Cheesy Grits

Some of you may or may not know that Zach has Southern roots. His Mema and Papa are from Alabama, and his mother was raised in and out of Alabama as well. Zach's mom came to visit a couple weeks ago and I begged her to make grits for Zach since Idaho girls grow up on cream of wheat instead. I don't make grits. She shared a WONDERFUL grits recipe that I can not only make, but eat the entire pan myself. I promise you will love this recipe.

6 cups water
1 1/3 cups grits
3 eggs
3/4 cup butter
16 oz. velveeta cheese
2 tsp. seasoning salt
2 tsp. hot pepper sauce

Cook grits in water in sauce pan according to directions on grits box. Add eggs, butter, cheese, season salt and hot sauce. Stir until cheese is melted. Pour into 9x13 baking dish and bake at 350 for 45 min. Cut into squares and serve.

Noodles Romanoff

I like to make this as a side dish when I feel a little fancy, even though it is not really fancy. The name makes me think it is.....

1 (8 ounce) pkg dried wide egg noodles
1 (16 oz) carton sour cream
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 small clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
2 tbl. chopped fresh chives

Cook noodles according to package directions, drain. Stir in sour cream and next 4 ingredients into noodles. Sprinkle with cheese and chives. Toss and serve hot.

Red Beans and Rice

Living in the south we get to try lots of really good things that I never thought I would eat. Red Beans and Rice has become on of my all time favorite southern foods. I found this recipe in the southern living cookbook, so it is pretty authentic, although not as good as Proffits Porch for those of you who know that wonderful restaurant.

1 lb dried red beans
1 ham hock, 1 lb. ( I just used ham from one that I have made before and added the meat into it)
3 quarts water
1 large onion, chopped
1/2 cup worcestershire sauce
1 1/4 tsp. garlic salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. ground red pepper
1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon
3 bay leaves
6 cups hot cooked rice

Sort and wash beans. Combine beans, ham and water in large pot; bring all to boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Mash about 2/3 of beans against side of pot with back of spoon. Add onion and next 6 ingredients. Cover and bring to boil, reduce heat to medium-high and cook uncovered for 1 hour. Discard bay leaves and serve over rice.

Pizza Dough

The best pizza dough ever. Of course it is from the pioneer woman again. Who else..

1 tsp. dry yeast
4 cups flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

Sprinkle yeast over 1 1/2 cups warm (not lukewarm) water.
In a mixer, combine flour and salt. With the mixer running on low speed (with paddle attachment), drizzle in olive oil until combined with flour. Next, pour in yeast/water mixture and mix until just combined.

Coat a separate mixing bowl with a light drizzle of olive oil, and form the dough into a ball. Toss to coat dough in olive oil, then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and store in the fridge until you need it. ***It’s best to make the dough at least 24 hours in advance, and 3 or 4 days is even better.

Cowboy Calzone

I got this one out of my FAVORITE cookbook ever!! The pioneer woman. She is my hero. I have never made a meal of hers that I didn't like. This one is great for those nights that no one is home and you want something to take with you. I wrapped these up in tin foil once and took them to the boys soccer game, and they were perfect.

1/2 lb hot breakfast sausage
1 lb ground beef
1/2 onion, finely diced
1 can rotel (10 oz)
8 oz ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated monterey jack cheese
1 egg, beaten
salt and pepper
1 pizza crust recipe (look under my breads tab)

Combine sausage and beef and onion in skillet and brown over medium heat. Drain grease. Pour in rotel and stir until combined. Remove from heat.
In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella and monterey jack cheese, egg and salt and pepper. Add the cooled meat mixture to the cheese mixture and stir to gently combine.

Divide the pizza dough into 8 equal size balls and roll out to 6 inch circles. Place one-eighth of the meat/cheese mixture in middle of circle. Fold half the circle over the other half and pinch with fork to seal the seam. Brush each calzone with olive oil and place on baking sheet.

Cook for 12-15 min on 450.

Banana Cake

We had this last week for a party and it is wonderful. We cooked ours just a little to long, so I can't imagine how glorious they could actually be.

2 1/2 cups flour
1 2/3 cups sugar
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 sticks butter
2/3 cup buttermilk
2 cups mashed banana
2 eggs

Stir the dry ingredients. Add butter, buttermilk and banana. Beat until moist. Add eggs and beat. Grease a 15x10 (large cookie sheet) and bake at 350 for 30 min.

Frosting
4 cups powdered sugar
1 stick butter, softened
2 tsp. vanilla
enough milk to make spreadable

Mix first 3 ingredients together, then add milk to make spreadable.

Moms Raisin Bars

I know, Raisin Bars? I promise, they are GOOOOD! If you like raisins even a little bit, then you will love these. I don't know anyone who doesn't. Remember though, they make a lot, so plan on giving some to friends or having them for a party. They are worth it though.


In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of raisins and 2 cups of water. Boil together until raisins are plump and about 1/2 cup water remains.

Cream together:
2 cups sugar
1 cup shortening

Add:
2 eggs
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. allspice
2 tsp. baking soda
4 cups flour

Add raisins, mix well. Add the 1/2 cup water left over from cooking raisins.
Pour onto large cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

Frosting

2 tbl butter (melted)
1/2 lb. powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
and enough milk to make a thin glaze

Pour over the bars while they are still warm.