Thursday, January 8, 2009

Ambrosia



This recipe is really easy to make and really yummy. It's great for potlucks, birthdays, or anytime.

Ambrosia

1 can (20 oz.) chunk pineapple
1 can (11 oz.) mandarin oranges
1 1/2 cups seedless grapes
1 cup miniature marshmallows (the colored, tropical flavored kind are really good)
1 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup chopped nuts (I prefer pecans)
3/4 cup sour cream
1 tbs. sugar

1) Drain pineapple and mandarin oranges. Add grapes, marshmallows, coconut, and nuts.

2) Mix sour cream and sugar. Stir into fruit mixture. Chill for several hours.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Baked Vidalia Onion Dip



This is probably my husband's favorite dip and he's always requesting it! This recipe is super-easy too.

Baked Vidalia Onion Dip

1 cup chopped Vidalia onion
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup Mayonnaise (Hellmann's is best)
1 clove garlic, finely chopped

1)Preheat oven to 375°.

2)In 1-quart casserole, combine all ingredients. Bake 25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with your favorite dippers.

Oatmeal Nut Waffles

Move over Eggo! These waffles are easy to make and are way better than those frozen kinds in the store. These are hearty and would make a great breakfast with some eggs and OJ. I double these and keep them in a ziploc bag in the freezer for a quick breakfast. Just pop them in the toaster as usual.

Oatmeal Nut Waffles

1 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups milk
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 tbs. honey
1 cup quick oats
1 cup chopped nuts (I prefer pecans.)

1) Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. In separate bowl beat eggs, milk, butter and honey; mix with dry ingredients. Fold in oats and nuts.

2) Bake in a preheated waffle iron according to manufacturers directions.

Makes 8-10 waffles.

Sweet Potato Casserole - Great for the holidays or potlucks!



This casserole is so yummy and in my opinion, way better than the usual casserole topped with marshmallows at Thanksgiving. This is so good, you just might want to have it for dessert instead!

Sweet Potato Casserole

6 cups cooked, mashed sweet potatoes (approximately 3 large potatoes)
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/3 cup milk
1/2 cup butter, softened

Topping:
1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup flour
1/3 cup butter, softened (do not melt)
1 cup finely chopped pecans

1) Combine sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, vanilla, milk, and 1/2 cup butter. Beat with electric mixer until smooth. Spoon into greased 13X9 in. pan.

2) Combine brown sugar, flour, 1/3 cup butter, and pecans. Sprinkle over top. Bake at 350 deg. for 30 min.

Makes 8-10 servings.

Classic Potato Salad



This is great for a barbecue, potluck, or anytime.

Classic Potato Salad

2 lbs. potatoes (5 to 6 medium), peeled and cut into 3/4-inch chunks (This works best to boil potatoes in their jackets so it doesn't get mushy.)
1 cup mayonnaise (Hellmann's is best)
2 Tbsp. vinegar (Can use less, it tends to be strong.)
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 cup thinly sliced celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped

1)In 4-quart saucepot, cover potatoes with water; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Drain and cool slightly.

2)In large bowl, combine mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, sugar and pepper. Add potatoes, celery, onion and eggs and toss gently. Serve chilled or at room temperature. (Tastes best chilled on the second day in my opinion.)

Easy Crescent Dogs



This recipe couldn't be easier and it's great for birthday parties or get-togethers. It's an updated version of "pigs in a blanket" and in my opinion, much tastier!

Crescent Dogs

8 hot dogs
4 slices (3/4 oz each) American cheese, each cut into 6 strips
1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury refrigerated crescent dinner rolls

1) Heat oven to 375°F. Slit hot dogs to within 1/2 inch of ends; insert 3 strips of cheese into each slit.

2) Separate dough into triangles. Wrap dough triangle around each hot dog. Place on ungreased cookie sheet (I always grease mine), cheese side up.

3) Bake at 375°F. for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.