---Hey Sacksy, What's Cook'n?---

Fish Soup

2012-01-26T07:40:00.000-08:00

I know, sounds totally gross right?! But I swear... it is SO good! There is NO fish taste at all to it. It's a concoction from my brother in law, Larry, and it has almost no calories (which is great for those of us watching them, aka, me). I wrote it down while Larry was making it so I hope I got it all right!

So try it! It's good!

Fish Soup
4-5 Tilapia fillets, seasoned with Fajita seasoning
1 large onion, chopped
6 cloves garlic, sliced
6-8 Italian sweet peppers (they look like yellow and red jalapenos)
2 tsp chicken bullion in one cup water, set aside
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 c coarsely chopped cilantro
2-3 c. water (enough to barely cover the soup)
1 small can tomato soup
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Brown fish in EVOO. Turn down heat to medium and add onions, garlic, salt, pepper and Italian peppers. Try not to move fish around too much so it does not break up. Cover for 3-5 minutes to cook onions, garlic and peppers. Add chicken bullion, water, tomatoes and tomato soup. Bring to a boil. Stir to break up fish and add cilantro and cherry tomatoes and simmer for 20 minutes or until cherry tomatoes are soft. Enjoy!!!

Rock Candy Suckers

2011-10-13T11:51:00.000-07:00

These were SO much fun to make with the kids! Cohen loved watching them grow every day and honestly...what kid does not like sugar?
Here is the link to the recipe and tutorial:
CLICK HERE

Ice Cream Cups

2011-10-05T07:38:00.001-07:00

What a crazy cute idea!!!

Source: the-tum-tum-tree.blogspot.com via Mado on Pinterest

Cookies and Cream Cup Cakes

2011-08-22T06:20:00.000-07:00

Source: Bakerella.com

Oh my gosh are these things good! They are a must try, esp when you are not on a diet!
The link to it is HERE.

Cookies and Cream Cupcakes

Cupcakes:
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup natural unsweetened cocoa
1 1/4 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup milk
3/4 cup hot water
24 Oreos, plus more for crumbs

Frosting:

1/2 c. shortening

1/2 c. butter (room temp)

1 tsp vanilla

4 c. powder sugar

2 tbsp milk

2 tbsp crushed cookies

2 or more teaspoons Oreo cookie crumbs

For the cupcakes:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line tray with 12 baking cups.
Place one whole cookie in each cup or break apart at least 12 cookies and place the broken pieces into each cup.
Mix the flour, cocoa, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a large mixing bowl using a wire whisk.
Add the eggs, oil, vanilla and milk and mix well until thoroughly combined. Add the hot water and mix until combined.
Transfer the batter (it will be very liquid) to a large measuring cup and then pour batter into each baking cup so it’s about three quarters full. You should have a little left over.
Bake for 16-18 minutes.

Makes at least 12 cupcakes

For the frosting:

Beat the shortening in a mixer until smooth.
Add vanilla and mix until combined.
Add the powdered sugar in three additions, scraping down the sides after each addition.
Add a Tablespoon of milk at a time and mix together until you achieve the consistency you like.
Add the cookie crumbs and mix until completely combined. You can add more if you like, but I just wanted a light speckling to show off the white frosting.
Place frosting in a decorator bag with a 1M tip and swirl on top of each cupcake.
Insert a cookie on top of each cupcake.
You can also apply frosting on each cupcake in a mounded shape. Turn upside down and roll the top around in a small bowl of cookie crumbs to coat.

Note: If you choose to pile the frosting on high like I’ve shown here, you should double this recipe to make sure you have enough.

Turkey Sausage Stew

2011-07-07T09:36:00.000-07:00

apologize for the bad pic, you get the point though right?

Source: Fix It and Forget It Lightly , for the slow cooker.

Serves: 6 large servings

If you like Pasta e Fagioli soup at Olive Garden (my personal fav) then you will LOVE this soup. I have tried many times to imitate that soup but have never found one like it... until now. It's always when you are not looking for things that you find them, right? Try this one, I promise you won't be disappointed!

