Hot Moms Cook

Homemade... Easy Chicken Pot Pie

2009-11-15T14:32:00.004-06:00

1 frozen pie crust (DEEP DISH)
1-2 Chicken Breasts
12 baby carrots
1 stalk celery
1/2 package fresh mushrooms
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup frozen corn
1 can cream of chicken soup (with herbs)
1 cup chicken broth
1 container Pillsbury Crescent Rolls (Reduced Fat)

Preheat oven to 375.
Boil chicken until cooked, dice into cubes.
Cut carrots and celery into small pieces. Add mushrooms, peas, corn and cubed chicken in the bottom of the pie crust.
In a separate bowl, mix soup and chicken broth...blend well.
Pour soup mixture on top of veggies in pie crust. Season to taste. (I don't recommend salt, the soup and broth mix has a salty taste)

Cover the pie crust with one layer of crescent rolls. Bake until the top is very brown (about 35-45 minutes).

Enjoy!

Chicken Enchiladas

2009-05-03T16:04:00.000-05:00

Ingredients

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breast
Salt and pepper
2 teaspoons cumin powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 red onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen corn, thawed
5 canned whole green chiles, seeded and coarsely chopped
4 canned chiles, minced
1 (28-ounce) can stewed tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon all-purpose flour
16 corn tortillas
1 1/2 cups enchilada sauce, canned
1 cup shredded Cheddar and Jack cheeses
Garnish: chopped cilantro leaves, chopped scallions, sour cream, chopped tomatoes

Directions

Coat large saute pan with oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Brown chicken over medium heat, allow 7 minutes each side or until no longer pink. Sprinkle chicken with cumin, garlic powder and Mexican spices before turning. Remove chicken to a platter, allow to cool.

Saute onion and garlic in chicken drippings until tender. Add corn and chiles. Stir well to combine. Add canned tomatoes, saute 1 minute.

Pull chicken breasts apart by hand into shredded strips. Add shredded chicken to saute pan, combine with vegetables. Dust the mixture with flour to help set.

Microwave tortillas on high for 30 seconds. Coat the bottom of the pan with a ladle of enchilada sauce. Using a large shallow bowl, dip each tortilla in enchilada sauce to lightly coat. Spoon 1/4 cup chicken mixture in each tortilla. Fold over filling, place 8 enchiladas in each pan with seam side down. Top with remaining enchilada sauce and cheese.

Bake for 15 minutes in a preheated 350 degree oven until cheese melts.

Garnish with cilantro, scallions, sour cream and chopped tomatoes before serving.

Serve with Spanish rice and beans.

Crème Brûlée French Toast

2009-03-12T18:37:00.003-05:00

INGREDIENTS:

1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons corn syrup
an 8- to 9-inch round loaf country-style bread
5 large eggs
1 1/2 cups half-and-half
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon Grand Marnier
1/4 teaspoon salt

PREPARATION:

In a small heavy saucepan melt butter with brown sugar and corn syrup over moderate heat, stirring, until smooth and pour into a 13- by 9- by 2-inch baking dish. Cut six 1-inch thick slices from center portion of bread, reserving ends for another use, and trim crusts. Arrange bread slices in one layer in baking dish, squeezing them slightly to fit.

In a bowl whisk together eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, Grand Marnier, and salt until combined well and pour evenly over bread. Chill bread mixture, covered, at least 8 hours and up to 1 day.

Preheat oven to 350° F. and bring bread to room temperature.

Bake bread mixture, uncovered, in middle of oven until puffed and edges are pale golden, 35 to 40 minutes.

Serve hot French toast immediately.

Too Easy Tortellini Soup

2009-03-10T08:58:00.002-05:00

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup minced onion (about 1/2 small onion)
1 garlic clove, minced
4-6 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 (14 ounce) can whole tomatoes, coarsely chopped, Italian style
1 (9 ounce) package fresh tortellini or dried tortellini
kosher salt
cracked black pepper
10 ounces fresh spinach
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

In a soup pot, heat olive oil over medium high heat.

Saute the onion and garlic, stirring often until onions are translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Add broth and tomatoes, turn heat up to high, and bring to a boil.

Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions.

When tortellini is almost done, add spinach and taste, adjusting seasonings with salt and pepper.

Serve immediately.

Garnish each serving with a sprinkling of Parmesan.

Chicken Over Rigatoni

2009-03-08T16:39:00.003-05:00

Absolutely delicious! :)

4 to 6 boiled and cubed chicken breasts
12 oz. shredded swiss cheese
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 c. chicken broth
2 c. crushed Pepperidge Farm seasoned croutons
1 stick melted butter

Layer in a buttered dish. Do not stir. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Let it set for 10 minutes before serving. Serve over buttered rigatoni.

Angel Macaroons

2008-11-20T21:16:00.002-06:00

Rosylyn needed a copy of this recipe, so I thought I might as well post it for all to enjoy.

'Tis the season for cookie exchanges. Here's a super easy recipe.

