Stir Fry for One

 This stir fry is quick and easy.  You can make more servings by multiplying the ingredients.  It's one of my favorite dinners.

Stir Fry for One

Ingredients:

4 ounces meat of your choice, very thinly sliced (It's easier to slice it thinly if it's partially frozen): chicken, beef, fish, pork

1 cup mixed fresh or frozen vegetables of your choice, bite sized pieces (I often use frozen Asian mix vegetables)

1 teaspoon cooking oil

1/2 teaspoon ginger, either grated fresh or powdered

1 teaspoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon Hoisin sauce

1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

Directions:

Heat heavy shallow skillet on medium heat.  Add cooking oil.  Add meat.  Stir and fry until browned.  Add vegetables.  Stir and fry until cooked to crisp tender and heated all the way through.  If it gets too dry add a small amount of water, less than a teaspoon.

When vegetables are crisp tender and meat is cooked through add 1/2 teaspoon Ginger, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon Hoisin sauce.  Stir and fry for about 30 seconds.  Add 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil.  Stir until combined.  Remove from heat and enjoy.  This is delicious with rice or noodles.  Sometimes I add cooked rice to the skillet before I add the ginger and mix it all together.

Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bars

These taste great and are an addicting snack! 

Ingredients:

1 package (11.5 oz) Milk Chocolate Chips, divided

1 package (11 oz) Caramel Bits

2 Tablespoons water

1/2 Cup Peanut Butter Chips

8 oz of Mini Twist Pretzels

Directions:

Place the chocolate chips in a small microwavable bowl. (Reserve about 1/4 cup of chips for later). Melt in microwave in 20 second intervals until melted.Stir between intervals.

Spread the melted chocolate on a parchment lined cookie sheet.

Place pretzels on top of the chocolate, they can overlap. Press down slightly.

Place the caramel bits in a microwavable bowl with water. Melt in microwave 20 seconds at a time until melted. Stir every 20 seconds. Stir; then drizzle and spread over the pretzels. Let Cool.

  Place the reserved 1/4 cup of chocolate chips in a sandwich size zip lock bag. Melt in the microwave 10 seconds at a time until smooth. Knead  gently with your fingers between 10 second intervals. Drizzle over the cooled caramel. Repeat with the peanut butter chips.

Let cool.  Then cut into squares.  Keep in an airtight container. 

 

Boo Bark

Halloween will soon be here.  It's time to plan some fun treats. 

This Halloween Bark is soooo yummy.  It's the easiest thing to make and only takes a few minutes.  It looks great, but the taste makes it.  Great to package up and  give to friends and family.

Boo Bark

Ingredients:

1 package white Almond Bark (Find this in any grocery store by the baking chocolates.)

1/2 package orange candy melts (You can find this in any craft store.)

4 to 8 cups seasonal candies and treats—such as:

            Oreos, broken into fourths                                       Pretzels

            Candy corn                                                                 Saltine crackers, broken in half

            Mini marshmallows                                                   Kiss candies

            Reese’s Pieces                                                            Graham crackers, broken in half

            M&Ms

Peanut butter cups, chopped                                       Peanuts

Use whatever sounds good.  I like a good mix of sweet and salty.

Directions:

Put all candies and treats in a large bowl.

Melt the Almond Bark in the microwave for 1 minute.  Stir, then melt for additional 20 seconds at a time, until the Almond Bark is melted and smooth.  Stir after each 20 seconds. (Or melt it in a double boiler.)

Pour the melted Almond Bark over the candies and stir well.  Don’t stir too vigorously.  You don’t want to break up the candies too much.

Spread mixture onto a foil lined cookie sheet. Place it in the fridge to cool for a few minutes--about 10 minutes.

Place the candy melts in a quart size Ziploc bag.  Melt in 20 second intervals in the microwave, kneading after each  20 seconds, until the candy is melted and smooth with NO lumps. 

Use scissors and snip off one corner of the bag.  Squeeze the bag to drizzle the candy melt over the mixture on the cookie sheet.   

You can sprinkle on some cake decorating candies, coconut, or chocolate chips if you want.  Sprinkles look great!

Place the cookie sheet in the refrigerator or freezer for 15 to 30 minutes to set up.  Make sure it is hardened before you try to break it.  Break into pieces and store in a covered container. You can break it with your hands, rolling pin, or even a clean hammer.

 

(I like lots of goodies in mine.  I usually use about 8 cups of treats.)

Go make some now and share with your friends and family.  They'll love it.

Cilantro Lime Chicken

Make ahead and freeze
Cook in the Crock Pot
This is one of the easiest meals ever. Make a few and put them in the freezer. You'll be so glad you did. I love that I just place it into the crock pot and it cooks all day while I'm at work. And it IS delicious!

Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds of chicken breast, cut into 4 equal size pieces (No need to cook before putting the meal together.)
juice from 2 limes
1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
1 (16 oz) bag frozen corn
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 teaspoon cumin
salt and pepper to taste

 Directions:
 Place all ingredients in a resealable gallon-sized freezer bag. Mix together and zip bag closed.
Store in freezer for up to 6 months.
When ready to eat, remove from freezer and thaw in refrigerator for 24 hours.
Cook on LOW for 8 hours (or HIGH for 4 hours).
Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings (sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and cheese). I served mine over rice.
Makes 4 servings.

Peanut Butter Brownie Trifle

This is SERIOUS deliciousness!

Makes 20 servings (1 cup each)

Ingredients:
1 fudge brownie mix (13-inch x 9-inch pan size)
1 package (10 ounces) peanut butter chips
2 packages (13 ounces each) miniature peanut butter cups (I've also used Miniature Snickers Peanut Butter Bars.)
4 cups cold 2% milk
2 packages (5.1 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup creamy peanut butter
4 teaspoons vanilla extract (YES, that's 4 teaspoons.)
3 cartons (8 ounces each) frozen whipped topping, thawed

Directions:
Prepare brownie batter according to package directions; stir in peanut butter chips. Bake in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan at 350° F. for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs (do not overbake).
Cool on a wire rack; then cut into 3/4-in. pieces. (These don't have to be exact.)
Cut peanut butter cups in half; set aside 1/3 cup for garnish.
In a large bowl, whisk milk and pudding mixes for 2 minutes(mixture will be thick). Add peanut butter and vanilla; mix well. Fold in 1-1/2 cartons whipped topping. (I'll admit I hesitated to add the peanut butter to the pudding, but WOW that stuff was good.)
Place a third of the brownies in a 5-qt. glass bowl; top with a third of the remaining peanut butter cups. Spoon a third of the pudding mixture over the top.
Repeat layers twice. (You'll have three layers of each ingredient.)
Cover with remaining whipped topping; garnish with reserved peanut butter cups.
Refrigerate until chilled.

I layered these in clear plastic cups and used as individual servings.  They were a big hit.  Try them for a  shower or other party.  If you like chocolate and you like peanut butter, you can't go wrong with these.

Pizza Dip

This is a great dip! Try it with tortilla chips or thinly sliced baguette. It's also good with crackers.
This would be a perfect appetizer or snack for your New Year's Eve party or for your Super Bowl party.

Very easy and oh, so yummy!
We had this on Christmas Eve. It was delicious. I'll try some variations and also some other possibilities for dipping into the pot.

2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, cubed
1 can (15 ounces) pizza sauce
1 package (8 ounces) sliced pepperoni, chopped
1 can (3.8 ounces) chopped ripe olives, drained
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Bagel chips or garlic toast or English muffins

Place the cream cheese in a 3 quart slow cooker. Combine the pizza sauce, pepperoni and olives; pour over cream cheese. Top with mozzarella cheese. Cover and cook on low for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until the cheese is melted. Stir; serve warm with bagel chips or garlic toast or spread on English muffins as an open face sandwich.

I made half the recipe and used a 1 1/2 quart slow cooker. I also made my own pizza sauce. Find that recipe under pizza.
I think it would also be good with browned hamburger or sausage instead of or in addition to the pepperoni.
It might also be good as the dressing on a sub sandwich with some ham, turkey, or beef.

Oreo Truffles (Just 3 Ingredients)

I first got this recipe from a co-worker, just by word of mouth, no written instructions.  Since then I've seen the recipe in a number of places. These are truly delicious and sort of addictive. Very easy to make, especially if you've had practice dipping chocolates. Makes about 3 dozen.

1 package Oreo cookies (Don't use doublestuff, but you can use mint or any flavor.)
1- 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
Almond bark for dipping, either vanilla or chocolate

Put the package of whole Oreos into a gallon zipper bag and pound with rolling pin until well broken up. (Or use your food processor.)
Put the cream cheese into a large bowl. Dump in the mashed Oreos and mix well.
Place a teaspoonful of the mixture into your hand and roll into a little ball. Then put it onto a waxed paper lined cookie sheet. (I use my tiny ice cream scoop.) Repeat with the rest of the mixture.  Put into the freezer for at least 15 to 20 minutes, until very cold or even frozen.
Melt the almond bark. Dip the balls one at a time into the almond bark. Then place them back onto the waxed paper. Put into the freezer until the chocolate sets, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Store in the refrigerator or freezer.

