Skillet Cheddar Ranch Chicken

Skillet Cheddar Ranch Chicken

 Skillet Cheddar Ranch Chicken - Moist chicken that is coated with ranch dressing, covered with a crunchy breading and topped with melted cheddar cheese.  Add this to your dinner rotation pronto! 

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Ingredients Needed

• Chicken breasts
• Ranch dressing
• Bread crumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Dried spices: onion, garlic, salt and pepper

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Can I Bake This in The Oven Instead?

Yes. Bread the chicken as noted in the recipe. Then, bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30-40 minutes. 

Chicken Breasts

I used 4 small size chicken breasts. Stick with 3-4 breasts for the recipe to work.

Cooking Time

Cooking time may vary, depending on the size/thickness of your chicken breasts. Be sure the internal temperature of your chicken is at least 165 degrees before serving.

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Chicken Pillows

Chicken Pillows

Chicken Pillows- Seasoned, creamy chicken tucked into a buttery crescent and breaded with crunchy breadcrumbs..  Finish it off with your favorite chicken gravy or alfredo sauce and make it your new favorite family dinner. 

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These lovelies have been in my index for about 10 years.  My family seriously adores them. Serve them with a side of mashed potatoes, rice or just a side salad. Whichever you choose, they will become a family favorite in no time at all .

Ingredients Needed

• Chicken (cooked)
• Butter
• Cream cheese
• Dried spices: salt, pepper, onion, garlic, parsley (or chives)
• Crescent roll dough
• Bread crumbs

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How to Make Your Chicken Pillows

• detailed instructions in recipe card
• Prepare chicken filling. Be sure your butter and cream cheese are softened, plus, your chicken must be cooked. 
• Create 4 rectangles with your crescent roll dough.  Crescent roll dough. 
• Divide the filling evenly into the rectangles and fold in the corners. Then, press it all together to cover the filling.  Roll it into a ball.
• Dip them into the melted butter, then, bread crumbs.  
• Bake!

What About Sauce on Top?

These are great with chicken gravy ( store bought or homemade),  Alfredo sauce or simply plain. Your choice! They are delicious just about any way you serve them. 

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Mini Meatloaves

Mini Meatloaves

Mini Meatloaves- The classic comfort food made in a mini version. They come together quickly and making them smaller cuts your cooking time in half. Serve them a side of your favorite creamy mashed potatoes to finish off your dinner.

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My mom made meatloaf all the time when I was growing up. I am assuming this is because ground meat wasn't very expensive, she could feed a bunch of people (there was seven of us) and it was quick to toss together.

Now, I found out just a few years before my mom died, that she actually hated meatloaf! She made it frequently, because of the above reasons, plus, my dad liked it.  He was the head of the household and that, my friends, is how she cooked.  🤷

My husband loves meatloaf and I make it for that reason, but, plus, me and the kids really like it too. The only difference is that mine are usually in these mini versions.

Cuts back on cooking time and honestly, they are fun. 

Ingredients Needed

• Ground beef
• Bread crumbs
• Egg
• Minced onion
• Ketchup

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Recipe Notes:

• Do not over-mix your meat mixture. Simply mix until everything until it is combined well. Over mixing can give you a tough meatloaf.

• Not a fan of ketchup? It can be replaced with your favorite BBQ sauce.

• The internal temperature of your meat should be at least 160 degrees when done.

• The mini meatloaves pictured are topped with mashed potatoes. Nothing fancy about them ( they are actually made from potato flakes!). I piped them with a 1M piping tip.
• This recipe should make you anywhere from 10-12 mini meatloaves, depending on the size. 

Can I Bake This in A Loaf Pan Instead?

Of course!  In a 9-10 inch loaf pan, bake it for 50-60 minutes at 350 degrees. 

Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead?

Yes! Ground beef and ground turkey will both work fine for these. However, ground turkey has less fat content than ground beef. So, cut your cooking time back just a few minutes. This will help the meatloaves stay moist and not dry out.