Angel Macaroons
1 pkg (16oz.) one-step angel food cake mix
1/2 cup water
1 1/2 tsp almond extract
2 C flaked coconut

1. Beat cake mix, water, and extract on low speed 20 seconds
2. Scrape bowl, beat on low 1 minute
3. Fold in coconut
4. Drop by rounded teaspoons on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until set
6. Remove paper to a rack to cool

Rocket Science....ok, just a sandwich

2008-11-10T22:55:00.005-06:00

Sliced Pepper Turkey
Provolone Cheese
Raspberry Chipotle Sauce
Avocado
Asiago Cheese Bread (sliced)

Spread Raspberry Chipotle Sauce on one slice of bread, add Cheese and toast until melted.
Add the remaining ingredients and serve with a mixed green salad with walnuts, strawberries and mandarin oranges....

(I like a little mayo on my sandwich too and sometimes...BACON, but that really is Rocket Science...and some other peeps like Ranch on theirs)

-Enjoy....

Chocolate Milk

2008-10-25T03:14:00.004-05:00

My mom sent this little find to me....and boy does it look sinful! Enjoy!

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/

Rolo Treats

2008-10-02T07:59:00.003-05:00

These treats are always a favorite at get togethers and bake sales. And they are so super easy to make, the kids can definitely help you out!! Alli and I always sit at the counter and make these together and have some of the best conversations while doing so.

Just lay your pretzels out on a cookie sheet and place a Rolo on each one. Place in the oven at 250 degrees for 4 minutes so that the Rolo's slightly melt. Pull them out of the oven and apply your favorite topping. We're fans of the M & M's but you could use pecans or walnuts or whatever else you fancy.

Stick them in the fridge to cool down and you are ready to go.

Enjoy, but be warned, they are quite addictive!!

Pizza Cups

2008-08-19T17:10:00.005-05:00

Ok, so it is the end of summer, kiddos are starting back to school and us HOT MOMS need a well deserved week at a SPA.....
In case you aren't packed for a trip to the Spa....Here is a nice recipe that will give you a little extra time to relax and catch up on a trashy magazine, picking your toes or whatever else you enjoy doing with your 12 seconds of free time as a M O M !

Let's start with an easy/kid friendly meal that the whole family will enjoy.

INGREDIENTS: (oh yeah, 4 WHOLE ingredients, it's rocket science I tell ya)
Ground Meat (Turkey or Sirloin)
Small Jar of Spaghetti Sauce
1 Large can of REDUCED FAT plain biscuits
2 cups of shredded cheese

DIRECTIONS: (hang on to your hat, this one is gonna be a doozie)

Preheat the oven : BAKE 350.
Lightly (psst, really, LIGHTLY) grease a muffin pan.
Press down one biscuit in each muffin cup and smooth biscuit around the sides (you are making pizza cups, hence, the biscuit being the cup)
Brown your meat in a skillet. Add Spaghetti sauce and stir, season to taste.
Put the meat mix into the biscuit cups.
Bake according to the biscuit directions (ok, if you threw the directions in the trash, and if they were Pillsbury, you tossed the box tops -HOWEVER- in case you trashed them....bake at 350 for 13-17 minutes, genius)
Remove the pizza cups from the oven 5 minutes before they are done and sprinkle them with the shredded cheese, return to the oven for 5 minutes.
Cool and serve with a light Caesar salad, add some carrots, avocado, diced tomatoes and your family will call the Food Network, you have talent!
For that matter, throw some pull apart and bake cookies in the oven, it is already waiting for you at the desired temperature.

Now, you've got mostly healthy pizza cups, a nice hearty salad and dessert. Yes, you are Martha Stewart, take a bow, just remember to pay your taxes!

T-Bone's American Flag Cheesecake

2008-07-04T17:52:00.003-05:00

1 pkg. (21.4 oz.) JELL-O No Bake Cheesecake

2 Tbsp. sugar

5 Tbsp. margarine or butter, melted

1-1/2 cups cold milk

1 pkg blueberries (rinsed)

1 pkg strawberries (rinsed and sliced)

MIX Crust Mix, sugar and margarine with fork until crumbs are well moistened. Press firmly onto bottom of baking dish.

BEAT milk and Filling Mix with electric mixer on low speed until well blended. Beat on medium speed 3 minutes. (Filling will be thick.) Spoon evenly over crust.

REFRIGERATE at least 1 hour or until ready to serve. Lay out fruit in the shape of the American Flag over the top of the cheesecake just before serving.

Crispy Yogurt Chicken

2008-06-19T17:47:00.000-05:00

Courtesy of (aka - stolen from) Pioneer Woman Cooks!

Want a yummy alternative to that old fried chicken wing? No, then go on and get you some KFC, otherwise, for the rest of you....
CLICK HERE.
Pioneer Woman Cooked up this yummy one and I just had to share it with y'all!

Just another reason I am loving my crockpot right now

2008-05-14T17:35:00.003-05:00

Zesty Italian Chicken

4 boneless chicken breasts
1 can cream of chicken
1 package Good Seasonings Zesty Italian salad dressing mix
1 cup water
1 teaspoon parsley
1 package cream cheese

Place chicken in crockpot. Blend soup, dressing, water and parsley. Add to crockpot. Cook on low 6-8 hours. 1 hour before serving, add cream cheese. Serve over rice or noodles.

Guest HOT MOM Chef

2008-04-18T10:56:00.003-05:00

Stromboli tonight!

Click HERE to get this step by step, with photos, Stromboli recipe. YUM!!!!

Thank you SO much to Kitchen Scrapbook for sharing this awesome recipe with us. OH, and thank you for not including the fat grams, some things are better left unsaid...

