Book - Sunday's at Tiffany

This was a very quick and easy book to read, which is good because it wasn't really worth my time. The story starts with Jane a young girl who has an imaginary friend, Michael. I enjoyed reading about Jane as a young child, but Michael eventually leaves Jane and she is left to fend for herself in the world. Somehow, Michael becomes real and meets up with Jane as an adult. It is meant to be a love story, but it is really hard to believe.

Spinach Salad

Layered Spinach Salad

1 (9-oz.) pkg. refrigerated uncooked cheesse tortellini
2 cups shredded red cabbage
6 cups torn spinach leaves
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup sliced green onions (optional)
1 (8oz.) bottle fat free ranch dressing
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (or use bacon bites)

Cook tortellini to desired doneness as directed on package. Drain; rinse with cold water.
In large clear-glass bowl with straight sides or 13x9-inch baking dish, layer cabbage, spinach, tortellini, tomatoes and green onions. Pour dressing evening over top; sprinkle with bacon. Cover; refrigerated until serving time.

Cranberry Jello

Cranberry Jello

2 small packages of sugar free strawberry jello
1 cup boiling water
1 can jellied cranberries
1 - 10 oz pkg of frozen strawberries ˆ undrained
1 - 8 oz can crushed pineapple, undrained

Mix Jello and boiling water. Dissolve gelatin well and add cranberries. Mix well. Add strawberries and pineapple. Refrigerate until set.

Low Fat Frosting

Frosting

1 cup skim milk
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 pkg (small box) sugar free pudding mix (any flavor)
1 - 8oz tub Fat Free Cool whip

Mix milk, pudding, and sugar with wire whisk. Fold in cool whip. Frost cake immediately. Store cake in fridge until ready to serve.

I made a batch of chocolate and vanilla frosting. It tasted great. I made two double batches. There was some left over & we just ate it like pudding!

Weigh Less Slush Punch

Weigh Less Slush Punch

2 boxes of sugar free cherry jello (or any flavor)
2 cups boiling water
3 cups cold water
2 large cans unsweetened pineapple juice
2-3 liters of diet white soda

Dissolve hot water in jello
Add cold water and juice
Stir well
Divide into small containers or into one large container
Freeze (Make at least two days ahead of time to ensure a good solid freeze if you are using a large container)
Slightly thaw when ready to use and add soda

Book - Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder

I was at a conference and someone saw me reading Plum Lovin' by Janet Evanovich. She said she loved her books and then told me that Joanne Fluke, the author or Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder, writes books similar to Evanovich. Naturally, my curiosity was peaked and I had to check it out.

The book is set in a small Minnesota town (already I love it) and follows Heather Swensen as she bakes cookies and tries to help her brother-in-law solve a murder. There is a cast of quirky characters and there are recipes scattered throughout the book.

In comparison to Evanovich, I didn't have any laugh out loud belly rumblers or cringe when a car was blown up and there wasn't the romantic element that I have come to love from Evanovich. However, my interest was peaked enough at the end of the first book to reserve the next book (Strawberry Shortcake Murder) from the library.

Check out the website http://www.murdershebaked.com/

Chip Dip

This tastes great with fritos! Thanks Manda!

1 16 oz container of fat free sour cream
1 Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing packet
1 small bag of bacon bits
2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (reduced fat)

Dump them all together and Mix.
You can save some cheese for the top.

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

1/2 c. Splenda
1/2 c. Unsweetened Applesauce
2 eggs
3 Ripe bananas

Mix Well.

1 1/2 c wheat flour
1 c flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 c. chocolate chips

Combine wet & dry ingredients. Make 21 muffins. Bake 15-20 min at 375 degrees. 2 pts each

Pretzel Dip

4 - 8 oz packages of reduced fat cream cheese
3/4 cup beer
2 cups - reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese
1 pkg dry Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing

MIx all together. Serve with pretzels.

Makes a BIG batch.... but very delicious!

Shrimp Dip

This is from Barb! It is a delicious and goes great with Wheat Thins.

1 8oz - Reduced fat cream cheese
1 3oz - Reduced fat cream cheese
1/4 cup - Light mayo
1/4 cup - Light or fat free french dressing
1/4 cup onion ( I use a grater for this)
1 can shrimp ( I use the mini shrimp)

Blend using a mixer. The dip is best if made the night before.
Serve with crackers.

Oreo Truffles, Grasshoppers, & Fudge Crunch

Mmmm... these were great for after dinner at Christmas! A good friend of mine shared these with me and I will be sure and make them again. YUM!

