Laurie's Kitchen

EASY Peach Cobbler Recipe!

2008-10-07T20:16:00.000-04:00

EASY Peach Cobbler

Melt 1/2 cup butter (1 stick) in bowl or deep dish. (Can use less)

Mix:
1 cup flour
salt
2 tsp baking powder

Add:
1 cup sugar (can use less)

Stir in:
1 cup milkPour mixture over butter. DO NOT STIR.
Mix:
1 cup sugar
4 cups sliced peaches (or use canned peaches)Pour over batter. DO NOT STIR.
Sprinkle cinnamon over all.Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Enjoy!

Laurie's Challah Bread

2008-09-29T17:50:00.000-04:00

Laurie's Challah Bread (pronounced "hallah")This is a Jewish Bread, which has a religious significance for the Jewish people. They eat it on their Sabbath and sometimes decorate it with sugar glazes, fruit, colored eggs, or candies for special holidays.

Directions:
1 pkg active dry yeast
1 1/4 cups warm water (110 degrees)
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup oil (canola, vegetable, etc.)
2 eggs, beaten slightly
2 or 3 drops yellow food coloring
5 to 5 1/2 cups flour, unsifted, preferably bread flour

Glaze:
1 egg yolk beaten with 1 TBSP water
1 TBSP sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional)

In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Stir in salt, sugar, oil, eggs, and food coloring. Add 4 1/2 cups of flour slowly to make a stiff dough.

Turn dough out onto a floured counter or board and knead until smooth, adding flour as needed until it is not sticky anymore (about 5 - 15 minutes). Shape into large ball and turn dough over in a greased bowl; cover and let rise in warm place until doubled (about 1 1/2 hours). Punch dough down; knead on floured surface to release the air bubbles.

Divide in five portions (one can be smaller than the other four - set aside). Roll four of the portions between hands to form a rope about 20 inches long. Place the four ropes lengthwise side by side and braid as follows: pick up rope on the right, bring it over next one, under the third, and over the fourth. Repeat, starting with the outer right rope going over, under, over. Repeat until braid is complete. Pinch both ends together, adjusting braids. Place on greased baking sheet.

Roll reserved dough into three small ropes about 5 inches long. Place ropes side by side and make a small 3-strand braid. Lay on top center of large braid. Cover and let rise again in a warm place until almost doubled (about 1 hour).

Mix egg yolk and water; brush mixture gently over braids; sprinkle with seeds if desired. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30-35 minutes or until loaf is golden brown. Serve warm, or let cool on rack. Makes one loaf. Makes great french toast the next day if it lasts that long!

Note: Can also make two smaller loaves with 3 or 4 ropes each.

Small Challah Bread Loaves

Challah Bread with Sesame Seeds

Laurie's Chicken Bundles

2008-06-02T18:29:00.000-04:00

LAURIE'S CHICKEN BUNDLES

For each portion:

1 boneless chicken breast

½ onion, sliced thin

½ potato, sliced thin

¼ carrot, peeled and sliced thin

¼ bell pepper, seeded and sliced thin

1 TBSP butter, salt and pepper (I prefer seasoned salt)

Layer (as listed) in aluminum foil. Seal and place in 350* oven for 1 hr and 15 minutes. Serve with tossed salad and hot dinner rolls. Quick and EASY! No pans to wash, either!

Jason's Chicken Cordon Bleu

2008-04-23T22:02:00.001-04:00

I just returned home from Texas where I spent two weeks with our son Jason, his wife Jessica, and their new son, Jackson. When I got there I told them that I planned to cook for them. Imagine my surprise when Jason said, "No Mom, I'm going to cook for you!" This dish is one of the delicious dishes he made while I was there . . .Jason's Chicken Cordon Bleu. I tried this recipe it after I came home but it didn't look as good as this!

Jason's Chicken Cordon Bleu

3-4 Chicken Breasts, preferably thick
Italian dressing
deli ham, sliced thin
thinly sliced cheese, provolone, swiss, or other white cheese
gourmet bread crumbs

Marinate the chicken breasts in Italian dressing for an hour or so. With a sharp knife, cut a hole (on the small side) and wiggle it in the middle of the chicken breast to make a "pouch." Roll up some ham and cheese and slide the roll in the hole. Seal with toothpicks if necessary. Roll prepared chicken breast in bread crumbs. Place on a rack (if you have one) in a baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes or until done. Enjoy!

