SANDRA'S 30-MINUTE CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP with CHEDDAR CORNBREAD

An all-time favorite...a quick and easy comfort meal that's oh so healthy for you!

Be sure to favorite/print out this recipe as I'm sure you'll want to prepare this
each and every time you find you have leftover chicken and/or turkey on hand...

Servings: (6)

Prep/Cook: 30 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Soup:

1/2 tablespoon light olive

2 cups diced celery

1 cup diced carrots

Pinch of red pepper flakes

1/4 cup dry minced onion

1 teaspoon dried basil

2 tablespoons dried parsley, divided (see below)

1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic

1/2 teaspoon granulated onion
1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper

1/4 teaspoon ground poultry seasoning

1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1/2 tablespoon white wine vinegar

1/2 tablespoon worcestershire

3 precooked, boned, skinned chicken thighs, roughly shredded, then cut into bite-size pieces

2 green onions, cut into 1/4" slices (both white and green parts)

1 (reserved) tablespoon dried parsley

1/4 cup frozen sweet peas

Noodles: Prepared and stored separately (See 'Leftover Tip' below)

--1 (8-oz pkg) No-Yolk Broad-Egg Noodles, prepared according to pkg directions (10-12 mins. cooking time)

Cheddar Cornbread (15-20 minutes baking time):

1 egg

1/3 cup milk

--1 (8.5-oz. pkg) dry Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix

1/4 cup shredded medium cheddar cheese

METHOD

Preheat oven to 400 degrees, and set aside a sprayed, square 7" baking dish.  Place a separate medium pot on stove with 4 quarts water over high heat for water to boil for noodles.

First, begin preparing soup by heating oil in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium high heat.  Add and sauté celery, carrots, dry minced onion, basil and 1 tablespoon dried parsley, granulated garlic and onion, lemon pepper, poultry seasoning, and turmeric for 5 minutes.  Add chicken broth, white wine vinegar, and worcestershire; stir to combine.  Bring soup to boil, then reduce heat to medium low to simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare noodles according to package directions.

Also, begin preparing cornbread batter in a small bowl by beating an egg with 1/3 cup milk, add and mix in with a fork the dry corn muffin mix, and fold in shredded cheddar cheese.  Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake, uncovered, in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes.

At this point, finish soup by adding the chicken, green onions, remaining 1 tablespoon dried parsley, and frozen peas. Cook for 2 minutes, then turn off heat.

Drain noodles in a colander at end of cooking time.

Remove cornbread at end of baking time, and cut into 6 squares.

To serve, place 3/4 cups of prepared noodles into each bowl and ladle soup over top. Place filled soup bowls onto separate dinner plates, each with squares of cheddar cornbread slathered with butter ;) alongside. ~ Enjoy!

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Leftover Tip: I store cooked noodles separately in the refrigerator in ziploc bag so as to maintain their integrity, with the actual soup separately, covered, in an air-tight container.

SANDRA'S MAGNIFICENT 4-CHEESE LASAGNA (Serves 6)

A smaller lasagna recipe version I created for families 
consisting of fewer members. I also made a double batch;

one for this evening, and another for the freezer...

Prep: 30 Mins.
Bake: 45 Mins.
Servings: (6)

INGREDIENTS

Feel free to double the recipe to make it crowd-size, 
or a second batch for the freezer as I did!

Sauce:
1 lb. extra-lean moose burger
--(Or, venison, beef, elk, caribou, buffalo, etc., 
including the option to add Italian sausage, if preferred)
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1 small orange bell pepper, chopped (or your desired color)
1 garlic clove, minced
Pinch of red pepper flakes
1 (24 oz. jar) prepared marinara sauce
1 cup water
--(You need the addition of water so your sauce is a bit looser 
when using no-bake lasagna noodles, 
as they absorb quite a bit liquid while baking)
1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Cheese Mixture:
1 large egg
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; plus more for topping
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded medium cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

6 no-boil lasagna noodles

Topping:
1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Side dish options:
--Warm and Crusty Garlic and Parmesan Bread
--Garden and Cheese Salad topped with a Light Vinaigrette

METHOD

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9"x9" square baking dish and set aside.

