Lentil Sloppy Joes

If you are looking for a meatless version of sloppy joes, boy do I have one for you!  This recipe uses lentils as the base and it will make you wonder why you ever thought you needed ground beef for sloppy joes.  Seriously.  Just try it.

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. olive oil

1 large red onion, chopped

1 tsp. garlic paste

1 c. green lentils

2 c. water

1 1/4 c. crushed tomatoes

1/2 c. ketchup

2 Tbsp. brown sugar

1 Tbsp. molasses

1 Tbsp. soy sauce

1/4 tsp. ground dry mustard

1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

salt & pepper

Ingredients

In a large pot or dutch oven, heat on medium-high heat.

Add onions, garlic, and saute for a minute or two.

Add lentils and cook another minute or two.

Season with salt and pepper.

Add water and bring to a simmer.

Cover and cook 10-15 minutes, or until lentils are getting tender.

Add crushed tomatoes, ketchup, and remaining ingredients.

Stir and taste, adding more seasonings, if needed.

Simmer, stirring often, another 10-15 minutes, or until lentils are cooked through and sauce is thickened.
(Be sure not to cook too long, they will get mushy.)

Serve on your favorite hamburger buns.

Use your discretion on the cayenne pepper.  This is how Tony and I make ours, but if you want to turn up the spice level (or tone it down), adjust accordingly. :)

Quick Sub Sandwich Buns

When I came on to post today, I found this gem in my drafts.  I thought I posted it last summer, but apparently, I never got around to it.  Since we are in the middle of winter, maybe a glimpse of the greenery in the background will get your spirits up!  The world will be green again soon! ;)

Ingredients

1 c. warm water

1 Tbsp. yeast

1 Tbsp. sugar

2 Tbsp. olive oil

1 tsp. salt

2 1/2 c. flour

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a mixing bowl, combine water, yeast, sugar, and oil.

Mix well then let rest 10 minutes.  (Mixture should get foamy/bubbly.)

Stir in half of the flour, then add the salt.

Stir in remaining flour until soft dough forms.

Knead until dough becomes smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.

Turn over in a well-oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 30-40 minutes.

Shape into desired size rolls and place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

Let rise at least 15 minutes.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until buns are golden brown.

(Baking time will vary depending on the size of the buns you are making.)

{These buns reminded me a little of the Jimmy John's sub buns.  They are soft, yet dense, in the center with a chewy (but not crispy) crust.}

Banana Muffins

Hello Everyone! Who all loves banana bread? Well, if you do, you will love this recipe. Instead of banana bread, we are going to make banana muffins! We made them mini bite size, but you can do what you like. 

INGREDIENTS

3 c. flour

2 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp.baking soda

1 tsp. salt

6 large ripe bananas (mashed)

1 1/2 c. white sugar

2 eggs

2/3 c. butter (melted)

Coat muffin pans with non-stick spray, or use paper liners.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

1. In a small bowl mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt: set aside. 

2. In a different bowl, mix together bananas, sugar, egg, and butter in a large bowl.

3. Combine the flour mixture with the liquid mixture.

4. Bake large muffins for 25 to 30 minutes.

Bake mini muffins for 10 to 15 minutes.

Enjoy your freshly baked muffins!

Baked Chex Mix

I have mentioned before that I work in a nursing home. I absolutely love it! One of the best things about my job is being able to visit with the residents and hear the tales of their greatest memories and how things were different "back in the day." I was visiting with one particular man a couple years ago.  I don't remember exactly what it was that we were chatting about, but he began to tell me about "goop" and how he just loved the stuff. When I told him that I had never heard of goop, he proceeded to give me the run-down on how to make it (complete with hand motions).

"You mix all your favorite cereals... Chex, Cheerios, whatever you want! You could even add some nuts or pretzels, too. Then melt some butter. LOTS of butter makes it taste better! {*a laugh and a wink*} Mix it all together and then bake it niiice and good. You can eat it right away or after it's cooled, but I'll tell ya, there won't be much leftover."

When I told him I wanted to try it for my brother's graduation party, he was more than happy to repeat the recipe to me again and assured me that if I had any problems, to just call him and he would help me sort it out. I just love residents like him!

 I told my Mom about the recipe and she thought it sounded great. My brothers made a wiffle ball field on my parents' property over the last few years (it keeps getting bigger & better with time).  We figured a lot of time would be spent on the field that day. (We were right.) It was perfect to have these "to go" snacks so the kids could just grab a cupful and go play ball!

I started googling and searching "goop" and sure enough, there are many different versions. We created our own and tried it out. It went over really well and we made it again for the snack table at my sister's wedding last year. :)

 

*Note: many of the recipes for "goop" were to bake it in the crock pot. We tried that, but it was soft and almost sticky. It was good, but not what we were hoping for.

We made more of the batches in the oven, and we thought it was way better. It was crunchy and flavorful.