1/2 lb. turkey sausage (removed from casing)
1 large onion chopped
2 cloves garlic
3/4 c. carrots
1/2 c. celery, chopped
10.5 oz can fat free, chicken broth
3 cans chopped tomatoes (I used one can italian stewed tomatoes and 2 cans chopped, the smaller cans, not the super big ones)
1 tsp basil
1 tsp oregano (I don't like oregano unless it's lasagna, so I did not put any in)
1/4 tsp salt
15 oz navy beans (white beans)
1 cup shell pasta
1/2 c. low fat parm cheese.

1. Brown turkey with onion and garlic. Drain well.
2. Combine all ingredients except cheese and pasta.
3. Cook on low 6-8 hours
4. Ten minutes before serving, cook pasta and add it to the soup.

only 280 calories per serving

Cake Pops

2011-04-27T11:31:00.001-07:00

I apologize for the bad pictures, they were from my phone :)

Easter Cake Pops
by: Stacy Croninger- lifestacycstyle.blogspot.com
Ingredients:

1 box Carrot cake mix, follow directions to make a 13x9 cake (I used German Chocolate Cake)
1 16oz can Cream Cheese frosting
Black, pink edible ink pens
Pastel flower sprinkles
Pastel circle sprinkles
Pink heart sprinkles
Pastel candy corn
Yellow chocolate candy melts
White chocolate candy melts
Lollipop sticks
Styrofoam blocks
Toothpicks

Instructions:

1. Bake cake and cool completely; crumble into large bowl.
2. Add frosting to cake (add about 3/4 can of frosting to start, add more if needed); use a spoon or hands to combine.
3. Form into small balls (about size of quarter) - should make 45-50 balls; place on wax paper covered cookie sheet.
4. Melt chocolate in microwave according to directions.
5. Dip lollipop stick in chocolate; insert in cake ball (about 1/2 way).
6. Place in freezer to set.

Decorating Chicks

1. Once cake balls are firm, carefully dip in melted yellow chocolate until covered. Remove from chocolate and lightly tap to remove excess. Note: To tap off chocolate, place stick in left hand and gently tap stick with right hand. Rotate stick occasionally to create a smooth chocolate surface.
2. Insert in foam block to dry.
3. Once chocolate is dry, draw eyes using edible ink pen.
4. Attach 1/3 orange flower sprinkle using toothpick dipped in melted chocolate for beak.
5. Attach two orange flower sprinkles for feet.

Decorating Bunnies

1. Once cake balls are firm, carefully dip in melted white chocolate until covered. Remove from chocolate and lightly tap to remove excess.
2. Insert in foam block to dry.
3. Once chocolate is dry, attach candy corn using toothpick dipped in melted chocolate for ears. Note: Cut off candy corn's pointed tip first to create a flat surface to adhere to cake pop.
4. Attach pink heart sprinkle upside down for nose.
5. Attach two white circle sprinkles for eyes.
6. Use black edible ink pen to draw eyes.
7. Use pink edible ink pen to draw mouth.

Perfect Play Dough

2011-01-17T17:47:00.000-08:00

Source: My Mom's wonderful cookbook

If you have a one year old or older, then you have a kid that would love to get their hands on play dough. Here is a super simple recipe for play dough that will keep in an airtight container for months! Cohen LOVES it.

1 cup water
2 t. cream of tarter
1/2 c salt
1 cup flour
1 T. veggie oil (or canola)
a few drops of food coloring

Combine ingredients in a sauce pan and cook over medium heat (no hotter!), stirring constantly until the mixture becomes very thick and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This usually takes only two to three minutes. Let cool and store in an airtight container.

Chocolate Mint (or peanut butter) Chip Cookies

2010-12-03T09:02:00.000-08:00

Source: My amazing roommate Talese Baxter

1/2 c margarine
1/3 c brown sugar
1/3 c sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp light corn syrup
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg

Mix together until well incorporated

Add:
1 c. melted semi sweet chocolate chips

Mix again then add:
2 c flour
1 tsp baking soda
2 c mint (or peanut butter) chips

Place tablespoon size dough balls on cookie sheet and bake for 7-9 minutes at 375 degrees

Flowers

2010-11-04T11:04:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Chili

2010-10-30T17:56:00.000-07:00

Tonight was our ward chili cook off and we decided to try something new this year. And although it did not take first prize, I still found it extremely good!

