Easy as Pie - Cheese Danish Croissants

I'm a writer, not a cook,

but occasionally, I like to get in the kitchen

and make cookies and such,

as long as the recipe isn't too complicated.

I love cheese danishes. I thought that they looked rather easy to make, so I looked up different recipes and put them together to make my own.

CHEESE DANISH CROISSANTS

Beat together -
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese
1 large egg yolk (save the white)
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. lemon flavoring
1/2 cup conf. sugar

Open-
2 pkg. pre-made croissants (8 each)

Spread a tablespoonful of cheese mixture on the wide area. Roll toward the point of the triangles.
Place on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 15 min. (or directed on crescent pkg.)

Beat egg white with a tsp..of water. Brush egg white on hot croissants. Return to oven for 1 minute. Sprinkle with granulated sugar, powdered sugar, or confectionary glaze. (mixing powd. sugar with a dribble of milk)

These are super easy and fast, and any extra filling can be frozen (or used on toast!).

Easy as Pie - Dilly Beans

I'm a writer, not a cook,

but occasionally, I like to get in the kitchen

and make cookies and such,

as long as the recipe isn't too complicated.

My mother loves to grow green beans. No matter where we lived, we always had a garden and lots of green beans. She would sauté them with bacon, can them, freeze them, and give loads away. One of our family’s favorite recipes is dilly beans, which we learned from some friends in Canaan, Maine, where my father was pastor. The dilly bean's tart crunch make them great for lunches and snacks.

Dilly Beans

2 quarts fresh string beans 2 cups vinegar

4 small garlic cloves 2 cups water

4 heads of dill ¼ cup salt

Snap ends off beans, leaving them whole.

Wash and pack into 4 pint canning jars.

To each jar add 1 garlic clove and dill head.

Bring vinegar, water, and salt to a boil.

Pour into prepared jars and seal.

Store 6 weeks before serving. 

(if you can hide them from nibblers)

Easy as Pie - "Ice Cream in a Bag"

I'm a writer, not a cook,

but occasionally, I like to get in the kitchen

and make cookies and such,

as long as the recipe isn't too complicated.

I'm not really an ice cream person. If I do eat it, it's definitely better in a cone . . . a sugar cone with sprinkles. I once helped make real ice cream in a bucket with a crank. It was a lot harder that I thought it would be, but the reward was well worth the effort. This recipe is easy and fun for a hot, summer day. Each child can make their own ice cream, adding flavors and colors as they desire.



Ice Cream in a Bag

1 pint-size zipper plastic bag
1 gallon-size zipper plastic bag
1 Tbl. sugar
1/2 cup milk (cream or half&half)
1/4 tsp. vanilla (or other flavoring)
6 Tbl. rock salt
(berries and food coloring, if desired)

Put milk, vanilla, and sugar in the pint-size bag and seal it well.
Fill the gallon bag half full of crushed ice and add the rock salt.
Place the smaller bag inside also and seal it carefully.
Shake until the mixture is ice cream, about 5 minutes.
Remove the pint bag and wipe off the salty water with a damp cloth.
Open carefully and enjoy!

Easy as Pie - Mint Brownies

I'm a writer, not a cook,

but occasionally, I like to get in the kitchen

and make cookies and such,

as long as the recipe isn't too complicated.

MINT BROWNIES

1 brownie mix
Medium box of Junior Mints
(or Peppermint Patties)

Make brownies according to the directions and cool.
(For even a quicker and easier method,

you may lay Little Debbie brownies side by side in a baking pan.)

Place mints on top of brownies, heat in oven for 3-5 minutes until softened.

Spread gently with small spatula.

Let cool, and cut into squares.

( in memory of Evelyn Bryant )

Easy as Pie - Resurrection Cookies

I'm a writer, not a cook,

but occasionally, I like to get in the kitchen

and make cookies and such,

as long as the recipe isn't too complicated.

RESURRECTION COOKIES

(a cookie with a lesson)

These are to be made Saturday evening before Easter.

Read the direction through completely before starting.)

