Hand Me Down Recipes

Brown Sugar Pecan Coffee Cake

2009-10-12T21:08:00.004-04:00

Very simple, yet tasty addition to any brunch, or just for a night time cup of coffee.

Ingredients:

2 cups all purpose flour
2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup butter, cubed
1 cup sour cream
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 tsp baking soda
3 tbl granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, and grease a 13x9 baking pan.
2. Stir together flour and brown sugar in large bowl. Cut 3/4 cup butter into flour mixture with a pastry blender or 2 forks until crumbly. Press 2 & 3/4 cup of crumb mixture evenly into bottom of prepared pan.
3. Stir together the sour cream, egg and baking soda and add to the remaining crumb mixture, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened.
4. Stir together the granulated sugar and the cinnamon. Pour sour cream mixture over the crumb crust in pan, then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon mixture and then with the pecans.
5 Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Extra Moist Cornbread

2009-10-05T22:26:00.003-04:00

This is so easy and once you try this cornbread, you'll want it all the time.

Ingredients:

2 cups self rising cornmeal
2 cups buttermilk
1 large egg
1 tbl sugar
1/3 cup butter

Directions:

1. Preheat oven tyo 425 degrees.
2. Stir together the first 4 ingredients in a large bowel.
3. Melt butter in 10 inch cast iron skillet for 5 minutes...coat evenly.
4. Pour cornbread batter into buttered skillet.
5 Bake for 25 minutes or until golden. Remove immediately from skillet and let cool.

***serves 6 to 8
***if you want cornbread with a kick, add a small can chopped green chillies (drained) and/or 1/2 tsp hot sauce

Anytime Casserole

2009-09-20T22:39:00.003-04:00

This is a great dish to fall back on. Serve this for your family or take to a pot luck...everyone likes it and will want the recipe.

Ingredients:

2 eggs
1 cup mayonnaise
1 can (10 0z) cream of celery soup
2 pkgs (10 oz ea) frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and drained
8 oz cooked chicken, cubed...about 2 cups
1 cup chopped onion
4 oz (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 cup packaged herb stuffing mix
2 tbl butter at room temperature

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees and lightly spray a 13 x 9 pan or 2 qt casserole
2. In bowl, beat eggs and stir in the mayonnaise and the cream of celery soup until blended.
3. Stir in broccoli, chicken, onion, cheese, salt and pepper.
4. Transfer to pan and sprinkle with stuffing and dot with butter.
5. Bake for 45 minutes or until bubbly.

***serves 8

Corn Casserole

2009-09-14T22:31:00.002-04:00

This is a really great side dish, very different, and very easy. People will want the recipe.

Ingredients:

1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
1 can (14 oz) can cream style corn
1 pkg ( 8 0z) corn muffin mix
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter-melted
1 to 1 & 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a casserole dish.
2. In large bowl, stir together the 2 cans of corn, corn muffin mix, sour cream, and the melted butter.
3. Pour into prepared pan and bake 45 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. Remove from oven and top with cheddar, then return to oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Let stand 5 minutes and serve warm.

Apple Ginger Spice Cake

2009-09-10T21:23:00.007-04:00

This is a real crowd pleaser, real nice for the autumn holidays...and it's so simple.

Ingredients:

1 pkg (14.5 oz) gingerbread cake mix
1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling
2 large eggs
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp almond extract

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease and flour 15 X 10 jellyroll pan.
2. Beat all ingredients at low speed for 20 seconds, then increase to medium and beat for 1 minute and then pour into prepared pan.
3.Bake for 20 minutes until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool cake in pan, on rack, for 10 minutes.
4. For glaze, whisk together, 1 cup powdered sugar and 1/4 cup sour cream until smooth...then drizzle over cake.
5. Serve cake warm or at room temperature.

***serves 12

Peas and Mushroom Alfredo

2009-09-01T21:30:00.002-04:00

I love this dish just as it is, but you can add cooked chicken or shrimp, and makes it even more fantastic.

Ingredients:

1 box (1 pound) fettucine
2 tbl olive oil
1 pkg (10 oz) sliced mushrooms (I like baby bellas)
1 jar (15 oz) alfredo sauce
1 pkg (10oz) frozen peas
1-2 cups grated romano cheese

Directions:

1. Cook fettucine according to package directions.
2. While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil over med heat in large saute pan. Saute mushrooms until juices evaporate and mushrooms are slightly browned.
3. Add alfredo sauce and peas to mushrooms and heat through. Add 1 cup romano and stir to combine.
4. Drain fettucine. In large mixing bowl, toss pasta and sauce mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with the remaining romano cheese.