You can certainly make it either way, just depends on what you want for the outcome. :)

 

Ingredients

1 box rice Chex cereal

1 box corn Chex cereal

2 bags Bugles, original flavor

1 box Cheez-its

1 bag mini pretzel twists

1 c. butter, melted

1/2 c. worcestershire sauce

2 Tbsp. garlic powder

1 1/2 Tbsp. seasoned salt

sugar, to taste (optional)

Directions

Mix the first 5 ingredients in a very large bowl. Set aside.

In a medium glass bowl, melt the butter then stir in remaining ingredients.

Pour evenly over cereal mixture.

Gently stir until "sauce" is evenly distributed.

Spread onto a large baking sheet.

Bake for 30-45 minutes at 350 degrees or until golden and crisp, stirring occasionally.

Serve warm or cooled.

(Be sure to let it cool completely before storing in airtight containers.)

 

Chocolate Ritz Cookies

This is a family recipe from our Aunt Cindy. It is a fun group recipe.

We hope you enjoy this!!! :)

Ingredient

Ritz Crackers

Peanut Butter (Creamy)

Almond Bark (Chocolate)

(Sprinkles, optional for Holidays)

You need:

Double boiler

Wax paper

Spatula (Fork or Spoon

is optional) 

Butter Knife

1. Spread the peanut butter on one cracker, then place another cracker on top, making a sandwich.

2. Melt the almond bark in a double boiler, then dip the sandwiches in.

3. Using a fork, lift them out and tap them gently to remove the excess chocolate.

4. Place them on wax paper. Let harden and then serve.

Enjoy!!! :)

Homemade Pumpkin Puree

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season has begun. I know many have already pulled out their Christmas decorations. Trees are selected, ornaments are removed from their special packages, family recipes are located, wrapping paper selected.  I, along with everyone else, love Christmas, but....I also love Thanksgiving. Let's slow down a little bit and enjoy this great day before we rush to celebrate Christmas--although Jesus' birthday is worth celebrating!

In trying to slow it down, I decided to make pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. I normally make my own pumpkin pie- homemade crust and all. This year, however, I decided to make the puree too. Below are the steps to make the main ingredient to that yummy pie. 

*Allow a good three hours. :) We're really slowing it down. 

1.  Grab small pie pumpkins.

2. Remove stems. Cut in half. This is where my husband really came in handy, or I am just very weak. ;)

3. Remove the guts. More than the picture. Scrape them clean. 

4. Line a pan with aluminum foil. Place a little vegetable oil on foil. Place pumpkin on the pan, cut side down. 

5. Rub lightly with oil and cook at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until fork goes through easily. 

6. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Scoop out.

7. Puree it in a blender, food processor, hand mixer, depending on the consistency you like. I like my pumpkin smooth so I used the blender. 

NOW GO MAKE SOME BEAUTIFUL PIES!  HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

Microwave Caramel Corn

One night recently, my husband came home with a grocery bag full of junk food.  Cheddar popcorn, ice cream, candy, pizza, and of course...caramel corn!  We started talking about homemade caramel corn and I realized that this would be the perfect time of year to share a quick recipe for microwave caramel corn with you guys. A wonderful fall snack during a cozy movie date!

Ingredients

1/2 c. unpopped popcorn

3/4 c. butter

1 1/2 c. brown sugar

1/3 c. brown rice syrup

3/4 tsp. Salt

3/4 tsp. baking soda

Directions

Using an air popper, pop the corn. (It should make about 4 quarts of popped corn.)

Dump the popcorn into a large brown paper bag.

In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter.

Add the brown sugar, brown rice syrup, and the salt.

Stir well.

Microwave the mixture on high for 1 minute and 30 seconds. It should just begin to boil.

Once it begins to boil, microwave an additional 2 minutes.

Using hot pads, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and stir in the baking soda. 

Continue to stir the mixture until the baking soda dissolves and the mixture becomes foamy.

Drizzle the mixture over the popcorn.

Fold the bag closed and shake well to distribute the caramel mixture.

(*Bag gets HOT so use oven mitts! You don't want burned fingers.)

Microwave (bag & all) on high 1 1/2 minutes.

Shake well.

Microwave again for 1 1/2 minutes.

Pour caramel corn into a large bowl or onto a baking sheet to cool.

With a wooden spoon, stir occasionally to break into chunks. Once completely cool, store in large ziplic bag until devoured.

I adapted this recipe from Meaningful Mama and I think it's a keeper! It's a bit chewier than the caramel corn you bake in the oven, but it's still delicious.  Perfect if you want something quick and easy!

Make a bowl for your next movie night and enjoy. :)

Rosary Cupcake Display

We decided to do this "Rosary Cupcakes" because it was our Dad's Birthday, and Our Lady of the Rosary feast day earlier this month.

Our mom thought it would be a nice for my sister and I to show you guys what we did, so here it is! 
It's a good way to celebrate and tastes so YUMMY! :)

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
55 mini cupcakes
8 regular sized cupcakes
frosting (two colors)


1. Make 55 MINI Cupcakes.
2. Make 8 Normal Cupcakes.
3. Decorate Cupcakes!
4. Display like a ROSARY! :)

Enjoy this Special Rosary just for you! :)

Grape Jam

Grapes are ready, and who doesn't like homemade grape jam? 

