/2 c. butter or margarine

1/2 c. light corn syrup

1c. brown sugar

1 tsp. baking soda

Mix together in sauce pan, butter, corn syrup and sugar.  Cook for 2 min. or until bubbly around the edges. Add 1 tsp. baking soda, this will foam. ( allows for proper coating of pops)

Pour caramel slurry over corn pops and stir until evenly coated.  Place in 250 degree oven for 45 min, stirring every 10 min to evenly coat.

Remove from oven and pour onto parchment or waxed paper to cool.

Enjoy !

(this recipe is from the back of the Clover Club Corn Pops bag)