Sunday, May 31, 2009

Lasagna Pie

This is a simple recipe made with Bisquick:

Lasagna Pie

1/2 cup Bisquick
1 - 6 ounce can tomato paste
1 cup milk
2 eggs
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1 pound ground beef
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon oregano

Spread the cottage cheese into a 9 inch pie plate. Cook the ground beef and drain. To the beef, stir in 1/2 cup of the mozarrella cheese, salt, oregano and tomato paste. Spread evenly over the cottage cheese.

In a small bowl, mix the eggs, milk and Bisquick. Pour over the top of the pie. Bake at 400 degrees 30 to 35 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and cook 2 minuntes longer.

Audrey :)

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Aloha Friday #4


Kailani over at http://islandlife808.com/ runs an Aloha Friday. It's so much fun to visit everyone's blogs and see their question of the week.

My question for this week is:

Where do you do most of your grocery shopping?

Audrey :)

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Salted Cheese Sticks

Salted Cheese Sticks

2 cups flour
3 ounces butter
1 egg yolk
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 pound cottage cheese
coarse salt
caraway seeds
milk

Mix together the flour and baking powder. Cut butter into small pieces and add to flour/baking powder mix. Knead in hands until dough crumbles into small balls. Place in bowl and add egg yolk, cottage cheese and a small amount of milk. The dough should be a medium hard texture. When dough is smooth, roll into a 1/4 inch square.

Sprinkle caraway seeds and salt on dough. Cut the dough into 1/2 inch wide and 5 inch long strips. Grease a cookie sheet and place strips on cookie sheet about 1 inch apart. Allow dough to stand a few minutes to rise, then bake at 375 degrees until golden brown.

Audrey :)

Monday, May 25, 2009

Shrimp Fried Rice

I love chinese food. This is a very easy recipe for making shrimp fried rice:

1 cup of small cooked shrimp
8 ring of pineapple, drained
1/2 carrot
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
1 green onion
2 tablespoons oil for stir-frying
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon minced ginger
2 cups cold cooked rice, scented jasmine or basmati if possible
1 to 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
1 teaspoon curry powder
Sugar, to taste

Cut the shrimp in half. Cut the pineapple into wedges.Grate the carrot. Chop the onion. Finely chop the green onion.

Heat a wok over medium heat. Add the oil. When the oil is hot, add the garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds, then add the onion. Stir-fry for 1 minute, then add the grated carrot. Add the pineapple and the shrimp. Stir-fry briefly. Add the rice, and cook for about 2 minutes, continually stirring and tossing until it becomes shiny. Stir in the soy sauce. Stir in the curry powder and sugar. Stir in the green onion. Serve hot.

Audrey :)

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Free Cookbooks

I really want to thank Nicole for today's post. http://www.nicolesnickels.net/2009/05/downloadable-free-cookbooks.html She offers links to a few free cookbooks. Let me know your favorites.

While you're visiting Nicole, make sure to check out her other posts. She offers coupons, freebies and samples. Thanks again Nicole.

Audrey :)

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Chicken Salad

I love chicken salad sandwiches. This is just one recipe for chicken salad:

3 large chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
1/4 cup onion, chopped
1/4 cup green bell pepper, chopped
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/4 cup sweet pickles, chopped
1/4 cup celery, chopped
1 cup mayonnaise

Mix everything except mayonnaise in a bowl. Coat with mayonnaise, chill and serve.

If you don't like sweet pickles, try dill, or try pickle relish. I'll also use chopped green olive instead of sweet pickles. If you have carrots, try shredding some into the chicken salad. If you don't have pineapple, try raisins or cranberries. This is a really fun recipe to play around with flavors on. Enjoy!!

Audrey :)

Friday, May 22, 2009

Southwest Chicken

4 boneless chicken breasts
1 can of corn
1 can of tomatoes
1 can of black beans
cilantro
garlic
lemon juice
green peppers
sour cream

Saute the chicken and garlic. Add drained corn, beans, tomatoes, cilantro and lemon juice. Transfer to casserole dish and bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes.

Audrey :)

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Aloha Friday

Kailani over at http://islandlife808.com/ runs an Aloha Friday. It's so much fun to visit everyone's blogs and see their question of the week.


I went to Vons yesterday to pick up a few things and they had cherries on sale. I bought about a pound, thrilled to see summer fruits back in season.

So my question is:

What is your favorite fruit?

Mine is a nectarine.


Audrey :)

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Layered Apricot Cake

I love cakes that start with a boxed mix and then build on it. This is a very easy cake to make.

1 Duncan Hines Yellow Cake Mix
18 ounce jar apricot preserves

Prepare the cake according to the directions on the box. Prepare two round cakes (9 inch in diameter). When the cakes are done and cooled, carefully slice each cake in two. You'll now have 4 layers.

Place one layer on the bottom. Spread 1/3 of the preserves over the first layer. Add second layer and again spread 1/3 of the preserves on top. Repeat one more time and then top with fourth layer of cake.

You can also make this cake with strawberry preserves. I am not a strawberry lover and so much prefer the apricot.

To frost the cake, you can use canned frosting or make your own.

