Friday, July 29, 2011

Emeril's Barbeque Chicken Nuggets



One word...Unbelievable!!

I have tried many different chicken nugget recipes but Emeril has "hit it" out of the park with this one.

I recently checked-out a couple of his cookbooks, from the library, and that's where I found this gem.

This recipe comes from "There is a Chef in my Soup! Recipes for the Kid in Everyone" This cookbook is full of excellent recipes. The recipes were created for kids, to get them involved in the kitchen.

Please give the nuggets a try. Full of flavor, a bold flavor! I served them with Homemade Ranch Dressing. Oh la la.



Don't forget the chicken. smile. I used 3 medium size chicken breasts and it fed the kids and I. Next time, when preparing for the entire family, I will have to use 4 large chicken breasts.



Cut your chicken into bite size pieces or chunks. (about 1 inch in size)



In medium size bowl, add seasoning and barbecue sauce.



Add chicken to the bowl and stir to coat. Stir real good.



In a big plastic resealable baggie, add 3 cups cornflakes.



Seal up baggie and try to get all the air out. Mash cornflakes with your palm. (My little sweetie was helping in the kitchen.)



a different method....

You can use a rolling pin to crush your cornflakes...my daughter thought she was a big girl. Tooo cute!



Add chicken to baggie.



Shake to coat, making sure every piece of chicken is coated evenly. Please shake gently.

Cover rimmed cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Put chicken pieces on cookie sheet.



Bake for 18-22 minutes.




Barbeque Chicken Nuggets
Recipe from Emeril Lagasse

3 medium size boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons barbeque sauce
2 teaspoons Baby Bam **see below**
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups cornflakes

Preheat oven to 375. Cut chicken into bite size pieces. (about 1 inch cubes) Put chicken pieces into a medium size bowl and add seasonings and barbeque sauce. Stir well. In a large resealable plastic baggie, add 3 cups cornflakes. Close baggie and try to get out most of the air. Crush cornflakes into small pieces with a rolling pin or by mashing down with your palms. Add chicken to cornflakes and shake to coat. Line a rimmed cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Place chicken on cookie sheet and bake 18-22 minutes.

Baby Bam seasoning:
makes 3/4 cup

3 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons dried parsley
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon celery salt

Bite size nuggets with a big and bold flavor!

Bite size dishes....Kristi

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Menu Plan July 29 - Aug 4

Can you believe it? Just a couple more weeks until school starts back again. Where did the summer go? We have enjoyed our summer!!! Have y'all had a fun summer?

I am praying that y'all were able to spend some quality time with your family and friends...making memories!!

What are y'all having to eat this week? Have you had a chance to make a menu or a plan? Please share some of your kitchen secrets and masterpieces with us!!

We will be eating:

Breakfast:

Raisin bread- bread machine, applesauce and brown sugar granola
Malt-o-Meal cereal/ have y'all ever tried it? It is great cereal for a great price!!!

Bacon, Egg, and Cheese biscuits (biscuit recipe from Southern Plate)

Baked doughnuts (new recipe) and bacon

Blueberry Oat Muffins and strawberry yogurt smoothies

Emeril's french toast (still haven't had a chance to make this...I will make it this week. Guarantee! smile.

Scrambled eggs with ham and cheese served with toast and orange juice

Lunch:

Hot dogs, chips, and V8 Fusion

Roast beef and ham sandwiches with chips and Strawberry and Spinach Smoothie (you can't taste the spinach) my kids love em'

Spaghetti o's and cornbread mini muffins (Did you know that for every 1 cup of spaghetti o's it provides 1 serving of veggies?) Pretty neat huh?