***6 servings

Pretty In Pink Punch

2009-08-26T21:53:00.002-04:00

Very lovely punch for a party...pretty, tasty, refreshing. Adults and children alike will love it.

Ingredients:

1 (12 0z) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
4 cups white cranberry juice cocktail
1 quart club soda, chilled

Directions:

1. Stir together, the lemonade and cranberry juice cocktail in large pitcher.
2. Cover and chill at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
3. Stir in club soda just before serving.

**For a sweeter cocktail, sutstitute ginger ale for the club soda.

***For an adults only punch, substitute 1 (750 ml) bottle of extra dry champagne or sparkling wine and 1/4 cup orange liqueur for the club soda

BLT Salad

2009-08-15T19:53:00.004-04:00

What a great twist on a favorite sandwich. Very popular, very easy!

Ingredients:

1 pound thick sliced bacon
2 large heads romaine lettuce, washed, dried, and cut into bite size pieces (about 16 cups)
3 large ripe tomatoes (about 1 & 1/2 pounds)
1 cup whipped salad dressing or mayo
1 tsp salt free seasoning mix
homemade croutons or store bought

Directions:

1. I like to make my own croutons (adds a taste of toast like from a BLT sandwich) by toasting medium sized cubes of regular or sourdough bread , in olive oil with a little garlic...then set aside
2. Cook bacon in large skilleet about 6 minutes, until crispy, then drain on paper towels. When cool, crumble.
3. Place half of the lettuce in a 14 to 16 cup salad or trifle bowl. Sprinkle half of the tomato pieces and half of the crumbled bacon over the lettuce. Spread half of the croutons over top. Press to compress all down a bit.
4. Spread half of the salad dressing over the top and sprinkle with half of the seasoning mix.
5. Repeat layering with remaining lettuce, tomato (reserve some for garnish), bacon and dressing. Sprinkle top with remaining seasoning, reserved tomato and rest of toasted crutons.
6. Cover and refrigerate for a least 2 hours.

**Makes approximately 8 servings

Chocolate Chip Crescents

2009-08-07T22:07:00.004-04:00

These are so easy to make and they are very popular in our house...especially around the holidays.

Ingredients:

6 tbl sugar
3 & 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon-divided
2 pks (11 oz ea) pie crust mix ( or can make using 2 refrigerated pre made pie crusts)
4 tbl butter, melted and divided
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
1 cup mini semi sweet chocolate chips
1 egg

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly spray cookie sheets.
2. Combine sugar with 1 & 1/2 tsp cinnamon-keep aside.
3. In bowl combine pie crust mixes with reserved 2 tsp cinnamon ( if using premade pie crust, sprinkle pie crusts with the cinnamon, then press into dough)
4. Divide dough in half and shape into disks, wrap & refrigerate for 30 minutes...if using premade crusts, omit this part.
5. On lightly floured surface, roll each circle of dough into 12 " circle. Then brush each circle with 2 tbl of butter, then sprinkle each with 2 tbl of the reserved cinnamon/sugar mixture.
6. Sprinkle each with 1/4 cup nuts, 1/2 cup chocolate chips...pressing into dough. Then cut each circle into 12 wedges.
7. Starting from wide end, roll up each wedge. Place on baking sheet, point side down, at least 1" apart.
8. Lightly beat egg with 1 tbl water, then brush over pastries.
9. Sprinke with remaing cinnamon/sugar mixture. Bake 15 minutes or until golden. Cool on racks.

***makes 24

Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

2009-08-06T22:19:00.002-04:00

Everyone loves sloppy joes, and these are absolutely great!

Ingredients:

1 & 1/2 pound lean ground beef
1 (16 oz) pkg ground pork sausage
1 small onion chopped
1/2 med green bell pepper chopped
1 ( 8 oz) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 tbl cider vinegar
2 tbl yellow mustard
1 tbl chili powder
1 tbl worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup all purpose flour

Directions:

1. Brown beef and sausage with the onion and green bell pepper. Drain well.
2. Place beef and sausage mixture in a 4 & 1/2 qt slow cooker.
3. Stir in tomato sauce and next nine ingredients.
4. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours

**serves 8

Parmesan Cheese Puff Pastry

2009-08-03T21:33:00.003-04:00

These are a great tie in to a pasta dinner. They're light, yet full of flavor, and so easy to make.