In large skillet, brown the burger over medium-high heat until about 3/4 the way done.  Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Stir mixture, and continue cooking for 5 minutes.  Add the remaining sauce ingredients, mix to incorporate, cover, and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk the egg with ricotta cheese.  Add remaining cheese mixture ingredients, and fold with a spoon to incorporate.

Make an assembly line consisting of the skillet of sauce, bowl of cheese mixture, no-boil lasagna noodles, and prepared baking dish.  Spoon a bit of sauce bottom of baking dish.

Layer two no-boil noodles on top in a horizontal direction.

Place a layer of cheese mixture on top of noodles.

Repeat laying of ingredients in this manner 2 additional times. [Note: Ensure that the second layer of noodles are placed in a vertical direction, and the 3rd back to a horizontal direction, which provides for more uniform cutting when serving lasagna.] End with a generous layer of sauce and cheese mixture.Top with 1/4 cup of shredded parmesan cheese.

Lasagna ready to be covered and placed in oven...

Spray underside of tin foil (to prevent it from possibly sticking to cheese) and cover baking dish. Bake lasagna for 30 minutes. Uncover, and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, until cheese is golden and lasagna is bubbly. Let lasagna stand to set for a minimum of 15 minutes prior to cutting. ~ Enjoy!

Plated lasagna with a nice garden salad
and parmesan garlic bread...

SANDRA'S MEXICAN-STYLE PREMIUM CORNBREAD

Very hearty, flavorful, and moist cornbread
with the addition of fire-roasted green chilies,
Mexican corn, and cheddar cheese...

Servings: (8 to 10)
Prep: 5 Mins.
Stand: 5 Mins.
Bake: (20 to 25 Mins.)

INGREDIENTS

1 (8.5 oz.box) jiffy corn muffin mix
1 egg, beaten
1 (10 oz. can) of Mexican corn, drained
1 (4.5 oz. can) of mild diced fire-roasted green chilies, drained
¼ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1/3 cup of milk

METHOD

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Spray a 8" round baking dish (or 8"x8" square baking dish) with butter spray, and set aside.

Mix all cornbread ingredients in a medium bowl, and let batter stand for 5 minutes. Pour the cornbread batter into prepared baking dish.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until cornbread is done (when a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean). Run knife around rim of baking dish, and cut cornbread into 9 serving portions. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA’S INCREDIBLE CHEDDAR BURGERS with YUKON HOME FRIES

These delicious burgers take all of 
20 minutes to prepare,
 and they are 'oh so satisfying'!

Servings: (4)
Prep/Cook 20 Mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

***Home Fries
8 medium yukon potatoes (of similar size), scrubbed, and cut into quarters
remaining ½ pkg. of dry lipton onion soup mix
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
3 to 4 tablespoons olive oil

***Burgers
1 lb. lean moose burger (or venison, or beef, or buffalo)
½ pkg. of dry lipton onion soup mix (reserve remaining half)
3 tablespoons ketchup
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
4 slices medium cheddar cheese, sliced 1/8” thick

***Toppings:
4 - hamburger buns, toasted
2 roma tomatoes, slice
4 lettuce leaves
Mayonnaise
Mustard
Ketchup

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Place the yukon potato quarters in a microwavable safe baking dish, completely cover with a couple of damp paper towels, and microwave on high for 5 minutes. Once done, use kitchen mitts to remove as dish as it will be hot. Add the ½ pkg. of dry lipton onion soup mix, garlic powder, and ground pepper, and then enough olive to sufficiently coat, about 3 tablespoons. Fold completely so all ingredients are combined. Bake in regular preheated oven for 10 minutes, turning ½ way through cooking so potatoes do not become too dry.

Meanwhile, heat a large non-stick skillet to medium-high heat. Form four patties out of burger mixture, use your thumb and make a small indent in center of each, and place in skillet; cooking on each side for 5 to 6 minutes, for a total of 10 to 12 minutes. During the last two minutes, top with cheese, and then lightly tent skillet with tin foil. Place the bun halves in toaster.

