Recipes you can't live without

[snapdragon]

Hey ladies!  I know I have a few go-to recipes that I try to share with everyone all the time because they're cheap/easy/tasty/alloftheabove, so I thought others might have some gems to share as well.  What are some recipes you couldn't live without, and what makes them so amazing?

[shmee]

Probably my most used recipe is crock pot shredded chicken. I take 3-4 chicken breasts, a can of chicken stock, a packet of ranch seasoning and a packet of taco seasoning and let it cook for 6-8 hours, then shred. You can use it for so much - quesadillas, enchiladas, salads, tacos, sandwiches, etc. So yummy and so easy!

[Poppy]

Chicken Curry- H's all time fave

with a few turns of oil in a pan sauté a diced onion and a few teaspoons of garlic
Dice chicken breast and cook with onions, once soft

In another pan melt 3 tbls butter
add curry powder (I use a ton because we like it spicy)this brand in HOT is my favorite

add a can of coconut milk and mix
add chicken mixture
a bag of frozen peas and carrots
a diced potato

let combine and thicken for about 30 minutes
serve over rice- YUM!

[snapdragon]

Tuna Croquettes
This one is great because it's fast, inexpensive, packed with protein, and my kids love it. I serve them with tartar sauce or ketchup and fries with green beans. It's especially a staple because everything in it is shelf-stable, so I can always go to this in a pinch if I didn't have time to get to the grocery store or something else went wrong with my plans.

2 (12 oz) cans solid white tuna in water, drained
2/3 cup unsalted matzo meal (you can find in any kosher section or else just use bread crumbs)
1/4 cup mayo
4 large eggs
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried minced onion
1/2 tsp fine sea salt
2 T canola oil (I use peanut oil)

In a medium-sized bowl, mix the tuna with the matzo meal, mayo, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, minced onion, and salt. Form 8 patties.

Heat the canola oil in a large skillet. When the oil is hot, place the patties into the pan in a single layer, working in batches if necessary, and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden-brown.

Oat-cheese pancakes
These are a perfect lunch or snack for kiddos. There's nothing unhealthy in them, but they taste like there is! I like to make a bunch and freeze them, and then I can just stick them in a bag when we want to go out somewhere and they'll be defrosted by lunchtime.

2 c old-fashioned oats, uncooked (the recipe says to grind them, but I never have)
4 eggs
2 heaping T applesauce
1 tub cottage cheese
Cinnamon to taste
Add milk if it's too thick (I never need to, probably because I don't grind the oats)
A handful of craisins or raisins (optional)

Mix together and fry like pancakes, preferably in tons of butter. It helps to re-butter the pan when you flip them because they stick.

No-cleanup Baked Ziti
I shared this before in a WFL thread, but it's worth sharing again. This is delicious, takes so little effort, is so cheap, and there is literally ZERO cleanup except for the spoon you use to mix it. It's not healthy, but you can't win 'em all. Since it bakes for awhile, I like to stick it in the oven in the morning before running out for errands, set the timer to stop cooking after an hour and a half, and then the kids and I have a hot lunch when we get home. It would work for dinner too, but H is lactose-intolerant so I can't do it.

1. Pour a box of raw penne pasta into a 9x13 pan (bonus no-cleanup points if you use a disposable aluminum pan)
2. Pour in a jar of pasta sauce
3. Fill the empty jar half with water and half with milk, pour in the milk, and stir.
4. Sprinkle cheese on top, cover, and bake at 350 for 1.5 hours.
5. Clean your spoon and take a nap.

[snapdragon]

Jan 28, 2015 14:58:17 GMT -5 shmee said:

Probably my most used recipe is crock pot shredded chicken. I take 3-4 chicken breasts, a can of chicken stock, a packet of ranch seasoning and a packet of taco seasoning and let it cook for 6-8 hours, then shred. You can use it for so much - quesadillas, enchiladas, salads, tacos, sandwiches, etc. So yummy and so easy!

Oooh thanks for this!!  What a time-saver that would be to just have a bunch of this already made!