Ingredients:

1 (17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
1 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
1/2 tbl dried basil
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 cup butter

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 dregrees...lightly grease baking pan.
2. On lightly floured surface, unfold pastry sheets. Cut each sheet into 13 strips, about 3/4 by 10 inch apiece.
3. In shallow dish, combine cheese, basil, and garlic.
4. Brush pastry sheets with butter and roll pastry in cheese mixture.
5. Lightly coat each side, Gently twist sticks and place on sheet...then bake 12 minutes. Remove to wire rack to cool.

Chicken Cranberry Salad

2009-07-27T21:22:00.003-04:00

This is a nice twist on chicken salad...very tasty. You can alter the recipe by changing the kind of nut you use.

Ingredients:

2/3 cup coarsley chopped pecans
3 cups chopped cooked chicken
3/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries
2 celery ribs, diced
1/2 small sweet onion, diced
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tbl greek seasoning
2 tbl fresh lemon juice

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake pecans in a single layer in a shallow pan 5 to 7 minutes or unitl lightly toasted and frangrant. Cool completely for about 15 minutes.

2. Stir together the pecans, chicken, cranberries, and remaining ingredients.
3. Serve immediately or chill up to 24 hours.

***Almonds are a good substitute for the pecans

Giant Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies

2009-07-20T21:25:00.001-04:00

These are very ,very appealing to everyone. What's better than a cookie and candy together.

Ingredients:

1 roll (16.5 oz) refrigerated peanut butter cookies
12 mini chocolate covered peanut butter cup candies
1/3 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp shortening

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Divide cookie dough into 12 equal pieces.
2. With floured fingers, wrap 1 piece of dough around each peanut butter cup, shaping into ball.
3. On ungreased cookie sheet, place 6 dough balls, arranging evenly apart. Refrigerate remaining balls until ready to use.
4. Bake 11-14 minutes, or unitl golden brown. Cool 1 minute, then remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 15 minutes.
5. Bake remaining balls of dough.
6. In small saucepan, melt chocolate chips and shortening. Drizzle over low heat stirring constantly. Drizzle melted chocolate in crisscross pattern over cooled cookies. Let stand until glaze is set.c

Cheesy Grits Casserole

2009-07-15T21:58:00.005-04:00

This side dish reminds me of polenta and it's very tasty.

Ingredients:

2 cups water
2 tbl butter
1 tsp salt
3 & 1/2 cup whole milk
1 & 1/4 cup quick cooking grits
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese(2 cups) shredded
5 large eggs
1 tbl hot sauce (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees and grease a 3 qt. ceramic casserole.
2. In 3 qt saucepan, combine water, butter, salt and 1 & 1/2 cup of the milk. Heat to boiling over medium high heat. Gradually stir in grits, whisking to prevent lumping.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 5 minutes...stirring often.
4. Stir in cheese.
5. In a large bowl, whisk eggs and 1 tbl hot sauce (optional) and 2 cups of milk until blended.
6. Gradually whisk grits in until blended.
7. Pour into prepared casserole and bake 45 to 50 minutes or until knife inserted comes out clean

****approximately 12 servings

Ice Box Cake

2009-07-12T19:52:00.003-04:00

I found this recipe in a magazine and tried it because it sounded so different. It tastes more like candy than cake...but it's delicious and a real crowd pleaser.

Ingredients:

1 box (14.4 ounces) graham crackers
2 boxes (3 oz ea) butterscotch cook & serve pudding
2 boxes (3 oz ea) vanilla cook & serve pudding
1 box (3 oz) chocolate cook & serve pudding
10 cups milk

Directions:

1. Coat 13x9x2 baking dish with non stick spray.
2. Line bottom with single layer of graham crackers, cut pieces to fit if necessary.
3. Cook butterwscotch pudding to package directions, about 10 minutes. Pour over graham crackers.
4. Place another layer of graham crackers over butterscotch layer.
5. Cook vanilla pudding to package directions, about 10 minutes, then pour over graham crackers.
6. Place another layer of graham crackers over vanilla layer.
7. Cook chocolate pudding to package directions, about 10 minutes, then pour over graham crackers.
8. Finely crush remaining crackers and any scraps, then sprinkle over top of chocolate pudding layer.
9. Refrigerate for 4 hours to overnight. Then cut into squares to serve.

