Not Me! Monday!

*UPDATE* I didn't just find a gob of soggy Tootsie Rolls in my washing machine after washing a certain 3 year olds clothes. I really didn't have to wash them again because they smelled like the brown chewy things. And I certainly don't know where he got those! AHEM..... Today is an independent Not Me! since MckMama's baby boy is VERY sick with RSV in the hospital & of course she is with him! If you haven't already, go check out their family's story at her blog. Baby Stellan is a true MIRACLE! Ok, on to today's Not Me!'s: -Of course, the day I didn't decide to work early (like 6:30am), the weather decided to cooperate with single digit temps. Which doesn't mean I spent 15 minutes getting the car out to warm & the boys all bundled up to carry them out there. -I didn't decide to go to work early, 3 days in a row! And I certainly couldn't tell I am not used to it! Because I sure wasn't tired! -And I didn't decide to do it again this week!!!! =) -There are not a million toys all over the floor in our family room, dining room, kitchen..... because my boys are not spoiled! -My bathroom, bedroom & "sitting" room are not in shambles because I am not finally getting my very own bathtub! But the mess seriously doesn't bug me! Nope not me! But I certainly do not understand that it comes with the territory! I will update with pictures of my bathroom soon! Right now, I need to get ready to go visit my new nephew who was just born this afternoon!

Winners & Demolition

First things first! The winners of the 12 Days of Christmas Recipes Giveaway are......

Skeeteror and Brian and Jenna

Please email me your mailing addresses nellbell818@gmail.com and I will send them out to you sometime next week. Thanks for playing along!

I am pleased to say that our bathroom "remodel" is finally under way! Yippeee! We had put in a new toilet b/c the old just didn't work too swift anymore & I've wanted a bathtub in our bathroom since we moved here. A new vanity counter was added last spring (?). So this is what it looks like right now....

I wonder how long it will take hubby & his dad to finish?! Anyone want to venture a guess as to how long it will take? Actually the flooring guys will be coming to measure next week & they could probably do it soon after, so I guess they'll have to be done by then, huh? Seriously, I am thankful that hubby's dad does so much for us like that. Sure helps to save $$$! I will post pictures of the progress as much as I can.

Now, I am leaving soon to take son #2 to the doctor for an ear infection (that's what we're guessing). I am none too thrilled.

On the 12th day of Christmas, NellBell gave to me....

