I love to cook. Here are some of our family’s favorite recipes, tried and true.
​And we have really great taste.

GRANDMA'S QUICHE This is one of our family's favorites. Fun fact: I initially wrote this recipe down incorrectly years ago, calling for 2 cups of half and half. It took me several tries (cutting it down a little each time) to figure out it was supposed to be just 1 cup. Now it's fail-proof! I love to serve this with a simple butter lettuce side salad with french vinaigrette. Bon Appetit!

Ingredients:
Cooked spinach, asparagus, or broccoli (if using frozen veggies, make sure to drain and squeeze out water)
bacon, crumbled (or ham, if preferred)
unbaked pie crust (I use store bought :)
8 0z shredded cheese (I like Swiss)
4 eggs, beaten
1 cup half and half
salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350. Mix together eggs and half and half using a whisk. Stir in cheese, bacon, vegetables, salt and pepper. Pour into pie crust and use a fork to make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden on top. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes:
Frozen veggies work great in this recipe, however, in recent years I've switched to fresh veggies. I sauté the spinach or roast the asparagus/broccoli. I love the flavor! For a little kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. 

CHERRIES IN THE SNOW This is hands-down my favorite dessert from my childhood. And it is my husband's favorite dessert from his adulthood. It is so light and fluffy and creamy and luscious. If you make this for your friends, be prepared to share the recipe and send them home with the leftovers. (Recipe, Cherry-Berries on a Cloud, and photo cred from Good Housekeeping and my mother).

Ingredients:
​Meringue:
6 egg whites
1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 3/4 cups sugar

Filling:
6 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups whipping cream
2 cups miniature marshmallows

Cherry-Berry Topping:
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
1 tsp. lemon juice
2 cups sliced strawberries or 1 package (16 oz) frozen strawberries, thawed, drained

Notes:
The total time for this dessert is 25 hours and 20 minutes! Is that ridiculous? Not really (because your are sleeping, showering, eating, cleaning your house, running errands, and watching Tournament of Champions with Guy Fieri during most of those hours). Is it worth it? Absolutely! Do not - I repeat - DO NOT be intimidated. I make the meringue at night so it cools in the oven while I'm sleeping. I make the filling in the morning and let it set in the fridge all day, and I prepare the fruit topping a couple of hours before serving (usually in the evening).

​

Preparation:

1. Heat oven to 275°F. Grease bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan (I use butter). In large bowl, beat egg whites, cream of tartar and salt with electric mixer on high speed until foamy. Beat in 1 3/4 cups sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time; continue beating until stiff and glossy. Do not underbeat. Spread in pan.

2. Bake 1 hour. Turn off oven; leave meringue in oven with door closed 12 hours. (No peeking!)

3. After the 12 hours are up, open the oven and remove meringue. Take a few moments to be in awe of what God did with some egg whites and sugar while you were sleeping.

4. In large bowl, mix cream cheese, 1 cup sugar and the vanilla until smooth. In chilled medium bowl, beat whipping cream until stiff. Fold whipped cream and marshmallows into cream cheese mixture. Spread evenly over meringue. Refrigerate at least 8 hours but no longer than 24 hours.

5. In medium bowl, mix all topping ingredients until well blended. Spoon over individual servings of dessert. Store in refrigerator.

GRANDMA'S BEANS Every person in the history of my life who has ever tried these smoky, subtly sweet beans loves them and asks for the recipe. They are crazy good. I really don't know what else to tell you.

Notes:

*If you can't find butter beans, don't worry - you can use cannellini or pinto beans.

​*I typically do not add ground beef since I serve this as a side dish. But if you're having a bunch of cowboys over for dinner and you'd like it to be heartier, or if you plan to serve it as a main dish, go for it!

*If you accidentally overcook the beans, don't panic! Add some water to thin it out a bit. Enjoy!!! 

Ingredients:

1 can butter beans, drained and rinsed 
1 can lima beans, drained and rinsed
1 large can baked beans, not drained
1 can kidney beans, not drained
8 strips bacon (cut in small pieces)
1/2 pound ground beef (optional)
1 medium onion, diced

Brown bacon and onion in dutch oven or large pot. Add ground beef and brown. Drain excess grease, if needed (but my grandma would say keep some of it!) Add beans to pot.

