Tasty Treat: Slopppy Joes

Mmm, Mmm Memory: Sloppy Joes

I love sloppy joes. They are fast, easy and inexpensive to make. For some reason, every time I make these, it makes me think of Halloween. I doubt we had these every Halloween, but I do remember my family sitting at the table eating dinner and eating sloppy joes before going out trick-r-treating. I couldn't tell you how old I was or what my costume was, I just remember we at these just once on Halloween...and they were Mmm, Mmm good!

Sloppy Joes


PREP TIME 15 Min
COOK TIME 20 Min
READY IN 35 Min

Servings 4

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb of ground beef
• 1/2 to 3/4 a green pepper (chopped)
• 1/2 to 3/4 a medium onion (chopped)
• 15 oz. can of tomato sauce
  
• salt
  
• pepper
  
• hamburger buns

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef.
2. While the beef is browning, chop the green pepper and the onion.
3. Drain the grease from the beef, and mix all the ingredients together in the skillet.
   Let them simmer for 20-30 minutes (until the pepper and onion are soft).

Tasty Treat: Adobo Pork Chops

My friend, Rebekah, made this marinade for us the week I went back to work after Baby Boy was born. I believe she got the recipe from her bake and freeze club at church. This has marinade become a favorite at our house. Sometimes we substitute chicken for the pork chops. By the way, this recipe freezes well. I like to serve it with black beans, sweet potatoes, and mixed veggies.

Adobo Pork Chops

PREP TIME 10 Min
COOK TIME 12-30 Min (depending on the thickness of the meat)
READY IN 2 Hrs and 20 Min

Servings 6

INGREDIENTS

• 6 each Pork Chop Loins
• 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 Tablespoons Orange Juice
• 2 Tablespoons Cilantro (chopped)
• 1 Tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
• 2 Teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1 Teaspoon Cumin
• 1 Teaspoon Oregano (dried)
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 Teaspoon Cinnamon (ground)
• 3 Cloves of Garlic (minced)

DIRECTIONS

1. For the marinade, combine brown sugar, oil, orange juice, cilantro, vinegar, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, cinnamon, and garlic. Pour over the pork chops in a gallon Ziploc bag. Marinade in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or freeze it).
2. To cook, (thaw chops if necessary) grill the chops on the rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium heat until juices run clear (160 degrees), turning halfway through grilling. I like to brush with the marinade a few times while grilling.
   

Tasty Treat: Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwich

Super easy...super fast prep, and oh, what a treat! One of the girls I work with gave me this recipe a few years back, and I made some modifications. Heat up some of your favorite veggies and a side of fries, and you've got comfort food! Enjoy!

Easy Slow Cooker French Dip

PREP TIME 10 Min
COOK TIME 7 Hrs
READY IN 7 Hrs 10 Min

Servings 8

INGREDIENTS

* 4 pounds rump roast
* 1 (10.5 ounce) can beef broth
* 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed French onion soup
* 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle beer
* 9 slices of either Mozzarella or Provolone cheese (optional)
* 6 French rolls
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1 packet of Lipton French Onion Soup Mix (optional)
* 1 container of sour cream (optional)


DIRECTIONS

1. Trim excess fat from the rump roast, and place in a slow cooker. Add the beef broth, onion soup and beer. Cook on Low setting for 7 hours.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
3. Split French rolls, and spread with butter. Bake 10 minutes, or until heated through.
4. While rolls are heating, mix the Onion Soup mix with the sour cream.
5. Slice the meat on the diagonal, and place on the rolls. Put a slice of cheese and some Onion soup mixture on the roll. Serve the sauce for dipping.

Tasty Treat: Rustic Apricot Tart

This recipe came in my Taste of Home magazine a few years back. It instantly became a favorite because it it easy to make, it tastes great, and it isn't too rich or heavy!





Rustic Apricot Tart

PREP TIME 15 Min
READY IN 40 Min
SERVINGS 6 Servings

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon sugar, divided
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 3 cans (15 ounces each) reduced-sugar apricot halves, drained
• Pastry for single-crust pie (9 inches)
• 1 egg white, beaten
• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
• 1 tablespoon fat-free milk

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup sugar, cornstarch and pumpkin pie spice. Add apricots and toss to coat.
2. Place pastry on a parchment paper-lined 12-in. pizza pan. (I use my Pizza Stone with no parchment paper)
3. Brush with egg white to within 1-1/2 in. of edges.
   
4. Spoon apricot mixture over egg white; sprinkle with almonds.
   
5. Fold up edges of pastry over filling, leaving center uncovered.
   
6. Brush folded pastry with milk; sprinkle with remaining sugar.
7. Bake at 375° for 35-40 minutes or until crust is golden and filling is bubbly.
   

