Blondie Bars

 

Blondies are one of my favorite bar cookies. Rich, chewy, chocked full of chocolate chips, toffee bits, and nuts.  Happiness in every bite.  The perfect bar cookie in my book.  Yes, they are a step above brownies.  These Blondies are easy to make and you can whip up some quickly for dessert, snack, or just to enjoy.  The house smells wonderful as they are baking. Every time I make them, I wonder why it takes me so long to make them again. 

This recipe is from Dories Greenspan which I found on the Epicurious website

Blondie Bars

Blondie Bars

INGREDIENTS

2 c. flour

3/4 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

2 sticks (8 oz.) unsalted butter, at room temp

1 1/2 c. packed light brown sugar

1/2 c. white sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

1 c. chocolate chips or chopped bittersweet chocolate

1 c. butterscotch chips or toffee bits

1 c. coarsely chopped walnuts

PREPARATION

Preheat oven to 325 and butter a 9x13 pan. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. In in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or with a hand mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add both sugars and beat for another 3 minutes, or until well-incorporated. Add the eggs one by one, beating for 1 minute after each addition, then beat in vanilla. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the dry ingredients, mixing until they just disappear into the batter. Using a rubber spatula, stir in the chips, nuts, or anything else you're adding. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and use a spatula to even the top. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center of the blondies comes out clean. They should pull away from the sides of the pan and the top should be a nice honey brown. Cool to room temperature before cutting into bars.

Yield 24 bars

 

King Ranch Chicken Casserole

I was first introduced to King Ranch Casserole many years ago.  I still love it.  King Ranch Casserole is rich and creamy chicken tortilla casserole that is simply yummy.   It is easy and quick to make.  In fact, I sometimes make mine a day ahead.  The  next day, I take it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 1 hour.  Then I proceed baking it.  

This casserole is great for potlucks or for a weeknight dinner.  

King Ranch Chicken Casserole

From Southern Living

Ingredients

1 chopped green bell pepper

1 chopped onion

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 cups chopped cooked chicken

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 can diced tomato and green chiles

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 pinches garlic powder

2 pinches pepper

12 corn tortillas, torn into 1-inch pieces

2 cups grated cheddar cheese or Mexican Cheese

Directions 

 Step 1

In a large skilled over medium-high heat, sauté bell pepper and onion 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in chicken and next 7 ingredients; remove from heat.

 Step 2

Layer one-third of torn tortillas in bottom of a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Top with one-third of chicken mixture and 2/3 cup cheese. Repeat layers twice. Bake at 350° for 30 to 35 minutes.

Serves 6-8

Rolled Chicken Enchiladas

 

Enchiladas are a meal I grew up with.  We had them once a week for dinner.  They would be flat or rolled, cheese, chicken, or beef.   Add a side of beans, rice, or potatoes, and I was a happy camper.  Not much has changed, I still love enchiladas.

I found this recipe on Our Best Bites website and it is delicious.  Instead of making my own sauce, I used remade enchilada sauce.  

Rolled Chicken Enchiladas

From Our Best Bites Adapted by From My Southwest Kitchen

Ingredients:

2 cans (15-ounce) green or red enchilada sauce

4 ounces (1/2 block) cream cheese 

1 7-oz can mild green chilis

14–16 ounces cooked, shredded chicken (about 3 1/2 cups)

4 cups shredded Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese, divided

8–10 medium flour or corn tortillas

Directions:

1. In a separate mixing bowl, soften cream cheese in microwave until it’s easily stirred. Add green chilis and 1/2 cup of reserved sauce. Stir to combine and add chicken and 2 cups cheese.

Tip: If needed, to make the tortillas easier to roll, place between damp paper towels and microwave until warm (20-30 seconds).

2. Pour about 1 cup sauce into the bottom of prepared pan and spread out evenly. Place about 1/3-1/2 cup chicken mixture on each tortilla and roll tightly. Place tortillas snugly in pan. Pour remaining sauce on top and top with remaining 2 cups cheese. Note: If you do not want your enchiladas too saucy,  reserve some of the sauce.

3. Bake 30-35 minutes, until hot and bubbly throughout and cheese is melted.

Serves 4-6

Roasted Potatoes With Garlic and Thyme

Delicious and flavorful potatoes that are a perfect side for any meal. The garlic and thyme add a wonderful flavor to the potatoes. The recipe calls for red new potatoes but I often substitutes what I have on hand and they come out great.  

This is a very easy recipe to make.  First, the potatoes are boiled for about 5 minutes and then placed in a baking dish.  Drizzle some olive oil over the potatoes and toss.  Next add the garlic, thyme, salt and pepper to the potatoes.  Bake for about 20 minutes and serve.  

You have a tasty side to go with any main course.  This dish is also perfect for the holidays.

Roasted Potatoes With Garlic and Thyme

From Williams-Sonoma Kitchen Library

Ingredients:

Salt

2-2 1/2 pounds red new potatoes, 1 1/2-2 inches in diameter, cut in half crosswise (you can use the potatoes you have on hand) Note: If am using Baby Creamers, I do not cut them in half

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

4 or 5 garlic cloves, cut in half

1 tablespoon coarsely chopped fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons crushed dried thyme

Fresh ground pepper

Chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

1. Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F.

2. Fill a large pot three-fourths full with water and bring to a boil.  Add 1 tablespoon salt and the potatoes. Bring back to a boil, reduce the heat slightly, cover partially and cook for 4 minutes.   Drain well.

3. Arrange the potatoes in a baking dish or baking pan, preferably in a single layer. Drizzle the olive oil over the top, then turn the potatoes over several times so they are well coated with the oil.  Sprinkle the garlic over the potatoes.  Sprinkle on the thyme and a little salt and pepper.

