All Recipes

Delight your guests with these irresistible bacon-wrapped cream cheese bites. Perfect as an appetizer for any occasion, these bites combine the creamy goodness of herb-flavored cream cheese with the smoky, savory taste of bacon. Each bite-sized piece is seasoned to perfection, making them a crowd favorite that disappears quickly at gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 8 oz garlic and herb cream cheese
• 8 slices sandwich bread
• 12 slices thick-cut hickory bacon
• 3 tbsp Old Bay seasoning

Directions:

1. Prepare the Filling: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Mix the smoked paprika into the cream cheese until well combined. Spread the cream cheese mixture generously on 4 slices of bread and top with the remaining slices to make sandwiches.
2. Cut and Wrap: Remove the crusts from the sandwiches. Cut each sandwich into 6 equal pieces. Cut the bacon slices in half. Wrap each piece of sandwich with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
3. Season and Bake: Place the bacon-wrapped bites on a foil-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning. Bake on the center rack for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.
4. Crisp Up: For extra crispy bacon, place the bites under the broiler for about 1 minute, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Conclusion and Tips:

These bacon-wrapped cream cheese bites are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Prepare them ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. For an extra kick, try adding a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture. Share your tips and experiences in the comments below!

Warm up with a bowl of hearty potato soup enriched with tender ham. This comforting soup is perfect for utilizing leftover ham, creating a creamy and satisfying dish that’s ideal for cold evenings. The blend of vegetables, cheese, and spices brings out a rich, delightful flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup each of diced onion, celery, and carrots
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed
• 1 quart water
• 1 tbsp chicken bouillon
• 3 lb white potatoes, peeled and diced
• 8 oz ham, diced
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp salt, to taste
• 1 can (5 oz) evaporated milk
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 pint half and half
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for garnish
• 1/2 cup sour cream, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 cup chopped green onion
• 1/2 cup croutons of choice

Directions:

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large soup pot, sauté onion, celery, carrots, and garlic in butter until golden.
2. Add Potatoes: Stir in water, bouillon, and potatoes. Simmer until potatoes are tender.
3. Blend Soup: Process about 3 cups of the soup in a food processor until smooth, then return it to the pot.
4. Thicken Soup: Mix cornstarch with 1/2 cup evaporated milk until smooth and stir into the soup to thicken.
5. Combine Ingredients: Add ham, cayenne pepper, salt, the rest of the evaporated milk, and half and half. Stir until heated through and thickened.
6. Finish and Serve: Stir in shredded cheese and sour cream until fully incorporated. Serve topped with croutons, extra cheese, sour cream, and green onions.

Conclusion and Tips:

This potato soup with ham is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for using up leftover ham. For added depth, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of white wine. Share your own tips and variations in the comments below!

Transform your side dish game with this easy-to-make spinach pie casserole, inspired by the traditional Greek spanakopita. This dish features layers of flaky phyllo dough filled with a savory mixture of spinach, cheese, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for gatherings or a delightful family dinner, it brings a touch of Mediterranean flavor to your table.

Ingredients:

• 2 lb fresh spinach, washed, drained, and chopped
• 2 sticks butter, melted
• 4 eggs
• Pinch of parsley
• 1 lb cheese (1/2 Feta & 1/2 cottage cheese)
• Pinch of salt
• Onion, minced for flavor
• 1 tsp dried dill
• 1/2 lb Phyllo dough, thawed in refrigerator
• 1 stick butter, melted for brushing on phyllo dough

Directions:

1. Prepare Filling: Mix together the spinach, 2 sticks of melted butter, eggs, parsley, cheese, salt, minced onion, and dill until well combined.
2. Layer Phyllo Dough: Butter the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan. Place 4 sheets of phyllo dough at the bottom, brushing each sheet with melted butter.
3. Add Filling: Spread half of the spinach mixture over the phyllo layers.
4. Repeat Layers: Add 4 more sheets of phyllo, each brushed with butter. Spread the remaining spinach mixture on top. Cover with additional phyllo sheets, brushing each with butter.
5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the casserole for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Conclusion and Tips:

This spinach and cheese casserole is a versatile and flavorful addition to any meal. For a richer flavor, consider adding a bit of garlic or nutmeg to the spinach mixture. Feel free to share your variations and tips in the comments below!

Savor the taste of summer with this easy peach cobbler recipe. Perfect for a quick and delightful dessert, this cobbler features juicy peaches topped with a golden, buttery crust. It’s a simple yet delicious treat that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup self-rising flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
• 1 can (15 oz) sliced peaches in syrup

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of self-rising flour, and 1 cup of milk until smooth.
3. Melt Butter: Melt 1/2 cup of butter and pour it into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Assemble Cobbler: Pour the batter over the melted butter in the baking dish. Do not stir. Spoon the peaches and syrup evenly over the batter. Again, do not stir.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Conclusion and Tips:

This easy peach cobbler is perfect for any occasion, offering a quick and delicious way to enjoy a classic dessert. For added flavor, sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg over the peaches before baking. Share your tips and variations in the comments below!