[marybeth]

Taco soup:

A can of kidney beans
A can of chili beans
A can of black beans
A can of corn (I usually use frozen corn because we keep it at home)
A pack of taco seasoning
A can of diced tomatoes
A can of rotel tomatoes

Heat until warm, serve with tortilla chips, sour cream, and shredded cheese.

You can make it vegetarian or add whatever protein you want. I like to put chorizo and frozen chicken and put it in crockpot on low all day. I also brown some ground meat and throw it in the pot on days we don't use the crockpot. Quick, easy, and I almost always have all the ingredient on hand.

[lgsdesigner]

Homemade CrockPot Chicken Tacos:



1 pack of chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)

2 small cans of diced green chiles

2 tablespoons of chopped fresh garlic

1 pack of taco seasoning

Sea salt, fresh ground pepper



1) In Crockpot, place chicken breasts, and cover with garlic, both cans of chiles, and full pack of taco seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste.



2) Cook on HIGH for 6 hours.



3) Shred chicken and place in taco shells or soft tortillas with all your favorite toppings.



Enjoy!

[mlbrooks]

I second the crockpot chicken tacos... I use this recipe
2-3 large chicken breasts
1 pack of taco seasoning
Small jar of salsa
Cook on low 6-8 hours

Turkey Burgers:
1 lb. extra lean ground turkey
1 egg white
1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/4 c. finely chopped onion
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. poultry seasoning
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Mix together and form patties and grill. Easy-peasy. I usually serve with homemade sweet potato fries

Summertime recipe: Avocado Chicken Salad:
2 or 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 avocado
1/4 chopped onion
juice of 1/2 a lime
2 Tbsp cilantro
salt and pepper, to taste.
Cook chicken breast until done, let cool, and then shred. Mix with all other ingredients.

Baked Oatmeal
makes 15 servings
6 cups rolled oats
4 eggs, beaten
2 cups frozen blueberries (or berries of your choice)
1 cup applesauce
1 cup brown sugar (I only use about 1/4 brown sugar and use a mashed banana or more applesauce for sweetness)
2 cups almond milk
1/4 cup flax seed meal (optional)
3 tablespoons wheat germ (optional)
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Mix oats, eggs, blueberries, applesauce, brown sugar, skim milk, flax seed meal, wheat germ, baking powder, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt together in a large bowl; pour into a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Bake in preheated oven until the moisture is absorbed and the oats are tender, 25 to 32 minutes

Breakfast that tastes like dessert: Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Pancakes
INGREDIENTS
1 very ripe medium banana
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 flax egg
pinch salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 Tablespoon almond butter
1 Tablespoon canola oil (or coconut oil)
3 Tablespoons almond milk (or sub other milk)
1/2 cup rolled oats (or gluten free oats)
1/4 cup whole wheat or unbleached flour (or sub other flour) I use oat flour!
3 Tablespoons semisweet chocolate chips (non-dairy for vegan)
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat a skillet to medium heat or about 300-325 degrees.
Prepare flax egg by mixing flaxseed meal and water and letting set for 3-5 minutes.
Mash your very ripe banana with baking powder.
Add flax egg, oil, salt, vanilla, almond butter, almond milk and stir.
Stir in oats and flour until just combined.
Sprinkle in chocolate chips and fold gently.
Scoop scant 1/4 cup measurements onto lightly greased griddle.
Cook for 2-4 minutes on each side - until golden brown.
Serve plain or with a small drizzle of maple syrup and a few additional chocolate chips for melting. (so good it doesn't need syrup)

[brittneysandra]

Chicken Broccoli Supreme
1 pound broccoli ( break in pieces, and steam for 2 minutes )
3 cups chicken breast ( cooked, cut into small pieces )
3 cups grated cheddar cheese ( divided )
8 ounces ritz crackers ( 2 sleeves )
1/2 cup butter ( melted )
1 tablespoon poppy seed
1/3 cup butter ( melted )
1/4 cups cornstarch ( dissolved in 1/2 cup water )
1/3 cup chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese ( of the above )

Directions
In greased 13×9 pan, layer the broccoli and chicken, then set aside. In saucepan over medium heat, combine the melted butter, cornstarch dissolved in water, chicken broth, seasonings, and milk. Stir well, and continue stirring until sauce has thickened. Turn heat down to low, and add 1- 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese. Stir until melted. Pour over the chicken and broccoli. Top with 1- 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese.