Hey, YOU, yeah you, wanna guest chef in our kitchen? Click on "reviews" and tell us what your favorite recipe is....

Keep em coming!

You can be a HOT MOM too, just click on our "reviews".
Tell us what you love to whip up in the kitchen.

2008-04-15T16:11:00.004-05:00

If you have a recipe that you would like to share with HOT MOMS COOK, please reply in our "reviews" section below with your email address. We would love to see what is cooking in your corner!

Thank you.

Quick Chicken Pot Pie

2008-03-31T21:35:00.001-05:00

* 1 cup Reduced-Fat Bisquick
* 1/2 cup skim milk
* 1/4 cup egg substitute (or 3 egg whites)
* 2 cups frozen mixed veggies, thawed
* 2 cups cooked, chopped white chicken meat
* 2 cans fat-free Cream of Mushroom soup

Directions

Preheat oven to 400.

Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray. Mix together veggies, chicken, and soup. Pour into casserole dish. In another bowl, mix Bisquick, milk, and egg. Pour over the top of the chicken mixture. Bake for about 30 minutes or until the crust is golden.

Resurrection Buns/Empty Tomb Biscuits

2008-03-22T10:33:00.003-05:00

The true meaning of Easter right to your kitchen...

*a can of Grand biscuits
*large marshmallows
*sugar
*cinnamon
*butter

Flatten the biscuit out until it's about 5 inches across. Spread melted butter, sugar and cinnamon on it. Explain that the spices represent the spices used to anoint Jesus' body before His burial.

The marshmallow represents Jesus. Explain that it is white because it stands for His purity and His sinless life. Place the marshmallow in the center of the biscuit, then fold the sides around it forming a "tomb". Pinch the sides of the tomb closed and place it crease side down on a baking sheet so they will not open while cooking. Put more butter, cinnamon and sugar on the outside. Talk about the sweet taste of the spices and how Jesus gave us the sweetest gift we will ever receive.

At this point you can go ahead and bake the buns. They need to bake following the directions on the biscuit package. Then they need a little cooling time because the marshmallow will be very hot.

When the children bite into their buns they will be surprised to find the center empty. The marshmallow has melted. As each child discovers the empty tomb, we repeat : He is not here for He is risen.

Banana in a Blanket

2008-03-13T11:00:00.002-05:00

Preparation time: 5 minutes

1 (6 inch) whole wheat tortilla

1 tablespoon reduced-fat smooth peanut butter

1 medium banana

1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey

1 tablespoon crunchy, nutty nugget cereal

Instructions: Lay tortilla on a plate. Spread peanut butter evenly on the tortilla. Sprinkle cereal over peanut butter.

Peel and place banana on the tortilla and roll the tortilla. Drizzle maple syrup or honey on top.

Optional: garnish with more cereal on top.

Beer Battered Shrimp

2008-03-03T22:22:00.003-06:00

Dayna tried out our cajun grandmother's recipe and wanted to pass it on. Looks good!

Number of Servings: 4

Prep Time: 45 min.

Ingredients:

Oil for deep frying

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 (12-ounce) bottle beer

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Instructions:

1. In 10" skillet preheat oil to 365 degrees.

2. In a medium bowl add flour and slowly mix in beer until blended.

3. Add shrimp and toss until thoroughly coated.

4. Shake gently to remove excess batter and spoon shrimp into hot oil.

5. Fry for several minutes or until golden brown.

6. Remove shrimp with slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

7. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Shh. . .

2008-03-03T08:28:00.005-06:00

Ok, you didn't hear this from me, because I am not the kind of mom that cooks frozen dinners. I'm just not, I promise.

But leave it to another Hot Mom, my mom who knows all the secrets to cutting corners in the kitchen!

If you haven't tried the new Bertolli pasta dinners, then run to your nearest grocery store and pick up the Chicken Alfredo meal. Pour it into a covered casserole dish, cook for 11 minutes in the microwave, toss a salad, warm up some of the Wal-mart bakery's foccacia bread in the oven, and you are done. Sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese on top for a total showstopper!

I was a serious hater, and conveniently forgot to pick this up at the grocery store even though she raved about it for weeks on end. She finally bought a bag for me, and we tried it last night. Yum--no weird chicken taste, and it goes on sale pretty frequently so keep your eyes open!

But, I didn't tell you, okay? I have a reputation to uphold. . .

Heavenly Fish

2008-02-28T09:32:00.002-06:00

Heavenly Fish

What a great blog! I am so sorry for taking so long to get this to you gals! I promise this is super easy and will be one of your new favorites! It is Heavenly!

Ingredients

2 lbs. Talapia fillets
1/4 c. softened butter
3 Tbsp. mayo
1/2 c. shredded Parmesan
3 Tbsp. chopped green onion
Salt and pepper to taste
Dash of Tabasco optional
2-3 Tbsp. lemon juice

Place fillets in shallow baking dish. Salt and pepper fillets and squirt with lemon juice. Let stand for 15 minutes. (I have skipped this step and it tasted fine.) Place fish under broiler on high for 5-7 minutes. While fish broils mix butter, mayo, cheese and onion. Take fish out and spread mixture over fish and return to broiler for 2-3 minutes. Enjoy!

Smoothie Queen

2008-02-20T22:05:00.004-06:00

Just for you, Amy...foolproof instructions for making your own smoothie. Not that you are a fool, but spending $3 on a smoothie is maybe a little bit foolish!

