Debbie's Quick Bread (Mmmmm!)

This bread is so YUM! A friend of mine gave me the recipe years ago, and recently, when I was really wanting some BREAD or rolls to go with dinner, I dug through my RECIPES and found this lost TREASURE.  The recipe is easy (no mixer required!) and tastes FAB—basically like a dinner roll, but it's all baked in a 9 x 13-inch pan.

Debbie's Quick Bread
2 cups warm water
2 tablespoons yeast (I use the rapid-rise for this recipe)
4 tablespoons sugar
5 cups flour, divided
2 teaspoons salt
2 eggs
4 tablespoons oil

In a bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar and let brew. In another bowl, mix together 2 1/2 cups flour and salt. Add the eggs and oil and yeast mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until well mixed. Add the remaining flour and stir until combined. Mixture will be sticky. Cover and let rise until double in size, about 30 to 45 minutes. DO NOT KNEAD! Put in a 9 x 13-inch pan prepared with nonstick spray and let rise a second time, covered, until dough is to the top of the pan, about 30 to 45 minutes. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes and serve.

TIP: We like ours spread with butter and, for added goodness, jam or honey.

Roasted Lemon Brussels Sprouts

I'm always looking for new ways to prepare VEGGIES, and this one turned out pretty tasty! They were very SIMPLE, and super REFRESHING. I will definitely make this again. And again. And again. :)

Roasted Lemon Brussels Sprouts
Olive oil
Brussels Sprouts (as many as you need!)
1 lemon
Kosher salt and pepper


Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Lightly coat a 9 x 13-inch pan with olive oil; set aside.

Prepare Brussels sprouts by removing and discarding the stems. If they are large, halve or quarter them. Spread Brussels sprouts in prepared pan and then zest and juice the lemon over top. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss to coat in pan. Drizzle with a touch more olive oil if desired or needed. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until desired doneness is reached—like when you can pierce one easily with a fork. (I however like nice and brown edges!)

TIP: Another great addition to this recipe would be garlic!

Cranberry Rice Pilaf for Thanksgiving

Maybe your family prefers rice for THANKSGIVING. Mine doesn't, but that doesn't mean this wouldn't be a FABULOUS addition to your holiday table if your FAMILY wants it! (Sorry, but we are totally traditional mashed potato people!). Either way, this is simple, FESTIVE, and definitely yum.

Cranberry Rice Pilaf
1 1/2 cups uncooked rice
1/3 sweet onion, finely chopped
1 to 2 tablespoons butter
3 cups chicken broth or water
1/2 cup salted pepitas (small pumpkin seeds often found by "salad" toppers at grocery stores)
1/2 cup Craisins, roughly chopped

In a large pot, sauté the uncooked rice an onion in butter until onion is tender and rice is nicely toasted, maybe 5 or so minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once it boils, turn heat to low and cover with a lid; cook for 15 minutes or until rice is fluffy and liquid is gone. Fluff with a fork and then stir in the pepitas and craisins. Let warm through and then serve.

TIP: Feel free to add more onion, pepitas, and Craisins. I always say the more, the merrier!

Balsamic, Basil, and Mozzarella Cheese Naan

I have a HUGE basil plant growing in my backyard. I'm totally loving it and all the YUMMY meals I've been able to incorporate it into. It's the one HERB I would suggest everyone plants! Anyway, this is a quick little side DISH that is so easy to put together and practically steals the show from everything else on your plate. (But our corn and sauteed veggies were also delish!)

Balsamic, Basil, and Mozzarella Cheese Naan
1 package garlic naan (I buy mine at Target's bakery)
Olive oil
Fresh basil, cut into ribbons
Fresh mozzarella, broken into small pieces
Balsamic reduction (boil 1 cup balsamic vinegar down to about 1/3)

Light brush one side of the naan with olive oil sprinkle the basil and mozzarella over top, then drizzle with the balsamic reduction. Broil on LOW until naan is browned and cheese is melted.