Peeps Treats in a Jar

These make a great little gift to hand out to your friends at Easter time.  They are quick and easy for you and also quick and easy for your friends to make later.  They look so cute and taste great.  Truly a fun idea.

 Pour 1/4 cup Easter M&M’s into a wide mouth pint jar.  Place 6 bunny peeps around the inside of the jar.  Make sure the peeps are facing out.  They should just fit.  Measure 1 cup of Rice Krispies into a plastic sandwich bag, close it, and stuff it into the center of the jar, inside the bunny ring.  Attach directions to the lid and tie a ribbon around the jar.

Directions to place on the jar:

In a small saucepan melt 1 teaspoon of butter.  Snip the Peeps into 2 or 3 pieces and add to the butter.  Heat over medium-low until just melted, stirring constantly.  This only takes about a minute or so.  Don't heat too long. Add the Rice Krispies and M & M’s.  Stir well.  Spread into a buttered small loaf pan or pan of similar size.  Press with a rubber spatula.  Cool and enjoy.

 I molded mine into ovals with my hands to make eggs.  Then I placed a half dozen candy melt wafers in a zipper bag and melted them in the microwave 20 seconds at a time, until they were barely melted.  Then I snipped off a corner of the bag and squiggled the candy melt over the egg shape.

4 Ingredient Biscuits

These guys are so flaky and light. Absolutely scrumptious.  Only 4 ingredients. Try them.  You can do it!  They are really easy.

2 cups Bisquick (I use heart healthy.) or use any biscuit  baking mix

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup 7-up

1/4 cup melted butter

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Cut sour cream into biscuit mix. (I use my fingers.)  Add 7-Up and mix. This makes a very soft dough.

Sprinkle additional biscuit mix or flour on table and pat dough out with your hands. (No need to use a rolling pin.) Pour the melted butter into a 9 inch square pan. Cut biscuits using a round biscuit or cookie cutter or just use a drinking glass.  Place biscuits in pan into the melted butter and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Makes about 8 or 9 biscuits.

 (And no, my pan is not dirty.  That's the melted butter you can see where I've removed a couple of the biscuits.)

Angel Rolls

I make these when I want hot rolls quickly. You can have them on the table in about 30-40 minutes.

3 1/2 cups bread flour, divided
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 package (1/4 ounce) quick-rise yeast
1 1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 cup warm buttermilk* (120 to 130 degrees)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup warm water (120 to 130 degrees)
melted butter or margarine

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Add the buttermilk, oil and water; beat until moistened. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 4-6 minutes. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.

Roll out to 1/2 inch thickness; cut with a 2 1/2 inch biscuit cutter. Place on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown. Brush tops with butter.
Yield 14 to 20 rolls

*Warm buttermilk will appear curdled

Butterfinger Bites

Just 3 ingredients. These are easy to make. They taste, "AWESOME!" according to my son-in-law.

Such a wonderful treat and HEALTHY! Wheat Thins--whole grain crackers=healthy. Peanut Butter--protein=healthy. Chocolate--yummy=okay maybe not so healthy. But 2 out of 3--that's pretty good. I declare that healthy.

Here's what you'll need:
1 (10 oz.) box original Wheat Thins crackers
1 cup creamy peanut butter
16 ounces dipping chocolate, almond bark, or candy melts

First, line a cookie pan with waxed paper. Lay out your Wheat Thins in a single layer all over the pan. My pan didn't quite hold the entire box. You could use more that one pan.

Next, take a zipper sandwich bag and spray the inside with non-stick cooking spray. This will keep the peanut butter from sticking to the bag. Plop about a cup of creamy peanut butter into the bag. Now, zip up the bag and cut off a small corner to make a hole in the bag. Squeeze about a half teaspoon of peanut butter onto the top of each cracker on your cookie pan. I didn't measure. I just "eyeballed" it. You can use a half teaspoon measuring spoon, but the bag is so much faster and easier. Then just throw away the bag and NO cleanup. Hooray!

Place a Wheat Thins cracker on top of each peanut butter topped cracker on the cookie pan.

Melt chocolate according to package directions. Or melt chocolate in microwave at 50 percent power for one minute; stir. Return to microwave at 30 second intervals until chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Remember to stir after each 30 seconds. Chocolate does not look melted until you stir it. You don't want to scorch it.

Finally, dip cracker "sandwiches" in chocolate to coat.

Set on waxed paper on cookie pans.

Place in refrigerator or freezer for 10-15 minutes to set completely. Eat and enjoy.

Store in an airtight container.
Somebody commented that these are better than Butterfingers. I don't know about that, but they sure are scrumptious and WAY healthier than Butterfingers.
Try some for yourself. I think you'll be glad you did.
I made about 48, but I only used one pan; and not the entire box of Wheat Thins.