Friday, February 25, 2011

Baked Ziti... MMM

I haven't had a chance to try this, but it is the next one on my list!!! It looks delicious & super easy!

Ingredients
1 jar spaghetti sauce
16 oz. ziti pasta (tube shaped macaroni)
8 oz. ricotta cheese
1/2 cup milk
8 oz. sliced mozzarella cheese
Pinch of crushed red pepper
Pinch of sweet basil
Pinch of garlic powder
Pinch of Italian seasoning
Freshly ground black pepper
Prepare pasta as stated on package. In a medium mixing bowl dump ricotta cheese into bowl mix in the milk and spices, stir. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In an 8 x 12 inch baking dish. Prepare bottom of dish with 2 tablespoons of spaghetti sauce. In medium bowl add pasta to ricotta cheese. Season with the black pepper and red pepper to taste, and mix until well combined. Then dump into 8 x 12 inch pan. Lay mozzarella cheese on top of macaroni. Add 2 tablespoons of spaghetti sauce to top to keep mozzarella from burning. Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly warm. Let stand before serving and top with more spaghetti sauce to serve.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Cookies Heather’s Four Little Monsters!

I don’t know about all of the other little sisters out there, but my big sister has taught me a lot about life, love, and of course how to make the most delicious cookies. This is a great recipe that you can add nuts and raisins to if you’re feeling like something a little less chocolaty. Enjoy!

Monster Cookies
3 eggs
1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 12-ounce jar creamy peanut butter
1 stick butter, softened
1/2 cup multi-colored chocolate candies
1/2 cup chocolate chips
2 teaspoons baking soda
4 1/2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs and sugars. Mix well. Add the salt, vanilla, peanut butter, and butter. Mix well. Stir in the chocolate candies, chocolate chips, baking soda, and oatmeal. Drop balls the size of a tablespoon on cookie sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Do not over bake.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Chicken Roll-Ups...

I don't know about you, but I am all for different variations of meals.  So add or take away any of the ingredients you find in this and I think it would still be very delicious!  I think next time I might add some ham & Swiss cheese and make them Chicken Cordon Blue Roll-Ups!!! Enjoy

Chicken Roll-Ups
1-2 cans of canned chicken (or roughly the same amount of shredded chicken)
1 8 oz. package cream cheese
2 Tbsp. milk
salt and pepper to taste
2 cans crescent rolls
2 c. crushed croutons (you can also use the Parmesan Shake n' Bake)

Blend together first four ingredients. Separate crescent rolls into triangles. Spoon chicken into the bottom of the triangle, fold in the bottom corners, and roll up. Lightly roll in melted butter then roll in crushed croutons. Place on un-greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 20 min.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Valentines Pancakes!

I don't know about your kids but mine love anything that is Holiday!!!  So being the lazy mommy I am right now... I decided for Valentines we would just do pancakes!

Valentines Pancakes (Or any Holiday)
Mix up your favorite pancake mix, add some red or pink food coloring.  Stir together cook, cut out heart shapes with a cookie cutter, preferably a big one!  Add your favorite decor and there you have it cute little Valentines Pancakes!!! Enjoy!

The "BEST" Sugar Cookies!

I am a lover of sugar cookies... Big, Small, Short, Tall!!!  As you can see by this picture my daughter loves them too!  This recipe is by far my favorite & I have tried a few!

Sugar Cookies
1Cup Sugar
1 Egg
1/2 Cup Butter
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1 Cup IMO Sour Cream (or whatever kind is in your fridge)
3 1/4 Cups Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/3 teaspoon Salt

Mix Sugar, Egg, Softened Butter, and vanilla until creamy.  Add Sour Cream and sifted dry ingredients.  Mix well.  Bake @ 350 for approximately 8-10 minutes.