1. Fill your blender with about 2 cups of frozen fruit (I buy the big bags at COSTCO - strawberries, other berries, mango, etc. It all works well except the frozen pinapple - I think that tastes wierd.
2. Add one banana, fresh or frozen
3. Add liquid to just cover the fruit. Juice is tasty - whatever flavor you like, but I use water to save calories 4. Blend away until totally pureed
5. Now it's time for add-ins... (I like to put in about a cup of vanilla yogurt and some flax seed meal for extra nutrition, but you can add whatever you like) 6. Blend again until mixed - and serve!

Homemade Cookie Cake

2008-02-18T18:30:00.003-06:00

Sorry Great American Cookie Company...this one is yummy, much cheaper, and CLOSE!

1 box of vanilla cake mix
2 eggs
2 T water
1/2 cup oil
8 oz. chocolate chips
frosting (optional)

Mix first 5 ingredients together. Put in a greased pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 15 minutes. Top with frosting if you'd like - they're good without too!

Two Fast Dinners

2008-02-13T17:57:00.002-06:00

With Valentine's Day tomorrow and then only one month until Easter here are two fast and easy recipes that will get dinner on the table in no time at all! I don't even think you can call this cooking it is so simple!

Longhorn Chicken AKA "No Peek" Apricot Chicken for the Aggies

1/2 cup Apricot Jam
1 envelope Campbell's Onion Soup Mix
1 (8 oz.) bottle Russian Dressing
1/2 cup water
8 Pilgrim's Pride Chicken Breast Halves
Minute Rice

In small bowl, combine jam, onion soup mix, Russian dressing and water; set aside.
Place chicken in 9x13" Pyrex baking dish.
Pour apricot mixture over chicken. Cover with foil and seal. Bake at 250 degrees for 3 to 4 hours, and remember, no peeking.

Serve over rice.

Black Bean Chicken Tacos

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breats, cubed
2 cups salsa
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. cumin
Tortillas
Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream & Guacamole, if desired for topping

In a large skillet, combine the chicken, salsa, beans, onion powder, chili powder and cumin. Cover and simmer 15-20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Serve in tortillas with toppings.

Blackened Chicken

2008-02-08T16:24:00.000-06:00

Ok, I know I stand the chance of stepping on some authentic Cajun toes, but Blackened Chicken is often something that most people shy away from making. So, here's a recipe that I think is yummy but not too spicy at all. Can be cut into strips for Chicken Alfredo or Chicken Caesar Salad, served with wild rice and veggies, or substitued for the chicken in any of your recipes for an extra kick.

This can get a little smoky, so make sure you open your windows and turn on the vent just in case!

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 teaspoons ground white pepper
2 teaspoons onion powder
Vegetable Oil

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Mix together paprika, salt, cayenne, cumin, thyme, white pepper, and onion powder.
Rub each side of chicken breasts with spice mixture.
Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat until bubbling.
Place chicken in hot pan, seasoned side down, and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Turn, and cook 1-2 minute on other side.
Place breasts on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
Bake in preheated oven for 10-15, or until no longer pink and juices run clear.

Thai Fajitas

2008-02-06T21:15:00.000-06:00

These always bring great fan fare with them, they are great for the fam, Bunco dinner or even hosting a large group as it can be doubled so easily.

2 Lbs beef round or flank steaks trimmed and sliced
1 C soy sauce
Olive Oil
3 cloves garlic
1-3 tsp red pepper flakes
flour tortillas
avocado
lime
cilantro
chopped peanuts
sour cream

Quickly saute meat in EVOO and garlic. Add in soy sauce and red pepper flakes, adding additional spice depending on your audience. Allow to cook down over low heat for 30 minutes or so, carefully monitoring so the soy sauce doesn't carmelize and over cook the meat.

Serve with remaining ingredients. I also offer edamame, Pad Thai noodles and spring rolls.

Short on Time?

2008-02-06T19:13:00.000-06:00

At any given moment, on any given day, I can have the four girls scattered at playdates, extracurricular activities, or school events. So I'm all about dinner being as quick and easy and painless as possible. My number one time saving tool:

We use this chicken for EVERYTHING!! Quesadillas, pizzas, salads, casseroles, you name it, this little bag saves me time!

Here's one of our favorite dinners, made in 20 minutes, you can't beat that! (I usually double it to feed my family of six.)

Chicken Tortellini Divan

1 can ready to serve chicken broth
2 tablespoons flour
1 (9 oz) package frozen cut broccoli (yes you read that right, BROCCOLI!)
1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
1 bag Tyson Diced Chicken Breast
1/2 cup sour cream

1. In small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of broth with flour, blend until smooth, set aside.

2. In medium saucepan, bring the rest of the broth to a boil, add the broccoli, then return to a boit. Stir in the tortellini and cook 3-5 minutes until broccoli and tortellini are tender.

3. Stir in chicken. Add the flour mixture, cook about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and stir in sour cream. Cook and stir until thoroughly heated.

Okay you got me, I don't ALWAYS put broccoli in this dish. It just depends on what kind of mood I'm in! But the girls love it, especially on the nights when the broccoli is omitted ;-)

In the Kitchen with our Guest Chef Monda

2008-02-04T20:47:00.000-06:00

Our first guest chef, Monda sent us this yummy recipe! Monda is a fabulous gal, wife to Josh, mommy to Jonah, and owner of Riley, the cutest little puppy EVER!!

