Perfect Pecan Pie

I used to hate pecan pie.  It was just too sweet and overloaded my taste buds   But Mom shared with me her perfect recipe for making Pecan Pie.  It is so delicious, and not too sweet.

Hot Chocolate

I love Winter.  Why? Because I can drink my Hot Chocolate anytime I want! It warms you up and chases away the chill.  I can't think of anything better to do on a cold night then curl up in front of the tv with a mug of this.  Okay okay, I just HAVE to have whipped topping on top too!  And don't forget a dash of cinnamon if you're feeling particularly festive =)

Angel Biscuits

Wow, the holidays just have a way of sweeping the time away doesn't it?  That week of Thanksgiving I was running in circles.  We had everything ready Thanksgiving morning and it went off without a hitch!  It was one of the best Thanksgivings my family has had because everyone was able to make it.  And that's what Thanksgiving is all about. Family. I love you guys <3  Which brings me to one of the foods I served on that wonderful day.  Yep! What is Thanksgiving without biscuits?  These biscuits are to die for.  They're even good several days later!

Strawberry Tapioca Pie

This was a treat. I found a old pox of minute tapioca and the recipe was on the box.  It was fast and really sweet, especially when I added the whipped topping lol.  It was a treat. Enjoy =)

Shoefly Pie

As Thanksgiving grows ever nearer I find myself searching more and more for pies.  I've already decided on a couple of my Thanksgiving dinner staples (cherry/blueberry cheesecake, and buttermilk pie), but I'm still looking for others to try.  This pie had a very unique flavor.  It's definitely Molasses pie.  Next time I make it I'll probably stir in the topping so it doesn't make quite as much of a mess, but overall it was pretty good.

French Onion Soup

This is one of my families favorite soups. It's really fast and simple, but the flavors are pure comfort.  On a cold day this really hits the spot!

Baked Mac & Cheese

I love homemade mac and cheese.  Although it isn't as fast as the boxed stuff, it is better for you because you don't have all those preservatives.  This was my first attempt at making my own, and I am proud of the results.

Baked Mummies

I have made so many great recipes these last few weeks but haven't been able to keep the blog up to date, so I'll start with what I made for Halloween with the family.  It was a lot of fun!  I felt like a big kid while decorating these.  And although to me personally the olives were really sour, they really made the little buggy eyeballs on the dish!  I hope everyone had fun on their Halloween!

Tomato Polenta

We made a lot of this when Summer was in its first blush.  We had so many tomatoes and so much corn and fresh rosemary this dish was just the natural choice to make.  Now that that season is over we are still making this.  It was just too good to make it only seasonal.  It looks almost like a deep dish pizza or a pie.  I love this stuff and the way it smells when cooking is just..../happy sigh.

Coconut Cream Pie

Who could ask for anything more? I love coconut so making a coconut cream pie for my Dad was easy.  I gave him a choice.  With meringue or without.  He said he'd had both but would like to have one without meringue so here it is.  A delicious coconut pie.  

Lasagna Soup

We had this tonight for dinner.  It was SO good.  It was a hit and I'll be making this again soon! I swear it was like lasagna in a bowl. And that can't be bad!

Fourteen Spice Dry Rub

You may be thinking O.M.G. 14 spices?! Isn't that a little too much work for a rub?  Short answer: No.  Long answer: No way!  When my sister found this recipe on theyummylife.com I thought she was a nut.  But, I'm all for trying out new recipes, so we gave it a whirl.   Like the jar?  We had a jelly jar in the cabinet and found it held the amount this recipe made perfectly!  I've include the barbecue recipe that goes with the rub, but for all variations etc., to the recipe you'll have to visit her site.

Rice Pudding

This was a request from my sister Stacy.  You know when you just get a hankering (is that even a word?) for something and it just nags at you till you have it?  Well, she had that and I made her some so she'd satisfy that need.  And it turned out so well.  The raisins just give it a little pop that rounds it out nicely.

Autumn Sausage Casserole

When I finished making this dish I was so happy with the way it turned out.  The sweetness of the raisins and apples played off so well with the spices and rice.  I'll be making it again next month for certain.  It just had that Autumn warm feel to it while I ate =)

Nesselrode Pie

This pie was a real treat to make.  I've never made 'frozen' type pies so when I had my first bite of this it reminded me of cherry vanilla ice cream.  I was delighted!  With its chopped almonds and cherries it was sweet and had a bit of crunch, as well as feeling light on the stomach and not overly heavy as some pies can be.  I will be making this one again.  Maybe not with the vanilla crust to cut out a few calories, but overall I was very happy with the way this pie turned out.  I did not adorn the top as the recipe suggested but probably will next time (it'll also give me an excuse to use more cherries ;) ).