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef
1 large onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 (15 ounce) can black beans
1 (46 fluid ounce) can tomato juice
1 (28 ounce) can peeled and diced tomatoes with juice
1 can pumpkin puree
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/4 cup white sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp cumin

Directions

In a large pot over medium heat, cook beef until brown; drain. Stir in onion, garlic and bell pepper and cook 5 minutes. Stir in beans, tomato juice, diced tomatoes and pumpkin puree. Season with pumpkin pie spice, chili powder, cumin and sugar. Simmer 1 hour.

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

2010-09-21T13:32:00.001-07:00

I just made this and gave some to my neighbor and she said it was the best soup she ever had. Everything is better with cream cheese right?!

14 c. water

12 tsp. chicken bouillon

1 med onion chopped

1 stalk celery, sliced

3-4 cans of chicken (or 3 chicken breast shredded)

6 ½ c. home-style noodles

1 family size can cream of chicken soup

4 oz cream cheese (or ½ c. sour cream)

4 med. Carrots, sliced

Bring to boil water, bouillon, onions, carrots and celery. Add chicken and noodles and boil until noodles are fully cooked, usually 20-30 min. Reduce heat to low and add cream of chicken soup and cream cheese. Stir until all cheese is incorporated and ENJOY!!!

Side note: For those that are more health conscious, this meal runs just 120 calories for a cup of soup!

Broccoli Chese Soup

2010-09-21T13:13:00.000-07:00

Sorry, no picture... but SSSSOOO good. Great for fall and winter months coming ahead.
3 c. water
3 chicken bouillon cubes
½ small onion chopped
16 oz bag chopped broccoli

Bring all above ingredients to boil until mostly done.

Mix sauce in separate pan:
½ c. margarine or butter
Scant ½ c. flour
½ tsp salt
2 c. milk
1 pkg (8oz.) cream cheese
Bring sauce to a simmer and add to mostly drained veggies. Heat and serve with crackers.

Side note: I usually take about a ½ c. of the boiled veggies in its broth and put them in a blender and then add it at the end to make it creamier. If you like a more runny soup, don’t drain the veggies. And even if you don't drain them, the soup still get's pretty thick once stored over night.

Cafe Rio Salads

2010-07-22T19:14:00.001-07:00

I was missing a good salad from Cafe Rio today and decided it was time to make the salad for my self. I got this really good recipe from a girl I used to work with and it turned out quite yummy. We even had the sweet meat to go along with it! Just thought I would share the goodness that I'm sure all of us Ohioians are missing from Utah.

Cafe Rio Dressing:
1 c. Mayo
2 cloves of garlic
2 tomatillos (it's by the chili's in the produce section)
1 pkg. Hidden Valley buttermilk ranch mix
1/2 c. butter milk
1/2 c. cilantro

Blend well in blender
(will thicken upon standing)

Sweet pork or chicken:
2-3 Chicken breasts
1 c. of your favorite salsa
1 c. brown sugar

Mix salsa and brown sugar well and pour over meat
Cook in the crock pot on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours
Take 2 forks and shred meat one hour before its done!
(we also use this for burritos or tacos)
(my favorite salsa is the Newman's Own black bean and corn salsa)

Enjoy!

Chocolate Mint Silk Pie

2010-02-15T06:06:00.000-08:00

We tried this for Valentines and oh my gosh was this good. If you like mint chocolate, than you will love this!

