March 9, 2012

Hawaiian Haystacks

Lets be honest, who doesn't like a dinner that comes together like that, is good and is also great for left overs? This meal fits into all those categories. I loved this growing up because i was obsessed with chow mein noodles. I would sneak into my moms pantry and eat them right out of the can, and a meal that uses these is a must eat for me! I added carrots and mandarin oranges in mine, and opted out of the coconut. Thats what is great about this meal, just put on top whatever you like! olives are really good on it too :)

Hawaiian Haystacks

2 c. cooked diced chicken
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 c. chicken broth
4 c. cooked long grain rice
2 can chow mein noodles

Combine soup and chicken broth in a large saucepan to make gravy. Stir to blend. Add chicken and simmer for 8 to 10 min.

Toppings:

3 med tomatoes diced
1 c. grated cheddar cheese
1 c. chopped celery
1/2 chopped green pepper'1/2 c. chopped green onions
1 can pineapple chunks drained
1/2 c. slivered almonds
1/2 c. toasted coconut

Layer on plate in the following order:

Rice, chow mein noodles and gravy. add tomatoes, celery green pepper, and green onions. Top with pineapple and cheese. Top with almonds and coconut.



March 2, 2012

Chocolate Toffee Cookies


Are you in the mood for some gooey, chocolately, crunchy goodness??? Well you found just the cookie to satisfy your craving! A mix of melted chocolate, toffee and nuts is sure to hit the spot. Enjoy!


Chocolate Toffee Cookies

1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 lb. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 c. unsalted butter (you can really use any kind)
1 3/4 c. brown sugar, packed
4 lg. eggs
1 TB vanilla
7 oz toffee bits or crushed Heath bars
1 c. chopped nuts ( I like walnuts or pecans)

Melt chocolate chips and butter in top of a double boiler over simmering water. Combine flour, baking powder and salt in small bowl. Using electric mixer, beat brown sugar and eggs until thick (about 5 min). Add melted chocolate mixture and vanilla and beat until well combined. Mix in flour mixture, then toffee and nuts. Chill batter until firm, about 45 min. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Put balls of dough (about 1/4 c. each) on sheet and bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Cool. Makes about 2 dozen large cookies.


March 1, 2012

Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole

This casserole is not your ordinary Chicken and Broccoli Casserole. It had such a great flavor to it. It was the only way my mom would get me to eat broccoli when I was little and still is to this day ha ha. I think its the curry in it that gives it that amazing flavor! This is one that frequents the dinner table a lot and is great for left overs!

Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole

20 oz. frozen broccoli florets
6-8 chicken breast or 10-14 tenders, cooked ( I just boil mine the break in half)
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of celery soup
1 c. mayonnaise
1/2 tsp. curry
1 T. lemon juice
1 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
Cooked white or Brown rice

Layer frozen broccoli in a 9x13 pan. Break chicken into large pieces ( if using chicken tenders do not break). Lay chicken on top of broccoli. Mix soups, mayo, curry and lemon juice together. Spread on top of chicken. Sprinkle cheese in top. Bake at 350 for 45 min until hot and bubbly. Serve over cooked rice.