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with homemade chicken and dumplings. This classic dish, featuring tender chicken and fluffy dumplings, brings back memories of cozy family dinners. It’s the perfect meal to warm up your heart and soul on a chilly day.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp shortening
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2-3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 medium whole chicken
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Water (enough to boil and for broth)
• Optional: canned broth or water and a chicken bouillon cube if more broth is needed

Directions:

1. Boil the Chicken: Place the chicken in a large pot, cover with water, and season with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Boil for about 1 hour until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken, debone it, and set aside.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup water, 1 tbsp shortening, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp baking powder. Gradually add 2-3 cups of flour to form a dough. For added color, you can mix in a bit of yellow food coloring before adding the flour.
3. Make the Dumplings: Roll out the dough very thin on a floured surface and cut into strips about 1 inch wide and 3 inches long. Using parchment paper can help prevent sticking.
4. Cook the Dumplings: Bring the chicken broth back to a boil and add the dough strips. Boil for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Combine and Serve: Add the deboned chicken back to the pot. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. For extra flavor, you can add a chicken bouillon cube or a touch of poultry seasoning. Serve hot.

Conclusion and Tips:

This homemade chicken and dumplings recipe brings the comforting flavors of home-cooked goodness to your table. For a richer taste, use chicken broth instead of water, or add a splash of cream to the broth. Share your tips and variations in the comments below!

Elevate your appetizer game with these irresistible smoky bacon-stuffed mushrooms. Perfect for any gathering, these mushrooms are filled with a savory blend of creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and seasoned bread crumbs. Their rich, smoky flavor is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, making them the ideal starter for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 12 button or cremini mushrooms
• 7 slices of bacon
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 – 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 2-3 tbsp butter or reserved bacon drippings
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs, seasoned or plain

Directions:

1. Prepare Mushrooms and Bacon: Preheat oven to 350°F. Clean mushrooms and remove stems, then chop stems and set aside. Cook 3 slices of bacon until limp and 4 slices until crisp. Reserve the bacon drippings.
2. Cook Vegetables: In the reserved bacon drippings, sauté onions and chopped mushroom stems until soft.
3. Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, chopped crisp bacon, cheddar cheese, onion, and mushroom mixture. Season with black pepper and garlic powder.
4. Stuff the Mushrooms: Fill each mushroom cap with the cheese mixture. Top with a piece of limp bacon. Sprinkle with bread crumbs and drizzle with bacon drippings or melted butter.
5. Bake: Place mushrooms on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes until the tops are golden brown.

Conclusion and Tips:

These smoky stuffed mushrooms are sure to impress your guests with their rich, creamy filling. For an extra smoky flavor, use bacon drippings instead of butter. Feel free to share your own variations and experiences in the comments below!

Experience the warmth and heartiness of cabbage rolls in a comforting soup form with Freda’s Cabbage Roll Soup. Perfect for chilly days, this soup combines ground beef, tender cabbage, and a blend of spices to create a satisfying meal that’s both hearty and delicious. It’s easy to make and guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lb ground beef or turkey, browned and drained
• 1 dash celery, diced (or 2 stalks)
• 1/2 cup parsley, chopped fine (optional)
• 3-4 cups water
• 2 cups (1 can) low sodium Swanson beef broth
• 4 cups canned diced tomatoes (14 oz can)
• 1/2 cup long grain rice or brown rice
• 2 cups green cabbage, chopped (or more)
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp seasoning salt (or regular salt)
• 1 tbsp pepper
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp wet beef base (can add 2 tbsp if desired)

Directions:

1. Brown the Meat: In a large soup pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Break it into fine pieces as it cooks.
2. Add Vegetables: Add the diced celery, onions, and parsley to the pot. Cook until the onions are translucent.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the water, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and spices. Bring the mixture to a light boil. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Simmer the Soup: Immediately add the rice and chopped cabbage. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for at least an hour, stirring often. The flavors will meld beautifully, creating a rich and hearty soup.
5. Serve: Before serving, remove the bay leaf. If the soup is too thick, add water to reach your desired consistency. Serve hot with dinner rolls or crackers.

Conclusion and Tips:

This cabbage roll soup is a perfect way to enjoy the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls with less effort. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Feel free to share your own variations and tips in the comments below!

