Spicy Chicken Wings

Chicken wings (We used drumsticks instead of wings because they have more meat on them.)
Frank's Hot Sauce

1. Preheat oven to 375*.
2. Rinse and dry chicken.
3. Roll in Frank's Hot Sauce. Pour the remaining over the top of chicken.
4. Place on foil lined and greased cookie sheet.
5. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Top with some fresh sauce.
7. Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.

* These were so fast and easy that my husband actually made them! We love the taste of Frank's Hot Sauce and these drumsticks turned out great! They smelled amazing while they were baking and the flavor was delicious.

Photo from The Culinary Review

Honey Chicken Skewers

1/2 cup ketchup
2 Tablespoons honey
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1. Place twenty 8-inch wooden skewers in water to soak. Heat grill to medium-high. In a small bowl, combine ketchup, honey, and Worcestershire sauce; set aside.

2. Slice the chicken lengthwise into twenty 1/2-inch-thick strips {or use chicken tenderloins and avoided this step}. Thread each strip onto a wooden skewer. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

3. Lightly oil the grill. Cook the chicken, turning occasionally, until cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes, basting with the ketchup mixture during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

* Only 3 ingredients to make a simple and tasty chicken dish?! Yes, please! The flavor of this chicken was very light and mild but good. We would have liked a bit of a stronger flavor but it was still yummy! I served the chicken with some extra basting sauce on the side to dip it in and that helped a lot. I used whole chicken breasts instead of doing pieces on skewers and it still worked out great..

Recipe & photo from Just Cook Already

Balsamic Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing
3 cloves of minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper
Salt and pepper, to taste

Place chicken breasts in a zip-top plastic bag. Combine balsamic vinaigrette, garlic and crushed red pepper and pour over chicken. Seal bag and refrigerate for 1-4 hours (the longer, the better). Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Remove chicken from bag and place in a baking dish. Pour remaining marinade over chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until juices run clear. Alternately, grill chicken over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side.

* Who doesn't love a super easy dinner dish? I prepared the marinade the night before so the chicken could soak up the flavors extra long. It was so fast to put together! The chicken had a wonderful flavor! I cooked it in the oven with the extra marinade and it came out so moist. Next time I am going to switch it up and grill it. I served it with mixed vegetables and buttermilk rolls.

Recipe & photo from Let's Dish

Sweet and Sour Meatballs and Fried Rice

1 to 1-1/2 lbs ground beef (I used 1 lb and it made 14 meatballs)
3/4 cup oats

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

1/2 cup milk

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Mix ingredients and form into 12 2-inch balls. Place in casserole dish, cover with sauce (recipe follows) and bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Sauce for meatballs

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup vinegar

1 tsp mustard

1/4 cup barbecue sauce

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Fried Rice

1/4 lb. bacon

1 cup diced onion

3/4 cup diced celery

1 bell pepper, diced (I used 1/2 each of a red and green pepper.)

3 Tbsp soy sauce

3 cups COLD, cooked rice (I cooked mine before I started everything else so it was warm and turned out fine when heated through with everything.)

Cook bacon until crisp. Remove from pan and sauté vegetables in bacon fat. Add rice and soy sauce until heated through. Crumble bacon on top and stir all together.

* We were a bit hesitant to try this in our house since we are not fans of meatballs but they were simply amazing! The meatballs and sauce had such a delicious flavor. The rice was so simple to make and it turned out incredible. Neither my husband or myself could get enough of this meal! This recipe is a keeper for sure!

* Photo and Recipe from See Jane Cook!

Mom's Award Winning Banana Bread

2 eggs
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter or shortening
1 cup (2 medium) bananas - mashed (I always use the mixer on them first to get them smooth and it is best if they are going bad)
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup milk and 1 tsp lemon juice
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Combine dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and bananas. Blend well. Combine milk and lemon juice. Add dry ingredients to banana mixture alternately with milk. Stir in nuts. Spread into 2 greased loaf pans (8" or 9" square pan works too). Bake at 350* for 60-70 minutes (check at 50 minutes) or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

* I have never found a better banana bread recipe before! My mom won numerous state and county fair awards for this delicious bread and it is a family & neighbor favorite.

Frozen Hot Chocolate

Sugar Free Hot Cocoa (only 25 calories!) or you can use a regular hot cocoa mix
Skim Milk
Ice
Chocolate Protein Powder, optional

1. Place all ingredients in the blender.
* I usually put in a handful of ice cubes and cover the ice with skim milk. You can adjust this to your liking.
2. Blend for deliciousness.
3. Enjoy!

