Thursday, October 31, 2013

Lowfat Cheese Soup {WW} Revisited


 (This is one of the first posts I shared when I started blogging about 5 years ago.
I've recently updated it.)

I have made this soup recipe so often, I have the recipe memorized. Very easy and delicious - and wonderful at 1 WW point per cup!


As you can see in the picture, I like to use a combo of broccoli & cauliflower, and even better - I use California blend veggies - with carrots also. MMM!

Enjoy this with a delicious salad and you'll feel better, physically and emotionally, about eating healthy. 

ONE DAY AT A TIME!!!


It only takes a few simple ingredients...                  


Lowfat Cheese Soup


4-15 ozs. cans of 99% fat free chicken broth
2 - 16 ozs. bags of vegetables - broccoli or broccoli/cauliflower combo
1 can rotel tomatoes (If rotel are too spicy, try using italian, or unseasoned tomatoes), drained slightly
10 oz. 2% light Velveeta

Cook vegetables in broth until tender - add tomatoes and velveeta and stir until cheese is melted.

Makes 10 cups

WW points - 1 per cup

I normally saute chopped onions and celery in oil before I add the broth and vegetables..just to add a little crunch.  Oftentimes, I mash the veggies with a potato masher instead of having large chunks. It's an option so do as you like best. Of course, if you prefer, use fresh raw veggies instead of frozen.

Linked to Weekend Potluck

Candy Corn Popcorn (3 Ingredients! - Microwave)




This is such great stuff!  My recipe-loving friend, Sandy, gave me the recipe.  

I had talked to her on the phone, needing to stop by her house to drop off something I had borrowed, and before I got there, she had made me a batch of this yummy treat.

It only takes 5 minutes...from start to finish...and you're ready to enjoy it.
Honestly! 

I love the ease of making it in the microwave!!!

I made it twice in two days, and now I need to go stock up on candy corn before the season ends. I made this with a bag of candy I just pulled out of the freezer from last year!

I like adding peanuts, just for a little protein, and I do enjoy sweet and salty.
(Yes, if you add peanuts, that would be 4 ingredients!) 
 
Don't use popcorn with butter,
I guess this 'sauce' won't stick to the popcorn. I use Kettle Korn, purchased at the Dollar store. I got 3 bags for $1!

I've seen another version that had added brown sugar, but this is plenty sweet just with the candy corn and butter. 

Enjoy it soon!!!!


CANDY CORN POPCORN

1 regular bag microwave popcorn, popped
1 c. candy corn
1/2 stick butter, chunked

Place popcorn in 9" X 13" pan; remove kernels. In medium microwavable bowl, place candy corn and butter. Heat 1 minute; stir until melted.  Pour over popcorn; stir.  Allow to stand a few minutes to set up. Chow down!
The holidays are quickly approaching and with many ways to celebrate between October and December, you might start feeling a little stressed and uninterested.

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Each product is copyrighted to the author as mentioned above and may not be copied unless otherwise noted in the individual product. Additional terms and conditions may apply to individual products. Please read the copyright information contained in each file.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

3 Fun Festive Fall Dishes {Blast from the Past}

Simple & fun..even for the kids!

Spooky Witches Fingers


Quick and easy - and so festive! Basic ingredients are
oats, brown sugar, Bisquick, butterscotch or chocolate chips and candy corn!

MMM - your whole house will smell divine while this is warming!
Such a taste treat for cool temps...


Tuesday, October 29, 2013

German (Octoberfest) Pizza

As many of you already know, I love Tonya of 4 little Fergusons, and I love her recipes too.  I do think we must share taste buds at times!  After seeing this one, I knew we would be enjoying it soon.  I'd love for you to stop by and check out all the fun 'Octoberfacts' she shares along with this recipe...and be sure to spend time viewing more of her recipe collection there. 

YOU WILL LOVE HER TOO!! 

No doubt, you may think this kind of 'concotion' is just insane! 

But trust me...this is so so delicious!

My Hubby is "BIG" on smoked sausage and sauerkraut, any time.  

And after a recent sale at our local grocery store 
(you're not gonna believe this!)
we were able to buy 2 - 1# packages, and get 3 free!  So we have a freezer
shelf full of all kinds of smoked sausage.  