This is one of my favorite appetizers I thought I would share for your Hot Moms Cook blog! It's a simple recipe that I make it for all of our parties and holiday events. It taste like a twice baked potato!! YUM! It's made with Daisy Sour Cream, which of course is the best! ;) and when you purchase Daisy you help support Jonah's college fund! LOL (Josh is the IS Director for Daisy)

Warm Creamy Bacon Dip
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Time To Table: 35 Minutes
Serves: 12

8 ounces softened cream cheese
16 ounces Daisy Brand Sour Cream
3 ounces bacon bits
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (I always add more cheese)
1 cup chopped green onion

Bring cream cheese to room temperature. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a bowl, combine all ingredients. Place in 1-quart baking dish. Cover. Heat 25-30 minutes or until hot. Serve with assorted fresh vegetables, crackers and/or chips. Makes 3 cups. *Serving option: Dip may also be placed in hollowed round sourdough loaf, wrapped in foil and heated in 400 degree oven for 30 minutes.

Thanks so much to Monda for contributing this recipe!! If you would like to check out her family adventures, visit her at http://theschneiderfamily.blogspot.com/.

And remember if you have a great recipe to share, just email us! We'd love to feature you too!

Black Bean Salad

2008-02-03T08:58:00.000-06:00

2 cans black beans, drained, about 30 ounces
1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
2 Roma tomatoes, diced
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup diced green onions
1/4 cup diced pineapple
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro leaves
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
4 tablespoons salad vinegar
Juice of 1/2 lime
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch ground cumin

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Congratulations PATRIOTS and GIANTS! Happy Super Bowl Sunday.

Haystacks

2008-02-01T18:32:00.000-06:00

My grandmother had the best methods for getting us to eat our dinner.
She came up with "haystacks" (much like taco salad) and we still love it to this day, over 30 years later.
This makes a great party food, since people can build their haystacks according to their palette's.

Ingredients:
Tostitos Scoops
Ground Sirloin
Black Beans
Shredded Cabbage
Avocado
Tomatoes
Black Olives
Mexican Rice
Sour Cream
Salsa
Taco Seasoning

Directions:
Brown meat, add taco seasoning to taste. Warm black beans.
Line the plate with scoops (chips). Layer on rice, ground meat, black beans, shredded cheese and any other desired toppings.

Kids may eat more of the ingredients if they can build their HAYSTACK themselves.

Jalapeno Popper Dip

2008-01-31T09:35:00.000-06:00

I admit it--I'm a restaurant junkie. As much as I love cooking, I would eat out every single night if I didn't have children. So, some of my favorite recipes are ones that are adaptations of my favorite restaurant dishes.

So when I came across this recipe, I just had to try it. And, oh yum, yum, yum, yum, yum.

INGREDIENTS
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup mayonnaise
1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies, drained
2-4 ounces canned diced jalapeno peppers, drained
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Breadcrumbs to taste

Olive Oil

DIRECTIONS

Stir together cream cheese and mayonnaise in a large bowl until smooth. Stir in green chiles and jalapeno peppers.
Pour mixture into a pie dish
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. If you would like a crunchy crust, sprinkle Breadcrumbs tossed with a couples dashes Olive Oil on as well. (Crust not shown in picture)
Bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes.
Served with Sliced French Baguette Bread that has been slightly toasted in the oven
Enjoy!

Something Sweet...

2008-01-31T08:22:00.000-06:00

This is my Mom's recipe, and they are sooooo good! Something sweet for the Superbowl Party!

Oatmeal Toffee Cookies

1 ½ C. old fashioned or quick cooking oatmeal
¾ C. flour
¾ C. sugar
1/3 C. brown sugar (packed)
6 T. butter or margarine, softened
1 t. vanilla
½ t. baking powder
½ t. baking soda
¼ t. salt
1 large egg
** 5 – 1.04 to 1.20 oz. heath bar, cut in ½ inch pieces

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Large bowl, measure all ingredients except candy – beat at low speed until well blended. Stir in candy with a spoon. Shape dough into 1 inch ball; flatten slightly; arrange them about 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 12 minutes or until golden brown.

Makes 2 ½ doz.

Burger Bites

2008-01-30T08:31:00.000-06:00

Well I'm not even sure if I'm watching the big game this year. Who to cheer for? I hate both teams. And the halftime show, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, seriously? UGH! Guess I'll just check out the commercials and root for lots of injuries! But if I were having a party or going to a party, this is what I would bring. Who doesn't like a burger? And my kids LOVE them!

BUNS
1 (11oz) can refrigerated breadsticks

FILLING
1 egg
3 tablespoons dried minced onion
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
1 lb. lean ground beef

1. Heat oven to 375. Separate dough into 12 breadsticks. Cut each into 4 pieces, place on ungreased cookie sheet.

2. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately remove from cookie sheets, place on wire racks until slightly cooled, about 5 minutes. Split each in half, keeping tops and bottoms together to form miniature buns.

3. Reduce oven temp to 350. Beat egg in medium bowl and add onion, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Stir in bread crumbs. Add ground beef, mix well. Press mixture into thin layer in bottom of ungreased 13x9 pan.

4. Bake for 14-16 minutes or until thoroughly cooked. (If you want cheeseburger bites, add a few slices of cheese and return to oven for a few minutes until cheese is melted.)