1 cup whole pecans

3 egg whites
1 cup sugar

1 tsp vinegar
1 pinch of salt

zippered baggie
sticky tape

a Bible

1. (VERY IMPORTANT) Preheat the oven to 300*.

2. Place pecans in zippered baggie, and let children beat them with a wooden spoon to break them into small pieces.
Read John 19:1-3. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.

3. Let the children smell or taste the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. in the mixing bowl.
Read John 19:28-30. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink.

4.Add egg whites to the vinegar.
Read John 10:10-11. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life for us.

5. Sprinkle a little salt on each child's hand. Let them taste it. Put a pinch of it in the bowl.
Read Luke 23:37. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers. and also the bitterness of our own sin.

6. Add 1 cup of sugar.
Read John 1:6. Explain that the sweetness part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know Him and belong to Him.

7. Beat with a mixer on high speed for 11-15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed.
Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3. Explain the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.

8. Fold in the broken nuts. Drop cookie batter by the teaspoon onto waxed paper covered cookie sheets.
Read Matthew 27:60. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body laid.

9. Put cookie sheet in the oven. Close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape to seal the oven door.
Read Matthew 27:65-66. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed.

10. GO TO BED!

11. On Resurrection morning, open the oven and give each person a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow!
Read Matthew 28:1-9. On the first Resurrection Day, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.

HE IS RISEN!

Easy as Pie - Onion and Mushroom Cheese Sauce

I'm a writer, not a cook,

but occasionally, I like to get in the kitchen

and make cookies and such,

as long as the recipe isn't too complicated.

My husband, Randy, developed this combination,

and now it's a tradition to serve on Thanksgiving.

ONION MUSHROOM CHEESE SAUCE

4 Tbl. butter

1 lb of whole button mushrooms

1 jar of pre-cooked pearl onions

1 can of Campbell's cheddar cheese soup

Saute whole mushrooms in butter.

Add onions (including juice)

Add cheddar cheese soup.

Simmer until bubbly.

Serve over broccoli or potatoes.

Easy as Pie - Salsa Meatloaf

I'm a writer, not a cook,

but occasionally, I like to get in the kitchen

and make cookies and such,

as long as the recipe isn't too complicated.

Each week, I hope to share some of my favorite recipes.

If you would like to share an easy recipe,

add your link at the bottom of this page.

Salsa Meatloaf

(serves 4)

2 lbs ground beef

1 large egg

1 can of diced stewed tomatoes

(I prefer the roasted garlic flavored ones.)

1 small onion (chopped)

1 cup medium salsa (use 1/2 cup for topping)

salt, pepper, oregano, garlic powder

Mix well together.

Press into a loaf pan.

Top with 1/2 cup of salsa.

Bake at 300* for 1 hour.

Slice and serve.

(It goes well with baked potatoes and salad.)

Do you like your meatloaf chunky or firm?

Easy as Pie - Egg Noodles

I'm a writer, not a cook,

but occasionally, I like to get in the kitchen

and make cookies and such,

as long as the recipe isn't too complicated.

Each Thursday

I hope to share some of my favorite recipes.

If you would like to share an easy recipe,

add your link at the bottom of this page.

(This recipe is not very complicated. It just takes a long time.

That makes it all the more special.)

EGG NOODLES

(serves 6)

4 large eggs

1/4 cup water

1 tsp. salt

approx. 6 cups white flour

(Preparing)

1.Whisk eggs, water, salt, and baking powder.

2.Gradually add 2-3 cups of flour, until it forms a stiff dough.

3.Roll on floured table until 1/8" thick.

(turning over and dusting often with flour)

4.Sprinkle with more flour and let sit for 1/2 hour to begin drying.

(Cutting and Drying)

5.Dust with more flour.

6.Roll (or fold) dough into a long tube, flouring as needed.

7.Cut into 1/2" strips.

Unroll, and place on floured cookie sheets.

8.Dry in warm place (oven) for 1-2 hrs. until hard and dry.

(may be stored in freezer until used)

(Cooking)

9.Bring 1 qt. of water (or broth) to a rolling boil.

10.Drop noodles into boiling water.

11.Stir, to assure they're not clumped together.

12.Cover, and simmer at medium heat for 15 min.

