Taco Salad with Ranch Dressing

Prep Time 15 Min Cook Time 15 Min Ready In 30 Min

Servings  6

Ingredients

• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast meat
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 pound lettuce, chopped
• 3/4 (8 ounce) jar medium salsa
• 1 (8 ounce) bottle Ranch-style salad dressing
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped black olives
• 1 cup crushed tortilla chips

Directions

1.                  Cook the chicken breasts in a medium skillet over medium high heat for 12 to 16 minutes, or until chicken is cooked though and juices run clear. Let cool slightly then slice into strips.

2.                  In a large bowl, toss together the chicken, chili powder, lettuce, salsa, dressing, Cheddar, Monterey Jack, olives and tortilla chips until evenly coated. Chill until ready to serve.

This was good.  We had it two days in a row.
Dan's Dad went into hospitel on Monday he is supposed to go home today.  He said last night that he feels better than he has in a while.
I am working for the next four days
Had the piano tuned.  The turner did not want to buy it.  So, now I have to look else where.

Meatloaf Muffins

Prep Time 15 Min Cook Time 1Hr Ready In 1 Hr 15 Min

Servings  6

 Ingredients

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed vegetable soup
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup dry bread crumbs
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 pinch ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup ketchup (optional)

Directions

1.                  Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 12 cup muffin pan.

2.                  Mix ground beef, soup, onion, bread crumbs, eggs, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Scoop mixture evenly into prepared muffin cups.

3.                  Bake 1 hour in the preheated oven to a minimum temperature of 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). If desired, remove from oven after 50 minutes, drizzle ketchup on the top of each muffin, and return to oven for an additional 10 minutes.

We maid this meat loaf just like a regular meatloaf.  I liked the ingredient combo not the muffin thing.
Here are the two sides that we had with this.

Mushrooms in White Wine Sauce

Prep Time 15 Min Cook Time 20 Min Ready In 35 Min

Servings  6

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup peanut or vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 pound mushrooms, sliced
• 3/4 cup water, divided
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1 cube chicken bouillon
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Directions

1.                  Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in onions and garlic, and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in mushrooms, 1/2 cup water, wine, and chicken bouillon. Season with basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mix together cornstarch with 1/4 cup water. Stir into mushrooms, and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.

Smothered Green Beans

Prep Time 20 Min Cook Time 30 Min Ready In 50 Min

Servings  6

Ingredients

• 6 thick slices bacon, chopped
• 1/2 cup onions, minced
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 cup water
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 pinch ground black pepper

Directions

1.                  Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until the fat begins to render. Stir in onions and garlic; let cook for 1 minute. Stir in beans and water. Let the beans cook until the water has evaporated and the beans are tender. If the beans are not tender once the water has evaporated, add a small amount more water and let them cook until tender. Season with salt and pepper (to taste) and serve.

With these green bean I steamed them and cooked them with the bacon.  I did not add any water.

We went to Al's open house for what I saw of the house it seems very nice.  I got to meat Carla.  She seems very nice. 

I was supposed to work today but, my demo was canceled. 

I was able to take the dog for an hour walk.  I enjoyed the morning walk.  I hope to do it tomorrow as well.  

This afternoon I am going to call some one and get my piano fixed.  I am hoping to seal it.  I guess we will see what happens. 

Easy Broccoli Quiche

Prep Time 20 Min Cook Time 30 Min Ready in 50 Min

Servings  6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, minced
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 cups chopped fresh broccoli
• 1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 eggs, well beaten
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Directions

1.                  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2.                  Over medium-low heat melt butter in a large saucepan. Add onions, garlic and broccoli. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are soft. Spoon vegetables into crust and sprinkle with cheese.

3.                  Combine eggs and milk. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in melted butter. Pour egg mixture over vegetables and cheese.

4.                  Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until center has set.