Mix together and then add to pot:

3/4 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup vinegar (white or apple cider)
1 tsp. garlic salt
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
1 tsp. ground black pepper
salt to taste

Bake at 350 for 1 and 1/2 hours, covered, Stir, then bake for another 1/2 hour, uncovered. Try not to overcook them! But if you do, don't feel bad. It happened to a friend of mine once or twice. (Remedy in side notes :) 

THAI CHICKEN LETTUCE WRAPS This recipe uses a lot of ingredients, but many of them are already in your pantry. It is very forgiving and customizable (add more spice if you like it hot). And the leftovers (if there are any) are perfect for lunch the next day :)
​

Ingredients:

Peanut Ginger Marinade (recipe below)
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup onion, small dice
1/2 cup yellow or red bell pepper, small dice
2 tsp. minced garlic
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup frozen shelled edamame (mukimame)
1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
chopped peanuts for garnish
Butter lettuce (can also use iceberg or romaine)
Optional: water chestnuts or celery for added crunch)

​Prepare Marinade below - marinate chicken in refrigerator for at least 2 hours up to 24 hours before cooking.

Peanut Ginger Sauce/Marinade

1/2 cup hot water
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup chili sauce (or 1/4 cup ketchup + 2 T sriracha sauce)
1/4 cup lite soy sauce
2 T canola oil
2 T white or rice vinegar
I-2 T sesame oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
1/2 tsp ground ginger (or 1-2 tsp fresh grated ginger)
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Whisk together until smooth. Pour half the marinade over chicken in Ziploc bag - marinate in fridge 2-24 hours before cooking. Reserve half of the marinade for later.

Grill chicken until thoroughly cooked (preferred method). OR

To cook chicken on stove top:
Heat large skillet over med-hi heat. Add 1 Tbsp. canola oil to pan. Carefully remove chicken from marinade using tongs or a fork, shaking off excess marinade, and add to the skillet. Discard marinade. Reduce heat to medium: cook to 160 degrees and remove from pan to plate. (Carefully wipe out excess marinate from pan using paper towels.)

Add another 1-2 Tbsp. canola oil to pan. Sauté onion and peppers until tender, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add carrots and edamame and cook for 5 more minutes, drizzling in a little unused marinade to taste. Here you can add 1-2 Tbsp. soy sauce if it needs more salt. Dice the chicken and stir into the vegetable mixture, Remove from heat. 

Arrange butter lettuce on a platter and warm extra peanut sauce in microwave for about 20 seconds. Top lettuce wraps with peanut sauce, scallions, cilantro, and chopped peanuts.  

HOLY COW CAKE This cake is ridiculously easy and delicious. I'm making it for our next couple's gathering.

Ingredients:

1 box chocolate cake mix (I look for chocolate fudge or devil's food)
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 tub Cool Whip
1 lg. candy bar (I like Hershey's Symphony or Heath) 

Prepare and bake cake according to package directions using 13x9 pan. While cake is still hot, poke holes all over the top of the cake using a chop stick, straw, or the handle of a wooden spoon. Pour sweetened condensed milk over top of cake into all the holes. (This part is fun - if you have kids they will LOVE this part :)

When cake has completely cooled, spread Cool Whip over the top and sprinkle with chopped up chocolate bar. Keep refrigerated.

LORNADOONE COOKIE DESSERT I grew up on Cool Whip desserts (anyone else?) and this is one of the best! Shortbread cookie crust, a silky cream cheese/Cool Whip layer, chocolate pudding, and of course it’s topped with more Cool Whip. It reminds me of French silk pie, but more than that it reminds me of my former youth-group-leader-turned-big-sister Sandy. This is her recipe, and when I eat it I feel like a teenager. I can’t promise it will do the same for you, but I’m pretty sure you’ll love it.

