Easy Irish Soda Bread

Dotted with raisins and baked until golden brown, this Irish soda bread has a way of making everyone feel lucky!

Easy Irish Soda Bread

Taste of Home has the best recipe for Easy Irish Soda bread.  It can be found here:  https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/easy-irish-soda-bread/

Easy Irish Soda Bread 101:

*Before starting recipe, put raisins into a small bowl and cover with boiling water.  Let rest for two minutes and then drain well.

*Stir batter with a sturdy spoon.  Batter will be very heavy and thick.

*I use Crisco to grease the 9-in. springform pan and then pat/spread the batter evenly into the pan. 

*If removal of bottom pan is desired, wait until bread has cooled 10 minutes, and then run a metal spatula (like an off-set spatula) between the bread and bottom pan.  Remove bread to a serving tray and cut into wedges.  

*Recipe may be halved and baked in a 6x3 springform pan.  Bake for 38-43 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.  If a browner top is desired, put the bread several inches under the broiler set on low until the desired color is reached.

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Banana Cream Pie

With its bananas and velvety custard, this banana cream pie is full of old-fashioned flavor.

A 16 oz. carton of whipping cream is pictured, but only an 8 oz. carton is needed if making your own whipped cream.

Banana Cream Pie

1 cup sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 tsp. salt
3 cups whole milk
4 egg yolks, beaten
3 tbsp. butter
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 (9") baked pie shell 
medium firm bananas (3 medium-sized or 2 large)
whipped cream and additional sliced bananas

In a medium (3 qt.) saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch and salt. Gradually stir in milk. Cook and stir over medium heat till thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes more. Remove from heat. Gradually stir 1 cup of the hot mixture into the yolks. Return egg mixture to saucepan; bring to a gentle boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes more. Remove from heat, and stir in the butter and vanilla. Press plastic wrap onto surface of filling; refrigerate 30 minutes.

After the filling has chilled for 30 minutes, slice bananas and arrange in pastry shell.  Stir filling and then pour over bananas. Refrigerate for several hours (about 4).  Before serving, garnish with whipped cream and banana slices.

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Perfect Pie Crust:  http://easyaspiecanbe.blogspot.com/2013/12/perfect-pie-crust-recipe-and-tutorial.html  

Whipped Cream:  http://easyaspiecanbe.blogspot.com/2013/12/whipped-cream-recipe-and-tutorial.html

3-Ingredient Dog Biscuits

We try to limit the amount of wheat, corn and soy in the diet of our two very-spoiled Boston terriers.   But quality dog biscuits with limited ingredients are expensive.  3-Ingredient Dog Biscuits to the rescue!  They're fun, easy to make, and you have complete control over the ingredients.  Instructions for grain-free biscuits are also included!

3-Ingredient Dog Biscuits

1 1/2 cups brown rice flour*

1/2 cup quick oats

2 (4 oz.) containers pureed baby food (Make sure there is no onion powder in it.)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Mix the flour, quick oats, and baby food together to form a stiff dough.  Add extra flour or water as needed.  It should be the consistency of pie dough.  On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out evenly until it's about 1/4 inch thick.  Cut into desired shapes or use a pizza cutter to make strips or cubes.  Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees.  Turn off the oven, and let the biscuits sit in the oven until the oven is completely cool (this dehydrates the biscuits).  Store in a paper bag or cardboard box.  

YIELD:  38 2-inch dog bone-shaped biscuits

*Whole wheat flour can be used (NOT all purpose or self-rising). For a grain-free biscuit, you can eliminate the oats and use 2 cups of bean flour, buckwheat flour, quinoa flour, coconut flour, or peanut flour.  You will also want to make sure your baby food does not contain grains.  

If the recipe is made as written, I usually have to add 2 tsp. of water to the dough to get it to the right consistency.

