Thursday, July 30, 2009

Chocolate cake



So I keep trying to find my favorite chocolate cake recipe- I tried this one today and its awesome!! YUM!

1 (18.25 ounce) package devil's food cake mix
1 (5.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
1 cup sour cream
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
1/2 cup warm water
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

*Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
*In a large bowl, mix together the cake and pudding mixes, sour cream, oil, beaten eggs and water.
*Stir in the chocolate chips and pour batter into a well greased 12 cup bundt pan.
*Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until top is springy to the touch and a wooden toothpick inserted comes out clean.
*Cool cake thoroughly in pan at least an hour and a half before inverting onto a plate If desired, dust the cake with powdered sugar.
*I made a chocolate glaze out of 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream, 3 Tbsp butter and about 15oz. semisweet chocolate chips

Crock pot chicken

Here is another on of my favorite crock pot recipes- super easy and the chicken comes out so moist.

You will need:

1lb chicken breast- frozen (!!)
1 can cream of mushroom
1 can cream of celery

*Put it all in your crock pot and cook on low for 8-10 hours/ 5-6 hours on high
*serve over rice and with a side of veggies

One-pot Salsa Beef Skillet

You will need:

1 lb. extra lean ground beef
2 cups water
1 cup TACO BELL® HOME ORIGINALS® Thick 'N Chunky Salsa
1 pkg. (14 oz.) KRAFT Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese Dinner Made With 2% Milk Cheese
2 cups frozen corn
1/2 cup KRAFT Mexican Style 2% Milk Finely Shredded Four Cheese
1 green onion, chopped

* Brown meat in large skillet on medium-high heat; drain.
*Add water, salsa and Macaroni; stir. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; cover.
*Simmer 10 min. or until macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally.
*Add corn and Cheese Sauce; stir. Cook 2 min. or until heated through.
*Top with cheese and onions.


Weeknight quiche

I don't really have a recipe for this. I use refrigerated pie dough, mix about 6-8 eggs with some milk, spinach, ham or whatever I have on hand. Top it with shredded cheddar and bake for about 50- 60 minutes.




Brats with pasta salad

I made the salad the day before (cooked pasta, red bell pepper, pickle, mayo, pepper, salt) and served it with the grilled brats.


Sunday, July 19, 2009

Applesauce cake

I forgot to take a picture of this but thought I would add it here anyway.

You will need:

1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 cups applesauce
2 cups flour

1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 Tbsp. cinnamon

*Cream sugar, shortening and egg
*Add rest of non- dry ingredients
*sift flour
*add dry ingredients
*pour in greased loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for 45 min. (you can also make cupcakes- bake for 25 min.)

Pot Roast

I love my crock pot! This is so easy and fast to make.

You will need:
1 (3-4 pound) rump or chuck roast
1 Tbsp butter or oil
about 4-5 medium potatoes
1 medium onion (halved)
carrots
2 cups water or beef broth

*season meat with pepper and salt
*brown it in pan
*add water to it, then transfer to crock pot (makes sauce darker)
*add potatoes and onions (carrots too if you prefer)
*cook on low for 10- 12 hours

I like my carrots steamed, which takes about 45 min.


This is one of my German recipes- not sure what I would call it...

You will need:
3 medium zucchinis, sliced and halved
4-5 tomatoes, diced
1 bell pepper (red, yellow or orange), diced
1 lb ground beef or smoked sausage (sliced)
5 slices cheese (American singles)
Italian seasoning
1 cup uncooked rice

*Cook rice
*If using ground meet brown in pan
*add zucchini, cook for about 5 min.
*add tomatoes and bell pepper and seasoning, cook for about 10 more min.
*if using sausage, add in now
*add cheese, stir
*serve over rice


Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Carrot Cake

Here is a similar version of the carrot cake I made a while back. Look here for the recipe.
*Heat oven to 350°F. Prepare cake batter as directed on package; stir in carrots, pineapple
*Pour into 2 (9-inch) square pans. Bake 25 to 30 min. or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 min.; invert onto wire racks. Remove pans. Turn cakes over; cool completely.

Now for the icing you will need:

2 pkg. (8 oz. each) Cream Cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed

*Beat cream cheese and sugar until well blended. Whisk in COOL WHIP.

*Stack cake layers on plate, spreading frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake. Top with remaining nuts. Keep refrigerated.