Needed for Crust:
1 1/2c crushed chocolate sandwich cookies

1/4c butter or margarine, melted

Needed for Filling:
1c. sugar

3/4c. butter or margarine, softened

3sq semi-sweet chocolate, melted, cooled

1/2tsp. peppermint extract

3 eggs

sweetened whip cream

Preperation:

In a medium bowl stir together crust ingredients.
Press firmly on bottom and sides of a 9" pie pan.
Refridgerate 10 min.
In a small mixer bowl combine sugar and 3/4c. butter.
Beat at medium speed scraping the bowl often, until well mixed (2 to 3 min).
Add chocolate and peppermint extract; continue beating until well mixed (1 to 2 min). Add eggs; continue beating, scraping bowl often, until the mixture becomes light and fluffy (5 min).
Spoon into prepared crust. Refridgerate for at least 3 hours. or until set. if desired garnish with sweetened whip cream.

Enjoy... but not too much, it's 460 calories a slice!

Honey Baked Chicken

2010-02-11T08:52:00.000-08:00

1/2 c butter (you can half this for a lighter version)
1 c. Honey (you CAN NOT half this, it's what makes it so good :)
1/2 c. prepared mustard (dijon style)
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp curry powder
4-6 chicken breasts

Heat oven to 375. Melt butter in sauce pan over med heat. Stir in rest of spices and honey. Pour enough of the sauce to generously coat the chicken in a pan (save some to pour over rice) Bake for 40-45 min or until fork tender.
Serve over rice.

Super Creamy Fudge

2009-12-15T09:20:00.001-08:00

This fudge can be turned into ORANGE - PEANUT BUTTER - or CHOCOLATE fudge and is super delicious either way.

Chocolate Fudge

Set aside in a bowl (if you have a kitchen aid that works best)

2 sticks margarine

1 12 ounce pkg chocolate chips (I use milk chocolate but you can go either way)

In heavy LARGE pan combine:

5 c. sugar
25 marshmallows
1 12 ounce can evaporate milk

Mix in large pan; bring to full boil at medium/high heat stirring constantly for 10 minutes. Add 2 tsp vanilla. Pout into margarine and chocolate chips and beat on high speed for 5 minutes. Pour into 9x13 pan (buttered lightly). Let stand in a cool place 4-5 hours.
Peanut Butter Fudge
Substitute 1 1/2 c. peanut butter for chocolate chips and one stick of margarine. Beat for 3 min.

Orange Fudge
(my favorite)
If you like those orange chocolate oranges you will be in love with this!
Add the zest of 2 oranges with the sugar, marshmallow and milk mix and add 3 min to boiling time. Omit vanilla and continue with rest of recipe.

Tip: Wear a hot mit when stirring. It's helps when it starts to boil and protects your hand from any bubbles popping out on you. Make sure you boil it in a large pan. It will double in size once you start to boil it. And get ready for a work out because it will make your arm hurt stirring for so long!

English Toffee

2009-12-15T09:13:00.000-08:00

Source: My Mommy

1/2 lb chopped walnuts (spread on cookie sheet and on top of toffee)
Boil:
2 sticks real butter (salted)
2 tbs water
1 c. sugar

Cook on high heat stirring constantly. When mixture turns a light golden brown (I keep cinnamon apple sauce next to me and just match that color) pour into a cookie sheet prepared with chopped walnuts and top hot toffee with chocolate chips. After they melt, spread over toffee and sprinkle finely chopped walnuts over the chocolate. Let stand in cool place (I put it in my garage) for 4-5 hours. Break into pieces and enjoy!

Zero Point Soup

2009-12-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

This soup is slim to none calories and is super delicious. I usually make a huge pot and have it for lunch for 3-4 days! It's great with crackers or garlic bread.

Source: Weight Watchers

2/3 c. sliced carrots
1/2 c. diced onion
2 minced garlic cloves
3 c. chicken broth
1 1/2 c. diced green cabbage
1 1/2 c. green beans
1/2 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. zucchini
1 can diced tomatoes

Add all ingredients and boil until veggies are tender (15-20 min)

Adding too much oregano can make it bitter!

