My Favorite Chicken Fried Steak

This was always a favorite dinner at my house. 
And they are on sale this week.
Comfort food for sure.
~Shelly

Tips for the Best Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

• There is no need to deep fry. I shallow fry to golden perfection with a cup of oil – or less. I prefer to use vegetable oil.
• A heavy skillet works best. I use my favorite cast iron skillet but any large, heavy bottomed skillet will work.
• Do not overcrowd the pan. Two at a time is the way to go. Preheat your oven to 225-250 F to keep it warm and crispy while you’re making the gravy.
• Buttermilk keeps the steaks nice and tender and the TABASCO® Sauce adds loads of flavor without being overly spicy. I make mine with about 2 teaspoons but you can go up to 4 teaspoons if you want to up the ante. I like to keep it relatively calm and my family can add a couple of dashes on top if they like.
• You’ll notice the baking soda and baking powder in the breading. This gives it a perfectly crispy coating that you won’t find in other recipes.
• After breading the cube steaks, really press the flour in. You want the steaks to be completely coated with the breading.
• Do not flip the steaks more than once. Wait until they are nice and golden brown before flipping. You don’t want to disturb that crunchy coating.

Don’t Forget the Gravy!

There are a few secrets to the best Chicken Fried Steak Gravy.

1. Do NOT scrape the skillet. Leave all of that goodness in there. Simply remove the grease and add back in just enough to make the creamy gravy.
2. Let the flour cook and brown before adding liquids. This builds up flavor and removes that raw flour taste.
3. Slowly whisk in the milk AND cream (yes, I use a little cream in this gravy) This keeps lumps from forming and you end up with a smooth, creamy Chicken Fried Steak Gravy.
4. Season at the end. My gravy usually doesn’t need any additional salt but I add LOTS of freshly ground black pepper.

Ingredients

Harter House tenderized cube steaks (about 1/3 lb each)  On Sale this week, July 9 - 15, 2025
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp fresh ground black pepper, divided
2 tsp kosher salt or sea salt, divided
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
2 tsps TABASCO® Sauce (original)
2 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil

Chicken Fried Steak Gravy

• 4 tbsp grease
• 4 tbsp flour
• 2 to 3 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, one teaspoon black pepper, one teaspoon salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
• In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together buttermilk , TABASCO® Sauce, and eggs. Set aside.
• Pat cube steaks dry with a paper towel, removing as much moisture as possible. Season with one teaspoon of salt and one teaspoon of pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes and pat dry again with paper towel.
• Dredge the cube steaks in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dredge in the buttermilk-egg mixture, letting excess drip off, and then once again in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. 
• Place breaded cube steaks on a sheet pan or metal rack and press any of the remaining flour mixture into the cube steaks making sure that the entire steak is completely coated. Let sit for 10 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 225 to 250 F.
• Meanwhile, heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet or large cast iron skillet over medium high heat. How much oil you need depends on the size of your skillet. You want it to be about 1/4-inch deep. We aren't deep frying the steaks, just shallow frying. 
• Test the oil by dropping a bit of the breading into in. The oil should sizzle and bubble around the breading. Look for the oil to be glistening but not smoking - about 320-340 degrees F. Now we're ready to fry.
• Place two steaks into the pan at a time and fry for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Do not flip more than once or the breading will fall off. Do not fry more than two steaks or the pan will be too crowded and the breading will fall off. 
• Remove steaks from pan and drain on paper towels. Place in preheated oven. Turn skillet heat to medium.

Chicken Fried Steak Gravy

• Pour the remaining grease into a heat safe bowl or glass measuring cup (I used my Pyrex). Do NOT scrape the skillet clean. We want all of those bits of yumminess to remain in the skillet so they can flavor the gravy.
• Add back in 4 tablespoons of the grease to the hot skillet.
• Whisk in flour and continue whisking for two to three minutes or until nice and golden brown.
• Combine the cream and milk and slowly drizzle in about 2 1/2 cups into the skillet, whisking constantly. It might look a little crazy right at the beginning, but it will all come together.
• Continue whisking and bring the gravy to a simmer. Cook until the gravy is smooth and creamy, about 5 to 7 minutes. If the gravy gets too thick, add in a little more milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste. (Mine didn't need any salt but LOTS of pepper!)
• Serve chicken fried steak with gravy and mashed potatoes and your favorite green veggies. ENJOY!