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One Pot Sloppy Joes

One Pot Sloppy Joes

One Pot Sloppy Joes- The classic! Ground beef simmered in a tangy sauce. It's all made up in one pot and can easily be doubled to feed a crowd. 

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 I have shared this recipe in the past and the one question is....is that ketchup amount correct?  The answer?  Yes, it is.   

This is my mom's sloppy joe recipe and just the smell of it in my kitchen transports me back to my childhood.  It's so yummy and goes perfect with a side of plain ole' potato chips!

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Celery
• White vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Lemon juice
• Worcestershire sauce
• Ketchup
• Salt/Pepper

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Recipe Notes

Can I Use Ground Turkey?

Yes. Your ground beef can easily be replaced with ground turkey. 

Onion and Celery

I like to use fresh versions of both.  I chop them up pretty well, so, I don't have chunks in the sauce. However, you can use dry minced onion or celery salt as a replacement. 

Can This Be Doubled?

Yes! This can easily be doubled. The doubled version will serve about 10-12 people! 

Can I Freeze This?

Again, yes!  Make your sloppy joes as directed and let them cool completely.  Then, store in a freezer safe, covered storage bag or container.  They will be good for 3-6 months. When you are ready, defrost to room temperature, then, reheat in a skillet. 

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Beer Bread

Beer Bread

Beer Bread- A delicious quick bread that requires just 4 ingredients! Serve it as a side or with your favorite creamy dip.  It goes great with just about anything you are serving or by itself. 

Soooo long ago,  I went to my sister in law's house for a birthday party. She served up beer bread that was cut into chunks and served with a creamy spinach dip.  It was dee-vine. 

Fast forward several years and I am still making it.  Not just to go with a dip, but, simply by itself as a side to dinner. It is still just as good and simple as ever.

Now, you can buy a package of mix to make beer bread...don't waste your money on it!  This bread is so simple, you won't need it. 

 Ingredients Needed:

• Self rising flour
• Sugar
• Beer
• Butter

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Recipe Notes

Self Rising Flour

None on hand? Make it homemade. 👌

Do I Have to Use Beer?

Honestly, no.  I have made this bread with regular beer, non alcoholic beer, root beer and lemon lime soda. They have all worked great.  Stick with a carbonated beverage that is 12 ounces in size for the recipe to work best. 

Storage & Freezing

Keep any leftovers in a covered container/storage bag. It's best eaten within a week or so.  If desired, you can freeze this bread. Let it cool completely, then, store it in a freezer safe, covered container or storage bag.  It will be good for a couple of months.

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Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken- Moist, flavorful chicken that only needs a handful of simple ingredients to make.  Serve it with your favorite starchy side and call it dinner. 

This chicken?  Soooo good.

This chicken? Soooo simple.

Ingredients Needed

• Chicken breasts
• Mayonnaise
• Bread crumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Dried spices: onion, garlic, black pepper

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Recipe Notes

Chicken

This can be easily cut back or doubled to fit your serving size.   I usually make about 1 pound of chicken breasts or about 4 medium size breasts. 

Can I Use Any Type of Mayonnaise?

Yes.  I have used regular mayo, vegan mayo, mayo made with olive oil, homemade mayo and low fat.  They all work! Note, I have not used Miracle Whip or something similar, so, I can't say for sure how it would work out. If you do, please let me know. 👍

Parmesan Cheese

You can use fresh or grated. Go with your favorite!

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Taco Dip

Taco Dip

Taco Dip- A creamy, flavorful dip that only requires three main ingredients. You can finish it off with your preferred toppings to create the perfect party dish.

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I can't even tell you how many times this dip was consumed by me or a member of my family. It's been around since my childhood ( that's a long time ago ) and it's always a hit.

It's great for a party, gathering or just when you are craving it.

Just Three Main Ingredients

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Taco seasoning 

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Recipe Notes

Sour Cream

If desired, you can use Plain Greek yogurt as an alternative.  You can also opt for a fat free or low fat version.  They all work great!

Cream Cheese

As with the sour cream, you can use a low fat or fat free version of cream cheese for this dip.  Just be sure it's softened before mixing. 

