Hot Cocoa Mix

Rich and soothing. Authentic chocolate flavor!

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Hot Cocoa Mix

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 c. dry milk
• 2/3 c. powdered sugar
• 1/4 c. cocoa powder

Directions:

1. Mix together ingredients. Store in a jar or container until ready to serve.
2. Use 1/3 c. mix to 3/4 c. hot water.
3. Top with marshmallows and sip (or gulp!) away!!

*If you like to experiment with flavor, you can add a 1/4 c. of any powdered (non-dairy) creamer. We do without since we do not have creamer on hand.

Meat Trick!

By applying this simple technique, you're putting money in the bank!
Seriously--Ordering out pizza can be expensive! So, plan ahead for that rush hour!
This is perfect when you're in a pinch!
Saves time and money!

Directions:

1. Brown multiple pounds of ground beef or sausage in an extra large pan.
2. Remove fat.
3. Scoop out 2 c. each and fill in freezer zip lock bags. (1 lb. = approx. 2 c. browned meat)
4. Freeze. (Lasts in freezer for 2-6 months.)
5. Take out and use when ready or needed!

*Just pull it out of the freezer and place the frozen meat into a sizzling soup or spaghetti sauce! Or zap it in the microwave for a few seconds to add to a casserole or pizza...


Recipes:

• Autumn Soup
• Crock-Pot Italian Sausage Quinoa Soup
• Crock-Pot Pizza
• Pizza Bake
• Skillet Chili and Chips
• Taco Chili

Just A Little Food for Thought...

In All Am I All In?

Are we ALL IN? In ALL am I ALL IN? I know these words look a little jumbled, but really meditate and question yourself: Am I ALL IN in my walk with Christ who is my savior, redeemer, and friend? Would I be willing to give ALL I have, love, and own to God if he asks me to? Do I live in such a way that others look at me and realize that I am ALL IN no matter the circumstance? In Luke 21:4, it references how this poor widow in her penury (or extreme poverty) cast IN ALL the living that she had--only 2 mites! Now, this was the smallest amount in use among the Jews! I know it may not seem like a whole lot to us, but to her it was ALL she had! Would I be able to do that? Would you?
...just a little FOOD for thought!

Blueberry Crumble

Scrumptious and seriously simple to make!

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Blueberry Crumble

Makes one 9x13-inch pan

Ingredients:

• 2 c. flour (I do 1 c. white + 1 c. whole wheat)
• 2. quick-cooking oats
• 1 1/2 c. brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 c. butter, softened
• 5 c. blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 c. sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar and salt; cut in butter until crumbly. (I use an electric-mixer.)
3. Press half of the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch pan.
4. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
5. Combine the blueberries and sugar; sprinkle over crust. Top with remaining oat mixture; press down gently.
6. Bake 35 minutes longer or until golden brown .
7. Serve warm with ice cream if desired.

Pumpkin Pancakes

We just can't resist making this so-called-fall-time recipe! It's just too good to only have once a year!

...Add chocolate chips for even more sweetness!!!

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Pumpkin Pancakes

Makes 20-24 pancakes

Ingredients:

• 1 c. white flour
• 1 c. whole wheat flour
• 1/4 c. sugar
• 1 Tbsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/4 c. milk
• 4 Tbsp. butter, melted
• 3/4 c. pumpkin
• 1 tsp. vanilla

Directions:

1. Heat electric skillet or griddle to 375 degrees or medium-high. (Let it heat up until a drop of water sizzles on surface.)
2. Whisk ingredients together in bowl.
3. Pour a bit of oil on skillet and spread around evenly.
4. Put approximately 1/4 c. batter in large electric skillet for each pancake. (add chocolate chips now)
5. Flip to cook other side when the top starts to bubble.
6. Serve and enjoy!!

Raspberry Squares

Simply delightful! Indulge!

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Raspberry Squares

Makes one 9x13-inch pan

Crust:

• 2 c. graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 c. melted butter

Mix crumbs and butter. Press into 9x13-inch pan. Bake for 8 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool.

Filling:

• 16 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 c. sugar
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla
• 8 oz. Cool Whip

Beat together cream cheese, sugar and vanilla. Fold in Cool Whip. Spread mixture over cooled crust and refrigerate.

Sauce:

• 1/4 c. cornstarch
• 1/2 c. sugar
• 1/2 c. water
• 12 oz. frozen raspberries

Whisk cornstarch, water, and sugar. Add raspberries and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Pour over filling when cool. Refrigerate.

Crock-Pot Pizza

When your cravings for pizza kick in...consider making this wholesome recipe!!

