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 - Chicken Cacciatore

I always enjoy cooking something that pretty much makes its own side. If it cooks in a sauce and I can pour it over rice or pasta, it always gets put in my favorites spot. Include the fact that it simmers on its own for an easy cook, and the one-pot convenience and I have a top 10 recipe.

Make sure you try this recipe for Chicken Cacciatore.

Ingredients

3 T. Extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 small onion, diced
1 green pepper, diced
3 carrots, diced
2 cloves garlic, diced
1/2 t. crushed red pepper flakes
2 t. Italian seasoning
1 t. salt
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken pieces (breasts or thighs)
2 cans crushed tomatoes
1/2 c. chicken stock


Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, green pepper, carrots and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, until veggies are cooked but still a little crispy. Stir in seasonings.

Add chicken to the skillet. Cover with tomatoes and chicken stock. Bring to a slow boil, cover and simmer at least 30 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked by this point, but a longer simmer time will result in more flavor. Before serving, you can cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces if desired. Serve over spaghetti or rice.

***LEFTOVER ALERT***
Put leftovers in freeze bag and lay flat on cookie sheet to freeze. Store frozen leftovers flat. When ready for dinner, all that is needed is to cook some spaghetti or rice and reheat frozen cacciatore.

Recipe - Tomato Soup

After posting the recipe for BBQ Grilled Cheese, I knew the follow up had to be tomato soup. Who can resist a little tomato soup and grilled cheese? Not I!

Enjoy this recipe for Tomato Soup.

Ingredients

4 cups chopped seeded peeled tomato (about 4 large)
4 cups tomato juice
1/3 cup fresh basil leaves
1 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1/2 cup (4 ounces) cream cheese, softened



Directions

Bring tomato and juice to a boil in a large saucepan. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes.

Place tomato mixture and basil in a blender or food processor; process until smooth. Return pureed mixture to pan; stir in milk, salt, and pepper. Add cream cheese, stirring well with a whisk, and cook over medium heat until thick (about 5 minutes).

Refrigerate remaining soup in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Recipe - Cheddar Stuffed Celery

This is a variation from the regular can-cheese filled celery that graces our house almost daily. For some reason (note: I'm not complaining), my son would rather eat celery than fries any day. He despises peanut butter, so I thought that squeeze cheese was our only option. WRONG. This recipe has saved my sanity from the grips of processed, can-cheese.

Toss the can with this tasty recipe for Cheddar Stuffed Celery.

Ingredients

1/2 cup Cheddar cheese, grated
2 stalks celery, cleaned
1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon paprika (optional)


Directions

Mix the cheddar and mayo together into paste. Spread into celery and cut into serving sized pieces. Top with paprika, if desired.