Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe

Posted on January 4, 2013 · Leave a Comment
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Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe

There are so many ways to put macaroni salads together it’s easy to forget how simple it is to throw together a quick and easy Classic Macaroni Salad. I was looking for a simple recipe to go along with a Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Wings recipe; which is being used for my next blog post. I decided to go ahead and keep it simple, choosing this Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe.

This recipe pretty much like what you would purchase from the deli at your local market, so there is a lot of room for improvement, by adding some extra spices. I decided to keep the recipe as written; keeping it simple. This Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe makes a great side dish and can easily be prepared while the meat or your main course is cooking.

The next time you need a good side dish give this Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe a try; it’s a simple and good recipe. Enjoy

Ingredients

8 ounces elbow macaroni

1 cup real mayonnaise or salad dressing

2 tablespoons vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 cup celery (thinly sliced)

1 medium green bell pepper (chopped)

1/4 cup onion (finely chopped)

Directions

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water until completely cool.

Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe

2. In a large bowl combine the mayonnaise, sugar, black pepper, vinegar, salt, pepper and Dijon mustard. Mix until blended.

Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe

3. Stir in the macaroni, onion, celery and green pepper.

Serve cold-Serves 4

Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe

Filed Under: Macaroni Salads, Side Dish, Simple Recipes, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

Simple Beef Soup Recipe

Posted on December 4, 2012 · Leave a Comment
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Simple Beef Soup Recipe

Call it hamburger soup, or beef soup; whichever. This Simple Beef Soup Recipe is very good for a quick soup recipe. The weather here in Upper Michigan has been great with highs running up into the fifties, but a cool down started last night, putting everyone in the mood to have soup on the menu. I have wanted to make hamburger soup for some time know and took this as a good opportunity to give it a try. Unlike conventional soup that usually takes a lot of cooking time, this soup can be on the table in about an hour. The only thing I noticed is that there is no added salt to the recipe, which is a good thing so I prepared the recipe as written without adding any extra spices or in ingredients. This recipe is simple enough that it would be a great recipe to put together after work, or if you’re pinched for time, a quick recipe for when the kids get out of school. So if you looking for something quick give this Simple Beef Soup Recipe a try you and your family will love it.

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef

1 cup onion (chopped)

4 cloves garlic (minced)

1 can crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)

6 cups water

6 beef bouillon cubes

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 1/2 cups frozen peas and carrots or frozen soup vegetables

1/2 cup orzo (uncooked)

Directions

1. Using a large skillet brown the ground beef, onion and garlic. Drain if necessary.

2. In a Dutch oven or large sauce pan combine the burger mixture, tomatoes, beef bouillon cubes, water and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.

Simple Beef Soup Recipe Simple Beef Soup Recipe

3. Add vegetables and orzo. Simmer for another 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Serve hot-6 servings

Simple Beef Soup Recipe

Filed Under: seasonal recipes, Side Dish, Simple Recipes, Soup, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Beef and Barley Soup Recipe

Posted on November 18, 2012 · Leave a Comment
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Beef and Barley Soup Recipe

I like soup anytime of the year, but it’s especially good in the winter months. When I saw this Beef and Barley Soup Recipe all the ingredients looked real good, and I thought the bacon was a nice touch. This is a simple recipe with not a lot of prep timed; but it cooks on the stove for a long time. If you’re in a hurry this is not the time to be preparing this recipe. If you’re in the mood for soup, and have the time, give this recipe a try. I used this soup as a main dish because it is loaded with meat and vegetables, but this recipe would also make a very good entrée. The cut of meat you use is also important-I like to see a little fat marbled into the beef because it adds a lot to the flavor of the soup.