Baked Turkey-Ham with cheesy broccoli noodles

Homemade chicken nuggets and salad

Homemade uncrustable sandwiches (I'll post about em' this week) and chips

Dinner:


Fried chicken (new recipe), mashed taters, gravy and corn

Minute steak (venison) in the crockpot with a white gravy over rice served with sauteed cabbage

Mexican night/ cheesy enchiladas with white sauce using Homemade tortillas (new recipe), served with Restaurant Style Salsa and fixins

Crockpot Chicken with black beans and cream cheese with fixins

Gumbo served with white rice

Grilled Pork Chops, loaded baked potatoes, and salad with ranch dressing (new recipe)

Stouffers Lasagna (smile! We eat frozen meals..sometimes) Parmasan garlic bread (using French Bread- bread machine), with peas

**I am sure that y'all have noticed that we eat a Mexican dish every week. My husband loves Mexican food. He craves it.**

Desserts:

Hot fudge sauce and Hot Caramel sauce (new recipes) served with vanilla ice cream

Hostess snacks- Twinkies, Doughnuts, Zingers...yikes! You know I didn't buy them...they were given to my husband and kids. (gift)

Vanishing Oatmeal Raisin Cookies- recipe from Quaker Oats (trustworthy recipe)

Snacks:
Chips and Restaurant Style Salsa (maybe cheese dip too)
Ranch dressing (new recipe) and chips/ carrots
Yogurt and granola
Pretzels and peanut butter

Fruit:
Bananas
Cherries
Peaches
Nectarines

Planning for more dishes....Kristi

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

"Kitchen" Stores and a Donut Pan

Y'all know how much I love kitchen gadgets and appliances. So, I bet y'all will never guess where I like to shop?



Recently, my daughter and I went shopping at a "kitchen store". We could of stayed in the store for hours just looking and piddlin' around. But, my dear husband and two boys were in the car waiting. They are very patient about me shopping. I am thankful. My husband never fusses at me and my boys are troopers.



I have been on a mission. I have been trying to find a do-nut pan. I have been specifically looking for Wilton brand do-nut pan, whew...they are hard to find.

Mission accomplished...a do-nut pan. It is not Wilton brand but, it can still crank out some doughnuts. Yes ma'am!!



** side note: I would not say that I am a 'brand loyal' person, but there are just some things that I really prefer. When baking, Wilton brand products. When we let our children eat pop-tarts..Kellogg's! Dawn dish soap, Mr. Clean all-purpose cleaner..ect.

I thought I would share some doughnut recipes with you that call for a do-nut pan.

Take a peek...

Baked Vanilla Doughnuts by Fake Ginger

Maple Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donuts by Handle the Heat


Had to take a picture of one of my favorites...the price tag was $25. In my opinion, it is worth every penny. I think I paid about $20 for mine.



Donut dishes....literally! smile. Kristi

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Snack Mix

I am sure that y'all have made your own snack mix before, but I just wanted to share. I am always trying to come up with something new for the kids. So...I thought I would dig around in my pantry.

We eat alot of snacks at our house. ALOT!! We eat fruit, dried cereal, salty snacks, some type of protein and sometimes sweets. I thought..why not make one snack that incorporates them all?



Snack mix from the Burnett pantry:

1 cup Goldfish/ veggie
1 cup honey roasted peanuts
1 cup Cinnamon Cheerios (you need to try em'!)
1 cup Craisins

Pour them into a bowl and mix well.



Divide into 1 cup servings and put into baggies.



1 cup servings is a generous amount..feel free to back it down to 1/2 cup or whatever best suites your family.



If y'all are allergic to nuts, you can omit.
If you like nuts..maybe add some almonds, sunflower seeds, pecans.

Add any cereal you want. Multi-grain cheerios is an excellent cereal.
1 serving offers 100% of your recommended daily allowance of Iron.
You could add Lucky Charms if you wanted to live on the wild side. smile.
Fruit Loops or Trix or how about Cocoa Puffs?

Add any dried fruit: apricots, apples, raisins, craisins, pineapple, tropical fruit, coconut..ect

Add salty stuff...pretzel sticks (broken in half), small saltines (the minature ones), cheese crackers of any type.

Your possibilities are endless!

After I finished throwing this snack mix together, the kids came into the kitchen and said "OH, MOMMA can we please have that new snack mix? It looks so good." They literally were jumping up and down. You'd think by their reaction that I had just made homemade cinnamon rolls? I love my children.



4 simple ingredients thrown together can take snack time to another level. Give it a try!!