....12 miscellaneous goodies! Here are some that I think are good but don't fit anywhere else! Thank you for coming to my blog & I hope you can use some of these recipes. I will announce the winner on Friday or Saturday & ship your cookbook as soon as I have your address. Bacon-Stuffed Mushrooms 1 (8 oz) pkg. cream cheese 1/2 c. real bacon bits 1 T. green onions, chopped 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 1 lb. whole, fresh mushrooms, stems removed Beat cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the bacon , onion & garlic powder. Spoon into the mushroom caps. Place in 9 x 13 pan. Bake at 350 until mushrooms are tender, 15 or more minutes. Homemade French Dressing 2c. sugar 1 c. salad oil 1 c. vinegar 1 1/2 c. ketchup 4 T. minced onion 1/2 tsp. salt 2 tsp. paprika 1/4 c. lemon juice Combine all ingredients & mix well. Serve over a tossed salad. Sweet Potato Souffle 1 c. sugar 1 T. vanilla 1/2 c. sweet milk 1/2 tsp. salt 2 eggs 1/3 c. butter 3 c. mashed sweet potatoes Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients together & pour into a large baking dish. Topping: 1 c. brown sugar 1 c. chopped nuts 1/3 c. flour 1/3 c. melted butter Mix thoroughly & sprinkle over souffle. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until topping is melted & glazed. Slow-Cooked Chicken Stew over Biscuits 2 env. chicken gravy mix 2 c. water 3/4 c. white wine or chicken broth 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 T. minced fresh parsley 1-2 tsp. chicken boullion granules 1/2 tsp. pepper 5 med. carrots, chopped 1 large onion, chopped 1 broiler/fryer chicken (3-4 lb), cut up 3 T. flour 1/3 c. cold water 1 (7.5 oz) tube buttermilk biscuits In slow cooker, combine first 7 ingredients until blended. Add carrots, onion & chicken. Cover & cook on low for 7-8 hours. Increase heat to high. Combine flour & water until smooth; gradually stir into slow cooker. Cover & cook for 1 hour. Meanwhile, bake biscuits. Place in soup bowls & top with stew. Pizza Loaf 1 lb. bread dough 2 eggs, separated 1 T. grated parmesan cheese 1 T. olive or vegetable oil 1 tsp. minced fresh parsley 1 tsp. dried oregano 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1/4 tsp. pepper 8 oz. pepperoni 2 c. shredded mozzarealla cheese 1 (4 oz) can mushrooms 1/4 - 1/2 c. pickled pepper rings 1 med green pepper, diced 1 (2.25 oz) can sliced ripe olives 1 (15 oz) can pizza sauce Roll out dough to 10 x 15 inches. Combine egg yolks with next 6 ingredients. Brush over dough. Sprinkle with toppings. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with long side; pinch seam & tuck ends under. Place seam side down; brush with egg whites. Do not let rise. Bake @ 350 for 35-40 minutes. Serve with warm pizza sauce. Brown Sugar Meatloaf 1/2 c. brown sugar 1/2 c. ketchup 1 1/2 lb. ground beef 3/4 c. milk 2 eggs 1 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper 1 sm. onion, chopped 1/4 tsp. ground ginger 3/4 c. finely crushed saltine crackers Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease 5 x 9 loaf pan. Press brown sugar in bottom of pan & spread ketchup over the sugar. Mix together remaining ingredients in mixing bowl. Shape into loaf & place on top of ketchup. Bake for 1 hour or until juices run clear. Sausage Bread 1 pkg. frozen bread dough (2 loaves) 1 lb. bulk sausage (mild or spicy) 2 eggs, beaten 8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese 4 T. Parmesan cheese 1/2 tsp. garlic powder Thaw bread dough. Brown sausage & drain. Spread out each loaf of dough on its own greased 10 x 15 baking pan. Mix sausage, eggs, cheddar, Parmesan & garlic. Spread half of the mixture on each loaf of dough. Fold dough over in thirds, lengthwise. Fold ends up & seal. Bake @ 375 for 20-30 minutes until golden brown. Freezes well. Baked Apples 6 Granny Smith apples 2 T. flour 1 c. brown sugar butter Peel & halve apples; place in 9 x 13 pan with watre (1/4 " deep). Mix flour & brown sugar & heap some in each apple "well". Place a dot of butter on top of each apple. Bake @ 350 for 1 hour. Heavenly Dessert 2 tubes or 72 Ritz carckers 1 stick margarine, melted 1 c. chopped pecans 1 box