4. Place in the oven and bake, turning the potatoes over several times, until tender and golden, 20-25 minutes.

5. Transfer to a serving dis, sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Serves 6-8

Instant Pot Split Pea Soup

 I have always loved split Pea Soup.  It is a hearty soup with a wonderful flavor.  It is just a satisfying meal.  Be sure to add some bread so you can clean out the bowl.  

Usually I have made this soup on the stove top.  I adventured out and made it in my Instant Pot.  The best Split Pea soup I have eaten.  I shouldn't be surprised - soups I have made in the past in my Instant Pot have come out great.  

Try this recipe from The Country Cook and I don't believe you will be disappointed.

Instant Pot Split Pea Soup

From the Country Cook

Ingredients:

2 stalks celery, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

1 1 leek, thinly sliced (white part only)

1 cup leftover chopped ham

1 ½ cups dried green split peas

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ tsp salt

½ tsp pepper

½ tsp liquid smoke

1 quart chicken broth

Instructions

Wash and cut all the vegetables needed and chop ham. Sort and rinse the dried split peas. Look for any little hard bits that should be removed. 

Add all the ingredients to the Instant Pot and stir.

Secure the lid in place and set the vent to sealing.

Cook on Manual high pressure for 15 minutes.

Carefully release the steam by doing a quick steam release. 

Thin the soup with water if needed to bring it to the consistency you desire. The soup will continue to thicken as it cools. 

Serves 4

Crock Pot Stuffed Peppers

Usually when I suggest I have Stuffed Peppers for dinner, I get groans from the family.  I finally decided I was going to make them anyway.  There were gobbled up in no time.  This was a very tasty recipe that required little prep time. The peppers are stuffed with a ground beef, rice, cheese, Rotel mixture seasoned with onion, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. The peppers are cooked on low for about 6 hours in the crock pot.  About 15 minutes before serving they are topped with cheese.  Delicious.

The family really enjoyed this dish.  I see more Stuffed Peppers for dinner in our future.

CROCK POT STUFFED PEPPERS

From The Country Cook

Ingredients

6 bell peppers

1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)

1 cup cooked rice

1 (10 oz) can Rotel, or tomato sauce

1 cup pimiento cheese (or shredded cheese)

1 tsp dried minced onion

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

shredded cheese, for topping

Instructions

1. In a large bowl combine, ground beef (uncooked), cooked rice, Rotel, Price*s Pimiento Cheese Spread, seasonings and Worcestershire sauce.

2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the ribs and seeds.

Add 1/4 cup water into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Place peppers into the bottom of the slow cooker (in a single layer.)

3. Then begin stuffing them with the meat mixture. It may seem like all the meat won't fit into all the peppers but it will. Just keep packing down the meat mixture and spoon a little extra on the top.

4. Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours (or high for 4 hours) until meat is completely cooked.

About 15 minutes before they are done cooking, add shredded cheese to the tops. Cover and let cheese melt.

Serves 6

Instant Pot Creamy Gnocchi Soup

Another great Instant Pot soup for the cold weather.  I loved this soup.  It had a rich velvety texture and was very hearty.  The gnocchi was a great addition.  A nice change from traditional noodles.  

Instant Pot Creamy Gnocchi Soup

From Simply Happy Foodie

Ingredients

6 slices Thick Cut Bacon, chopped in bite sized pieces

2 Tbsps Butter

1 Onion, chopped

3 large Carrots, chopped

1 Bay Leaf

2 ribs Celery, chopped

6 cloves Garlic, pressed or finely minced

1 sprig Fresh Rosemary, about 5 inches long

1/2 tsp Basil, dried

1/2 tsp Thyme, dried

1/4 tsp Poultry Seasoning

2 tsp Italian Seasoning

1/2 tsp Kosher Salt

1/2 tsp Pepper

4 cups Chicken Broth, low sodium

2 to 3 Chicken Breasts, uncooked, boneless, skinless

16 oz Gnocchi (I get the refrigerated package, or the one by the dry pasta at the store.)

1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated

5 oz Baby Spinach, fresh

1 cup Heavy Cream

Instructions

1. Turn on the Sauté function (Med/Normal heat) and add the chopped bacon. Cook until mostly done.

2. Add the butter, onion, carrot, celery, and bay leaf, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until onions are just starting to turn translucent.

3.Add the rosemary, basil, thyme, poultry seasoning, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and the garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently.

4.Add the chicken broth. Stir.

5. Add in the chicken breasts.

6. Put the lid on and lock in place. Set the steam release knob to the Sealing position.

Cancel the sauté function.

7. Press the Pressure Cook (or Manual) button or dial, and the + or - button or dial to select 9 minutes. High pressure. It will take several minutes to come to pressure.

When cooking cycle has ended, let the pot sit undisturbed for 10 minutes (10 minute natural release).

Next, turn the steam release knob to Venting (in short bursts until you are sure no soup spews out of the vent with the steam), and let the remaining pressure out. When the pin in the lid drops down, open the lid.

Remove the chicken breasts to a bowl and discard the bay leaf.

Turn on the sauté function again.

8. Add the gnocchi and stir. Place the glass lid, if you have one, on the pot. If you place the pressure cooker's lid on the pot, make sure it is turned to Venting.

Cook the gnocchi until it floats to the top. Just a few minutes.

Meanwhile, shred the chicken breasts.

9. When the gnocchi is finished, turn off the pot. Add the parmesan cheese and stir.

Add the chicken back in, and the spinach. Stir.

Stir in the heavy cream.

Serve hot.

Serves 8