Ingredients:

10 oz. pkg. Lornadoone short-bread cookies, crushed
1/2 stick butter, melted
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 large container of Cool Whip
1 large box of instant chocolate pudding
3 cups milk

Combine crushed cookies with melted butter; press into 13X9 pan. With an electric mixer, beat together cream cheese, sugar, and 1 cup of Cool Whip; layer on top of crust Rinse bowl and then beat chocolate pudding with milk according to package instructions; layer on top of cream cheese mixture. Spread remaining Cool Whip on top; if desired, sprinkle with nuts or chocolate pieces (optional). Refrigerate for at least 1 hr. YUM!

GARLICKY SHRIMP SCAMPI WITH LINGUINE This recipe is so delicious and comes together very quickly. I love Trader Joe's Argentinian Red Shrimp (frozen) - it is super clean, tails off, and has a hint of sweetness that reminds me of lobster. Just thaw overnight in the fridge, rinse with cold water in a colander, and pat dry before cooking. 
​ 

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs raw shrimp, deveined and tails off
1/3 cup parsley, chopped
1/3 cup scallions, thinly sliced
2 tsp. garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 Tbsp. butter
1/4 cup white wine
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes (add more if you like it spicy)
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
​2 cups arugula (optional)
1 lb. pkg. linguine or spaghetti

Cook pasta al dente - about 1 minute less than directions on package.

While pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add butter and olive oil to pan, then add shrimp and garlic. Cook shrimp for about 2 minutes, turning over half way through. Add scallions, parsley, lemon juice, white wine, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. When shrimp are done (no longer translucent), add arugula and remove from heat. Drain pasta, add to shrimp mixture, and then toss for a couple of minutes to coat pasta with sauce. If desired, serve with fresh grated parmesan cheese and fresh lemon wedges. Serves about 5-6.

FEBRUARY: GRANDMA'S APPLE SWIRL CAKE WITH VANILLA WHIPPED CREAM My grandma loved to bake, and she especially loved to bake with fruit and veggies: banana bread, zucchini bread, and this crazy-good cake made with fresh apples and cinnamon. She liked to drizzle it with chocolate glaze, but I prefer fresh vanilla whipped cream (I don't think she would mind :) If you don't have a bundt pan, no worries; you can use a 13x9. 

Vanilla Whipped Cream:

1 pint of heavy whipping cream
powdered sugar
1/2 - 1 tsp. vanilla

Beat whipping cream with an electric mixer. When cream begins to thicken, add powdered sugar by the tablespoon to desired sweetness. Add desired amount of vanilla to taste. Whip just until cream forms soft peaks - be careful not to over whip! You are looking for a soft, cloud-like consistency. Store left-over whipped cream in refrigerator for up to three days.


Cake:

3-4 tart apples (I use fuji)
3 Tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 cups sugar
1 cup canola oil
4 eggs
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tsp. vanilla
3 cups sifted flour
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt

Peel, core, and chop apples into small pieces. Mix with 3 Tbsp. sugar and cinnamon. Set aside. In large bowl, combine sugar and oil; beat with a mixer. Add eggs, orange juice and vanilla. Mix well. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt; add to creamed mixture. Beat until smooth. Pour one third of batter into greased and floured 12-cup Bundt pan (I "flour" my pan with powdered sugar instead of flour), alternating with one half apple mixture. Repeat. End with layer of cake batter on top. 

Bake at 325 for 1 hour or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan 10-15 minutes; turn out on wire rack or serving plate to cool. Dust with powdered sugar.

