Granny's Meatballs

Granny's Meatballs
Difficulty 1

1 lb hamburg
1 egg
2 tblsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 c chopped onion
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 c bread crumbs
Splash of milk
Salt and pepper

Mix all ingredients until well blended. Scoop and form even rounded balls. Bake at 400 for 30 mins.

Tweaks:
1. Add 1/2 c chopped green or red pepper.

2. Substitute ground turkey in place of beef.

3. Pan fry rather than bake.

4. Serve with spaghetti sauce.

5. Serve with grape jelly and chili sauce.

Stir Fry

Stir Fry
Difficulty 1

2 lbs skinless boneless chicken, cubed
1 c red peppers, chopped
1 c mushrooms, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
2 pkgs Oriental flavored Ramen noodles

Sauce:
1/2 c chicken or beef broth
1/4 c soy sauce
1/8 tsp sesame oil
2 tblsp minced garlic
the zest of 1 orange
2 pkgs Oriental flavoring from Ramen noodles


In a large skillet heat 2 tblsp Wok oil. Add chicken and cook 3-5 mins. Add veggies. Saute 3 mins. Add Ramen noodles and sauce. Cover and steam 5-7 mins, until noodles are soft.

Tweaks:
1. Substitute beef or pork in place of chicken.

2. Add 1 c peas, snow peas, or lightly steamed broccoli or carrots.

3. Substitute any flavor of Ramen noodles in place of Oriental ones.

Mexican Pinwheels

Mexican Pinwheels
Difficulty 1

4 large flour tortillas
4 oz cream cheese, softened
8 oz salsa

Mix together cream cheese and salsa. Spread on Tortillas. Chill until cream cheese is solid. Slice into pinwheels.

Tweaks:
1. Substitute salsa for fresh tomatoes and jalapenos

2. Add 2 tblsp taco seasoning to cream cheese. Top with lettuce, tomato, and cheese

3. Sprinkle salsa with Mexican or cheddar cheese before rolling

4. Substitute sour cream in place of cream cheese

Broccoli Salad

Broccoli Salad
Difficulty 1

2 bunches broccoli
1 lb bacon, fried crisp
1 med onion, chopped
2c cheddar cheese

Mix together and top with dressing. Chill before serving.

Dressing:
1 c Miracle Whip

1/2 c sugar

2 tblsp vinegar

Tweaks:
1. Add 2 c chopped carrots

2. Add 1/2 c raisins

3. Add 1/2 c chopped celery

4. Add 1/2 c chopped nuts

5. Substitute half the amount of broccoli with cauliflower.

Dirt Cake

Dirt Cake
Difficulty 1

1 lb pkg Oreo cookies
8 oz pkg cream cheese
1/2 c margarine
1/2 c powdered sugar
8 oz Cool Whip
2 sm pkgs vanilla instant pudding
3 c milk
1 tsp vanilla

Crush cookies and set aside. Mix cream cheese and margarine until smooth. Mix in powdered sugar. Fold in thawed Cool Whip. In separate bowl, mix together pudding, milk, and vanilla. Fold cream cheese mixture into pudding mixture. Layer crushed cookies and filling in large bowl.

Tweaks:
1. Substitute Vienna Finger cookies in place of Oreo cookies to create Sand Cake.

2. Substitute chocolate or cheese cake flavored pudding in place of vanilla.

3. Top with gummy worms.

4. Layer in individual cups for children or bake sales.

Chili Dip

Chili Dip
Difficulty 1

1 can Hormel Chili
1 pkg cream cheese
1 pkg shredded cheddar cheese
1 can jalapenos

Spread softened cream cheese in bottom of a microwave-safe dish. Spread chili on top of cream cheese. Spread jalapenos on top of chili. Top with shredded cheese. Cook in microwave on high for 5 mins. Serve with Tortilla chips.

Tweaks:
1. Omit jalapenos.

2. Add 8oz Velveeta cheese.

3. Mix all ingredients together. Put in a small crock pot on low.

4. Substitute crusty bread in place of chips.

Easy Taco Salad

Easy Taco Salad
Difficulty 1

1 lb hamburg, browned
Add 1 pkg Taco seasoning according to directions on pkg

In a large bowl mix together the following:
1 bag crushed nacho cheese flavored Doritos
1 head of lettuce, chopped
2 cans Kidney beans, drained
2 c Mexican cheese

Add seasoned hamburg. Top with 1-1 1/2 bottles of Catalina salad dressing. Mix well.

