Low sugar low carb Cheesecake filled Strawberries

Ingredients
2 pounds fresh whole strawberries
2 blocks cream cheese (softened to room temp)
1/3 cup splenda (give or take)
1 lime, lemon or orange
5 graham cracker crumbs

Directions

Combine cream cheese, splenda, lime zest and lime juice with mixer
Fill one corner of baggie (cut corner off baggie) or piping bag fitted with tip with  cheesecake mixture
Take green tops off strawberries and scoop out insides (I do it with a paring knife)
Pipe mix into each strawberry and dip top into graham cracker crumbs

NOTE: You can do this ahead. I prep the strawberries the night before and store them in a paper towel lined, air tight container. Then I fill them before serving them.

Cool Whip Cookies

Ingredients

1 box cake mix (any flavor- chocolate, red velvet, vanilla)
1 tub Cool Whip (8 oz)
1 egg. 


 Directions

Mix ingredients. Drop spoonfuls into powdered sugar to coat. Bake at 350 for 12 mins cool before removing

Pizza Bites

Ingredients:

3 cans Pillsbury Buttermilk Biscuits OR Pizza dough
60 pepperoni slices 
 1 bag Italian Style pizza cheese
1 beaten egg
Parmesan Cheese
Italian Seasoning
Garlic Powder
1 jar pizza sauce

Directions:

Flatten each biscuit or pizza dough
 stack pepperoni and cheese on top 
 Gather edges of biscuit/pizza dough 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 mins.
 Serve with warm pizza sauce for dipping.

Easy Apple Cake

 Ingredients
3-5 apples(depending on size)
Box cake mix
1 stick of butter
coking spray

Directions
Layer apples sliced (or other fruit) at the bottom of a pan (9x11) that has been coated with non-stick spray.
Sprinkle on boxed cake mix.
Pour 1/2 cup of melted butter over the fruit and dry cake mix.
Bake at 350* for approximately 35-45 minutes.

A Version of Coconut Cream Pie

crust:
1 cup flour
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 Tbs sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans - optional

Mix and pat in an 8x8 inch pan, bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, until just beginning to turn golden. Do not over bake.

Layer two:
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup whipped topping

Beat together sugar and cream cheese. Fold in whipped topping. Spread on cooled crust.

Layer three:
1 small package coconut cream instant pudding
1 1/2 cups whole milk (any milk will do, but whole milk makes pudding so much tastier)

Mix until thickened. Spread over cream cheese mixture.

Top with remaining tub of whipped topping.

Toast 1 cup coconut. Sprinkle evenly on dessert. Refrigerate.

Amish Cinnamon Bread

Batter:

1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 cups buttermilk or 2 cups milk plus 2 tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice
4 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda

Cinnamon/sugar mixture:

2/3 cups sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Cream together butter, 2 cups of sugar, and eggs. Add milk, flour, and baking soda. Put 1/2 of batter (or a little less) into greased loaf pans (1/4 in each pan). Mix in separate bowl the 2/3 c sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle 3/4 of cinnamon mixture on top of the 1/2 batter in each pan. Add remaining batter to pans; sprinkle with last of cinnamon topping. Swirl with a knife. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 min. or until toothpick tester come clean.
Cool in pan for 20 minutes before removing from pan.

Cinnamon Roll Cake

Cake:
3 c. flour
1/4 tsp.salt
1 c. sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 c. milk
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. butter, melted

Topping:
1 c. butter, softened
1 c. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. flour
1 Tbsp. cinnamon

Directions:
Mix everything together except for the butter. Slowly stir in the melted butter and pour into a greased 9x13 pan. For the topping, mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Drop evenly over the batter and swirl with a knife. Bake at 350 for 28-32 minutes.

Glaze:
2 c. powdered sugar
5 Tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla

While warm drizzle the glaze over the cake.

Cornflake Chicken~ Thanks Trisha Yearwood

Ingedients

Boneless Skinless chicken breast (you can use whatever kind of chicken you like)
cornflakes
buttermilk(enough to soak chicken in)
cayenne pepper(optional)
cooking spray
salt and pepper

Directions

Soak chicken in buttermilk while you are crushing up cornflakes(I put the cayenne in the buttermilk)
Crush cornflakes in a large plastic baggie (I use about a 1/3 box, if you run out just crush more)
Drain of extra buttermilk and coat chicken in the cornflake crumbs and place on a non stick cookie sheet
Lightly spray chicken with cooking spray and sprinkle tops with salt and pepper to taste
Bake in 400 degree oven until cooked through and super crispy
Times will vary depending on what kind of chicken you use

Cowboy Caviar

1/2 C Sugar
1/2 Canola Oil
1 C Cider Vinegar
1 can corn
1 can black beans
1 can black eyed peas
Cilantro
Orange pepper
1 Red onion
2 stalks celery

Bring to a boil sugar, oil and vinegar
Let cool completely
rinse and drain bean, peas and corn
In a big bowl add corn, bean and peas.

