Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup oil
1 oz red food coloring
1 oz water
2 tbsp cocoa
1 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup buttermilk
3 1/2 cups flour
1 tbsp vinegar
1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 cup softened butter
8 oz package of softened cream cheese
7 oz jar of marshmallow creme

Directions:
Combine cocoa, food coloring and water. Set aside to dissolve. Blend oil, sugar and eggs. Add food coloring mixture. Combine buttermilk, salt & vanilla. Add to mixture. Add flour. Dissolve soda in vinegar. Fold into batter. Drop by spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheets or parchment paper. Bake approximately 10 mins at 350. Remove from tray and add filling.

Filling:
In medium bowl beat butter & cream cheese. Fold into marshmallow creme.

To Store:
Wrap each pie with plastic wrap to retain moisture. These freeze well!

Black Bottom Cupcakes

Ingredients:
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 egg
1/3 cup white sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup white sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line muffin tins with paper cups or lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, egg, 1/3 cup sugar and 1/8 teaspoon salt until light and fluffy. Stir in the chocolate chips and set aside.

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, 1 cup sugar, cocoa, baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Make a well in the center and add the water, oil, vinegar and vanilla. Stir together until well blended. Fill muffin tins 1/3 full with the batter and top with a dollop of the cream cheese mixture.

Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes.

Bierock Casserole

Ingredients:
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
1 (16 oz) can sauerkraut, drained and pressed dry
2 (8 oz) cans refrigerated crescent rolls
1 (8 oz) package shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°. Brown onion and ground beef in a large skillet over medium high heat; drain extra fat out of skillet, then stir in drained sauerkraut. Heat through and set aside.

Press 1 package of crescent roll dough into the bottom of a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread beef mixture on top, sprinkle with cheese, and lay 2nd package of crescent roll dough over the top of the beef mixture. Press dough seams together Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Bacon Sticks

Ingredients:
12 slices of bacon
12 thin breadsticks (7 inch)
8 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Directions:
Wrap 1 slice of bacon in spiral-fashion around each breadstick. Place 6 breadsticks on double-thick layer of paper towels on microwaveable plate. Microwave on HIGH for 2-4 minutes. Roll immediately in parmesan cheese until evenly coated. Repeat steps. Place in cup to serve. A quick appetizer that bacon lovers will love!

Double-Delight PB Cookies

(Recipe thanks to Pillsbury 2008 Bake-Off Winner Carolyn Gurtz)
Ingredients:
1/4 cup dry roasted peanuts, finely chopped
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 roll (16.5 oz) refrigerated peanut butter cookies, well chilled

Directions:
Heat oven to 375°F. In small bowl, mix chopped peanuts, granulated sugar and cinnamon; set aside. In another small bowl, stir peanut butter and powdered sugar until completely blended.
Shape mixture into 24 (1-inch) balls.

Cut roll of cookie dough into 12 slices. Cut each slice in half crosswise to make 24 pieces; flatten slightly. Shape 1 cookie dough piece around 1 peanut butter ball, covering completely. Repeat with remaining dough and balls. Roll each covered ball in peanut mixture; gently pat mixture completely onto balls.

On ungreased large cookie sheets, place balls 2 inches apart. Spray bottom of drinking glass with cooking spray; press into remaining peanut mixture. Flatten each ball to 1/2-inch thickness with bottom of glass. Sprinkle any remaining peanut mixture evenly on tops of cookies; gently press into dough. Bake 7 to 12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheets to cooling rack. Store tightly covered.

Rating: B+
If you love peanut butter, you'll love this recipe!

Sloppy Joe Biscuits

Ingredients:
3/4 lb ground beef
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/3 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 can Grands buttermilk biscuits
1 egg yolk
1/4 teaspoon water
1/2 cup shredded cheese

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375. Spray large cookie sheet w/ Pam. In skillet cook beef, onion, bell pepper over medium-high heat until beef is thoroughly cooked, drain. Stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt & pepper.