A very easy frosting to make combines one small box of vanilla pudding, 3/4 cup milk and 1 1/2 cups whipping cream. Prepare the pudding using the 3/4 cup milk. Whip the whipping cream until stiff and then add to the pudding. Mix and frost the cake.

Audrey :)

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Chicken A La King for the Crockpot

Chicken A La King

1 1/2 pounds skinless chicken breasts/thighs
1 can cream of chicken soup
3 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 package frozen peas and onions, thawed and drained
2 tablespoons chopped pimiento, drained
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon celery salt

Cut chicken into bite sized pieces. Place chicken in crockpot. In a bowl, mix together the soup, flour and pepper. Pour over chicken. DO NOT STIR. Cover and cook on low for 5 or 5 1/2 hours. Mix in peas/onions, pimiento, paprika and celery. Cover and cook an additional 20-30 minutes.

Audrey :)

Monday, May 18, 2009

Mashed Potatoes All Dressed Up

This recipe starts with regular mashed pototes and turns them into a wonderful side dish:

6 medium baked potatoes
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons chives
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons butter
salt and pepper to taste
paprika for the top

After the potatoes are baked, scoop out the potatoes and put into a bowl. Mash and add in all ingredients except butter and paprika. Put into casserole dish. Top with pats of butter and sprinkle with paprika and additional cheese. Put under broiler until nicely browned on top. Serve immediately.

Audrey :)

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Tupperware Giveaway - Fresh N Cool Containers

Here are your random numbers:215
Timestamp: 2009-06-02 00:15:23 UTC

Congratulations to:



I'm giving away a set of these Fresh n Cool Containers. They have a retail value of $20.

Store grapes, lemons, strawberries, salad, rice and more.

Set includes a 6 1/2 cup container, a 4 1/3 cup container and a 2 cup container all with lids.

There are several ways to get entries into the contest:

1. This is mandatory - tell me something that is ALWAYS in your refrigerator
2. Subscribe to this blog, via email for one extra entry
3. Follow this blog publically for one extra entry
4. Place an order on my Tupperware site for 3 extra entries http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka
5. Blog about this contest (leave URL of post in the comment) for one extra entry

Leave seperate comments for each entry. Please make sure to leave your email address with your comment so I can notify you if you win. Available only to those with a U.S. mailing address. Contest ends 11:59 p.m. May 31st (pacific time)

Audrey :)

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Beef Stroganoof (crockpot)

Beef Stroganoff (crockpot)

1 1/2- 2 pounds of steak or other beef
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup water
1 envelope onion soup mix
1 jar sliced mushrooms, drained
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon minced parsley

Place the flour, garlic powder, pepper and paprika in the crockpot. Cut meat into bite sized pieces. Coat meat in crockpot. Add soup, water and soup mix. Stir until blended.

Cover and cook on high 6-7 hours. Stir in mushrooms, sour cream and parsley. Cover and cook for 15 minutes on high.

Audrey :)

Friday, May 15, 2009

Aloha Friday

I have so much fun with the Aloha Friday. The questions asked are always very thought provoking. Todays question is:

What is your favorite beverage?

Mine is chai tea or water.

Audrey :)

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Spaghetti Sauce Chicken

Spaghetti Sauce Chicken

3 pounds of chicken, white or dark meat
1 package of spaghetti sauce mix
1 - 6 ounce can of tomato paste
1 3/4 cup water2 sliced carrots
1 zucchini, sliced
1 green pepper, seeded and sliced

Place chicken in cooking dish. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add vegetables baking dish.

In a bowl, mix water, tomato paste and spaghetti sauce. Pour sauce over chicken. Cover and bake about one hour at 350 degrees.

Audrey :)

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Egg Pie

This is just a way to bake bacon and eggs instead of frying them:

10 slices of bacon, cooked, but not crisp
6 eggs
3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
pepper to taste

Cook and drain bacon. Cover the bottom of a pie tin with the cooked bacon. In a bowl combine the remaining ingredients. Mix and then pour over bacon. Bake for 30 minutes at 375 degrees.

Audrey :)

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Squash Fritata

1 1/2 pounds zucchini
1/2 cup butter
2 tablespoons oil
1/2 cup parsley, chopped
1 small clover garlic, minced
1/4 loaf of french bread
3 eggs, well beaten
salt and pepper to taste

Slice zucchini into round slices. Saute the zucchini in butter and oil. Zucchini should be tender.

Soak bread in cold water for 5 minutes, then squeeze until almost dry. Add bread to zucchini. Add remaining ingredients except eggs into skillet. Pour eggs over mixture, blend well and brown.

Audrey :)

Monday, May 11, 2009

Salad Topper

This is a fun way to top your salad. Slice up left over hot dog and hamburger buns. Cut them into sticks. Brush the sticks with melted butter, then sprinkle on a combination of garlic powder and paremesan cheese. Bake until toasty, then sprinkle on salad. Break up if your pieces are too big.

Audrey :)

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Burger Casserole

Burger Casserole

4 ounces uncooked noodles
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 can of tomato soup
1 1/2 cans of water
3/4 cup cheese, grated

In a casserole dish, place the uncooked noodles. Mix together the remaining ingredients, except the cheese. Spoon mixture on top of noodles. Add grated cheese on top. Bake at 350 degree for 45 minutes.