5. Cut beef into 48 rectangles (8 strips crosswise, 6 strips lengthwise). Fill buns with mini burgers. Place ketchup in small bowl for dipping sauce.

Fruit Salsa & Cinnamon Chips

2008-01-29T20:25:00.000-06:00

Perfect for a Super Sunday with the family or at the big neigborhood bash! I usually add the brown and white sugar to taste! If I am in a rush, I use the baked cinammon chips that you can find in most grocery stores!

INGREDIENTS
2 kiwis, peeled and diced
2 Fuji apples - peeled, cored and diced
8 ounces raspberries
1 pound strawberries
2 tablespoons white sugar (optional)
1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
3 tablespoons fruit preserves, any flavor

10 (10 inch) flour tortillas
butter flavored cooking spray
2 cups cinnamon sugar

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, thoroughly mix kiwis, Fuji apples, raspberries, strawberries, white sugar, brown sugar and fruit preserves.
Cover and chill in the refrigerator at least 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Coat one side of each flour tortilla with butter flavored cooking spray.
Sprinkle wedges with desired amount of cinnamon sugar.
Cut into wedges and arrange in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
Spray again with cooking spray.
Bake in the preheated oven 8 to 10 minutes.
Repeat with any remaining tortilla wedges.
Allow to cool approximately 15 minutes.
Serve with chilled fruit and spice mixture.

Chili Dog, minus the bark

2008-01-29T12:45:00.001-06:00

Traditionally, we are not Hot Dog eaters in this house....BUT, I loves me a good roll up your sleeves, fork and knife Chili Dog. So, we get as close to "healthy" as we can with this recipe.

Ingredients:
Hebrew National Beef Hot Dog (or Turkey Dog)
2 Alarm Chili Kit
1 sm. Can Tomato sauce
Ground Turkey
Whole Wheat Hot Dog Buns
Cheddar Cheese
Toppings (diced purple onion, pickle relish. mustard, ketchup)

Directions:
Brown Ground Turkey. Follow directions on 2 alarm chili kit (add less cayenne pepper if kids are indulging and I usually don't add the salt at all). While that is simmering....
Pan Saute' Hot dogs (brown em) or you can grill them.
Toast Buns lightly. Cover the bun with chili, put on the dog, then top with cheese and extra's.

Serve with chips or baked french fries. Cover those with chili and cheese while you are at it! If you have frito's, make frito pie.

Enjoy!

Buffalo Chicken Dip

2008-01-28T12:27:00.000-06:00

A friend of ours brought this to our house for our NY Eve party, and it was soooo yummy! It would be great for a Superbowl Party too!

2 (5 ounce) cans chicken, drained
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup ranch dressing
3/4 cup Frank's red hot sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Frito corn chips, scoops

Mix cream cheese, ranch dressing, and red hot sauce.
Fold in shredded chicken.
Spread mixture into pie plate sprayed with Pam.
Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
Add cheddar to top and bake an additional 10-15 minutes.

Serve hot with Frito scoops or celery sticks. Enjoy!!

Kyle's Kickin' like a Chicken Wings

2008-01-27T19:37:00.000-06:00

Oh yeah, my man's got game!

Warm up your grill.

Cut of the small end of your garlic bulb, wrap in foil, and cook on the grill until soft. Squeeze the garlic paste out into a bowl and mash. Reserve for sauce ingredients.

Coat 2 pounds of chicken wings with canola oil and season with salt & pepper. Grill chicken how you like them.

Meanwhile, gather your ingredients for the sauce: 1 stick of butter
1 TBS honey
1/2 cup Cholula hot sauce
1 bulb garlic, roasted and mashed
1 TBS fresh squeezed lemon juice
In a saucepan, melt the butter. Add the rest of the ingredients and keep warm.

When the wings are done, coat them in sauce and serve. Sweet and spicy - these are lip smackin' good!

Football Madness Menu WEEK

2008-01-27T09:12:00.000-06:00

Today marks the beginning of our
Football Madness Menu
here at HOT MOMS COOK.
Maybe this week, we can get some Hot Dads in the Kitchen...

To start off the festivities, Sangria.
CHEERS!

1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1 large lemon
1 large orange
1 small apple, cored and thinly sliced
1 bottle dry red wine
1/2 cup Grand Marnier

Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Thinly slice 1/2 of the lemon and 1/2 of the orange. Combine in large pitcher. Juice the other halves of the lemon and orange and add juice and rinds to the pitcher. Add the apple, wine, Grand Marnier and chilled syrup to the pitcher and stir until well mixed. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, about 2 hours. Serve straight up or on the rocks. -Emeril

Spice Up That Salad!

2008-01-26T04:56:00.000-06:00

Want a yummy BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE?

2 Tbs Honey (or a little more if you want it sweeter)
3 Tbs Balsamic Vinegar
1 Tbs Red Wine Vinegar
1 Tbs minced red onion
1/2 Tbs Dijon
Salt and Pepper to taste
2 Tbs Olive Oil

Place all ingredients in blender and blend with oil. Got this one from my mom - good stuff!

Baby, It's Cold Outside

2008-01-25T13:10:00.000-06:00

OK, OK - I know you can buy hot chocolate mix at the store, but have you read the ingredient list on those packets?