Alfredo Pasta Pie

2009-10-08T13:06:00.000-07:00

Source: Vegetarian Cooking by Betty Crocker

4 ounces uncooked angel hair pasta
18 slices french bread, about 1/4 in thick
2 tbs butter
3/4 c shredded Swiss cheese
2 tbs chopped fresh or 2 tsp dried basil leaves
1 container refrigerated Alfredo sauce
3 Roma tomatoes
2 med green onions, sliced (1/4 c.)
1 tbsp Parm cheese

1. Heat oven to 400. Cook and drain pasta.
2. While pasta is cooking, brush bread with margarine. Line bottom and sides of pie plate with bread, butter sides up, and slightly overlapping. Bake about 10 min.
3. Reduce oven temp to 350. Stir Swiss cheese and 1 tbsp basil in Alfredo sauce. Toss sauce and pasta. Spoon into baked crust.
4. Mix tomatoes, onions, and remaining tbsp of basil. Sprinkle over pasta mixture; lightly press onto surface. Sprinkle with Romano or parm cheese.
5. Bake 15-20 min or until hot. Let stand 5 min before cutting. Enjoy!

Ra-Tony's

2009-10-08T12:54:00.001-07:00

Source: My Texas Grilling Brother-in-law, Larry

If you do these right, they are not hot at all, promise!

8 jalapenos
8 oz cream cheese
Bacon
Cavendars Greek Seasoning

Directions:
Clean out jalapenos as best as you can. I use a peeler (like what you use to shave potatoes and carrots with) and run the tip down the veins of the jalapenos, that's the hottest part of the pepper. Stuff with cream cheese and wrap with bacon. Poke tooth picks through to hold bacon in place. Then sprinkle with Cavenders's (the best seasoning on this earth! It is so wonderful on steak and chicken as well!). Place on grill or on broiler pan for 15-20 min, rotating every 5 minutes or until bacon is crisp and cooked through.

Grilled Fajita Wrap

2009-10-08T12:17:00.000-07:00

Source: Weight Watchers

Ingredients


	2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
	1 1/2 tsp vegetable oil
	2 medium garlic clove(s), peeled and crushed
	2 tsp chili powder
	2 tsp ground cumin
	1/2 tsp table salt
	1 pound(s) raw lean flank steak
	1 large onion(s), thinly sliced
	1 medium sweet red pepper(s), seeded and thinly sliced 2 zucchinis, sliced thin
	2 spray(s) cooking spray
	1/8 tsp table salt, or to taste, for seasoning vegetables
	1/8 tsp black pepper, or to taste, for seasoning vegetables
	4 medium whole wheat tortilla(s)
	1/4 cup(s) reduced-fat sour cream
	1/4 cup(s) guacamole
	2 Tbsp cilantro, fresh, chopped (optional)

Instructions

In a medium stainless steel or glass bowl, combine lime juice, oil, garlic, chili powder, cumin and salt; add steak and rub mixture into meat with your hands. Cover bowl; refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight.
Preheat grill to medium.
Place onions, zucchini and peppers in a grill basket; off heat, coat with cooking spray. Season to taste with salt and pepper and grill, shaking pan occasionally, until tender, about 10 to 12 minutes.
At same time, grill steak, flipping once, about 16 to 20 minutes for medium doneness; allow meat to rest for 10 minutes.*
To serve, thinly slice steak across the grain. Divide steak and vegetables among tortillas; top each with a tablespoon of guacamole and sour cream. Sprinkle wraps with cilantro; roll up and serve. Yields 1 wrap per serving.

Notes

* Flank steak tastes best served pink in the middle; if cooked too long, it will get tough. If desired, bring remaining marinade to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute and drizzle over cooked steak.

** Alternately, you can stir-fry the onions and peppers on the stove

Click HERE to go to the link for this recipe.

Hawaiin Haystacks

2009-10-08T11:57:00.000-07:00

Source: Jessica Ashton
Homemade with Love
From Midland 2nd Ward (thanks again Kelly, I love this book!)

FYI: I halved this and it still made a ton! Justin and I ate it for the next three days for lunch! Also I used canned chicken, it was easier and tasted great!

Ingredients:
2 cooked chickens, diced and chopped (2 cans chicken if halving it, and if you do canned chicken!)