Allow it to cool and then enjoy!

Tasty Treats: 5-Minute Chocolate Cake

My good friend Stacia sent me this recipe. It is great for when you are having a chocolate craving. One coffee mug makes enough to share (if you should choose).

5-MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

PREP TIME 2 Min
READY IN 5 Min
SERVINGS 1 -2 Servings (depending on how generous you are feeling).

INGREDIENTS

• 4 tablespoons flour
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons cocoa
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 3 tablespoons oil
• 3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
• A small splash of vanilla extract
• 1 large coffee mug (Microwave Safe)

DIRECTIONS

1. Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well.
2. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
3. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well..
4. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.
5. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.
6. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!
7. Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
8. Enjoy!
   

Tasty Treat: Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Bake

A few years ago, I hosted a Pampered Chef party. This was one of the recipes I got at it. It is super-easy to make. This is one of my favorites to make for my friends that have just had a baby. It is easy to freeze and it tastes great!


Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Bake

PREP TIME 15 Min
READY IN 20-25 Min
SERVINGS 6-8 Servings

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1-2 cloves of garlic
• 1 tsp. olive oil
• 1 jar (16 oz.) white Alfredo pasta sauce (I like the Classico^® Roasted Garlic Alfredo or Four Cheese Alfredo)
• 1 pkg. (20 oz. refrigerated cheese-filled or spinach tortellini (ravioli's would be good too)
• 1-1/2 cup cooked chicken (cubed)
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp. dried basil leaves (I only use a 1/2 tsp.)
• 1 cup of frozen peas (frozen green beans are a good substitute)

Topping

• 2/3 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1/2 cup of dried bread crumbs
• 2 tsp. olive oil
  

DIRECTIONS
In a large frying pan, heat the oil and cook the onion and garlic until tender. Pour into a casserole dish, and stir in the remaining ingredients. Cover and bake at 400 for 25 minutes*.


*To eat right away:
Mix the Parmesan Cheese, the bread crumbs and oil together and sprinkle over the casserole after it has been cooking about 12 to 15 minutes. Cook for the remaining 10 minutes uncovered until it is golden and bubbly.

*To freeze for later:
Pull the casserole out after 25 minutes. Allow it to cool completely. Put it in a freezer bag, squeeze the air out of the bag, and freeze it. To cook, thaw it out in the refrigerator the day before. Put it in a casserole dish, and bake (covered) at 375 for 25 minutes. Pull out and top with the toppings after about 15 minutes. Cook the remaining 10 minutes uncovered until it is golden and bubbly.

Tasty Treat: Poppyseed Chicken Recipe

POPPYSEED CHICKEN

The first time I ever had this recipe was our first night home from the hospital with Baby Boy. My boss at the time prepared this and brought it over (what a lifesaver!). I love this recipe because it is super easy to make and doesn't take a lot of prep time. It's a great last minute meal. Thanks for the recipe, Jill!

PREP TIME 15 Min
READY IN 20-25 Min
SERVINGS 4-6 Servings

INGREDIENTS

• 16 oz Sour Cream (I use Light)
  
• 2 cans Cream of Chicken Soup (I use Light)
  
• Poppyseeds
• 4-5 Chicken breasts cooked & diced (I use 2 cans of all white meat chicken)
• Roll of Ritz crackers (I use Reduced Fat)
  
• 3/4 stick of butter (I use Light)
  

DIRECTIONS

Combine soup and sour cream. Add cooked, diced chicken. Blend in desired amount of poppyseeds (I probably use around 2 Tbsp). Crush Ritz crackers in ziplock bag. Melt butter and pour into crackers. Shake to mix. Top casserole with Ritz mixture. Bake in 350 F oven 20-25 minutes until edges are bubbly hot. Serve over rice or noodles. Enjoy!

Tasty Treat: Curried Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe

Curried Chicken Salad Sandwiches

I had this awhile back at a "potluck" brunch with my girlfriends. It is delicious!

PREP TIME 20 Min
READY IN 20 Min
SERVINGS 6 Servings

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups cubed, cooked chicken
• 1 medium unpeeled red apple, chopped
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced celery
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
• 2 teaspoons lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon curry powder

DIRECTIONS

In a bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Combine mayonnaise, lime juice and curry powder; add to chicken mixture and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

PERSONAL NOTE

I like to serve my Curry Chicken Salad Sandwiches on a Croissant with a slice of Cheddar Cheese and a leaf of green or red leaf lettuce. I also usually add more curry powder than the recipe requires.