This is definitely going to be a "REPEAT'...and it won't be long til we do! 

M-M-M DE-LISH!!

If you'd like to make your own crust, try this yummy Whole Wheat Pizza Crust.

Trust me...you can enjoy this yummy dish, even when it isn't October.  *-* 


GERMAN (OCTOBERFEST) PIZZA 

1 refrigerated pizza crust 
1 Tb. olive oil
garlic salt to taste
1 lb. smoked sausage, cut into 1/4" circles
1/4 c. chopped onions, optional
2 Tb. butter
2 c. well seasoned mashed potatoes
(I used mashed red potatoes with the skin on them- MMM!)
1 c. sauerkraut, rinsed and well-drained
(I used sweet sauerkraut with caraway seeds)
1 c. shredded cheese (or more)
1 tsp. Caraway Seeds (don’t skip)

Unroll pizza dough on to a large cookie sheet. Flatten dough and build up edges slightly. Brush with olive oil and season with garlic salt. Bake at 425 for 8-10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute sausage and onion in butter until browned. Spread mashed potatoes over the baked crust. Top with sauerkraut, sausage, cheese and caraway seeds. Bake for 5-8 minutes or until cheese is melted.




Sunday, October 27, 2013

2 Ingredient Kit Kat Bars

                            (singing)...Give me a break...Give me a break...Break me off a piece of that 
KIT.KAT.BAR!

  Looking for a NO-FUSS dish to take to a fall get together?

Try these easy Kit Kat Bars. 


I couldn't resist after seeing them at Back for Seconds Blog.

You know those popular wafer cookies...that come in vanilla, chocolate & strawberry?

Well, get yourself some vanilla ones, melt some chocolate (white, milk or dark) and you're 'ready to rumble'...

I placed mine in the cool garage to set up - didn't take long at all.  You could place them in the fridge if you're in a hurry...or just can't wait to taste them! 


2-INGREDIENT KIT KAT BARS

1 bag vanilla cream sugar wafer cookies
12 ozs. chocolate, melted according to directions
(almond bark works nicely too)

Dip each cookie into chocolate until coated completely. I remove them with a fork, and as I do all candies, I bang the fork on the side of the pan to remove any excess chocolate (if there is such a thing!=).  Set on a wax paper lined cookie sheet and chill until set.  May be stored in fridge or at room temp. 


Friday, October 25, 2013

Hot Sausage Dip & Weekend Potluck #90

WELCOME TO WEEKEND POTLUCK!
Can't tell you HOW MUCH we enjoy the lovely dishes you bring to share with us.  I do lots of pinning and printing...and eating too! 


AND....


where I share a recipe worth sharing...again...

This is a simple & delicious treat for any occasion and only has THREE ingredients! It goes fast!!

Sausage & Cream Cheese Dip

Now, let's take a quick peek back at last week...

The recipe with the most clicks was ~

 Tiramisu Poke Cake 4 © willcookforsmiles.com #cake #tiramisu #pokecake #whitecake

Tiramisu Poke Cake by Will Cook for Smiles

Recipes that caught our attention ~

Chicken Pillows 
Chicken Pillows by Mommy on Demand
Pumpkin Crumb Cake 
Pumpkin Crumb Cake by Flavors by Four

And, a personal favorite ~

Cereal Bars 15 Minute  w www.callmepmc.com
15-Minute Cereal Bars by Call Me PMC

Your hostesses ~

Remember that when you link up, it shows on all FIVE blogs. Plus…

We TWEET. We PIN. We LIKE.

Linky Guidelines:

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When you are kind enough to follow our guidelines, we work hard to get you as much exposure as possible so that your time here is well invested. We want this to be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone!





Thursday, October 24, 2013

Monster Mouths

This is a cute, and healthy! treat for this time of year.

Makes me wonder...WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT???

Surprise your kids and have some of these treats waiting for them when they get home from school.  Or have things ready for them to make their own.  

Thanks so much to Amee of Amee's Savory Dish. 
She shares a lot of healthy dishes and I think this is a great one before kids load up on candy this weekend. 


