Asian Salad

This recipe was contributed by Rachel.

I got this recipe from my mother-in-law.  It's delicious and super easy because you don't even have to chop lettuce--the base is broccoli slaw, which you buy in a bag in the produce department.  Whenever I bring it to parties or dinners, people ask for the recipe.  So here it is!

Salad

2 packages broccoli slaw 

2 packages chicken Ramen noodles (break these up on a cookie sheet and brown them under the broiler for a few minutes--watch carefully so they don't burn) 

4-6 green onions chopped

1/2-3/4 cup cashews

1/4 cup sunflower seeds

Dressing

1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 cup sugar

1/3 cup rice vinegar

1 flavor packet from Ramen

Combine dressing ingredients by shaking together in a jar.  Just before serving, combine all salad ingredients and then toss with dressing.  

**This recipe will serve 8-10 people.  I often "half it" when I am making dinner for one family or four adults.

Best Peach Cobbler You've Ever Had

I never thought I'd admit that a peach cobbler recipe is better than the one I got at a Grand Junction peach stand, but I think this one wins the prize.

Make it.  You won't regret it.

http://rachelschultz.com/2012/08/06/best-cobbler-youve-ever-had/

Almond Butter Chicken Salad

I saw a version of this on pinterest but tweaked it to suit my purposes. This is SO good - I gave Sam a taste of my leftovers last night and he drove to the store at 9:30 at night to get more almond butter so he could have it for lunch today. I have always been kind of anti chicken salad because I hate mayo, so this was appealing to me. I also have always been afraid of the canned chicken in my cupboard, so feel free to use fresh chicken if you aren't super lazy.

Ingredients:
12 oz can of chicken (I use the ones from Costco) or about 1 1/4 c shredded chicken
1/2 cup chopped apples (or just whatever looks good)
1/2 cup chopped red grapes
7 T almond butter
1 1/2 T honey
Sliced almonds

Serves 4-5 (about 1/2 cup per serving)

Just mix it all up. It is yummy on bread, croissants, pita, or even just in a bowl with a bunch of lettuce. My only negative is that almond butter is expensive. Don't ask me if you can use peanut butter - not wanting to die, I haven't tried it. But you are welcome to. :)

Sally's Taco Salad

This recipe was contributed by Rachel Nielson.

My mother-in-law Sally has made this taco salad for years.  It is so tasty.  I've eaten it at their home countless times, but I finally made it myself the other night, and it was so easy.  

Ingredients:

-package of ground beef
-one can of Classic Stagg Chili
-tortilla chips
-one packet of Hidden Valley Ranch mix, prepared (this is the secret ingredient, I think!)
          -1 cup mayo and 1 cup milk to make the ranch
-chopped iceberg lettuce
-chopped tomato
-shredded cheddar cheese
-olives (optional)

1. Make and refrigerate the ranch.  This "homemade" ranch is so easy and sooooooo yummy--it really makes the entire salad!  Don't go with the pre-made stuff in the jar!  The ranch packets are so much better.

2. Brown the ground beef, pour off the grease, and add the can of chili.  Make sure the chili is heated through.

3.  Prepare the toppings (lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, olives, etc).

4.  Put a bed of tortilla chips on a plate, top with the beef/chili mixture, top with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, olives, and of course, the tasty ranch

YUM!

Spinach Tomato Tortellini

Contributed by Rachel Nielson

A friend made this for us a few weeks ago, and it was so yummy.  She gave me the recipe (from allrecipes.com), and I made it myself a few days ago, and I was amazed by how easy it is...and delicious!

Here's the link: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/spinach-tomato-tortellini/

Another Buttermilk Syrup Recipe!

Recipe contributed by Rachel

This is very similar to the divine syrup recipe that Sarah posted a few years ago.  This one (which I just got from my mother-in-law) has less buttermilk and the addition of a little Karo syrup.  Try both and decide which one you like best!  (They both taste like candy!)

Buttermilk Syrup

1 stick real butter
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tsp Karo syrup
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla

Bring first four ingredients to a boil in a large pan.  Remove from heat and add baking soda and vanilla.  Stir well.  Mixture will expand to twice its size.

Especially delicious with pumpkin waffles!  Double the syrup recipe!

Easy Egg Casserole

Our mom used to make this for New Year's Day breakfast.  It is really yummy and easy.  The original recipe says to make it the night before, but my husband does not like the bread to be too soggy, so I make it the morning of.  Either way, it is delicious.

12 slices of bread (cubed)
1 lb sharp cheddar cheese
3 cups milk
6 eggs
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon dried mustard

In a greased casserole dish, alternate layers of cubed bread, milk mixture, and cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.