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Crock-Pot Pizza

Serves: 8-12 people

Ingredients:

• 2 lb. ground beef, cooked
• 1 lb. sausage, cooked
• 1/2 package pepperoni (optional)
• 1/2 onion, chopped (or minced)
• 1 (14 oz.) jar pizza sauce
• 1 (24 oz.) spaghetti sauce

Directions:

1. Combine ingredients in order listed into a crock-pot.
2. Cook on low for 4 hours. 
3. Serve on any choice of bread.
4. Can sprinkle Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top and enjoy!

*Shake in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or onion powder for even more flavor!

**Often we make this on the stove top and serve immediately for supper!

Cinnamon Red Hot Popcorn

Introduced by my Aunt Janet, this sweet, salty, Red Hot popcorn has been a Valentine tradition for years!

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Cinnamon Red Hot Popcorn

Ingredients:

• 6 qt. popped popcorn (or 2 batches using a stir crazy)
• 1 c. butter
• 1/2 c. Karo Syrup
• 2 c. Red Hots (or one 9 oz. package)
• 1/2 tsp. salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
2. Pop popcorn to make 6 quarts (or two batches if using a stir crazy.)
3. Place butter, syrup, Red Hots, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
4. Boil and stir for 5 minutes.
5. Pour over popped popcorn in huge tin bowl.
6. In a large, greased "turkey tray", bake for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes.
7. Remove from pan. Enjoy!

Bread Machine Bread

Perfect paired with any soup, toasted with jelly and butter, or used as a base for a spaghetti meat sauce--this homemade bread is the way to go!

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Bread Machine Bread

Makes: one large 2 lb. loaf

Ingredients:

• 1 1/3 c. warm water
• 1 tsp. lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp. dry milk
• 2 Tbsp. oil
• 2 Tbsp. sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp. salt
• 4 c. bread flour (or 2 c. whole wheat + 2 c. bread flour)
• 1 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast

Directions:

1. Remove bread pan from bread machine. Attach kneading blade onto the shaft. 
2. Warm water to around 105-110 degrees. Too hot of water will kill yeast, and the bread will not rise!
3. Add ingredients to pan in the order listed.
4. Run on basic cycle.

No-Bake Oatmeal, Peanut Butter, and Chocolate Cookies

These are my all-time favorite cookies hands down!!

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No-Bake Oatmeal, Peanut Butter, and Chocolate Cookies

Makes: around 20 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 c. butter
• 1 c. sugar
• 1/2 c. milk
• 1/4 c. cocoa powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 c. peanut butter (I like to use "crunchy")
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 3 c. quick-cooking oats

Directions:

1. Add first 5 ingredients (through the salt) into a large pan.
2. Bring to a rapid boil for one minute.
3. Remove from heat.
4. Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla until evenly mixed, then add the oats.
5. Use a medium cookie scoop (or 2 tablespoonfuls) and drop onto parchment paper. Press down.
6. Let cool until set for about 30 minutes. Store in airtight container at room temp (or in the refrigerator) for up to 2 weeks.

Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Bake

This dish was devoured! Yum! What a huge hit!

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Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Serves: makes one 9x13

Ingredients:

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 lb. sausage
• 2 c. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
• 2 c. milk
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• pinch of salt
• 2 lbs. frozen tater tots
• Parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large pan, brown sausage on medium high heat.
3. Drain fat and layer on bottom of 9x13 inch baking pan.
4. Evenly sprinkle 1 1/2 c. cheese, saving the remaining cheese for later.
5. In a large bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, pepper, onion powder, and salt.
6. Pour evenly over the cheese and sausage.
7. Layer top with frozen tater tots.
8. Bake for 50 minutes. Add bacon and extra cheese.
9. Bake 5-10 more minutes until sides are bubbling and the top is golden brown.
10. Garnish with parsley, let rest at room temp 10 minutes, and serve!

*If you choose not to bake it right away, cover tightly with foil and chill in fridge until the next morning. When ready, preheat oven to 350 and bake for about 35 minutes. Top with remaining ingredients and bake 5-10 more minutes.

Autumn Soup

I love the autumn colors in this fulfilling soup!

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Autumn Soup

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 5 c. water
• 1 c. chopped onions
• 1 c. chopped carrots
• 1 c. chopped potatoes
• 1 c. diced celery
• 1 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp. basil
• 1/4 tsp. garlic salt
• 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes

Directions:

1. In a large pot, cook ground beef until browned. Drain fat.
2. Add remaining ingredients except tomatoes. Heat until boiling.
3. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Add tomatoes and serve! (We like to add these right before serving to help cool this steaming pot of soup.)