Remove the home fries from the oven, and serve equally on four plates. Place the burgers atop the bottom burger halves, add toppings, and top halves to each. – Enjoy!

SANDRA’S EXQUISITE CHEDDAR-CAULIFLOWER SOUP

A very delicious soup that pairs well
with most any side dish...

Servings: (4)
Prep: 5 Mins. |
Cook: 25 Mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets,  divided
1 large russet potato, peeled, and diced into small ¾” cubes, divided
2 ribs of celery, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, chopped
1 bay leaf
3-1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated; plus 2 tablespoons for garnish
1-1/2 cups half and half (fat-free, if desired)
½ teaspoon worcestershire
¼ teaspoon dry mustard
¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
Sea salt, and ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish/Serving
-- 2 tablespoons sharp cheddar cheese, grated
-- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
--Warm, toasted, and crusty loaf of bread, or BLTs as I did for serving

METHOD

In a small saucepan, steam half of the cauliflower florets, and half the potatoes in lightly salted water, just until tender, about 7 to 10 minutes, drain, and set aside.

Meanwhile, combine the rest of the florets with the potatoes, celery, garlic, onions, bay leaf, and chicken broth in a dutch oven (or heavy-bottom saucepan) to make the thickening base. Bring to boil, and lower heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until all vegetables are very tender, about 20 minutes. Remove and toss bay leaf. Carefully purée the thickening base in a blender, food processor (or in the dutch oven with an immersion blender), and return to the stove. Add the reserved whole steamed florets to the puréed thickening base, along with the cheese, half and half, worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, thyme, turmeric, and sea salt and ground pepper, to taste. Heat gently over low heat (please do not boil). Serve hot soup, topped with a bit of shredded cheddar cheese and freshly chopped parsley, with crusty bread slices along side (or as I have with BLTs). – Enjoy!


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Tip:  This soup is just as tasty using broccoli, versus cauliflower!

SANDRA'S BROCCOLI CHEDDAR and SMASHED POTATO BAKE

You definitely can't miss with this side dish...

Servings: (6)
Prep: 15 to 20 Mins. |
Bake: 20 to 25

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

2 lbs. red potatoes, scrubbed, and cut into 1” cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 spanish onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups broccoli florets, chopped fairly small
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 cup medium shredded cheddar cheese ~ divided
--Garnish: 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley

METHOD

Cook the potatoes in boiling water for 10-15 minutes, until tender.

Meanwhile, heat olive oil over medium heat in a large saute pan, add the onion and saute 5 minutes until translucent, add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds more, and set aside.

Place the florets in a microwave safe bowl with 3 tablespoons of water, cover with a damp paper towel, and cook on high for 5 minutes until tender, drain, and set aside.

In the interim, preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Drain the potatoes, and return to the pot or a large bowl. Mash with the sour cream, butter and milk. Add the onion, garlic, broccoli, and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, then stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Spray a 9”x9” or 10” round baking dish with cooking spray. Place mashed potato mixture in the baking dish, and top with panko crumbs and remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese. Bake at for 20 to 25 minutes, until the crust is lightly golden brown, and sprinkle with fresh parsley. – Enjoy!

SANDRA'S BROCCOLI-CHEDDAR CHICKEN over RICE

This 15-minute dish is excellent for 
using up leftover chicken or turkey...

Serves (4)
Prep/Cook: about 15 Mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

2 bags of boil in bag rice (recommend Uncle Ben’s)
2 tablespoons light olive oil
1/2 onion, diced
1 bunch of broccoli, cut into small florets
¼ teaspoon each of onion and garlic powder
pinch of red pepper flakes
kosher salt and ground pepper, to taste
2 cups cooked chicken, cubed
1 (10.75 oz.can) low-sodium condensed cream of chicken soup (recommend Campbell’s Healthy Request)
1/2 (empty soup) can of milk
1 teaspoon dried parsley
2/3 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

METHOD

Bring 8 cups water to a boil in a 4-qt. saucepan, and add bags of rice, and boil, uncovered for 12 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat a large skillet with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, broccoli florets, garlic and onion powder, red pepper flakes, and saute until onions are translucent and the broccoli florets are crisp-tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the chicken cubes; stirring to combine. Add can of cream of chicken soup, milk, and dried parsley; mixing to combine. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, and fold, just until melted. Taste for seasonings, and add additional kosher salt and ground pepper, if desired.