MONSTER MOUTHS

2 or 3 green or red apples
1/4 c. peanut butter
candy corn or slivered almonds for "teeth"

Rinse the apples, then cut both sides off as close as you can get to the core. If you get some inside the apple slice, just cut it away. You want to have two flat (basically) pieces (on the inside).  Now slice a small piece off the bottom of one of each of two halves so that the mouth will lay flat.  Spread inside of slices with peanut butter and place the "teeth" inside.  

Have fun with this one!!!  

Linked to Weekend Potluck 
Melt in Your Mouth Monday 
GBP Roundup - Apples

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

3 Awesome Autumn Breakfasts {Blast from the Past}

Not only pretty...pretty scrumptious too! 

Pretty Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls





A delicious & simple stove top recipe - what a way to begin a cool crisp morning! 

Sauteed Apple & Cranberry Oatmeal





Simple recipe with a touch of 'fall'...the family will gobble them up! 

Buttermilk Pumpkin Pancakes with Honey Cinnamon Butter











Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Cowboy Chili (& Sweet Cornbread Muffins)

Everyone needs a great chili recipe.  This is sure to be a hit. 

I revised a recipe found in our Walmart flyer.  It's thick and very tasty. 

And pretty simple to make. I'm sure it's named because it's hardy enough to satisfy some hard-workin' cowboys! 


COWBOY CHILI 

2 lbs. ground turkey (or lean ground beef)
1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup) 
2 Tb. chili powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1 or 2 (15 ozs) can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
3-1/2 c. V8 or tomato juice 
2 garlic cloves, minced 
1 small green (or red) pepper, chopped, optional
2 cans (15 ozs. each) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
fresh ground pepper and shredded cheese for garnish

In large saucepan, cook the turkey, onion, chili powder and cumin over medium high heat, until turkey is cooked thoroughly, stirring often (drain grease if necessary). Add tomatoes, tomato juice, garlic, chopped pepper and kidney beans to sauce pan; bring to boil. Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender. 

Serve topped with pepper and cheese. 

Yield: 6 - 8 servings 

This easy recipe for Sweet Cornbread Muffins would go great served with this chili.  The muffins are made from a Jiffy cake mix and a cornbread mix.
(Click on words...Sweet Cornbread Muffins..above, to go to the recipe)...



Linked to Weekend Potluck

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Lazy Day Cobbler {Lighter Options}


I LOVE this E-Z P-Z recipe I found at Mandy's Recipe Box.  It's great for a quick dessert...and it's wonderful eaten warm, topped with ice cream of course.

And because I used apple pie filling, I drizzled our servings with caramel ice cream topping.

Use any flavor pie filling you prefer.  It's all wonderful!! There are a lot of
options to make this 'lighter' listed in the ingredient list. 

I added a little cinnamon to the dough. If I were using peach or blueberry filling, I would add nutmeg. 

Double the recipe to fill a 9" X 13" pan. 

MMMM!!


LAZY DAY COBBLER 

1/4 c. butter (or Smart Balance)
1 c. (white whole wheat) flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon or nutmeg
(depending on type of fruit you're using)
1 c. sugar (or sweetener of choice)
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 c. (1%) milk
1 (20 ozs) can (lite or no sugar added) apple pie filling or filling of your choice

Preheat oven to 350. Place butter in an 8" x 8" square baking dish. Place in the oven; heat just until butter is melted.  In medium bowl, blend the flour, salt, cinnamon, sugar, baking powder and milk.  (I mixed it by hand). Remove dish with the melted butter; spread the batter in the dish. Pour pie filling over the batter. Bake about 55 minutes or until done. 
(If using sugar free products, it will bake quicker). 
(Cover with foil after 40 minutes if it's getting too brown)
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Don't forget to top with ice cream! 

Linked to Mix it up Monday
                 Weekend Potluck  

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Leader Enterprise - Oct. 16, 2013 - Brown Sugar & Fall Recipes


I love fall and the refreshment that it brings with the cooler, crisper mornings and
evenings. God’s artwork is on display as He paints autumn’s beauty in colorful canvases for us to enjoy. I’m reminded that I’m in the ‘fall’ of my life, and need to make the most of every day, because as they say "Life is like a roll of toilet paper-the closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes." It's so true!