***To serve with whipped cream, beat 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tbl sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla to form stiff peaks.

Summer Italian Salad

2009-07-08T22:47:00.004-04:00

Nice change of pace for a salad...very light and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

4 uncooked ears of corn, to make 2 cups
1/3 cup slivered red onion
1/2 cup finely chopped red sweet pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped green sweet pepper
1/4 cup shredded fresh basil
2 tbl balsamic vinegar
2 tbl extra virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp fresh ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Cut kernels off corn ears
2. In bowl, combine corn, onion, sweet peppers, and basil.
3. In small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, salt & pepper.
4. Drizzle dressing over corn mixture & toss to combine. Cover and chill up to 2 hours before serving.

***6 servings

Caprese Salad

2009-07-06T21:45:00.004-04:00

This is a great change of pace salad. Perfect for summer.

Ingredients:

1 lemon, juiced
1 cup basil leaves (abour 20)
1 small clove of garlic, grated or minced
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup bite size mozzarella balls, drained and halved
salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Combine juice, garlic, and basil in food processor, then stream in olive oil, to form smooth dressing.
2. Combine tomatoes, cheese, and dressing in bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Garlic Salami Knots

2009-07-06T21:31:00.004-04:00

A nice change from regular bread...very tasty.

Ingredients:

2 ounces salami...finely chopped

2 cloves garlic

1 medium chili pepper...seeded and chopped

1 tube (13.8 ounce) refrigerated pizza dough

1 large egg..beaten

course salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and grease baking sheet.

2. In bowl, mix salami, garlic, chili.

3. Unroll pizza dough, cut crosswisw into 12 pieces. Working w/ 1 piece at time, roll dough between your hands to form a 7 inch rope.

4. Tie each piece into a knot and place on cookie sheet.

5. Brush knots with egg and sprinkle with salami mixture and salt.

6. Bake until golden brown, about 18 minutes.

**makes 12

Squash Casserole

2009-07-02T20:07:00.003-04:00

This is a very good side dish, that is enhanced by the cheddar cheese and buttery crackers.

Ingrediens:

3 pounds yellow squash, sliced
5 tbl butter or margarine, divided
1 small onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 cup (4 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
20 round buttery crackers, crushed (about 3/4 cup)

Directions:

1. Cook squash in boiling water to cover in large skillet 8 - 10 minutes or just until tender.
2. Drain well, gently press between paper towels.
3. Melt 4 tbl butter in skillet over medium high heat, add onion, and saute 5 minutes or until tender. Remove skillet from heat and stir in squash, cheese, and next 4 ingredients.
4. Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 11x7 baking dish.
5. Melt remaining 1 tbl butter. Stir together with crushed crackers and sprinkle evenly over top of casserole.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes, or until set.

S'more Brownies

2009-07-01T21:57:00.004-04:00

This has everything you love about the traditional campout treat, but so much more.

Ingredients:

Crust:
6 tbl (1 stick) unsalted butter-melted
1 & 1/2 cups crushed graham cracker crumbs
2 tbl sugar
pinch of salt

Brownie:
8 tbl (1 stick) unsalted butter-melted
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1 cup packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup white sugar
1 & 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp fine salt
4 large cold eggs
1 cup all purpose flour

Topping:
4 cups large marshmallows

Directions:

1. Position a rack in lower third of oven and preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a 8x8 baking pan with foil so it hangs over the edges.
2. For the crust...lightly butter the foil with some of the melted butter. Stir the rest of the butter together with the crumbs, sugar, and salt in medium bowl. Press the crumb mixture evenly over bottom of pan. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, make the brownie. Put the butter and chocolate in medium mircowave safe bowl and melt on medium power for 2 minutes. Stir and microwave again until completely melted, about 2 more minutes. Stir the light brown sugar and regular sugar, vanilla, salt into the melted
chocolate. Add the eggs and beat well to make a thick and glossy batter. Add the flour and stir until just blended.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake until the top is crispy and a toothpick inserted into the the middle comes out mostly clean, with a few crumbs, about 40- 45 minutes.
5. Remove from the oven and carfully position a rack about 6 inches from the broiler and preheat on low. Layer marshmallows across the top and toast under the broiler until golden about 2 minutes (watch very carefully). Cool on a rack, gently removing the brownies from the pan using the foil. Carefully separate any marshmallow from the foil and fold away. Cut into 12-2 inch squares.

s'

2009-07-01T21:57:00.000-04:00

White Sangria

2009-07-01T21:35:00.001-04:00

Very light,refreshing to serve for company. Also great to have with fish.