Rice should be done right about now, so using tongs remove the bags of rice, and drain. Cut open bags, and place rice onto a serving platter while fluffing with a fork, and top with cheesy chicken sauce – Enjoy!

SANDRA'S TRIPLE-BAKED CHEDDAR BROCCOLI and BACON POTATO

Oh my, these are fabulous and a 1/2 of a triple-baked potato
with your favorite main dish will be utmost satisfying...

Servings: (2)
Prep: 5 Mins. |
Bake 30 Mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

1) Par-Bake in Microwave
1 large russet potato, scrubbed and pierced

2) Finish Baking in Oven
baking spray
pinch of garlic powder
pinch of onion powder

3) Baked a Final Time Stuffed
1 strip bacon, cut into ½” strips
2 tablespoons spanish onion, chopped
1 small clove of garlic, minced
3 tablespoons frozen broccoli florets, thawed, and chopped
3 tablespoons sour cream
2 heaping tablespoons cheddar cheese, grated
kosher salt and ground pepper to taste

***Topping
--2 tablespoons cheddar cheese, grated

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Scrub and pierce potato, and par-bake in microwave on high for 5 minutes. Carefully remove from microwave (it’ll be hot), and place on a sheet of tin foil. Spray the potato all over with baking spray, and sprinkle lightly with garlic and onion powder all over, then roll up and place in preheated conventional oven for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, place a medium skillet over medium-heat, and brown bacon until crispy. Remove bacon to a paper towel lined saucer, reserving drippings. Add the onion to skillet, and saute until translucent. Add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds. Add the broccoli, sour cream, 2 tablespoons cheddar cheese, and kosher salt and ground pepper, to taste, and remove from heat.

Remove the potato from the oven, unwrap from tin foil, and using tongs cut the potato in half lengthwise. Using a tablespoon, scoop out flesh while leaving ¼” of the walls of the potato intact. Place the scooped out potato flesh into skillet, and mash the mixture with a fork, then stir to combine. Generously stuff the potato halves with the filling, and top with remaining cheddar cheese, and bake on a foil-lined baking sheet for 12 to 15 minutes, until warmed through and cheese on top has melted. Remove from oven, and sprinkle with crispy bacon. - Enjoy!

SANDRA'S STEAMED BROCCOLI with HOMEMADE CHEDDAR CHEESE SAUCE

When I created this recipe I was jumping for joy,
as it's guaranteed to be perfectly cooked and appropriately sauced
with just the right amount of cheese sauce every time...

Servings: (2)
Prep: 1 Min. |
Steam: 4 Mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

***Steamed Broccoli
1 bunch of broccoli, cut into florets
pinch of onion powder
pinch of garlic powder
kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

***Cheese Sauce
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

METHOD

Place broccoli florets in a heatproof and microwave safe bowl, along with 2 tablespoons of water. Lightly sprinkle with onion powder, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Cover with two damp paper towels folded in half, and microwave for 3 minutes on high. Give the broccoli florets a toss, and then microwave for 1 more minute on high, or until your desired crisp-tenderness (I prefer mine with a bit of tooth to it ;)...

Meanwhile, place a small saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and continue cooking and whisking for 1 minute to cook out the flour flavor out (do not let roux brown). Continually whisk in the milk into mixture just until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and using a spoon, stir in the sharp cheddar cheese. Add kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste. At this point, check sauce for your desired consistency, and add more milk to thin, or more cheese to thicken, if needed.

Drain the broccoli of any remaining water, and then drizzle the cheese sauce over the top, and serve your vibrant broccoli topped with cheddar cheese sauce immediately ~ Enjoy!

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Tip:  This recipe is great to use to prepare steamed asparagus and cauliflower as well, and of course topped with the cheddar cheese sauce. Also, for a bit more vibrant color, add a pinch of healthy turmeric to the sauce!

