By: Vickie Davis
Surprise! I am back! I have been quite busy since early December 2024.
I fell doing a split and injured both hamstrings, left knee and acquiring a facture of my left fibula!
I ended up not baking one batch of cookies or making absolutely no fudge!
I then transferred to Encompass for Rehab for two weeks and arrived home the night before St. Marys received 11 inches snow! I missed all cooking, baking and Christmas and New Year’s plus my Birthday!
I came home still having difficulty walking on my walker so thank God I had my scooter to rely on!
I have been working with in-house therapy on getting up and walking and I am glad to report that I am making progress but still cannot drive and have only been out for doctors’ appointments.
Oh, I did get my nails done last week over town by riding my scooter over and getting them done after two months of Christmas snowflakes!
I only pray that 2025 is better than 2024! So, let’s get started on some recipes!
The first recipe is for One Pan Dinner because I am not a “measurable person!” I eyeball everything a little more or less as I cook. But this dinner is delicious, and you can add or subtract according to the people you will be feeding!
The Fruit Salad is so easy to make and so good. Just open cans, drain and add and you are done!
The Loaded Baked Potato Soup will be delicious for the next couple of day of news. SNOW!!!
Carmale Cookies are a no-bake cookie that you use oats in sounding like no baked chocolate cookies. But these are totally different being instead with caramel. Delish!
The last recipe is for Parmesan Mayonnaise Chicken. This recipe is so easy to make and the mixture of mayo and parmesan cheese that goes on top before baking makes the chicken very moist and so delicious. A must try!
I am glad that I am back and doing better and hopefully come Spring I will be back sitting on the porch and talking to people again. I also want to thank everyone who called, sent cards of encouragement and prayers for healing. It was all very kind! See ya’ next month!
One Pan Dinner
Very easy recipe!
Olive oil and butter in a frying pan on medium or medium low heat
Diced onions in the oil first.
Cut up smoked sausages next.
Cubed or sliced potatoes next
Drained from can or fresh green beans last.
Salt and pepper to taste – optional garlic powder
Cover and stir occasionally till done to your liking.
Fruit Salad
1 -16-ounce jar of maraschino cherries, drained
1 – 15 ounce can of mandarin oranges, drained
1 – 20 ounce can pineapple tidbits, drained
1 ½ cup of mini marshmallows
1 cup pecan pieces, chopped.
1 cup coconut
1 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons almond extract
1 small package of instant vanilla pudding
Drain all fruits and put them into a large bowl. Add marshmallows, pecans, coconut and sour cream. Add 2 teaspoons almond extract to mixture in bowl and stir well.
Now add powdered instant vanilla pudding sprinkled over all the ingredients in bowl and stir well.
Put in refrigerator and let chill for at least 1 hour! Delicious!
Caramel Cookies
2 cups of sugar
¾ cup butter
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1 small box instant butterscotch pudding
½ teaspoon vanilla
3 cup oats
In a saucepan, mix together sugar, butter and milk. Bring to a boil stirring frequently. Once boiling DO NOT STIR but allow it to boil for 1 minute.
After boiling, remove from heat and mix in instant pudding mix and vanilla till everything’s combined. Mix in oats until well combined. Using a cookie scoop or teaspoon to scoop and put on parchment paper lined cookie sheet.
Allow caramel cookies to cool and set up for a few minutes before enjoying. Store caramel cookies in an airtight container.
Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Cook 1 pound bacon in a large pot over medium heat. When it is done, remove it and set it aside.
Leave 2-3 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot. Add 2 tablespoons of butter, then add 1 diced onion, two diced celery ribs, one cup of shredded carrots and 5-6 minced garlic cloves. Cook that down for 5-7 minutes.
Sprinkle in ¼ cup of flour and let that cook for 2-3 minutes. Slowly stir in 4 cups of chicken broth then add 2 cups of whole cream and one cup of heavy cream.
Season with a tablespoon of all-purpose blend seasoning and add three pounds of Yukon gold potatoes chopped in bite size pieces.
Stir it up well bringing it to a gentle boil and put the lid on and reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender.
Use a potato mash to mash up a few of the potatoes. Then stir in 2 cups of freshly grated, sharp cheddar cheese and most of the reserved bacon.
Salt and pepper to taste and let it simmer for about 20 minutes to thicken up.
Parmesan Mayonnaise Chicken
1-pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2-3 cloves garlic minced
Preheat oven to 375 degrees and lightly spray the bottom of a baking dish with cooking spray or line with parchment spray. Trim and pound chicken into thinner chicken breasts in a baking dish.
Next in a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, salt and pepper and minced garlic together until well blended. Then spread the mayo mixture evenly on top of the chicken.
Sprinkle the parmesan cheese evenly across the top of the mayo covered chicken. Cook in oven for 30 minutes or until chicken is through and cheese is golden.
The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165 when taken with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the breast.
Serve immediately while still hot and sprinkle with additional parmesan if desired.