One problem that plagues cooks is having your brown sugar harden and clump. Here are some ideas to help resolve any issues you may have with that.



Be sure to keep brown sugar in an air tight container. Placing a slice of bread or a few marshmallows in the container for a few days will make the sugar moist again. And did you know that even adding a couple of saltine crackers will help moisten up the sugar too? That's a new idea to me.



Need a quick fix because you want to bake today and discovered your brown sugar has hardened? Place the brown sugar in the microwave along with a small bowl of water next to it. Microwave at 30 second intervals until softened. Watch closely so it doesn't melt. If you'd rather, brown sugar can be placed in a baking pan; cover with foil and bake 5 minutes in an oven set at 250. Then bake to your heart's content!



This makes a great after school snack for the kiddos.


NUTTY BROWN SUGAR APPLE DIP

1 (8 ozs) (lite) cream cheese ,softened
1/2 c. packed brown sugar (or more)
1/4 c. applesauce
1 tsp. vanilla extract
chopped peanuts for garnish
3 apples, cored and sliced

In medium bowl, combine cream cheese, brown sugar, applesauce and vanilla. Blend until smooth. Pour into bowl. Just before serving, top with chopped peanuts. Refrigerate leftovers-if there are any!

This lovely salad exhibits all the flavors of fall. Crunchy and delicious!

AUTUMN CHICKEN SALAD
4 c. cooked chicken,diced
1/2 c. chopped pecans,toasted
1/2 c. dried cranberries
1/2 c. (or more) chopped apple
1/2 tsp. celery salt
1/2 c. sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
1/2 c. (lite) mayonnaise
In large bowl, stir all ingredients together until well combined. Chill at least 2 hours before serving. Serve as a sandwich or with crackers.
Your family will adore you when you surprise them with this special treat!
PUMPKIN SPICE HOT CHOCOLATE 

2-1/2 c.(1%) milk
1/3 c.(sugar-free)hot cocoa mix
1/4 c.canned pumpkin puree
1 to 1-1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice 
1/2 tsp.vanilla 
pinch of salt 
(I also added a couple drops of caramel coffee flavoring) 
homemade whipped cream & marshmallows for garnish


In a medium sauce pan over medium-low heat, whisk together milk, hot cocoa mix, vanilla, and pinch of salt. Then a
dd pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice. Heat thoroughly, whisking as the temperature rises. When desired temperature is reached, pour into 3 small mugs (or two large ones), top with whipped cream and marshmallows. Sprinkle a couple of shakes of pumpkin pie spice for a pretty topping.


These yummy 'seasonal'cookies are great with a tall glass of cold milk!

NO BAKE PUMPKIN OATMEAL COOKIES 
1-1/2 c. white sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
3/4 c. butter
2/3 c. milk
1 (3.4 ozs) (4 - serv) box instant pumpkin spice pudding mix
(If you need to substitute, try a sm. box of vanilla instant pudding &
1 Tb. pumpkin pie spice)
1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice (or more to taste)
3-1/2 c. quick cooking oats
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Line cookie sheet with waxed paper. In a large saucepan, combine sugar, butter and milk. Bring to a full boil; boil for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. (While it's cooking, combine dry pudding mix with remaining 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice). Remove mixture from heat and stir in pudding mix, stirring to remove lumps, until smooth. Add oats and vanilla; stir until combined completely. Let stand for 5 minutes. 
Drop by rounded tablespoonsful onto prepared cookie sheet. Allow cookies to cool completely. Store in airtight container in the refrigerator. Yield: about 36 cookies.

I plan to share some 'Make Your Own' substitutions in an upcoming column, but wanted to share this one since it can be used in the recipes above. 

HOMEMADE PUMPKIN PIE SPICE

Combine 1 TB.cinnamon with 1-1/2 tsp. ginger, 3/4 tsp.  nutmeg, 3/4 tsp.allspice and 1/4 tsp. cloves. Use as you would store-purchased.

Stroll through an apple orchard or go to the park and enjoy walking in the crisp fallen leaves, and soak in the changing colors. We all know it won’t be long and winter will be upon us. As an 80-something friend once said to me - ’Do what you can while you can’.

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