This recipe from; momontimeout.com

Easy Cheese Danish

This recipe is definitely a keeper!
Who doesn't LOVE a Cheese Danish? 

INGREDIENTS

2 Cans Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
2 (8 oz.) packages Cream Cheese
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
1 egg white

GLAZE
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract


PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 359 degrees F.
Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.

Lay a package of crescent rolls in the pan and pinch the openings together.
Beat the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and 1 egg together until smooth. 
Spread the mixture over the crescent rolls evenly and then lay the second pack of crescent rolls on top of the cheese mixture and brush with egg white.
Bake for 35 - 45 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Let cool for 20 minutes and top with the glaze.

Pepperoni and Cheese Crescents

 

1 (8oz) can Pillsbury refrigerated Crescent Rolls
24 slices (about 5 oz.) Pepperomi
2 oz. (1/2 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup pasta or pizza sauce, heated

Heat oven to 375 Degrees
Separate dough into eight triangles, and pat out each triangle slightly.

Place 3 slices of pepperoni, slightly overlapping. on center of each triangle. 
Top each with about 1 tablespoon cheese.

Roll up, starting at shortest side of triangle, and rolling to opposite point.
Place rolls, point side down, on ungreased  cookie sheet.

Bake at 375 degrees for 10 to 14 minutes or until golden brown.  
Remove from cookie sheet.
Serve warm crescents with warm pasta sauce for dipping.

Enjoy

Butter Sauce, for dipping

Sometimes, it's the sauces that make all the difference,
Try this fresh butter sauce, loaded with herbs.

INGREDIENTS

6 Tablespoons butter, melted 
             (I like grass-fed Kerrygold butter)
juice and zest of half a lemon
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
pinch of cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives
2 teaspoons minced thyme
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS

In a small bowl combine melted butter, lemon juice, garlic, mustard, cayenne, and paprika.  Whisk the sauce to combine.

Stir in parsley, chives, crushed red pepper flakes, and thyme.  Season with salt and pepper.

Serve with grilled meats or chicken bites, for dipping.

NOTE 
Feel free to double quantities if you want more sauce. 
For thicker butter sauce, add more mustard.

Easy Chimichurri Sauce

This Easy Chimichurri sauce is packed with fresh herbs, parsley, and oregano and it's spicy enough for everyone to enjoy.  Use it on steak, tacos, or meatballs.  It's even great on pasta.

Chimichurri sauce can be used for a wide range of things including marinades, dipping sauces, or drizzled over meat and vegetables!  Perfect for getting a taste of freshness added to your plate.

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups fresh cilantro (stems and leaves)

1 cup fresh parsley (stems and leaves)

1 Tablespoon dried oregano

2 gloves garlic

3/4 cup olive oil

3 Tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 1/2 - 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 - 1 teaspoon course salt

INSTRUSTIONS

Blend everything in a food processor until smooth.

Adjust seasonings to taste.

Transfer to an airtight container until ready to use.

Freeze it in an ice tray so that it's nicely portioned for future meals.  Once the "cubes" have frozen solid, transfer to a plastic freezer bag.  Defrost and use as needed.

Bourbon Glazed Salmon

 

I will be making this recipe again this weekend.  

