For the ones I love and are close to my heart strings for Sunday 8.8.2021
- Katherine Victoria Vananderland
- Aug 6, 2021
- 11 min read
The Story of My life; the long quiet road to success that begins with one step into many great miles and make the moments count each highway is a new way to Heaven may you join me to a toast with Miss Maria K. Sharapova and I together on fire for World Decisions and life for the better as world changers Problem Solvers. It's been worth the view at the top is still the same as it was 21 years ago. Took 40 years to come to this breaking point today Matters!
Hash Brown Egg Brunch
Slow cookers aren't just for making dinner. I make this often if we're having company overnight. With just a little planning and not much work, I can prep it the night before and have a lovely breakfast waiting in the morning. —Barb Keith, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Ingredients
1 package (30 ounces) frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 pound bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
12 large eggs
1 cup 2% milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
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Directions
In a greased 5-qt. slow cooker, layer a third of each of the following: potatoes, bacon, onion, green pepper and cheese. Repeat layers twice. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt and pepper; pour over layers.
Cook, covered, on high 30 minutes. Reduce heat to low; cook, covered, until a thermometer reads160°, 3-1/2 to 4 hours.
Nutrition Facts 1 cup: 315 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 289mg cholesterol, 589mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
My family often has company over for breakfast or brunch, and these light fruit-topped crepes are our favorite. The sweet sensations are as fast to make as they are fabulous. You can cook the crepes the night before, refrigerate them with waxed paper in between, then fill and top them in the morning. —Shelly Soule Las Vegas, Nevada
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1-1/2 cups milk
2 large eggs
1 to 2 tablespoons butter
FILLING:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
TOPPING:
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1/4 cup sugar, optional
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Directions
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, milk and eggs. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
In an 8-in. nonstick skillet, melt 1 teaspoon butter. Stir batter; pour about 2 tablespoons into the center of skillet. Lift and tilt pan to evenly coat bottom. Cook until top appears dry; turn and cook 15-20 seconds longer. Remove to a wire rack.
Repeat with remaining batter, add butter to a skillet as needed. When cool, stack crepes on paper towels with waxed paper in between.
In a large bowl, beat the filling ingredients until smooth. Spread 2 rounded tablespoonfuls on each crepe; roll up. In a large bowl, combine topping ingredients; spoon with crepes.
Nutrition Facts 2 each: 328 calories, 17g fat (12g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 122mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
The glorious colors of the fruit make this a festive salad. Slightly sweet and chilled, it makes a nice accompaniment to a grilled entree. —Marlon Kirst, Troy, Michigan
Ingredients
8 cups fresh melon cubes
1 to 2 tablespoons corn syrup
1 pint fresh strawberries, halved
2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
2 oranges, sectioned
Fresh mint leaves, optional
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Directions
In a large bowl, combine melon cubes and corn syrup. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Just before serving, stir in remaining fruit. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Nutrition Facts 3/4 cup: 56 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 14mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit.
I came across this unique grilled combo when I was digging in my mom's recipe box. The crisp bacon, hard-boiled eggs and crunchy green onions make these cozy sandwiches look impressive when company drops by for lunch. Best of all, they're a snap to assemble. —Ann Fuemmeler, Glasgow, Missouri
Ingredients
1/2 cup sour cream
8 slices bread
4 green onions, chopped
4 slices American cheese
2 hard-boiled large eggs, cut into 1/4-inch slices
8 cooked bacon strips
2 tablespoons butter, softened
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Directions
Spread sour cream over 4 bread slices; top with green onions, cheese, eggs, bacon and remaining bread. Spread outsides of sandwiches with butter.
Toast sandwiches until golden brown and cheese is melted, 2-3 minutes per side.
Nutrition Facts 1 sandwich: 461 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 887mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
Craving a BLT for breakfast? Try a deliciously different version that features crisp bacon and fresh tomatoes between two golden cornmeal waffles. Prepare the waffles ahead of time and reheat in the toaster for quick assembly. —Stacy Joura, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania.
Ingredients
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup cornmeal
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, separated
1 cup 2% milk
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
6 Tablespoons Vanilla Greek Yogurt W/Honey
12 bacon strips, cooked and drained
2 small tomatoes, sliced
6 lettuce leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
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Directions
Preheat waffle maker. Whisk together first five ingredients. In another bowl, whisk egg yolks, milk and butter. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Stir in cheese.
In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff but not dry. Fold into batter. Drop 1 heaping tablespoon of batter in the center of each waffle iron quadrant; bake according to manufacturer’s directions until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Cool on wire rack. Repeat with remaining batter.
Spread mayonnaise evenly over half of the waffle pieces; top with bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, seasonings and remaining waffle pieces to make sliders. Serve immediately.
