Dinner Review - PF changs

K so I don't normally do a "review" on dinners.. and i'm not a big fan of frozen stir fry's or frozen dinners PERIOD. But you MUST try the new Pf Changs dinners for two (in a bag) Ive tried the General Changs, Orange Chicken, and the Shanghai beef.. and have LOVED them all!! They are supposed to feed two people, so if you have more eating make sure to buy two bags.. and they are a little pricey.. but soo easy and so worth it!

Snow Ice Cream

If you want to make an easy and yummy holiday treat, make SNOW ice cream!
There are only 3 simple ingredients.

1 can of evaporated milk
bowl of snow
and sugar!

I mixd in enough milk to make creamy and a spoonful of sugar. Add more to taste if you please!

Crumb coated chicken and blackberry salsa

Ingredients:
1/2 cup fresh blackberries
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
2 tbl fresh cilantro
2 tbl chopped onion
2 tbl maple syrup
2 tbl balsamic vinegar
enough chicken breasts to feed your family
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1/4 cup flour
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 tbl olive oil

Directions:
In a small bowl , combine the first 6 ing. Cover and refridgerate until serving. Flatten chicken to about 1/4 inch thickness; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the flour, egg, and bread crumbs in seperate shallow bowls. Coat chicken in flour, dip in egg, and coat with crumbs. In a large skillet cook chicken in oil over med heat for 4-6 mins on each side or until no longer pink. Serve with salsa over top.

My stir fry

Ingredients:
1 - 2 chicken breasts, cut up and cubed
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 box sliced mushrooms
5 garlic cloves minced
1/4 tsp minced ginger root
pepper and salt
2 carrots chopped and sliced
3 green onions chopped
2 celery stalks chopped
1 can drained water chesnuts

Directions:
In a bowl combine sugar, soy sauce and garlic. Stir. Add chicken peices , let marinate about 15 mins. Take chicken out of bowl and put into hot skillet. Add veggies.. stir and cook about 15 mins. Add the sauce from the bowl. Sprinkle salt n pepper.. and cook until veggies are tender and chicken is done. Serve over rice.

Mels easy no bake oreo cookies

Sorry for the camera phone quality image.. they do look much better in person..

Ingredients:
almost an entire package of oreo cookies - i grabbed the reduced fat kind.
1 8 oz pckg of cream cheese
1/4 cup chocolate chips
powdered sugar

Directions:
Soften cream cheese in microwave bowl. Meanwhile crush up oreos in a blender.. i used all but about 8. pour cookie crumbs and cheese into a large bowl and mix together. On a baking sheet roll balls of mixture. Put in fridge to cool about 5 mins, meanwhile melt your chips in microwave.. and than drizzle with a fork over the chilled balls. and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Let chill for 15 mins.. than eat!

Fried Catfish

Ingredients:
Enough large catfish fillets to feed your crew
1 tbl plus 1 tsp salt
1 cup cornmeal
2 tbl flour
1/4 tsp pepper
2 cups peanut oil

Directions:
Heat oil in a deep skillet. Mix cornmeal, flour, 1 tsp salt, and pepper in a bowl. stir and coat the fish. Fry in skillet till done.

Jenns Mom's Fried chicken

This chicken was easy to make, and delicious!

Ingredients:
whatever chicken peices you perfer. I used all drumsticks.
about 1 cup of flour ( add more if you have alot of chicken )
1 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp of paprika, salt, and pepper

Directions:
melt about a half cup of crisco in a bottom of a deep skillet. once HOT... add the chicken that you already battered, dunked into the flour season mixture. cook about 10 mins on each side.. But poke centers to ensure done. The legs took about 30 mins.. 15 on each side. Continuoulsy flip so you don't over brown one side.

Chinese Orange chicken

Sorry, I never take pics of the food I cook.. but this was so pretty i just had too!

*warning* this recipe is not for beginner cooks.. It really is a process that takes time, patience, and knowledge of frying skills. But if you have the gutts to attempt it.. it's WELL worth it!

Once again thanks to CURTS GOOD EATS ( link found on side of my blog ) I found this recipe, I just glitched a few things and changed a tiny bit.. but mostly followed it exactly.

