Marvelous Recipes

These are my husband’s all-time favorite brownies! I hope you enjoy them as much as he does!

1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup butter, melted
6 tablespoons baking cocoa
2 tablespoons cooking oil
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, well beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, divided

1. In a small bowl, combine flour and baking powder; set aside.

2. In a large mixer bowl, beat butter, cocoa, oil, sugar and eggs until well blended; stir in vanilla. Add the flour mixture; blend well. Stir in 1/2 cup of the chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of the nuts.

3. Pour mixture into a greased 8×8-inch baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes. Immediately sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup chopped nuts and the remaining 1/2 cup chocolate chips. Let stand until chocolate chips are soft and shiny. Gently spread the melted chocolate chips over top. Cool and cut into squares. Makes 16 to 20 brownies.

Emily

A delicious way to use up leftover turkey or chicken! A hearty and satisfying dinner that gets you out of the kitchen fast!!

2 cups uncooked wide egg noodles
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon butter
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup milk
1 (14 oz) can chicken broth
2 cups cubed cooked turkey or chicken
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1. Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions; drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, saute celery and onions in butter until tender; about 4 minutes. In a medium bowl, combine cornstarch, milk and chicken broth until smooth; stir into the vegetable mixture. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until slightly thickened; about 1 minute.

3. Stir in all the remaining ingredients except the cheese. Pour mixture into a 3-quart baking dish; top with the cheddar cheese.

4. Bake, uncovered at 375 degrees F for 25 to 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly and cheese is melted. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Emily

TO ALL MY WONDERFUL BLOGGER FRIENDS AND FOLLOWERS, “MERRY CHRISTMAS” FROM MY HOUSE TO YOURS!

Delicious cinnamon-apple filling in a buttery crumb crust makes this apple pie the perfect dessert for any occasion!

2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
3/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
2/3 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1-1/4 cups cold water
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 cups chopped peeled tart apples
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, oats and melted butter or margarine until crumbly. Set aside 1 cup; press remaining crumb mixture into bottom and up the sides of an ungreased 9-inch pie plate; set aside.

2. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, water, cinnamon and nutmeg until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in the apples and vanilla extract.

3. Pour apple mixture into the prepared crust; top with the reserved 1 cup crumb mixture. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40 to 45 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Cool on wire rack. Makes 8 servings.

Emily

I started throwing ingredients together and this is what I came up with. My family liked it so much, they ate the whole casserole–no leftovers!

2 cups uncooked radiatore pasta
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
2 (10-3/4 oz) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
2 (4.5 oz) cans chopped green chilies, undrained
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 cups chopped cooked chicken
1-1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend or cheddar cheese

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions; drain and set aside. In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, cook the onion and celery in butter until tender; about 4 minutes.

2. In a large bowl, combine the soup, sour cream, chilies, pepper and chicken. Stir in the cooked pasta. Pour mixture into a 3-quart casserole sprayed with cooking spray. Top with the cheese.

3. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 25 to 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly and cheese is melted. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Emily

Tender, moist and delicious, this lightly seasoned baked chicken is perfect for the whole family!

3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon crushed, dried oregano
6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves

1. Place melted butter in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, combine all the remaining ingredients except the chicken breasts.

2. Dip chicken breasts first in melted butter, then in crumb mixture to coat. Place in a greased 15×10x1-inch baking pan.

3. Bake at 375 degrees F, uncovered, for 40 to 45 minutes or until juices run clear. Makes 6 servings.

Emily

When we think of Christmas, we generally begin to ponder the question “What gift can I get them for Christmas?” Sometimes, the greatest gifts we can give are the ones not bought but freely given! I received the following in an email from Farmer’s Almanac and wanted to share it with all of you. These gifts are appropriate, not only at Christmas time, but all year long!

The Gift of Listening

But you must really listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response, no second guessing. Just listen!

The Gift of Affection

Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses and pats on the back. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for your family and close friends.

The Gift of Laughter

Clip and share cartoons and funny stories. Your gift will say “I love to laugh with you”.

The Gift of A Written Note

It can be a simple “Thanks for the help” note or a full sonnet. A brief handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.

The Gift of A Compliment

A simple and sincere, “You look great in red”, “You did a super job”, or “That was wonderful” can make someone’s day.

The Gift of A Favor

Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.

The Gift of Solitude

There are times when you want nothing more than to be left alone. Be sensitive to that same need in others and give the gift of solitude when it seems needed.

The Gift of A Cheerful Disposition

The easiest way to feel good is to offer a kind word to someone. Really, just a cheery “Hello” or “How are you” can go a long way.

Emily

Smooth, creamy and delicious, this easy-to-make mashed potato side goes great with any meat main dish!

2 cups water
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
3/4 cup milk
1 (10-3/4 oz) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
1/3 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon minced onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup French-fried onions*

1. In a 2-quart saucepan over high heat, bring water and butter or margarine to a boil; remove from the heat. Stir in the milk; slowly stir in the potato flakes or buds.

2. Add the soup, sour cream, minced onion, salt and pepper to the potato mixture; stir to blend. Transfer mixture to a 1-1/2-quart casserole. Sprinkle with the French-fried onions.

3. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 25 to 30 minutes or until hot and onions are golden brown.

* You may omit the French-fried onions, if desired.

Emily