I absolutely recommend making more of this sauce, so that you can drizzle it over the cooked salmon.  I say cooked, but it's really pretty rare.  ~Shelly

1/2 cup bourbon

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons brown sugar light or dark; do not omit or the glaze will not thicken

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce

1 clove minced garlic

1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

1 2-pound side of salmon (I prefer skin-on for cooking)

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt / OR I used Chef Paul's Salmon Seasoning instead of salt & pepper

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Chopped green onions optional for serving

 

In a medium saucepan, combine the bourbon, maple syrup, brown sugar, Worcestershire, soy sauce, garlic, and apple cider vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium high. Continue to simmer rapidly, stirring almost constantly. The mixture will look very active and almost foamy. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until mixture has thickened and reduced by about half, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.

 Position racks in the center and upper third of your oven and preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. For easy clean up in case the glaze leaks, line a large baking dish or rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, then place a large piece of aluminum foil on top. Remove the salmon from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes while the glaze cools and the oven preheats.

Place the salmon on top of the foil. Sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Rub to coat, then brush the glaze all over the top.

Fold the sides of the aluminum foil up and over the top of the salmon until it is completely enclosed. If your piece of foil is not large enough, place a second piece on top and fold the edges under so that it forms a sealed packet. Leave a little room inside the foil for air to circulate.

 Bake the salmon on the center rack for 15 to 18 minutes, until the salmon is almost completely cooked through at the thickest part but still has several minutes to go. The cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your salmon. If your side is thinner (around 1-inch thick) check several minutes early to ensure your salmon does not overcook. If your piece is very thick (1 1/2 inches or more), it may need longer.  

Cook with the skin on.. Never serve with the skin.

 Change the oven setting to broil, then return the fish to the oven, placing it on the upper third rack. Broil for 3 to 4 minutes, until the fish is cooked through. Watch the salmon closely as it broils to make sure it doesn’t overcook. You also can use an instant read thermometer inserted at the thickest part of the fish; fish is cooked at 140 degrees F (I like to pull mine out a few degrees early, then let it rest a few minutes so that the carry over cooking allows it to reach temperature).

 Remove the salmon from the oven. If it still appears a bit underdone, you can wrap the foil back over the top and let it rest for a few minutes. Do not let it sit too long—salmon can progress from "not done" to "over done" very quickly. As soon as it flakes easily with a fork, it's ready. 

Serve with additional Bourbon Glaze drizzled over the top.

I prepared 3 large salmon fillets for a party of 37 people, along with Sweet and Savory Green Beans, Sweet Potato Casserole, Salad, Breadsticks and desserts.  (salmon was cooked at the event venue)  It was a real hit.

For the Bourbon Glaze, I prepared the recipe times 8.  

 

Recipe adapted from wellplated.com

Simple Scones

Ingredients
2 Cups All Purpose Sugar
1/3 Cup Sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 Tablespoons unsalted butter, frozen
1/2 Cup raisins (or dried currants)
1/2 Cup Sour Cream
1 large egg

Directions
Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a medium bowl, mix flour, 1/3 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Grate butter into flour mixture on the large holes of a box grater; use your fingers to work in butter (mixture should resemble coarse meal), then stir in raisins.

In a small bowl, whisk sour cream and egg until smooth.

Using a fork, stir sour cream mixture into flour mixture until large dough clumps form. Use your hands to press the dough against the bowl into a ball. (The dough will be sticky in places, and there may not seem to be enough liquid at first, but as you press, the dough will come together.)

Place on a lightly floured surface and pat into a 7- to 8-inch circle about 3/4-inch thick. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tsp. of sugar. Use a sharp knife to cut into 8 triangles; place on a cookie sheet (preferably lined with parchment paper), about 1 inch apart. Bake until golden, about 15 to 17 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes and serve warm or at room temperature.

Variations

Cranberry-Orange Scones
Follow the recipe for Simple Scones, adding a generous teaspoon of finely grated orange rind (zest) to the dry ingredients and substituting dried cranberries for the raisins.

Lemon-Blueberry Scones
Follow the recipe for Simple Scones, adding a generous teaspoon of finely grated lemon rind (zest) to the dry ingredients and substituting dried blueberries for the raisins.