For regular-size Cornmeal Waffle Sandwiches: Prepare batter as instructed. Bake 3 waffles according to manufacturer’s directions until golden brown. Cut waffles into fourths. Spread mayonnaise on six; top with bacon, tomatoes, seasonings and remaining waffle pieces to make sandwiches. Serve immediately. Nutrition Facts 1 slider: 224 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 574mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
Chicken Provolone, though one of my simplest dishes, is one of my husband’s favorites. It is easy to prepare and looks fancy served on a dark plate with a garnish of fresh parsley or basil. Add some buttered noodles for an easy side dish. —Dawn Bryant, Thedford, Nebraska
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Butter-flavored cooking spray
8 fresh basil leaves
4 thin slices prosciutto or deli ham
4 slices provolone cheese
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Directions
Sprinkle chicken with pepper. In a large skillet coated with cooking spray, cook chicken over medium heat until a thermometer reads 165°, 4-5 minutes on each side.
Transfer to an ungreased baking sheet; top with the basil, prosciutto and cheese. Broil 6-8 in. from the heat until cheese is melted, 1-2 minutes.
Nutrition Facts 1 each: 236 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat.
We love eggplant Parmesan, but when it’s hot outside, the dish feels too heavy. Grilled eggplant slices topped with tomato, mozzarella and Parm satisfy everyone. —Joann Parlin, Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey
Ingredients
1 large eggplant (about 2 pounds)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 log (1 pound) fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into sixteen slices
1 large tomato, cut into eight slices
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Chopped fresh basil or parsley
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Directions
Trim ends of eggplant; cut eggplant crosswise into eight slices. Sprinkle with salt; let stand 5 minutes.
Blot eggplant dry with paper towels; brush both sides with oil and sprinkle with pepper. Grill, covered, over medium heat 4-6 minutes on each side or until tender. Remove from grill.
Top eggplant with mozzarella cheese, tomato and Parmesan cheese. Grill, covered, 1-2 minutes longer or until cheese begins to melt. Top with basil.
Nutrition Facts 2 eggplant stacks: 449 calories, 31g fat (18g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 634mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein
Grilled Garden Veggie Flatbreads
Grilled flatbread is a tasty way to put fresh garden vegetables to use. It's so versatile: Simply change up the vegetables and cheese to suit your family's taste. It also works well indoors, cooked on a grill pan with a lid. —Carly Curtin, Ellicott City, Maryland.
Ingredients
2 whole grain naan flatbreads
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 medium yellow or red tomato, thinly sliced
1/4 cup thinly sliced onion
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
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Directions
Grill flatbreads, covered, over indirect medium heat 2-3 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned.
Remove from grill. Brush grilled sides with oil; top with tomato and onion to within 1/2 in. of edges. In a small bowl, toss cheeses with basil and garlic powder; sprinkle over vegetables. Drizzle with vinegar; sprinkle with salt. Return to grill; cook, covered, 2-3 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Cut into wedges.
Nutrition Facts 1 wedge: 132 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 390mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
On hectic nights, no one has time to stack several layers of lasagna. My version combines a few steps to cut down on prep, but keeps all the cheesy, saucy, noodle-y goodness that makes lasagna an all-time favorite. —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania
Ingredients
8 ounces uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into 2-inch pieces
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce with meat
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Directions
Preheat oven to 400°. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Drain noodles well; stir into cheese mixture.
Spread 1 cup pasta sauce into a greased 11x7-in. baking dish. Layer with half of the noodle mixture and 1 cup sauce; layer with the remaining noodle mixture and sauce. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Cover with greased foil; bake until heated through, 10-15 minutes.
TEST KITCHEN TIPS
This is the perfect recipe to use up broken lasagna noodles, but other pasta shapes like mafalde or bowtie can be used, too. The cooked lasagna noodles have a tendency to stick together, so stir it into the ricotta cheese mixture right after draining. If made ahead, toss in a small amount of olive oil after draining. For easy spinach lasagna, add a couple layers of fresh baby spinach (no chopping or pre-cooking required). Use Italian cheese blend in place of mozzarella and Parmesan for a sharper flavor and (bonus!) fewer ingredients.
Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 332 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 901mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
My husband and I met at a cooking class. We have loved creating menus and entertaining ever since. These make-ahead antipasto skewers are always a hit. —Denise Hazen, Cincinnati, Ohio
Ingredients
1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
40 pimiento-stuffed olives
40 large pitted ripe olives
3/4 cup Italian salad dressing
40 thin slices pepperoni
20 thin slices hard salami, halved
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Directions
Cook tortellini according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large bowl, combine the tortellini, olives and salad dressing. Toss to coat; cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
Drain mixture, discarding marinade. For each appetizer, thread a stuffed olive, a folded pepperoni slice, a tortellini, a folded salami piece and a ripe olive on a toothpick or short skewer.