Frozen Chocolate Crunch

8 squares (1 ounce each) German sweet chocolate, chopped
2/3 cup light corn syrup
2 cups heavy whipping cream, divided
1-1/2 cups coarsely crushed oreo cookies (about 12) I used double stuffed
1 cup chopped walnuts (I used a 4 ounce bag)
Additional chopped walnuts & crushed oreos for topping if desired

In a heavy saucepan or microwave-save bowl, melt chocolate with corn syrup; stir until smooth.
Stir in 1/2 cup cream.
Refrigerate for 1 hour or until cool. (I checked every 15 minutes...ready in 30-45 minutes)
Stir in crushed cookies and walnuts.
In a mixing bowl, beat remaining cream until stiff peaks form; fold into chocolate mixture.
Spread into a 9-in. square dish. Cover and freeze for 4-6 hours or until firm.
Sprinkle with additional walnuts and crushed cookies if desired.


Easy Oreo Truffles

1 pkg. Oreo cookies (I used double stuffed), divided
1 pkg. 8 ounces, cream cheese, softened
2 pkg. 8 ounces each, Baker's Semi-sweet Baking Chocolate, melted

Crush 9 (wouldn't have to use that many....maybe 4-5) of the cookies to fine crumbs in food
processor or blender; reserve for later use.
Crush remaining cookies to fine crumbs; place in medium bowl.
Add cream cheese; mix until well blended.
Roll cookie mixture into 42 balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
Dip balls in chocolate; place on wax paper-covered baking sheet.
Sprinkle with reserved crumbs.
Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
Store leftover truffles, covered in refrigerator (or outside in winter).

Grasshoppers

1 gallon vanilla ice cream
1-8 oz. cool whip
1 cup green cream de menthe
1 cup white cream de cocoa

Soften ice cream (do not melt) enough to mix with an electric mixer.
Put all ingredients in a large bowl and mix until blended.
Pour into an ice cream pail and place in freezer.

Author - Sophie Kinsella

Sometimes when I find an author I like, I tend to read ALL of his or her books.

The following are all great books by Sophie Kinsella, an English author who adds humor and romance to everything she writes.



Confessions of a Shopaholic
This is the first book in a series about Rebecca Bloomwood. Rebecca loves to shop & she can't stop! She hides her bills in her dresser and is very creative in her attempts to ward off the creditors at the bank.



Can You Keep a Secret?
This is the first book I read by Kinsella. Emma has a lot of secrets... until she spills them all to a handsome stranger on the plane. At least, she thought he was a stranger. Turns out, he is her new boss! Just imagine how the story unfolds.



The Undomestic Goddess
For those of you that know me, the title fits me perfectly! Samantha, an attorney, made a huge mistake at her law firm. Rather than stay around and deal with it, she takes off and finds a job as a housekeeper. But, she doesn't know how to cook, clean, or sew a button! Very funny!



Remember Me?
Imagine waking up in the hospital and not remembering the last 3 years of your life. Lexi remembers having a less than perfect life, but when she wakes up, she is married, rich, has a high paying job, and perfect teeth. How did her life change? Why don't her friends talk to her anymore?


Check out Sophie Kinsella's website for more information!
http://www.randomhouse.com/bantamdell/kinsella/index.html

Book - My Sister's Keeper

This book was unbelievable!
A young girl decides to sue her parents for medical emancipation, because they want her to donate one of her kidney's to her sister who has leukemia.
Every chapter is written from a different person's point of view, which really makes the story very engaging.

Check out the author's website.
http://www.jodipicoult.com/my-sisters-keeper.html

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

I make these every September for Rion's birthday.


Stir together:2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
Add: 1 cup shortening
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. vanilla
Beat well.
Stir in: 1 1/2 cup oatmeal (quick)
2/3 cup raisins (can add more)
Form into balls (i usually make pretty big balls), roll in sugar.
Bake at 375* for 10 minutes.

Broccoli Salad

I got this from a friend at work. I love it!

Broccoli Salad
1/2 large head cauliflower, cut into small pieces.
1/2 large bunch broccoli, cut into small pieces.
1/2 medium red onion, chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (use light or fat free)
1/2 pound bacon, fried and drained. ( I use Hormel bacon pieces, 50% less fat)
1 cup mayonnaise (use light mayo)
1/2 cup sugar (Splenda)
2 Tablespoon's vinegar.

Mix vegetables, cheese, and bacon.
Combine mayo, sugar and vinegar in another bowl. Pour over the vegie mixture and mix well.

*I usually make this the day before!

Marinade for Grilling Chicken

6 Tbsp White Vinegar
3 Tbsp Canola oil
2 Tbsp Ketchup
2 tsp dried parsley flakes
1 1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/8 tsp hot pepper sauce
1/8 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 bay leaf

This is enough to coat 4 chicken breasts well. If you are going to have more chicken, make a double batch!

Combine the ingredients in a plastic bag or bowl. Add Chicken. Refrigerate for 4-8 hours (or over night) turning occasionally.

Grill and enjoy!