Cherry-Almond Scones
Follow the recipe for Simple Scones, adding 1/2 tsp. almond extract to the sour cream mixture and substituting dried cherries for the raisins.


Tip
Aluminum foil can be used to keep food moist, cook it evenly, and make clean-up easier.


This recipe comes from
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/79470/simple-scones/

Logan County Hamburgers (AKA Hamburger Grilled Cheese)

Ingredients

1.25 pounds Harter House Ground Chuck

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

12 slices of white bread (Also great with Rye Bread)

Unsalted butter

American cheese or Velveeta  ( I like Velveeta)

Directions

In a large mixing bowl combine your egg, minced garlic, onion powder. garlic powder, salt, pepper, and hamburger.  Form into thin patties.

Cook on the grill or skillet until the hamburger is done.and place on paper towels to absorb the grease.  Set aside.

Add your chopped onion to a medium skillet along with 1 tablespoon of butter and cook until the onion is translucent and tender.

Butter both sides of your bread and place them in a skillet and cook one side until it cooks a nice golden brown.  Flip the bread over and immediately place your cheese slices on it along with the cooked onion.  Once the remaining sides of bread are golden and the cheese has melted, add your hamburger and assemble your sandwich.

If your cheese hasn't completely, you can place your bread pieces on a baking sheet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to completely melt your cheese.

From:  The Best Blog Recipes

German Potato Salad

This is a family favorite that I make all the time.
It goes especially well with Pork, pork steak or pulled pork..  
It's also best in the Springtime with sweet and mild Vidalia Onions.
This potato salad is served warm.  ~~Shelly

Ingredients

New Potatoes - about 2 small per person
Large Vidalia Onion, chopped
3/4 cup Best Choice White Vinegar
1/4 cup water
3 tablespoons sugar
Bacon, diced and fried - DO NOT discard grease
salt to taste
Optional - chives for garnish.

Instructions

Boil potatoes for 15 minutes, they still be slightly firm.
Dice Onions
Cook diced bacon, drain on a paper towel, retaining the grease in the pan.

Drain potatoes and add cold water till you can easily handle.
Peal away the skin.
Slice potatoes (about 1/8 inch)

Layer potatoes, add salt. diced onions, repeat.

Reheat bacon grease on stove top.
Combine vinegar, water, and sugar.
Add to Bacon grease and bring to a boil.

Pour over potatoes, add fried bacon, and serve.

NOTES
I like Best Choice Vinegar because Heinz is stronger than I prefer.

Feel free to leave the skin on the potatoes.  I was taught to remove the potato skin.

Jeanne's Potato Casserole

This has always been a favorite side dish for any large gathering

.

INGREDIENTS

1 30-oz bag of frozen shredded hash browns, about 10 cups (Use Mr. Dell's if you can)
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter
1 can Cheddar Cheese Soup  

1/2 cup chopped green onions  (I added these.  Jeanne doesn't eat anything green)
12 oz. sour cream
1/2 cup milk
2 Cups grated  cheese, your choice  (I like sharp, pre-shredded in a bag)
1 cup crushed corn flakes

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 340 degrees (weird temperature)
Mix soup, sour, cream, milk, green onions in a bowl and set aside.
Pour 1/4 cup melted butter into a 9 x 13 dish.
Add half the package of hash browns.
Pour half the soup/sour cream mixture over the potatoes.  Spread evenly. 
Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar on top of that.

Add remainder of the hash browns and then the rest of the soup mixture.
Sprinkle on remaining 1 cup of cheese.  Then cover with crushed corn flakes.
Melt 2 Tablespoons of butter and drizzle on top of the corn flakes.

Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour till hot and bubbly.

Caprese Salad & 19 Crimes Wine

 

 

I don't know what reminded me of this, but tonight I have to have a Caprese salad.

We're also having a Ribeye Steak from Harter House and baked potatoes with fresh chives and sour cream.  And of course a bottle of wine! 