Skinny Taco Dip

It's that time of year again! This is my favorite time of year.  When we all get together and celebrate family and friends and give well wishes to a year coming to an end.  We've been doing Game Night the past few Sundays and I decided this time to make a dip to go with our chips.  I've been using a Watkins mix that I'd purchased while at the state fair.  They are great by the way.  If you have the chance to try Bacon and cheese do so =)  Anywho, I came across a recipe over on Skinny taste and am giving it a try.  It tasted so good I went ahead and grabbed the camera.  I do not know why this picture looks so orange, but I'll take another picture next time I make it and if it turns out then I'll replace this one =)

Lavender Au Gratin Potatoes

I've never used dried lavender before and wanted to try something new.  So I decided to make this recipe.  It's very easy, albeit a little time consuming.  Fortunately for me, I just bought a new slicer at Sams Club.  You just put the potato in and press down and it slices it for you! I don't know how I've survived so long without it lol.  Especially since I always seem to start dinner late when I need to start early to have it ready in time.

Buffalo Chili

With a slight heat to it, this chili is sure to warm you up on a cold day.  Here in Oklahoma it's about 45 right now.  We went from 80's to 40's almost overnight.  That can chill a person to the bone.  So make this up and stay warm from the inside out =)

Tulsa State Fair Part Five

Here, it is, the final post about my experience at the 2012 Tulsa State Fair.  This one is primarily cookies and a special category of masks that people made at the Sugar Arts Show at the fair.  Enjoy!

Tulsa State Fair Part Four

Yup, here I am again with more pictures.  I know I said this would be the last post, but I have at least one more set of pictures to post.  I know I know, but these are so fun to look at!  Tonight's batch are all 3 tier cakes.  They are all so pretty.  I hope you enjoy looking at them and maybe walk away with an idea or two.

Tulsa State Fair Review Part Three

Here it is folks! Part three of my picture fest.  You know, it really didn't feel like I was taking that many pictures!  And this isn't even including the ones that didn't turn out lol.  I believe tomorrow will be the last day of this and I'll return us to our regular recipe programming.  I hope everyone has enjoyed the 2012 Sugar Arts Show at Tulsa, Oklahoma as much as I have.

Tulsa State Fair Review Part Two

Well here's the second part of the pictures I took while at the 2012 Tulsa State Fair.  And you know, I walked around for over 5 hours and didn't even realize it till I was leaving.  Boy oh boy, 2 days later and my legs still hurt lol. Enjoy the pictures!

Tulsa State Fair Part One

I had the profound pleasure of visiting the Tulsa State Fair Saturday here in Oklahoma and went to the Sugar Arts Show.  There were so many beautiful cakes, that I could hardly take pictures of them all.  I took a lot of pictures and want to share them with you.  I'm going to break the posts up an post a few photos a day for this week. A week long celebration of the Tulsa State Fair.  If you live in Oklahoma and haven't went yet, you missed out on the Sugar Arts show BUT there's still one week to go before it ends and there is still a lot to see and I highly recommend you go out there and have yourself some fun =)

Egg In A Basket

I've always taken for granted how easy this is to make.  Until the other day I found several sites listing it as a recipe and showing how to make it.  I suppose there are people out there that have never heard of this but it's just one of those things I grew up on and have enjoyed all my life. Around my house we call it Egg in a Basket.  I've also heard of it called Egg in a Hole. Which actually makes more sense.  But mine is more girly so I'm sticking with it ;)

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Skinny Mashed Potatoes

I've always been an instant potatoes gal in the past.  But adding all that milk and butter added so many calories, I found I couldn't eat them when cutting back.  So, when we found a lower calorie alternative on a site listing recipes found on the back of boxes, I was thrilled.  Hello, mashed potatoes, I've missed you so.

Crock Pot Barbecue Chicken

This is such a fast dish to make.  Just combine the sauce, put it on the chicken inside the crock pot, and walk away.  I think that's what makes any type of crock pot dish so convenient.  The simplicity of it.  I like to have this meal with corn on the cob and mashed potatoes.  It's so yummy.  For some reason the bbq sauce didn't turn out quite like it normally does (I'm blaming running out of ketchup and having to mix two different brands).  It still tasted great, but didn't look quite up to what it normally does.  If you feel it'll have too much sugar and be too sweet, just put in less sugar and add a little at a time until it tastes the way you like it =). I like my barbecue sweet.

Oven Baked Beans

These beans are so good.  Perfect for fall weather as it warms you up and gives that happy glow feeling while you're eating.  

Sweet Cornbread

Had a wonderful Dinner tonight.  And this cornbread had just the right amount of sweetness.  It was so creamy and moist. I'll definitely be making these again!

