Getting things done-cooking

I have a recipe rotation that I use for the family.  Cooking is hard.  Not because I don't like it, nope I don't mind it at all, and I don't mind trying new recipes.  What is hard is my family is very picky.  Neither of my boys eats vegetables at all.  Neither one of them likes anything cooked in a slow cooker.   Our son won't even eat mashed potatoes and forget anything that has touched gravy.  Our daughter (who doesn't live at home anymore) didn't eat meat and the boys love meat.  So it makes things hard.  What I look for is a recipe that I can substitute onions for onion powder and remove all the veggies.  Yes, it is horrible.  What I am going to do below is tell you some of the things my picky eaters will eat.  I have posted some of the recipes on previous blog posts, so I will link to them.  There are so good things here, they would be better if you added broccoli :), or carrots.  Use your imagination and create something new from these, or just try them for a simple dinner night.

First I will give you recipes that I have already posted (this is not all of the recipes I have posted, but they are the family's favorites.  Go to my home page and click on "recipes" on the right and you will see all that I have posted, the Doritos casserole is outstanding!!!

Chicken and dumplins-by far the easiest dumplings you will ever make.  There is not even any mixing here, just dumping.  Super easy and my husband loves it.  

Homemade Ranch dressing-so much better for you than the chemical powdered junk and cheaper than Hidden Valley.  Personally, I think it is spectacular!!!

Poppyseed Chicken-I love this one.  I love to make 2 of them and in mine, I put in broccoli...yummy!!! super fantastic

Peanut Butter Pie- this may not be the main dish, but my family loves it so much.  This used to be a recipe that Cracker Barrel used to make the most delectable pie (in the days when I worked for them).  Try this one for a surprise for your family, I think they will give you big smiles.

Now for some new recipes for you.

Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients:

Butter (softened)

10 to 12 slices of bread (take off crust)

1 to 1 and 1/2 pounds of sausage

1 and 1/2 to 2 cups mild shredded cheddar cheese

12 to 14 eggs

Milk to make eggs like scrambled eggs (about 1/2 a cup)

Salt and pepper

Brown sausage in crumbled pieces. 

Butter both sides of the bread and cover the bottom of the baking dish with the bread. 

Sprinkle sausage over the top of the bread. 

Sprinkle the cheese on top of the sausage. 

Mix eggs and milk just like you would mix to make scrambled eggs, add salt and pepper to taste and pour the mixture over the top of the sausage and cheese. 

If possible, let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. 

Bake at 350 degrees until eggs are down (slightly brown) about 30 to 45 minutes. 

King Hawaii Roll Sandwiches

Another recipe for your quarentined days

 This recipe is from my mom and it is superb.  I have made it time and time again, with the basis of the recipe, but I often change things around to suit how I feel today.  I think it is good year round, but others prefer in cold temps, like the temps Kentucky is experiencing right now. 


 Chocolate Chili (yes, chocolate) 

1 pound ground round
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup hot water
2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with garlic, undrained
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained\
1 (14.5 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
Directions
1. Combine ground round and onion in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring,
until beef is browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Transfer cooked beef and onions to slow cooker. Stir in water, tomatoes, kidney beans, black
beans, corn, chocolate chips, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and salt. Cook on High until chili
begins to bubble, about 20 minutes. Reduce heat to Low, and cook until thick, about 2 hours.
3. I used Laura's lean beef, sub tomato juice (mine) for water, used reg tomatoes and added garlic,
also added about 1/2 c choc chips.  Did rest about the same but added spices to my taste. Made
on top of stove, not crock pot.

And the last one I found on the internet, it is super easy and super delish.

Doritos Casserole

This Doritos casserole is layers of crushed Doritos tortilla chips, ground beef, salsa and cheese, all baked together to golden brown perfection. An easy dinner option that the whole family will love!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 55 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef I use 90% lean
• 1/2 cup onion finely diced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 1/2 cups salsa
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheese I used cheddar and Monterey Jack
• 4 cups Doritos chips I used nacho cheese flavor
• 1/2 cup tomatoes diced
• 1/4 cup green onions sliced
• cooking spray
• sour cream, cilantro and other taco toppings for serving optional

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a 2-3 quart baking dish with cooking spray.
• Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Add the beef and cook for 4-5 minutes or until just browned, breaking up the meat with a spatula.
• Add the onion and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until onion is translucent.
• Stir in the taco seasoning and red salsa. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
• Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the sour cream.
• Lightly crush the Doritos. Spread 1/3 of the chips over the bottom of the prepared pan. Place 1/2 of the meat mixture on top of the chips, then add 1/3 of the cheese in an even layer.
• Repeat the process with another 1/3 of the chips, the rest of the meat, and 1/3 of the cheese. 
• Add the remaining chips, then the final layer of cheese. Cover the baking dish with foil.
• Bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and starting to brown.
• Sprinkle the tomatoes and green onions over the casserole, then serve. Top with additional taco flavorings such as sour cream, olives, etc. if desired.  Enjoy your home cooked meal tonight.