Alfredo Sauce

Alfredo Sauce
3 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. flour
1 can evaporated milk
1+ can whole milk
1 1/4 c. parmesan cheese
1 tsp. chicken bouillon
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
1 tsp. dried parsley
pepper to taste

Melt butter and add the flour to make a roux.
Add the evaporated milk and whole milk.
Once warm, add the cheese, chicken bouillon, red pepper flakes, dried parsley and pepper.
Stir on low until cheese is melted and sauce becomes thick.

Playdough Cookies

These are good ones to make with your kids!

Playdough Cookies

3/4 c. butter, softened

3 oz. cream cheese, softened

1 c. sugar

1 egg

1 tsp. vanilla

3 1/2 - 4 c. flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

food coloring

lollipop sticks

Cream butter, cream cheese and sugar.

Add egg and vanilla and beat until smooth.

Combine flour, baking powder and salt.

Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture.

Add enough flour to form a soft dough that wont stick to your hands.

Divide dough into four sections.

Tint each with a different color (I used orange, pink, blue and green).

Put each in a plastic bag.

Chill for 2 hours.

Form small balls (3/4") with the dough.

For each cookie, take one ball of each color and combine them to make a larger ball.

Then roll it out (like a snake).

Starting at one end, coil it to make a lollipop shape.

Place 3" apart on a baking sheet.

Carefully insert lollipop sticks into the cookies.

Bake for 8-10 minutes.

Garden Salad

My favorite part about this salad is how the veggies overpower the lettuce.  It works perfect for my family, because my husband and kids can pick out the veggies throughout dinner, and I am left with the perfect ratio of lettuce and toppings.

Garden Salad
1/4 head iceburg lettuce
1 large tomato, cut into wedges
1 large cucumber, sliced
1 carrot, cut in thin strips
1 bell pepper, cut in strips
red onion rings

Place lettuce in a large bowl and top with veggies.
Serve with salad dressing of choice.

Beef Stroganoff

I think it is weird that my husband and I both hate mushrooms, but we both love this dish.  It is so good!

Beef Stroganoff
Recipe from Lyn Denna
1 ½ lbs. lean beef stew meat
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp. salt
¼ tsp. black pepper
1 lb. fresh mushrooms (we omit these)
1 c. water
10 ¾oz. can cream of mushroom soup
1 c. sour cream
Combine all but sour cream in slow cooker.
Cook on low 6-8 hours.
Stir in sour cream.
Cook on high until heated.
Serve over egg noodles.

Hot Dog Boats

This post is a tribute to your kids.
I will probably get made fun of for this recipe, because most people think it is ridiculous, but we had this all of the time growing up, and I thought it was amazing.  Now my kids love them.  I think it is the perfect go-to kid food... what little person doesn't love hot dogs?

Hot Dog Boats
2 hot dogs
3/4 c. left over mashed potatoes
2 slices cheese

Cut hotdogs in half lengthwise, and place on cookie sheet.
Top each with mashed potatoes.
Layer cheese slices on top.

Bake at 350 for about 15 minutes, until cheese is melted and hot dogs and potatoes are warmed through.

Southwest Chicken Fajita Wraps

This is one of my go-to meals.  Really fast, really good, and good for you. (Minus that sour cream on top :)

Southwest Chicken Fajita Wraps
2 tsp. vegetable oil
1 lb. chicken breasts, thin strips
1 can corn, drained
1 can black beans
1 medium onion, thin strips
1 green bell pepper, thin strips
½ tsp. cayenne pepper
¼ tsp. salt
1 ½ tsp. cumin
4 large flour tortillas
1 c. shredded cheese
optional: salsa, sour cream

Heat oil in skillet.
Add chicken, and sprinkle with cumin, cayenne, salt and pepper.
Add onion; cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add bell pepper; cook 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until chicken is no longer pink in center and pepper is crisp-tender.
Add beans and corn and warm through.

(Optional):
To assemble each wrap, spoon mixture down center of tortilla.
Sprinkle with cheese, roll up and fasten with toothpick.
Place in casserole dish.
Sprinkle extra cheese on top.
Place under broiler until cheese melts.
Serve with salsa, sour cream, lettuce, etc.

Pancakes

Who needs Bisquick?  This is the perfect pancake recipe - so light and airy, and delicious!

Pancakes
2 c. flour
2 Tbsp. melted shortening (or vegetable oil)
½ tsp. salt
1 ½ c. milk
2 Tbsp. sugar
2 eggs
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda

Sift dry ingredients.
Combine eggs and milk.
Add flour mixture and beat until smooth.
Add shortening, mix.