SANDRA'S STAPLE HOMEMADE CHEDDAR CHEESE SAUCE

A simple method to make a
full-bodied cheddar cheese sauce for
an addition to steamed broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus,
and many other side dish or appetizer options...

Yields: (Appx. ¾ cup)
Prep: 5 mins. |
Cook 8 to 10 mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS:

1-1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1-1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese; grated
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric - optional (Beautifully enhances the ‘yellow’ color without changing flavor; adding a healthy note)

METHOD:

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and seasonings and let the ‘flour flavor’ cook out for a couple of minutes (do not let mixture brown though); gradually add the milk while whisking constantly, until well blended. Turn off heat, and add cheese and turmeric, whisking until smooth.

SANDRA'S POTLUCK EIGHT-LAYER NACHO DIP

Servings: (12)
Cook/Prep: 30 mins.

Posted: by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

***Cooked ingredients:
1 lb lean moose burger (or venison, or beef)
· ½ white onion, diced
· ½ cup red bell pepper, chopped
· 2 garlic cloves, minced
· 1 can of refried beans
· 1 pkg. taco seasoning
· 1 teaspoon chili powder

***Guacamole:
· 2 avocados, peeled – seeds removed – and mashed with a fork.
· 1 teaspoon lime juice
· ½ tomato, chopped
· sea salt and ground pepper, to taste

***Non-cooked ingredients:
· 2 cups sour cream (reserve some to dollop on top
· 1 small can hot green chilies (use mild if you like it less spicy); although hot green chilies are perfect because so many ingredients make this the right choice
· 2 small cans sliced black olives
· 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
· 2 cups medium picante salsa
· 1 tomato, chopped

***Garnish ingredients:
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
-  a few dollops of sour cream

-- Tortilla chips for scooping

METHOD

In a medium-size skillet heat to medium-high heat and brown the burger, about ¾’s the way through add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, taco seasoning, and chili powder; cooking until the onions are translucent. Add in the refried beans, and gently stir to combine, just until bubbly. Remove from heat, and let cool.

Make guacamole by smashing the avocados in a small bowl with a fork, and add the lemon juice, and chopped tomato; mixing to combine. Season with sea salt and ground pepper, to taste.

Layer cooled meat mixture on bottom of 9”x13” glass pan (or other decorative vessel), and then layer sour cream, guacamole, green chilies, black olives, shredded cheese, picante sauce, chopped tomatoes, lettuce, cilantro, and green onions. Top with dollops of sour cream. Serve at room temperature, and for easy dipping with restaurant-style flour tortilla chips. - Enjoy!

SANDRA'S BEER BREAD topped with CHEDDAR CHEESE AND GREEN CHILIES

No kneading or rising required 
for such a delightful bread...

This particular photograph 
I found featured on 9-17-12 at 
"World of Beer"
http://www.worldofbeer.co.za/news/
entry/cooking-with-beer-beer-bread

Yields: (1 loaf)
Prep: 3 minutes
Bake: 1 hour

SIFT - Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, (not self-rising)
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- 1/4 cup sugar

Wet Ingredients:
- 1 (12 ounce) can/bottle of unopened beer brought to room temp. (Alaskan Pale Ale is best!)
- 1/4 cup melted butter

METHOD

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Melt the butter for 40 seconds in the microwave, and set aside to cool to room temperature

Sift using fine-mesh sieve sift all the dry ingredients into a large bowl by tapping side.
[IMPORTANT: Don’t skip this step!]

Pour the beer in folding and drawing the spoon through the batter to gently mix in the dry ingredients. [It is very important to not stir in a circular motion while adding the beer just to moisten, (as you do not want it to form into a “globby ball.”)

Pour into a 9” x 5” loaf pan sprayed with oil, and place over a foil-lined baking sheet for easy clean up. Very lightly smooth the top with a teaspoon dipped in the melted butter (do not press the bread dough down though.) Pour remaining melted butter over mixture.

Bake 50 mins. to 1 hour (when lightly thumped it sounds hollow, not a thud). Remove loaf from pan and place on its side to cooling rack, and cover with a tea towel, letting it cool for at least 15 minutes.