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Recipe adapted from bakeatmidnite.com:  http://bakeatmidnite.com/2-ingredient-dog-biscuits/

Note:  I like to use brown rice flour for this recipe.  To read about the health benefits of brown rice and brown rice flour for your dog, click here.

My Boston babies Daisy and Capone--both rescues.  Adopt; don't shop!

I use this box to store the 3-Ingredient Dog Biscuits.  I think you can see why!  :)

Cherry Chocolate Cake

 Cherry Chocolate Cake only calls for three ingredients...how easy is that? ♥

Cherry Chocolate Cake

1 Devil's Food cake mix

1 (21 oz.) can cherry pie filling

3 eggs 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a 9x13 baker with a cooking spray that has flour in it like Baker's Joy.
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, cherry pie filling, and eggs. Mix with an electric mixer on low just until combined. If you want whole cherries in the cake, mix batter by hand instead of with a mixer.  Pour batter into prepared baker and bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched.  Cool.  Frost with chocolate frosting of your choosing.

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 Baking Tip:  When making a recipe that uses a cake mix, put your cake mix into the mixing bowl first, and run your electric mixer through it on low speed to break up any lumps.

Restaurant-Style Queso Dip

Now you can make your favorite Mexican restaurant queso dip at home!  This smooth and creamy dip rivals any restaurant version, comes together in minutes, and cooks in a slow cooker making the perfect dip even more so!

A can of whole green chilies is pictured, but the recipe calls for a can of chopped green chiles.

Restaurant-Style Queso Dip

Brandie of The Country Cook has many delicious, easy recipes.  The recipe for Crock Pot Restaurant-Style White Queso Dip can be found on Brandie's website The Country Cook:  ://www.thecountrycook.net/2015/12/crock-pot-white-queso-dip.html

7-Can Soup

7-Can Soup combines Velveeta with 7 cans of beans and vegetables to create a pot of piping hot, delicious soup in minutes!

A 16 oz. package of Velveeta is shown but you only need 8 oz.  Use a 15 oz. can of meat-only chili.  Cilantro not pictured.

7-Can Soup

Ree Drummond of The Pioneer Woman Cooks is one of my favorite food bloggers.  Her recipes are outstanding!  The recipe for 7-Can Soup can be found here:  http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/seven-can-soup/

Cornbread is a good side with this soup, and I have an easy, delicious recipe for it!

Cornbread:  http://easyaspiecanbe.blogspot.com/2014/02/cornbread.html

Jalapeno Popper Dip

Addictive is the only word to describe this easy dip.  Jalapeno Popper Dip has just the right amount of heat and isn't super spicy.  We can't stay out of it!

Jalapeno Popper Dip

2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened

1 cup mayonnaise

1 (7 oz.) can chopped green chilies

Scant 1/4 cup diced jalapeno peppers

Grated or shredded Parmesan cheese

Town House crackers, tortilla chips, or toasted Italian or French bread

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  With an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Beat in mayonnaise. Add chopped green chilies and jalapeño peppers; mix.  Place mixture into a 1.5 qt. baker and cover liberally with Parmesan cheese.  Bake at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.  Serve with Town House crackers, tortilla chips, or toasted Italian or French bread.

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This recipe was given to me by friend Marty Babb.  She shares that this dip is also delicious used as a spread on roast beef sandwiches.  We absolutely love it, and it is a hit at all family gatherings.  Thanks, Marty! 

Grape Salad

Red grapes are folded into a sweetened cream cheese and sour cream mixture and then sprinkled with chopped pecans in this fruit salad.  It's perfect for a special brunch, holiday dinner, or anytime!

Chopped pecans not pictured.

  

Grape Salad

3 pounds red, seedless grapes (do not halve)

1 (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened

1 cup (8 oz.) sour cream

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 tbsp. brown sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

Chopped pecans (opt.)

