Pumpkin Seeds

contributed by Kim

Growing up, after we carved the Halloween pumpkins, me and Scott would spend hours (ok, maybe not hours) pulling out the seeds, rinsing and washing them for mom to roast them. I loved this tradition.

My kids love roasted pumpkin seed. I'm not sure where this recipe came from, but I got it from my mom.


Heat oven to 275. In a large shallow pan combine 2 cups pumpkin seeds, 1/2 tsp worcestershire sauce, 1 1/2 Tbsp melted butter and 1 tsp salt. Bake for 2-21/2 hours, stirring every 20 minutes until the seeds are crisp, dry and golden brown. Store in air tight container.

Chicken Stew with Butter Biscuit Dumplings

Every time I make this, Jay raves about how much he loves it!! Don't leave out the bay leaf, it adds a lot of flavor!

2 T. olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
3 celery ribs, diced
2 lbs. chicken
1 quart chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1/2 t. marjoram
real salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Dumplings:

1 c. flour
1 1/2 t. bkg powder
1/4 t. salt
3 T. butter
1/3 c. + 1 T. milk


In a stockpot, heat 1 T. of the oil and lightly saute vegetables. Remove to a paper towel and add the rest of the olive oil. Brown the chicken pieces in 2 batches and remove the chicken. Add the broth and scrape up any of the browned bits from the chicken. Add the chicken, vegetables, and herbs, bring to a boil. Cover and reduce to a simmer for 45 minutes or until the chicken is tender. Remove the chicken and defat the broth. Drop in the dumplings and simmer 8 minutes.

Dumplings: In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter until crumbly. Add the milk and stir with a fork until lightly moistened. Turn dough onto a floured board and pat the dough to 1/2 " thick. Cut into 1" squares and cook as directed.

LuAnn's Refrigerator Muffins

3 cups sugar
1 cup plus 2 T butter
1 teas. salt
5 teas. soda
4 cups 100% bran buds
2 cups Kellogg All Bran
2 cups water(boiling)
4 eggs
5 cups flour
1 quart buttermilk

Directions:

Pour water over 100% bran
Cream sugar and butter
Add eggs and buttermilk
Add dry ingredients and fold in 100% bran

Chill batter well before cooking.
Freeze up to six weeks

Bake 15-18 minutes at 375 degrees
Makes approx. 70 muffins

Zucchini Quiche

3 cups thinly sliced zucchini (tiny pieces)
1 cup Bisquick
1/2 cup chopped onion (tiny pieces)
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 Tblsp. chopped fresh parsley
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. oregano
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup salad oil (Wesson, not olive)
4 eggs slightly beaten

Serves 8

Preheat oven 350. Grease (Pam) a 9x13 clear Pyrex pan.

Combine all ingredients and spread in pan. Bake 25/30 minutes until golden brown.

Cool, cut in 1 1/2 inch squares. Best at room temp. Freezes great!!

The clear Pyrex works best because you can check the bottom at 25 minutes to be sure it's not too brown.

From the BEST Aunt Julie!

Wonderful "SPICY" Spinach Dip

1 pkg frozen chopped spinach
3/4 c mayo
1 c grated Parmesan (generous)
1 small can diced chilies
grated garlic

Defrost spinach and squeeze dry. mix all ingredients and put into a greased pan (use a pretty serving dish if possible). Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Made at 2009 Girl's Weekend

Macadamia Nut Chicken

Ingredients:
6-8 chicken breasts
1 c Parmesan cheese
2 c Bread crumbs
1 c Macadamia nuts
salt and pepper
1/2 c butter (melted)

Mix cheese, bread crumbs, and nuts. Defrost chicken (if frozen) and pat dry. Salt and pepper chicken to taste. Dip chicken breasts in melted butter then roll in dry mixture. Place on baking sheet. Bake uncovered in 375 degree oven until cooked through (approx. 45 to 60 minutes).

Notes:
If you cut the chicken breasts in half they will cook quicker
1 1/2 batches of dry mix covers an entire bag of Sam's Club chicken breasts
1 Box Croutons (2 c crushed)
8 oz macadamia nuts (2 c chopped)

Made it at Girls weekend 2009

Easy Chicken Chile Verde Soup

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (raw)
2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (32 oz.) green enchilada sauce
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1 1/2 c. frozen corn
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 Tbsp. cilantro, chopped
Water or chicken broth to thin as needed

Combine all ingredients and bring to a boil. Simmer for 30-40 minutes. Serve with sour cream, cheese, and Frito's.