Dice pepper, onion, celery and cilantro and mix everything together
add liquid and mix. Let stand in the fridge for at least 12 hours
It will have a lot of liquid, so drain before serving.
Best served with whole grain scoops tortillas!!

Perfect Oven Potatoes

2-4 Idaho potatoes ( 2 is enough for 2-3 people)
Canola oil
salt and pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients:
thyme
garlic
butter

Cut your potatoes how you want ( I like wedges)
soak in water for ten minutes, drain and dry completely
put 2 tbsp oil and a sprinkle of salt on baking sheet
toss potatoes in about 2 tbsp oil and salt and pepper
lay on sheet in a single layer and cover with foil
bake for 10 mins on 450
take foil off bake another 10 mins then flip over and bake another 10 mins
bake until desired crispiness

NOW: I melt some butter in a pan and mince fresh garlic and thyme and put in the butter then toss the potatoes after they come out. SO GOOD!!!!!

Zucchini Pie

Ingredients:

4 c sliced fresh zucchini (about 4-5 medium size)
1/2 sliced onion (optional)
2 tbsp butter
8 oz shredded muenster cheese
2 eggs
1 can crescent rolls
2 tbsp yellow mustard
salt & pepper to taste
2 tsp italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Slice onion and zucchini into thin slices
Preheat large skillet and add 2 tbsp butter
Add onion and zucchini and saute until tender
Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, italian seasoning and continue to saute.
Take off heat and let cool in pan.
In pie plate or 9 in round baking dish, cover the bottom with crescent rolls and seal all seams.
Spread mustard on crescent rolls.
In bowl mix eggs and shredded cheese, then fold in zucchini.
Add mix to baking dish and bake in oven for 30 mins until a knife is inserted and comes out clean.
Let stand for 10 mins before cutting.

Chicken Broccoli Soup: A Family Recipe

Ingredients:

2-3 boneless skinless chicken breast
4c chicken broth
2c water
1c milk
2 bags of frozen broccoli
2 boxes dried hash browns (betty crocker makes them) If you can't find them, buy 2 refrigerated bags of shredded potatoes.
16oz bag shredded cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste
olive oil

Directions:

Cube chicken into 1 inch chunks.
Heat a pan (large soup pot or dutch oven) and add 2 tsp oil and add chicken to brown.
Add stock, water, hash browns, milk and broccoli to pot.
Add salt and pepper to taste and bring to a boil.
Reduce to medium, cover and stir occasionally so potatoes don't stick to the bottom.
The soup will thicken after awhile. The cook time is approximately 45mins to an hour.
Right before serving add in cheese and stir.

This makes a huge pot of soup and store well for up to a week.
It also reheats great!!

You can also make this vegetarian by omitting chicken and switching chicken broth our for veggie stock.

Pumpkin Pancakes w/ Cream Cheese Syrup: courtesy of 6 bittersweets

Pancakes
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon wheat germ
(I forgot to add this but I'm sure it adds great texture and nutty flavor)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
pinch of ground cloves
pinch of cayenne powder
1 egg
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon molasses
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup pumpkin puree (I used canned)
1 cup buttermilk (I substituted 1% milk plus 1 teaspoon vinegar)
vegetable oil for the pan

Cream Cheese Syrup
3/4 cup cream cheese frosting (any kind but I used extra from this recipe)
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk, or more to taste

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, wheat germ, baking power, baking soda, and spices. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the egg until thoroughly combined, then add the oil, molasses, sugar, pumpkin, and buttermilk. (Cover and refrigerate the liquid mixture at this point if making ahead.) Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk gently until the batter is mostly mixed but still contains small lumps. Let batter rest while pan heats, at least 5 minutes. Use 1/4 batter to make pancakes. To make the syrup, simply mix all the ingredients together until smooth. You can play around with the proportions to get the perfect sweetness/thickness for you.