Wash and stem grapes; dry thoroughly.*  In a 4 qt. bowl at medium speed of electric mixer, cream the cream cheese and sour cream together.  Beat in the powdered sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla.  Fold grapes into mixture, and transfer to a serving bowl; cover and refrigerate for several hours.  Sprinkle with desired amount of chopped pecans just before serving.

Variation:  In addition to the pecans, this recipe is also very good with a light sprinkling of brown sugar added just before serving.

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*Note:  The grapes must be thoroughly dry so that the dressing will stick to them.  I wash and stem them 2 or 3 days before I'm going to make the salad.  Line a baking sheet with paper towels, spread the grapes on the baking sheet, and then let them air dry.  As soon as they're dry, store them in the refrigerator until needed.

Use of full fat cream cheese and sour cream is recommended so that the dressing is as thick as possible. 

This recipe was shared with me by friend Margaret Lauher Walker.  Thank you!

 

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

I've tried many mashed potato recipes, but this recipe, inspired by the Pioneer Woman Cooks, was it for me.  One Thanksgiving, my brother turned to me and said, "I think these are the best mashed potatoes I've ever had." ♥

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

5 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled 
3/4 cup butter (1 1/2 sticks), softened
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 to 1/3 cup evaporated milk or half-and-half
1 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
Additional butter (opt.) 

Cut the potatoes into large chunks that are similar in size.  Place the potatoes in a large pot (I use a 5 qt. Dutch Oven) and add water to cover by a depth of 1 inch.  Place the pot over high heat and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to medium and boil gently for 30-35 minutes until a fork slips in and out easily.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Drain the potatoes in a colander, place them back into the pot, and put the pot on the stove.  Over low heat, mash the potatoes so that all the steam escapes.  Add 1 1/2 sticks of butter, the cream cheese, and the evaporated milk, and mash until all ingredients are incorporated.  Add the seasoned salt, salt, and pepper.  Stir well.

Place in a 3.5 qt. casserole dish and top with a few pats of additional butter if desired.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes depending on the depth of the casserole dish.  Heat until warmed through.

Optional slow cooker directions:  Instead of placing potatoes in a casserole dish, place the potatoes in a 4 qt. or larger slow cooker.  Cover, and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours.

Slow Cooker Hint:   When making these potatoes, a cobbler, something with a crust, or something where you don't want the top to get wet from condensation (like a casserole), lay a sheet of paper towels across the top of the insert before putting on the lid.  The paper towels will prevent the condensation from dripping onto the top of your recipe.

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Pizza Pasta Casserole

Pizza Pasta Casserole is everything you would want in a casserole by that name, and it's easy to boot!

Pizza Pasta Casserole

1 lb. ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced or 1 tsp. minced jarred garlic
2 (24 oz.) jars marinara sauce
1 tsp. salt (or to taste)
1/2 tsp. pepper
3 cups rotini, cooked and drained
2 cups mozzarella cheese
1 (4.5 oz.) package sliced pepperoni

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large skillet, cook beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat; drain.  Stir in the marinara sauce, salt, pepper, and cooked rotini.  Transfer to a 9x13 baking dish that has been sprayed with non-stick spray.  Cover with mozzarella cheese, and arrange pepperoni (see photo below) over the top. (You won't use the whole package.) Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.

Arrange pepperoni so that the pieces are touching as they will shrink during baking.

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Bacon Stuffed French Toast

Bacon, cream cheese, brown sugar, and maple flavoring...how could this French Toast not be out of this world?

Bacon Stuffed French Toast

Mrs. Happy Homemaker features some really good recipes...and this is one of them!  http://www.mrshappyhomemaker.com/2011/01/bacon-stuffed-french-toast/ 

Notes:

*I dip and cook 3 sandwiches at a time, and before putting the next three in the pan, melt an additional 2-3 tbsp. of butter each time.