Maragrita Punch

Perfect for an adult gathering! This will go down fast... I usually make two batches!

Margarita Punch

1 can frozen lemonade
1 can frozen limeade
1 juice can Triple Sec
2 juice cans tequila
1 2 liter bottle sprite
ice
limes cut up to garnish

Makes punch bowl full

Low Fat Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo

CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI ALFREDO
 
1/2 Pkg. Linguine (or whatever pasta you have) Wheat pasta works well too!
1 cup fresh or frozen broccoli flowerets
1 lb. Boneless chicken breasts, cubed
1 can 98% fat free cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup skim milk
1/4 cup grated reduced fat Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp pepper
 
Cook lingune accoding to package directions. Add broccoli for the last 4 minutes of cooking time. Drain. Heat butter in skillet. Add chicken until browned, stirring often. Add soup, milk, cheese, pepper and lingune mixture and heat through. Serve with additional cheese.

Slow cooker chicken

Here is another easy one...

SLOW COOKER CHICKEN
 
6 medium potatoes, cut into chunks
4 medium carrots, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts halves
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/8 tsp. garlic salt
2 to 4 Tbsp mashed potato flakes, optional
 
Place potatoes and carrots in slow cooker. Top with chicken. combine the soups and garlic salt, pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low 8 hours. To thicken if desired, stir in potato flakes into gravy and cook 30 minutes longer.

Ho Ho Bars

Yummy Dessert.... but not really good for you!

Ho Ho Bars

1 BOX DEVILS FOOD CAKE MIX
3/4 CUP SUGAR
1 STICK SOFTENED MARGARINE
2/3 CUP SHORTENING
2/3 CUP EVAPORTATED MILK
2 teaspoons VANILLA
PINCH OF SALT
1 CAN DARK CHOCOLATE FROSTING

PREPARE CAKE MIX AS DIRECTED. POUR BATTER INTO GREASED JELLY ROLL PAN.
BAKE 12-15 MINUTES AT 350. COOL
COMBINE SUGAR, MARGARINE, SHORTENING, MILK, VANILLA AND SALT.
BEAT UNTIL LIGHT AND FLUFFY, ABOUT 10-15 MINUTES. SPREAD OVER COOLED CAKE.
MELT FROSTING IN MICROWAVE. SPREAD FROSTING OVER WHITE CREAM LAYER.

Chicken Enchiladas & Fiesta Cheese Rice

Feel like Mexican? These are super quick and easy!

Chicken Enchiladas

1 Can (10ozs) Enchilada sauce
1 1/2 cups, cooked chicken - cubed or shredded
4 ozs cream cheese (Low fat)
1 1/2 cups salsa
1 can (15 1/2 ozs) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (4 ozs) chopped green chilies (optional)
Flour tortillas (6 inches) - About 12 - depends how full you fill them
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar and Mozzarella) (reduced fat)
Shredded lettuce, chopped tomato, sour cream, sliced olives ˆ optional

Spoon 1/2 cup Enchilada sauce into a greased 9 x 13 baking dish.
In large saucepan, cook and stir cream cheese and salsa over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until blended.
Stir in the chicken, beans, and chilies.
Place about 6 Tablespoons of chicken mixture down the center of each tortilla.
Roll up and place seam side down over sauce.
Top with remaining enchilada sauce and any leftover mixture; sprinkle with cheese.
Cover and Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.
Serve with lettuce, tomato, sour cream and olives if desired.


Fiesta Cheese Rice

3 cups uncooked instant rice
3 cups water
1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
1 Tablespoon chicken bouillon granules (okay without too)
3/4 Cup Sour Cream (I use fat free)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (I use reduced fat)

In a 2 qt microwave safe dish, combine the rice, water, tomatoes, and bouillon; mix well. Cover and microwave on high for 10 minutes. Stir in sour cream and 1/2 cup of cheese. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Microwave until the cheese is melted.

Mini Meatloaves

I love this recipe! They are tasty, quick, and easy. They also freeze really well.
Enjoy!

Mini Meatloaves

1 lb ground beef
1 pkg stove top stuffing mix
1 cup water
1 tsp garlic powder
BBQ sauce (or another condiment, like ketchup or salsa)
Cheddar cheese (optional - tastes fine with out)

Preheat oven to 375.
Mix meat, stuffing, water, and seasoning until well blended. Press into 12 muffin cups sprayed with cooking spray
Make an indentation in the center of each (a shot glass works well)
Spoon BBQ sauce into center of each meatloaf.
Bake for 30 minutes or until meatloaves are cooked through. Top with cheese; continue baking 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
The meatloaves scoop out really easy with a spoon.

Welcome!

I love to cook and read!
And, since I have nothing better to do with my time, I decided to share my favorites with you.
If you have favorites, feel free to let me know.
I am always looking for new books and recipes.

Happy Eating and Reading!