The next time you’re in the mood for homemade soup give this Beef and Barley Soup Recipe a try, it’s really good. Enjoy

Ingredients

5 slices bacon

1-1 1/2 pounds chuck eye steak or chuck roast (can use any cut you prefer)

2 large onions (chopped)

4 cloves garlic (minced)

5 cups beef broth

1/4 cup regular barley

1 1/2 teaspoons paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon caraway seed

1/8 teaspoon dried marjoram

3 medium potatoes (cubed into 1/2 inch pieces)

2 medium carrots (sliced)

2 medium stalks of celery (sliced)

1 can stewed Italian style tomatoes (16 ounces)

1 package frozen peas (10 ounces-I just measured out of a 1 pound bag)

1 can mushroom stems and pieces (un-drained)

Directions

1. Using large skillet cook bacon until crisp; remove bacon and let cool. Drain on paper towel and set aside.

bacon browning meat

2. Using the same skillet add the meat, onion, and garlic; cook in the bacon fat until the meat is browned.

3. Transfer the meat to a large pot or Dutch oven. Stir in the broth, barley, paprika, salt, caraway seed and marjoram. Bring the mixture to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.

veggies cooking soup

4. Add the stewed tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, celery, frozen peas, and un-drained mushrooms. Bring the mixture back to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for another 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Sprinkle the bacon over the top of the soup and serve hot.

Beef and Barley Soup

Filed Under: seasonal recipes, Side Dish, Soup, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Basic French Toast Recipe

Posted on November 6, 2012 · 2 Comments
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Basic French Toast Recipe

Basic French Toast Recipe

It’s been so long since I have eaten, or prepared French toast; I can’t remember it. I was looking over my blog posts and realized I didn’t have one on here-so here it is.

I have seen a lot fancier recipes for French toast than this one, but this Basic French Toast Recipe worked well for me. I had some breakfast sausage in the freezer I wanted to use up and thought I would make a breakfast supper out of it, so I served the sausage with French toast, topped with pure maple syrup and it was delicious.

If you looking for a simple French toast recipe, give this one a try; it’s really good. Enjoy

Ingredients

6 thick slices of bread (I used Texas Toast bread slices)

2 eggs (beaten)

2/3 cup milk

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Thoroughly mix all the ingredients together.

2. Thoroughly coat the bread by dipping it into the egg mixture letting it absorb some of the liquid. (I use a pie dish for this-it works great)

Basic French Toast Basic French Toast

3. Cook using a lightly oiled skillet, or griddle over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.

Filed Under: Side Dish, Simple Recipes Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Cheesy Noodle Casserole Recipe

Posted on October 18, 2012 · Leave a Comment
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Cheesy Noodle Casserole Recipe

This Cheesy Noodle Casserole Recipe makes a good side dish or a good main dish. This is kind of a small recipe so you may want to double it depending on the number you are serving. One of the things that caught my eye about this recipe is that it called for chopped salami and I thought that sounded quite good, so I put it on the supper menu for last night. This is a simple recipe and mildly seasoned. The salami helps season the dish. You could probably use almost any kind of processed meat like, pepperoni, bologna or hotdogs. Any of these favors I think would blend well with the recipe. If you’re looking for a good side dish, or just want to try something a like different; give this one a try and enjoy.

Ingredients

4 ounces of egg noodles (about 3 cups)

1 medium onion (finely chopped)

1/4 cup chopped green pepper

2 table spoons butter or margarine

1 tablespoon butter (melted)

1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (10 1/2 ounces)

1 cup sour cream

1/4 cup milk

1 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (6 ounces )

1- 8 ounce package of salami (cubed)

3/4 cup soft bread crumbs (1 slice bread-use a blender to make these-works very well)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350F.

1. Cook noodle to al dente according to package instructions.

2. In a large skillet or sauce pan using the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, cook the green pepper and onion till tender.

cooking vegetables cheese and vegetable sauce

3. Mix in the sour cream, soup, and milk- then stir in the cheese, salami and the cooked noodles.

4. Pour into a 2 quart casserole dish.

5. Combine bread crumbs and the melted butter, and then sprinkle them around the edge of the casserole.

Cheesy Noodle Casserole Cheesy Noodle Casserole

Bake 30 to 40 minutes until heated through and the breadcrumbs are browned on top.