Taco Seasoning

I use a standard size envelope ( 1.25 oz) of taco seasoning.   This is totally adaptable. You can make your own homemade, use more (or less) to your taste preference or use a low salt ( or salt free ) version. 

Top Your Dip With Your Favorite Stuff.  A  Few Ideas:

• shredded lettuce
• shredded taco blend or cheddar cheese
• chopped tomatoes
• chopped onions
• olives
• pico de gallo
• salsa

Serve with a side of tortilla chips, raw veggies or pita chips.

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Baked Spaghetti

Baked Spaghetti

 Baked Spaghetti-  A delicious and easy dish filled with cooked spaghetti noodles, spaghetti sauce, cheese and Italian sausage. Pair it with garlic bread or a side salad to round out your meal.

Much like Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies, this recipe has been in my recipe archives for a really long time.  Honestly, I can't remember who gave it to me, but, it is, like the cookies, a family favorite. 

It can be adapted to your own taste preference and be ready in a snap.

Ingredients Needed

• Spaghetti
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian sausage
• Spaghetti sauce
• Egg

Recipe Notes

What Kind of Spaghetti Should I Use?

Any kind.  Yes, any kind  You can use regular spaghetti, whole wheat or a gluten free version.  I have used them all with this recipe and they all work great.  You will be baking your spaghetti after it's already cooked, so, simply follow the directions on your preferred pasta box. 

💡Tip:  If you have leftover, plain, cooked spaghetti in your fridge...this is a great way to make use of it. 

Why Do I Rinse The Pasta in Cold Water?

This will stop the cooking process of the pasta and will help prevent your spaghetti from being mushy or overcooked.  

Can I Use A Different Protein?

Yes.  Instead of Italian sausage, you can use ground turkey, ground beef or a meatless crumble option.  You can also omit the protein/meat altogether.  It's delicious either way. 😉

Storage

Keep any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator. 

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Italian Sausage Manicotti

Italian Sausage Manicotti

Italian Sausage Manicotti- The classic pasta dish with a handy shortcut! Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this dish combines mozzarella cheese, manicotti shells and zesty Italian sausage for a satisfying meal that will leave everyone at the table craving for more.

Manicotti is something my mom made quite a bit.  However, her version seemed to take her all afternoon to make.  While it was delicious, I just didn't have the patience to make the traditional manicotti.  Plus, my family are not a fan of ricotta cheese.  

So, I omit it and use mozzarella string cheese as a quick and easy shortcut!

Ingredients Needed

• Manicotti shells
• Italian sausage (spicy or mild) 
• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Dried Spices: garlic, onion, basil, oregano, salt & pepper
• Mozzarella string cheese
• Shredded Italian blend cheese

Recipe Notes & Tips

String Cheese?

Yep.  See an example here. 

Do I Have to Use Italian Sausage?

No. If desired, you can use ground beef, ground turkey or a meatless option.  You can also omit a protein all together and only use the sauce. 

Can I Freeze This?

Yes.  If desired, you can freeze this before baking.  Simply prepare as noted in the recipe, with the exception of the shredded cheese topping  ( use a freezer safe baking dish!) and cover tightly with foil or a lid.  Place in the freezer for future use.  It will be good for a couple of months.  When you are ready to eat, defrost it to room temp and bake as noted in the recipe.  If you bake it while it is still frozen or even partially frozen, you will have to increase your baking time.  

Tips

• After making/draining your manicotti shells, do your best to space the cooked shells apart from each other.  After making, they can stick together easily. 
• Want to split up your recipe? You can divide this into 2- 8 or 9 inch baking pans.  Eat one for dinner and freeze the other pan for a future dinner.  See above for freezing instructions. 

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Ham and Cheddar Scramble

Ham and Cheddar Scramble

Ham and Cheddar Scramble- Start your day off right! A hearty dish of scrambled eggs, diced ham and sharp cheddar cheese is the perfect way to do it. Delicious and packed full of protein. 

