Introducing....

BABY SCHRADER!

After having many sonograms at the beginning of this pregnancy, at which we were looking at a "peanut", we finally had another one today and saw a baby!  The doctor said everything looked great and sent us on our way.  We will go back in another month for a check-up.  Praise God for His faithfulness!!

Taste of Our Home Tuesday: Barbecued Chicken Sandwiches

Tuesday and Wednesday nights I need quick easy meals as we have a limited amount of time to eat before we leave again.  I found this Taste of Home recipe the other evening as I was searching for crock pot recipes.  It reminded me of a barbecued chicken recipe my mom makes in the oven so I decided to give it a try.  Obviously Justin and I do not need 2 whole chickens so I cut the recipe way back.  It was so nice to throw it together quick before I left and then smell the yummy goodness when I walked in the door in the evening.  We both thought the sandwiches were fantastic and will definitely be having them again.  Enjoy!

 

Ingredients:

2 broiler/fryer chickens (3 to 3 1/2 pounds each) cooked and shredded

1 large onion chopped

2 cups water 

1-1/4 cups ketchup 

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce 

1/4 cup red wine vinegar 

1 teaspoon each salt, celery seed and chili powder 

1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce 

Hamburger buns

Directions:

In a 3-qt. slow cooker or Dutch oven, combine all ingredients except buns. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours in the slow cooker or simmer for 1-1/2 hours on the stove-top. Serve on buns. Yield: 8-10 servings.

Taste of Our Home Tuesday: Homemade Ranch and Taco Seasoning Mix

I found these 2 recipes on Pinterest a few weeks back.  The gal also had a recipe for onion soup, but I don't use onion soup very often so I skipped that one.  We've used the taco seasoning and really enjoyed it.  It's not as salty as the store bought mixes which I liked.  Justin loves using the ranch mix on his baked potatoes with the sour cream.  I'm anxious to use up our bottled Ranch so I can mix up the homemade recipe.  Enjoy! 

 

Taco Seasoning:

1/2  cup chili powder

1/4 cup onion powder

1/8 cup ground cumin

1 Tablespoon garlic powder

1 Tablespoon paprika

1 Tablespoon sea salt

Put ingredients into a jar and shake.  

  Ranch:

5 tablespoons dried minced onions

7 teaspoons parsley flakes

4 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Mix together and store in an air tight container.

For dressing: Mix 2 tablespoons dry mix with 1 cup mayonnaise and 1 cup buttermilk or sour cream.

For dip:  Mix 2 tablespoons dry mix with 2 cups sour cream.

Mix up a few hours before serving, so the flavors all blend.

Taste of Our Home Tuesday: Cheeseburger Pasta

We tried Cheeseburger Pasta from Pinterest last night.  It was very easy to make and we both thought it had a good flavor.  I added extra cheese because I was afraid our leftovers would be dry the next day.  I also added a dollop of sour cream to help it stay creamy.  This will be added to the list of quick and easy suppers.  Enjoy!

 

Ingredients

1 pound of pasta cooked – Penne or similar

1 pound of ground beef

3/4 cup of milk

1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder

2 cups of cheddar cheese

1 teaspoon of pepper

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Brown beef in a medium size skillet – Add salt and pepper. Drain fat.

In a medium sauce pan – over medium- low heat add milk and cheese – mix till cheese is melted. Add Parmesan cheese and mix.

Add cheese sauce to beef and mix.

Add cooked pasta to skillet and mix well.

Enjoy!

For gluten – free version use corn pasta

Taste of Our Home Tuesday: Soft Monster Cookies

I found these cookies on Pinterest and pinned them immediately because I LOVE big soft peanut butter cookies!  I think these cookies are delicious!  Justin says they aren't his favorite.  He prefers these monster cookies instead.  Give them a try and see which ones you prefer!   

Soft Monster Cookies

1/2 cup or 1 stick of butter (at room temperature)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup quick cooking oats
3/4 cup m&ms
1/4 cup chocolate chips
1/4 peanut butter chips

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Start by combining the butter, brown and white sugars in a large bowl using a hand/stand mixer or your own brute strength. Add the peanut butter, stir again. Add the egg, stir, vanilla stir.
Measure in the baking soda and flour and stir just until combined. Stir in the oats, m&ms, chocolate chips and peanut butter chips.
Scoop using a cookie scoop or two teaspoons measuring about 2 tablespoons onto a cookie sheet lined with a Silpat mat or sprayed with cooking spray (just in case). Press down gently as they do not spread on their own.
Bake for 9-10 minutes but no longer. You want these to stay soft. Remove from the oven and let cool on the cookie sheet for 2-3 minutes then move to a cooling rack.