Ingredients:
Boneless skinless chicken breast tenders ( enough to feed your family ) cut into cubes
Marinade;
3/4 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup orange juice
1 1/2 tsp grated orange zest
8 strips of orange peel
6 tbl white vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 med garlic cloves minced
1 peice grated fresh ginger root
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tbl cornstarch
2 tbl cold water
Frying batter;
1 cup flour
2 tbl cornstarch
3 large eggs
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
3 cups peanut oil

Directions:
For the marinade and sauce -
Place chicken cubes in a large bowl. Combine in a diff bowl broth, juice, zest, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger and cayenne. Wisk until sugar is dissolved. Measure out about 3/4 cup and pour over chicken cubes. Refridgerate chicken 30-60 mins but NO longer.

Bring remaining sauce mixture in a saucepan to boil over high heat. In small bowl stir together cornstarch and cold water. mix into pan. Simmer sauce, until thick about 1 minute. Take it off heat and stir in orange peels. set aside.

For the coating- Place eggs in one deep bowl.. whisk until frothy. In second bowl mix flour, cornstarch, cayenne. Drain chicken from marinade. coat peices first in egg, than flour mixture. Place in hot peanut oil over deep skillet. fry until golden brown all over. Turn evenely. Place fryed chicken on plate lined with paper towels. meanwhile reheat the sauce. Than put chicken in sauce mixture.

Serve with fried rice.

Home Made Balsamic Vinegrette

K.. so I had planned on a salad for a side for dinner tonight.. and right at the last minute I realized i was completely out of dressing! So I whipped up this delight.. and it was SOO yummy! My daughter gobbled it right up!

Ingredients:
3/4 cup olive oil
3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 clove garlic minced
1/2 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp dijon mustard
pinch of salt n pepper

Stir all together and shake into a mason jar.

Jenns Mom's chantilly potatoes

or better known as twice baked potatoes.

Ingredients:
big baking potatoes, about 2 per person
sour cream
green onions
shredded cheese
bacon bits
salt, pepper, garlic salt.
foil
oil

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375. Wash taters, poke holes in potatoes with a fork, many times. Coat each potatoe in oil, wrap in foil. Place on a baking sheet for 90 mins. Cool for 30 mins. You can cut potatoes in half, scoop insides out into a large bowl. Dont damage the skin. Place skins back on sheet. Mix sour cream, cheese, green onions, bacon bits, seasoning in with the insides. Fill up the skins now with the new delux insides. Top with more cheese. Bake at 350 until warm about 15 mins.

Bajio Sweet Rice

Got this recipe from Curts good eats.. the link is on my page! Him and his wife ( a dear friend ) are great cooks! We love this recipe!


Ingredients:
1 tbl veg oil
1/2 of a white onion, chopped
1/2 bunch of cilantro
1 1/3 cups white rice
3 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup sugar

Directions:
Put a little oil in bottom of pan. Saute chopped onion, add the cilantro and saute a min more. Add rice. ( i cook my rice in a rice cooker until almost done, than transport to the skillet ) Combine broth, and sugar stir into rice. Bring to a boil. Cover and let cook on low until rice is done and broth is mostly absorbed. about 30 mins. Fluff with a fork.

Chicken Almandine

Ingredients:
enough chicken breasts to feed your family
1 can cream of chicken
1/4 cup sour cream
butter, melted (about 2 tbl )
sliced almonds

Directions:
heat oven to 350. Mix cream of chicken and sourcream in bowl. Pour over chicken in a baking dish. Sprinkle with almonds ( coat top layer ) and drizzle with melted butter. Cook about an hour.

Southwest Zucchini Boats

Ingredients:
4 medium zuchinnis
1 lb ground beef
3/4 cup salsa
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup minced cilantro
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese, divided
sour cream

Directions:
Cuz zucchini in half lengthwise; cut a thin slice from the bottom of each with a sharp knife to allow zucchini to sit flat. Scoop out pulp, leaving 1/4 inch shells. Place shells in an ungreased microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on high for 3 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain and set aside. Mean while, in a large skillet cook beef over med heat until no longer pink; drain. Remove from heat; stir in the salsa, bread crumbs, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, salt , pepper and 1/2 cup cheese. Spoon into zucchini shells. Microwave, uncovered on high for 4 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Microwave 3-4 mins longer or until cheese is melted and zucchini are tender. Serve with sour cream if desired.

Lemon Mustard Chicken

Ingredients:
enough chicken breasts to feed your family
2 tbl lemon juice
2 tbl minced fresh parsley
2 tbl dijon mustard
1 garlic clove minced
1 tsp grated lemon peel
1/2 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
1/4 tsp salt
lemon wedges

Directions:
Drizzle chicken with lemon juice. Combine the parsley, mustard, garlic, lemon peel, rosemary and salt; brush over both sides of chicken. Place on a greased pan cook at 350 for about an hour. Serve with lemon wedges.