Seperate dough into 8 biscuits. Place 2 1/2 inches apart on cookie sheet. With bottom of flat 2 inch diameter glass or fingers, press out each biscuit to 3 1/2 inch round with 1/4 inch rim around outside edge. In a small bowl, beat egg yolk, and water w/ fork. Brush over top and sides of each biscuit.

Spoon about 1/3 cup beef mixture into indentation in each biscuit. Sprinkle each biscuit w/ shredded cheese. Bake 12-17 mins or until biscuits are golden brown and cheese is melted.

Rating: A++
Our new favorite dish! Tim requests them every week, and several guests have asked for the recipe. I've also used just a can of sloppy joe if I'm in a rush.

Chunky Salsa

(Recipe thanks to Carrie H.)
Ingredients:
4 medium tomatoes chopped
1 medium onion chopped
2 jalapenos chopped

Directions:
Mix well and serve w/ tortilla chips.

Rating: A+
Super easy and so good:)

Chicken Enchiladas

(Recipe thanks to Carrie H.)
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup chopped garlic powder
1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 sour cream
1 1/2 cups cubed cooked chicken breast meat
1 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
6 corn tortillas
1/4 cup milk

Directions:
Preaheat oven to 350. Lightly grease a large baking dish. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and saute the green onion until tender (about 3-4 mins). Add the garlic powder, then stir in the green chiles, cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Mix well. Reserve 3/4 of this sauce and set aside. To the remaining 1/4 of the sauce in the saucepan, add the chicken and 1/2 cup of shredded cheese. Stir together.

Fill each tortilla w/ the chicken mixture and roll up. Place seam side down in the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl combine the reserved 3/4 of the sauce w/ the milk. Spoon this mixture over the rolled tortillas and top w/ the remaining cup of shredded cheese. Bake for 30-35 mins or until cheese is bubbly.

Rating: A
I'd like to try flour tortillas next time.

Brown Sugar Meatloaf

Ingredients:
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 packet onion soup seasoning
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
3/4 cup of bread crumbs
2 slices of bread

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease a 5x9 inch loaf pan & place two slices of bread at the bottom (will soak up grease.) Mix brown sugar, ketchup & Worcestershire in bowl & set aside. In another mixing bowl, mix thoroughly all remaining ingredients. Shape into a loaf, and place on top of sliced bread. Poke a few holes in loaf, and pour half of ketchup mixture on top. Bake for 45 minutes. Pour remaining ketchup mixture on top and bake for additional 15 mintues.

Rating: A-
Everyone enjoyed and extremely easy!

Triple Threat Brownies

(Recipe thanks to Scaredbride)
Ingredients:
2 cups packed light brown sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, melted
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2/3 cup peanut butter chips
2/3 cup white chocolate chips
Chocolate Chip Drizzle (recipe follows)

Directions:
Heat oven 350. Grease 15.5 x10.5 x 1 inch jelly roll pan. Stir together brown sugar and butter in large bowl; beat in eggs and vanilla until smooth. Add flour and salt, beating just until blended; stir in chocolate, peanut butter and white chips. Spread batter in prepared pan. Bake 25-30 mins or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely; cut into bars. With tines of fork. Drizzle Chocolate Chip Drizzle randomly over bars. About 6 dozen bars.

Chocolate Chip Drizzle:
Place 1/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips and 1/4 teaspoon shortening (do not use butter or margarine) in small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 secs; stir. If necessary, microwave at 10 seconds intervals; stirring after each heating, until chips are melted and mixture is smooth. Place in small ziplock bag and cut the tip of one corner. Squeeze chocolate over cooled brownies.

Rating: A-
Who doesn't LOVE brownies:)

Oreo Bombs

Ingredients:
1 package of Oreo's
1 package of Cream Cheese (8oz)
1 bag of chocolate chips
1 tablespoon of Crisco
1 package of Betty Crocker Microwaveable White Chocolate.

Directions:
Crumble oreos in food processor or blender into little bits. Place in bowl and mix (by hand) cream cheese. Roll into small balls and place on wax paper on cookie sheet. Place in fridge for 2 hours. Melt chocolate chips in sauce pan w/ Crisco on low heat (takes about 10 mins). Roll oreo balls in chocolate and place on wax paper. Place back in fridge for 30mins -1 hr. Drizzle white chocolate on top. Place in fridge until ready to serve.