Chicken Pot Pie

This pot pie filled up the house with such an aroma we were all going yummmm just smelling it while it cooked!  I used 1 store bought pie crust (I know I know, someday I'll learn how to make my own), and one roll out pie crust for the top.  It turned out beyond my expectations and I'll be making this again.  I don't think I'll ever buy a frozen mini chicken pot pie again!  This was easy, and tasted way better =)

Orange Glazed Cinnamon Rolls

Oh.My.Goodness!  If I'd known these were going to turn out so well, I would have drug myself out of bed earlier this morning to make them sooner!  But, no, when that alarm went off at 7:30 this morning I groaned, threw the blanket over my head and said not a chance.  That lasted about five minutes, before my sister, whom I'd promised to make the cinnamon rolls for, came into the room.  Yeah, I'm a sweetie.;)  But not half as sweet as these turned out.  You'll be licking your lips...and fingers.

Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie

Me oh my, I love this pie.  I'd never tried one before. Now that I think of it, I haven't tried a lot of pies out there.  Maybe that's why my sister found this recipe and suggested we try it.  I'm glad we did!  The top forms this nice crust and it is so smooth and creamy.  Perfect perfect perfect!

Crock Pot Chicken And Broccoli

This crock pot was super easy to make, and the flavors were spot on.  Although it looks a lot like a soup, I served it over a baked potato.  It would also go great over rice.

Parmesan Roasted Asparagus

I'm not a big asparagus lover, but my Mom and Dad love it.  This Summer we grew a lot of asparagus and froze them. I've just never been able to see past pairing it with a glob of mayonnaise.  And since mayonnaise can be high in calories/fat, I realllly didn't want to do that.  So, when my sister found this recipe, I was thrilled.  She did all the cooking and picture taking too!  I'm happy to say the finished result is rather pleasing and we'll be having it again soon.

Crock Pot Chicken Chili

It's been a few months since I'd made this dish, so it was a welcome change to our nightly dinner.  Quick and easy, everyone loves a crock pot.  And the chicken is so tender and delicious.

Buttermilk Pie

For weeks and weeks my sister has been reminding me not to forget about making a buttermilk pie for her.  When my sister called Friday about visiting on Sunday I made sure to do all the baking on Saturday.  And yep, I made her that buttermilk pie.  I'd never made one before and didn't know what to expect.  And I have to say WOW!  This pie is so good it makes me wonder why I'd never wanted to make it before.  Don't let the word buttermilk fool you.  It is so sweet and creamy, I couldn't tell it was even in there.  Later in the day I made a second buttermilk pie because the other one disappeared so fast and it turned out just as wonderful.  It's a really fast pie to make.  The longest part is waiting for it to come out of the oven.

Olive Garden Potato Soup

Imagine, if you will, it's Fall, and your family is having a pot luck, where everyone is to bring a dish.  Now, picture finding a soup loaded with sausage, potatoes, and bacon on the buffet table.  That is where I found this dish almost two years ago and after getting a copy of the recipe from my sister-in-law I've never looked back.  It's so yummy, and is guaranteed to warm you up on a cool day.  Plus, you can make it either as a crock pot, (just cook the sausage before adding it to the pot), or as an on the stove top dish.  I'll give you the big buffet pleaser recipe first, then the crock pot recipe.  Unless you have a ginormous mammoth sized crock pot (which I don't), you'll want to use smaller quantities.

Don't let this image fool you! This soup is to die for!

Chicken Tamale Pie

I absolutely love this dish.  The corn mix and creamed corn give it a sweet taste, while still keeping that spice from the seasoning and chilies.  I've made this so many times in the last few months, I've lost count.  

Bread Bowl Chili

Today I made a delicious bread bowl chili that became an instant classic with the family.  And what with cooler weather coming soon in the upcoming months (I hope!) this seemed like a prime opportunity to test this recipe out.  Warm chili nestled inside a bread bowl accompanied with crisp tortilla chips (recipe is here), and yummy nacho cheese drizzled on top.  I took the top I'd cut off the bread to make it into a bowl and cut small leaf shapes out of it. Once baked, it had a crouton crunch to it and made it fun to eat.

Baked Tortilla Chips

Extremely fast, this chip recipe is super yummy and easy to make!  For this recipe I used the 3 lonely tortillas leftover from a previous night of enchiladas.  It made quite a few chips, although next time, I'll probably do 6 or 8 tortillas and make a family snack out of it during movie night!