JANUARY: PEAR AND FENNEL SALAD WITH CANDIED PECANS AND GOAT CHEESE We recreated this at home after ordering it at one of our favorite restaurants. It is so easy and delicious, and of course you can experiment with different ingredients to make it your own!
​

Salad Ingredients:

Mixed greens
Ripe pear, sliced thin
Fresh fennel, sliced thin
Candied Pecans or walnuts
Goat cheese (or blue cheese if preferred)

White Balsamic Vinaigrette (from Allrecipes):

1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar
2 Tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

SEPTEMBER: RACHEL'S BIG FAT GREEK FEAST I don't like olives or feta, so I wrongly assumed I wouldn't like greek food. Then I had this meal at my niece's house and now it's all I can think about! She made everything from scratch, and I thought, "I'll just buy my own flatbread and save time." Then I ate the flatbread and realized it is SO WORTH IT. And it's fun to make , especially if you can get some friends or family to help :)

OLGA'S FLATBREAD

Ingredients:

1 cup milk
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup butter
1 tsp salt
1 package active dry yeast (about 2 1/2 tsp)
1/4 cup warm water
1 tsp sugar
4 cups all purpose flour, divided
1 egg, beaten

-Scald milk (don't burn it!); move to a large bowl. Add honey, butter, and salt to milk. Set aside to cool until lukewarm.
-Combine yeast, warm water and sugar until sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
-Add 1 1/2 cups flour to milk mixture and beat well. Mix in egg and yeast mixture.
-Add remaining flour, slowly, until sticky dough is formed.
-Turn out onto floured surface and knead for 2 minutes. Dough will be sticky. (Don't add more flour.)
-Place dough in large, oiled bowl and turn over once. Cover w/plastic wrap. Let stand in warm place until doubled in size (2-3 hours).
-Punch down dough, then divide into 16 pieces. Roll out circles 1/8" thick and 8-10" diameter. Heat skillet or griddle to med-high (no oil). Cook 15 seconds, flip, then 10 seconds longer.

CHICKEN SOUVLAKI

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

1 lb. chicken breast, cut into 1" chunks
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
3 Tbsp EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced (1 tsp)

Combine marinade ingredients in ziploc bag, add chicken, and marinate for 10-60 minutes. Skewer chicken and grill over med-high heat until cooked through.

GREEK (TZATZIKI) SAUCE

1 cup plain greek yogurt
1/2 cup sour cream
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup minced cucumber
1/4 cup fresh minced dill (or parsley)

Combine ingredients in bowl and refrigerate.

TOMATO AND CUCUMBER RELISH

3/4 cup minced cucumber
3/4 cup minced, seeded tomato
2 tsp lemon juice
1 Tbsp EVOO
2 Tbsp minced parsley
salt and pepper to taste

Combine ingredients in bowl and refrigerate.

Rachel is an amazing mom and homeschools her kids. They were studying different countries/cultures and they made this meal when they were studying Greece. I am sure the kids will never forget it!

JULY: KARI'S GRANOLA My sister's recipe is THE BOMB and is very flexible - just make sure you end up using the correct total amount of dry ingredients. (i.e. I don't like coconut, so I add an extra 1/2 cup of oats.) Adjust the bake time for a chewier vs. crunchier granola. 

Preheat oven to 300. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. 

Ingredients:

Dry Bowl:
2 Tbsp cinnamon
1/2 cup dry milk
1/2 cup flour
1/2 brown sugar
1/2 coconut
1/4 wheat germ 
1/4 flaxseed (ground)
3 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup nuts
dry fruit, such as cherries, cranberries, blueberries . . . (optional, to be added last ten minutes of baking time)

Wet Bowl:
1 cup canola oil
1 cup honey (or maple syrup)

Mix wet bowl with dry bowl. Spread evenly between two parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake about 30 minutes, or until desired doneness. stirring every 10 minutes. Add dried fruit during last ten minutes of baking. Let cool and then break apart. Store in airtight container. Serve with yogurt and fresh fruit.  

JUNE: VANILLA WEDDING CAKE
​This is truly a classic, delicious cake that I had the honor of making for my daughter Kate and her husband Steve at their wedding. People kept asking, "What is that distinctive flavor?" It's almond extract. And you don't have to wait for a wedding to make it! Make a simple layered cake iced with spatula lines like in the photo below. Or make cupcakes! Just make it and share it with your friends. Trust me on this. ​

WEDDING CAKE ICING *This icing works great for decorating and piping, and is also highly addictive. And if you have a standing mixer, now is the time to use it! 