Melt the butter, and add the poppy seeds, and stir well. Crush Ritz crackers in large zip-lock bag with a rolling pin. Don’t crush too small. Add crumbs to the melted butter. Sprinkle crumbs over the top of the grated cheese.
Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes, or until hot & bubbly.

[Poppy]

brittneysandra that looks very similar to a chicken casserole I make.

I cover a 9x13 pan with diced (cooked) chicken and broccoli florets
Then mix in a bowl 1 can cream of chicken soup, 1 cup sour cream and some milk with salt, pepper and a little cayenne, Pour over the chicken and broccoli.
Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbling
cover with cheese and bake until melted
Serve over rice

[meandmylove]

DS would kill me in my sleep if I didn't make tuna casserole for him. I'm pretty sure it's just the Campbell's soup recipes but I use corn instead of peas most of the time. DS loves corn and that's how I get him to eat most things.

[brittneysandra]

Jan 28, 2015 15:52:01 GMT -5 Poppy said:

brittneysandra that looks very similar to a chicken casserole I make.

I cover a 9x13 pan with diced (cooked) chicken and broccoli florets
Then mix in a bowl 1 can cream of chicken soup, 1 cup sour cream and some milk with salt, pepper and a little cayenne, Pour over the chicken and broccoli.
Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbling
cover with cheese and bake until melted
Serve over rice

Mmmmm That sounds good!! Ill have to try that! 

[robotpcr]

My peanut noodles! I love them.

1 package soba noodles
¾ cup creamy peanut butter
¼ + 1/8 cup soy sauce
¼ + 1/8 cup rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
3 tbls lime juice
3 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
3 minced garlic cloves
sprinkle of ginger
1/2-3/4 cup thinly sliced snow peas
1/2-3/4 cup shredded carrots
1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced


Cook noodles based on package.

Combine peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, juice, oil, garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until peanut butter totally melts.

Combine all ingredients in large bowl.

[smontz]

I love seeing all of these recipes!! This is one of my favorite go to recipes. You can add any veggies you like (I usually add mushrooms and onions) and it doesn't take much effort at all!

Italian Chicken


Ingredients:
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
4-5 roma tomatoes
2 cloves garlic
1 jar artichoke hearts
1 teaspoon sugar
2-3 tablespoons flour
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil

Directions:
1. Core and chop about 4-5 roma tomatoes.
2. Thinly slice two cloves of garlic.
3. Drain a small jar of artichoke hearts.
4. Place all ingredients in a bowl and pour in a few tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, a generous amount of salt and pepper, a teaspoon of sugar, a couple tablespoons of flour {since the chicken will produce so much liquid}.
5. Place the tomato mixture in with the boneless skinless chicken breasts {that are generously seasoned with salt and pepper}. Place in a 350 degree oven and bake until the chicken is almost done. About 40 minutes.
6. Take the almost done chicken out of the oven and sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top. Place the chicken under the broiler for a few minutes {keep an eye on it!} until the cheese is golden brown and the vegetables are caramelized.
7. When you pull the chicken out of the oven, sprinkle some fresh basil on top and the heat of the dish will wilt the basil.

[smontz]

PS: snapdragon That No-cleanup Baked Ziti sounds AWESOME!!! I'm going to have to try that ASAP!

[Poppy]

Jan 28, 2015 17:24:16 GMT -5 brittneysandra said:

Jan 28, 2015 15:52:01 GMT -5 Poppy said:

brittneysandra that looks very similar to a chicken casserole I make.

I cover a 9x13 pan with diced (cooked) chicken and broccoli florets
Then mix in a bowl 1 can cream of chicken soup, 1 cup sour cream and some milk with salt, pepper and a little cayenne, Pour over the chicken and broccoli.
Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbling
cover with cheese and bake until melted
Serve over rice

Mmmmm That sounds good!! Ill have to try that! 