My wine tonight is 19 Crimes.  On Sale this week for $7.99 for the 750 ml.  

Around the dinner table or out on my patio, it's a wine I am going to share with my favorite people.


Caprese Salad

Ingredients:
1/2 pound fresh mozzarella cheese sliced 1/4-inch thick
2 large vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick
1 cup fresh basil leaves
Coarse salt to taste
Freshly-ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons drained capers (optional)
1/4 cup extra-virgin Olive Oil


Preparation:
In a circular design around the side of a serving plate, alternate fresh mozzarella slices on a large platter (or on individual plates if you are doing individual portions) with sliced tomatoes, overlapping for effect.
Tear fresh basil leaves and sprinkle liberally over the slices. Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Sprinkle capers over the top.
Just before serving, drizzle on some top-quality extra-virgin olive oil.

 Makes 4 servings.

Asian Braised Pork shoulder

This recipe comes from Marina at Circle B Ranch.

Ingredients

Extra-virgin olive oil
One 3-pound pork shoulder  (or Boston Pork Roast)
Kosher salt
5 cloves garlic, smashed and finely chopped
One 2-inch piece ginger, peeled and grated
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup rice wine vinegar
3 to 4 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup hoisin sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sambal oelek (Chili Paste - Can substitute Siracha)
1/4 tsp 5 spice
Zest and juice of 1 orange, zest removed in wide strips with a peeler

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
2. Coat a large wide ovenproof pan or Dutch oven with olive oil and bring the pan to high heat. Sprinkle the pork with salt and brown it on all sides. Remove from the pan and reserve.
3. Ditch the fat from the pan and add a few drops of fresh oil. Toss in the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the soy sauce and rice vinegar and reduce by half. Add the 3 cups chicken stock, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sambal, 5 spice, orange zest and juice. Stir to combine, bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Taste to make sure it is delicious and adjust the seasoning if needed.
4. Return the pork to the pan, cover and put in the oven. Braise the pork for 2 hours, turning it over once. If the liquid reduces too much during the cooking process, add the remaining 1 cup chicken stock. Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
5. When the pork is VERY tender, remove the pan from the oven. Remove the pork, place the pan over medium heat, bring the liquid to a simmer and cook until the liquid reduces to a sticky sauce consistency.
6. Serve the pork draped with the sauce. Also serve the pork shoulder with Pickled cucumber and daikon salad.

Pickled cucumber and daikon (radish) salad.

Ingredients

2 carrots, julienned
1 hothouse cucumber, sliced thinly, preferably on a mandoline
1 medium daikon radish, peeled, sliced in half lengthwise and sliced into thin half-moons, preferably on a mandoline
3/4 cup rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup fish sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon sambal oelek (Chili Paste - Can substitute Siracha)
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 clove garlic, smashed and finely chopped2 scallions, sliced thinly on the bias

Directions

In a large bowl combine the carrots, cucumbers and daikon. 

In a small jar or container with a lid, combine the rice wine vinegar, fish sauce, sugar, sambal, ginger and garlic. Shake well and let sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the sugar to dissolve and the flavors to marry. 

Toss the cucumber-daikon mixture with the vinaigrette and let sit outside the fridge for an hour before serving. Sprinkle with the scallions. 

Peach Kuchen

This recipe comes from Mary Brown, one of my very favorite customers.
It was delicious!  ~Shelly

Sassy Cinnamon enhances the custard-like topper.

1  2-layer size white cake mix

1/2 cup flaked coconut, toasted

1/2 cup butter

1  1-pound 13-ounce can sliced peaches, drained (3 cups)

5 tablespoons sugar

1 1/4 teaspoons cinnamon

2 cups sour cream

2 slightly beaten eggs

Combine cake mix and coconut.

Cut in softened butter till mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Lightly press into bottom and 1/2 inch up sides of a 13 x 9 baking pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10 - 15  minutes.  

Arrange peach slices over crust.

Blend sour cream and egg; pour over all.