Please share some of your family favorites for snack mix. I am eager to hear your great ideas!

From the pantry....Kristi

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Menu Plan July 22 - July 28

Did y'all have a good week? Praying that your menu plan was successful.

This week...boneless skinless chicken breasts are on sale. So..we will be having chicken, chicken, and chicken. smile.

What is on your menu for the week? Please share!!!

Breakfast:

Cheesy scrambled eggs and Cinnamon Toast with fruit

Emeril's French Toast (roll over from last week) and fruit

Blueberry Oat Muffins (my favorite..I need to post the recipe) and Orange Julia

Cereal and fruit

Out for breakfast/ the entire family- special treat!

Yogurt and Homemade Granola and fruit

Cinnamon Raisin Bread -bread machine, bacon and fruit

Lunch:

Hawaiian roll sandwiches/ with roast beef, ham and cheese and chips

Homemade uncrustables (recipe/method to come) with Quick and Easy Homemade Strawberry Jam (recipe/method to come), chips and V8 Fusion

Out to eat with the kids

Hot dogs and cottage cheese

Homemade Chicken Fingers and carrots with dip

Chicken Nuggets (recipe per Emeril)- roll over from last week and Dale's Green Beans

Tuna and crackers/ Mix tuna with ranch dressing, shredded cheese and relish. Season with garlic powder. Serve over crackers.

Dinner:

Burnett roast- in crockpot with rice and gravy/ steamed broccoli

Creamy black bean and chicken in crockpot (recipe to come) served with fixins and Scoops

Taquito's with white sauce served with pinto beans and Homemade Restaurant Style Salsa and fixins

White Bean and Cheddar Dip and Frito Scoops and veggie?

Baked Parmesan Chicken Breasts with mashed potatoes, Emeril's gravy (new recipe), and sauted cabbage.

Out to eat.

Spaghetti, garlic bread, and salad (our favorite go-to..faithful dish)


Fruit:
Strawberries
Georgia Peaches
Purple Grapes
Gala Apples
Cherries

Snacks:
Fruit
String cheese and Goldfish veggie crackers

Dessert:
Hershey's Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies (again) My husband LOVES them!
No Bake Reese Bars (new recipe)
Ice Cream Cones...do y'all have an ice cream maker? I want one to buy one. Any recommendations?
Vanilla Wafer- Apple Crisp (Easy)


Looking forward to this week's dishes.....Kristi

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Easy Homemade Doughnuts



This post is for my brother. My brother and I grew up eating doughnuts. We didn't grow up eatin green beans. We grew up eating doughnuts.

We would get up early in the morning on the weekends and our Daddy would take us to the bakery. He would let us pick about 4-6 doughnuts each. Oh yea!!!! This was a big deal. It wasn't uncommon for us to spend 10-15 minutes making up our mind. Sooo many doughnuts to choose from! Bless the women in the bakery. They never fussed at my brother and I. They were always kind, gentle, and extremely patient.

After my brother and I picked out "our" dozen doughnuts, our father would let us grab a jug of chocolate milk. Gotta love it!! You can't eat doughnuts with out chocolate milk.

My brother and I live in 2 different states now, and unfortunately we don't get to see each other very often. Oh, how I miss my brother.

So, when we do get together...guess what? We load up in his truck and hit the doughnut shops. Please notice, I said doughnut shops (plural) Sometimes we will go to 2 or 3 doughnut shops. If we are craving doughnut holes and they are out...we won't stop until we find them.

OH...Don't forget the chocolate milk. smile.

Ryan...this is for you BRO!



Easy Homemade Doughnuts

1 can of biscuits/ not flaky
enough cooking oil to fill skillet about 1 inch
butter and cinnamon/sugar mixture
frosting/ sprinkles

Take biscuits out of their wrapper. Use the lid of a 20 oz. Coke to punch a hole through the biscuit. (use can use any bottle lid)



Save the baby circles for doughnut holes.



Pour about 1 inch oil into skillet. Turn heat about medium-high. You want oil to get hot. If it doesn't, then doughnuts will be soggy and gross. Carefully test oil by putting a baby sprinkle of flour into oil. If it sizzles and pops...it is ready. **BE CAREFUL** not to burn your self. You don't want your grease to splatter.