It's really not the healthiest (obvs) but it's hearty and good. I make sure and season the chicken well when I first bake it. Then your bites aren't flavorless. Some people do breadcrumbs but I like it fine without.

[Starbuck128]

My two emergency meals for when I'm wandering the grocery store and drawing a blank as to what to buy:

Slow cooker BBQ chicken
1 medium jar of BBQ sauce
1/2 a medium jar of Italian dressing
Chicken
Cook and shred. Serve with veggies.

Korean BBQ lettuce wraps
Jar of Korean BBQ sauce, but you don't need the whole jar.
Ground beef
Green onions
Shredded carrot
Sesame seeds
Butter lettuce
Cook the beef, add some sauce, sesame seeds and veggies. Scoop into lettuce leaves.

[snapdragon]

Jan 28, 2015 18:06:51 GMT -5 robotpcr said:

My peanut noodles! I love them.

1 lb soba noodles
¾ cup creamy peanut butter
¼ + 1/8 cup soy sauce
¼ + 1/8 cup rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
3 tbls lime juice
3 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
3 minced garlic cloves
sprinkle of ginger
1/2-3/4 cup thinly sliced snow peas
1/2-3/4 cup shredded carrots
1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced


Cook noodles based on package.

Combine peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, juice, oil, garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until peanut butter totally melts.

Combine all ingredients in large bowl.

I am for sure going to try this! Do you use ground or fresh ginger?

[Deleted]

This is my recipe for pepper steak... It's pretty simple, and we eat it a lot!

I use sirloin steak, and cut it into cubes. Then I season it with McCormick Grill Mates steak rub.
Dice peppers and onions and let them sautée in a pan with some olive oil for a few minutes.
Add steak and mushrooms, and just let it cook over medium heat until the juice is out of the bottom of the pan.
Not really the most special recipe, but it's amazing!

[brittneysandra]

Jan 28, 2015 19:01:51 GMT -5 Poppy said:

Jan 28, 2015 17:24:16 GMT -5 brittneysandra said:

Mmmmm That sounds good!! Ill have to try that! 

It's really not the healthiest (obvs) but it's hearty and good. I make sure and season the chicken well when I first bake it. Then your bites aren't flavorless. Some people do breadcrumbs but I like it fine without.

No worries, Im not really watching my figure right now  
Thanks! I will! Ill let you know how it comes out when I do!

[maggiet19]

Jan 28, 2015 19:12:56 GMT -5 snapdragon said:

Jan 28, 2015 18:06:51 GMT -5 robotpcr said:

My peanut noodles! I love them.

1 lb soba noodles
¾ cup creamy peanut butter
¼ + 1/8 cup soy sauce
¼ + 1/8 cup rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
3 tbls lime juice
3 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
3 minced garlic cloves
sprinkle of ginger
1/2-3/4 cup thinly sliced snow peas
1/2-3/4 cup shredded carrots
1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced


Cook noodles based on package.

Combine peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, juice, oil, garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until peanut butter totally melts.

Combine all ingredients in large bowl.

I am for sure going to try this! Do you use ground or fresh ginger?

snapdragon ...I have made this several times since she shared the recipe and used ground ginger the first time and fresh ginger the other times. I prefer the fresh...but the ground did good too! You won't be sorry either way!

[snapdragon]

Jan 28, 2015 19:16:02 GMT -5 @sastahlman said:

This is my recipe for pepper steak... It's pretty simple, and we eat it a lot!

I use sirloin steak, and cut it into cubes. Then I season it with McCormick Grill Mates steak rub.
Dice peppers and onions and let them sautée in a pan with some olive oil for a few minutes.
Add steak and mushrooms, and just let it cook over medium heat until the juice is out of the bottom of the pan.
Not really the most special recipe, but it's amazing!

I am going to try this!  I'm always seeing pepper steak at the store, and I have no idea what to do with it.  Also, mushrooms are the best.

[Deleted]

Jan 28, 2015 20:50:59 GMT -5 snapdragon said:

Jan 28, 2015 19:16:02 GMT -5 @sastahlman said:

This is my recipe for pepper steak... It's pretty simple, and we eat it a lot!