Bake at 350 degrees, just till sour cream is set.  About 10 minutes.

Makes 10-12 servings.

Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

I had these cookies at a party and they were mouth watering, to be sure.

INGREDIENTS

1 Cup unsalted butter
2 Cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 Cup dark brown sugar0, packed
1/2 Cup granulated sugar
1tbsp molasses
2 large eggs
2 tsp; vanilla extract
1 1/2 Cups dark chocolate (chips or chopped) + more for topping
1 cup pecan halves, roughly chopped = more for topping
Flakey Sea Salt

INSTRUCTIONS

1. First, brown the butter. Add 1 cup of butter to a saucepan over medium heat.  Melt and continue to stir until it turns a rich amber color and gives off a nutty scent.

2. Pour into a large mixing bow, (make sure to scrape in the browned bits at the bottom of the pot.) and set aside to cool.

3. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.  Set aside.

4. Once the brown butter is no longer hot add the brown sugar, sugar, and molasses to the bowl.  Whisk to combine.  You can either do so by hand or with an electric mixer.  it should resemble the texture of a slushy.

5. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla until fully combined.

6. Pour in all of the dry ingredients and mix to incorporate.  Switch to a rubber spatula to fold in the ingredients once the dough starts to thicken.

7. Fold in the dark chocolate and pecans.  At this point, the dough should be sticky and be able to hold its shape when scooped.  If it's too thin, place it in the refrigerator uncovered for about 30 minutes to cool.

8. But if its already at the right consistency, scoop out the cookie dough using a 2 oz. scoop or a 1/4 measuring cup.  Place the scoops side by side on a plate or small baking sheet lined with wax or parchment paper.

9. Place extra chocolate chips and pecans on top of each cookie and chill for at least 30 minutes, or overnight.

10. When ready, place 5-6 large cookies on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350 degrees for 13 - 15 minutes.  If your cookies are smaller than 2 oz., bake for 10 - 12 minutes.  The cookies are ready when the edges are golden and the middle looks puffed, pale, and a bit underdone.

11. When they are hot from the oven, sprinkle the tops with a bit of sea salt and transfer to a cooling rack.  If the cookies are too soft to move, let them sit on the cookie sheet for about 5 minutes and then try again.

12. Bake the remaining cookie dough and dig in!

This recipe comes from butternut bakery blog 

Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup

  Roasted cauliflower makes it taste amazing, and a little butter (instead of cream) makes it luxuriously creamy. Recipe yields 4 bowls of soup.

Ingredients

1 large head cauliflower (about 2 pounds), cut into bite-size florets
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
Fine sea salt
1 medium red onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
4 cups (32 ounces) vegetable broth
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, or more if needed
Scant ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For garnish: 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, chives and/or green onions

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. If desired, line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
   
   
2. On the baking sheet, toss the cauliflower with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil until lightly and evenly coated in oil. Arrange the cauliflower in a single layer and sprinkle lightly with salt. Bake until the cauliflower is tender and caramelized on the edges, 25 to 35 minutes, tossing halfway.
   
   
3. Once the cauliflower is almost done, in a Dutch oven or soup pot, warm the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and turning translucent, 5 to 7 minutes.
   
   
4. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then add the broth.
   
   
5. Reserve 4 of the prettiest roasted cauliflower florets for garnish. Then transfer the remaining cauliflower to the pot. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat as necessary to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes, to give the flavors time to meld.
   
   
6. Once the soup is done cooking, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer the hot soup to a blender, working in batches if necessary. (Do not fill past the maximum fill line or the soup could overflow!)
   
   
7. Add the butter and blend until smooth. Add the lemon juice and nutmeg and blend again. Add additional salt, to taste (I usually add another ¼ to ¾ teaspoon, depending on the broth). This soup tastes amazing once it’s properly salted! You can also use a little more lemon juice, if it needs more zing. Blend again.
   