*Recipe can be easily halved.  I use 10 pieces of bread to make 5 sandwiches, and the extra bacon never goes to waste! ;)

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Texas Toast Tomato Sandwiches

Texas Toast Tomato Sandwiches are a delicious way to use a surplus of homegrown tomatoes.  These sandwiches can be served as a side dish or are hearty enough to be served as an entree.

 

Texas Toast Tomato Sandwiches

MyRecipes features many fabulous recipes, and one of them is the Texas Toast Tomato Sandwiches recipe found here:http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/texas-toast-tomato-sandwiches-50400000113913/

Note:

* I use 1 (13.5 oz.) package cheese with garlic Texas toast and 2 lb. regular tomatoes (about 4-5 medium size tomatoes) cut into chunks.

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Many thanks to my husband for styling the sandwiches. ♥

Heavenly Key Lime Pie

To make this Key Lime Pie, egg yolks, lime juice, lime zest, and condensed milk are whisked together, poured into a graham cracker crust, and baked.  Topped with dollops of whipped cream and lime zest, this tart, creamy pie is the perfect way to end any meal.

Heavenly Key Lime Pie

MyRecipes features many fabulous recipes, and one of them is the Heavenly Key Lime Pie recipe found here:  http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/heavenly-key-lime-pie

Notes:

*I use Nellie & Joe's Famous Key West Lime Juice found in the juice aisle at Wal-Mart by the bottled lemon juice.

*I make my own graham cracker crust and whipped cream using these recipes:

Graham Cracker Crust:  http://easyaspiecanbe.blogspot.com/2014/05/graham-cracker-crust-and-tutorial.html

Whipped Cream:  http://easyaspiecanbe.blogspot.com/2013/12/whipped-cream-recipe-and-tutorial.html

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Easy Fruit Salad

This fruit salad is easy, delicious, and refreshing!  

Easy Fruit Salad

Mommy's Kitchen features some really good recipes...and this is one of them!  http://www.mommyskitchen.net/2009/03/overnight-fruit-salad-for-surprise.html

Notes:

*Pineapple chunks or tidbits can be used.

*I halve the seedless grapes.

*Gently fold in the banana slices last so that they maintain their shape.

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Chocolate Graham Cracker Crust

Some pie recipes call for a chocolate wafer or graham cracker crust.  This type of crust is so easy to make and much better than one bought from a store...plus you can use that pretty pie plate that's been hiding in your cabinet! ♥

 

Chocolate Graham Cracker Crust

1 1/2 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs

6 tbsp. butter, melted

2 tbsp. sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine crumbs, butter, and sugar. Press into an ungreased pie plate.  Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes. Cool.  

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This recipe makes enough crust for a deep dish pie plate like the Fiestaware pie plates that I use.

Baking Tip for Easily Removing a Piece of Crumb-Crust Pie:  Just before serving, rub the outside of the filled pie plate with a warm, damp towel.  This softens the butter in the crust, making it less likely to stick to the pie plate.  To prepare the towel, rinse it in very hot water, then wring it well.   

Southern Style Pulled Pork BBQ

This southern style pulled pork made in the slow cooker is so juicy and good!  The vinegar and spices provide a depth of flavor without making it too spicy or vinegary.  Served as is with the mop sauce or covered with your favorite barbecue sauce...tender, delicious pulled pork has never been easier!

Buns and BBQ sauce not shown.

Southern Style Pulled Pork BBQ

Christy Jordan of Southern Plate has many mouth-watering, simple recipes.  The recipe for Southern Style Pulled Pork BBQ can be found on Christy's website:  https://www.southernplate.com/southern-style-pulled-pork-bbq-slow-cooker-recipe/

Notes:

*I use a boneless Boston butt pork roast (approximately 5 pounds).  Remove fat after cooking while shredding.

*Pulled pork is fantastic served on sturdy buns like Kaiser rolls or homemade hamburger buns:

Homemade Hamburger Buns Recipe:  http://www.easyaspiecanbe.com/2015/06/hamburger-buns-and-tutorial.html 

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