Almond Chicken with Apricot Sauce

Ingredients:
1 cup apricot perserves
3 tbl soy sauce
2 tbl chopped onion
4 tsp cider vinegar
1 tsp ground mustard
enough chicken breasts to feed your family
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1 tbl butter, melted

Directions:
In a bowl combine apricot, soy sauce, onion, vinegar, and ground mustard. Dip chicken in. Place chicken in baking dish. Spray with cooking spray before. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top of chicken and drizzle melted butter over top. Bake at 350 for about an hour. Serve chicken with remaining apricot sauce.

Simple Sloppy Joe and Peppered Corn Salad

Simple Sloppy Joe Ingredients:
Enough ground beef to feed your family, ( i use one roll )
1 Can ( 10 oz ) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can tomatoe paste
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tbl brown sugar
1 tbl spicy brown mustard
1/4 tsp salt
6 sandwhich buns

Directions:
In a large skillet cook beef, drain. Stir in tomatoes, tomatoe paste, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard and salt. Bring to a boil. Simmer, uncovered for 5 mins. Serve on buns.

Peppered Corn Salad Ingredients:
1 pckg frozen corn
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
4 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup chopped red pepper
2 tbl oil
1 tbl white vinegar
2 tsp minced fresh parsley
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp dried basil
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes

Directions:
Prepare corn according to pckg, drain and set aside. In a large bowl combine tomatoes, onions and pepper. Stir in corn. In a small bowl combine all remaining ingredients; pour over salad and toss to coat. Chill until serving.

Honey Garlic Ribs

Ingredients:
Enough pork baby back ribs for your family
2 cups water, divided
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbl corn starch
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup honey

Directions:
Place ribs bone side down in a large roasting pan; pour 1 cup of water over ribs. Cover tightly and bake at 350 for 1-1/2 hours. In a small bowl , combine sugar, cornstarch, garlic powder and ginger; stir in soy sauce, honey and remaining water until smooth. Drain fat from roasting pan; pour sauce over ribs. Bake uncovered for 45 mins or until meat is tender.

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients:
5 cups cooked macaroni
4 tbl butter
4 tbl flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
2 cups milk
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
*paprika is opt*

Directions:
In a sauce pan, melt butter over med-low heat, stir flour into the butter until smooth and bubbly. Stir in salt. Gradually add milk, stir constantly! Continue to cook, stir until thick. Add cheese and continue to cook and stir until melted. In an 8 x 10 baking dish alternate layers of mac and cheese sauce. SPrinkle with paprika, if desired. Bake in a preheated 350 oven for 20 mins, or until hot and bubbly.

Cranberry Meatballs

Ingredients:
2 lbs ground beef
1 cup corn flake crumbs
2 eggs
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup ketchup
1/4 cup minced onions
2 tbl soy sauce
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp pepper
1 can cranberry sauce, jellied or whole
2 tbl hot sauce
1 tbl brown sugar
2 tsp lemon juice

Directions:
In a large bowl, combine beef, corn flakes, parsley, eggs, ketchup, onion, soy sauce, garlic powder, and pepper. Blend and form into small balls. Place in casserole dish. Heat oven to 300. While meatballs are cooking, combine cranberry sauce, hot sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook, stir, over med heat until mix is blended. Pour hot sauce over meatballs in casserole. Bake for about 45 mins.

Chicken Taco Casserole

Ingredients:
1 pckg small corn tortillas
3 tbl butter
1/2 cup chopped fresh mushrooms
3 tbl flour
1 cup milk
1 small jar green taco sauce, about 8 ounces
1 tbl chili powder
2 cups cooked, diced chicken
1 small can diced green chilis, 4 ounces
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:
Cut or tear tortillas into bite size pieces, set aside. In sauce pan over low heat, melt butter and saute mushrooms. Remove shrooms, set aside. Add flour to melted butter and mix until smooth. Slowly add the milk, stir. Form a med-thick white sauce. Return shrooms to the sauce. Add taco sauce and chili powder to the mushroom sauce. In a large shallow casserole dish take a layer of tortilla peices. On top put a layer of the chicken top with diced chilis. Pour sauce evenely over the entire mix and top with cheese. Bake 350 for 1 hour.