I asked Jason where he learned to cook like this. His reply. . . "cooking shows on TV." He tapes them and watches them when he comes home from work. I've always encouraged our kids to cook in the kitchen. . . even the boys. I must have done something right!

Tortellini & Spinach Soup

2008-01-27T07:53:00.000-05:00

There is nothing like a delicious warm bowl of soup on a cold day. I've made three different kinds of soups in the last two weeks and will post the recipes here, starting with this one. This recipe was a clipping from the newspaper a few months ago. I made this soup last night for dinner and it was delicious!

Tortellini & Spinach Soup

2 cups chicken broth (I added a little more)

1 (9 oz.) package refrigerated 3-cheese tortellini

1 (14.5 oz) can tomatoes with bell pepper & onion or stewed tomatoes

1 package fresh baby spinach

1 TBSP dried basil or 3 TBSP freshly chopped basil

shredded parmesan cheese (not grated)

dash of pepper

Bring broth to boil over medium high heat. Add tortellini; reduce heat to medium and simmer gently for about 5 minutes. Gently stir in tomatoes. Simmer about 5 minutes more or until tortellini is tender. Stir in spinach one handful at a time. Stir in basil. Cook only until spinach is wilted. Serve immediately in bowls and top with cheese and a sprinkle of pepper. Enjoy!

Party Cheese Ball

2007-12-21T10:21:00.000-05:00

I made this cheese ball for a party and also for my coworkers. It disappeared very quickly!

Party Cheese Ball

1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
2 cups (8 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or any kind)
1 jar (5 oz) sharp American cheese spread
1 jar (5 oz) pimento cheese spread
3 TBSP finely chopped onion
1 TBSP lemon juice
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Dash garlic salt
½ cup chopped pecans, toasted
½ cup minced fresh parsley
Assorted crackers

Directions:

In a mixing bowl, combine the first eight ingredients; beat until blended. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes or until easy to handle.

Shape into two balls; roll one ball in pecans and one in parsley. (My note: I made one large cheese ball and coated it with pecans.) Cover and refrigerate. Remove from the refrigerator 15 minutes before serving with crackers.

Yields 2 cheese balls (1 ¾ cups each) or one large cheese ball. Enjoy!

Have a very Merry Christmas!

Jamocha Punch

2007-09-14T18:55:00.000-04:00

Boil 1 1/2 quarts water.

Stir in:

1/2 cup dry Instant Chocolate Milk mix
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup instant coffee

Refrigerate overnight.

To make punch:
Shake or stir coffee mixture. In punch bowl, combine coffee mixture with 1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream and 1/2 gallon coffee ice cream. Serve and enjoy!

Chicken Noodle Casserole

2007-08-19T20:56:00.001-04:00

This casserole needs to be prepared a day in advance. A great recipe for working moms or guests. In large mixing bowl, combine:
2 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
1 cup broken dried noodles (I used Kluski noodles but any egg noodles would work)
1 can mushroom pieces
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of celery soup
1/4 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
2 cups Monterey Jack cheese
2 cups milk

Pour mixture into 9 x 12 pan. Refrigerate 24 hours or overnight. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour or until done. Enjoy!

Chocolate Pound Cake

2007-05-18T17:45:00.001-04:00

Recipe will be posted soon. I made this cake for a coworker's birthday yesterday. It is delicious and VERY chocolatey!

Hot Chai Tea Drink (Alcoholic)

2007-04-27T17:46:00.000-04:00

Chai Tea is one of my favorite teas to drink. I get it at Starbucks, buy it at Kroger, and carry extra tea bags in my purse. My brother introduced me to a new way to make Chai Tea and I LOVE IT! I just have to share. . . but be warned that it is alcoholic.

Make a strong pot of hot black tea and sweeten to your liking.

Pour 4 oz. of hot tea in mug or coffee cup
Add 4 shots Voyant Chai Cream liqueur
Add 1 shot Godiva Chocolate liqueur

Enjoy!

Easter Cupcakes

2007-04-09T22:15:00.000-04:00

10 Minute Beef Stroganoff

2007-03-16T21:06:00.000-04:00

This takes me more than ten minutes to make but is quick and easy. Our oldest son, Jason, has this memorized and loves to impress his girlfriends and their families with this recipe!