TIP: The balsamic glaze would be fine to drizzle on after you melt the cheese in the broiler. And if you don't want the basil "cooked," sprinkle that on after as well! :)

Baked Green Bean Fries

Green beans are always so REFRESHING, but sometimes its hard to get the kiddos to eat them. I decided to make them into FRIES just to see if that would make a difference. The baked green beans turned out FAB, though I can't say that all the kids were interested in them. I guess they don't think fries should be GREEN!

Baked Green Bean Fries

Fresh green beans, trimmed (I just had a few BIG handfuls)

Olive oil

Cornstarch

Italian Bread crumbs

Garlic salt and pepper

Place the trimmed beans in a large gallon-size plastic bag. Drizzle with a little olive oil and then toss with a tablespoon or so of cornstarch. Drizzle in a little more oil and then toss with a few tablespoons breadcrumbs and the seasonings to coat. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until browned. 

TIP: You can turn the beans halfway through cooking time for more even "crunchiness." :)

Crispy Parmesan Potatoes

I'm always looking for new and TASTY side dishes that my kiddos will like. These are totally one of those DISHES! I have to admit that my kids preferred these TATERS dipped in ketchup, but to each their own, right? The potatoes are nice and CRISP and full of flavor. So worth it!

Crispy Parmesan Potatoes

4 medium red potatoes

3 tablespoons olive oil

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (from the green container!)

1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt

1 teaspoon paprika

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Cut the potatoes into quarters lengthwise, so you have 4 wedges. Then cut each wedge into 4 or so pieces so you have about 1- or 2-inch chunks. In a bowl, toss the potatoes with the oil. In another bowl, combine the cheese, garlic salt, and paprika. Sprinkle over potatoes and toss to coat. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, then flip each piece of potato over. Put back in the oven and bake another 15 minutes or until nicely browned and crisped. Enjoy!

TIP: Feel free to switch up some of the seasonings. I think adding some Italian seasoning or dried rosemary or basil would be a great addition. 

Roasted Brussels Sprout Salad

I've been seeing a lot of Brussels sprouts RECIPES floating around and decided to try one of my own. It ended up being a slightly DECADENT side dish. I seriously can't tell you how much I LOVED this dish. I may or may not have eaten all the LEFTOVERS for lunch the next day. (Please excuse the terrible pic—I really need a different camera!)

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad
About 1 pound Brussels sprouts, washed and quartered
1/2 small sweet onion, chopped
1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup craisins
1/2 cup gorgonzola crumbles
Crumbled cooked bacon (optional)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place the sprouts, onion, and garlic in a baking dish that has been lightly coated with olive oil. Drizzle a little oil over top and season lightly with salt and pepper. Toss to coat and then place in the oven. Bake for about 30 minutes or until tender, and tossing after 20 minutes. When sprouts seem tender, stir in the pecans and craisins and bake a few minutes more. Remove from the oven and then stir in the cheese. Add bacon if desired. Mmmmmmm!

TIP: Again, I seriously loved this recipe! Just go easy on the salt because the cheese is very salty, as well as the bacon if you use it. I'm sure walnuts or even slivered almonds would be just as yummy in this, and a true blue cheese would be great if you like a stronger blue cheese. Either way, hope you like this as much as I do!

Chopped Mango Salad

As many of you know, I LOVE salads! Obviously, since I have a couple cookbooks that focus only on SALADS. Anyway, this yummy mango salad is a gem! I found a new dressing that sounded pretty SCRUMPTIOUS, so I needed a tasty and REFRESHING salad to go with it. Here it is!

Chopped Mango Salad 
1/2 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
1 head red leaf lettuce, chopped
1 ripe mango, peeled and chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 cucumber, chopped
1 cup frozen super sweet white corn, thawed
1/4 red onion, finely chopped
6 to 8 ounces extra sharp white cheddar cheese, cubed into small pieces
1/2 cup craisins (I used cherry-flavored)
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1 (8-ounce) bottle Kraft's Chipotle Mango Salad dressing

In a pretty large bowl, combine all of the ingredients and toss with the dressing to coat. Serve immediately. Makes a ton, roughly 18 to 20 servings.