Nutrition Facts 1 kabob: 66 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 315mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
Patriotic Fruit Pizza
When strawberry season arrives, folks who know me anticipate this flavorful fruity dessert. It's very pretty and always gets lots of compliments whenever I take it. —Amy Murdoch, Union Grove, Wisconsin
Ingredients
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 cup cold butter
FILLING:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 cup strawberry glaze
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Directions
In a bowl, combine the flour and confectioners' sugar. Cut in butter until mixture begins to hold together. Press into a 12-in. tart or pizza pan; build up edges slightly. Bake at 350° for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 15 minutes.
In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla. Spread over crust. Arrange strawberries in an 8- to 10-in. circle in center of pizza. Sprinkle blueberries around strawberries. Pour glaze over strawberries. Refrigerate until serving. Cut into wedges.
Nutrition Facts 1 slice: 454 calories, 26g fat (17g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 221mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
Ingredients
4 cups miniature pretzels
6 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup boiling water
1 package (6 ounces) strawberry gelatin
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled, divided
2 cups heavy whipping cream, divided
1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow creme
2/3 cup whipped cream cheese
2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
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Directions
Place pretzels in a food processor; pulse until chopped. Add butter and sugar; pulse until combined. Reserve 1/3 cup pretzel mixture for topping. Press remaining mixture onto bottom of a greased 9-in. springform pan. Refrigerate 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a bowl, add boiling water to gelatin; stir 2 minutes to completely dissolve. Stir in lemon juice. Refrigerate 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Chop half the strawberries; slice remaining berries and reserve for topping. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Beat marshmallow creme, cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk into cooled gelatin mixture until blended. Gently fold in chopped strawberries and whipped cream. Pour into crust.
Refrigerate, covered, until firm, 4-6 hours. Beat remaining 1 cup heavy cream until stiff peaks form; spread over pie. Top with reserved strawberries and pretzel mixture.
Nutrition Facts 1 piece: 350 calories, 19g fat (12g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 284mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
Marinated stuffed olives go over so well with company that I try to keep a batch of them in the fridge at all times. —Larissa Delk, Columbia, Tennessee
Ingredients
1 cup blanched almonds, toasted
3 cans (6 ounces each) pitted ripe olives, drained
3 jars (7 ounces each) pimiento-stuffed olives, undrained
1/2 cup white balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup dry red wine
1/2 cup canola oil
1 medium garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon dill weed
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
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Directions
Insert an almond into each ripe olive; place in a large bowl. Add pimiento-stuffed olives with olive juice. In a small bowl, whisk vinegar, wine, oil, garlic, sugar and seasonings. Pour mixture over olives. Refrigerate, covered, 8 hours or overnight, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a serving bowl.
Nutrition Facts 1/4 cup: 78 calories, 7g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 455mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
I love shrimp. Love garlic. Love herbs. Cook ’em in butter and what could be better? —Dave Levin, Van Nuys, California
Ingredients
2 pounds uncooked jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
5 garlic cloves, minced
2 green onions, chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup butter, divided
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon minced fresh tarragon
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Directions
In a large bowl, combine the first 8 ingredients; toss to combine. In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup butter over medium-high heat. Add half of the shrimp mixture; cook and stir until shrimp turn pink, 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a clean bowl.
Repeat with remaining butter and shrimp mixture. Return cooked shrimp to pan. Stir in lemon juice; heat through. Stir in herbs.
Nutrition Facts 1 shrimp: 46 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 61mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fat.
Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California
Ingredients
24 grape tomatoes
12 cherry-size fresh mozzarella cheese balls
24 fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
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Directions
On each of 12 appetizer skewers, alternately thread 2 tomatoes, 1 cheese ball and 2 basil leaves. Whisk olive oil and vinegar; drizzle over kabobs.
Nutrition Facts 1 kabob: 44 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat.
Here's a healthy and delicious addition to any buffet spread. Mushrooms and pearl onions seasoned with herbs, balsamic and red wine are terrific on their own or alongside a tenderloin roast. —Courtney Wilson, Fresno, California
Ingredients
2 pounds medium fresh mushrooms
1 package (14.4 ounces) frozen pearl onions, thawed
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
1/2 cup dry red wine
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
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Directions
Place mushrooms, onions and garlic in a 5- or 6-qt. slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk remaining ingredients; pour over mushrooms. Cook, covered, on low until mushrooms are tender, 6-8 hours.
Freeze option: Freeze cooled mushrooms and juices in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Microwave, covered, on high in a microwave-safe dish until heated through, stirring gently and adding a little broth or water if necessary.
Nutrition Facts 1/4 cup: 42 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 165mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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