Chopped Steak with caramelized onions

Ingredients:

1lb ground sirloin ( you can use ground beef 80/20 to make this on the cheap)
kosher salt 
pepper
worchestire sauce
olive oil
1 large onion
1 can beef or brown gravy

Directions:

Mix meat, a good pinch of salt and pepper, about 4-5 dashes of worchestire sauce and  a good splash of olive oil in bowl.
Make into patties ( for 1 pound you can get about 6-8 patties).
Heat large skillet on med-high and add about 2 tsp olive oil in pan.
Place patties in pan and let brown on one side for 5-6 mins (you want a good crust) Flip and do the same on the other side.
Drain any grease or oil and add gravy.
Lower to a simmer and cover with a lid.
You can leave this on a very low simmer up to 30 mins. on the stove or turn off after 15 mins.

Caramelized Onions:
Slice onions thins and separate.
Heat skillet on med-high.
Add 1 tbsp olive oil and onions.
Add a pinch of salt and pepper and toss.
To make this process faster put a tight fitting lid on the pan.
Check periodically and stir onions until brown and soft.

Pumpkin Bread: courtesy of Parents.com

Ingredients:
1 box yellow cake mix
1c canned pumpkin
1c mashed banana
1tsp cinnamon
4oz cream cheese
1/4c softened butter
1c powdered sugar
1/2tsp vanilla

Directions:

Mix cake mix according to box omitting water and adding pumpkin, banana and cinnamon. You can pour batter into 1 sprayed loaf pan, mini loaf pans or muffin tins. Bake at 375 until toothpick inserted comes out clean.

For frosting:

Mix cream cheese and butter. Stir in vanilla and slowly mix in powdered sugar. Frost cooled pumpkin bread. Keep Refrigerated!

Yummy Easy Fudge: courtesy of Anne Thornton

Ingredients:

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
2c semi sweet chocolate chips
1c milk chocolate chips
1 1/2tsp vanilla extract
1tsp fine sea salt
walnuts or pecans (optional)

Directions:

In saucepan gently heat condensed milk. Add chocolate chips and mix by folding until melted. Add vanilla and nuts. Pour fudge in any 9in parchment or wax paper lined baking dish, when lining make parchment about 4 inches to over hang(you can use this to pull fudge out). Let stand in fridge for about 3 hours. I cut them in small bite sized pieces. Keep refrigerated!

Spritzer Cookies

You do need to have a cookie gun in order to get the shapes for cookies!

Ingredients:

1c butter
3/4c sugar
1 egg
1tsp vanilla
2 1/4c flour
1/4tsp salt
1/2tsp baking powder

Directions:

Cream sugar and butter, mix in egg and vanilla. In separate bowl combine flour, salt and baking soda. Add dry ingredients slowing into wet while mixing. After combined, place in fridge covered with plastic (this step is not necessary, I think it makes the cookies flakier). Separate dough into different bowls and add food coloring. Use directions according to your cookie gun. Use non greased, non lined cookie sheets. 375 until edges are golden brown.

Scott's Favorite Meatloaf

1/2 lb ground sirloin
1/2 lb ground chuck 80/20 (you need some fat)
2 dashes worchestire sauce
good pinch kosher salt
 and pepper
3 tbs olive oil
seasoned breadcrumbs
1 egg
ketchup (for top)

In bowl add all ingredients together and lightly mix.
Free form loaf and put on baking sheet or baking pan.
Brush top with ketchup
Cook on 375 for 45-60 minutes.
Let rest and slice

Now, my hubby likes his meatloaf with a nice crispy and ketchupy crust. So after an hour in the oven, I turn the oven off and let the meatloaf sit in the oven for another 15 minutes. It still comes out moist and juicy.

Tailgate Dip (from my mama)

Ingredients:

16 oz plain cream cheese
2 cans no bean chili
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Toppings: Optional

2 scallions chopped
1 tomato diced
1/4 red onion diced
black olives

Directions:

Spread softened cream cheese in bottom of pan.
Spread chili on top of cream cheese and sprinkle cheddar on top of chili.
Heat in oven or microwave until melted and warmed through.

You can either put all topping on the dip or set up a topping bar for guests.
Serve with your favorite tortilla chips.

Rosemary Chicken with Red potatoes

Ingredients:

6 boneless skinless chicken thighs or 4 chicken breasts
6-8 red potatoes
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp dry rosemary
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp dry minced garlic or (1 clove garlic minced)
1/4 cup olive oil

Directions:

In large bowl mix all spices and oil together.
Wash and cut potatoes in half.
Add chicken and potatoes in bowl and toss with spices.
place chicken and potatoes on a foil lined baking sheet or baking dish.
Cook for 30 to 45 minutes depending on size of chicken.

I make asparagus with this, I blanch them in salted boiling water and serve!!