TIP: I think that chopped salads should be full of crunchy things! Feel free to add or take away anything you want to make it your own. I think cashews would be yummy in place of the sunflower seeds, or even some fried wontons broken into pieces. A bit of diced up pineapple would also be super YUM!

Attack of the Killer Tomatoes Salad

I've posted this recipe before, but since all of the FOURTH OF JULY feasts are starting 

this week,  this is one salad you won't want to miss! This recipe is from my sister-in-law, 

and it is so AMAZINGLY good and refreshing! The dressing is SPECTACULAR and 

just bursts with flavor in your mouth. Speaking of which, mine is watering right now!

Attack of the Killer Tomatoes Salad

Creamy Basil Dressing

1/2 cup mayo (I used light)

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1/2 cup oil (I used the oil from the marinated mozzarella)

1/3 cup white vinegar

1/2 teaspoon salt

Pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon dried basil

1 teaspoon sugar

1/4 to 1/2 cup fresh basil (plus more for salad)

Spring mix salad

Cherry tomatoes, halved

Marinated mozzarella balls (from Costco)

Fresh basil, chiffonade

Blend all of the dressing ingredients together until smooth. Taste and adjust as necessary.

Lay some salad mix on a large platter, top with the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle
dressing over top as desired.

TIP: I made this recently with some cold chopped up rotisserie chicken layered on top as
well so it could be our main course for dinner. It was delicious that way too!

Double Layer Orange Cream Salad

This one of those traditional (and tasty!) FAMILY favorites that everyone loves. It's a great combination of pudding and Jell-O, and super REFRESHING this time of year. Everyone thinks it tastes like a DREAMSICLE—you know, the orange popsicle with vanilla ice cream in the middle? YUM! The best part is that, just like the majority of the recipes on this blog, its SUPER easy!

Double Layer Orange Cream Salad

1 large box orange gelatin

1 small box Cook & Serve lemon pudding

3 (15-ounce) cans mandarin oranges, drained

1 small box instant lemon pudding

1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

Make orange gelatin as directed on package and then set aside, but do not put in fridge to set. Make the Cook & Serve lemon pudding as directed on box. Gently stir liquid orange gelatin and cooked lemon pudding until smooth.

Place the mandarin oranges in the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch glass dish (if you have an extra deep one use that!). Next pour the gelatin-pudding mixture over top and smooth with a spoon. Refrigerate overnight until set.

Make the instant pudding as directed. Fold the whipped topping into the pudding and then spread over the set gelatin-pudding mixture. Refrigerate 1–2 more hours before serving. Makes 12–14 servings.

TIP: Try using other combinations of the Cook & Serve puddings and Jell-Os to make your own unique dish! Vanilla pudding and raspberry Jell-O would be yummy with a layer of raspberries in the bottom!

Easy Ham Fried Rice

This is a great HEALTHY meal by itself, or you can fatten it up a BIT by serving it with some yummy EGG ROLLS or wontons. Either way, it is scrumptious!

Easy Ham Fried Rice

2 eggs

2 cups cooked rice (I like to use leftover so it's not so sticky)
1 cup cubed fully cooked ham
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup thinly sliced cooked carrots
1 green onion, thinly sliced
Lite soy sauce
Worcestershire sauce, optional
Black pepper

Heat a large frying pan with a touch of oil  and then fry the eggs. Chop up eggs in the pan with a spatula and then add the rice, ham, peas, carrots, and onion. Toss all ingredients in the hot pan until heated through, then add several shakes of soy sauce until desired taste is achieved. Do the same with the Worcestershire and pepper. Makes 4 servings.

TIP: You can half a bag of frozen peas and carrots instead of what's listed above. It makes it even easier! Also, I like adding a shot of sweet and sour sauce to the mix for another great flavor.

Attack of the Killer Tomatoes Salad

We FEASTED on this fine salad at my sister-in-law's house a few weeks ago. It was so AMAZINGLY good and refreshing! I'm not sure where she got the RECIPE, so I hope whoever created it will FORGIVE me for passing it on to you!

