Recipes

[GenXmuse]

CREAMY WHITE CHICKEN CHILI RECIPE WITH CREAM CHEESE

This is such a good soup. I hope you'll try it!

COURSE: SOUP

CUISINE: AMERICAN

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES

COOK TIME: 30 MINUTES

TOTAL TIME: 45 MINUTES

SERVINGS: 10

CALORIES: 591KCAL

White Chicken Chili with cream cheese is the ultimate creamy comfort food! This recipe is loaded with everything good and so comforting on a cool night. We top ours off with avocado, jalapenos, sour cream, and more.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 onions diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 pounds COOKED chickencubed (or 2 lbs cooked shredded rotisserie chicken)
• 32 ounces low sodium chicken broth
• 4 cans great northern white beans 15.5 ounce cans, fully drained and rinsed
• 3 cans diced green chiles 4 ounce cans, drained
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
• 8 ounces low fat cream cheesecubed
• 1 cup heavy cream

OPTIONAL TOPPINGS

• Tortilla chips or strips
• sliced jalapeños
• chopped cilantro
• shredded Mexican blend cheese
• sour cream
• sliced avocado
• lime juice

INSTRUCTIONS

• In a 6 qt dutch oven or stock pot, saute the onions and garlic in the olive oil and lime juice over medium high heat. Cook until the onions are fragrant and translucent.
• Add in the cooked chicken, chicken broth, beans, chiles, and seasoning. Bring to a boil, stirring often, and then reduce heat to simmer. Simmer uncovered for 30-45 minutes, or until it's the thickness you desire. Stir occasionally. I let mine simmer for a full hour to let all the flavors blend fully and to get a nice thickness. It would have been ready to go after 30 minutes, so just do what you like best! *** (See below for Slow Cooker Instructions)
• Turn off the heat and stir in the cubed cream cheese. Stir constantly until the cream cheese melts and incorporates completely. Stir in the heavy cream.
• Top with as many or as few optional toppings as you desire. I used them all! The more the merrier.
• Enjoy!

Next Ingredient: Brussel Sprouts

[butterfly123]

Brussels Sprouts in Alfredo Sauce

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 6 oz bacon chopped
• 2 lbs Brussels sprouts trimmed and halved
• 1 garlic clove minced
• 1 1/2 cups whipping cream
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed 
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese shredded
• 3/4 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instruction

Place a large deep skillet or dutch oven or medium heat. Add 6 oz chopped bacon and cook until browned. Remove bacon to a plate, keeping 3 Tbsp of bacon fat in the pan.

1. Add trimmed and halved brussels sprouts and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cover and stir occasionally 8-9 min or until tender and lightly browned.

2. Add minced garlic and stir 1 minute until fragrant. Add 1 1/2 cups heavy cream and bring to a simmer.

3. Stir in 1 Tbsp lemon juice then sprinkle the top with 1/3 cup parmesan cheese and stir to combine and season to taste (I added another 1/4 tsp salt). Bring just to a simmer then remove from heat and serve garnished with reserved bacon. 

   Next Ingredient: fresh cranberries 

[GenXmuse]

@butterfly123 O goodness. That looks scrumptious. Thank you.  I needed a void brussel sprouts recipe. 

Next Ingredient: CRANBERRY 

[walker]

An old family recipe.....

CRANBERRY Sauce

4 cups fresh CRANBERRIES (2 bags)

2 1/4 cups sugar (divided)

1/4 cup Brandy

Rinse CRANBERRIES and take out the ones that don't look good.  Place CRANBERRIES in a 9x13" baking dish.

Sprinkle with 2 cups of sugar.  Bake at 350 for 30 minutes stirring occasionally.  Remove from oven.  Stir in the Brandy and 1/4 cup of sugar.  Refrigerate until serving.

Note.....I know it is a lot of sugar...but good! 😃

NEXT INGREDIENT ..... GARLIC 

[bluetail fly]

@walker  in response to a recipe using garlic.

In all my cooking years I have learned to sort recipes into three major groups.  

Can be improved by adding

Beer or wine,

Chocolate, or

Garlic

Sometimes they may overlap.

Years ago I stayed a month with a Chinese family.  They kept a small bowl of fresh garlic cloves on the table the way many people here keep salt and pepper on the table.  Not a bad idea.