vanilla instant pudding 1 box coconut cream instant pudding 1 1/2 c. milk 1 qt. vanilla ice cream 1 qt. Cool Whip Mix crackers, margarine & pecans & spread 2/3 of mixture in a 9 x 13 pan (save rest for top). Mix puddings with milk. Blend in softened ice cream. Pour over caracker mixture. Top with Cool Whip. Then top with rest of crumbs. Refrigerate. Can be frozen. Buttermilk Cake 4 c. flour 1 1/2 c. sugar 3/4 c. butter 1 tsp. cream of tartar 1 1/2 c. buttermilk 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. vanilla Mix first 4 ingredients, reserving 1 cup for top. Add soda to buttermilk & combine with vanilla. Mix with first ingredients. Pour in buttered & floured 9 x 13 pan. Top with reserved crumbs. bake @ 350 for 30 minutes. Peanut Butter Cream Pie 1 sm. box instant vanilla pudding 1 (8 oz) Cool Whip 1/2 c. peanut butter 1 c. powdered sugar 1 baked 9" pie crust Make pudding as directed for pie on box. Mix peanut butter & powdered sugar with fork until it is the consistency of pie crumb topping. In pie crust, layer peanut butter crumbs, pudding, more crumbs, Cool Whip & more crumbs on top. Stress Diet Breakfast: 1/2 grapefruit, 1 slice dry whole wheat toast, 8 oz. skim milk Lunch: 4 oz. broiled chicken breast, 1 c. steamed spinach, 1 c. herb tea, 1 oreo cookie Mid-Afternoon Snack: rest of oreos in pkg., 2 pts. Rocky Road ice cream, 1 jar fudge sauce, nuts, cherries, whip cream Dinner: 2 pkgs. dinner rolls with butter, 1 lg. sausage pizza. 1 qt. chocolate milk, 3 Snickers candy bars Late Evening Snack: whole frozen cheesecake eaten directly from freezer This diet is designed to help you cope with the stress that builds up during the day. Rules for this diet: 1. If you eat something & no one see you eat it, it has no calories. 2. If you drink a diet soda with a candy bar, the calories in the candy bar are canceled out by the diet soda. 3. When you eat with someone else, calories don't count if you don't eat more than they do. 4. If you fatten up everyone around you, then you will look thinner. 5. Movie realted foods do not have additional calories because they are part of the entire entertainment package & not part of one's personal fuel. This includes Milk Duds, Junior Mints, red hots, Tootsie Rolls, Almond Joy candy bars & buttered popcorn. 6. Cookie pieces contain no calories. The process of breaking causes calorie leakage. 7. Things licked off knives & spoons have no calories if you are in the process of preparing something. (eg. peanut butter on a knife while making a sandwich & ice cream on a spoon while making a sundae.) 8. Donut holes, obviously without substance or calories, make an ideal "in between" snack. 9. Foods that have the same color, have the same # of calories. (eg. spinach & pistachio ice cream, mushrooms & white chocolate) Chocolate is a universal color & may be substituted for any other food color. Recipe of the Day - cookies From Scarlet and Gray. Cappucino Hats 2 squares (2 oz) unsweetened chocolate 2 cups all purpose flour 1 t. ground cinnamon 1/4 t. salt 1/2 cup shortening 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1 egg 1 T. instant coffee crystals 1 t. water(not tap) Sauce: 1 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips 2 T. shortening In a heavy saucepan, heat and stir unsweetened chocolate until melted. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Meanwhile, stir together flour, cinnamon, and salt.In a large mixer bowl, beat 1/2 cup shortening and butter until soft. Add sugar and brown sugar and beat until fluffy. Stir coffee crystals into water until dissolved. Add coffee mixture, melted chocolate, and egg to butter mixture and beat well. Add flour mixture and beat until mixed. Cover and chill about 1 hour or until easy to handle. Shape into 2 1-inch rolls. Wrap and chill for at least 6 hours or overnight. Cut into 1/4 inch slices and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are firm and slightly browned. Remove and cool. In a heavy saucepan, beat chocolate chips and 3 T. shortening over low heat until melted, stirring occasionally. Dip one side of each cookie into chocolate mixture. Place on wax paper and cool until set.

