Best Banana Bread

INGREDIENTS :
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
4 bananas, finely crushed
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

INSTRUCTIONS :
Cream together butter and sugar.
Add eggs and crushed bananas.
Combine well.
Sift together flour, soda and salt. Add to creamed mixture. Add vanilla.
Pour into greased and floured loaf pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 60 minutes.
Keeps well, refrigerated.

Mexican Lasagna

INGREDIENTS :
12 ounces cooked chicken, cut into 1-inch cubes ( about 3 cups)
1 cup sour cream ( regular or low-fat)
1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup salsa ( mild, medium or hot)
1 (4 ounce) cans chopped green chilies
1 teaspoon ground chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
8 flour tortillas, cut in half

INSTRUCTIONS :
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Coat a square baking pan with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine chicken, sour cream, 3/4 cup of the Monterey Jack cheese, 3/4 cup of the Cheddar, salsa, chiles, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well and set aside.
Arrange half of the tortilla pieces in the bottom of prepared pan, overlapping pieces slightly to cover the surface. Top with half of the chicken mixture and smooth over with the back of a spoon to even the top. Layer remaining tortillas over top, and spoon over remaining chicken mixture. Top with remaining 1/4 cup each of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses.
Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 30 more minutes, until top is golden and bubbly. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Beef Tips

INGREDIENTS :
2 lbs cubed beef stew meat
1 onion, chopped
1 package brown gravy mix
1⁄4 cup soy sauce
1⁄4 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 cups water
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground pepper
1 cup water

INSTRUCTIONS :
In a large skillet, heat oil over high heat.
Saute the onion until translucent.
Add stew meat and cook on high heat until meat is browned on all sides (3-5 minutes). Pour 2 cups water, soy sauce, and worcestershire sauce into the skillet.
Stir in garlic powder, salt and pepper.
Bring to boil and reduce heat.
Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Then combine the gravy mix with 1 cup of water, mix thoroughly and stir into the meat. Bring to boil, stirring frequently until it slightly thickens.
Serve over egg noodles.

Surprise Taco Pie

INGREDIENTS :
Crust:
1/4 cup butter (I used coconut oil)
2/3 cup milk
2 T taco seasoning*
2 1/2 cups mashed potato flakes
Filling:
1 lb low fat ground beef or turkey (I used venison)
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 can fire roasted tomatoes (Ro-Tel type) Do not drain
2 T taco seasoning*
1 tsp chili powder (optional)
Dash of hot sauce (optional)
1 cup shredded cheese of your choice (I like the Fiesta blend)

 INSTRUCTIONS :
Preheat oven to 350F
In a medium pan melt butter (oil), then add milk and 2T taco seasoning mixing well.
Remove from heat, add potato flakes, mixing until well combined. Press mixture in the bottom and sides of a pie plate then par-bike the crust for 7-10 minutes. While crust is baking, cook meat and onions until done, drain. Return to pan, add tomatoes, taco seasoning, and spices. After mixture starts to bubble, pour in crust, top with cheese and bake for 15 minutes.
Either top entire pie with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, olives, jalapeno slices or have available for everyone to top their own. Don't forget sour cream and avocado.
-One taco seasoning packet has 4T of seasoning. So this recipe takes one packet of seasoning.

Easy Breakfast Casserole

INGREDIENTS :
SERVINGS 6
2 cups dry chicken stove top stuffing mix (from the canister)
2 cups milk
1 1⁄2 cups cubed ham (or use Bob Evans Sausage, cooked, drained well, and crumbled)
6 eggs, beaten
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1⁄2 teaspoon salt

INSTRUCTIONS :
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Lightly grease a 9 x 12 baking dish.
Mix all the ingredients together.
Pour into prepared baking dish.
Bake for about 45 to 50 minutes or until set.

Famous Crack Potatoes

INGREDIENTS :
2 (16 oz) containers of sour cream
8 oz bacon. cooked and chopped
2 cup shredded cheddar
1 packages ranch dip mix
1 30 oz bag shredded hash browns

INSTRUCTIONS :
30 minutes
Preheat the oven to 400°
Combine the first four ingredients in a large bowl.
Add hash browns. Stir well.
Spray a 13x9 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Spread mixture into dish.
Bake for 50-60 minutes. Until golden brown.
Let stand 10 minutes before serving

Passion Fruit Mimosa

INGREDIENTS :
1 cup champagne, chilled
1⁄2 cup passion fruit juice, chilled
1 strawberry (optional garnish)
1 orange slice (optional garnish)


 INSTRUCTIONS :
-Add ice to champagne flutes. Fill half of a champagne flute with chilled champagne, then top off with chilled passion fruit juice.
-Slice up a strawberry or orange to decorate the rim of each flute.

