April 26: Leftover Chili Casserole

Now, do not hear the word "leftover" and run from this recipe. It is mighty fine.

In a blender, blend 10 oz pkg Fritos  (minus 1 1/2 cups) until it resembles corn meal.

Mix together:
1 sm can enchilada sauce
1 sm can tomato sauce
Chili
Ground Fritos
Place mixture in 9x13 pan.

On top of chili mixture, layer:
Sour cream
Cheddar cheese
Sprinkle 1 1/2 cup of reserved Fritos, lightly crunched up

Bake until warmed thoroughly and is bubbly.

April 25: Meatloaf (The Best)

I recently learned this secret to a great tasting meatloaf.

1 1/2 - 2 lbs lean ground beef
Mix ground beef with a variety of other ingredients like:
(I add whatever I have on hand.)
ground oats
fresh or dried bread crumbs
beaten egg
milk
diced onion, celery, green pepper, garlic
grated carrot
sliced green onion
ketchup
salt and pepper
parsley
Press into loaf pan.

The secret:
Put a layer brown sugar on top of meatloaf
Then a layer of ketchup.

Bake at 350 for about 1 hour or until done depending on size of meatloaf.

April 24: Tasty Turkey Tacos

From "Live with Regis and Kathy Lee" comes this great recipe.

1 lb ground turkey
2 tsp cumin
3 TB chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 c water
1 small onion
1 dozen corn tortillas
Oil

Brown turkey in oil. Add spices, salt and pepper. Add onion and water. Let simmer. Fry tortillas in oil. Fill with meat mixture. Add cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and salsa. 

April 23: Honey Mustard Chicken Wrap

This is like the McDonald's chicken wraps. 

Grilled chicken or baked crispy chicken fillets, 
              diagonally sliced
Shredded lettuce
Shredded cheddar cheese
Tortilla shells
Honey Mustard Dressing

Heat the tortilla shells in microwave until soft. Add chicken, lettuce, cheese and drizzle with dressing. Roll up.

Honey Mustard Dressing:
1 1/2 c mayonnaise
1/4 c honey
1/4 sugar
1/4 c Dijon mustard
1/8 c chopped onion
1/2 c oil
Mix all ingredients in blender. Add oil last, added it very slowly as it blends.

April 22: Energy Balls

1 c honey
1 c powdered milk
1 c peanut butter
Mix together and shape into balls about the the size of a walnuts. Roll in coconut, chopped nuts or sesame seeds.

April 21: Cheese Potatoes

Here is another great potato side dish similar to funeral potatoes. This one uses  fresh potatoes and cream.

6 lg potatoes, peeled and sliced like julienne strips
2 c half and half cream or cream
2 tsp salt 
2 c grated Mozzarella  or Cheddar cheese
1/2 grated Parmesan cheese

Place potatoes in a greased 9x13 pan. Pour half and half cream or cream over potatoes to coat. Sprinkle with salt. Sprinkle with cheese. Foil pan. Bake at 400 for about 1 hour. 

April 19: Gorp

I love Gorp on a hike. Enough said.

2 c dry roasted peanuts

2 c M&M's

1 c craisins or raisins

Optional things to add:

Cheerios

Pretzels

Almonds instead of peanuts

Chocolate covered raisins