Chicken Sauce:
1/2 lb margarine
1 1/2 c. flour
whisk together until well incorporated and then add the milk slowly, whisking quickly.
6 c. milk

Salt and pepper to taste
2 cans cream of chicken soup
5 c. cooked rice

Toppings:
Diced tomatoes
Chow mein noodles
Jar pimiento, drained and sliced
Sliced celery
Chopped green peppers
Sliced green onions
Grated cheddar cheese
Slivered almonds
Shredded coconut
Canned pineapple tidbits

Mix the chicken sauce ingredients together to make a white sauce. Add cream of chicken soup and salt and pepper to taste. Add chicken. Heat until thick and hot. Serve over rice. Then top with chow mein noodles and add assorted toppings. Some toppings may sound weird mixed with others, but trust me, it's so good!

Southwestern Rice

2009-09-18T09:35:00.000-07:00

Source: tasteofhome.com

1 medium green pepper, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 cup uncooked long grain rice
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
1 package (10 ounces) frozen corn, thawed

Directions:

In a large nonstick skillet, saute the green pepper, onion and garlic in oil for 3 minutes. Stir in the broth, rice, cumin and turmeric; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender. Add the beans, tomatoes and corn; heat through. Yield: 8 servings.

Another Month Gone By

2009-07-03T10:05:00.000-07:00

Here is my calendar for July. I still have a few recipes that I did not try from this month because with the vacationing, feeding the elders, and having lazy nights, it throws me all off sometimes. But when I skip meals, they just show up on next months calendar. Below, are some of our favorite recipes from this last month. Click on the calendar to see what the Sacks are eating this month!

Rigatoni with Creamy Sausage Sauce

2009-07-03T08:49:00.001-07:00

This is a weight watchers meal and is even great as a left over the next day!

Here is the link: CLICK HERE

8 oz uncooked rigatoni

1/8 tsp table salt

8 oz raw turkey sausage, Italian-style, removed from casings

8 oz cremini mushrooms, or Baby Bella mushrooms, trimmed, quartered

1 tbsp minced garlic

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cup(s) fat-free skim milk

1 cup(s) frozen green peas, petite-variety

1/2 tsp table salt, or more to taste

1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

1/2 cup(s) roasted red peppers, water-packed, sliced

1/2 cup(s) scallion(s), sliced

3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

* Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package directions.

* Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, cook sausage stirring and breaking into chunks with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 3 minutes; remove to a bowl. Add mushrooms to skillet and sauté until browned and tender, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

* In a measuring cup, whisk together flour and milk until smooth; stir into skillet along with peas, salt and black pepper. Bring sauce to a boil; simmer until thickened and peas are tender, about 3 minutes. Stir in sausage, roasted peppers and scallions; remove from heat.

* Drain pasta; return to pot. Add sausage sauce and cheese; toss to coat. Transfer to a serving bowl. Yields about 2 cups per serving.

Strawberry Roll

2009-07-03T08:42:00.000-07:00

This is by far my favorite dessert. I have made about 12 rolls since strawberries have come out this season. Plus it's just a pretty dessert as well.

Source: My Daddy

* I 1 1/2 the recipe to make a good thick cake.

4 egg yolks (the more eggs, the fluffier it will be, so when I 1 1/2 it, I use 8 eggs)
1/4 c. sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
4 egg whites
1/2 c. sugar
3/4 c. flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 cartons strawberries
1 pint heavy whipping cream

Beat egg whites until soft peaks form, add 1/2 cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.

Beat egg yolks until lemon color, add 1/4 c sugar and vanilla and beat.

Fold yolks into whites....softly.

Sift together flour, baking powder and salt then fold into egg mixture carefully so as not to break down the egg mixture.

Grease and flour cookie sheet (or use Pam for baking, it works GREAT!!!), spread dough carefully and evenly.

Bake at 375 for 10-12 minutes

Sprinkle powdered sugar on dish towel. When Cake comes out of oven, place cake on towel and roll. Let cool completely.

Clean and slice strawberries and whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla to taste.

Spread whipped cream on cake and put lots of strawberries on cream. Roll and frost with cream and decorate with strawberry halves.

YUM!

