Olive Garden Salad Dressing

Recipe from The Country Cook.
May not be exactly like olive garden, but it's pretty dang close! Great dressing.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pkt. Good Seasonings Italian Dressing PLUS--> (Ingredients needed to make dressing; oil, water, vinegar)
• ½ t. dried Italian Seasoning
• ½ t. salt
• ¼ t. pepper
• ½ t. sugar
• ¼ t. garlic powder
• ½ T. mayo (no Miracle Whip, please)
• ¼ c. olive oil
• 2 T. white vinegar
• 1 ½ T. water

DIRECTIONS:

1. Prepare Italian dressing according to the instructions on the back of the packet. I used the less oil instructions.
2. Mix in all other ingredients. Mix well with a whisk or shake it well in a mason jar with lid.
   
3. Serve over salad fixings.
   
4. Keeps well in a sealed container for up to 4 weeks! Shake well before using.

I made the "Olive Garden" garlic bread sticks from The Country Cook blog as well.

The dough is very easy to work with. Tastes like Olive Garden's bread sticks, but not the same texture. A good recipe, but I think I'm gonna stick with my super easy bread sticks recipe. Seriously so easy and can be ready to eat in 20-25 minutes.

Crispy Southwest Chicken wrap + homemade tortilla

My husband loves a good ol' "Tyson burrito" (Ranch beans, rice, cheese and green taco sauce), but he loves this new creation even more. I found THIS recipe, but I switched things up a bit to make it Tyson burrito style. My husband would eat this daily if I made it for him!! We all really like it.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 c. Chicken
• 1 can Ranch Beans
  
• 1 c. Rice, cooked
  
• 1 (7 oz) can Salsa Verde
• 1/2 c. diced Green bell pepper
• 1 green onion, excluding the white part
  
• 1/4 c. Cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 t. Chili powder
• 1 t. Cumin
• 1/2 t. Garlic salt
• Shredded Mozzerella Cheese or fiesta blend cheese
• Sour cream
• tortillas

• 

I used to always make these with green taco sauce, but this last time I used salsa verde instead and it was SO good!

1. 

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cook chicken in small pot of water. Shred when done.
2. Add in all ingredients to the pot, excluding the last 3 ingredients and heat through. *Add the salsa verde in to taste. I use almost the full can.
3. Lay out the tortilla. Spread on some sour cream (must use!). Sprinkle on cheese and spoon on some bean mixture.
4. Place seam side down on a hot griddle or pan. Turn once to get both sides nice and crispy.
   

*This is a quick meal, but if you make the homemade tortillas it will take a little time. Tortilla recipe below...

Cafe Rio flour tortilla
makes 6 tortillas
Recipe from Tastebook.

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 c. flour
• 1 1/2 t. salt
• 2 t. baking powder
• 3/4 c. shortening
• 3/4 c. Hot water

DIRECTIONS: *I used my kitchenAid mixer, but this can be done by hand.

1. Combine flour, salt and baking powder.
2. Mix in the shortening until the dough forms small crumb.
3. Gradually add in water until the dough comes together. (I had to add in extra water)
4. Mix with dough hook or knead for 3 minutes until smooth.
5. Plop the dough on the counter and cover with a damp towel. *Let sit for 1 hour*
   
6. Roll out tortillas. Can use a plate over the dough to trim around for a perfect circle. Keep covered with slightly damp towel.
   
7. Heat over med/high heat in pan. Cook for a minute or until no longer doughy. DO NOT OVERCOOK.
   

*I used bread flour because I'm out of all purpose flour. I rolled it out very thin, but it still made for a thicker tortilla. It was good! Gotta heat it longer in the pan though.

Broccoli Salad

My husband isn't much of a salad eater, but he likes this one!

INGREDIENTS:

• 5 c. broccoli
• 5 bacon strips
• 1/3 c. red onion
• 1/3 c. sun flower seeds
• 1/4 c. craisens
• 1/2 c. Shredded cheddar cheese (opt.) *I leave this on the side.
  