Audrey :)

Saturday, May 09, 2009

Chocolate Chip Crunch Cookies

There is a delightful book series by Joanne Fluke (http://www.murdershebaked.com/). The first book I read was Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder. I was pleasantly surprised to find recipes throughout the book. The cookies are wonderful. This is the first recipe in the book:

Chocolate Chip Crunch Cookies

1 cup butter, melted
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs, beaten
2 1/2 cups flour
2 cups crushed corn flakes
1-2 cups chocolate chips

Mix together the melted butter and sugars. Add baking soda, salt, vanilla and eggs. Mix well. Mix in the flour. Finally, add the cornflakes and chocolate chips. Form dough into walnut sized balls and place on greased cookie sheet. Press down with a fork in a criss-cross pattern, as you would with peanut butter cookies. Bake for 10 minutes at 375 degrees. Remove to a wire rack. This is key in creating the crispiness of the cookies.

Audrey :)

Friday, May 08, 2009

Apricot Mustard Glazed Chicken

Apricot Mustard Glazed Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 teaspoons olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 lemon
1/3 cup apricot preserves
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
1/3 cup chicken broth

Pound chicken to about 1/2 inch thickness. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Heat 1/2 of the oil in skillet and cook about 8 minutes, browning on both sides. Remove chicken. In same skillet, heat remaining oil and cook onions about 6 minutes. Add chicken broth, apricot preserves, mustard and 1/2 teaspoon lemon peel and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Return chicken to skillet, simmer about 6 minutes. Chicken should be glazed and cooked through, with no pink.

Audrey :)

Thursday, May 07, 2009

Triple Chocolate Covered Caramel Apple

I was delighted to receive a package in the mail today from Mrs Prindables Handmade Confections. I'm not sure I've ever had a caramel apple as good as what I ate today.

Some facts about Mrs Prindables Handmade Confections:
  • Their caramel is made daily
  • They have kosher certification
  • All apples are hand-dipped
  • Apples are hand-picked
  • Satisfaction is guaranteed
  • 25 years in business
I was sent the triple chocolate caramel covered apple. The packaging and box for the apple was so pretty. The apple had a bow around it. The apple itself was the largest apple I've ever seen.

I was at work when the apple arrived. Everyone oohed and aahed. We got a knife and plates and cut pieces for everyone. Yes, this apple was so large that 6 nice-sized slices were cut and everyone was able to try the apple. The chocolate and caramel were just amazing. The apple was a sweet green apple.
What an amazing gift this would make for almost any occasion. Mrs. Prindables will ship anywhere in the 50 United States. They ship in either one or two days.

With graduations upon us, I can't imagine a graduate who would not love one of the many caramel apples they offer. Stop by and order your gift today. http://www.mrsprindables.com/

Audrey :)

Wednesday, May 06, 2009

Cantaloupe Jello Salad

Cantaloupe Jello Salad

2 of the 3 ounce packages of lime jello
2 cups boiling water
2 cups ginger ale
1 cantaloupe, cut into small bite sized pieces
3 bananas, sliced

Dissolve jello in the boiling water. Add the ginger ale. Partially chill. Add the cantaloupe and banana and pour into mold. Chill completely.

Audrey :)

Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Honey Chicken

Honey Chicken

1 chicken, cut up
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup honey
salt and pepper to taste

Mix together all of the sauce ingredients. Place chicken in baking dish and pour sauce over chicken. Bake at 325 degrees for one hour, turning chicken a few times during baking.

Audrey :)

Monday, May 04, 2009

Chocolate Bar Pound Cake

Chocolate Bar Pound Cake

8 Hersheys chocolate bars
2 1/2 cups flour
1 cup butter
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups sugar
2 cups nuts, chopped
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Soften the candy bars. Cream together the chocolate, butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla.

Sift together the flour, salt and baking powder. Add the dry ingredients ad buttermilk alternately to the chocolate mixture. Beat well after each addition. Blend in the nuts.

Pour into cake pan and cook for about 70 minutes at 325 degrees.

Audrey :)

Sunday, May 03, 2009

Salmon Patties

These come out tasting great. I love them on a hamburger bun with some mayonnaise on the bread.

Salmon Patties

1 can salmon
1 cup crushed crackers
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup milk
salt and pepper to taste

Combine all of the ingredients and mix well. Form into patties and cook as you would cook pancakes.

Audrey :)

Saturday, May 02, 2009

Apple Crisp

A very easy dessert to prepare:

Apple Crisp

1/2 cup cornflakes
6 medium aples
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour

Blend butter, sugar and flour. Add the cornflakes. Peel and slice apples. Place in baking dish. Sprinkle with lemon juice. Add cornflake mixture. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes.

Audrey :)

Friday, May 01, 2009

Aloha Friday

I'm so excited to participate in this week's Aloha Friday. Since my blog is cooking and kitchen related, I wanted to ask a cooking question.

Here's a simple question:

What's your favorite breakfast? Mine is bagels and cream cheese.

Audrey :)