Serves 4

Cheesy Noodle Casserole Recipe

 

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Bacon Wrapped Beer and Brats Recipe

Posted on October 10, 2012 · Leave a Comment
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Bacon Wrapped Beer and Brats Recipe

I am beginning to wonder if there is anything consumable that doesn’t go good with bacon. I was looking for another game day recipe; saw this Bacon Wrapped Beer and Brats Recipe, and thought, how good can it get. Brats, beer, bacon and dipped in brown sugar. There was no disappointment here, this one is going on my favorites list for party recipes. To quote my wife; “it’s like eating Cracker Jacks, once you start eating them you can’t quit”. Even though that statement seems to make our age show up a little bit, she is right, these beer brats are really good.

I followed the recipe as written-just double or triple depending on the number of guest you are feeding. Next game day give this Bacon Wrapped Beer and Brats Recipe a try your guests will love it. Enjoy

Ingredients

1- 12 ounce bottle or can of beer

1 one pound package uncooked Pork Bratwurst

8 slices Bacon (cut in half)

2/3 Brown Sugar

1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper-or to taste

1/2 teaspoon Dry Mustard

Mustard for dipping: yellow, honey, horseradish or whatever your favorites are.

Directions

1. Pour beer into a skillet over high heat. Prick the Brats in several place, then add the Brats, and bring to a boil-reduce heat to simmer, and simmer 20 minutes flipping the brats halfway through the cooking cycle. You want the Brats close to done or done. If they are a little pink in the center they will finish in the oven. Remove the Brats from the beer and let them cool.

brats and beer simmering brats

2. Preheat oven to 425F.

3. In a mixing bowl, stir together brown sugar, cayenne pepper and dry mustard until well combined.

cut brats bacon wrapped brats

4. Cut each brat into 3 equal pieces. Wrap each brat with one bacon half coat each bacon wrapped brat in sugar mixture. Lay coated brats in a foil-lined pan with the seam of bacon firmly down so it won’t curl. Bake brats on middle rack for 20-25 minutes, carefully turning at the halfway point, until bacon is crispy. Remove to paper towels to drain briefly, and then arrange brats on a serving platter, surrounded by cups of mustard for dipping.

Serve hot with toothpicks for dipping.

Bacon Wrapped Beer and Brats

Filed Under: seasonal recipes, Side Dish, Simple Recipes Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Deep Fried Zucchini Sticks Recipe

Posted on October 2, 2012 · Leave a Comment
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Deep Fried Zucchini Sticks Recipe

It is the end of the summer here in upper Michigan. The weather man is calling for high temperatures down into the 40’s for Thursday and Friday………….Burr. I decided to do one last recipe using summer garden vegetables, and decided on this Deep Fried Zucchini Sticks Recipe. I like serving Deep Fried Zucchini as a side dish with my fish fries during the summer; it just seems to go real well together.

I choose this recipe because some of the ingredients were a little different-like the Italian bread crumbs and the use of cream in place of milk. This is a very simple recipe that is easy to put together and tastes great. Give this Deep Fried Zucchini Sticks Recipe a try, and enjoy.

 

Ingredients

2 quarts oil for frying

4 eggs

1/4 cup heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 zucchini, quartered

3/4 cup Italian-style dry bread crumbs

Directions

1. Heat the deep fryer or pan with oil to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. Using a mixer in a medium bowl, mix the eggs, cream, pepper and salt.

3. Slice the zucchini into pieces 2 to 3 inches long-kind of like you would cut steak fries. Dip the pieces into the egg mixture, and then coat them with the bread crumbs.

4. Carefully place the battered pieces in the oil and fry 3 to 4 minutes, until brown and crispy. Drain fried pieces on a paper towel and serve.

Filed Under: Side Dish, Simple Recipes Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Rice Pilaf Recipe

Posted on September 30, 2012 · Leave a Comment
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Rice Pilaf Recipe

I had never made Rice Pilaf before and I thought I would give it a try. This Rice Pilaf Recipe is a very basic recipe that is very easy to prepare. I am sure if you wanted to you could spice it up a little bit but I thought the taste was excellent without the addition, of additional spices. I also have never used orzo pasta before. The only recommendation I would make on that is watch the orzo closely because it browns very quickly. Outside of that I served this as a side dish with fish, and we all enjoyed it. The next time you are looking for a flavored rice side dish give this Rice Pilaf Recipe a try, you’ll be surprised as to how easy it is to prepare, and I am sure you will be happy with the results. Enjoy