I don't want this post to preclude the next poster from adding a garlic laden recipe.  I love it and would love to hear how others use it.

[butterfly123]

Garlic Lovers Pasta

1/2 lb penne pasta
1/4 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
3-4 cloves garlic, finely minced
3 tablespoons green peas (frozen is ok)
2-3 green scallions
3-4 fresh basil leaves, chiffonaded (stack leaves on top of each other, roll and snip or cut into strips)
1/2 cup parmesan, finely shredded
salt
pepper

Cook pasta as directed. In large bowl combine buttermilk, mayonnaise, garlic and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. When pasta is done cooking, drain well and add to white sauce and toss well. Add parmesan cheese (you can grate it directly into the pasta at this point, using the punch holes on a box grater or pre-grated cheese.) Toss in green onions, basil and adjust for salt and pepper. Add some more of the lemon juice if you like, it brings some zing to all of the ingredients!

Next Ingredient: Poster’s Choice 

[house_cat]

RECIPE FOR A STRESS FREE HOLIDAY SEASON

source:  daveramseyblog

1. Make a to-do list. 

And check it twice too. That’s what the pros like Santa do. Maybe you have a mental list of everything you need to do and when you need to do it. But it helps to have a written list or calendar to see the big picture. If your shopping needs to be done by a certain date, write that down. If your neighbors have a yearly bash on the second Saturday of December, write that down.

The point of this is to see everything in one place so you can get an idea of what’s happening and when. Don’t like how it’s looking? Reorganize your calendar and your to-do list to reflect the Christmas you want to have this year.

2. Avoid too many commitments. 

Most likely, your December schedule is sure to include party invitations out the chimney. But you don’t have to do everything on your calendar. You are in control! Remember, you can’t be everywhere at the same time. You can only attend so many family dinners, drive so far, and give so much. Just like your money, you have limits with your time.

Be honest and reasonable about what you can handle, and speak up if it’s too much to juggle. Instead of going to five Christmas gatherings, pick one or two. You don’t want to burn out before Christmas Day even gets here! Prioritize your family’s time and only commit to what you want to do. It’s all about quality, not quantity. 

Don’t let too many commitments throw your daily routine out of whack. Stick to your rituals and try to keep as much of your normal routine in place as you can during the scattered schedule of the Christmas season. If your average day starts with getting up, pouring yourself a cup of coffee, and reading the newspaper, don’t skip that. Having some normalcy can help keep you calm and focused on the day ahead. Plus, it’s a great way to stay level-headed . . . especially if your house is filled to the brim with guests for the holidays.

3. Don’t wait until the last minute. 

Delaying something until the last minute is rarely a good idea. Christmas shopping is the perfect example of that! A lot of people wait until halfway through December and then dash to the malls in a panic to buy gifts. But the good news is, you’re starting early! Aren’t you feeling more relaxed already? You probably just added five years to your life!

Trying to do all your Christmas shopping or cooking in one weekend can push you over the edge. Instead, keep it simple! It might be easier to shop for one or two people on your list each day. The idea here is to have fun buying gifts for others and not make it feel like a chore.

Make a Christmas bucket list and fill it with fun and festive things to do throughout the season. That way, you’re making Nana’s Christmas cookie recipe at the beginning of the month instead of trying to cram it in on Christmas Eve. You can even freeze cookie dough ahead of time and pull it out when you’re ready to bake. Spacing things out during the season can help you stay in the Christmas spirit and keep the holiday stress low!

4. Make a Christmas budget.

 It can help you stay on track to meet your goals this Christmas.

5. Decorate like a minimalist.

We all like to be just as festive as the next guy. No one wants to be a Grinch. But don’t feel like you have to put up a Christmas tree in every room of your house. This isn’t Whoville.

Instead of decorating the entire house, keep it simple by decorating the tree and the mantel. Focus on your main living spaces where your family gathers most often. Take some of the pressure off yourself and ignore the urge to create a winter wonderland inside (or outside) your home this year.

6. Don’t spend all your time on social media.

Stay away from the comparison trap, especially at Christmastime. Hide your eyes from the perfectly curated Instagram feeds and the DIY rabbit hole of Pinterest.