Ingredients:

1 2lb. bag powdered sugar (about 7 1/2 cups)
1 cup Crisco (white, not butter flavor)
1/4 cup flour
3 Tbs. dry Dream Whip (or non-dairy whipped topping powder)
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. almond extract
1/2 cup water (if still too thick add more very slowly, teaspoon by teaspoon, to get the right consistency.)

Mix all together with a spoon, then on high speed beat for full 15 minutes, scraping bowl half way through.

Steve and Kate - Wedding Day!

WASC CAKE RECIPE from Elizabeth Marek: A doctored cake mix that is well-used by bakers all over the world that produces a delicious white cake that tastes almost like scratch. This recipe makes three 6"x2" cake rounds or two 8"x2" cake rounds. (view full recipe hhere)

Preheat oven to 350

Prepare pans: place round pans on parchment paper and trace pans. Cut out circles, spray pans with non-stick cooking spray, then place parchment paper circles inside pans, pressing along edges to ensure seal.

Ingredients:

1 box white cake mix (Duncan Hines preferred)
1 cup flour (spooned into cup, not scooped)
1 cup white sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup sour cream (room temp)
1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter
1 cup milk (room temp)
4 large egg whites (room temp)
1 tsp almond extract

Instructions:

Put all ingredients into a bowl and mix on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping bowl after 1 minute. Pour batter into prepared 8" or 9" pans; batter should go about halfway up the pan (or scoop into greased cupcake pans or baking cups).

Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes (start checking cupcakes after 18 minutes) or until tooth pick inserted into cake comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool for 5 minutes, then carefully place a baking sheet on top of pan and flip upside down. Cakes should gently fall onto baking sheets. Allow to fully cool.

COOL TIP: I always freeze cakes before icing them to avoid crumbs. I also find the cakes to be more moist after freezing. For this cake I cut each layer length-wise (using a serrated bread knife) which gave me 4 short layers, thus a taller cake.

MARCH: *ADDICTING* CADBURY EGG COOKIES My friend sent this recipe to me because she really gets me. They did not disappoint! They didn't stay as soft as I would have expected given the butter/Crisco combo, but 10 seconds in the microwave fixed that. Happy Spring!!  Recipe from Laura's Latest: https://laurenslatest.com/cadbury-egg-cookies/​

Ingredients:

1/2 cup softened butter (I use salted butter)
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
2 eggs 
​2 3/4 cups flour 
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup Cadbury eggs plus extra for garnish​

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two to three baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

In a large bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter, shortening, brown sugar and granulated sugar together. Add in the eggs and vanilla and cream until light and fluffy. Don’t forget to scrape the sides and the bottom of the bowl to ensure everything is getting evenly mixed. (Usually only a problem if you’re using a stand mixer.) Add in the all purpose flour, salt and baking soda and stir until just combined. Scrape the sides and the bowl again to make sure everything is getting mixed evenly. Add in chopped Cadbury egg pieces by hand and then scoop onto prepared baking sheets using a 3 tablespoon cookie scoop (or ice cream scoop). Top with whole eggs on top, if desired, and bake.

Add your cookies to the preheated oven and bake 8-10 minutes or until the bottoms of the cookies are golden and the cookies are puffed and golden (but really don’t have a ton of color at all.)

Remove from oven, cool 2-3 minutes and then transfer to a cooling rack. Enjoy warm or store at room temperature for up to 4 days in airtight containers. 

Pro Baker Tip: Hide any leftover Cadbury eggs in a place where your children will never find them (like with the cleaning products). Then text your best friend and tell her where you put them in case you need help finding them later. 

FEBRUARY: FISH WITH AVOCADO, TOMATO, BALSAMIC TOPPING WITH LEMON & BASIL RICE This topping is amazing with both salmon and tilapia. And SO. EASY.

This recipe is very flexible and comes together in less than 30 minutes. We first had it at a local Italian restaurant years ago and it's so fun to make at home! You can prepare the fish any way you like: pan sauteed, baked, or broiled. This would also be amazing over shrimp! This recipe makes about four servings.

