Hashbrown Casserole

If you like  hashbrown casserole like the one served at a famous restaurant with an old country store...

1 2 lb. pkg. frozen shredded Hash Browns, thawed
8 oz. Sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 stick butter, melted
1 small onion, finely diced or grated
2 C. grated Cheddar Cheese

Greas a 9×13 inch pan.  Melt butter in the microwave. In a large bowl add onions, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup, melted butter and 1 c. of cheese. Mix these items together. Add in potatoes and mix well.

Pour mixture into pan; sprinkle with 1c.  Cheddar Cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, or until all is completely warm, and the cheese begins to melt.

Couscous Salad

We love this with grilled pork tenderloin. 


1 package of couscous prepared according to package directions
1 tomato, finely chopped
1 small cucumber, peeled and diced (i used a pickling cucumber so there wouldn't be large seeds)
1/2 small red onion, finely diced
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1/3 c. chopped fresh parsley
2 t. minced garlic
zest of 1 lemon

Dressing
1/2 c. olive oil
1/4 c. apple cider vinegar
juice of 1/2 lemon
salt and pepper to taste
Whisk all together.
These measurements are approx. as I don't use measurements to make mine   May need to adjust according to your tastes.

Hummus

Week 2 of trying of new pinterest recipe was a hummus recipe.  Oh em gee...delish!! We loved it!! I will never buy store bought again - this was way better.  We served as a dinner side dish with pita wedges, greek pork tenderloin and cousous salad.

Hummus

• 1 can chick peas (drain, but reserve 1/3 c of liquid)
• 1/3 cup tahini (I bought mine at Whole Foods)
• juice from 1/2 lemon
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 3 tsp. of minced garlic
• Healthy pinch of salt 
• black pepper to taste

Add all ingredients to food processor (not a mini one).  Blend for 2 minutes until very smooth.  Serve with pita bread.

Cheesy Hamburger Macaroni

My goal this year is that if I am pinning recipes from Pinterest, then I better spend some time trying them!  I found this one and changed it slightly.   Great family recipe and makes plenty for leftovers!  I want to try one pinterest recipe a week.  We'll see if that happens - ha!


1 28-oz. can whole tomatoes with juice
1 small cans of tomato sauce
ground pepper
1 tsp. salt
1 t. dried oregano
2 t. dried parsley


1 lb. ground beef
1 onion
2 t. minced garlic

1 16-oz. package of elbow macaroni, cooked and drained

1 c. shredded cheddar
1c. shredded mozzerella

In sauce pan pour in tomatoes, tomato sauce and seasonings.  Heat until warm and blend with immersion blender under tomatoes are broken up.  Set aside.

In skillet add ground beef and onions, cook until there is no more pink.  Add in garlic.  Drain off any fat. 

Combine macaroni, tomato sauce and ground beef mixes and put into 9x13 baking dish.  Top with cheese and Bake for 25 minutes at 350. 

Homemade Pizza dough

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup warm water 

Place dry ingredients in large bowl.  Add water and oil.  Mix all.  Let rise, punch down and knead and rise again.  Roll out and top with your favorite ingredients.

Peanut Butter Temptations

Really - you can find this recipe on any package of Reese's mini peanut butter cups and they are absolutely delicious!  I only make them at Christmas time, but they aren't a Christmas cookie.  So yummy and my kids love them.  I really only share in case by chance you have never had them or seen the recipe.


Peanut Butter Temptations
1/2 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. peanut butter
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 t. vanilla
1 1/4 c. flour
3/4 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
48 mini Reese's cups, unwrapped

Cream together butter, peanut butter and sugar.  Add egg and vanilla.  Mix in dry ingredients - flour, baking soda and salt.  Once dough is combined, chill 1 hour.    Shape dough into 48 balls.  Line mini muffin pan cups with paper liners.  Drop 1 ball into each cup.  Bake at 350 for 12 minutes.  Once done immediately place Reese's cup in center and press into cookie.  Let cool before removing from pan.

Caprese Salad

Our garden is in full production mode right now!  We're loving all our fresh veggies straight out of our backyard.  The challenge; however, continues to come up with new ways to eat said veggies (especially the tomatoes).  I made this yummy side tonight.


2 large fresh tomatoes cut into 4 slices each

6 oz. fresh mozzerella, cut into 8 slices

8 large basil leaves

olive oil
balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper

Layer tomato, cheese and basil alternately in a circle on a serving dish.  Drizzle with oil, vinegar, and season with salt and pepper.