 

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 cup orzo pasta

1/2 cup diced onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup uncooked white rice

2 cups chicken broth

Directions:

1. Melt the butter in a skillet that you can cover over medium-low heat. Cook and stir orzo pasta until golden brown.

browning orzo pasta pasta and diced onions

2. Stir in onion and cook until onion becomes translucent, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute then mix in the rice and chicken broth. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender. (20 to 25 minutes)

cooking rice pilaf Rice Pilaf

3. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Serve Hot-Serves 4

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Mac and Cheese with Hot Dogs Recipe

Posted on September 23, 2012 · 3 Comments
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Mac and Cheese with Hot Dogs Recipe

This Mac and Cheese with Hot Dogs Recipe is a very simple recipe that can be put together rather quickly. I was just looking for something a little different than the conventional Mac and Cheese recipes. I followed the recipe as written and it was very good. The original recipe called for beer, but I substituted chicken broth in place of it. The flavor of the hot dogs means a lot in this recipe; I would use all beef if possible.

If you’re in the mood for something a little different, give this Mac and Cheese with Hot Dogs Recipe a try-it’s well worth the effort.

 

Ingredients

1 pound elbow macaroni

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (divided)

1 package beef hot dogs (cut into 1-inch pieces)

1 tablespoon butter

1 medium onion (finely chopped)

2 tablespoons all- purpose flour

1/2 cup chicken broth

2 cups milk

1 generous tablespoon spicy mustard

2 generous tablespoons ketchup

3 cups Sharp Cheddar

Directions

1. Cook Macaroni according to package instructions for al dente.

cooking macaroni hot dogs

2. Preheat broiler for low heat- and set rack 12 inches from heat.

3. While pasta cooks, heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, and then add hot dogs and brown on both sides. Remove the hot dogs with a slotted spoon to a paper towel lined plate.

cooked hot dogs cooking diced onions

4.  Add another tablespoon of olive oil, and the butter. When butter melts, cook onions until translucent, then add flour and cook another minute; add the chicken broth and cook until thickened.

5.  Mix in milk and bring to a boil, then season the sauce with salt and pepper, and stir in the mustard, and ketchup.

cheese sauce Macaroni and Cheese with Hot Dogs

5. Lower the heat and add 2 cups of the cheese. Stir to melt

6. Drain pasta well. Combine pasta and hot dogs with sauce- then pour into 13 x 9 casserole dish and top with remaining cheese.

7. Melt and brown cheese under broiler.

Serve Hot-feeds 4-6

Mac and Cheese with Hot Dogs

Filed Under: Macaroni Salads, Side Dish, Simple Recipes Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Italian Meatball Sliders Recipe

Posted on September 19, 2012 · Leave a Comment
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Italian Meatball Sliders Recipe

The family has been putting some pressure on me to try some of the slider recipes. I choose this Italian Meatball Sliders recipe because in the past I had made pizza burgers, and I thought because of the pizza sauce in this recipe it would be very good. This is a simple recipe and not very time consuming. Within a half hour, you can have these on a platter in front of your family or guests. This is a small recipe so you might want to adjust to the size group you are feeding. This Italian Meatball Sliders recipe should feed 8, depending on the size meatballs you are making. If you are looking for a really good game day recipe; give this one a try.

Ingredients

1 tbsp Zesty Italian dry seasoning mix

1 lb ground beef

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup pizza sauce

1 cup mozzarella cheese, finely grated

8 slider size rolls, sliced horizontally

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

2. In a large bowl, combine Italian Seasoning Mix with ground beef and salt.

3. Form the meat into 8 uniform size meatballs.

meatball mix meatballs

4. Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes. (Internal temperature 160-165F)

5. Using a sauce pan heat the pizza sauce almost to the boiling point. (You want the sauce hot enough to melt the cheese when placed on the meatball)

6. Make the sliders by placing 1 meatball on each roll, then top with sauce and cheese.

Italian Meatball Sliders

Filed Under: Italian Recipes, Side Dish, Simple Recipes Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
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