German Pancakes

Also known as crepes, German pancakes have always been a favorite!!

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German Pancakes

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 3 eggs
• 3/4 c. flour
• 1 T. sugar
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 T. oil
• 1 c. milk

Directions:

1. Heat electric skillet or griddle to 375 degrees or medium-high. (Let it heat up until a drop of water sizzles on surface.)
2. Whisk ingredients together in bowl.
3. Pour a bit of oil on skillet and spread around evenly.
4. Put approximately 3/4 c. batter in large electric skillet each time. Tip skillet to cover entire bottom.
5. Flip to cook other side, then fold in half twice.
6. Cut in half to serve.
7. Eat with syrup, powdered sugar, or fruit!

*This recipe is easy to double or triple for larger families.

Stove Top Chicken Casserole

Fast and wholesome!

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Stove Top Chicken Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 qts. water
• 12 oz. box tricolor Rotini
• 16 oz. pkg. frozen peas
• 2 c. cooked, chopped chicken
• 1 can cream mushroom
• 1 can cream chicken
• Flavor with onion salt and garlic powder

Directions:

1. Cook chicken:
   (Can put one 2 1/2 lb. bag of frozen chicken breasts in a crock pot with 1-inch water on the bottom. Cook on high for 4 hours. Use and chop 2 c. and freeze the extra.)
2. In a large pot boil water. Once boiling add Rotini; boil for 3 minutes.
3. Add peas and boil 6 more minutes.
4. Drain water. Add in chicken, cream soups, and any salts or flavorings.
5. Stir well. Heat a bit more until hot enough to eat.

*If time allows, add a cup of each to the boiling water: carrots, celery, and onions--to add even more flavor and nutrition!

Apple Crisp

Going back to the basics with this Apple Crisp by using just five simple ingredients!

 

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Apple Crisp

Ingredients:

• 6 c. apples (sliced thin) -preferably Jonathan
• 3/4 c. brown sugar
• 1/2 c. butter
• 1/2 c. white or whole wheat flour
• 1 c. quick oatmeal (uncooked)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Pare apples and slice thin. Arrange slices in greased 9x13-inch pan.
3. Combine oatmeal, sugar, and flour. Cut in butter.
4. Sprinkle mixture over apples.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes.
6. Best when served fresh out of the oven with a scoop of ice cream! 

Lemon Blueberry Bread

 Feeling ready for spring? Me too! This moist bread bursting with lemon flavors satisfies.

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Lemon Blueberry Bread

Ingredients:

• 1/3 c. butter
• 1 c. sugar
• 3 Tbsp. lemon juice
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 c. flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 c. milk
• 1 c. fresh or frozen blueberries

Glaze:

• 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
• 1/4 c. sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar, juice, and eggs.
3. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; stir into egg mixture alternately with milk.
4. Fold in blueberries.
5. Pour into a greased loaf pan.
6. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until bread tests done.
7. Cool in pan for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, combine glaze ingredients.
8. Remove bread from pan and drizzle with glaze.
9. Cool on wire rack.

Trust

 D O N' T   /      TRUST     /  GOD WILL
WORRY  /    ALWAYS    /    PROVIDE!

Tilapia Bake

Protein-packed, moist interior yet crunchy tops define this recipe!

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Tilapia Bake

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. bag frozen Tilapia fillets (usually 5-7 pieces)
• 1 egg
• 1-2 Tbsp. water
• Salt
• 1/2 package (about 15) Ritz crackers, crushed
• Parmesan cheese
• Paprika

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Thaw fish. (I place sealed packages in warm water for 15 minutes or more.)
3. With fork, drench fillet into egg/water mixture; then place in greased 10x15 pan. Do not discard egg/water mixture quite yet...
4. Salt tops, layer on crushed Ritz, and sprinkle on Parmesan and paprika. 
5. Drizzle tops with extra egg/milk mixture.
6. Bake for 10-15 min or until fish is flaky and baked through.

Toffee

This tasty toffee treat traditionally gets eaten over the holidays...but why not now?

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Toffee

Ingredients:

• 1 c. butter
• 1 c. white sugar
• Finely chopped pecans, if you wish

Directions:

1. Lightly grease cookie sheet or 9x13 pan depending on your thickness preference.
2. Choose a heavy 2 quart pan.
3. When the butter begins to slightly melt, add the sugar.
4. Cook rapidly on medium high stirring constantly with wooden spoon until mixture reaches a golden caramel color or until hard crack- 300 degrees.
5. Immediately add pecans if using, and pour into prepared tray.
6. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and spread out when melted. Can top with more pecans if you want.
7. Cool in the refrigerator or on the counter.
8. Crack into serving size pieces and enjoy!