Ingredients:

1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine
1 cup thawed orange juice concentrate
1/2 cup thawed lemonade concentrate
1/3 cup thawed lineade concentrate
1 navel orange, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
1 lime, sliced
3 cups club soda, chilled

Directions:

Stir together first 4 ingredients. Stir in half of fruit slices. Cover and chill until ready to serve. Stir in club soda just before serving. Serve over ice with remaining fruit slices.

Pistachio Crescent Cookies

2009-06-27T22:35:00.002-04:00

Very nice cookie for summer because it is light tasting and refreshing.

Ingredients:

1 cup shelled pistachios (unsalted)
2 cups powdered sugar
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
2 tsp grated lemon zest
1 Tbl lemon juice
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt

Directions:

1. In food porcessor, pulse pistachios and 1/4 cup of sugar until finely ground.
2. Beat butter, 1/2 cup sugar, zest, juice, and vanilla in large bowl with mixer on medium speed until fluffy. On low speed, beat in nut mixture, then flour and salt to blend. Cover and chill 1 hour.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
4. With floured hands, roll heaping teaspoons of dough into 3 inch ropes and shape into crescents. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
5. Bake 14 to 16 minutes until edges and bottoms are lightly browned. Cool slightly on sheet on a a wire rack, then transfer to rack. Let stand until just warm.
6. Gently roll warm cookies in powdered sugar. Cook completely on rack. Reroll in sugar if needed.
7. Store airtight with layers of wax paper at room temperature up to 2 weeks.

***makes approx 60

Oriental Meatballs

2009-06-02T21:09:00.002-04:00

This is a great tasting dinner served over white rice, with eggrolls on the side, of course.

Ingredients:

Meatballs:
1 pound ground pork
1 cup Japanese bread crumbs (panko)
1 egg
1 tsp 5 spice powder
4 tbl soy sauce
1/2 cup green onion, chopped
1 tsp orange zest

Sauce:
3 & 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup shallots-minced
2 " ginger-grated
3 tbl rice vinegar
3 tbl sugar
1 tbl soy sauce
3/4 tsp red chili flakes
2 tsp orange zest

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients (for meatballs) and form into 2 inch balls.
2. Saute until brown on all sides, then bake at 350 dregrees for 12 to 15 minutes.
3. For sauce: combine first 3 ingredients in saucepan and reduce by half...then strain. Add remaining ingredients.
4. Toss meatballs in sauce....serve over white rice with remaining sauce, and garnish with chopped onions.

****4 servings

Waldorf Cake

2009-05-26T21:53:00.002-04:00

I found this recipe in a magazine, tried it, loved it.....a real crowd pleaser.

Ingredients:

Cookie Base:
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter
1 cup flour

Filling:
2 eggs
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 tbl maple syrup
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, plus a few whole nuts to use for garnish
1 cup shredded coconut
1/3 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder

Frosting:
6 tbl unsalted butter at room temperature
1 box ( 1 pound) confectioner's sugar, sifted
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 & 1/2 tsp vanilla

Directions:

1. For cookie, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 13x9 baking pan with non stick spray.
2. Cut butter into small pieces, work into flour by hand or pastry cutter.
3. Pack evenly into baking pan and bake for 15 minutes. Cool.
4. For filling, in large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until combined. Stir in vanilla, maple syrup, nuts and coconut.
5. Sift together flour, salt and baking powder, then fold into egg mixture.
6. Spread evenly over cooled cookie base.
7. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes, then remove from oven and allow to cool.
8. For frosting, cream butter until soft, then gradually add half of the sugar.
9. Beat in 2 tbls cream and all of the vanilla.
10. Gradually blend in remaining sugar and enough cream for a cood consistantly. Frost and let set for 30 minutes.
11. To serve, cut into 48 squares and top each with nut.