Sage Sausage Bread

This dish is a cross between Thanksgiving Dressing and biscuit. This year, our family will enjoy this Christmas morning. Ingredients: 1 pound sage pork sausage 1 small onion, chopped 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped 1/2 cup shredded Swiss (We had cheddar on hand and it worked well.) 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 egg, beaten 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce 1/3 cup milk 2 cups baking mix 1/4 cup melted butter 1 teaspoon salt 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (I used dried and was happy with the results.) Directions: Preheat oven [+]

Taco Potato Shells

This was the first time I made twice-baked potatoes, but I'm now convinced that they are worth the extra time. Plus, this recipe is the perfect dish for a few of the gargantuan potatoes my guy picked up at Costco. Ingredients: 3 large baking potatoes 1 Tablespoon butter, melted 1 pound ground beef (You could get away with a half pound if you substitute with extra veggies, i.e. onions, peppers, shredded carrot, tomato, etc.) 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained 1 (1.25 [+]

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

After fixing Pumpkin Pancakes over the weekend, I decided we needed another pumpkin treat. Actually, the leftover pumpkin in the fridge was taunting me and I didn't want to see it go to waste. This recipe was rated a 5 of 5 by my children and I have to agree. The flavor and texture was light and perfect. It also used the exact amount of pumpkin that I had left from the Pumpkin Pancakes. Bonus! Pumpkin Oatmeal [+]

Jack-O-Lantern Oranges and Celery Broomsticks

How fun is this?! My kids came home to this healthy after-school snack today. I simply used an orange peeler to make the shapes. I also recently made Celery Broomsticks by slicing the ends of a celery stick and placing in ice water for several minutes. I love finding new ways to make fruit and vegetables fun.  Do you have any special ways of preparing fun veggies? This post has been linked to: Works for Me Wednesday by We [+]

Chocolate Pumpkin Pancakes

These pancakes are a delicious way to welcome Fall.  My children and I tried them and loved them, even though we didn't have any chocolate chips on hand. Chocolate Pumpkin Pancakes Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup quick cooking oats 1/4 cup brown sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup milk 1 egg, beaten 3/4 cup canned pumpkin 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips Directions: In a large bowl, stir together flour, oats, brown sugar, baking [+]

Baby Week – Baby and Toddler Recipes

Since my children are no longer babies or toddlers, I have not tried any recipes for babies in a very long time. I did want to provide some for Baby Week, so I have created a list of websites who are more well-versed on the subject than I. Recipe Sites: BabyandToddlerRecipes.com - some unique baby and toddler friendly recipes WholesomeBabyFood.com - very comprehensive site with everything from recipes to food allergies to introducing your baby to solids. Homemade Baby [+]

Little Applesauce Muffins

My mom baked these often when I was younger. They are easy to prepare and require only pantry staples. These light and fluffy Applesauce Muffins are the perfect dessert when served warm on a chilly evening. Ingredients: 1/2 cup softened butter 1/2 cup sugar 2 eggs 3/4 cup applesauce 1 3/4 cup flour 1 Tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt Reserve for muffin tops after baking: 1/4 cup melted butter 1/2 cup sugar mixed with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon Directions: Cream softened butter and sugar until [+]

Free Recipes for Restaurant Favorites

If you are looking for a fun meal this weekend or have a craving for your favorite restaurant dishes, but are watching your funds, consider making them at home. You can download a free eCookbook: 27 Secret Restaurant Copycat Recipes featuring 46-pages of quick and easy recipes from your favorite restaurants. Click Here for your free Copycat Recipes [+]

Chicken Pesto Pizza

I think I found a new family favorite! It is a nice compromise to ordering out and in comparison to restaurants, it's a cheaper alternative. It does cost more than our average meal, so I plan to fix it again on the days we want something special. Chicken Pesto Pizza Ingredients: 1/2 cup pesto sauce 1 (12 inch) pre-baked pizza crust 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed. (Next time you bake or grill chicken, prepare an extra couple of pieces [+]

Thai Cucumber Salad

I love July because it means fresh cucumbers from our garden. I cannot grow anything and I'm so glad that my husband has a green thumb because I look forward to the homegrown veggies. If you are looking for an interesting way to use up some cucumbers, you might enjoy: Thai Cucumber Salad Ingredients: 3 large cucumbers, peeled, cut in half lengthwise and cut into 1/4- inch slices 1 tablespoon salt 1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 cup rice wine or white [+]