Rating: A-
Not my favorite dessert, but I had several coworkers ask for the recipe.

Veggie Pizza

Ingredients:
2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent rolls
1 package cream cheese, softened
1 package of ranch seasoning mix

1/4 cup broccoli chopped
1/4 cup cucumber chopped

1/4 cup green peppers chopped
1/4 cup carrot chopped
1 package of shredded cheese

Directions:

Heat oven to 375°F. Separate cans of dough into 4 long rectangles, or place to fit your sheet. Press dough seams together. Bake 13 to 17 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely, about 30 minutes. In small bowl, mix cream cheese & ranch seasoning pack. Spread over crust. Top with vegetables. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate 1 to 2 hours before serving.

Rating: A+

I LOVE THIS STUFF!

Baked Chicken Parmesan

(Recipe thanks to Jen C.)
Ingredients:
4-8 skinned boneless chicken breats
2c. breadcrumbs
1/2 c. parmesan cheese
1 small can fried onion rings (crushed)
1 T. parsley flakes
1 stick margarine/butter
1 t. garlic powder
1 t. dry mustard
1 t. Worchestershire sauce
4-8 slices of mozzarella

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°. Combine breadcrumbs, chese, onion rings, parsley into bowl and set aside. Melt 1 butter in seperate bowl. Add garlic powder, dry mustard, wochestershire sauce and stir. Dip chicken in butter mixture. Roll in crumb mixture. Place on baking sheet sprayed lightly with Pam. Sprinkle some the remaining crumbs over chicken and spoon some of remaining butter mixture over. Bake 45 mins - 1 hour. Place slices of mozzarella on top of each chicken and place in oven till melted.

Rating: B
I'm not a huge fan of chicken, but my husband gave it 2 thumbs up!

Taco Pizza

AKA - Burrito Pizza
Ingredients:
1 can of refrigerated pizza dough
1 small (6oz) can tomato paste
3/4 cup water
1 package taco seasoning mix
1 teaspoon chili powder, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
1 can refried beans
1/3 cup salsa
1 small can of diced chilies
1/4 cup chopped onion
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups of shredded lettuce

Directions:
Preheat oven to 425°. Roll out pizza dough onto greased cookie sheet or stone. In a small bowl, combine tomato paste, water, and package of taco seasoning mix. Stir in chili powder and cayenne pepper; set aside. In another bowl, mix refried beans, salsa, diced chilies, and onion.
Spread a layer of the bean mixture on the pizza dough, then add a layer of the tomato mixture. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Bake in preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted. Add shredded lettuce and ready to serve.

Rating: A+
We'll definitely be having this again! My husband's eyes lit up when he bit into this one!

Tin Roof Pie

Ingredients:
¾ cup caramel ice cream topping
¾ cup peanuts, chopped
1 quart (4 cups) vanilla ice cream, softened
1 chocolate pie crust

Directions:
Stir half of the caramel and half of the peanuts into ice cream. Spoon into crust. Freeze for 4 hours or until firm. Top with the rest of the caramel and peanuts.

Rating: A
Super easy & very tasty:)

Oatmeal Scotchies

Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or grated peel of 1orange
3 cups quick or old-fashioned oats
1 2/3 cups (11-oz. pkg.) butterscotch morsels

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°. Combine flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in oats and morsels. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 7 to 8 minutes for chewy cookies or 9 to 10 minutes for crisp cookies. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Rating: A+

Yummy! My husband ate 5 in 5 minutes:) This could be one of my favorite cookies!

Jamaican Beef Patties

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
1 dash salt
1/4 cup margarine
1/4 cup shortening
1/3 cup water
2 tablespoons margarine
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup beef broth
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1 egg, beaten

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°. In a large bowl, combine flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder, and pinch of salt. Cut in 1/4 cup margarine and shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in water until mixture forms a ball. Shape dough into a log, and cut into 10 equal sections. Roll each section into a six inch circle (approximately 1/8 inch thick). Set aside.