This recipe is adapted from my favorite geeky chef, Alton Brown. It only has 5-6 ingredients, all of which I can pronounce. Mix up a big batch and keep it in the pantry in an airtight container. When you want a hot cocoa fix, just spoon the mix into your cup 1/4 to 1/3 full, add hot water, mix, and enjoy.

Hot Cocoa Mix
2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup cocoa powder
2 1/2 cups powdered milk
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 pinch cayenne pepper, cinnamon, or whatever spice you like to taste

How now sow?

2008-01-24T20:34:00.000-06:00

Pork. Pig. Swine.

All forms are tasty and FINE!

Two cuts - you will need -

And a fresh sprig - time to feed!

Rosemary's baby...PORK - that is...

or if you feel hum drum - call it:

Grilled Pork with rosemary and bacon -

No need to fry this one up in the pan.

Two forms of meat to satisfy your MAN -

force feed it to the kids if you can...

Grill it outside and get a winter tan!

Ingredients:

2-4 boneless pork chops (I prefer a smaller cut instead of a larger butterfly)

2-4 slices of uncured bacon

2-4 fresh sprigs of rosemary

salt and pepper to taste

Lay rosemary sprig onto pork chop and wrap with a piece of bacon tightly.

Heat the grill - and sear 1-2 minutes of high heat on each side.

Lower heat and cook 4-6 minutes on each side.

Let rest for 5-10 minutes and remove rosemary before serving. :)

My Name is BRUCE....

2008-01-24T11:25:00.000-06:00

Any Nemo fans? (No, I am not frying up clown fish for breakfast)

A quick, delicious HEALTHY breakfast in our house is Sweet Potato Pancakes. Here is one of my personal fav "modified" versions...
(Amy, you should try it, even though it says "breakfast vegetable" on the label, it is SO GOOD, sweet enough to eat without syrup, now that is somethin'.)

Ingredients:
1 package Bruce's Sweet Potato Pancake Mix
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup of nuts (walnuts or pecans), finely chopped
1 banana, sliced
Syrup

Directions:
Mix sweet potato mix with water (follow directions on label)
Chop nuts and pour into pancake mix

Heat griddle and spray with Pam. Spoon out small amounts of pancake mix onto the griddle (hey, no pokin' fun of my lopsided pancakes. Ugly food can be tasty too...).

Once pancakes are brown on both sides, place on a plate, cover with sliced bananas, then maple syrup, as much as desired

You are serving a healthy breakfast that your family will love.

A Hot Moms Favorite

2008-01-24T08:13:00.000-06:00

This meal is a favorite at our house, as well as some other of the "hot moms". Sarah brought this to me when I had Kathryn, it's a great meal to share with new mommies. (In fact that's what I did last night!) And Jodi featured it when she hosted Cooking Club. It’s quick and easy and there are several “kid” friendly tasks for little cooks. We serve it over rice with some corn and a salad.

Poppy Seed Chicken

*4-6 cooked chicken breast, diced
1 can cream of chicken soup
8 oz. sour cream
1 roll of Ritz Crackers
½ cup butter, melted
Poppy seeds

1. Preheat oven to 350.

2. Place the chicken in a 9 x 13 baking dish. Sprinkle with poppy seeds. In a medium bowl combine the soup and sour cream. Pour mixture over the chicken.

3. Crush crackers into crumbs with rolling pin. Mix with the melted butter and spread on top of chicken and sauce. Sprinkle with poppy seeds.

4. Bake for 30 minutes.

*If running short on time (like I always am) use a few bags of the Tyson Chicken Strips found near the sandwich meat. No one will know the difference!

Tastes Like Lasagna Soup

2008-01-23T14:28:00.000-06:00

I got this recipe from a sample at Market Street that Nathan LOVED. He has been a little difficult with eating dinner lately so I decided to make it the next night. He took one bite, and then promptly told me that I made it wrong! Margaret, on the other hand, loved it and had 2 servings, so I will call it a qualified success.

Tastes Like Lasagna Soup from Paula Deen Quick and Easy Magazine
1 lb. ground chuck
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped (I left this out since my kids aren't fans of bell pepper, but I think it would be good with red or orange)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (32 oz.) box Chicken Broth
2 (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes
1 (15oz) can tomato sauce
1 T. firmly packed brown sugar (I left this out, maybe that's why Nathan complained)
2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/2 t. salt
2 c. broken lasagna noodles (small package)
5 oz Parmesan cheese
1 box Italian seasoned croutons
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or italian blend cheese)

Brown your meat with your onions, bell pepper, and garlic, drain. Add broth, tomatoes and spices and simmer 15 minutes. Add noddles and simmer until tender. Stir in parmesan cheese.

To serve, you can put it in oven proof bowls, top with croutons and cheese and broil for 3-4 minutes. Or you can do what I did and just throw the croutons and cheese on top and zap it for a few seconds in the microwave. The kids don't care.

On the first night it is a thick soup. The leftovers are just like a mixed up lasagna.

Quick Smothered Bacon Chicken

2008-01-23T12:56:00.000-06:00

This recipe is SO easy and perfect for those days when the kids need some extra attention while you are in the kitchen! It is especially nice when it's brrr cold outside! Serve on top of warm rice and with a veggie or salad! The garnish is totally optional. If you are not a fan of sour cream, I recommend cutting the sour cream to about 4-5 oz.