Bean Salad

Smothered in a flavorful dressing, this bean salad satisfies every taste bud!

Just look at those fresh veggies and fiber-filled beans!

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Bean Salad

Mix below together: Drain and rinse all canned beans.

• 1 (14.5 oz.) can of dark red kidney beans
• 1 can of black beans
• 1 can of green beans
• 1 can of Great Northern Beans
• 1 can of Baby Butter beans
• 1 c. chopped onion
• 1 c. chopped celery
• 1 c. chopped carrots

Mix below together well with a whisk and pour over the above mixture:

• 1/2 c. vinegar
• 1/2 c. sugar
• 1/4 c. canola oil
• 1 tsp. salt

This recipe even gets better after it cools in the fridge!

Optional additions: red, yellow, or green peppers, cucumbers, etc.

Pizza Bake

A quick, hearty, and yet delicious pizza is the definition of this recipe!

Simply mouth watering...

This is a must-try for sure!

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Pizza Bake

Mix together in a bowl:

• 1 1/2 c. flour (I use 3/4 c. wheat, 3/4 c. white)
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. oregano

Whisk together and add to flour mixture:

• 3 eggs
• 1 c. milk

Pour into greased 10x14 glass pan.

Sprinkle *1 lb. browned ground beef (with dashes of Italian seasoning, sage, and garlic salt) over mixture.

Bake for 25-30. Begin to sautee veggies now if you want. I use a 14 oz. bag of frozen chopped onions and peppers.

Take out pan and add:

1. 1 jar pizza sauce- 14 oz.
2. Sauteed veggies, if you chose
3. Parmesan cheese, shake on
4. 2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese

Bake another 10 minutes (or just switch the oven to broil, and stick it back in for 2-3 minutes until cheese looks done: bubbling and golden.)

*To keep it simple, I like to brown several pounds of ground beef ahead of time and freeze in pound packages. When ready to use, microwave until it's warmish, and add to recipe.

Coconut Flour Blueberry Muffins

This is a recipe for those who are grain-free or Paleo!

Super moist and scrumptious!

    Scooped.....................then baked!

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Coconut Flour Blueberry Muffins

Makes: 14 standard size muffins

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 1/2 c. coconut oil, vegetable oil, or butter, melted
• 1/4 c. unsweetened applesauce
• 1/3 c. honey
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
• 2/3 c. coconut flour
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 3/4 c. blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• Sugar for sprinkling

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line muffin pan with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil/butter, applesauce, honey, vanilla, and cider vinegar,
3. Add the coconut flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix thoroughly until combined. Stir in blueberries.
4. Scoop batter into the prepared muffin pan, filling each one 2/3 the way up. Sprinkle each muffin with a bit of sugar, if using.
5. Bake for 17-20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
6. Allow to cool 5 minutes in a pan. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely. Enjoy!

Puff Pancake

Like pancakes? Love Caramel? This Puff Pancake is for you!

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Puff Pancake

Serves: around 4

Ingredients:

• 6 eggs
• 1 c. milk
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 c. flour

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Combine all ingredients in blender.
3. Melt 2 Tbsp. butter in 9x13-inch pan, then pour batter over it.
4. Bake for 20 minutes. It will be puffy, but will fall in time.
5. Serve immediately.
6. Is good with any kind of syrup, powdered sugar, or for a very special treat, ice cream. The caramel syrup listed below is our favorite!

*Note: Eat with Caramel Syrup for the BEST tasting-result!!

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Caramel Syrup

Ingredients:

• 1/2 c. butter
• 1 1/2 c. sugar
• 3/4 c. milk
• 2 Tbsp. corn syrup
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 2 tsp. vanilla

Directions:

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan.
2. Add rest of the ingredients, except vanilla.
3. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
4. Continue to boil and stir for 7 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and add vanilla.
   

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Banana Muffins

Have a couple of bananas that are ripening way too fast?

...Bake banana muffins!!

Sugared tops make these perfect muffins crisp on the top while still being very moist!

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Banana Muffins

Makes: 30 standard size muffins

Ingredients:

• 1 c. oil
• 1 1/2 c. sugar
• 3 eggs
• 2 ripe bananas (1 c.)
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 c. buttermilk (or 1 T. vinegar + milk)
• 1 3/4 c. whole wheat flour
• 1 3/4 c. white flour
• 2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Mix ingredients together.
3. Scoop into muffin pans.
4. Sprinkle sugar on top of each muffin.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.