Salmon Pie

Need a quick and easy dinner full of protein...here it is.

3 Cups grated cheddar cheese
1 Can Salmon (I use tuna as well)
1 Cup Bisquick
2 Cups Milk
4 Eggs
1 tsp seasoning salt

Mix all ingredients together and bake in a pie plate for 20-30 mins at 400 degrees

Italian & Maple Chicken Marinade

I tried this marinade for an outdoor birthday party that we had for about 30 people, last summer. I used to to marinade chicken breast for BBQ-ing. It is sweet and savory, which makes it loved by all.

I have even tried as a marinade for grilled shrimp. Another alternative is to pour it over chicken or pork and bake it in the oven and serve the remaining liquid over rice.

1 Cup Italian Dressing
1/4 Cup honey
1/4 Cup Maple syrup(I use sugar free)
3 Tbsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp dijon Mustard
1 tsp curry powder
1/4 tsp ground ginger

Mix well and marinade (overnight for best results) in the refridgerator.

Mesa Chicken Salad

In a bowl prepare a head of romaine lettuce, washed and chopped. Set aside for later.

3-4 chicken breasts cubed
2 tbsp taco seasoning.
Sprinkle 2 tbsp taco seasoning over the chicken and cook in a frying pan. Set aside to cool

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups corn
1 large red pepper, cubed into small pieces
1/2 purple onion chopped into small pieces
1 avocado, cut into small pieces
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Add chicken
combine together in a bowl

Dressing:
1 Cup salsa
1 Cup ranch dressing
4 tbsp taco seasoning


Plate lettuce and bean/chicken mixture on individual plates, add desired amount of dressing to taste.

Cream Corn

This is by no means a low fat recipe but it has become a quick favorite at our family gatherings. It has been added as a side dish for our traditional Christmas Dinner.

5 cups frozen corn (let stand at room temp for about 30 mins)
1 cup whip cream*
1/2 cup milk*
1 tsp salt
6 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp pepper
add all these ingredients together and bring to a boil

Mix 2 Tbsp butter and 2 Tbsp flour together. Stir into the corn mixture, simmer to thicken. Serve hot.

* or 1 1/2 cups half and half

Sechwan Green Beans

4 tsp sesame oil
2 Tbsp minced fresh ginger
4 cloves finely chopped fresh garlic
saute together for 2 mins

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
add to above and cook for one more minute

2 Tbsp soy sauce
3 Tbsp brown sugar (or sugar substitute)
3 Tbsp Oyster sauce
add to ginger and garlic and cook until thick.  


Add green beans (about 2 cups)***


***If using frozen beans, rinse to thaw. If you use fresh, Blanche them first

Entertaining My Way

I love to entertain, I love to cook. However there are many days when I open the freezer door and the thought washed over me "What am I going to make for dinner?" I have tried several times to make 'cook books' or record my meal plans, all without much success. What I do ok with is blogging; this is number three (crazy I know).

So I had this thought, maybe if I record my recipies here, when I hit that wall of "what shall I make?", I can come here and remind myself of some of the things I like to create for my family and friends.

So there it is - the premise for this blog. For now, this is a simple journal of some of the things I love to cook and a reminder of what I enjoy to serve others.