A Few Recipes

So, I don't really have anything exciting or interesting to write about today, so I figured I'd post some of my favorite recipes for those of you who enjoy cooking. These recipes are pretty easy. Some of them are my own creations, others are recipes that have been borrowed or altered from the internet. Enjoy!

Laura's Twisted 5 Cheese and Mac: (my recipe...obviously)

1 C milk (I prefer to use skim, to semi- help reduce the calories in this dish)
2 TBSP Butter (or margarine)
2 TBSP Garlic/Basil blend (McCormick sells this)
3 C shredded cheddar cheese (any brand will do, but I prefer Cracker Barrel)
2 C white cheddar shredded cheese
2 C of three a three cheese blend (shredded)
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1 Box of your favorite twisted pasta (I use Cavatappi pasta)

In a large pot,cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain, and set aside.
In a large pot, bring milk, butter, and garlic/basil to a slight boil. Keep heat at medium-high, and gradually stir in the different types of cheese. Whisk until cheese is completely melted and reaches a creamy texture. Turn heat back to low, and stir in pasta. Make sure pasta is entirely coated with cheese, then transport to a 9X13 baking pan. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs,bake at 350 for 35 mins., and enjoy!!


Herb and Citrus Roast Chicken (my recipe)

1 roasting chicken (thawed)
2 oranges
1 lemon
1 container frozen orange juice (from concentrate)...thawed
1 TBSP Rosemary
2 cloves garlic (pressed)
1/2 tbsp pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 C Chicken Stock
1 TBSP Parsley
1/2 tsp paprika

Preheat oven to 425. Cut oranges and lemons into 4ths.
Set chicken aside in a baking pan (I use my 13X9 for this). Rub down with salt and pepper, and paprika. In a blender, blend together orange juice, parsley, and garlic. Squeeze in juice from half of an orange, and half of a lemon. Brush mixture onto chicken, and sprinkle with rosemary. Add chicken stock to the pan. Stuff chicken with lemon and orange slices. Let chicken cook in oven for 2-3 hours until golden-brown, basting every 40 mins. or so to keep moist. Add more stock to the pan if necessary.

Garlic and Balsamic Green Beans (my recipe)
1 package Quick & Easy fresh green beans  (or just regular fresh cut green beans from your super market...I prefer the Quick&Easy version because it's...well...hence the name, ya know?)
1 clove of garlic (pressed)
2 TBSP Butter or Margarine
1-2 TBSP Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing

Cook green beans according to package instructions (or steam till desired tenderness, if not using the packaged green beans)
In a medium sized skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat, and add garlic. Let garlic saute for 2-3 minutes in melted butter.  Add green beans and toss with the garlic and butter until beans are coated. Remove from heat, and transfer to a serving dish. Drizzle balsamic dressing over beans, serve, and enjoy!

"Grandma Gracie's Lemon Cake" (Gooseberry Patch, Homestyle Cooking cookbook)
1 pkg. yellow cake mix
1 pkg. instant lemon pudding mix
3/4 c oil
3/4 c water
4 eggs, beaten
 Combine all ingredients, mix well. Pour into greased 13X9 baking pan. Bake at 350 for 35-40 mins. Immediately poke holes through cake w/a fork, pour glaze over cake, and garnish w/powdered sugar. (10-12 servings)
Glaze:
2 c powdered sugar
2 T butter
2 T water
1/3 c lemon juice
Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl



Chocolate Banana Cupcakes (altered from the lemon cake recipe)
1 pkg. chocolate cake mix
1 pkg. banana instant pudding mix
3/4 c oil
3/4 c water
4 eggs, beaten.

Combine all ingredients, mix well. Pour into lined cupcake pan, bake until toothpick comes out clean (or 35 mins.-40 mins)

Glaze:
2 c powdered sugar
2 T melted butter
2 T water
1 T Vanilla
Blend all ingredients, brush over cupcakes, then garnish with powdered sugar.

Soo...that's all I'm going to post for now. I have a lot more up my sleeve, perhaps I will share more at a later date. Happy cooking.