---(Note: This is optional - I added a small can, drained, of chopped green chilis + 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese during the last 5 mins. of  baking pictured in the above loaf.)---

The final result should be hearty, slightly dense, and a very moist and tasteful loaf of bread.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TIP: If using non-alcoholic beer, please add a packet of dry Active Dry Yeast or 2 teaspoons of Bread (Machine) Yeast so that you get proper rise.

SANDRA'S BACON WRAPPED CHILI/JALAPENO PEPPERS

Servings: (2 to 4)

Posted: by Sandra 

Prep: 10 mins. | Cook: 10 to 12 mins.

INGREDIENTS

- 10 Peppers (red chilies, jalapenos, etc.)
- 1 (8 oz. pkg.) cream cheese, at room temp.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 10 slices of bacon

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Cut the jalapeno peppers in half lengthwise and remove the stems and seeds (leave some in if you like them spicier).

Cut each piece of bacon in half.

Mix cheeses together in a small bowl. Fill each jalapeno pepper half with cheese mixture. Wrap each jalapeno half with bacon and secure with a toothpick (or place seam side of bacon down on rack).

Put the bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers on a foil line cookie sheet (with a rack on top) and bake in the oven until the bacon is fully cooked, about 10 to 12 minutes (depending on how crispy you like your bacon).-- [Don't forget to wash your hands after handling hot peppers.]

Serve the bacon-wrapped poppers with a ranch dressing or sour cream, although they're also great plain.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tip: Cooking these on the grill is a great way to add some smokiness to the jalapeno poppers (just soak the toothpicks, if using, 30 minutes beforehand so they don’t burn).

SANDRA'S TRADITIONAL CHEDDAR MAC and CHEESE

As you have probably gathered
I'm big on comfort food without unnecessary additives,
just so they're big on flavor as this dish is...

Servings: (4)
Prep: 12 minutes |
Bake: 15 to 20 minutes

Posted:by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

2 cups elbow macaroni
--(I prefer Barilla brand due to the
ridges in this particular macaroni
that captures the sauce)
¼ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon fine-grained kosher salt
¼ teaspoon white pepper
¼ teaspoon ground mustard
¼ teaspoon worcestershire
2 cups milk
2 cups (8 ozs.) cheddar cheese, shredded
--(I prefer ‘sharp’)

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cook macaroni as directed on package, (but a few minutes less so it is al dente, as it continues to cook in oven).

While macaroni is cooking, melt butter in 3-quart saucepan over low heat. Stir in flour and continue cooking for 1 minute while whisking. Whisk in milk, salt, white pepper, mustard, worcestershire, and continue to do so until bubbles begin to form. Continue whisking and simmering for 1 minute longer. Remove from heat, and fold in cheese with a spoon until melted.

Drain macaroni and return to medium saucepan with cheese sauce, and gently fold in macaroni to combine.

Pour mixture into an ungreased 9"x9"x2" casserole dish. Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes, just until bubbly. - Enjoy!

SANDRA'S EASY CHEESY POTATO BAKE

A tasty side dish you'll be serving
often with your favorite entrees...

Posted: by Sandra
Prep Time: 10 min |
Cook Time: 30 min.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

6 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1” cubes
5 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
--(plus more for garnishing)
1-1/2 cup sour cream
1/3 cup green onions, sliced
Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

***Garnish:
· Cheddar Cheese, grated
· Paprika

METHOD:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place potato cubes in a large pot, covered with cold water, and par-boil for 8 to 10 minutes, drain in a colander, set aside.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan add a 1/2 cup of the butter until halfway melted; add the minced garlic and onion powder and cook for 30 seconds, just until butter has melted; remove from heat, and set aside to cool.

Add the drained potatoes back into large pot, and set aside.

Add the cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, and salt and pepper to butter mixture in small saucepan that has cooled slightly; gently fold to combine; add mixture to the large pot of potatoes and gently fold to combine (no need to heat the additions).

Spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with oil. Add the potato mixture, spreading evenly. Sprinkle with remaining grated cheese, and then lightly dust with paprika on top.

Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes; let stand for 10 minutes, and serve. - Enjoy!