Ingredients:
​
Tilapia, salmon or shrimp
1 large avocado (or 2 small)
1 tomato
2 Tbsp fresh basil, cut chiffonade (google it :), divided
1 lemon, zest and juice
Rice, cooked according to package instructions. (I love Trader Joe's Organic Brown Rice found in the freezer section. Ready in 3 minutes in the microwave, and it's delicious!)

Prepare tilapia, salmon, or shrimp:
Season generously with lemon pepper seasoning or salt and pepper to taste. 

Bake: 400 for 15-20 minutes or until fish flakes easily with fork. Do not overcook!

Pan sauté: Cook fish in a small amount of olive oil or butter over medium heat for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, just until fish flakes with a fork. (Cook time will vary depending on type and thickness of fish.) Do not overcook!

While fish is cooking, mix together in medium bowl: diced tomato and avocado, 1 Tbsp basil, 2-3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar. (Use more if needed)

In separate bowl prepare rice: add zest from lemon, remaining Tbsp basil, salt and pepper to taste, drizzle of olive oil, and squeeze lemon juice over rice to taste. Mix well. 

Spoon avocado and tomato topping over fish, and squeeze a little more lemon juice over fish, if desired. Serve with rice and roasted vegetables or salad. 

NOVEMBER: TURKEY DIVAN CASSEROLE cheesy broccoli-turkey goodness

This is my mom's traditional Day-After-Thanksgiving dish, and the best way I know of to use leftover turkey. Turkey soup is a close second, and Bernie would tell you to throw some Chihuahua cheese in a skillet and once it starts to melt, layer on the turkey. Then flip it like a pancake, making sure the cheese gets toasty brown. Then smother it with green tomatillo salsa. (Kind of a quesadilla without the tortilla.) Which is why I make extra turkey every year :)

Roast broccoli:

Fill one sheet pan with fresh broccoli florets. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast at 400 for 10-12 minutes. Broccoli should be starting to brown, but still more crisp than tender. (Note: feel free to use 2-10 oz. pkgs of frozen broccoli - my mom always did! Just partially cook the broccoli before adding to casserole.)

3 cups diced turkey
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayo
1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
1/3 cup fresh breadcrumbs (just toast a couple pieces of bread and crumble them up) mixed with 1Tbsp. fresh parsley and 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

In a large mixing bowl, combine soup, lemon juice, sour cream, and mayo. Fold in broccoli and turkey and mix to combine. Spread in greased 13x9 pan. Sprinkle with cheese and breadcrumbs. 

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until breadcrumbs are golden brown and cheese is bubbling. 

​OCTOBER: LEMON-HERB RISOTTO WITH SHRIMP AND ASPARAGUS  
adapted from Cooking Light. Serves 2

While my husband, Bernie, is helpful in the kitchen, he does not usually enjoy cooking. However, we both enjoy making this dish together. It's perfect for a Friday night stay-at-home date.  

Ingredients:

2 cups chicken stock
1 1/2 cups water
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1/4 cup finely chopped fennel bulb
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme
2 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tsp.)
3/4 cup uncooked Arborio rice
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 small bunch of asparagus, roasted at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, then cut into 1" pieces
1/2 tsp. salt
8 oz. medium shrimp, fresh or thawed, peeled and deveined (I LOVE Trader Joe's Red Argentinian Shrimp, in the frozen section)
2 tsp. grated lemon zest
1 1/2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp. cream cheese
1 Tbsp. fresh parsley
1 Tbsp. chopped fennel fronds
1/4 ground pepper
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Combine chicken stock and water in a large glass measure or microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH 2 minutes or until warm.

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high. Add onion, chopped fennel bulb, thyme, and garlic; sauté 4 minutes. Add rice; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add wine; cook 1 minute or until liquid evaporates, stirring constantly. Add 1 cup stock mixture; cook 4 minutes or until liquid has almost evaporated. Add 2 cups stock mixture, about 1/2 cup at a time, stirring often until each portion is absorbed before adding the next, about 12 minutes total.