Serve with stewed meat, vegetables, or as a side dish.

~ ~ ~

This recipe has been passed down through my family.

Whenever I have some, I think of my Grandma Grace.

Easy as Pie - Chicken Fajitas

I'm a writer, not a cook,

but occasionally, I like to get in the kitchen

and make cookies and such,

as long as the recipe isn't too complicated.

Each Thursday

I hope to share some of my favorite recipes.

If you would like to share an easy recipe,

add your link at the bottom of this page.

CHICKEN FAJITAS

(serves 4)

1 pound of boneless chicken

1 onion

1 green bell pepper

1 red bell pepper

olive (or vegetable) oil

garlic powder

salt

black pepper

tortillas (or pita bread)

(optional toppings)

salsa

sour cream

shredded cheese

sliced black olives

shredded lettuce

diced fresh tomatoes

jalapenos

Heat oil in fry pan.
Cut chicken into 1/2" strips.
Add to hot fry pan.
Season with garlic powder, salt, and generous amount of bl.pepper.
Cut onion in half, then slices into semi-circle rings.
Add to chicken.
Slice bell peppers into 1/2" strips.
When chicken is cooked (not pink), add peppers.
Cook peppers slightly, enough to keep some crispness.

Serve chicken mixture and toppings in bowls.

Wrap 8 tortillas (or pitas)in paper towel.
Microwave for 1 minute.
Serve immediately for guests to assemble their fajitas to tastes.

What kind of toppings do you like?

Easy as Pie - Hot Vanilla

I'm a writer, not a cook,

but occasionally, I like to get in the kitchen

and make cookies and such,

as long as the recipe isn't too complicated.

Each week, (on Thurs. from now on)
I hope to share some of my favorite recipes.

If you would like to share an easy recipe,

add your link at the bottom of this page.

This tasty hot drink is great for those who can't have chocolate. (or don't like it - Imagine that!)

It's also a great alternative for coffee for little ones, who want to pretend to be grown-up.

HOT VANILLA

4 cups milk

4 Tbl. honey

2 tsp. vanilla

dash of nutmeg

Heat milk in saucepan or microwave.
(Do not boil.)

Stir in other ingredients.

Makes 4 servings.

(Top with marshmallows or whipped cream.)

Easy as Pie - Italian Cole Slaw

I'm a writer, not a cook,

but occasionally, I like to get in the kitchen

and make cookies and such,

as long as the recipe isn't too complicated.

Each Thursday I will be sharing
some of my favorite recipes.

If you would like to share an easy recipe,

add your link at the bottom of this page.

(Interesting fact: The word cole means "any kind of cabbage, as kale, whose leaves to not form a compact head.")

Cole slaw was not one of my family's favorite salads, when I realized that they didn't really like anything with mayonnaise in it. So, I tried it with an oil based dressing. Voila! They loved it!

I happen to have a Salad Master grinder, but food processors and an old-fashioned manual graters work just as well.

This is suggested mixture. It changes according to what happens to be in my refrigerator.

ITALIAN COLE SLAW

(makes a quart of salad)

1/4 head of white cabbage, shredded

1/4 head of red cabbage, shredded

2 large carrots, shredded

1/2 green bell pepper, sliced into strips

1/2 red bell pepper, sliced into strips

1/2 red onion, sliced into rings

1/4 cup green olives, sliced

2-3 dill pickles, diced

1 Granny Smith apple, diced

Toss, and add 1/4 cup of Italian Salad dressing.

~ ~ ~

What do you add to your cole slaw?

Easy as Pie - Popovers

I'm a writer, not a cook,

but occasionally, I like to get in the kitchen

and make cookies and such,

as long as the recipe isn't too complicated.

Each Thursday I will be sharing
some of my favorite recipes.

If you would like to share an easy recipe,

add your link at the bottom of this page.

When you happen to have an abundance of eggs,

popovers is a nice way to use them.

POPOVERS

(makes a dozen)

4 large eggs

2 cups flower

2 cups milk

1 tsp salt

Heat over to 450 deg.

Grease muffin tin or custard cups.

(Place custard cups on a baking sheet.)