Attack of the Killer Tomatoes Salad
Creamy Basil Dressing
1/2 cup mayo (I used light)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup oil (I used the oil from the marinated mozzarella)
1/3 cup white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
Pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 to 1/2 cup fresh basil

Spring Mix salad
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Marinated mozzarella balls (from Costco)
Fresh basil, chiffonade

Blend all of the dressing ingredients together until smooth. Taste and adjust as necessary.

Lay some salad mix on a large platter, top with the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle dressing over top as desired.

TIP: I made this recently with some cold chopped up rotisserie chicken layered on top as well so it could be our main course for dinner. It was delicious that way too!

Tropical Smoothies

Who doesn't want an ice COLD smoothie for breakfast? Try this YUMMY combo and you'll be HAPPY, I promise!

Tropical Smoothies
1 to 1 1/2 cups milk

1 (6-ounce) container pina colada or pineapple yogurt

1 ripe mango, cut into pieces (and peeled)
1 banana
3 to 5 strawberries

1/2 cup (or so) fresh pineapple

Couple handfuls ice

Blend all ingredients together in a blender until smooth. Enjoy with some yummy muffins for a tasty breakfast!

TIP: Feel free to add more or less of certain ingredients or switch out some of mine for something you prefer! I think some kiwi would be a great addition, along with a touch of coconut or coconut milk. Mmmm!

Spinach Artichoke Dip Salad

I've always LOVED the dip, so I figured it had to be good as a SALAD! And, if you've got lots of spinach on hand, this is a TASTY way to get everyone to eat their greens. :)

Spinach Artichoke Dip Salad

1 (6- to 8-ounce) bag baby spinach

1 (7.5-ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

1 1/2 cups Italian-blend cheese

1 to 1 1/2 cups crumbled garlic cheese croutons

1 bottle Hidden Valley Creamy Parmesan dressing

In a bowl, combine the spinach, artichoke, cheese, and crouton crumbles. Gradually drizzle some of the dressing over top and toss to coat. Add more dressing to reach desired consistency. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

TIP: I think adding some cooked and crumbled bacon would be delicious, or you could get really creative and try tossing in some chopped cooked shrimp or crab meat like some restaurants add to their dip!

Spence's Chip Dip

This is a great DIP created by our friend (Spence, obviously) that can be used as a SNACK, appetizer, or MEAL. My husband and I usually down a plate of it for lunch or dinner. It's easy and YUMMY!

Spence's Chip Dip

1 can refried beans (we like the chile lime kind)

1 can Rotel diced tomatoes (or chunky salsa works fine too)

1/2 can diced green chiles, optional

1/2 can chopped or sliced olives, optional

Grated cheddar cheese

Sour cream

Shredded or chopped lettuce

Spread about a 1/2-inch layer of beans on a dinner plate, 8 x 8-inch glass pan, or 9-inch pie dish. (You might not use the whole can.) Top with a layer of tomatoes. (You might not use this whole can either!) Top with desired amount of chiles and olives, if using. Heat in the microwave until the cheese is just melted and everything is heated through. Spread sour cream over the top and sprinkle with the lettuce. Serve with your favorite chips!

TIP: If you want this to be more hearty, try adding a layer of leftover taco meat—beef or chicken. Also, another great addition is cubed avocado over the lettuce.  

Mom's Potato Salad

So, is it weird that I've been WANTING some of this yummy POTATO salad? Once you try it, you'll want it at more than just summer BBQs too! (I am pregnant . . . with twins . . . so that might be another reason I want it soooo bad!)

Mom's Potato Salad

5 to 6 large red potatoes, cooked and cubed

4 to 5 hard-boiled eggs, chopped with a few slices reserved

1/2 cup chopped pickles

1/2 cup finely chopped onions

1 cup mayonnaise 

1 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon mustard

1/4 cup milk

salt and pepper, to taste

In a large bowl, mix together the potatoes, eggs, pickles, and onions; set aside.

In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, and milk until creamy and smooth. Spoon over potato mixture and then gently stir until completely covered. Season with salt and pepper and top with reserved egg slices for garnish. Makes 8 to 10 servings.