Brian's Breakfast Nachos

INGREDIENTS :
6 precooked sausage patties
4 ounces Mexican blend cheese
8 eggs
5 -6 ounces tortilla chips
4 ounces salsa (we use medium, but since it's breakfast you might want mild...depends on personal preference)
6 slices bacon
Optional toppings

jalapeno (optional)
onion (optional)
tomatoes (or whatever your heart desires!) (optional)



INSTRUCTIONS :
Scramble the eggs. While they are cooking, warm the sausage and cook bacon in the microwave according to package directions.
Chop the bacon and sausage into small pieces.
When eggs are done mix in the sausage and bacon.
Divide chips among oven safe plates OR put all on a cookie sheet. Sprinkle with 2 oz. of the cheese. Place under broiler to melt cheese. (won't take long!).
Put the egg and meat mixture on top of the chips. Sprinkle the final 2 oz. of cheese over top. Place under broiler until melted.
Top with salsa and/or other optional toppings

ITALIAN BAKE

INGREDIENTS :
3 pounds chicken breasts (cooked & cut into bite size pieces)...
6 Italian sausage links (can also use chicken or turkey sausage)
2 jars or spaghetti sauce (I use Hunt's in the can - cheaper & just as good!)
1 pound of pasta, penne, macaroni, shells or what ever you like
1 large package of pizza cheese
1 onion
2 large bell peppers - red & green, cut into chunks

INSTRUCTIONS :
Cut up chicken, onion, peppers and sausage.
Boil pasta and drain (don't over cook)
Mix pasta, sausage, onion, peppers, chicken and sauce.
Put in a large deep dish. If it won't all fit, make a little side dish to freeze for lunch later.
Top heavily with cheese.
Bake at 325 degrees for about 45 minutes or until golden and bubbly

Broccoli Hash Brown Casserole

INGREDIENTS :
1 (30 ounce) bag shredded hash browns...
1 (10 ounce) bag chopped broccoli, thawed and drained well
2 (10 3/4 ounce) cans cheddar cheese soup
salt
pepper
1 small onion, chopped
1/4 cup butter
1 1/2 cups sour cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup crushed Ritz cracker
1/4 cup melted butter

INSTRUCTIONS :
Saute onions in 1/2 stick butter. Mix onions with broccoli, hash browns and soups, Salt and pepper to taste. Pour into a greased 9 x 13 pan. Top potatoes with the following, in order: sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese and Ritz cracker crumbs. Bake for 1 hour and 15 mins at 300 degrees.

Zucchini or Yellow Squash Casserole

INGREDIENTS :
1 medium bell pepper, cut in 1/2 in cubes
1/4 cup margarine
1 medium onion, diced
2 medium zucchini or 4 small yellow squash
1 (16 ounce) cans tomatoes
4 slices bread, toasted and cut in small cubes
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon oregano
parmesan cheese

INSTRUCTIONS :
Saute onions & bell pepper in margarine for 5 minutes,add squash that has been sliced and cubed.
Saute 5 min more,add tomatoes, (break up whole tomatoes) cook 5 more minutes.
Add bread cubes and seasonings.
Put in 2 quart casserole,sprinkle top with parmesan cheese.
Bake at 350 for 30 to 40 minutes.

Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

INGREDIENTS :
8 ounces uncooked tube pasta or 8 ounces spiral shaped pasta
1 lb ground beef
6 slices bacon, diced
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can condensed tomato soup, undiluted
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

INSTRUCTIONS :
Cook pasta according to directions on package.
In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink, drain and set aside.
In same skillet, cooked diced bacon until crisp, drain and discard drippings.
To skillet, add pasta, ground beef, bacon, and soup. Heat through.
Sprinkle with cheese, cover and cook until the cheese is melted.

Basic Taco Bake

INGREDIENTS :
1 lb lean ground beef
1 (8 ounce) cans refried beans
4 flour tortillas
1 ounce taco bell taco seasoning
3/4 cup water
1 (8 ounce) packages low fat Mexican blend cheese
sour cream (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS :
-brown ground beef until fully cooked, drain. Heat refried beans.
-Add the seasonings and water, bring to a boil, then simmer 6-10 minutes, until most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Preheat oven.to 350* F.
-Assembly time. First in a round cake pan, spray with nonstick spray.
-Then put down a tortilla, then add meat, beans and cheese and spread evenly.
-Then put another tortilla and do the same thing again. (2 times).
-now you are on you last tortilla, put on top and add meat and cheese . (be genorous with cheese).
- bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Add sour cream to top and serve.(optional)

Baked Ravioli

INGREDIENTS :
1 25 oz. (1 lb) frozen cheese ravioli
1 24 oz. jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
1 1lb. ground beef
1 tsp. dried basil
1 T. minced garlic
1/2 tsp. dried parsley
8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 C. parmesan cheese

 INSTRUCTIONS :

Brown ground beef and drain, add in 1 C. of the pasta sauce, garlic and basil. Remove from heat and set aside. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook ravioli according to pkg. directions. Drain and return to pot and add in remaining pasta sauce. Stir to combine. Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray and layer 1/2 of the ravioli in the bottom. Top with all the beef mixture and spread around. Top with 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese and 1/2 of the parmesan cheese. Layer the remaining ravioli on top and top with remaining cheeses. Sprinkle with parsley. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, turn on the broiler and broil for 2 minutes or until top is browned somewhat.