Don’t waste this joyous time of year apologizing to your friends and family because you didn’t bake every item from scratch or create an elaborate story each day for that pesky Elf on the Shelf! Ramsey Personality Rachel Cruze Rachel says, “I’ve come to realize that when we start comparing ourselves to other people, we’re playing a game we’ll never win.”

7. Get rid of clutter before Christmas. 

It’s out with the old and in with the new. No one wants to feel like their house is a cluttered mess with new gifts piled on top of old ones. So get rid of the clutter before Christmas gets here. For every new toy that you know the kids will open on Christmas morning, get rid of two. Make your kids a part of it so they know they’re donating their well-loved toys to others. 

This is also a great time to sort through and organize your clothes, garage and kitchen (even those ratty Christmas decorations in the attic you’re still clinging to). Sell or donate the stuff you know you don’t use anymore, or wrap some of it up for gag gift exchanges.

8. Don’t shop at peak times.

Shop early, shop early, shop early. Since you started saving for Christmas early, you can shop early too. You’ll never have to worry about inventory being too low and having to stoop to tug of war with another desperate parent over the last Turbo Man action figure. Phew! You won’t have to worry about price gouging on popular items either.

If you can swing it, do a babysitting swap with a couple you know. They’ll watch your kids for a few hours and you can return the favor and watch their kids for a few hours when they need to go out. Everyone wins! You and your spouse can have a free evening together to go shopping—kid-free! Make the welcome escape a little date night for the two of you too. Grab some peppermint mochas and go Christmas shopping. You both deserve some one-on-one time. 

 There’s nothing wrong with that! Plus, being able to see the item prices in your cart can help keep you from overspending. And you’ll probably save a bundle with all those coupon codes offered online: win-win! On top of that, you’ll have plenty of time for things to arrive at your front doorstep—no paying $45 for overnight shipping for you!

9. Ask friends or family for help.

Some stuff just has to be done. You can’t get rid of everything on the list. But if you start feeling the pressure, consider enlisting some friends or family to help you out.
Maybe that’s trading off with a fellow parent to cart your kids to and from Christmas pageant rehearsals, paying your niece or nephew to wrap all your presents (well, the ones that aren’t theirs), or picking up store-bought cheesecake for your Christmas potluck at work. Whatever it is, just make sure it’s in your budget, and get ready to feel the holiday stress melt away.

10. Avoid family conflict.

Okay, we know this one is tricky to navigate, especially around the holidays, but stick with us here. We all have family members who push our buttons: Aunt Betsy, in-laws, Granny Gertrude—whoever! Instead of going to the family event and trying to master the fine art of not stepping on egg shells the entire night, how about just avoiding certain topics and removing yourself from the conversation if things go south? 

Believe it or not, it can be done. You don’t have to subject yourself or your family to a heated argument you don’t want to be in—boundaries, you know? 

11. Host a potluck.

Just because it’s Christmastime, that doesn’t mean you have to stress yourself out making a full-on feast for the masses. Scale things back and reduce your stress level with a potluck dinner! Trust us. It isn’t as cringeworthy as it might sound. Have each one of your guests bring their favorite side dish or family recipe to the meal. Then all you have to worry about preparing is the turkey (or ham . . . or fish . . . or partridge in a pear tree.) 

12. Don’t overeat.

Yes, it’s true: You can have too much of a good thing. Stressed spelled backward is desserts. If you cut back on all the holiday stress, then maybe your waistline will thank you too. You can still indulge in the sweet stuff. Just don’t go overboard. At least try to eat a little better than Buddy the Elf’s diet of candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup.

And don’t forget about exercise! It can help keep the Christmas pounds off and lower your holiday stress level. If you can’t make time to get to the gym, make time to move. Take the stairs at work. Get up every hour or so and take a lap around the office. Lift small weights while you’re on the phone or watching television. You can even bundle up and go on your own Christmas lights walking tour. Maybe your exercise is just combining your Christmas shopping with walking in the mall. Anything is better than nothing!

13. Stay healthy.

Being sick at Christmastime is the absolute worst, so do what you can to avoid it! If you wash your hands, stay hydrated, and avoid sick people, you can make it through cold and flu season safe and sound. P.S. Hand sanitizer is your best friend. Also, don’t burn the candle at both ends by staying up late and getting up early. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep this season. 