On the 11th day of Christmas, NellBell gave to me....

....11 cookies crumbling! So irresistable! Yum! Brown Sugar Cookies 2/3 c. shortening 2/3 c. butter, softened 1 c. granulated sugar 1 c. brown sugar, packed 2 eggs 2 tsp vanilla 3 1/2 c. flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp salt Mix shortening, sugars, eggs & vanilla thoroughly. Stir in remaining ingredients. Bake @ 375 for 9-11 minutes. Variations: Choc. chip - add 1 cup semi-sweet choc chips & 1 c. chopped nuts with the flour Oatmeal - reduce flour to 2 3/4 c. Add 1 c. quick cook oats with the flour Peanut Butter - Add 1 cup with the shortening Chocolate Nut - Add 1 cup chopped nuts & 1/2 cup cocoa with the flour Fruit Slices - Add 1 c whole candied cherries, 1/2 c chopped nuts & 1/2 c. cutup mixed candied fruit with the flour Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies 1 c. each butter, peanut butter, white sugar, brown sugar 2 eggs 2 c. flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp vanilla 1/2 c. semi-sweet choc. chips 1 c. peanut butter/chocolate swirl chips Cream together butter & p. butter until smooth; gradually add sugars & beat until smooth. Add eggs one at a time. Add vanilla. Add flour, salt & b. soda; mix well. Stir in chips. Bake @ 325 for 10-15 minutes. Pecan Toffee Cookies 1 c. each butter, white sugar, brown sugar 1 tsp vanilla 1/2 tsp salt 3 eggs 3 1/2 c. flour 2 tsp baking soda 2 tsp cream of tartar 1 c. each toffee bits, chopped pecans, milk choc.chips Beat butter, sugars, vanilla & salt in large bowl; add eggs & beat well. Stir tigether flour, b. soda & tartar; gradually add to butter mixture, beating until blended. Stir in toffee chips, pecans, & choc. chips. Bake @ 350 for 8-10 minutes. Peanut Butter Brownies 1 box brownie mix 1 - 1 1/2 c. melted peanut butter 1/2 c. melted peanut butter for top Mix brownies according to box directions. Pour half of batter into 8 x 8 pan. Pour melted p. butter over batter. Add rest of brownie batter. Bake according to directions. While still warm, drizzle rest of peanut butter over top. Cool. Lemon Squares 1 c. flour 1/2 c. butter, softened 1/4 c. powdered sugar 1 c. granulated sugar 2 tsp. grated lemon peel 2 T. lemon juice 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp. salt 2 large eggs powdered sugar Mix flour, margarine & powdered sugar. Press in ungreased square pan, building up 1/2" edges. Bake crust 20 minutes. Beat remaining ingredients with electric mixer on high speed about 3 minutes or until light & fluffy. Pour over hot crust. Bake 25-30 minutes or until no indentation remains when touched lightly in center. Cool in pan on wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar. Cut into 1 1/2 " squares. Grandma's Soft Peanut Butter Cookies 1 1/2 c. each white sugar, brown sugar, peanut butter, margarine 1 T. vanilla 3 eggs 3 1/2 c. flour 1 T. baking soda 1/2 tsp salt Cream sugars, peanut butter & margarine. Add vanilla & eggs, beat well, then add remaining ingredients. Bake @ 350 for 10 minutes. Do not overbake. Caramelized Brownies 1 pkg chewy brownie mix 4 T. butter 1 c. chopped pecans 1 c. firmly packed light brown sugar Prepare brownie mix according to package directions. Pour batter into greased 9 x 13 pan. Melt butter in small saucepan. Add the pecans & sugar & cook over medium heat, strring frequently until the sugar dissolves. Drizzle the caramel mixture over brownie batter & bake @ 350 for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Original Tollhouse Cookie Bars 2 1/4 c. flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp salt 1 c. butter 3/4 c. granulated sugar 3/4 c. packed brown sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 eggs 1 pkg. chocolate chips 1 c. nuts Combine flour, b. soda & salt; set aside. In large bowl, beat butter sugars & vanilla until creamy. Beat in eggs. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in chocolate chips & nuts. Pour into 8 x 8 or 9 x 9 greased baking dish. Bake @ 375 for 20-25 minutes or until just set. Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies 1 box fudge brownie mix 1/4 c. buter, melted 4 oz. cream cheese, softened 1 egg 1 c. powdered sugar 1 c. creamy peanut butter 1/2 container chocolate fudge, ready to spread frosting In medium bowl, beat brownie mix, butter, cream cheese & egg 50 strokes until well blended (dough will be sticky). Drop by rounded T. full onto cookie sheet. Smooth edges to form round cookie. In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar & peanut butter until mixture forms a ball. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls into 24 balls. Lightly press 1 ball into center of each ball of dough. Bake @ 350 for 10-14 minutes or until edges are set. Cool at least 30 minutes. Remove from pans. Spread thin layer of frosting over p. butter portion of each cookie.