I use sirloin steak, and cut it into cubes. Then I season it with McCormick Grill Mates steak rub.
Dice peppers and onions and let them sautée in a pan with some olive oil for a few minutes.
Add steak and mushrooms, and just let it cook over medium heat until the juice is out of the bottom of the pan.
Not really the most special recipe, but it's amazing!

I am going to try this!  I'm always seeing pepper steak at the store, and I have no idea what to do with it.  Also, mushrooms are the best.

Just be warned, it is a little spicy because of the rub mixture. I use bell peppers to cut back on the spiciness, but you can also just change the rub mixture if you don't like a little kick

[robotpcr]

Jan 28, 2015 20:32:39 GMT -5 maggiet19 said:

Jan 28, 2015 19:12:56 GMT -5 snapdragon said:

I am for sure going to try this! Do you use ground or fresh ginger?

snapdragon ...I have made this several times since she shared the recipe and used ground ginger the first time and fresh ginger the other times. I prefer the fresh...but the ground did good too! You won't be sorry either way!

I made maggiet19 a believer  I'm not a huge ginger fan so I just use a little sprinkle of ground ginger but the original recipe called for some amount of fresh.  And you can use whatever veggies you have around.  It's a super easy recipe to mess with.

[Deleted]

4 ingredients, super easy

www.simplexfood.com/2015/01/parmesan-crusted-chicken.html?m=1

[jil]

Jan 28, 2015 15:31:32 GMT -5 mlbrooks said:

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Pancakes
INGREDIENTS
1 very ripe medium banana
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 flax egg
pinch salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 Tablespoon almond butter
1 Tablespoon canola oil (or coconut oil)
3 Tablespoons almond milk (or sub other milk)
1/2 cup rolled oats (or gluten free oats)
1/4 cup whole wheat or unbleached flour (or sub other flour) I use oat flour!
3 Tablespoons semisweet chocolate chips (non-dairy for vegan)
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat a skillet to medium heat or about 300-325 degrees.
Prepare flax egg by mixing flaxseed meal and water and letting set for 3-5 minutes.
Mash your very ripe banana with baking powder.
Add flax egg, oil, salt, vanilla, almond butter, almond milk and stir.
Stir in oats and flour until just combined.
Sprinkle in chocolate chips and fold gently.
Scoop scant 1/4 cup measurements onto lightly greased griddle.
Cook for 2-4 minutes on each side - until golden brown.
Serve plain or with a small drizzle of maple syrup and a few additional chocolate chips for melting. (so good it doesn't need syrup)

---------
These sound delicious! I usually add nuts to pancakes and chocolate chips as an occasional treat. These sound even better because I can rationalize more chocolate chips since they oatmeal cancels them out...right?

[tabH]

I have been making these two breakfast recipes for a while now...
Blueberry Coconut Oatmeal Pudding (I omit the rose water)
mobile.nytimes.com/2012/09/13/health/nutrition/blueberry-coconut-oatmeal-pudding-recipes-for-health.html?_r=3&smid=FB-nytimes&WT.mc_id=HL-E-FB-SM-LIN-BCO-091512-NYT-NA&WT.mc_ev=click

Oatmeal Pancakes (I sub buttermilk with skim, sugar with stevia, and white flour for whole wheat to make them a little healthier)
m.allrecipes.com/recipe/21384/oatmeal-pancakes-ii/

[kate6214]

www.skinnytaste.com/2012/04/asian-edamame-fried-rice.html

This is a great base recipe for fried rice. You can sub peas for edamame, or add meat or shrimp to make it a meal. It also reheats well the next day.

[t1green]

I know this is an old thread but I can't think of another place to put this.

I made this chicken cordon bleu casserole last night and now it's all that I can think about. It was so good. I'm sure that you could substitute deli turkey instead of ham if you don't eat pork products.

Chicken Cordon Bleu

[lexisophie55]

Wow - I must be the only one with a husband who wouldn't eat 99% of the ingredients mentioned on here.

Tator tot hot dish - does that count? lol