Stir in shrimp; cook 4 minutes or until done. Stir in remaining 1/4 cup - 1/2 cup stock mixture, lemon rind, and remaining ingredients, including roasted asparagus. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately. ​​​

SEPTEMBER: CHRISTINA'S
​​SWEET FREEZER PICKLES 
These are fantastic served on a cracker with cream cheese.

Ingredients:

2 quarts pickling cucumbers, sliced super thin
1 large onion, sliced super thin
2 Tbs salt
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup apple cider vinegar

Place cucumbers, onion, and salt in large bowl. Cover with water, cover with lid, and let stand overnight.

Drain water. Fill mason jars about 3/4 full with cucumbers and onions. Cook vinegar and sugar until dissolved. Pour over pickles. Seal jars, and let sit at room temperature until cooled. Freeze overnight. Thaw and enjoy! 

AUGUST: CHICKEN TACO SALAD
This is one of those recipes that is not really a recipe. It's a salad - super easy and versatile, as long as you use Kraft Creamy Italian Dressing. I know, it's Mexican mixed with Italian. Some people call that weird, other people call it "fusion cooking" and charge extra for it :) The thing is, Bernie and I have been eating this salad for over 20 years, and our kids love it and make it for themselves all the time. Feel free to add extra ingredients or omit any of the following. Except lettuce. That's really important. 

Ingredients:

Romaine lettuce,
fresh tomato, diced
cucumbers, sliced
shredded cheddar or mexican cheese
black olives, chopped (optional)
avocado, sliced
​broken tortilla chips
chicken: grilled, sauteed, or shredded rotisserie
fresh chopped cilantro
(optional ingredients: black or pinto beans, corn, pico de gallo, red onion, bell or jalapeño peppers)

Mix the above in a large salad bowl. Add desired amount of Kraft Creamy Italian Dressing and toss well. 

Serve with extra tortilla chips. ​

JUNE: SPICY HONEY CASHEW CHICKEN adapted from Cooking Light Magazine, makes about 6 servings

Ingredients:

2 cups brown or white rice
4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch cubes
4-6 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
2 heads of broccoli, washed and cut
1 1/2 cups frozen shelled edamame (green soybeans)
1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
1 red or yellow bell pepper, sliced
1/2 cup dry-roasted cashews, unsalted
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
9 tablespoons honey
6 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons Sriracha
​1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Roast broccoli on a baking sheet with salt, pepper, and olive oil for 15-20 minutes at 400. Sprinkle cornstarch, salt, and pepper over chicken and mix to coat chicken well. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle canola and sesame oil in pan; sauté chicken in a single layer for 4 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove chicken from the pan and cover in baking dish. Drizzle a little more canola oil in pan and  sauté onions for 4-5 minutes. Add peppers, edamame, and fresh garlic and cook for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, make the sauce: combine rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, Sriracha, and crushed red pepper flakes. Add chicken back to the pan and pour sauce over chicken and veggies; toss to coat. Add broccoli and cashews and cook for 5 minutes, then remove from heat. Serve with rice and enjoy!

APRIL: GRANDMA'S ZUCCHINI BREAD Make this once and it will become a family favorite :)

Ingredients:

2 eggs
1 cup oil
2 cups sugar
2 cups grated raw, unpeeled zucchini
1 tsp. vanilla
3 cups flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
3 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. baking powder

​Preheat the oven to 325.

Beat eggs, sugar, oil, zucchini, and vanilla. Add in dry ingredients and mix until blended well. Bake in loaf pans for 45 mins to 1 hour. Makes 2 loaves.

DECEMBER: HEAVENLY HASH (you might want to double the recipe - it really is heavenly!)

Ingredients:

6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips (about half a bag)
6 oz. butterscotch chips
1 stick of butter
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup salted peanuts or cashews
3 cups mini marshmallows

Melt chips, butter and peanut butter over low heat in large pan. Remove from heat. Add nuts and gently fold in marshmallows. Pour in 8-9 inch pan and refrigerate. 

Pro tip: if you want to try to save a few for New Year's and not eat them all at once, cut into squares and freeze. They are great right out of the freezer - just don't break a tooth!

