Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

Bacon-Ranch Cheese Ball                     From: Amy Bailey

2 8 oz packages cream cheese

½ c. crumbled bacon

6 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 envelope Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix (original flavor)

Coarsely chopped pecans

1. Let cheeses come to room temperature. In a lg bowl, mix the cheeses.

2. Gradually mix in dressing mix. Add bacon; mix thoroughly.

3. (At this point you can refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up before rolling into a ball.)

4. Roll the mixture into one large ball, or two smaller balls. Roll in the chopped pecans.

5. Serve with a cracker assortment.

Slow Cooker Italian Beef

Slow Cooker Italian Beef   

Very flavorful, tender beef                   

3 c. water                      1 tsp. dried parsley

1 tsp. salt                       1 tsp. garlic powder

½ tsp pepper                  1 bay leaf

1 tsp. dried oregano         1 (.7 oz) package dry Italian style salad dressing

1 tsp dried basil              1 5lb. rump roast

1 tsp onion salt

Comine water with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, onion salt, parsley, garlic powder, bay leaf, and salad dressing mix in a sauce pan. Stir well and bring to a boil.

Place roast in slow cooker. Pour salad dressing mixture over the meat.

Cover, and cook on high for 6-8 hrs or until meat is fork tender. Remove

meat from cooker and shred. Put meat back in cooker with juices and cook f

or another hour.

Serve on sandwiches with provolone cheese.

Lo Mein

Lo Mein

1 lb boneless chicken                  2 carrots, julienned         

6 Tbsp soy sauce, divided           2 zucchini, sliced

3 Tbsp cornstarch                       1 onion, sliced

8 oz linguini or spaghetti               2 Tbsp fish (or oyster) sauce

4 oz mushrooms, sliced               sesame oil (a few tablespoons)

1. Slice chicken thinly and toss with 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 3 Tbsp cornstarch. Set

aside to marinade.

2. Boil linguini. Drain and rinse with cool water. Set Aside. Make 3-2-1 sauce

with 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp fish (or oyster) sauce, and 1 Tbsp sesame oil.

Stir to mix.

3. Heat wok over high heat until almost smoking. Add in sesame oil, tilting to

coat sides. Cook chicken 1-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.

4. Add a little more oil, then cook carrots and onions about 2 mins. Add in

additional vegetables.

5. Add in chicken and cooked noodles. Stir and toss for 1 min.

6. Make a well in the middle of the food by pushing everything out to the

edges. Add 3-2-1 sauce. Toss to coat all ingredients.

Conference Popcorn

Conference Popcorn    From: Amy Bailey

1 bag Chester’s Puffcorn (found in chip aisle)

1 ¼ c. sugar

2 squares butter

¼ c. water

Bring to bill on the stove and cook to hardball stage. Approximately

3 minutes. Put corn pops in large paper bag. Pour syrup over the corn pops and shake.

Pour out onto a jelly roll pan to cool. 

Creamy Cilantro-Avocado Dressing

Creamy Cilantro-Avocado Dressing

½ ripe avocado

¾ c. packed fresh cilantro

1/ c. nonfat plain yogurt

1 clove garlic

1 tbsp lime juice

½ tsp salt

Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth.

Fast and Easy Meal Ideas

Fast and Easy Meal Ideas

No-cook meal ideas:

Cottage cheese and peaches

Crackers and cheese
Granola 
Granola bars 
Peaches and cream 
Popcorn 

Salad

Saltines and peanut butter
Sandwiches 
Smoothie 
Strawberries and cream 

Microwave Meal Ideas:

Bagel Bites

Baked Potato

Cream of Wheat

Ramen

Soft Boiled Eggs (with toast)

Low cooking meal Ideas:
Artichokes
Bagel 

Baked potato
Belly Button Soup
Burritoes
Granola (make it to use as cereal)
Grilled cheese
Omelette (add peppers, onions, mushrooms, bacon bits, cheese to make substantial)
Mac and cheese
Pop Tarts   Pop tarts are the most filling thing you can get out of a vending machine, otherwise known as the "yummy machine". (Julie Jones) 
Ramen
Scrambled Eggs You can make scrambled eggs in the microwave. (Julie Jones)