Once the grease is hot, add a couple of doughnuts to skillet. Watching carefully.



The doughnuts will turn brown quickly. Once you see them turning brown, carefully flip them over with a large serving fork or slotted spoon.



Once you have flipped them, keep your eye on them...they will be finished before you know it.



Carefully remove them from the oil and lay on a paper towel lined plate.



You can soak em' in melted butter and then dip in cinnamon sugar mixture.



You can make homemade frosting and dip em'..then dip in sprinkles.

You can use frosting in a can. Scoop some frosting in a small bowl and microwave just a couple seconds. (idea from Christy at Southern Plate)

If using frosting, make sure it's not too thin or it will not adhere real good to the doughnut. You want a thicker frosting. I mistakenly made my frosting thin and then had to double dip them. (oh bummer..huh?)



Serve with chocolate milk.

**OH..I forgot to tell y'all...my kids love doughnuts too!




Doughnut Dishes for my brother.....Kristi

Monday, July 18, 2011

Dale's Green Beans



This is not really a recipe. It was an idea that my husband came up with a couple of years ago. We like canned green beans. Our children like green beans in a can too.

It is an easy go-to vegtable when your in a hurry or short on time.

This is our jazzed up version...canned green beans, Burnett style.

Dale's Green Beans
Recipe from Kristi's Dishes

1 can of short cut (lake cut) green beans
1/4 - 1/3 cups DALE'S Steak Seasoning
water-enough to cover green beans by an inch or so

Start by....

Pouring green beans (do not drain) into small sauce pan.



Add water.



Add Dale's seasoning.



Bring to boil and turn down heat.



Simmer until ready to serve.

Watch your green beans, some of the water will evaporate over a period of time. You may need to add a little more water if you have it on the heat for an extended period of time. You just don't want them to burn up.

**If y'all are not from the South, you may not be able to find Dale's.

You can substitute with soy sauce. But, please let me make it clear... Dale's steak seasoning and soy sauce are no comparison, but it will do until you can get your hands on some. Dale's is the BEST steak marinade I have ever had!!!!! Hands down!!!!! It's not a steak unless it has been marinated in Dale's!!!

This recipe is very easy to double or triple. It is friendly.

Serve these bad boys (green beans) to your guests...they will be asking for the recipe. TOO CUTE!!!

my husband's dishes.....Kristi

Friday, July 15, 2011

Sweet and Moist White Chocolate Chip Squash Bread



Have you ever had squash bread? Have you ever heard of it? Why didn't I think of this sooner? We make zucchini bread... so why not "summer" squash bread?

Garden woes...this year we put out a small garden and our squash did not produce...it's been disappointing. I love a garden. I wish I could make our entire back yard into a garden but, I just don't think our association would approve it. smile.

So...where did I get the squash for the recipe if it wasn't from our garden? My sweet friends.

I want to give a shout out...to Gina and Anita, for sharing from their garden this summer. Thank you for the squash!

Please try this bread. It will not disappoint.

What a great way to get the kids to eat some more veggies. Your kids will not know they're eating squash. My oldest son said "I could eat an entire loaf of this Momma." (and he does NOT care for squash.)

What a fun and unique recipe!!

Use about 2-3 medium size summer squash. Wash em' good and cut off the ends.



Grate em'. Set aside.



In small bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Stir. Set aside.



In a larger size mixing bowl, add sugar, eggs, and oil.



Mix well.



Add vanilla and packed brown sugar. You know you have packed your sugar correctly when it slides out of your measuring cup in a big chunk. Mix well.



Add squash and baking chips to wet mixture.



Mix gently.

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and just stir until combined. Do not over stir.



Butter loaf pan. You can butter your pan by tearing off a small piece of paper towel and dipping it in some softened butter then smear all over your pan. I use my fingers because that's how my grandmother taught me. I love my Grandma Betty.



Fill your loaf pan approximately 3/4 full.



Bake at 325 for 35-40 minutes. Be careful not to over-bake. Yummo!