SMOTHERED BACON CHICKEN

INGREDIENTS
2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
4 slices bacon
8 ounces sour cream
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
Minced Garlic, Salt, Pepper, and Grated Parmesan to taste

GARNISH (optional)
3-4 Fresh Mushrooms
2-3 Slices Bacon

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Cook bacon as specified on package
Wrap each chicken breast in 2 strips of bacon and place in a glass 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the sour cream, and soup. Add Minced Garlic, Salt, Pepper, and Grated Parmesan to taste.
Cover the chicken with the sour cream/soup mixture and bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes or until slightly brown on top.
Slice mushrooms and the rest of the bacon. (optional)
Saute mushrooms and bacon in butter. (optional)
Drain & pour over cooked chicken. (optional)
Serve

Hippy Chili

2008-01-23T07:47:00.000-06:00

Earthy, crunchy Chili.....it might fool the average follower. But no promises. All ingredients can be subbed with regular in place of organic.

1 package of Yves fake meat. AKA: soy crumbles, meatless ground
1 pkg Pepperidge Farm Ranch dressing mix
(The remaining used items are Organic)
1 large can of tomato sauce
1 small can of tomato sauce
1 large can dices tomatoes
1/2 cans of each: drained black beans, garbanzo beans, kidney beans.(reserve the rest for Hippy Nachos)
1 package Taco Seasoning
1 can of corn

Pour all together in Slow Cooker and simmer over low until ready to eat. Serve with Keeblers puffed crackers, cheddar cheese, chopped green onions and sour cream.

Great Chicken Dish I Made Last Week

2008-01-22T23:23:00.000-06:00

Toasted Almond Chicken
(adapted from SL Easy Weeknight Favorites pg.76)

6 skinned and boned chicken breasts halved
salt and pepper to taste
3 tbsp butter divided
1 1/2 cups whipping cream
2 tbsp orange marmalade
1 tbsp dijon mustard (I used stone deli mustard)
a little nutmeg (my deviation)
1 (2.25 oz) pkg. sliced almonds toasted

Place chicken between two sheets of wax paper or heavy duty plastic wrap and flatten to 1/4 inch thickness, using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Melt 1 1/2 tbsp. butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of chicken and cook for 2 minutes on each side or until golden. Remove chicken from skillet. Repeat procedure for remaining chicken.

Reduce heat to medium; add whipping cream and next 3 ingredients to skillet, stirring well. Add chicken; sprinkle with almonds and cook 8 minutes or until sauce thickens. Makes 6 servings.

I served this with white rice. Yummy!

What's Cooking Tonight at Casa Prugh

2008-01-22T15:43:00.000-06:00

Lemon Chicken

Boneless chicken breasts
2 eggs, beaten
1-2 cloves garlic, minced, crushed, etc
parsley
basil (optional)
1-2 fresh lemons
breadcrumbs
Parmesan cheese
butter
olive oil
salt and pepper
white wine
low sodium chicken broth

Cut up boneless into fairly thin (about 1/2 inch) fillets.
Soak the chicken in beaten eggs, garlic, parsley, and zest of about 1 lemon. Let soak for an hour or two.

When you're ready to start cooking, remove chicken pieces and coat them in a mixture of breadcrumbs and parm cheese. Brown in a pot or Dutch oven that can go from stove top to oven (I use my fabulous Le Creuset for this). After each side is lightly browned, add some white wine to deglaze the bottom of the dish. Add chicken broth to a level so that the chicken will simmer in it but not boil - enough to make a little bit of a sauce at the end if necessary. Add juice of 1 or 2 lemons and some extra zest. Add some salt and pepper to taste and some chopped fresh basil if desired. Drizzle olive oil on top and sprinkle a bit of parm cheese. Bake covered at about 375 for maybe 15 min; then uncover and leave to finish baking another 5 min or so. I like to serve it all on one big platter and then use whatever liquid is left in the cooking dish to make a little sauce. Just add a tiny bit of flour or more breadcrumbs and thicken slightly on the stove top.

One Cheeseball and a Minivan of Hot Moms

2008-01-21T21:59:00.000-06:00

CHEESEBALL

1 pkg. cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup milk

2 cups shredded sharp cheese or colby

1/2 C. blue cheese, crumbled

1/4 C. minced green onions - you only use the white part of the onion

1 jar diced pimentos, drained

3/4 C. pecans chopped - (divide them in half)

10 slices bacon - fried very crispy - then finely crumbled (turkey bacon works the best)

1/4 C minced parsley

1 T. poppy seeds
Serve with crackers (mutli grain wheat thins are my personal choice)

Place cream cheese in mixing bowl and beat until smooth. Add cheeses, onions, pimentos, 1/2 of the bacon and 1/2 of the nuts. Blend again until well blended. You may season to taste, however, keep in mind that cheese and bacon are usually salty enough.

Transfer mixture to large piece of plastic wrap. Shape, as best you can, into a ball and wrap tightly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or freeze if you are not going to use it right away. (You may half the recipe and freeze one portion. It defrosts perfectly.)

Combine remaining bacon and nuts, parsley & poppy seeds in a large pie plate. Remove plastic wrap, shape cheese mixture into a "better ball", then roll in mixture until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

This recipe makes a great housewarming gift. Purchase a decorative plate to display the cheese ball on and give the cheeseball and plate as a gift. Don't forget the crackers.