Grape Salad

This may look a little funky but I promise you, people will LOVE it and they will be begging you for the recipe!

Ingredients:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1/3 cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 pounds grapes
1 pkg Emerald brand Pecan Pie flavored pecans

Directions:
1. In a mixer combine cream cheese, sour cream, sugars and vanilla. Mix until smooth
2. Add mix and grapes to a bowl and fold together
3. Optional - Just before serving, sprinkle the top with the pecans (do not mix them in or things will turn a funky color)

Easy Baked Tortellini

This is my go-to dinner when I don't have time or ingredients:

Ingredients:
1-2 packages premade tortellini (I use Bertolli or Costco)
1 jar spaghetti sauce
1 jar Alfredo sauce
4 oz mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Directions:
1. Cook tortellini as directed
2. Mix in both jars of sauce and pour into a large baking dish
3. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese
4. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes until golden and bubble

Mama's Veggie Casserole

This is a must have for family dinners and holidays.

 Ingredients:
4 oz Velveeta cheese cubed, not melted
1-2 cans cream of chicken or cheese soup
2-3 bags mixed veggies (your choice, I use corn, carrot and green bean)
3 sticks butter
1 loaf of bread 

Directions:
1. Cook veggies as directed and drain
2. Add soup to veggies and stir
3. Pour into 9X11 baking dish
4. Add cubed cheese, mix
5. In a bowl, melt butter
6. Tear bread into pieces and add to the top of the veggie mix
7. Pour melted butter over the bread
8. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until bread is golden brown

Southwestern Asian Salmon Tacos

These are absolutely delicious, simple and healthy! You can't beat that.

Ingredients:
1 lb ground salmon browned
8 oz cabbage or cole slaw mix
1 can black beans 1
1 pkg brown basamati rice cooked
1 cup pico de gallo
1 tsp lime juice
1/4 cup salsa to hold everything together

Directions:
Brown the salmon and mix all ingredients together. Please feel free to adjust based on your personal tastes. Spread on a flour or corn tortilla or throw it in a bowl. Enjoy!

Baked Chicken Fajitas

Ingredients

1 1/2 - 2 lbs uncooked chicken breast cut into strips
1 red pepper
1 green pepper
1 yellow pepper
1 white onion
2 tbsp oil
2 tsp chili powder
2 tsp cumin
3/4 tsp garlic powder
3/4 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp salt
1 can Rotel tomatoes
flour tortillas
sour cream, cheese, salsa if desired

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400
2. Cut chicken into slices and lay in a greased baking sheet.
3. In a small bowl mix spices and oil. Pour over chicken and stir well to coat each piece.
4. Add sliced peppers and onion, stir.
5. Bake uncovered at 400 for 25-40 minutes until chicken in done.
6. Enjoy with tortillas and your favorite toppings!

Baked Mac & Cheese

This is super easy and very, very good.


Ingredients

* 1 pound(s) rotini or cavatappi
* 2 cup(s) whole milk
* 8 ounce(s) cream cheese
* 3 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter
* 1 teaspoon(s) fresh-ground pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
* 1 1/2 cup(s) grated sharp Cheddar
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 1/2 cup(s) (about 6 ounces) shredded smoked Gouda or Monterrey Jack


Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cook the pasta following package directions. Strain the pasta, rinse with cold water to cool and prevent clumping, drain well, and transfer to a large bowl. Set aside.
2. Combine the milk, cream cheese, butter, pepper, and salt in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter and cream cheese have melted -- about 10 minutes.
3. Toss the Cheddar, Parmesan and Gouda (or Monterrey Jack) with the reserved pasta. Add the hot milk mixture and stir until well combined. Transfer pasta to a 3-quart baking dish and bake until the macaroni is set and the top is golden brown -- about 30 minutes. Divide macaroni and cheese among 8 plates and serve hot. You can also bake this in ramekins.

Black Bean Salsa

This dish is so simple yet amazing. You can make it for parties or dinner. (Yes, my daughter and I just consumed the entire thing for dinner, sad I know.)



Ingredients

1 large can black beans, drained
1 can white shoepeg corn, drained
1 can petite diced tomatoes, drained (optional)
the leaves of 1 bunch of cilantro, finely chopped
juice of two limes
half a red onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp cumin
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp pepper

Directions:

Mix all ingredients and serve with chips. I highly recommend Tostito Scoops so you get more goodness with every bite! Enjoy!!! (Thanks Candace Anderson for the first taste)