Chewy Granola Bars

1 (10.5 oz) pkg. large marshmallows

2/3 c. chunky peanut butter

1/2 c. butter, cubed

1/4 c. corn syrup

2 tsp vanilla extract

4 c. quick cooking oats

1 c. rice krispies

1 c. mini semi-sweet choc. chips

1/2 c. each flaked cocnut, sunflower kernels, chopped peanuts, raisins

2 T. toasted wheat germ

2 T. sesame seeds

In a large bowl, microwave @ 70% power the marshmallows, p. butter, butter, corn syrup & vanilla for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until blended. Stir in remaining ingredients. Spread into greased 9 x 13 pan. Bake @ 350 for 15-20 minutes or until set. Cool & cut into bars.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

1/2 c. butter, softened

3/4 c. light brown sugar, packed

1 c. flour

1/2 tsp salt

1 T. vanilla extract

1 c. semi-sweet choc. chips

4-6 T. water

Cream together the butter & sugar in a large bowl. Stir in flour, salt, vanilla & chips. Add the water, one T. at a time, until you have reached cookie dough consistency. This eggless version is made to eat unbaked.

Recipe of the Day - casseroles

Green Pepper Casserole - from my mom! Brianne

2 lbs. hamburger

1 onion, chopped

garlic salt to taste

2 (8-oz.) cans tomato paste

2 cans water

2 c cooked rice

3 large green peppers, diced

American cheese

Brown hamburger with onion and drain. Season to taste with garlic salt. Add tomato paste and water, mix. Stir in rice. Layer in casserole dish half of the peppers, then meat mixture, the rest of the peppers and the remaining meat mixture. Top with american cheese. Bake at 350 about an hour.

On the 10th day of Christmas, NellBell gave to me....

.....10 casseroles! Comfort food at it's best. Breakfast Casserole 1 tube crescent rolls 1lb. sausage, browned & drained 6-8 eggs 1 (12 oz) bag shredded cheddar cheese Grease a 9 x 13 pan with butter. Put crescent rolls on bottom. Top with sausage. Beat eggs & pour over sausage. Sprinkle cheese on top. Bake @ 425 for 15-20 minutes. Beef Nacho Casserole 1 lb. ground beef 1 (12 oz) jar chunky salsa 1 c. sweet corn, drained 3/4 c. Miracle Whip dressing 1 T. chili powder, optional 2 c. (8 oz) shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided tortilla chips chopped lettuce diced tomtaoes taco sauce Heat oven to 350. Brown meat, drain. Stir in salsa, corn, dressing & chili powder. Layer half each of the meat mixture & cheese in a 2 qt. casserole dish. Repeat. Bake 20 minutes or until heated through. Top with remaining ingredients. Pork Chop & Potato Scallop 4 pork chops (about 1 lb) 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 c. sour cream 1/4 c. milk 2 T. chopped parsley 4 c. thinly sliced potatoes salt & pepper Brown chops. Blend soup, sour cream, milk & parsley. In 2 qt casserole alternate layers of potatoes sprinkled with salt & pepper & sauce. Top with chops. Cover & bake @ 375 for 1 1/4 hours. Hamburger Vegetable Casserole 1 lb. hamburger 1 onion, chopped 2 c. potatoes, diced 1 c. celery, sliced 1 c. carrots, sliced 1 can cream of mushroom soup bread crumbs butter Brown hamburger. In separate