Sweet and Moist White Chocolate Chip Squash Bread

2 cups grated summer squash (approximately 2 medium squash)
3 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
3 eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup (packed) brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla
1-2 cups white chocolate baking chips

Preheat oven to 325. Grate squash and set aside. In a smaller size bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside. In a medium size mixing bowl, add granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix well. Now, add brown sugar and vanilla. Mix well. Fold in squash and chocolate chips. Add dry ingredients to wet and stir just until combined. Do not over mix. Put into greased (with butter) four mini loaves. Bake at 325 for approximately 35-40 minutes. Do not over bake. Let bread rest about 5-10 minutes and transfer to baking rack to cool.

*You can omit the baking chips and it's just as delicious. I made 2 mini loaves with baking chips and 2 without. My favorite was without..but, I am not a super big sweet eater.*

**This recipe will also make 2 regular size loaves. Increase baking time.**
You can also make muffins or mini-muffins. Just adjust baking times accordingly.

I wonder how it would taste if you added a handful or two of fresh blueberries. mmmmmm?

**this was originally a zucchini recipe that I transformed.**

divascancook.blogspot.com .....very cool blog...you should check it out.

Summer squash dishes....oh yes ma'am!!! Kristi

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Menu Plan July 15 - July 21

This week, I have made our meal plan based upon what is in our pantry and what needs to be used in the freezer. I am not going to shop the sale ad's this week. Now, I will buy some milk, veggies, and fruits...but, I am gonna try and stay out of the grocery store.

I am trying to get organized for the up-coming school year. I want to be prepared and ready. We homeschool our children so, it is imperative that I stay on top of everything...even the pantry. smile.

Breakfast:

Sweet and Moist Squash Bread (I am putting together a new recipe... sounds peculiar but I think it definitely has potential. I will let y'all know.

Yogurt, fresh blueberries, and Homemade granola (recipe to come)



Ham, Egg and Cheese Cups and fruit

Homemade donuts (recipe to come) I could eat 10 of these yummy treats.

Cereal and fruit

Cheesy scrambled eggs and toasted thin bagels with fruit

Kid's choice...I'll let them "vote" on what they want Momma to make. They love to vote on meals!! I am voting for Blueberry Muffins. smile.

Lunch:

Bacon, Cheese, and Tomato sandwiches and chips (tomaters from our garden)

Chicken pockets / veggie?

Hot dogs with carrots and dip and Emeril's Maple Corn Bread (new recipe)

Homemade chicken nuggets- (new recipe), green beans and smoothie (using our fresh blueberries)

Out to eat with the kids- Have you heard about the new Arby's Reward Card? If you like Arby's you should check it out. It is free.

Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwiches with chips and V-8 Fusion

Dinner:

Minute Steak- breaded (similar to chicken fried steak) with mashed potatoes and gravy
(I am creating a new recipe..so, pray it turns out...so, I can share it)

Bacon Cheeseburgers -my husband's masterpiece!!! and 40 minute hamburger buns with Seasoned Crispy Fries and fixins.



Spaghetti, Easy Homemade French Bread (use it to make Emeril's garlic bread) and peas

Chicken Dumplins and veggie?

Burnett Calazones (using Thin Crust Pizza Dough) and salad

Taco night- using our Pinto Beans, Easy Restaurant Style Salsa, and homemade tortillas...served with fixins.

Grilled Pork Chops and Homemade Creamy Mac n Cheese with skillet sauteed cabbage

Snacks:

Cheese and Goldfish
Cafeteria Peanut Butter Balls
Muffins or Sweet Bread with yogurt

Fruit:

Chilton County Peaches
Fresh Blueberries from a local farm
Cherries (yes ma'am)
Strawberries

Dessert:

Pie/ I never made a pie last week...I am craving pie.
Cupcakes with Homemade Vanilla Frosting (new recipe)
Coconut Butterscotch Cookies- my boys LOVE these cookies
Ice cream cones


What is on your menu this week? Please share some ideas. I am always encouraged by what's going on in y'alls kitchen.

Dishes from the pantry....Kristi