1 large minced onion
1 clove garlic, minced or chopped (I buy it in a jar already minced)
shortening
1 lb. ground beef (or a little more)
2 TBSP flour
1 tsp salt & 1/4 tsp pepper
1 lb. fresh sliced mushrooms (or one can, drained)
10 1/2 oz. cream of chicken or mushroom soup, undiluted
1 cup sour cream
1 lb. egg noodles, cooked

Saute onion & garlic in shortening over medium heat in large saucepan. Add meat & brown. Drain excess fat. Stir in flour, salt & pepper, and mushrooms. Cook for five minutes. Stir in soup. Simmer, uncovered, for five minutes. Blend in sour cream & heat through. Pour over cooked noodles. Serves 3-4 people.

Cream Cheese Vegetable Dip

2007-03-16T21:00:00.000-04:00

Another family favorite - I like to serve veggies and dip when company comes instead of a salad because it gives them something to munch on while they're hanging around the kitchen. Even kids will eat their vegetables. Healthy, too.

Mix together well:

8 oz. softened cream cheese
1/4 cup tomato juice or V-8 juice
1 pkg of dry Italian dressing
a few tablespoons of sour cream, if desired

Serve immediately with vegetables or refrigerate until ready to eat.

Vegetable Choices:
Carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes, peppers (green, yellow, & red), sugar snap pea pods, cauliflower, broccoli, sliced cucumbers.

Sloppy Joes

2007-03-15T20:56:00.000-04:00

SLOPPY JOES

Brown 1 1/2 pounds ground beef with one onion, chopped.

Drain.

Add one bottle of Heinz Chili sauce and 3/4 bottle water.

Let simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Serve on buns. Enjoy!

This recipe was given to me by my Aunt Nelda and I've made it for years. My kids will eat it right up!

Grape Jelly

2007-03-14T21:33:00.000-04:00

GRAPE JELLY (EASY!)

Microwave Recipe (need four half-pint jelly jars)

Before making, pour hot water over jar lids and rings. Set aside.

In a large bowl combine: (I use a glass bowl with handle made by Pampered Chef)

2 cups Grape Juice, unsweetened (Welch's is best)
3 1/2 cups sugar

Heat on high for 10-12 minutes in microwave for 10-12 minutes until mixture is boiling. Stir twice during first 4 minutes of heating.

Stir in:

1 packet liquid pectin (Certo or other brand) (usually has two packets per box)

Heat 4-6 minutes until mixture comes to a full boil. Boil an additional one minute. Skim off any foam. Spoon or pour into jars (careful, it is hot!). Wipe edges of jar with clean paper damp paper towel before placing lids on top. Screw tight. Jars will *pop* as the jelly sets and cools.

Makes four beautiful 1/2 pint jars of jelly. Enjoy!

My kids grew up on this jelly and do not like it when I buy store bought jelly. You can use other kinds of juice, too. Great for quick gifts at Christmas or any other time.

Chicken Divine

2007-03-02T21:12:00.000-05:00

My kids love this recipe and all three of our boys have requested it on separate occasions this week. Jason sent a message to me today asking for the recipe so he can cook it for his girlfriend. Chris mentioned earlier last week that we haven't had it for a while. And Brad, who will be 21 next week, wants it for his birthday dinner! So, here is the recipe:

Chicken Divine (It's really Chicken Divan but that is what the kids call it!)

2 - 10 oz packages frozen broccoli
2 cups sliced turkey or 3 chicken breasts, cooked and boned (can use rotisserie chicken, too)
2 cans cream of chicken or mushroom soup
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp curry powder
1/2 cup soft bread crumbs
1 TBSP melted butter
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Cook broccoli until tender. Arrange in 9 x 13 greased casserole dish. Place chicken on top of broccoli. Combine soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, curry powder and pour over chicken. Sprinkle with cheese. Combine crumbs & butter & sprinkle over all. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 - 30 minutes until done. Serves 6 - 8 people.

Broccoli Cheese Soup

2007-02-22T21:48:00.000-05:00

I got this recipe from another blogger, Jules, at Everyday Mommy and she gave me permission to put it here. I made it on Sunday and it was very good, especially on a cold day. Served it with garlic bread on the side.

JULES' BROCCOLI CHEESE SOUP

4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
2 large cans chicken broth1 cup shredded carrots
2 c milk (at least 2%)2 cans cream celery soup4 tbsp corn starch
1/2 c cold water
4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Simmer broccoli and shredded carrots in chicken broth until just tender. In bowl. mix cream of celery and milk. Mix corn starch in water and add to cream of celery and milk. Blend well. Add to simmering chicken stock. Simmer till soup begins to thicken. Add cheese and stir until cheese is thoroughly melted. Add more cheese to suit your taste. Salt and pepper to taste.