Tweaks:
1. Add 2 c chopped tomatoes

2. Substitute ground turkey in place of beef

3. Add 1 c onion or scallions

4. Add 1 can jalapenos, drained

Stuffed Veggies

Stuffed Veggies
Difficulty 1

4 small green, yellow, or red peppers, halved, seeds removed
4 medium or hot peppers, halved, seeds removed
6 cherry tomatoes, tops removed and cored

Filling:
4-6 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 c finely chopped onion
1/4 lb shrimp, steamed and peeled
1/4 tsp dill
Splash of Worcestershire sauce

Place veggies on foil-lined baking pan. Fill veggies with filling. Broil for 3-5 mins.

Tweaks:
1. Omit shrimp.

2. Grill in vegetable basket instead of broiling.

3. Put filling in potatoes (baked, halved, and middle scooped out) broil or grill until cheese is melted.

4. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of filled veggies before broiling or grilling.

Chicken Kabobs

Chicken Kabobs
Difficulty 1

2 skinless boneless chicken breast, cut into large cubes
1/2 bottle Robust Italian dressing

1 red, green, or yellow pepper, cut into large chunks
1 small onion, cut into large chunks
1/2 bottle Robust Italian dressing

Marinate chicken in dressing for 6-24 hours

Marinate peppers and onions in dressing for 3-12 hours

Layer on skewers. Grill until chicken is no longer pink in center. (about 5-7 mins)


Tweaks:
1. Add 2 c mushrooms to veggies.

2. Substitute steak in place of chicken.

3. Add 1 c cherry tomatoes to veggies.

4. Substitute Teriyaki marinade in place of Italian dressing.

5. Substitute garlic-infused oil in place of Italian dressing.

6. Rather than grill, saute meat in hot skillet, add veggies. Cook until meat is no longer pink.

7. Serve over rice for a complete meal.

8. Omit meat for a vegetarian-friendly meal.

Cheese Broccoli Soup

Cheese Broccoli Soup
Difficulty 2

1 1/2-2 heads of broccoli, steamed half-way
2 c water
2 c chicken broth

Heat water and broth on stove. Add broccoli.

Saute 1 small onion in 4 tbsp butter
Add to broccoli, water, and broth.

Melt 2 tbsp oleo. Add 5 tbsp flour, 2 c milk, and 1 tsp salt and pepper. Heat until thickened.
Add 1/2 lb Cooper cheese.

Add to broccoli mixture. Simmer for 1 hr.


Tweaks:
1. Add 2 c chopped carrots. Steam with broccoli.

2. Add 1/2 head cauliflower. Steam with broccoli.

3. Substitute your favorite cheese in place of Cooper. Mozzarella becomes very stringy.

4. Add potatoes, boiled, peeled, and chopped.

5. Add 2 c cooked, crumbled bacon.

Open-faced Shrimp Quesadillas

Open-faced Shrimp Quesadillas
Difficulty 1

2 large flour tortillas
1/2 c Colby Jack cheese, shredded

Place tortillas on rimmed baking sheet
Sprinkle each with 1/4 c cheese

Bake at 475 for 3 mins

1/4 lb cooked shrimp, halved lengthwise
1/2 tsp oil
1/8 tsp chili powder
1 tsp scallions

Mix together and put on top of tortillas. Bake an additional 4 mins.
Sprinkle with cilantro.

Tweaks:
1. Substitute grilled chicken in place of shrimp.

2. Substitute Mexican cheese in place of Colby Jack.

3. Substitute 1/8 tsp Old Bay Seasoning in place of chili powder.

4. Add 1/2 tsp cocktail sauce to topping mixture.

5. Top with shredded lettuce.

Tortellini Salad

Tortellini Salad
Difficulty 1

1 bag frozen tortellini, thawed
1 red or green pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 cups mozzarella cheese, cubed
1 1/2 c Italian dressing

Cook tortellini according to pkg. Let cool.
Mix everything together. Add dressing.

Tweaks:
1. Substitute balsamic vinaigrette in place of Italian dressing.