This was very good.  I love a good quiche.  It could have meat or not and I still love them.
Dan's Mom made it home safely from her trip.  She had gone to Atlanta.  The tour was "Gone with the Wind tour"  I enjoyed the movie and the book but, I don't think that I would have wanted to go on the tour.  She had a nice time and that was good.  Dan did not talk to her about the way she talks about him in front of others.  I am sure he will at some point.  It really bothers me.  I love him so it hurts to have some one talk down about him.  He is such a good man.
I have this weekend off.  May go to a movie or something.  Not sure yet.  It is interesting that with this new supervisor I am getting more steady hours.  Thank you Jesus!!  We will see what happens next month.  I should be notification about getting my new food handlers card soon.  I will be glad to get that out of the way. 
We think that there will be 100 people at Mom's party.  Don't know about out of towners yet.  Also don't know what their going to be doing after the party for dinner.  Dan's Dad will need to eat.  I am a little bet concerned about this. 

Summer Salmon Skewers

Prep Time 30 Min Cook Time 8 Min Ready In 1Hr 8 Min

Servings  2

Ingredients

• 2 (6 ounce) skinless salmon fillets, about 1-inch thick, cut into 2-inch strips
• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Directions

1.                  Preheat grill for medium-low heat.

2.                  Lie the salmon in the bottom of a baking dish. Whisk together the lemon juice, wine, mint, dill, parsley, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking vigorously. Pour the mixture over the salmon. Marinate the salmon in the refrigerator for no more than 30 minutes.

3.                  Thread the salmon onto metal or soaked wooden skewers lengthwise. Cook on preheated grill until opaque in the center, about 4 minutes per side. Serve immediately.

Garlic Spinach

Prep Time 5 Min Cook Time 10 Min Ready In 15 Min

 

Servings  4

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 2 (10 ounce) bags fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 lemon, juiced

Directions

1.                  Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the garlic; cook and stir until the garlic is fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the spinach a few handfuls at a time, stirring until wilted before adding more, about 5 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice, and season with garlic salt.

 Boy does Dan know how to cook.  He decided to bake the salmon instead of doing skewers.  Boy it turned out swell!!! He cooked cubed potatoes along with the salmon. We had the spinach as a side dish. 

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

Prep Time 30 Min Cook Time 1Hr Ready In 1 Hr 30 Min

Servings  8

Ingredients

• 1 (9 inch) pie shell
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup butter
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Directions

1.                  Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees F).

2.                  In a small saucepan combine sugar, corn syrup, and butter or margarine. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until butter or margarine melts and sugar dissolves. Cool slightly.

3.                  In a large bowl combine eggs, bourbon, vanilla, and salt. Mix well. Slowly pour sugar mixture into egg mixture, whisking constantly. Stir in chocolate chips and pecans. Pour mixture into pie shell.

4.                  Bake in preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until set and golden. May be served warm or chilled.

This was a great dessert.  You don't taste the bourbon.
I have been working a lot of hours!  Thank you Jesus!!  I haven't had much time for posting.  Hence the multiple postings.
Mom is very excited about her Birthday.  She is doing very well and is healthy for the most part. 
Dan's Mom will be back home this Sunday morning.  Dan is going to take her out to breakfast.  That is if she wants to go.
Dan's friend Al has bought a house and is having a house warming party on the 4/22/12.  Looking forward to seeing his house.

Penne with Spring Vegetables

Prep Time 10 Min Cook Time 15 Min Ready In 25 Min

Servings  4

 Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 (8 ounce) package sugar snap peas, trimmed
• 1 (8 ounce) package dry penne pasta
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1.                  Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add asparagus, and cook for 2 minutes. Add peas, and cook for 2 more minutes. Transfer to a large bowl; set aside. Add pasta to boiling water, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.

2.                  Place pasta in the bowl with asparagus and peas. Toss with olive oil, Parmesan, salt and pepper.

This turned out great.  The vegetables were nice and crisp.

Pork Apple Burgers

Prep Time 20 Min Cook Time 10 Min Ready In 30 Min

Servings  8

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground pork
• 1 Granny Smith apple - peeled, cored and chopped
• 1 sweet onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 egg
• 8 hamburger buns
• 1 (20 ounce) can sliced pineapple, drained

Directions

1.                  Preheat grill for medium-high heat.

2.                  In a large bowl, mix together ground pork, apple, onion, garlic, teriyaki sauce, and egg. If too dry, add some juice from the can of pineapple slices. Form into eight patties.

3.                  Lightly oil grill grate. Grill pork burgers for 10 minutes, or until well done. Toast buns on grill. Serve burgers on toasted buns topped with pineapple slices.

We did these burgers on our indoor grill!!  Boy were they good