Beat eggs slightly in med. bowl with fork or whisk.

Add flour, milk, and salt, and stir til smooth.

(Do not overbeat.)

Fill cups half full.

Bake 20 minutes.

Reduce oven temperature to 325 deg.

and bake about 20 more minutes until golden brown.

Immediately remove from oven and

pierce the tops with point of knife to let steam escape.

Popovers can be baked ahead.

When it' time to eat, just reheat on an ungreased cookie sheet

at 350 for 5 minutes, or serve them chilled.

Slice with knife and fill with jam, pudding, or custard of your choice.

Try strawberries or blueberries.

You can also use a variety of cheese flavors.

~ ~ ~

Enjoy!
What's your favorite popover filling?

Easy as Pie - Chicken and Rice

When company is coming,

and you don't have much in the house,

this is an easy and delicious meal.

(also great for cooking while you're away)

CHICKEN AND RICE

(serves 6-8)

6-8 pieces of fresh chicken

1 can of cream of mushroom soup

1 pkg. of powdered onion soup mix

2 cups raw rice

1 can chicken broth

3 cups of water

Mix liquids (broth, soup, and water) in a 9x12 baking pan.
Add rice and onion soup mix seasonings.
Place pieces of chicken in mixture. (spooning over chicken)
Cover with foil and bake at 300 for 1 hour.
Remove foil for the final 5-10 minutes to brown the top.

This can easily be adapted with other cream soups and seasonings. You can also add vegetables or cheese.

Do you have a favorite "company" casserole?

Post it on your site and link it below.

Macaroni and Cheese Pizza Casserole

I'm a writer, not a cook,

but occasionally, I like to get in the kitchen

and make cookies and such,

as long as the recipe isn't too complicated.

Each Thursday I will be sharing
some of my favorite recipes.

If you would like to share an easy recipe,

add your link at the bottom of this page.

This recipe has always been a favorite at our house.

(especially if you have picky eaters)

MACARONI AND CHEESE PIZZA CASSEROLE

Prepare -

4 boxes of mac'n cheese mix

(or 4 cups of cooked macaroni,

with 1 can of cheese sauce)

Butter the sides of a 2 qt. casserole dish.

Use half of mac'n cheese mix to cover the bottom.

Sprinkle-

1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over macaroni

Add -

your favorite pizza toppings

(pepperoni, olives, onions, mushrooms, etc.)

Cover-

with remaining mac'n cheese

Finish -

more mozzarella cheese and pizza toppings.

Bake -

at 350 for 1/2 hour

I hope it becomes a favorite at your house,

like it is at ours.

~ ~ ~

Do you have an easy favorite recipe?

Post it on your site and link it to mine below.

Easy as Pie - Jello Popcorn Balls

I'm a writer, not a cook,

but occasionally, I like to get in the kitchen

and make cookies and such,

as long as the recipe isn't too complicated.

Each Thursday I will be sharing
some of my favorite recipes.

If you would like to share an easy recipe,

add your link at the bottom of this page.

This recipe has always been a favorite at our house.

Have fun!

JELLO POPCORN BALLS

Pop 6-8 quarts of popcorn. (1 cup of popcorn cooked in an air popper)
(I haven't tried microwave popcorn. If it works, let me know.)

Melt:
1 stick of butter or margerine (either in microwave or in heavy pan)

Add:
1 pkg of marshmallows

Stir well.

Add:
1 sm. pkg. of Jello (your favorite flavor or color)

Stir well, again.

Pour over popped corn.

Grease palms with shortning or butter.

Form balls (or other shapes)and place on wax paper (or greased cookie sheets) (It cools quickly, so work quickly.)

While cooling, wash bowls and pans and spoons with hot, soapy water.

EAT !!!!

Try different colors, flavors, and shapes.

Tell me about your ideas.

Easy as Pie - No Crust Apple Pie

I'm a writer, not a cook,

but occasionally, I like to get in the kitchen

and make cookies and such,

as long as the recipe isn't too complicated.

Each Thursday I will be sharing
some of my favorite recipes.

If you would like to share an easy recipe,

add your link at the bottom of this page.