Tip: Add a dash or two of cayenne pepper for a little extra kick.

Apple Berry Pie

2006-11-27T21:55:00.000-05:00

I made this pie for Thanksgiving dinner and we ate it right up. It is a favorite but I had not made it for several years. It is tart and sweet at the same time and really delicious. Here is the recipe: Apple Berry Pie

Double Crust Pastry
2 cups sugar
1/3 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
3 cups cranberries, washed & stemmed
2 large apples, pared, quartered, cored, and sliced (3 cups)
2 TBSP butter or margarine
milk & sugar (topping)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Prepare pastry and put half in pie plate. Combine sugar, flour, cinnamon, & nutmeg in a large bowl; add cranberries and apples; toss lightly to mix. Spoon into crust; dot butter over fruit. Roll out remaining pastry and cut slits to let steam escape; place over filling, pinch edge & flute. Brush cream or milk lightly over top and sprinkle with sugar. Bake 40 minutes or until pastry is golden. Yield: 1 9-inch pie.

Layered Pumpkin Dessert

2006-11-25T08:49:00.000-05:00

I found this recipe AFTER Thanksgiving and it looks really good. It should be called Chris' Layered Pumpkin Dessert because he LOVES Twinkies and Whipped Cream. He will eat both in one sitting! I'm going to try it sometime soon. Maybe for Christmas because we still have plenty of leftovers to eat!

LAYERED PUMPKIN DESSERT

1 package (10 count) Twinkies
1 – 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 – 8 oz. container Cool Whip, thawed & divided
2 – 3.4 oz. pkgs. instant vanilla pudding
1 – 15 oz. can pumpkin
1 cup milk
1½ tsp. pumpkin pie spice

Slice Twinkies in half, lengthwise, and place, cream-side-up, single layer, in bottom of 9x13 baking dish. Blend together cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and half of the Cool Whip until smooth. Spread over Twinkies.

Combine pudding, pumpkin, spice, and milk. Whisk until well blended and spread over cream cheese mixture. Refrigerate a couple hours and serve with remaining Cool Whip and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.

Thanksgiving Dinner

2006-11-23T14:13:00.000-05:00

The Table decorated by MarissaFamily!
Laurie and Apple Berry Pie!

Bird Rolls

2006-11-11T18:21:00.000-05:00

I made some "Bird Rolls" today. They actually look like soft pretzels and taste like the Challah Bread that I make. The rolls call for some extra work to make them look like birds with unblanched almonds and making tail feathers with a knife but I skipped that part. People around here eat food no matter what it looks like! Here's the recipe:

BIRD ROLLS
1 package (1/4 oz) active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk (110 - 115 degrees)
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. salt
3-1/2 to 4 cups all purpose flour

(Additional ingredients: 1 egg, 1 TBSP water, 16 whole unblanched almonds)

In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Add the butter, brown sugar, 2 eggs, salt and 2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into 16 pieces. Roll each into a 12 inch rope; tie each into a knot. To form bird's head, tuck one end back into knot. With a sharp knife or scissors cut two slits on opposite end to form tail feathers. Place 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. Beat 1 egg with 1 TSBP water; brush over dough. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Insert an almond into each for beak. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool. Yield: 16 rolls

MY NOTE: I used the dough setting on the bread machine and skipped the hard work. Just follow the breadmaker instructions for loading the ingredients.

Mashed Potatoes and Noodles

2006-11-11T16:17:00.000-05:00

I needed some comfort food today and made mashed potatoes and noodles. Almost as good as Grandma's but not quite. If you want to try it sometime, here's what I did:

Place in crockpot, 3-4 boneless chicken breasts
2 cans chicken broth (I ended up adding a third later)
2 cans cream of chicken soup.

Cook on low all day. Take out chicken and shred - set aside.
In crockpot, add 8 oz egg noodles - the thinner the better. (I tried to find Reames Egg Noodles but ended up using regular ones). Let simmer in crock pot for 30-40 minutes. Add chicken.
I also added a couple spoonfuls of sour cream, salt and pepper. Serve over mashed potatoes! Yum!

Mom's Sticky Buns

2006-10-07T14:11:00.000-04:00

My mother used to make these buns for church every Sunday morning for Sunday school. The men would always comment to my dad how much they liked her buns!