* This was yummy, refreshing, and light. I loved how simple and healthy it was and a great way for me to feel like I am having dessert and increasing my fluids at the same time. I love how it gets frothy on top. I made this for my daughter with a normal hot cocoa packet, 2% milk, and a little squirt of chocolate syrup for added chocolate flavor and she guzzled it down. This has quickly and easily become a favorite in our house!

* Photo and Recipe from Just Cook Already

Famous Rotel Cheese Dip

1 lb. Velveeta cheese, cut into 1" cubes.
10oz can diced Rotel tomatoes & green chilies

In a saucepan, combine ingredients; stir over low heat until cheese spread is melted.
Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetables.

Microwave: Place ingredients in a covered casserole. Microwave on HIGH until
cheese spread is melted, about 5 minutes, stirring once.

* I have never been a big fan of queso and it's almost never made in our home but this is the one queso recipe that I will always eat if it's in front of me. The Superbowl was the perfect excuse to make this super easy and yummy dip!

Magic in the Middle Cookies

Chocolate Dough:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for dredging)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk

Peanut butter filling:
3/4 cup peanut butter, crunchy or smooth, your choice
3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease (or line with parchment) two baking sheets.
2. To make the dough: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt.
3. In another medium-sized mixing bowl, beat together the sugars, butter, and peanut butter until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla, whole egg, and egg yolk, beating to combine, then stir in the dry ingredients, blending well.
5. To make the filling: In a small bowl, stir together the peanut butter and confectioners sugar until smooth.
6. With floured hands or a teaspoon scoop, roll the filling into 26 one-inch balls.
7. To shape the cookies: Scoop 1 tablespoon of the dough (a lump about the size of a walnut), make an indentation in the center with your finger and place one of the peanut butter balls into the indentation.
8. Bring the cookie dough up and over the filling, pressing the edges together cover the center; roll the cookie in the palms of your hand to smooth it out. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
10. Roll each rounded cookie in granulated sugar, and place on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between cookies.
11. Grease the bottom of a drinking glass, and use it to flatten each cookie to about 1/2-inch thick.
12. Bake the cookies for 7 to 9 minutes, or until they’re just set and you can smell chocolate. Remove them from the oven, and cool on a rack.

* Who does not love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter?! These cookies were super yummy! Neither the chocolate nor the peanut butter flavors were overpowering. I love the surprise of the creamy peanut butter in the middle. They were quick and easy to make and fun for my toddler to help roll the balls into circles and roll them in the sugar. These cookies are winners!

* Photo and Recipe from Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Burrito Casserole

UPDATE:  Lawry's took the Chimichurri seasoning off the market! :-(

1 lb. ground beef
1 15 oz can black beans
1 8 oz can tomato sauce
1 1/2 C water
1 1.4 oz package Lawry's Chimichurri Burrito Casserole seasoning
8 flour tortillas
1 1/2 C shredded Mexican Cheese blend

1. In a large skillet, brown ground beef. Season with salt and pepper.
2. When beef is browned, drain fat. Drain and rinse black beans and add them to browned beef.
3. In a small mixing bowl, mix together water, tomato sauce, and Lawry's seasoning packet.
4. Pour 1 cup of the red sauce into your beef and bean mixture. Stir to incorporate.
5. Fill each tortilla with some of the meat mixture.
6. Roll tortilla up. Lay it in 9x13 pan, greased with cooking spray. Repeat with other 7 tortillas.
7. Pour the rest of the red sauce over the top of the rolled burritos.
8. Cover with cheese.
9. Bake at 350* for 15 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted.
10. Serve with desired topping such as, lettuce, tomatoes, green onions, salsa, avocado, fresh diced tomatoes, cilantro, and sour cream.

* I don't think a recipe could get any more simple than this one. It was quick to prepare and quick to cook. The end result was a delicious and tasty dish! We served it with salsa, sour cream, cilantro, and lettuce. It was very filling and satisfying and will be repeated in our home again!

Recipe & photo from Jamie Cooks It Up!

Mom's Sugar Cookies

3/4 cup shortening
2 eggs
2 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup sugar
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt

Chill at least one hour. Roll out and cut. Place on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 400* for 6-8 minutes.

* This is the only sugar cookie recipe that we really love. It's the same one I grew up making time after time with my mom. They produce such a delicious sugar cookie and are perfect for decorating with my mom's famous homemade frosting. You can't get any better than these!

Sweet and Spicy Noodles With Chicken

2-3 chicken breasts cut into chunks and cooked (You can cook it with some peanut sauce tossed in to give the chicken some added flavor, if desired.)