Melt-in-your-mouth Barbecue Ribs

INGREDIENTS :
Servings: 6.
4 lbs pork ribs
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon hickory smoke salt
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper (optional)
2 cups of your favorite barbecue sauce (mine is Sweet Baby Ray)

 INSTRUCTIONS :

-Preheat oven to 300 degrees f.
-Peel off tough membrane that covers the bony side of the ribs.
- Mix together the sugar and spices to make the rub.
- Apply rub to ribs on all sides.
- Lay ribs on two layers of foil, shiny side out and meaty side down.
- Lay two layers of foil on top of ribs and roll and crimp edges tightly, edges facing up to seal.
- Place on baking sheet and bake for 2-2 1/2 hours or until meat is starting to shrink away from the ends of the bone.
-Remove from oven.
-Heat broiler.
- Cut ribs into serving sized portions of 2 or 3 ribs.
- Arrange on broiler pan, bony side up.
- Brush on sauce.
- Broil for 1 or 2 minutes until sauce is cooked on and bubbly.
- Turn ribs over.
- Repeat on other side.
- Alternately, you can grill the ribs on your grill to cook on the sauce.

Potato Slices Made Like Potato Skins

INGREDIENTS :
4 russet potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1/4 cup melted butter
8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped green onion
sour cream, for topping

INSTRUCTIONS :
Preheat oven to 400°.
Brush both sides of potato slices with butter and place on an ungreased baking sheet.
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until lightly browned on both sides, turning once during baking.
Remove from oven and top with bacon, cheese and green onions.
Return to oven and bake until cheese melts.
Serve topped with a dollop of sour cream.

Oven Baked Parmesan Potatoes

INGREDIENTS :
6 large potatoes
1⁄2 cup butter, melted
3⁄4 cup parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon cumin

 INSTRUCTIONS :

-Peel and cut potatoes in 2 inch pieces.
-Melt butter in lg bowl in microwave.
-Combine cheese, pepper, and cumin in a paper bag.
-Roll potatoes in butter.
-Shake potatoes in cheese mixture.
-Place on baking sheet.
-Bake uncovered at 350 for 55-60 min, turning once.

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

INGREDIENTS :
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork or mild Italian sausage
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 TBSP Italian seasoning
3 eggs
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 lb mozzarella, cut into cubes

Olive Oil
Marinara (jar or homemade)

 INSTRUCTIONS :
-In a large bowl mix beef through pepper. Form into 2" balls. Press a cheese cube in the middle and seal the meat around it.

-Heat 1/2" olive oil in a large skillet. Brown meatballs and then set aside on plate.

-Pour marinara sauce into pan; bring to a simmer. Add meatballs and simmer until cooked through, about 30 minutes.

-Serve over spaghetti or on top of a hoagie.

Baked Beef Tips and Noodle

INGREDIENTS :
2 lbs beef tenderloin tips, stew meat, or chuck roast
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 packet dry onion soup mix
1 packet brown gravy mix
1 cup water
1 4oz can mushrooms
Egg noodles, cooked

 INSTRUCTIONS :
-I used Cream of Mushroom w/ Roasted Garlic.

-Add the cubed beef to a 13x9 baking dish.

-Combine the cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, brown gravy mix and water. Add the mushrooms and stir to combine. Pour over the beef and stir to mix thoroughly.

-Cover with foil and bake at 300° for three hours. Uncover and serve on top egg noodles.

OLD FASHIONED BEEF STEW.

INGREDIENTS :
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 pounds cubed beef stew meat
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups water
2 cups beef broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 cups cubed potatoes
2 cups chopped carrots
1 teaspoons dried rosemary
1 cup fresh corn kernels
1 cup fresh green beans, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 cup chopped turnip (optional)
2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (optional) I love tomato so I add it.

 INSTRUCTIONS :
-Heat oil in large pot. Add beef and flour, stirring to coat beef; brown.
-Add water, broth, salt, and pepper. Heat to boiling; reduce heat, and simmer 1 hour.
-Stir in potatoes, carrots (or turnips), and rosemary. Simmer 1-2 hours.
-Add corn, green beans, and simmer for 30 minutes longer.