Cali Black Bean Burgers

2009-07-03T08:20:00.000-07:00

Source: Betty Crocker's Vegetarian Cooking

1 can (15 ounces) black bean with cumin and chili spices, drained half way
(I have not been able to find this kind yet, but we just get the black beans with chilies and add cumin to our taste at home)
1 can (4 ounces) green chilies, undrained
1 cup plain dry bread crumbs
1 egg, beaten
1/4 c. yellow corn meal
2 tbsp vegetable oil
5 hamburger buns
1 tbsp mayo or salad dressing
1 1/4 c. shredded lettuce
3 tbsp thick and chunky salsa

1. Place beans in food processor, or blender. Cover and process until slightly mashed. Remove from processor. Mix beans, chilies, bread crumbs and egg. Shape mixture into 5 patties, each about 1/2 in. thick. Coat each patty with cornmeal.
2. Heat oil in 10 in skillet over medium heat. Cook patties in oil 10-15 minutes, turning once, until crisp and thoroughly cooked on both sides.
3. Spread bottom halves of buns with mayo. Top with lettuce, patties, salsa and tops of buns.
Enjoy!

1 sandwich: 385 calories; 10g fat (2g saturated); Cholesterol 45mg; Sodium 940 mg; carbs 67g; protein 16g.

Yummi Panini

2009-07-03T08:14:00.000-07:00

First of all, I have to brag because I got this Panini maker for 5 bucks at a garage sale, not bad Julie......not bad!
Since then, we have had about 12 days of Panini making fun. The recipe below is by far our favorite.

Source: My sister Christie with my own modifications
1 Loaf french bread, sliced or plain ciabatia rolls
Spinach
Pesto sauce
Tomatoes sliced thinly
Mozzarella cheese
Grilled chicken
EVOO

Spread pesto sauce on bread, top with tomatoes, cheese, chicken and spinach. Brush out side of bread with evoo. Place in Panini maker (or put in the oven at 400 with a pan on top and on bottom of the sandwich) for 8-10 minutes.
*I love love love Cavendars seasoning. It is the best steak, chicken and fish seasoning in the whole wide world. We grill 3-4 chicken breast with it and slice it thinly. We store the extra chicken in the fridge so we can enjoy the goodness of these Panini's every day!

Santa Fe Nacho Pizzas

2009-05-25T05:30:00.000-07:00

Source: Betty Crocker's Vegetarian Cooking

1 can (10.8 ounces) refrigerated dough for large flaky biscuits
3 tbsp black bean dip
1/3 c. think and chunky salsa
2 tbsp chopped green chilies
2 medium green onions, chopped
2 tbsp sliced ripe olives
3/4 c shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar marble cheese
1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

Heat oven to 350. Unroll biscuit dough. Press dough into 5-inch circles on ungreased cookie sheet. Spread dough with bean dip. Top with salso, chilies, onions and olives. Sprinkle with cheese and cilantro.

Bake 20-25 minutes or until crust is deep golden brown and cheese is melted.

1 serving: 185 calories; 11 grams of fat; 16 g of carbs; 6g of protein

Santa Fe Chicken Nacho Pizzas:
Sprinkle 1 c chopped cooked chicken over bean dip in step 1 and continue as directed.

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It's About Time

2009-05-21T07:47:00.000-07:00

So here it is, I finally got my own little blog cook book going. I have gotten a lot of requests from people to share my ideas for dinner time because we usually try something new every week. Med school has been forced fun to get me back to cooking. When we lived in Utah, we ate out a lot and now that we don't have that luxury, it's to the kitchen I go. I love cooking, but only when I know what I have planned to cook. So once a month, I sit down with my 20 or so cook books and decided what we are having for dinner. It's been fun to try so many new things and with me planning our meals a head of time, we eat a little healthier with one vegetarian meal, one fish meal, and a few chicken meals a week. I have already posted 4 meals below and I will try to do our favorite meal of the week. So I hope you all enjoy some ideas for dinner and let me know what you think!
Here is my meal calendar for this month. Click on it to see what the Sacks are having for dinner!

Disclaimer: I know that I am a horrible with any type of spelling so just know that this (and my other blog:) comes with errors, I just hope the errors don't result in a bad meal!