NO CRUST APPLE PIE


apples (8-10, or 1/person)
1/2 cup of white sugar
sprinkle of salt
sprinkle of cinnamon
(nutmeg/ginger/cloves, if desired)
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup butter
vanilla ice cream

Peel and slice apples into a butter baking pan.
With each layer, sprinkle with sugar and spices
and a tiny bit of salt.
Fill with 3-4 layers.

Mix brown sugar with flour and butter.
Sprinkle over top of apples.

Bake at 300 deg. for a half hour
or until apples are soft.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

(This may be prepared earlier - frozen or refrigerated,
then warmed in oven before serving.)

Easy as Pie - Cheesy Chowder

I'm a writer, not a cook,

but occasionally, I like to get in the kitchen

and make cookies and such,

as long as the recipe isn't too complicated.

Each Thursday I will be sharing
some of my favorite recipes.

If you would like to share an easy recipe,

add your link at the bottom of this page.

What could be more heartening

on a cold winter's night than a bowl of hot soup?

Our family likes chowder. There are so many ways to make it for different tastes. I always start with boiling some potatoes. (about one/person . . . more if you have teenagers) I don't usually peel my potatoes. I scrub the skins and cut off any bad parts. I cut them into 1" chunks and add just enough water to cover them. Boil for about a half hour.

When the potatoes are soft, this is where you can get creative. Choose as many or few ingredients as you like.

Here are some of our favorite ingredients -

onions
celery
corn
peppers

bacon
fish

shrimp

clams

scallops

bacon

hamburger

chicken

ham

Cook until everything is soft. (It helps to cook the meat beforehand. This is a good way to use up leftovers.)

Add a can of evaporated milk and a jar of alfredo sauce.
Season with salt and pepper.

(If you wish to thicken it, stir in some instant powdered potatoes, about 1/4 cup at a time. )

Top with grated cheddar or Parmesan cheese.

Serve with hot biscuits or bread.

Easy as Pie- Wheat Germ Oatmeal Crackers

I'm a writer, not a cook,

but occasionally, I like to get in the kitchen

and make cookies and such,

as long as the recipe isn't too complicated.

Each Thursday I will be sharing
some of my favorite recipes.

If you would like to share an easy recipe,

add your link at the bottom of this page.

These crackers are so easy and delicious!

I want to try them with other seeds and flours - maybe even different cheeses. Perhaps I'll even get out the cookie cutters and let my grandchildren help me make some fun shapes.

WHEAT GERM OATMEAL CRACKERS

Preheat oven to 350*

Combine in large bowl -
3 cups of oatmeal
1 cup of wheat germ (CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO)
2 cups flour (white or wheat)
3 Tbl. sugar
2 tsp. salt

Add -
1 cup water
3/4 cup oil

Mix well, until ingredients clump together. Divide into 3 parts. Roll each part onto a cookie sheet to about 1/4" and cut into 2" squares. Sprinkle lightly with salt.

Bake for 30 min. Cool. Store in airtight container.

~ ~ ~

Have you ever made crackers? What is your favorite kind?

Easy as Pie - "Cranberry Almond White Fudge"

I'm a writer, not a cook,

but occasionally, I like to get in the kitchen

and make cookies and such,

as long as the recipe isn't too complicated.

Each week, (on Thurs. from now on)
I hope to share some of my favorite recipes.

If you would like to share an easy recipe,

add your link at the bottom of this page.

I discovered this recipe about five years ago, and it's so easy... no standing and stirring and timing a bubbling pot! It's one of my favorite Christmas treats.

CRANBERRY ALMOND WHITE FUDGE

3 cups white chocolate (or vanilla) chips
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp almond flavoring
1/2 cup of chopped almonds
1 – 1 1/2 cups sweetened dried cranberries
Pinch of salt

Before getting started, grease an 8″ square pan generously with butter.

Combine white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a glass bowl. Microwave in 1 minute intervals (stirring each time) until chips melt and mixture is smooth.

Stir in cranberries, almonds and flavoring, and salt.

Spread into prepared pan, chill until set. (about 1 hour)
Cut into 1" squares and serve.