2. Add 1 c cherry tomatoes.

3. Serve on skewers in stead of as a pasta salad.

4. Add 1 c ham, chopped or pepperoni.

Cowboy Cookies

Cowboy Cookies
Difficulty 1

1 c Crisco
1 c White sugar
1 c Brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 c flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 c quick oats
1 cup chocolate chips

Cream Crisco and sugar together. Blend in eggs and vanilla.

Sift together flour, soda, salt, and baking powder. Add to creamed mixture and blend well.

Stir in oats and chocolate chips. Drop on cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 12 mins.

Tweaks:
1. Substitute raisins in place of chocolate chips.

2. Substitute peanut butter chips in place of chocolate chips.

3. Add 1/2 c coconut.

Easy Pork Chops and Gravy

Easy Pork Chops and Gravy
Difficulty 1

4 thin cut boneless pork chops
1 c flour
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/4 c milk

Coat both sides of pork in flour.
Brown in oil in a frying pan. (Be sure the pan is hot before putting pork chops in.)
Place in 9x13 pan.
Cover with cream of chicken soup mixed with milk.
Bake at 350 for 25 mins.

Serve over egg noodles, cooked according to pkg.

Tweaks:
1. Substitute chicken tenders in place of pork chops.

2. Substitute Swiss steaks in place of pork chops.

3. Substitute cream of mushroom soup in place of cream of chicken soup.

4. Substitute rice in place of egg noodles.

5. Substitute mashed potatoes in place of egg noodles.

6. Substitute stuffing in place of egg noodles.

7. Cook on high heat in a crock pot for 2-3 hours instead of baking.

This is a very quick, inexpensive dinner!

Crispy Chicken Wings

Crispy Chicken Wings
Difficulty 1


Chicken wings
1/2 stick butter flavored Crisco
3 c flour
2 tblsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp Garlic powder
Salt and Pepper

Preheat oven to 400. Line a 9x13 pan with aluminum foil. Melt Crisco in the oven.

Meanwhile in a large baggie, mix together flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Put 3 or 4 wings in the bag and shake to coat. Place in melted Crisco. Repeat until all wings are coated.

Bake for 40 mins. Flip over and bake for another 30 mins.


Tweaks:
1. Add 5 tblsps minced garlic in melted Crisco for a buttery garlic flavored wing.

2. Top with BBQ sauce and sesame seeds for bbq wings.

3. Top with 1 c hot sauce mixed with 1 stick of butter for mild wings. Add more hot sauce to increase heat.

4. Grill wings rather than bake them. Dip in melted Crisco before grilling. Baste them with Teriyaki or bbq sauce while grilling.

5. Substitute chicken tenders in place of chicken wings.

6. Substitute skin on, bone in, thighs or breasts in place of wings.

Quick and Easy Poached Fish

Quick and Easy Poached Fish
Difficulty 1

4 Tilapia Fillets
Zest of 1 lemon
1/4 c fresh chopped basil
Course sea salt
Fresh ground black pepper
Basting Oil or garlic infused oil
Aluminum Foil


Place fish on aluminum foil.
Drizzle oil to coat both sides of each fish fillet.
Sprinkle with lemon zest, basil, salt, and pepper on top side.
Fold foil loosely over top of fillet.
Bake at 350-375 for 5-10 mins, until fish flakes.

Tweaks
1. Substitute haddock for tilapia.

2. Substitute orange zest in place of lemon zest.

3. Substitute lime zest and cilantro in place of lemon zest and basil.

4. For a spicier fish, add red crushed pepper flakes.

5. Grill it instead of baking it.

Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese
Difficulty 1

1 lb elbow pasta, cooked according to pkg

Cheese Sauce:
2 tblsp butter
2 tblsp flour
1 sm onion, chopped
2 c milk
1 c cottage cheese
1 c Pepper Jack cheese
1 c Cheddar cheese
1c Velveeta
Salt and Pepper

In a sauce pan melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and flour. Stir until flour in mixed with butter. Add milk. Stir frequently until bubbly. Reduce heat and add cheeses and salt and pepper. Stir until melted.

Pour cooked pasta into a 9x13 pan. Top with cheese sauce. Bake at 350 for 25 mins.

Tweaks
1. Substitute Cream cheese in place of Cottage cheese.