Indulge in the classic decadence of an authentic German Chocolate Cake. This timeless dessert features a moist, rich chocolate cake layered with a luscious coconut-pecan frosting. Perfect for celebrations or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, this cake will transport your taste buds to dessert heaven with every bite.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 package (4 oz) Baker’s German’s sweet chocolate
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 1 cup butter or margarine
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs, separated
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Filling and Topping (Coconut-Pecan Frosting):

• 4 egg yolks
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter or margarine
• 1 package (7 oz) Baker’s angel flake coconut (about 2 2/3 cups)
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

Optional Chocolate Frosting:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• 9 squares (50 ml) Baker’s German’s chocolate, melted and cooled
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tablespoons milk

Directions:

1. Prepare the Cake:
   • Melt the chocolate in boiling water and let it cool.
   • Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolks, one at a time.
   • Stir in the vanilla and cooled chocolate mixture.
   • Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the flour mixture to the batter alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
   • Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form and gently fold into the batter.
   • Pour the batter into three 9-inch layer pans lined with wax paper on the bottom.
   • Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly pressed in the center. Cool the cakes in the pans for 15 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks.
2. Prepare the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:
   • Beat the egg yolks, evaporated milk, and vanilla in a large saucepan with a wire whisk until well blended.
   • Add the sugar and butter; cook on medium heat for about 12 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened and golden brown.
   • Remove from heat and stir in the coconut and pecans. Cool to room temperature, ensuring the frosting is of spreading consistency.
3. Assemble the Cake:
   • Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread with one-third of the frosting. Repeat with the second and third layers, spreading the remaining frosting on the top and sides of the cake.
4. Optional Chocolate Frosting:
   • Mix the softened butter, melted chocolate, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Use as a garnish or additional layer if desired.

Conclusion and Tips:

This German Chocolate Cake is a showstopper at any gathering, offering layers of rich chocolate and creamy coconut-pecan frosting. For a variation, you can add maraschino cherries or pecan halves for a decorative touch. Share your baking experiences and tips in the comments below!

Transform your weeknight dinners with these incredibly tender and flavorful pork chops cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that feels like a gourmet meal without the fuss. The creamy mushroom and onion gravy adds a rich depth of flavor, making this a comforting and satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients:

• 6 large boneless top loin chops, thick cut
• 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 package dry onion soup mix
• 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Pork Chops: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the pork chops with garlic powder if desired. Brown the chops on both sides until they are nicely seared.
2. Arrange in Slow Cooker: Place the browned pork chops evenly in the Crock Pot.
3. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and dry onion soup mix until well blended.
4. Pour Over Chops: Pour the soup mixture over the pork chops, ensuring each chop is well covered. You can place some sauce between the chops if they are stacked.
5. Slow Cook: Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low heat for 7 hours. If needed, you can extend the cooking time up to 8 hours for extra tenderness.
6. Serve: Serve the pork chops with mashed potatoes or rice, using the delicious mushroom sauce as gravy. Enjoy a comforting and hearty meal!

Conclusion and Tips:

These slow-cooked pork chops are an effortless way to achieve a flavorful and tender dish that will impress your family. For added variety, consider adding sliced mushrooms or onions to the sauce. Share your own tips and variations in the comments below!

Imagine a cold day where the warmth of a hearty ham bone soup wraps around you like a cozy blanket. This delightful soup is not only a perfect way to use up holiday leftovers but also a fusion of smoky bacon, tender ham, and nutrient-rich vegetables that create a symphony of flavors. The magic ingredient? A roux made with bacon fat, adding depth and richness to every spoonful. This soup promises to bring comfort and joy to your table, making it a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb bacon, chopped
• 1 ham bone from leftover ham
• 1-2 cups leftover ham, bite-sized pieces
• 1 lb dried great northern beans, rinsed and picked through
• 1 large head of cabbage, sliced
• 5 large Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed

Directions:

1. Prepare the Bacon: Cook the chopped bacon in a pan over medium heat until crispy. Set aside, reserving the bacon drippings for later.
2. Start the Soup Base: Place the ham bone in a large pot and cover it with cold water. Add the rinsed beans and the leftover ham pieces. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, covered, for 1 hour. This will extract all the wonderful flavors from the ham bone.
3. Add Vegetables: Stir in the sliced cabbage and continue to simmer the soup, covered, for an additional 30 minutes. This will allow the cabbage to soften and infuse the broth with its subtle sweetness.
4. Incorporate Potatoes: Add the cubed potatoes to the pot and simmer until they are tender, which should take about 20-30 minutes. The potatoes will thicken the soup and add a creamy texture.
5. Remove and Trim the Ham Bone: Take out the ham bone, trim any remaining meat, and return the meat to the soup. Discard the bone. Add the crispy cooked bacon to the soup for an extra layer of flavor.
6. Make the Roux: In a small pan, heat the reserved bacon fat over low heat. Add enough flour to create a stiff mixture, stirring constantly until the roux turns brown. Let it cool slightly before gradually adding it to the soup, stirring well to thicken the broth.
7. Final Seasoning: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the soup hot, paired with warm, crusty bread for a complete meal.

Conclusion and Tips:

This ham bone soup is more than just a way to use up leftovers; it’s a heartwarming dish that brings comfort and satisfaction. For an added twist, consider incorporating chopped carrots or celery for extra flavor and nutrition. If you prefer a spicier kick, a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can elevate the taste.

We love hearing from you! Share your own tips, variations, and experiences in the comments below. Happy cooking!