Mom's Sticky Buns

Prepare the night before.

Grease or butter a bundt cake pan.
Add 1/2 cup nuts or pecans and put in bottom of pan if desired. (Optional)

18 balls frozen dinner roll dough (Rhodes is the best) Note: I let them thaw slightly and cut them in half. Sprinkle rolls with one small box dry cook and serve butterscotch or vanilla pudding (NOT INSTANT)

Heat together until bubbly:
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Pour over rolls and pudding.

Cover with towel and let rise overnight.

Bake in the morning at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes until done.

Turn on to plate and serve warm. These will disappear FAST!

I had to buy a second pan and make two at a time with my husband, four kids and their friends!

Grape Salad

2006-09-04T10:51:00.000-04:00

This recipe was given to me by my coworker, June. It has an unusual combination of ingredients but it is delicious. I cannot get enough of this salad when I make it!

Grape Salad

Grape mixture:
2 lbs. red grapes
2 lbs. white or green grapes
1 cup pecans
1 cup grated cheese (cheddar)

Combine and mix well following:
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
8 oz. sour cream
1 cup brown sugar

Pour over grape mixture. Refrigerate. Enjoy!

Apple Crisp

2006-07-22T14:40:00.000-04:00

2 or 3 cups sliced apples. Put in flat pan and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Mix together and sprinkle on top:
1 cup flour
1 stick butter or margarine
1 cup sugar
may add some oatmeal and/or nuts

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or so. Serve warm. Put scoop of vanilla ice cream on top if desired!

Easy Chili Dip

2006-07-07T10:13:00.000-04:00

This is a great lowfat recipe (the chips are not always lowfat) and is good for those who are watching their calories.

Easy Chili Dip

2 pkgs cream cheese (can be lowfat), softened
2 cans Hormel Turkey Chili 99% fat free
1 small jar of salsa
Shredded Mexican or four cheese blend (or any kind of cheese)

Spread softened cream cheese on bottom of 9 x 12 pan. Pour chili over top of cream cheese. Spread salsa over chili. Sprinkle with shredded cheese to your liking. Bake in 350 degree oven for 20 minutes until cheese is melted/bubbly. Serve with tortilla chips. Enjoy!!!!!

Grasshopper Pie

2006-07-06T19:21:00.000-04:00

This recipe came from a restaurant in Mystic, Connecticut when Steve and I lived in Connecticut years ago. Our kids request this pie instead of a birthday cake on their birthdays! (Except Marissa)

GRASSHOPPER PIE

CRUST:
24 Oreo cookies, finely crushed (or use a ready made chocolate crust)
1/4 c. butter, melted

FILLING:
2 c. heavy or whipping cream, whipped
5 TBSP crème de menthe
5 TBSP crème de cacao
1 large jar (8 oz.) marshmallow crème

Combine cookie crumbs and butter. Press into 9" spring pan or regular pie pan. Reserve 1/2 cup to sprinkle on top of finished pie.

Whip the cream. Add crème de menthe and crème de cacao to marshmallow creme in a separate bowl. Mix gently until blended. Fold in whipped cream. Pour into cookie pie crust. Sprinkle with crumbs. Freeze for several hours.

Note: You can use 1 ½ cups heavy cream/whipping cream, instead of 2 cups.)

WW Notes: 1/8th of a pie is approximately 6 points! (268 calories, 12 g fat, 0 dietary fiber)

Oatmeal Cake

2006-07-05T22:19:00.000-04:00

My mother used to make this cake and it is a family favorite. My brother, Doug, substitutes applesauce for the butter to make it healthier and less fattening.

Mom's Oatmeal Cake (Betty Royer)

Pour 1 ¼ cups boiling water over 1 cup quick cooking oats and let stand for 20 minutes.

Add:
½ cup butter or margarine
2 eggs
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar

Stir. Then Add:
1 1/3 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla
½ tsp. salt

Pour into greased and floured 8 x12 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 - 40 minutes until done. While cake is in the oven, get the topping ready:

Topping:
7 TBSP melted butter or margarine
1 cup brown sugar
¼ cup canned milk or cream (evaporated milk)
1 cup coconut
1 tsp. vanilla

Remove cake from hot oven and turn on the broiler. Spread topping on hot cake in small spoonfuls and spread evenly and gently. Broil 2-3 minutes or bake a few minutes until topping bubbles and is lightly browned. Enjoy!
Serves 12.