Recipe - Mini-Corn Muffins

Who can resist a chance to turn a basic box mix into something yummy and special. Well here it is. It doesn't get a lot easier without just sticking to the box (but we know THAT won't impress your guests, now will it?). (:

Quick fix these fancy sides with this recipe for Mini-Corn Muffins.

Ingredients

1 (6.5-ounce) package corn muffin mix (such as Betty Crocker)
1/3 cup fat-free milk
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 egg whites
1 cup corn (frozen works best, but canned is fine)
Butter-flavored cooking spray


Directions

Preheat oven to 400. Combine all ingredients except cooking spray in a medium bowl; stir just until combined.

Spoon batter evenly into 24 miniature muffin cups coated with cooking spray. Bake at 400° for 11 minutes.

Spray tops of muffins with cooking spray; bake an additional 2 minutes. Remove from oven; let stand in pan 2 minutes.


***TIPS***
I always like to add a little extra sugar to my mix. I prefer a sweeter cornbread to a saltier one. Also add in some green chiles and/or shredded cheese if you prefer. Makes for some great variations.

Recipe - Grilled Ham Sandwiches

AND not just any ham sandwich. This is another take on my every loving comfort food, Mr. Grilled Cheese. Throw in a little meat for protein, a little spinach for the green veggies and you have a pretty decent sandwich (and shhhh...it's quick and easy, too).

Stack these greats into a greatER meal with this recipe for Grilled Ham Sandwiches.

Ingredients

8 (3/4-ounce) slices crusty Chicago-style Italian bread (about 1/2 inch thick), toasted
8 ounces thinly sliced lower-sodium deli ham (such as Boar's Head)
4 (1-ounce) slices reduced-sodium Muenster cheese (such as Alpine Lace)
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1/4 cup mild chowchow (such as Braswell's)
Cooking spray


Directions

Layer each of 4 bread slices with 2 ounces ham, 1 slice Muenster cheese, 1/2 cup baby spinach, 1 tablespoon chowchow, and 1 bread slice.

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat sandwiches with cooking spray; add to pan. Cook 2 minutes on each side or until browned and cheese melts. Cut sandwiches in half, if desired. Serve immediately.


***TIPS***

Chowchow is a relish-like condiment, and can be totally omitted if you can't find it. I sometimes sub it with some carmelized onions. The are great cut into little triangles and served as finger food for parties.

Recipe - Swiss Chicken

You can always count on chicken. It's a food that can take just about any abuse you give it, and sucks in even the strangest of flavor combination without complaining about it. Chicken recipes that are cooked with a sauce or gravy around it are even better, because it's nearly impossible to dry them out (I say nearly, no need for icky comments below, haha). This recipe is one of my go-to's on a busy night because of how easy it really is.

Enjoy this tasty recipe of Swiss Chicken.

Ingredients

4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breast
4 slices Swiss cheese
1 can Cream of mushroom soup
1/4 cup Water
1 cup Herbed stuffing mix
1/2 stick Butter or marg.
Salt and pepper to taste


Directions

Preheat oven to 350. Salt and pepper chicken breasts and place them in square baking dish. Cover each one with slice of Swiss cheese.

Mix soup with water and stir well; pour over chicken and cheese. Sprinkle stuffing mix evenly over all.

Melt butter, and pour evenly on top. Bake for 50 minutes or until done.


***TIPS***
This recipe is a basic one, so spice it up with some garlic, onion powder or oregano. Or add in anything to your preference. For my family, I mix hot sauce into the soup mix.

Recipe - Easy Chicken Gravy

I like to try to get recipes that go together, posted together. My last recipe for chicken hash could be topped with some pepper gravy, ketchup...OR chicken gravy. Don't let it intimidate you. Gravies use to worry the snot out of me, mostly because I ended up with nothing but wet lumpy dough most of the time. But this is a chicken gravy that anyone can manage!

Top off your favorite chicken with this recipe for Easy Chicken Gravy!

Ingredients

4 T. butter or margarine
4 T. flour
2 c. chicken stock
1 t. black pepper
1/2 t. thyme


Directions

Melt butter or margarine over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2-3 minutes. Whisk in chicken stock, bring to a boil, and simmer until thickened to desired consistency. Stir in pepper and thyme. Freeze flat in freezer bag for easy and long-term storage.

Recipe - Crockpot Cheesy Chicken

This is one of my fail-safe recipes. It's quick and easy and requires no attention whatsoever. It's extremely versatile, so you can add whatever spices you want. Toss in some broccoli or cauliflower. Serve with pasta, rice, or couscous. Throw in a little pepper or sprinkle with hot sauce. It's a starter recipe that can be tailored to any family. Make it your own.

Here's a basic recipe for Crockpot Cheesy Chicken

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken breast, thawed
2 cans cream of chicken soup (I sub cream of mushroom if I'm out of cream of chicken)
1 can cheddar cheese soup
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste


Directions

Cut chicken into bit sizes pieces or strips and put into crock pot. Sprinkle with garlic, salt and pepper.

Pour soups over chicken. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Chicken will begin to shred. Serve over something to absorb the sauce.


***LEFTOVER ALERT***
I like to take the leftovers, put them back into the crock the next day with a package (or two, depending on how much leftovers you have) of taco seasoning. It becomes a cheesy, taco flavored, finely shredded chicken. And serve it on taco shells with lettuce and sour cream (and a little extra shredded cheese for cheese lovers like myself!).