While my mom was the total foodie in the family, my dad did a bit of cooking.  Mom handled desserts and dinner, and my dad made weekend breakfasts.  His go-to scrambled eggs were packed full of ham and cheese and were always made perfect.

He never had an official "recipe" for his eggs, but, I did develop this as my own recipe once I started cooking for myself. 

These are perfect for breakfast, brunch or dinner! 

Ingredients

• Eggs
• Milk
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Deli ham
• Dried spices:  salt, pepper, onion powder
• Butter

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Recipe Notes

Can I Adjust This Recipe Easily?

Yes, of course! If desired, this recipe can be easily increased or decreased to fit your preference. 

Cheese

I love a good sharp cheddar cheese in my eggs, but, actually, any flavor will work.  I do recommend using shredded cheese ( either pre-made shredded or shredded by you), as it will melt easier and quicker.

How Long Should I Cook My Eggs?

Anywhere from 3-5 minutes.  This will depend on how you like your scrambled eggs.  If you like your eggs softer, cook them for a shorter time.  If you like them firmer, cook them longer. 

The Most Important Thing About Cooking Scrambled Eggs!

For the best eggs, cook them on low.  Cooking your eggs on high heat could dry them out and give you some not-so-great-tasting scrambled eggs.

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Greek Yogurt Guacamole

Greek Yogurt Guacamole

Greek Yogurt Guacamole- A delicious and versatile guacamole that can be made to fit your taste preference.   Serve it with a side of chips or on tacos, quesadillas, sandwiches, nachos, burgers and more! 

My sister got me on the homemade guacamole kick many years ago. She gave me the original recipe and I adapted it into this version. The Greek yogurt gives your guac a little extra creaminess and the pico is a great shortcut.

Ingredients Needed

• Avocados
• Plain Greek yogurt
• Lime juice
• Salt
• Fresh pico de gallo

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Recipe Notes

What is Pico De Gallo?

Pico de gallo is a blend of fresh, chopped tomatoes, onions, jalapenos and cilantro. It is not the same as salsa.  Salsa has more liquid.  I like to grab a package from the deli section of my local grocery store, instead of making it homemade.  It's just quicker and I can use the pico for a variety  of other dishes. If you can't find pico in your store or simply prefer to make it homemade,  here is a simple recipe.

Avocados

I actually use frozen chopped avocados for this guacamole. I found mine at Aldi.  However, you could probably check out Walmart, Target or your local grocery store for them.  I like them because, if you don't use fresh avocado in a timely matter, it can go bad on you.  With the frozen, they are always ready to go! However, fresh or frozen will work for this recipe.

Taste Your Guac!

Below is what I like for my guacamole. The great thing about this dip is its versatility. Taste your guac as you make it and adjust the ingredients to fit your preference.

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Baked Meatballs

Baked Meatballs

Baked Meatballs- Easy meatballs that are baked right in your oven and are totally versatile!  Goes perfect with a side of pasta, rice, on a sandwich or by themselves.

These meatballs are my mom's classic recipe.  She made them with ground beef and we usually ate them with pasta and red sauce.  I make them with ground turkey, ground chicken or ground beef. Plus, I serve them on sandwiches, with rice ( & sweet and sour sauce) or in casseroles. 

Ingredients Needed:

• Ground turkey
• Bread crumbs
• Eggs
• Milk
• Parsley + Minced garlic
• Grated Parmesan cheese

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Do I Have to Use Ground Turkey?

Nope. This recipe will also work for ground beef, ground chicken or ground pork.  With that said, ground turkey has less fat than these previous mention meats. So, you may need to cut back your baking time by just a minute or two. 

Can I Freeze These?

Yes.  Let them cool completely. Then, store in a freezer safe/covered container or storage bag. They will be good for 2-3 months. 

Serving Ideas:

These go great with the traditional red sauce and pasta. However, they will also go great on sandwiches, served with rice or potatoes, served with Alfredo sauce, with BBQ or just plain. They are also perfect for lunch! 

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Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip

Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip

Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip! A delicious dip that only requires three ingredients and can be served with your favorite raw veggies, chips, pretzels or pita chips.