Crock Pot Corn and Potato Soup

I had a really great day today at the Amish School Auction here in Oklahoma.  They hold it once a year and it has a little of everything.  Arts and crafts booths, nick knacks, & this and that.  You park in this huge field and spend your time walking and talking, looking around.  The Amish serve a pancake breakfast in the early A.M. and it's really good.  There's a livestock auction, and everything else you can think of auction later in the A.M., as well as an area where a lot of quilts are displayed.  But my favorite thing they have is the pies.  Oh me oh my, the pies.  Since it's only once a year, we usually get 4 pies and freeze them to bring out a little as we go.  They have so many different kinds.  We got apricot, pecan, pineapple coconut, and cherry.  And they never disappoint!  Now that I got pie out of my system, I'd like to introduce you to todays dinner.  Crock Pot Corn and Potato soup.  This soup is dreamy.  I've been making it since Spring and it is so comforting and the calorie count isn't bad at all.  And because it's a crock pot recipe, its fast and easy.

Cheesy Pepperoni Wrap

I've been making these the past few days for a quick/easy lunch before I get on my exercise bike for my afternoon 'run'.  I can't wait for the weather to get better in Oklahoma.  It's been too hot to walk outside, so I've been making due with riding my bike. The last few months (insert sigh). Fortunately, some days the time just flies by while I'm on it, so it's not all bad.

Crock Pot Salsa Chicken

I love this dish! Just put the ingredients in the pot, crank it to low or high (your preference) and depending on which setting you'll have a perfect chicken salsa crock pot dinner waiting for you when you get home/time for dinner.  The flavors of this dish are pretty versatile.  I've added fresh corn from the garden/canned corn/canned mexicorn/black beans/green chilies, and the list goes on.  My favorite way to make it, is what I'm sharing with you today.

Celebrating Labor Day

Sorry I haven't posted in a few days.  Been busy, what with the monthly shopping, holiday, etc., but I thought I'd post a picture of what we had to celebrate Labor Day.  No recipe included.  It's just a roll of crescent rolls and a package of foot-long hot dogs.  Simple, and fast.  Perfect for after a long day of errands.

I also had a couple of failed recipe dinners.  Not going to share them with you! Let's keep you all from going down that path =)

Orange Poke Cake

I've never made a poke cake before, so when I came across a Poke cake recipe I was intrigued.  I mean, who would have thought to poke holes in a cake and pour pudding in it?! Ingenious!    And it is so creamy good.  It was hard to stop at one piece!

Chocolate Meringue Drops

I just love these cookies! My Mom has been asking for them on and off the last few months, so I decided to make them as a special treat.  Sunday's are our treat days.  As the first day of the week we usually have something extra special like enchiladas, meatloaf, or spaghetti, and I generally try to make sure we have a sweet of some sort.  This is a low calorie treat, so have fun with it!!  It's so sweet and just melts in your mouth.  You'll wonder why you hadn't made them sooner =)

Crustless Pot Pie

One word perfectly describes this dish. YUM.  When we were first starting to lose weight, I didn't want to cut hamburger completely out of our lives.  So once a month I make this.  It is pure comfort food and just melts in your mouth. Enjoy!

Zucchini Mock Apple Pie

This apple pie is so creamy and yummy you'd never believe it didn't have an apple in it! That's right! This apple pie is made from zucchini's!  Plus it freezes well so you can make two and freeze one for later =)I'm happy to say we went through the last of the zucchini's before they went bad.  It's so nice having zucchini recipes on hand so I can use up those veggies!

New Color Theme

I feel like the Autumn bug has bit me!  I've set the site to show the fall theme in oranges. I hope my few visitors don't mind =)

Baked Chicken And Pasta

I made this tonight for dinner and all things considered, it turned out pretty well.  It was a bit too spicy for me, but I know where I went wrong.  The recipe wanted green chilies and chopped tomatoes, but because I took the easy route, I put a can of tomatoes in green chilies.  Not only that, but I used a brand I'd never tried before.  Which, not surprisingly, turned out to be a lot hotter than the brand I usually get.    Next time I'm going to put tomatoes and green chilies lol.   But hey, nothing new here folks, just an average day in the kitchen ;)

Tropical Morning Crepes

These crepes are so easy to make, and since I cram as many new recipes into each monthly planning as I can, it can take a little bit to work them back into the schedule.  And boy is my family happy to see them on the breakfast table.  They are very light tasting, and one of my more favorite crepes to make.  

This also makes a really good stand alone dessert even without the crepe.  Just put the filling in a small dish and you're good to go! 

Chocolate Zucchini Bread

We're trying out different kind of breads around here, just to see what kind we like best.  This recipe is really good for getting rid of extra zucchini from the garden.  It's so very moist and scrumptious, the hardest thing you'll find yourself doing is trying to stop eating it! I kid you not!  It also, freezes very well.  We're putting some of it away for the Holidays. --L