Remember, stress can zap your immune system and make you more prone to catching those gnarly bugs. Keep the stress down and your spirits up by staying healthy this season.

14. Make time for downtime.

Keep your peace and quiet, and you’ll keep your sanity. It really doesn’t matter what part of the day it is—the early morning hours or the evening when the kids are asleep. Just make time to enjoy the things you love. Read a book. Do a Christmas devotional or Advent plan. Catch up on your favorite Netflix shows. Or dive into one of those cheesy (but you can’t look away) Hallmark Christmas movies. 

15. Remember what the Christmas season is about.

Christmastime is meant to be filled with joy, merriment and thankfulness. Carve out time with family and friends to reconnect with one another. You want to actually remember Christmas this year, right? The idea is to be intentional. Don’t let the month go by in a total blur.

Slow down and think about what you really want to do this season. Don’t get so caught up in the hustle and bustle that you forget to enjoy the people you’re doing all this for. By starting early, you’ll be able to have a merry—and much less stressful—Christmas!

I'm doing pretty well, though I'm having a great deal of trouble with #4 and #11.

Next ingredient:  Eggnog

[GenXmuse]

Eggnog French Toast

added by Julia Ferguson

Tasty winter breakfast comfort food. Great for Thanksgiving or Christmas Breakfast. I first had Eggnog French Toast when my husband and I took a trip to Florida at Thanksgiving. We ate at a little restaurant in Reddington Beach called The Frog Pond. They had the best breakfast and they weren't stingy with the servings, everything on the menu was good and it was always way more than I could eat.

Cook time: 20 Min  Prep time: 5 Min  Serves: 3-6

Ingredients

1 1/2 - 2 c eggnog

2 - 3 eggs

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp sugar (I use Splenda)

1 tsp rum or brandy extract

1 tsp orange zest

thick slices of French or Italian bread, English Muffin bread is good too.

butter and or oil, for cooking the French toast

Directions

1. In med-large bowl beat eggs; add cinnamon, sugar, extract and orange zest and mix together. Add eggnog and mix thoroughly.

2. Heat griddle or skillet over med-high heat. When hot add butter and or oil.

3. Dip bread slices in eggnog mixture coating both sides.

4. Place dipped bread slices on hot griddle and cook until golden brown.

5. Turn to cook the second side until golden.

6. Serve with butter, syrup, powdered sugar or your favorite topping.

Last Step: Don't forget to share!
Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!

 Next Ingredient: RICOTTA

[butterfly123]

Blueberry Ricotta Cake

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Cake Cooling: 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the Blueberry Ricotta Cake:

• 4 large eggs room temperature
• 2/3 cup granulated suga
• 8 Tbsp unsalted butter melted (not hot)
• 15 oz ricotta cheese (about 2 cups)
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 Tbsp lemon zest from 1 large lemon
• 8 oz blueberries (1 1/2 cups) rinsed and dried

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed

Instructions

How to Make Ricotta Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350˚F. Grease a 9” springform pan and line the bottom with a ring of parchment. Whisk together flour, salt and baking powder and set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together eggs and sugar on high speed for 2 minutes until frothy.

3. Blend in melted butter until smooth. Add 15 oz ricotta, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1 Tbsp lemon zest and beat on medium speed for 1 minute or just until blended.

4. Add flour mixture and beat on low speed just until incorporated. Pour batter into prepared pan and sprinkle 1 1/2 cups blueberries evenly over the top.

5. Bake in the center of oven at 350˚F for 60-65 min or until edges are lightly browned and cake appears set. It will still have a slight jiggle in the center. Remove from oven and cool 20 minutes in the pan then transfer to a cake platter. Once cake is on the cake platter, you should be apple to easily slide out the parchment from under the cake.

How to Make Lemon Glaze:

1. In a small bowl or measuring cup, stir together powdered sugar and lemon juice, adding more juice or powdered sugar to thin or thicken the glaze to desired consistency. Drizzle over warm cake and serve.

   Next Ingredient: Poster’s Choice

[house_cat]

Omg! You guys are killin' me with these delicious looking recipes!

Next ingredient: Poster's Choice