Italian Vegetable Focaccia Sandwhich

2009-05-21T07:37:00.000-07:00

This is a great one if you have only 20 min to get dinner ready and it's incredibly yummy!

Source: Betty Crocker's Vegetarian Cooking

1 round Focaccia bread (or any round bread your local store carries, found in the bakery section)
1 1/2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
1 pkg (16 ounces) frozen broccoli, cauliflower and carrots, thawed and drained
3 tbsp fat free Italian dressing

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Place bottom half bread on ungreased cookie sheet. Sprinkle with 3/4 c. cheese; drizzle with dressing. Spread vegetables over cheese. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Replace top of bread. Bake for 5 minutes then take another cookie sheet and push down on top of sandwich (like a pannini) and leave pan on sandwich for another 5 minutes. Slice into 4 pieces and serve with a salad.

The Best Brown Sugar Salmon Ever

2009-05-21T07:09:00.001-07:00

Justin is not a big fish eater, in fact, most fish he just tolerates because I like to eat it. But this salmon he absolutely loves. I'm sure because of all the brown sugar!

Source: My sister Christie with my Daddy's modifications

4 six ounce pieces of salmon
Juice of one lemon
zest of one lemon
5 tbsp butter
pepper to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped fine)
1/2 c. brown sugar
4 slices of onion

Mix zest and parsley together. Place salmon in foil with the sides of the foil folded up so the juices don't run off. Pour lemon juice and butter over the salmon. Sprinkle with pepper, zest and parsley. Add brown sugar and place one slice of onion on each piece of salmon. Seal foil together and place over med heat grill for 15 minutes. Enjoy with home made tarter sauce, or just by it's self!

Tartar Sauce:
1/4 c. lite mayo
1 T. lemon juice
1 T. lemon zest
1 T. fresh chopped parsley
Salt and pepper to taste.

Mix all ingredients together and enjoy with any type of fish!

BBQ Chicken Pizza

2009-05-21T06:41:00.000-07:00

This is one of our absolute favorites. It's a quick dinner and it is so delicious.

Source: Feeding the Flock
Canyon Ward Cookbook
(with my own modifications)
(Thanks Kristin, I love this book!)

2 Boboli ready made pizza crusts
2 cans cooked chopped chicken (say that 12 times fast!)
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp butter
1/2 c. BBQ sauce (the best kind in the world you can get here, if you live in Ohio, you can get it at certain stores, this lady that lives here makes it from her home and it is wonderful!)
2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 c. Gouda cheese
1/3 c. sliced red onion
2 tsp. finely chopped cilantro

Place chicken in skillet with butter and garlic on medium high heat for 5 minutes. Spread BBQ sauce over the crust. Sprinkle 3/4 c. mozzarella and all the gouda cheese. Evenly spread the chicken on pizza, add the red onion. Sprinkle remaining cheese and add cilantro. Bake as instructed on Boboli crust package. Enjoy!
Makes two 10 in pizzas

Wontons

2009-05-21T06:24:00.000-07:00

Source: The Essential Mormon Cookbook
1lb Sausage
1 egg
4 oz canned tiny shrimp
1 4 oz can chestnuts, drained and chopped
3/4 c finely chopped celery
4 green onions, finely chopped
1 pkg wonton skins
Cooking oil

Brown sausage, Drain off fat and remove to a large bowl. Add all other ingredients except skins and oil. Place about 1 tsp of mixture into the middle of each wonton skin. Fold into triangle shape, moistening with egg whites or water and pinching edges together. Then pinch long ends together and twist into crescent shape.
Heat oil in electric frying pan to 375. Drop in wontons until brown. Drain on paper towels. Makes about 40. These can be put in the freezer.

Wonton Sauce:
1 1/3 c. packed brown sugar
1 1/3 c. pineapple juice
1/2 c. vinegar
2 tsp ketchup
2 tsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/4 c. cornstarch
1/2 water

In medium saucepan bring brown sugar, pineapple juice, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and garlic salt to a boil. Thicken with cornstarch mixed with water. Cook one more minute.