Fabulous French Bread

This is yummy, but takes some time as all bread does.

2 1/2 c. very hot water.
2 T. Yeast'
2 T. Sugar

Mix together and let sit for 3-5 min. Add

1 T Salt
2 T. Olive Oil
3 C. Flour

Stir together for 3 min. with a mixer or 5 min. by hand. Then add:

3 C. Flour

Stir/Knead till well blended. Knead it for a while by hand or about 3 min. in a mixer.

Let rise in a warm place for 10 min. Stir it down. Let rise for another 10 min. and then stir down. Do this a total of 5 times. Divide into two halves. Take each ball and shape into a long loaf about 12 in. in length.(They are long skinny loaves) Place on a cookie sheet that has been oiled and sprinkled with corn meal. Let rise for about 30 min. Brush with egg yolks for a crunchy crust or with butter for a soft crust. Bake at 400 for 25-35 min. or until browned and hallow sounding.

Lasagna

This recipe is for my friend Michelle. She said she never made lasagna because it was to hard. I told her I would post this so she could try it and see if she liked it. I think it is fairly easy and yummy.

1 lbs hamburger
1 box lasagna noodles, I like the wheat ones
1 15 oz can of tomato sauce
1 15 oz can of diced tomatoes
dried spaghetti seasoning or oregano and basil
1 16-22 oz can of cottage cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Cheddar cheese
zucchini or other squash
1 egg

Brown hamburger with pepper, garlic and onion powders(no salt as the cheese is salty enough). Pour half of the tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes on the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan. Sprinkle with spaghetti seasoning generously. Place noodles on top. Add half the hamburger. Mix the cottage cheese and egg and then spoon half of it over the hamburger. Add the thinly sliced zucchini or squash. Sprinkle with both cheese. Repeat the layers. Bake at 350 for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Enjoy. I love it with grean beans and french bread. I will add that recipe too.

Crock pot Hamburger Casserole

I got this recipe off recipezaar and changed it a little. It turned out really tasty, but not really like a casserole.

4 medium potatoes
1 lb. hamburger
1 can cream of mushroom or celery soup
1/2 soup cap milk
1 small onion
dried rosemary
salt
pepper

Dice onion, add to pan and brown hamburger, drain fat. Slice potatoes into 1/4 inch rounds (skin off or on). Mix soup and milk until smooth. Spray crock pot. Layer in potatoes and hamburger. On each layer of potatoes sprinkle generously with salt pepper and rosemary. On top of layers pour soup mixture and season.
Cook on high for 2.5-3 hours, or low for about 6.

Stuffing Apple Pork Chops

Mom gave this to me. I don't know if you have it, but it is very good and easy.

1 pkg. stuffing
4 pork chops
1 jar apple sauce(I use my home made sauce that is chunky and has Cinnamon in it)

Pour dry stuffing in baking pan. Add the water that the stuffing recipe calls for. Place chops on top of stuffing. Pour apple sauce over the chops. Bake at 350 till done. About 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours depending on the thickness of the chops. Enjoy.

Mom's Chocolate Chip Cookies

This is the basic version I got from Mom when we first got married. They turn our perfect every time!

2 sticks butter or margarine
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
2 eggs
3 1/4 cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 package chocolate chips

Cream butter and sugars. Mix in eggs until incorporated. Mix in dry ingredients. Dough will be stiff. Make tablespoon size balls and bake at 350 degrees for 8-10. Do not overbake!! As soon as there is some color take them out of oven. Cool for one minute and transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Easy Hamburger Soup

This is a fast easy soup to make, and it tastes great. You can make it however you like to fit your families taste buds. It is also very healthy with all the vegetables.

1 lbs hamburger browned, with garlic, onion, salt, and pepper.
Add water, start with 3 cups and 2 beef bullion cubes. Add 2 bay leaves.
Add potatoes, carrots, green beans, peas, tomatoes, zucchini or squash, red or green bell peppers, or any other vegetables that you like.
Add more water to cover all the vegetables if needed. Bring to a boil. Let simmer till the carrots and potatoes are softened. If you like things spicy add some Cayenne pepper or Tabasco sauce.

Smoked Salmon Spread

An easy way to eat up Smoked Salmon

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
Smoked Salmon, about 8-10 oz. de-boned and flaked
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 Tablespoons minced fresh parsley (1 teaspoon dried)

Soften cream cheese, add Worcestershire sauce, cheese, and parsley and mix. Fold in Smoked salmon. Serve on crackers or toasted bread.

Alfredo plus

We also love the classic version of Chicken fettuccine alfredo. I've also started making a slightly more healthy version with bacon, zucchini, tomatoes, and garlic. Just crisp up some bacon, add 1 1/2 cups diced fresh tomato, 1 medium sliced zucchini and saute with 1 teaspoon garlic. Add everything (noodles, sauce, bacon mix) to a large pot and let simmer for one minute.

Bridgette's Alfredo Sauce-Family Favorite

I called Bridgette the other day for this recipe since I haven't made it in awhile. I made this recipe so much when Nick and I were dating that he thought this was the only thing I could cook. Needless to say, we both love it!! Bridgette, please make any additions or corrections.

1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. heavy whipping cream (I use fat free 1/2 and 1/2)
3/4 c. grated parmesan cheese
dash of salt and pepper
Chicken breasts
2 cloves garlic

Heat butter and cream over low heat (do not boil). Slowly and I mean slowly, add small spoonfulls of parmesan cheese while constantly stirring. This will help the texture be smoother. Cook chicken with olive oil and crushed garlic until golden. Serve with whatever pasta you fancy. (I normally double or triple recipe for leftovers). Enjoy!!

Pretzel Salad or Dessert

Ingredients:
1 c. crushed pretzels
2Tbsp. sugar
1/2 c. melted butter
1 (8oz.) pkg cream cheese
1 c. sugar
1 small container whipped topping, thawed
1 large pkg. strawberry jello
2 c.hot water
1/2 c. cold water
1 large pkg. frozen strawberries

Combine pretzels, 2Tbsp. sugar, and butter; press into a greased 9X13 inch pan. Bake at 350F for 8 minutes; cool. Combine cream cheese, 1c. sugar, and whipped topping. Spread over pretzel layer. Dissolve gelatine in hot water; add cold water and allow to stand to semi-gel stage. Add frozen strawberries. Pour over cream cheese layer and refrigerate until firm (this last step takes awhile, overnight is a great idea). Yumm Yumm, you've gotta try it!