2. Add 2 c chopped spinach to cheese mixture.

3. Substitute boiled and sliced potatoes in place of Elbow pasta to make scalloped potatoes.

4. Put in Crock Pot instead of pan. Cook on low for 2 hours.

 5. Add 1 c cooked bacon, crumbled with pasta or potatoes.

Scrambled Egg Casserole

Scrambled Egg Casserole
Difficulty 2

1/2 c butter, divided
2 tblsp flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
2 c milk
1 c shredded American cheese
1 c cubed ham, cooked
1/4 c sliced green onion
12 eggs, beaten
1 can sliced mushrooms, drained
1 1/2 c soft bread crumbs

In a medium saucepan melt 2 tblsp butter. Add flour, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir until mixture begins to bubble. Gradually stir in milk. Cook until thick and bubbly, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add cheese. Mix well and set aside.

In a large skillet saute ham and onions in 3 tblsp butter until onions are tender. Add eggs. Cook and stir until they begin to set. Add the mushrooms and cheese sauce. Mix well. Pour in a 7x11 1/2 in dish.

Melt remaining butter. Toss with breadcrumbs. Sprinkle over top of casserole. Cover and refrigerate for 2-3 hrs or over night.

Bake uncovered at 350 for 25-30 mins.

Tweaks
1. Substitute cooked bacon in place of ham.

2. Substitute cooked sausage in place of ham.

3. Substitute fresh mushrooms in place of canned.

4. Add 1/2 cup diced green or red peppers.

5. Substitute Pepper Jack cheese in place of American.


This is a great make-ahead dish for a brunch gathering.

Quick Chicken Noodle Soup

Quick Chicken Noodle Soup
Difficulty 2

Add to large frying pan over medium heat in the following order
2 tblsp olive oil
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 ribs of celery, cleaned and chopped
2 bay leaves
Salt and Pepper

Saute for 5-7 mins

In a large pot add the following:
6 cups chicken stock
1 lb chicken tenders, uncooked and diced

Bring to a boil

Add 1/2 pound Egg Noodles, uncooked
Cook according to length on pkg.

Add sauteed veggies.

Serve with a sprinkle of parsley and dill.

Tweaks
1. Substitute cooked rice for egg noodles to make chicken rice soup.

2. Add one cup cooked corn.

3. Substitute beef in place of chicken. Saute beef with veggies before putting in soup.

4. Substitute fresh veggies with a bag of frozen mixed vegetables.


Enjoy on a cold winter day!

Chicken Roll Ups

Chicken Roll Ups
Difficulty 1

2 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts
2 c bread crumbs
1/2 stick melted butter

Butterfly chicken to get 4 thin pieces, 2 out of each breast
Use a meat hammer to tenderize the chicken
Coat chicken well in melted butter
Coat well in bread crumbs
Repeat
Roll up

Place in a baking dish
Bake st 350 for 20 mins

Tweaks
1. Replace butter with 2 eggs.

2. Replace bread crumbs with crushed crackers or croutons.

3. For stuffed chicken roll ups, prepare 1 box of Stove Top stuffing mix according to  pkg instructions. Place a few tblsps on each piece of chicken before rolling.

4. For easy Cordon Bleu, put one piece of Swiss cheese and one piece of ham on chicken before rolling.

5. For Easy Chicken Parmesan, put a thin layer of sauce and a piece of Mozzarella cheese on chicken, roll up. Top with sauce and Parmesan Cheese before baking. Serve with Spaghetti.


This is a quick and easy dinner. You can also bake the chicken without rolling the pieces up and serve with bbq sauce or ketchup for an easy kid-friendly meal! Serve with Mac and Cheese.

Bubble Up Pizza

Bubble Up Pizza
Difficulty 1

2 cans Grands Biscuits, unbaked
1 c pizza sauce
2 c mozzarella cheese

Cut biscuits into quarters
Mix in sauce and cheese
Pour into a deep 9x13 pan

Bake at 400 for 30 mins

Tweaks
1. Add 2c pepperoni.

2. Add 1c mushroom or 1c onion, chopped and 1c peppers, chopped.

3. Substitute Alfredo sauce in place of pizza sauce, add 2 c cooked chicken.

4. To make personal pizzas-instead of quartering biscuits, flatten them out, top with sauce, cheese, and other desired toppings. Bake according to package.

Add 2-3 cups of any of your favorite toppings!


My husband-to-be loves this served hot or as cold leftovers in his lunch the next day. It is an easy recipe to get kids involved in the kitchen, creating a meal that is easy for you and one they love.