Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff

I have always loved stroganoff and remember having it many times as a kid when my dad would make it for dinner. I had always made it using hamburger helper....so when I came across a homemade recipe I had to try it out! I found this recipe off of bettycrocker.com but I have altered it quite a bit.

You will need:
2 - pounds of beef stew meat
1 - package of egg noodles
1 - 10 3/4 oz can of condensed mushroom soup
1 - 10 3/4 oz can of french onion soup
8 oz of cream cheese (cubed)
8 oz of sour cream

Directions:
Step 1: Cut the beef into cubes (I usually make the size around 1inch by 1inch cubes)

Step 2: Combine beef and both cans of soup into the crock pot (Do not add the extra can of water or milk as instructed on the can)

Step 3: Cover and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours.

Step 4: An hour before cooking is finished, stir in sour cream and cream cheese into mixture.

Step 5: Prepare egg noodles as directed on package.

Step 6: Serve by ladling the beef mixture over noodles. Enjoy!

Monday, December 12, 2011

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread

I am always inspired to experiment with new recipes based on what my family members enjoy. My step-dad really loves banana bread as well as Reese's peanut butter cups. I saw a post on Pintrest.com about a recipe that combined the two which got me thinking. I altered the recipe to use chips instead of actual pieces of candy. It turned out really delicious! I think it is best to enjoy right after baking because all of the chips are melted! Enjoy!

You will need:
1 - Box Banana Bread Mix (I used Chiquita brand)
1 - Large Egg (lightly beaten)
2 - Bananas (over-ripe)
1/3 Cup water
1 - Handful semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 - Handful Reese's peanut butter chips

1 medium sized bowl
1 8x4 inch loaf pan

Directions:
Step 1: Lightly grease loaf pan and pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2: Mash bananas and mix with egg and water. Next mix in banana bread dry mix for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is wet. Then mix in both chocolate chips and peanut butter chips into the mixture.

Step 3: Pour batter into the greased loaf pan.

Step 4: Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool for 20 minutes. Remove and enjoy! (Best when served warm)

Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwich

My entire family enjoys caesar salad (which is rare to find something that everyone likes) so I got to thinking of how to create this into a meal. I came up with a really simple recipe to make this salad into a sandwich (a spin off of the chicken caesar wrap). The ingredients are really simple and it requires minimal effort to construct this sandwich!

You will need: 
1 - Rotisserie Chicken (can be found already cooked in the deli of your store)
1 - Bottle of Caesar salad dressing ( I use Marzetti's)
1 - Bag of leafy romaine lettuce
1 - Sourdough bread loaf (Sliced)
1 - Package of shredded Parmesan cheese
Several toothpicks (as many as the amount of sandwiches you are serving)

Directions: 
Step 1: Start by taking off the meat from the rotisserie chicken. Discard the skin. Shred all of the meat into stringy pieces. ( It is easiest to just pull apart with clean hands)

Step 2: Mix around 3 or 4 tablespoons of dressing into the chicken until all of the meat is slightly coated.

Step 3: Take out two pieces of sourdough bread and spread a light coat caesar dressing on one side of each piece.

Step 4: Spread portion of chicken/caesar mixture onto one side of bread. Then lightly sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 5: Place a few pieces of leafy romaine lettuce on top of chicken/caesar mixture and cheese. Finally place top piece of bread on top and secure with a toothpick.

My first post!

This is my first post for this blog! My hopes are to share recipes with those who are as passionate about food as I am! I am a 4th year student at Central Michigan University studying Human Resource Management. Since I have chosen a career in business I don't get to express my love for cooking as much as I would like to. I'm thinking this blog will allow me to reach people and give helpful cooking tips and recipes.