Ideas

We're starting new Christmas breakfast tradition this year. We're going to make an "unusual" breakfast every year. Something we wouldn't have on a regular basis, or ever for that matter. This year, we are doing Captain Crunch French Toast, from the show Diners, Drive-In's and Dives--it's on every Friday night on Food Network. The show is fantastic, even though some of the dishes are a heart attack waiting to happen. Make sure you check out the show! Plus Guy Fieri isn't too hard on the eyes...

He has a book out too, you can find it at Chapters Bookstore--it looks like a fantastic book, full of recipes and background information on the show and it's episodes.

Should run, I'm getting the munchies now! Happy noshing all!

Hamburger Minestrone Stoup

Made a fantastic dinner the other night of Hamburger Minestrone Stoup. The term "stoup", basically means a stew-like soup. Rachael Ray makes alot of them on her show--not sure if she actually coined the term though. My grandma used to make it for me, and I love it! It's good too with chopped up zucchini in it!

1 lb. ground beef (I prefer lean)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 1/4 cups water
1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
1/2 cup uncooked broken spaghetti or elbow macaroni
2 tsp. beef bouillon granules
1 tsp. italian seasoning
1-14 oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can kidney beans, undrained--very important
grated parmesan cheese

Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic in dutch oven, stirring occasionally, until beef is brown. Drain. Stir in remaining ingredients, except cheese.

Heat to boiling, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender. Serve with cheese on top. Makes 6 servings.

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This recipe can be doubled, and freezes well. Hope you all enjoy--comfort food is definitely a necessity when the weather is this chilly out!!

Tuna Pizza---sooo good!

We made Tuna Pizza for dinner tonight. I made the pizza crust dough in my breadmaker, which is a real timesaver. You can use pre-made shells too!

Tuna Pizza
Heat in a frying pan:
2 Tbsp. oil
Add:
1 can sliced mushrooms, drained
3/4 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped onions
Add to taste:
oregano and basil
Combine:
1-7oz. can flaked tuna, drained
1 can tomato soup
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. chili powder
1/8 tsp. salt
Add mushroom mixture and combine. Spread mixture on pizza shells.

Sprinkle with grated cheddar or mozzarella, and top with pineapple, if desired.

Bake at 425F for 12-15 minutes. If baking on an uncooked shell (homemade), bake for 20-22 minutes.

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This recipe always turns out really well, and disappears quickly. And it tastes fantastic! Enjoy!

Five Layer Bars

I made 2 more pans of Five Layer Bars today--they are highly addictive! And super easy. The recipe that I use is from the adorable Paula Deen. Here it is:

Five Layer Bars
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup melted butter or margarine
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup butterscotch chips
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup shredded coconut
1-14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk

Preheat the oven to 350F. Combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Press into the bottom of greased 9"x13" baking dish. Sprinkle pecans, chips and coconut on top. Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the mixture and bake for 30 minutes. Cool completely and cut into bars.
Makes 36 bars.

These bars are highly addictive and won't last long! Hope y'all enjoy them!

The First Of Many...

Have decided to start a new blog, dedicated to amazing food experiences, finds and recipes. Good food and good recipes are a passion of mine, which I explore more and more. So please enjoy this new adventure. Get into your kitchen, explore your local markets, and consider a cookbook to be a classic novel. Whether an entry is about the simplest of foods or the exotic and strange, I hope you all enjoy. Feel free to leave comments!

Best Dishes to all!