pan, boil vegetables in 1/2 c. water for 10 minutes. Do not drain water. Add soup & hamburger & top with bread crumbs & butter. Bake @ 350 for 40 minutes. French Toast Casserole 1 loaf bread (Italian or French, cubed) 12 eggs 1 c. milk 4 T. sugar 1 tsp vanilla 1/4 tsp salt sugar & cinnamon mixture Place bread in the bottom of 9 x 13 greased pan. Mix all together except sugar/cinnamon mixture & pour over bread. Take a fork & make sure bread soaks up mixture; it should be covered. Place in refrigerator overnight. Let set out half hour before baking. Sprinkle with sugar/cinnamon mixture. Bake @ 350 for 40-50 minutes. You may also add up to 2 tsp cinnamon to the egg misture if you like more cinnamon. Mexican Beef Bake 2 lbs. hamburger 1 sm onion, chopped 1 c. sour cream 1 (8oz) jar salsa 1 can chopped green chiles 1 can black beans 1 c. frozen corn 2 c. shredded cheddar cheese 2 c. crushed tortilla chips Brown hamburger & onion; drain. Mix together beef & next 5 ingredients. Pour into 9 x 13 greased pan. Top with cheese & chips. Bake @ 350 for 30 minutes or until bubbly. Serve with sour cream & hot sauce. Chicken Curry Casserole 6 double chicken breasts 2 (10 oz) pkgs. broccoli spears 2 cans cream of chicken soup 1 1/2 c. mayonnaise 1 1/2 tsp curry powder 2 tsp. lemon juice 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded Cook chicken & debone. Mix everything but broccoli. Simmer until combined. While simmering, cook broccoli. Layer chicken & broccoli in 9 x 13 pan. Pour the sauce over all & bake @ 350 -20-30 minutes. Kodiak Casserole 1 lb. ground beef 1 c. chopped onion 1 garlic clove, finely minced 2 c. celery, chopped 1 1/2 c. green pepper, chopped 1/2 can mushrooms. undrained 1/2 can tomato soup 1/2 (8 oz) jar picante sauce 1/2 (18 oz) bottle barbecue sauce 2 c. dry egg noodles, cooked & drained 1/2 c. (2 oz) shredded cheddar cheese In Dutch oven, brown ground beef with onions & garlic; drain. Add remaining ingredients except cheese; mix well. Place in a greased casserole dish; cover & bake @ 350 for 30-40 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle with cheese before serving. Chicken Supreme 2 c. cooked chicken (use broth also) 2 c. uncooked macaroni 2 cans cream of chicken soup 2 c. milk (or more) 1/2 med onion, chopped 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper 3 T. butter 1 c. velveeta cheese Combine all ingredients. Put in greased casserole & refrigerate overnight. bake @ 350 for 1 1/2 hours. Lasagna 1 lb. ground beef or sausage 1 sm onion, chopped 1 jar spaghettie sauce garlic salt oregano sage thyme 9 lasagna noodles 1 sm carton ricotta or cottage cheese 1 (8 oz) bag shredded mozzarella cheese parmesan cheese Brown beef with onion; drain. Add sauce to meat & add spices. Simmer, stirring frequently until sauce begins to thicken. Add water if too thick. Cook noodles. In 9 x 13, layer sauce, noodles, sauce, cottage cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan. Repeat. End with sauce & sprinkle with parmesan. Bake @ 350 for 45 minutes or until heated through. Recipe of the Day - soups