DRESSING: 1/2 c. mayo, 3 T. sugar and 1 T. vinegar.

DIRECTIONS:
Combine all ingredients and add in the dressing to taste.

Basic Bread + cinnamon rolls!

I have never EVER been good at making bread. Until my cousin Jamie gave me this fail proof recipe. Bread turns out great every time. YAY! If I can make good bread, anyone can!! I promise it is easy peasy. :)

The best thing about this bread is you can make all sorts of goodies with it. My favorite thing to make is the ROLLS. These are THE BEST rolls... well besides Grandma's, but no one can make Grandma's rolls JUST like Grandma does so these will do!

You can also make....

Pizza dough
Pizza Poppers
Garlic sticks
Cinnamon sticks
Cinnamon rolls
& more!

Seriously. This recipe is awesome.
THANK YOU Jamie :)

INGREDIENTS:

• 10 1/2 c. Flour (Bread flour is best!)
• 1/2 c. Sugar
• 1 T. Salt
• 3 T. Yeast
• 4 c. Hot tap water
• 1/2 c. Oil

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix all dry ingredients.
2. Add in water and oil. Mix for 1 minute, then check consistency. Add more flour if too wet, add more water if too dry. (Should be a tad sticky, but not sticking to your fingers.)
3. Knead for 8 minutes. I leave my KitchenAid mixer with the dough hook, on 2 speed.
4. Spray counter with oil spray. Plop dough onto counter and form ball. Cut ball into 4 sections and cover with towel to rise.

*This recipe will make 4 loaves of bread OR 4 dozen rolls OR 4 pizza crusts. I always do half the recipe because that is all that will fit in my KitchenAid mixer.

Bread: I let the dough rise once on the counter. Then I form the loaf and let it rise again in the greased loaf pan. Then I pour a few tablespoons of melted margarine over the top.... well, because that's what Grandma does. :) I usually bake on a lower rack in the oven because it rises quite a bit over the top. Bake at 375* for around 25 minutes. You can flip the loaf out of the pan to check if the bottom and sides are done.

Seriously, the best. I use this recipe every time for rolls. So easy and GOOD!

Rolls: Cover dough with towel and rise once on the counter for about 10-20 minutes. Form about 2 inch balls, cover and rise again in a 9x13 dish for around a 1/2 hour or until doubled in size. Spoon melted butter over tops. Bake at 375* for 15-18 minutes, until golden. Take a stick of butter and rub some of it over the tops of warm rolls. Cover with towel.

Cinnamon Rolls: Roll dough to flat rectangle shape. Spread softened margarine over dough. Evenly, sprinkle with sugar and LOADS of brown sugar. Then sprinkle desired amount of cinnamon. Stretch and roll tightly. Then pinch the seam well. Slice 2" rolls. Place 12 rolls into greased 9x13 dish. They will almost be touching. Pat over the top of them to make them an even height. Cover with towel and rise.

For a quick rise time. Place in 170* oven for 20-30 minutes, until about double in size.

Bake 375* for 15-18 minutes.

Mmmm.... looks and smells delicious!

Glaze: 2 c. Powder sugar, 1/2 t. Vanilla and add about 1/4 c. Milk for desired consistency. Add more powdered sugar if you like a thicker glaze. I give the rolls 5-10 minutes to cool and then I pour the glaze on top!

Salsa

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 (14 oz) cans petite diced tomatoes (can throw in some green chili tomatoes)
• 2 (7 oz) cans El Pato (spicy, so add to taste)
• 1 onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 T. Lime Juice
• 1 t. Salt
• Handful of Cilantro
• Jalapeno (opt.)

DIRECTIONS:

You can't really mess it up. Just play with it to get the desired taste you like. You can add fresh tomatoes and a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. More garlic. Jalapeno for more of a kick. Make it the way you like it!