NOVEMBER: GRANDMA'S PUMPKIN CHIFFON PIE

Ingredients:

1 can pumpkin puree
1/2 cup cold milk
1 large package vanilla instant pudding
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 1/2 cups cool whip, plus extra for serving
1 pie shell, baked and cooled (can use graham cracker crust if preferred)

Beat pumpkin, milk, pudding, and cinnamon for 1 minute. Fold in 2 1/2 cups cool whip and pour into baked pie shell. Chill before serving.

MARGIE'S ROSEMARY ROASTED VEGETABLES

Ingredients:

12 oz. fresh whole green beans
1 lb. fresh brussels sprouts
1 bunch green onions, trimmed and thinly sliced
12 sprigs fresh rosemary
8 slices cooked, drained bacon, rough chopped
2 T olive oil
salt, freshly ground pepper
1 lemon, quartered

Preheat oven to 425

Wash beans and brussels sprouts. (Cut large brussels sprouts in half). Cook brussels sprouts in large saucepan in small amount of boiling water for 3 minutes, add beans and cook an additional 5 minutes. Drain. 

Spread veggies on a sheet pan. Add green onion and rosemary sprigs, toss to combine. Top with bacon and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast 20 minutes, remove from oven, and squeeze lemon juice over vegetables. 

OCTOBER : WHITE CHICKEN CHILI
​
Ingredients:

Whole rotisserie chicken, deboned and shredded
3-4 cups of chicken stock or broth
4 cans of great northern or navy beans (15 oz size)
16 oz jar salsa
4 oz can chopped green chilis or jalapeños
1 onion, diced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 t. cumin
salt to taste
8 oz. block of monterey jack cheese, cubed
Tortilla chips, sour cream, cilantro, and lime for garnish 

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in large pot over medium heat. Saute onions until tender, reducing heat to medium-low if needed. Add garlic and saute for 1-2 minutes. Add beans, broth, salsa, green chilis, chicken and cumin. Simmer covered, over low to medium-low heat for 30-45 minutes or until onions are tender, stirring occasionally. Add salt to taste. When chili is ready, remove from heat. Add cheese and cover for 10 minutes, stirring to melt cheese. If needed, heat on low until cheese is melted and incorporated, stirring frequently and scraping bottom of pot to prevent burning.

Serve with tortilla chips, sour cream, cilantro and lime. 

AUGUST: MY BEST EVER COOKOUT RECIPES

GRILLED PEANUT-GINGER CHICKEN This marinade makes a ton of chicken, so either cut it in half or freeze the extra in a Ziploc for later:

Ingredients;

1/2 cup hot water
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup chili sauce (or 1/4 cup ketchup + 1 T chili powder)
1/4 cup lite soy sauce
2 T canola oil
2 T vinegar
2 cloves of garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp red pepper

In mixing bowl, gradually stir hot water into peanut butter with whisk. Stir in rest of ingredients. Place the marinade in a large Ziploc bag, add chicken, and chill for 12-24 hours. Remove chicken from bag, discard marinade, and grill or broil 15-20 minutes until done.  

You aren't likely to have leftovers, but if you do, add chicken to a salad with my poppyseed dressing :)
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CHEESY OVEN POTATOES

Ingredients:

4 large Russet potatoes
1 can Campbell's golden mushroom soup 
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. paprika
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 400. Slice potatoes into 1/2 inch rounds and place in 13x9 pan, overlapping in single layer. Spread can of soup over potatoes, sprinkle pepper and paprika over soup and top with cheese. Bake, covered, 45 minutes, then uncovered for 10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted and potatoes are tender.

STRAWBERRY CASHEW SALAD W/POPPYSEED DRESSING

Ingredients for dressing:

3/4 cup canola or olive oil
1/4 cup vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp dry onions
1 T poppy seeds
1 tsp dry mustard

Mix ingredients together with whisk and refrigerate.
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FOR SALAD: combine lettuce (I love romaine or leaf), sliced strawberries (or any other fruit), cashews (or any other nut), thinly sliced red onion or scallions, and shredded mozzarella cheese.