Buttermilk Pancakes

I know this is probably something everybody already knows how to make, but I'm putting it up because when I was first married and trying to learn how to cook, I was horrible at pancakes (and everything else). I had no idea how to cook them and they always came out yucky. So...here's to hoping someone else out there is like me and will benefit from this.

First off, here's your ingredient list. (Don't freak out about not having the buttermilk. I'll explain that later...) This amount makes us about 6 pancakes and should take no more then 10 minutes to make.

Before you start doing anything else. Preheat your stovetop, and pan, to med-low heat. This part is essential to having quick, easy to turn pancakes. (Learned this the hard way.)
Whisk together your beaten egg and buttermilk. If you don't have buttermilk (and who does?) take 1 cup of milk and add about 1 T. lemon juice. Let it sit for about a minute. It will curdle the milk, thus making buttermilk.)

Add in rest of ingredients and whisk until pretty smooth.
Spray pan with cooking spray then pour about 1/4 c. of batter onto preheated pan.

You will know the pancake is ready to turn (and won't fall apart when you attempt to flip it) when it starts to form a bunch of bubbles on the top. (Don't know if you can see it very well in this picture but there are a bunch of bubbles on top.) Once the bubbles form, flip the pancake over and let cook 2-3 minutes more.

Top with fruit, syrup, whipped cream, etc.

And enjoy!

Stuffed Franks

Here's another recipe that adults and kids will enjoy...

Ingredients:

*hot dogs/sausages

*mashed potatoes

*shredded cheese

(Any variety of the above can be used. Ex: for kids I use plain hot dogs, for adults I use brats and flavored potatoes)

Directions:

*Boil franks until heated through. Slice them length-wise, but not all the way through. Place the franks on a baking sheet (lined with foil for easy clean up).

*Spoon the potatoes onto the center of the franks.

*Put cheese on top of the potatoes.

*Broil until cheese is melted.

Broccoli Chicken Casserole

I got this recipe out of Feb/Mar 2007 Taste of Home's

Light & Tasty.

It's become one of our favorite meals!

And bonus! Its healthy!!

Ingredients:

* 2 1/2 Cups uncooked yolk-free noodles

* 2 1/2 Cups cubed cooked chicken breast

* 1 package (10 ounces) frozen broccoli florets, thawed

* 1 Small onion, chopped (optional)

* 1 Can (10 3/4 ounces) reduced- fat reduced- sodium condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted

* 1/2 Cup fat-free milk

* 1/2 Cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

* 1 Teaspoon dried basil

* 1/4 Teaspoon salt

* 1/8 Teaspoon pepper

Cook noodles according to package directions; drain and place in a large bowl.

. Add the cooked chicken, broccoli and onion.

Mix together.

In a small bowl, combine the soup, milk, cheese, basil, salt and pepper.

.

Pour over chicken mixture and stir until combined.

Transfer to a 2-qt baking dish coated with non stick cooking spray.

Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until bubbly.

Enjoy!!

Homemade Oreos

This is one of my husband's favorite treats that his sister makes. I had never tried them before he decided to surprise me one day by making them. Now i'm hooked. Simple, yummy and of course chocolate......3 of my requirements to a favorite desert!

Cookies:
1 pkg devil's food cake mix
2 eggs
3/4 cup margarine or shortening

mix well and roll into small balls. Place on cookie sheet as whole balls (do now smash down) bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.
Allow to cool completely before frosting or the frosting will melt all over.

Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup  margarine
powder sugar (to taste)
1 tsp. vanilla
Mix all ingredients. If frosting is still really runny put in fridge to firm up.

I was also given the tip to just buy a container or pre-made betty crocker cream cheese frosting instead of making frosting from scratch. I tried that and personally, I like the homemade taste better but both ways work great!

Enjoy!