Aztec Salsa

INGREDIENTS:

• small can Yellow Corn (vac pack)
  
• small can White Corn (vac pack)
  
• 1 can Black Beans, rinsed
  
• 3 Tomatoes
• 3 Avocados
  
• bunch Green Onion
• Cilantro
• Italian Dressing Pkt.

DIRECTIONS: Dice veggies. Mix dressing according to pkt. directions, using less oil instructions. Combine all and serve with chips!

(picture courtesy of bushbeans.com)

*I got this recipe from my sister, Sunny. This recipe is AWEsome every time! It does make a big bowl, so it's great for feeding a crowd. It's perfect as is, but if you like a little heat just add in some jalapeno. Also, toss the avocado in some lime juice. This will help keep them from browning and add extra flavor!

Lettuce Wraps

I LOVE P.F. Changs lettuce wraps. They are so delicious! My hubs and I used to eat there often when dating. Now I just use a copycat recipe. It's not the same, but it is GOOD!

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 T. oil
• 2 T. sesame oil
  
• 2 Chicken Breasts
• 1 c. water chestnut
  
• 1/2 c. Mushroom
• 1/2 Onion
• 3 Garlic cloves
  
• Iceberg Lettuce cups

Stir Fry Sauce: 2 T. soy sauce, 2 T. brown sugar and 1/2 t. rice wine vinegar. Mix well.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat oil on high heat and cook chicken for 4-5 minutes each side or until done.
2. Remove chicken from pan and cool.
3. Keep oil in pan hot and mince chestnut, mushroom, onion and garlic mince to the size of peas. Then mince cooled chicken as well.
   
4. Add another T. oil to pan. Stir in all ingredients, plus the sauce. Saute for a few minutes.
   
5. Serve in lettuce cups.

It's a great main dish or it goes well as a side with my other Asian dinners, Teriyaki Chicken & Fried Rice.

Fried Rice

I got this recipe from my friend Taryn. It is seriously one of our favorites and I make it at least a few times a month! I will never use fried rice seasoning packets again!!

INGREDIENTS:

• Rice
• 3 carrots
• 6 pieces of bacon
• 3 pieces of ham (thick)
• 1/2 onion
• 2 eggs
• soy sauce
• salt (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Prepare rice in the morning and let it sit most of the day, airing it out.
2. Fry Bacon while dicing the ingredients. Add all other ingredients when bacon is done and continue to saute until the onion & carrots are tender.
   

3. Stir in the rice and scrambled eggs. Add the soy sauce to taste.
4. Heat through and it is ready to serve!

I make a big batch because we like it so much that we will eat it for a couple days as leftovers. I noticed leftovers are better if you don't air the rice out all day when making it.

TIPS:
I take a few shortcuts to make it quickly. Keep in mind I make a big batch.

• I make 3 cups rice (uncooked) in the rice cooker.
  
• I use a little less than 1/2 pkg. of Turkey Bacon and dice it before frying. I used regular bacon the first time. I went through an entire package and only had very little meat from it after trimming off the fat.
  
• I add a package of ham that is already cut to a petite dice.
• I slice half a small bag of petite carrots.
• 4 eggs and 1/2 (10 oz) bottle of less sodium Soy Sauce.

It takes me a 1/2 hour tops to make and it is so delish!

Twice Baked Potato twist

This is how I make a twice baked potato with my own little twist.

Bake the potatoes. Cut each potato down the center lengthwise. Use a small spoon to take out the filling. When making your "potato boat" be sure not to dig to the skin. It's good to have a thick layer of baked potato left in.

Mash the potatoes adding a little milk. I use a fork because I like the potatoes a little lumpy for texture.

Stir in Bacon (the more the better!) and
Ranch Salad dressing mix to taste.

Spoon the filling back into the "potato boat" and top with cheddar cheese.