1 lb noodles, fully cooked and drained (any kind you prefer)

In a small sauce pan, brown 4 tsp minced garlic in some olive oil then add:

1/4 c. vegetable oil

1/3 c. white vinegar

1/4 c. sugar

1/4 c. sesame seeds

3 Tbsp. soy sauce

1 Tbsp. red pepper flakes
2 c. steamed broccoli (optional)

Toss the chicken, noodles, and sauce together in a large fry pan or wok on medium heat. Let it all simmer together for about five minutes so the noodles absorb some of the sauce. Toss in steamed broccoli (optional). Serve hot.

* I finally found a spicy dish that didn't make me crave more heat! WOW was this spicy and we loved it! Surprisingly, I think I will add less red pepper flakes next time so I can taste more of the sauce and not just feel the heat. It was still really good and so easy! We loved the broccoli with it. I served it with some hot and fresh rolls and of course some cold milk to help with the delicious spice. This was yummy and different than our usual dishes. Loved it!

Recipe & photo from Favorite Family Recipes

Sloppy Joes

1 1/2 lb extra lean ground beef (I only used 1 lb)

1 onion, chopped

1 red pepper, chopped (optional)

1 clove garlic, minced or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

1 6 oz can tomato paste

1 15 oz can tomato sauce

3 tablespoons Worcestershire

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon salt (I just did it to taste)

1/2 teaspoon ground pepper (I just did it to taste)

water 1/4 to 1/2 cup to thin sauce, if needed (I did not have to do this)

Brown ground beef in skillet. Drain off any grease. Add chopped onion, red pepper and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Saute until onion is softened. Add tomato paste, sauce, Worcestershire and brown sugar. Cook over medium heat. If mixture is too thick, thin with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water. Serve with hamburger buns. Top with cheese, if desired.

* My husband has never been a huge sloppy joe fan until he had these. He downed quite a few because he could not get enough. They were so delicious and so easy. I had everything on hand (except the red pepper) and it all came together within minutes. I'm sure my hubby will be asking for these again very soon and I have no problem eating them myself again. :-) I like to serve them with chips or a green salad.

Recipe & photo from A Bountiful Kitchen

Homemade Oreo Cookies

2 Duncan Hines Deluxe Devil's Food Cake Mixes
1 1/2 cups shortening
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine ingredients. The dough will be very thick. Roll cookies into balls about the size of a melon ball. Place on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375* for 9 minutes (no longer!) They set up as they cool.

Frosting:
8oz cream cheese
1/2 cube margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 lb powdered sugar

Cream frosting ingredients together and spread on each cooled cookie. Put two cookies together. You can roll the edges in sprinkles, crushed up peppermint candy, coconut, nuts, etc. if desired.

* These are always such a big hit! The cookies turn out so soft and delicious and I love the light flavor of the cream cheese frosting. We like to color the frosting to match the occasion but they are just as pretty with white frosting. This makes 40-50 large Oreo like cookies.

Photo from Coffee Break With Liz & Kate

French Bread Pizza

loaf of French bread
your favorite pizza sauce
mozzarella cheese
your favorite pizza toppings- pepperoni, pineapples, ham, olives, sausage, peppers, etc.

1. Cut the French bread loaf in half lengthwise.
2. Spread desired amount of pizza sauce on bread. Top with cheese and toppings.
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and it has reached desired crispiness.

* We made these when I was child and they still taste just as good as an adult! They are so easy and so yummy! It's the perfect recipe to make after a busy and stressful day. It's also good when you rub a garlic clove over the bread and sprinkle it with Italian seasoning & parmesan cheese right before baking. We like to serve this pizza with a delicious green salad.

Photo from Two Peas and Their Pod

Wingers Sticky Finger Salad

4 chicken breasts, cut into strips

1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup bread crumbs
2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
2 tomatoes
croutons
cheddar cheese, grated
ranch dressing
craisins
2 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/3 cup Frank's Hot Sauce(Original)
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Dip chicken breasts into the sour cream and then into bread crumbs. Place on a sprayed/greased sheet pan. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked and crispy.

While the chicken is baking, prepare salad and make the dressing. To make the dressing, combine the 2 1/2 cups brown sugar, 1/3 cup Franks Hot Sauce, and 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar in a pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. Let boil for one minute, but no longer! If you boil too long it will turn hard.

When the chicken is done dip into sticky sauce and place on a plate. To serve, place sliced strips on top of salad with any additional toppings (cheese, croutons, tomatoes, craisins, etc.) and drench in ranch dressing. Save the additional sticky dressing as an extra topping for the salad...it adds a little more tang!

* WOW! This salad was incredible! We really could not get enough of it. It tasted exactly like we had gotten it from the restaurant. The sauce and chicken was to die for! We drizzled extra sauce on the salad before eating it for some extra amazing flavor. I could eat this everyday for a week. This recipe will definitely be repeated in our house!

Recipe from Sisters Stuff
Photo from Ptit Chef