From Brian and Jenna

Tomato Basil Soup

2 quarts tomato juice

1 T basil

1 1/2 tsp salt

1 1/2 T sugar

6 T brown sugar

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1 stick butter

1 can tomatoes, crushed or diced (opt.)

Combine all ingredients, except butter, bring to a boil stirring occasionally. Reduce heat, simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Add butter and stir until melted.Garnish with seasoned crutons and grated Parmesan cheese.

On the 9th day of Christmas, NellBell gave to me....

....9 soups simmering! Good, good, good! Especially on a cold winter day! Broccoli Cheese Soup 3/4 c. chopped onion 3 T. oil or marg. 6 c. water 6 chicken boullion cubes 8 oz. fine or vermicelli noodles 1 tsp. salt 2 (10 oz) pkgs. frozen chopped broccoli 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 6 c. milk 1/2 - 1 lb. Velveeta cheese, cubed Saute onion in oil for 3 minutes. Add water & boullion cubes; heat to boiling. Stir until boullion dissolves. Add noodles & salt; cook 3 minutes. Stir in broccoli & garlic powder; cook 4 minutes. Add milk & cheese; stir until cheese is melted. Frogmore Stew 5 qts. water 1/4 c. Old Bay seasoning 4 lbs. small red potatoes 2 lbs. kielbasa, cut into 1 1/2" slices 6 ears fresh corn, halved 4 lbs. unpeeled, large fresh shrimp Boil water & Old Bay in a large stockpot. Add potatoes; return to a boil & cook for 10 minutes. Add sausage & corn; return to boil. Cook 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Remove poatoes, corn & sausage. Add shrimp to pot; cook 3-5 minutes or until shrimp turns pink; remove shrimp. Serve together in a large bowl with additional Old Bay & cocktail sauce. Meatball & Macaroni Soup - Rachael Ray 2 T. olive oil 2 carrots, chopped 2 ribs celery, chopped 1 med. onion, chopped 2 bay leaves, dried or fresh salt & pepepr to taste 1 lb. ground beef 1 egg, beaten 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 c. plain bread crumbs 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg 6 c. chicken stock or broth 2 c. water 1 1/2 c. dried pasta, any kind 1 lb. fresh spinach, chopped Saute carrots, celery & onion in oil. Season with salt & pepper. Cover & cook 5-6 minutes. Meanwhile, combine ground beef & next 5 ingredients. Add broth & water to vegetables. Increase heat to high & bring soup to boil, then reduce heat. Roll meat into small balls & drop into pot. Add pasta & stir. Cover & simmer, 10 minutes. When pasta is tender, stir in spinach in batches. Soup is ready when spinach wilts. Mexican Soup 2 lbs. chicken 1 (11oz) cans Mexicorn 1 can black beans, rinsed & drained 2 cans Campbell's select chicken tortilla soup 2 pts. salsa 2 tsp. chili powder 1 tsp. ground cumin 1/2 tsp each granulated garlic, crushed red pepper, dried oregano, salt sour cream shredded cheese tortilla chips, crushed Mix all ingredients in large saucepan. Bring to boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat & simmer uncovered 20-30 minutes. Can also warm in crockpot for 3-4 hours on low. Serve with rest of ingredients. White Chili 1 lb. chicken, cubed or canned chicken 1 med. onion, chopped 1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder or 1 clove garlic 1 can chicken broth 2 cans Great Northern beans, rinsed & drained 2 cans chopped green chiles 1 tsp. each salt, ground cumin, dried oregano 1/2 tsp. pepper 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper 1 c. sour cream 1/2 c. whipping cream Bring all but last 2 ingredients to a boil & simmer 30 minutes. Remove from heat & add sour cream & whipping cream. Serve with tortilla chips, more sour cream or corn bread. Kevin's Potato Soup 1 1/2 c. water 1 chicken boullion cube 2 T. butter 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 c. onion, diced 1/2 c. celery, diced 1/2 c. carrots, diced 3 c. potatoes, diced 1 1/2 c. milk 2 T. flour 2 slices ham 2 tsp parsley flakes Dissolve boullion in boiling water; add butter, salt & vegetables. Cook for 15 minutes. Mix milk & flour together & add to vegetables; add ham. Simmer until vegetables are tender. Add parsley before serving. Taco Soup 1 lb. ground beef 1 sm. onion, chopped 1 1/2 qt tomato juice 1/4 c. sugar 1 pt. corn 1 (15 oz) can chili beans 1 pkg. taco seasoning corn chips sour cream cheddar cheese Brown beef & onion together, drain fat. Add everything but last 3 ingredients to a pot, with meat. Cook together 10-15 minutes. Top with chips, cheese & sour cream. Italian Tortellini Soup 1 lb. sweet Italian sausage 1c. chopped onion 2 garlic cloves, chopped 5 c. beef stock 1 (16 oz) can chopped tomatoes 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce 2 T. dried basil 1 lg. carrot, sliced 2 T. dried oregano 1 (10-12 oz) bag refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini or 8 oz dried 1 lg. zucchini, sliced Parmesan cheese Brown sausage with onion & garlic, drain fat. Add beef stock, tomatoes & spices & bring to low boil. Add carrots & simmer 10-15 minutes. Add tortellini & zucchini; cook until pasta is tender, about 15-20 minutes. Serve & top with Parmesan cheese. Kevin's Chicken Noodle Soup 6 c. chicken broth 1 sm. onion, diced 1 can chicken 3 carrots 1 1/2 - 2 c. noodles 3 stalks celery 2 chicken boullion cubes pepper parsley Mix & simmer until vegetables are tender. Recipe of the Day - sandwiches From skeeteror.