Broil in oven until cheese has melted or until desired crispiness. You can even top it with a little sour cream before serving if you like. Enjoy! :)

7 Layer Dip

(I doubled the recipe to fit a 9x13 dish for a party)

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (16 oz) can Refried Beans (Green Chile & Lime)
• 1 tub Guacamole Dip
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 pkg. Taco Seasoning
• Grated Cheese (1 cup)
  
• Chopped Tomatoes (2 roma)
  
• Chopped green Onion
  
• sliced Olives (1 sm. can)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix together sour cream, mayo and taco seasoning.
2. Layer ingredients in a 9x9 dish, from top to bottom of ingredient list.
   

Jello

My Mom made Jello like every Sunday dinner growing up.
She would add fruit to any flavor.
My favorite is *sugar free* Lime Jello with Pineapple.
My boys love jello and they devourer it so fast,
so we had it for their party.
Another good one is Orange Jello with Mandarin Oranges.

Potato Salad

Aunt Leesa's recipe
YUM!

INGREDIENTS:

• Potatoes
• 6-8 eggs
• 1-2 cups Mayo
• Mustard
• Pickles & juice
• Green Onion
• Salt & Pepper

DIRECTIONS:

1. Boil Potatoes and eggs. Watch the potatoes carefully. You don't want to boil them to long because your salad will be mush.
   
2. Cut up potatoes, eggs, green onions and pickles into a large bowl. Add the salt and pepper.
3. In a separate bowl; mix mayo, mustard and pickle juice. (add to taste)
4. Combine with the salad and add more mayo if needed.
   

Ritz Cracker Chicken

(sorry I have no idea why this wouldn't upload the right way.
I will try re-uploading another time)

INGREDIENTS:

• 4-8 chicken breasts (boneless & skinless)
• 2 cups Ritz cracker crumbs
• 3 Tbsp. Parmesan Cheese
• 2 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp. Salt
• 1 (8oz) container of Plain Yogurt
• 3 Tbsp. Butter (melted)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Trim fat off defrosted chicken and pat dry.
2. Mix the Crackers, Parmesan cheese, Garlic Powder and Salt in a bowl.
3. Melt the butter and combine it in a seperate bowl with the yogurt.
4. Dip chicken in yogurt mixture and the the cracker mixture. Place on a Greased 9x13 dish and bake (uncovered) at 350 for 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

* I like to serve this chicken with Red Parsley Potatoes and french green beans. It's Super Good!


Red Parsley Potatoes:

1. Cut up the red potatoes with the skin on. Put into a pot of boiling water. Sometimes I boil them with chopped onion. Boil until barely tender (you don't want to over boil them).
2. Drain the water and spoon on the butter. Sprinkle with Garlic Salt and Parsley. Stir until the potatoes are coated.

Loaded Baked Potato

The family has been raving about my father-in-law's baked potato. Thought I would give it a try! I served it with fish last night. Tyson wants to try adding bacon or ham to it next time. It is very filling and could be a main dish. I don't like raw green peppers, but it was sooo yummy!!! It gave it a little crunch. Tyson doesn't like baked potatoes (crazy I know), but he loved it!

INGREDIENTS:

• Potatoes
• Green Pepper
• Tomato
• Onion (we used green onion last night)
• Cheddar Cheese
• Sour Cream

DIRECTIONS:

1. Bake the Potatoes in the microwave until soft.
2. Dice all the vegetables and Shred the Cheese.
3. Cut up the potato and top with Veggies and Cheese.
4. Heat in Microwave to melt the cheese. I heated it in the broiler because I already had it on and I put it in there for 5 minutes.
5. Top with Sour Cream. (Make sure you don't miss this step!)

Spaghetti Squash

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cut squash length wise and spoon out the seeds.
2. Place in 9x13 dish with 1 inch of water in the bottom. Spread butter on the top of squash. Bake uncovered at 350 for 40 min.
3. Use fork to pull away the squash. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

*This was my first time cooking Spaghetti Squash. It was really yummy! Tyson loved it. It is a stringy noodle texture so it was fun for the kids to eat and they don't even know they are eating vegetable!!!

I baked it uncovered for 30 minutes, but it wasn't done. I covered it and baked it an additional 10 min and it was done. You could bake it COVERED and it would probably speed up the bake time.