Zucchini Bread

Just in case you were wondering... this is the best zucchini bread recipe.

My favorite part?  No oil!  That's right... its even healthier than most!

Zucchini Bread
1 c. sugar
1 c. brown sugar
3 eggs, beaten
1 c. applesauce
2 - 2 1/2 c. grated zucchini
3 tsp. vinegar
3 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 sp. baking powder
3 tsp. cinnamon

Add sugars, eggs and applesauce, and beat well.
Add zucchini and vinegar, stirring to combine.
Add dry ingredients and blend well.
Grease and flour bread pans or muffin tins.

Cooking times vary for the size of pan.
This recipe makes:
2 medium bread pans (350 for 40 minutes)
OR
1 large bread pan (350 for 60 minutes)
OR
24 muffins (375 for 18 minutes).

**This bread also freezes very well.

Carmel Toffee Apple Dip

I am not much for fruit dips.

Usually I find fruit to be best all by its lonesome...

However, I got some tart granny smith apples in my co-op food basket  (I NEVER buy that kind of apple).

So... I gave in and made this delicious dip for them.

Carmel Toffee Apple Dip

Recipe from Our Best Bites

8 oz. cream cheese

3/4 c. brown sugar

1/2 Tbsp. vanilla

1/2 bag Toffee Bits

Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature.

Combine cream cheese, brown sugar, and vanilla.

When ready to serve, stir in toffee bits (reserve some to sprinkle on top).

Serve with tart apples.

Ham and Cheddar Loaf

I usually never make anything for lunch.

It mostly consists of leftovers.

Every once and a while however,

I will make my favorite lunch item:

The Ham and Cheddar Loaf

Ham and Cheddar Loaf

1 pre-made pizza crust or bread dough (I always make my own)

1 c. shredded cheddar cheese

9oz. ham (or turkey, or whatever you have)

1 Tbsp. grated parmesan cheese

Roll dough into a 12x8" rectangle.

Top dough evenly with ham, overlapping slices slightly and leaving a 1/2" border around all sides.

Spread cheddar cheese evenly over ham.

Starting at one of the long sides of dough, fold one third of the dough over filling, then repeat with other long side of dough.

Firmly pinch ends of dough together to seal.

Place, sen-side down, on a lightly greased baking sheet.

Cut diagonal slits on the top of dough. 

Spray dough with Pam or brush with a beaten egg.

Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes (for pizza dough), or

Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes (for bread dough).

Cool 10 minutes and cut.

Cracked Wheat Chicken Fajitas

This is a great way to eat healthy, without sacrificing any flavor!

These are completely delicious and satisfying.

Cracked Wheat Chicken Fajitas

Recipe from Lyn Denna

Simmer for 20 minutes (just like rice):

1/2 c. cracked wheat

1 1/2 c. water

2 tsp. chicken bouillon

While wheat is cooking, saute:

1 Tbsp. oil

1 green pepper

1-2 stalks celery

1/2 chopped onion

Add and simmer for 3-4 minutes:

1 c. cooked chicken

salt and pepper to taste

1 chopped, peeled tomato

1/4 tsp. paprika

1/2 tsp. cumin

4oz. can green chilies

2 Tbsp. water

1/4 c. chopped olives (I leave these out)

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. chili powder

Add the cooked wheat mixture and stir to combine.

Spoon mixture onto 6-8 flour tortillas.

Sprinkle  each with cheese, roll up and place in a baking dish.

Sprinkle on top:

1 green onion, diced

1 c. grated cheese

2 Tbsp. fresh cilantro

Cover and bake at 300 for 15 minutes.

Serve with salsa, sour cream, etc.

Reeses Peanut Butter Cupcakes (and) Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting

Some foods are love at first sight for me.

I don't even have to make it - I already know I'm going to love every bite.

This recipe was one of those...

Reese's Peanut Butter Cupcakes

Recipe from Mindika Moments

8 ounces cream cheese (about 1 cup), softened

2 egg whites

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 box chocolate fudge cake mix

1 cup water

36 mini Reese’s Peanut Butter cups

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Line two 12 count muffin tin with paper liners.

In a large bowl combine the cream cheese, egg whites and vegetable oil.

Using a mixer, beat the ingredients until combined and creamy.

Add the cake mix and water and mix until smooth, about 3 minutes.

Fill the muffin cups about ¾ full.

Place 1 mini Reese Peanut Butter Cup on top of the batter.

Do not put the cup down into the batter, just set it on top.

Bake about 18 to 20 minutes

The Reese’s will settle down into the cupcake as they bake.

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly in the tin, then transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack.

When cool, frost with Chocolate Peanut Butter frosting. Then top each cupcake with a mini peanut butter cup sliced in half.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting

1 c. smooth peanut butter

½ c. butter

3 Tbsp. coco powder

3-4 c. powdered sugar
1-3 Tbsp. milk

Beat the peanut butter and butter with a mixer until smooth.

Add the coco powder and mix well.

Add the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time until desired thickness of frosting.

If you need to thin it out a little, add a couple tablespoons of milk.

Chicken Taco Pizza

This is a great twist on pizza,

very different from your average flavors

but very delicious as well!
(Also Tate's favorite and most requested home-made pizza).

Chicken Taco Pizza

Menu Managed Original
 

1 pizza dough (recipes found here and here)

1 can tomato sauce

2 Tbsp. taco seasoning (1 packet)

1 c. mozzarella cheese

1 c. cheddar cheese

1/2 - 1 can black beans, rinsed, drained, and patted dry

1 c. cooked chicken, cubed or shredded

1/2 bell pepper (I used red), diced

Optional toppings:
Green Onions

Olives

Sour cream

Cilantro

Roll out pizza dough.

Stir taco seasoning into tomato sauce and spread over pizza.

Combine cheeses, and put half on top of sauce.

Layer black beans, chicken, pepper, and remaining cheese.

Bake at 475 for 12 minutes, or until cheese is golden brown.

Top with optional toppings (I like cilantro and sour cream)

Cottage Cheese Jello Salad

This is so yummy!

My sister-in-law always serves this for family functions and everyone loves it!

Cottage Cheese Jello Salad

Recipe from Meghan Bishop

16oz. carton cottage cheese

8oz. carton cool whip

3oz. pkg. orange jello

2 11oz. cans mandarin oranges

Mix jello powder in with cottage cheese until dissolved.

Fold in whip cream and fruit.

Chill and serve.

**Try it with different fruit; ie: strawberry jello with strawberries, etc.