Sloppy Joes

1-1 1/2 pounds hamburger

1 can tomato soup

1 onion, chopped

1 T. Worcestershire Sauce

1 T. Liquid Smoke

Crumble and cook hamburger in frying pan with onion. S & P to taste. Drain fat. Add soup, W. sauce and Liquid Smoke. Simmer and serve either using whole hamburger buns, or we like to put the meat on both sides, open-face

On the 8th day of Christmas, NellBell gave to me....

....8 great sandwiches! Great for anytime! BLT Burritos 3 c. shredded lettuce 1 1/2 c. diced fresh tomatoes 12 bacon strips, cooked & crumbled 1/4 c. mayonnaise 1/8 tsp. pepper 4 flour tortillas, warmed (10") In a large bowl, combine the first 5 ingredients; mix well. Spoon down center of each tortilla; fold the ends over filling & roll up. Serve immediately. Chicken Sandwiches 1 stick butter 2 1/2 c. water 1 boullion cube 1 pkg. Stove Top seasoned stuffing 1 can cream of chicken soup 3 (14.5 oz) cans of chicken Mix all together & put in crockpot until warmed through. Mini Man Burgers - Alton Brown 1/2 tsp. onion powder 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1 lb. ground chuck 1/2 tsp ground black pepper 1/2 tsp. kosher salt Combine seasonings in a small bowl. Set aside. Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper & place ground chuck on top & cover with large sheet of plastic wrap. Roll meat until it covers the surface of the pan; it should be very thin. Remove wrap & sprinkle with seasoning mix. Fold the meat in 1/2 from side to side using the parchment paper. Use a pizza wheel to cut meat into 8 even squares. Grill. Pizza Burgers 1/2 lb. ground beef 1/2 tsp each minced garlic, beef boullion granules, Italian seasoning 1/4 tsp. salt 2 slices mozzarella cheese pizza sauce favorite pizza toppings Combine beef & spices. Shape into 4 thin patties. Put a slice of cheese on 2 patties; top with other 2 patties & pinch to seal. Grill. Put pizza sauce on like ketchup. Add favorite toppings on top, or in, burger. Hot Pork or Beef Sandwiches 2 lbs. pork or beef roast 1 c. water 1 bottle chili sauce brown sugar to taste pinch of paprika 1 T. vinegar salt & pepper to taste Cook meat slowly with water until tender. Shred. Mix remaining ingredients & add to meat. Simmer 1 hour & thicken if necessary. Serve on buns. Saucy Sandwich Rolls 1 lb. hot dogs, chopped or sliced 3 T. hot bacon grease 1 med onion, chopped fine 1/4 c. flour 3/4 tsp. salt dash of pepper 1/2 tsp each dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce 1 c. celery, chopped 1/2 c. each ketchup, water, shredded mozzarella Brown hot dogs & onion in bacon fat. Remove from heat, blend in everything but cheese. Cook about 5 minutes or until celery is tender, stirring occasionally. Add cheese & heat until melted. Serve on hot dog or hamburger buns. Wimpies Sandwiches 2 cans chicken gumbo soup 1 bottle chili sauce 1/2 c. brown sugar 2 T. worcestershire sauce 3 lb. hamburger 1 sm. onion, chopped Brown meat & onion. Add all other items & simmer 1 1/4 hours. Brats in Beer 1 (12 oz) can beer 2 T. brown sugar 2 T. soy sauce 1 T. chili powder 1 T. prepared mustard 1/8 tsp. garlic powder 8 uncooked bratwurst In a small bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients. Pour into large resealable plastic bag; add bratwurst. Seal & turn to coat; refrigerate 4 hours or overnight. Grill, turning frequently. Recipe of the Day - snacks

Scarlet and gray submitted this one.

Candy Kiss Pretzels

1 sm. bag pretzel twists or squares

1 sm. 13 oz. bag hershey kisses

1 sm. bag m&ms

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Unwrap kisses and place one on each pretzel on the cookie sheet. Bake 2-3 minutes until chocolate is soft. Press m&ms onto chocolate and let cool.