Melt margarine in a skillet over medium heat. Saute onion until soft and translucent. Stir in ground beef. Season with 1 teaspoon curry powder, thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Cook until beef is evenly brown, stirring constantly. Stir in beef broth and bread crumbs. Simmer until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat.

Spoon equal amounts of filling into each pastry circle. Fold over and press edges together, making a half circle. Use a fork to press edges, and brush the top of each patty with beaten egg. Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Rating: C
My husbnd and I agree that these aren't the same as the ones we had in Jamaica. The meat filling seems similar, but the breading wasn't as thin and flaky as we remember.

Spinach, Strawberry, & Heart of Palm Salad

(Recipe thanks to Courtney R. or Paula Dean)
Ingredients:
1/3 cup cider vinegar
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup vegetable oil
1/2 small red onion grated
1 1/2 tablespoons poppy seeds
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 1/2 pounds fresh spinach, washed and torn into pieces
1 can hearts of palm, drained and chopped
2 cups of strawberries, stemmed and sliced
1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:
For the dressing, combine the vinegar, sugar, lemon juice, and salt in a small non-reactive saucepan and heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring frequently. Remove pan from heat and let cool to room temperature. When cooled, whisk in the oil, onion, poppy seeds, dry mustard and paprika until thoroughly combined. Set dressing aside. In a salad bowl, combine the spinach, hearts of palm, strawberries, and walnuts. When ready to serve, add some of the dressing, and toss gently. Serve the remaining dressing alongside the salad so diners may add more, if desired.

Rating: A+
This salad is to die for! My husband and I spoiled our dinner because we couldn't stop eating it before our chicken was done. Delicious!

Rollercoaster Cake

My sister came over the other night to make a cake for her boyfriend. I helped her w/ the decorations, and thought it turned out (not yummy) rather cute...and no, he's not 12, he just loves rollercoasters:)
Ingredients

Cake mix

White icing

Blue food dye

Pre-cut Fruit Rollups

Sprinkles

Pretzel sticks

Large fruit gummies

Thin licorice

Chocolate chips

Bierocks

(Recipe thanks to Nancy R.)
Ingredients:
1 cup All Bran cereal
1 cup sugar
1.5 tsp salt
2 pkgs yeast
1 cup boiling water
1 cup shortening
2 well beaten eggs
6 cups flour

1.5 lbs. ground beef
1/4 head of cabbage or 1 can sauerkraut
1 onion
S&P

Bread:
In a large bowl, pour boiling water over All Bran. Add sugar, shortening, & salt. Let cool, then add beaten eggs. Dissolve yeast in 1 cup warm water & add mixture. Add flour & mix as for any rolls. Let rise, then work down. Let rest 10 minutes or more.

Filling:
Cook ingredients in tightly covered pan for 20 minutes, then cool. Make rolls & flatten each one & top with filling. Fold dough over the meat & seal. Place on a greased pan with folded side down. Let rise. Bake in 375 degrees oven for about 20 minutes.
I place extra in gallon bags & keep frozen. When ready, I cut & place sliced cheese inside and then microwave for 30sec - 1 min until warm.

Rating: A
I LOVE these things! My husband makes fun of me because I could eat them for every meal:)

Taco Salad

(Recipe thanks to Nancy R.)
Ingredients:
1 head lettuce chopped
1 white onion chopped
2 diced tomatoes
1 cups shredded cheddar
1 or 2 cans of RanchStyle pinto beans
1 small bottle Catalino
1 bag of Fritos

Directions:







Mix all ingredients & add Fritos at serving time.

Rating: B+
This is a staple in our house.

Rolo Turtles

Ingredients:

1 bag of Rolos

1 bag of small pretzels

1 bag of walnuts

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°. Place pretzels on cookie sheet. Put unwrapped rolos on top of the pretzel. Cook for 3-5 mins until the rolos are soft, but not melted. Pull out of oven and top with walnuts.

Rating: A
I think these were the easiest things I've ever made. YUMMY!