TIP: I use light mayo and light sour cream, and it's still delicious but has a lot fewer calories and fat! I also like to sprinkle a little paprika over the sliced eggs on top. OK, so let me know if I'm crazy! :)

Easy Zucchini

Does anybody else find it hard to be CREATIVE with veggies over the winter? If anyone has some great IDEAS, please let me know. In the meantime, here is one of my always TASTY old stand-bys.

Easy Zucchini

Olive oil

2 small zucchini, sliced
1/2 red onion, sliced
Salt and pepper

Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and then add the zucchini and onion. Let cook several minutes and then toss. Season with some salt and pepper, and continue cooking for several more minutes, or until the zucchini and onion have a touch of brown around the edges.

TIP: Just make sure you don't cook them too long or the zucchini will turn into mush! This is also great with some sliced yellow squash mixed in, sprinkled with lemon pepper instead of the regular black pepper.

Spicy Cornbread

Doesn't this TIME of year always make you feel like eating some WARM cornbread? Well, we love the stuff at our HOUSE! This variation makes an appearance in my NEWEST book, 101 Things to do with Cheese. Let me tell ya, it is definitely SPICY and sooo gooooood!

Spicy Cornbread
1 (8.5-ounce) box Jiffy cornbread mix
1/3 cup milk
1 egg
2 ounces diced jalapeños (this is half of the 4 oz can, so feel free to make two batches!)
1 cup grated pepper jack cheese

Use a fork to combine the cornbread mix, milk, and egg. Stir in the jalapeños and cheese. (No need to drain the jalapeños.) Pour batter into a sprayed 9-inch pie pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Makes about 6 wedges.

TIP: This is definitely spicy, so if you want to tone it down, use green chiles instead of jalapeños. And take it a step further and use cheddar cheese instead of the pepper jack. You could also stir in a 1/2 cup or so of corn too. Also, I like to sprinkle a little bit more cheese over the top of the batter before I stick it in the oven. :)

Asiago Mashed Potatoes

I love CHEESE. There, I said it. If I can add cheese to something, I will. And ULTIMATELY, I think it makes EVERYTHING taste better. So instead of plain old mashed potatoes and gravy, try this YUMMY recipe from my newest book 101 Things To Do With Cheese!

Asiago Mashed Potatoes
2 1/2 pounds russet or red potatoes, peeled and boiled (or Yukon golds are good too!)
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup milk
Garlic salt and pepper to taste
2 to 3 tablespoons sour cream
3/4 cup grated Asiago cheese

Using a potato masher, mash the warm potatoes with the butter and milk. Season with the garlic salt and pepper. Stir in the sour cream until desired consistency is reached. Stir in the cheese and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serves 4 to 6.

TIP: I leave the peel on my red potatoes because I love the rustic look it gives, and honestly, it saves time! Also try adding a teaspoon of Italian seasoning for a slightly different taste.

Roasted Veggies

Mmmmm! My cousin Robin made these YUMMY veggies for us once when we went to VISIT her and her little family. It's the PERFECT side and, as always, is super easy and FULL of flavor. Hope you like!

Roasted Veggies

Olive oil

1 russet potato or a couple reds
1 yam or sweet potato
1 sweet onion
Couple handfuls baby carrots
Garlic, minced (optional)

Herbs (use one or a combo of: thyme, oregano, rosemary, basil, etc.)

Salt and pepper

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Prepare a glass 9 x 13-inch pan with olive oil, just enough to coat.

Peel the potatoes and then cut all of the veggies into bite-size pieces. (I actually don't peel the red potatoes, but do what you want!) Toss veggies and garlic into prepared pan. Drizzle with a touch more oil and then sprinkle with herbs and salt and pepper. Bake for 25 minutes and toss veggies, checking to see if tender. Continue to check and toss every 5 to 10 minutes until done, probably about 45 minutes total cook time. NOTE: The time totally depends on how big you cut the veggies, so just make sure to watch them!

TIP: Make sure to cut all the veggies uniformly so they cook and get done at the same time. Mushrooms, zucchini, corn, Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, and basically anything else you can think of taste delicious cooked this way!