   
8. Top individual bowls of soup with 1 roasted cauliflower floret and a sprinkle of chopped parsley, green onion and/or chives. This soup keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for about four days, or for several months in the freezer

This recipe from CookieandKate.com

Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders

Baked juicy ham and Swiss cheese nestled in soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls with a buttery Dijon, onion, and poppy seed topping.

"These small, delicious sandwiches are perfect for any party.  They can also be made up the day before, cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.  When ready, bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes with the foil on, then uncover and bake an additional 5 minutes."  ~Shelly 

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup melted butter
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
• 24 King;s Hawaiian Original Sweet Dinner Rolls
• 1 pound thinly sliced cooked deli ham
• 1 pound thinly sliced Swiss cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
   
   
2. In a bowl, mix together butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and dried onion. Separate the tops from bottoms of the rolls, and place the bottom pieces into the prepared baking dish. Layer about half the ham onto the rolls. Arrange the Swiss cheese over the ham, and top with remaining ham slices in a layer. Place the tops of the rolls onto the sandwiches. Pour the mustard mixture evenly over the rolls.
   
   
3. Bake in the preheated oven until the rolls are lightly browned and the cheese has melted, about 20 minutes. Slice into individual rolls through the ham and cheese layers to serve.

Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti

Creamy alfredo sauce, savory chicken, hearty pasta,
two delicious kinds of melty cheese — what’s not to love?!
There’s a reason why this one will always be a classic.

Ingredients

Chicken Baked Ziti Ingredients:

• 12 ounces uncooked ziti (or any pasta shape)
• 2 cups shredded, cooked chicken (about 2 small chicken breasts)
• 1 batch alfredo sauce (see below)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• toppings: lots of freshly-grated Parmesan cheese, finely-chopped fresh basil or parsley

Alfredo Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 cup low-fat milk
• 3/4 cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

To Make The Chicken Baked Ziti:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.  Mist a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray; set aside.
2. Cook the pasta al dente in a large stockpot of well-salted boiling according to package instructions. Drain. Return pasta to the stockpot and add chicken and alfredo sauce. Gently toss to combine until the pasta is evenly coated.
3. Pour half of the pasta into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with 1 cup of cheese. Layer the remaining half of the pasta evenly on top. Sprinkle evenly with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and just barely starts to turn golden. Remove and serve immediately, sprinkled with additional toppings if desired.

To Make The Alfredo Sauce:

1. Heat olive oil in a large sauce pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and saute one minute, stirring occasionally, until fragrant. Sprinkle with flour, and stir to combine. Saute for an additional minute to cook the flour, stirring occasionally.
2. Slowly add chicken broth, whisking to combine until smooth. Whisk in milk, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let cook for an additional minute until thickened, then stir in Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper until the cheese melted. Remove from heat and set aside.

Possible Variations:

There are so many ways to customize this chicken alfredo bake!  For example, feel free to…

• Add in veggies. Broccoli, asparagus, mushrooms, cauliflower, and any number of other veggies would be delicious added to this chicken alfredo recipe.  Just note that they won’t get cooked much during the 20 minutes of baking time.  So if whatever veggies you add require a longer cooking time, feel free to toss them into the boiling water with the pasta for a few minutes or sauté (or roast) them for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole.
• Add in extra Italian herbs. If you would like an herbier chicken alfredo pasta, feel free to add some dried Italian Seasoning or chopped fresh Italian herbs into the alfredo sauce.  (Or, you can also sprinkle some chopped fresh basil on top of the pasta after baking.)
• Nix the protein.  Not into chicken?  Feel free to use shrimp in this recipe instead.  (Or make it vegetarian and add in some extra veggies instead.)
• Make it spicy. I really love sprinkling lots of crushed red pepper into (and on top of) this casserole to give it a bit of a kick.
• Make it cajun. To give this recipe a Cajun twist, feel free to stir 1-2 tablespoons Cajun seasiing (to taste) into the alfredo sauce.
• Make it gluten-free.  Just use your favorite certified gluten-free pasta, and my gluten-free alfredo sauce recipe.