The grapes were so beautiful this year!

We followed (mostly) the directions from the Sure Jell box.  I will admit we doubled our batch, which this is something they recommend not to do.  Our jelly turned out wonderfully, so we will do the next batch the same way.  ☺

Supplies Needed:

Dry measuring cup

liquid measuring cup

saucepan

ladle

bowls
jars

lids and rings

fork 

metal spoon.

canner (and canning rack if you have one)

towel

Ingredients:

Grapes - about 4 lb. (enough to make 10 cups juice)

(see below for instructions)

1 tsp. butter

Sugar - 14 cups

2 boxes Sure Jell

Okay, let's get started!

************************************************

1. Pick your grapes.  
(As you can see....we had one excited girl to help pick the grapes!)

Look what we picked! 

2. Sterilize your jars.  (I use a dishwasher.)

 

         3. Put lids in saucepan. Cover with water.



4. Prepare canner by adding some water.  Set aside.

5. Wash the grapes.

6.  Remove and discard stems. 

(My son helped me do this.)

7. Place them in a large pot and add enough water just to cover the grapes.

Stir.

8. Bring to  boil; simmer on medium-low heat for 10 minutes.

9. Carefully pour grapes through juicer.

As you can see...we used a pan to help catch the juice. 

10. Measure out 10 cups juice.

(You may add a bit of water, if needed, to make the correct amount.)

11. Measure out exact amount of sugar and set aside.  (In our case, it was 14 cups.)

12. Stir 2 packages of Sure Jell into the prepared fruit juice.  

13. Add 1 tsp. butter to reduce foaming.

14. Bring mixture to full rolling boil (a boil that doesn't stop bubbling when stirred) on high heat, stirring constantly. 

15. Add sugar to fruit mixture.  

16. Return to full rolling boil; boil exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. 

17. Remove from heat.  Skim off any foam with metal spoon.

18. Pour juice into hot, clean jars. Fill each, leaving 1/4 inch space from the top.

19. Wipe jar rims and threads. Cover with lid, put rim on, and tighten. 

20. Place jars in hot water canner. (Make sure water is covering jars!) Add boiling water if needed.

21. Process for 10 minutes, according to your canner's instructions.

22. Remove jars and place upright on towel to cool completely.

That's it!

By the way, these would make nice gifts! :)

Baby Wipes

Two months ago my husband and I had our first baby, a wonderful, healthy baby girl. :) Now, if you have had (or have) a newborn, you know that you go through a TON of diapers and wet ones. My husband had went out and bought three big containers of wet ones and we used them up in practically no time flat! 

So...I decided to look up a “recipe" for wet wipes and I love them! They don't save you a ton on cash, (they do a little bit) but it's wonderful knowing exactly what is being applied to your little one's skin. ;) Below are the ingredients. I've made them a couple times now and changed the original recipe a little bit.  I've found that the changes I made works better.  You may need to adjust things for your recipe, too! :) I made this recipe for two containers of wet wipes. 

*NOTE: This recipe makes 2 containers of wet wipes.

What you'll need:

2 Wet Ones containers

1 roll Viva paper towels

Divide the following ingredients in half so you can make 2 containers:

4 Cups Water

2 Tbsp Baby soap (your choice)

4 Tbsp coconut oil

6-10 drops essential oil, optional

You are going to have to buy two commercial containers of wet wipes before this little project due to the fact that you will be using the containers.  Otherwise, you could find a jar or other container that they would fit in, if you'd prefer.

1. Before you start the “hard work" of this, put the water in a pan and let that start to boil. As soon as it starts to boil, turn off the burner and remove from heat.

2. Let the water cool to room temperature before adding the ingredients. (This step will help keep the wipes fresh and not become moldy.)

3. Now for the hardest part of all - cutting the roll of paper towels in half. (I found out after I did this that you should probably NOT use a serrated knife for this step.  It shreds it a little - as I found out!)

4. Once that is all finished, wipe off the excess paper towel pieces and put each half into a container so that they are "standing up".

Hopefully, if you use a knife that isn't serrated you won't have as big of a mess as I did. Haha :-)

5. Dividing the liquid ingredients, combine 2 cups of the boiled and cooled water in a small bowl.  Add 1 Tbsp of baby soap and 2 Tbsp of coconut oil.
If you are adding essential oils, add 3-5 drops.  
Mix until coconut oil is dissolved.
(Be sure not to stir too much otherwise it will become very sudsy.)

6. Next, pour the mixture over the paper towels.
Press the top of the paper towels down a bit.

**Repeat steps 5 & 6 for the other container.

7. Close the lids and flip the containers upside down.
Leave them upside down for about 5 to 10 minutes.

8. Flip the containers back upright and remove the cardboard pieces inside the paper towels.

9. Pull the first wet wipe from the center (where you pulled out the cardboard) and push it a little through the top of the lid.

And there you have it! :)