This recipe comes from GimmeSomeOven.com

https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/chicken-alfredo-baked-ziti-recipe/

Shelly's Spinach Salad

 This recipe is always requested at family gatherings.

I got this recipe from my Aunt Sally, but then I made it so often that it became known as Shelly's Spinach Salad.  Aunt Sally didn't appreciate the name change.

INGREDIENTS

Large head of lettuce, chopped  (or 2 small)
1 Large bag of spinach, chopped and stems cut off
1 package 16 oz. Frozen Peas, thawed
1 bunch green onions, chopped
8  hard boiled eggs
3/4 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbles

2 cups real mayonnaise - (Hellman'a is great)
1 cup sour cream
1 Pkg. Hidden Valley Dry Dressing Mix, 4 oz.

DIRECTIONS

Mix together lettuce and spinach in a large bowl.
Add layers in the order listed.

Mix together mayo, sour cream and Hidden Valley Ranch mix.  Spread on top of salad.
Cover and refrigerate.

Mix just before serving

NOTES 
Best made the night before.
Sometimes I add another small bag of spinach.

Homemade Alfredo Sauce with Garlic

I googled homemade Alfredo sauce this past week and this was the recipe that I used.

I put it over spaghetti noodles, because I didn't have fettuccine noodles on hand.

Then I sautéed scallops and shrimp for a wonderful meal!

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons salted butter

2 large garlic cloves

2 cups heavy whipping cream

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving

1/2 cup freshly grated Romano cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Melt your butter in a 2-quart sauce pan over medium-high heat. Press your garlic and add it to the melted butter, stirring a bit. Let it cook for 30 seconds, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
2. Lower the heat to medium and stir the cream into your garlic mixture. Add your salt and pepper and stir to combine.
3. Let the cream come to a low boil, while stirring frequently.
4. Then lower the heat and let the pot simmer, stirring frequently, for 8-10 minutes, or until the cream thickens. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Turn off the heat and move your Alfredo pot to a cool burner. Gradually stir in your fresh Parmesan and Romano.
6. Place the pot over low heat and stir until the sauce is thickened further. It is done when you push your spoon along the bottom of the pan and can see the bottom of the pan. It will take a few minutes.
7. The sauce will thicken even more as it sits.
8. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Scallops

Best to use a cast iron skillet.  Heat 2 TBS oil and 1 TBL Butter in the skillet till very hot.  Add Scallops and cook 2 minutes, allowing scallops to brown nicely.  Turn scallops over and cook other side another 2 minutes.  Serve immediately.   

NOTES

It's important to use freshly grated Parmesan and Romano, so the cheese will melt smoothly. (Don't use the cheese sold in a can, or the sauce will be grainy.) 

This sauce makes enough for one pound of pasta. You can easily cut the sauce recipe in half for 8 ounces of pasta. Note that your sauce will take less time to come to a boil and thicken.

To reheat leftover Alfredo pasta, drizzle on a little olive oil before microwaving it, so the pasta isn't dry.

Cherry Pie Bars

 “The recipe makes a lovely, buttery pound cake intertwined with cherry pie filling.”

Makes one - 9 x 13 -inch pan (about 18 servings)

INGREDIENTS

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
One 21-ounce can cherry pie filling
Confectioners’ sugar, for glazing (optional; see note)

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9-by-13-inch pan with parchment paper.

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating until just combined. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt, and mix to combine. Spread a little over half the cake batter into the pan. Evenly spread the cherries over top, then spoon the rest of the cake batter over the cherries. (It’s fine if the cherries show through.)

3. Bake until the top has turned slightly golden, 30 to 35 minutes. (Do not over-bake.) Cool before slicing into squares.

Note: Optionally, you can finish the cherry pie bars with a glaze made from confectioners’ sugar. Combine about ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar with enough water to make a drizzly consistency, then drizzle over the bars before cutting and serving.