Oven Fried Chicken with Almonds

Maggie, my daughter suggested that I post this recipe because she makes it frequently. 

1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped almonds
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 garlic clove minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Pinch of black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2 inch thickness and cut into 12 pieces

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 

In medium bowl, combine the bread crumbs, cheese, almonds, parsley, garlic, salt, thyme, and pepper.  Mix thoroughly.

Place the oil in a shallow dish.  Dip chicken first in the oil, then dredge in bread crumb mixture to coat. Place chicken in a shallow baking pan.

Bake for 25 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted in the center of a piece registers 170 degrees. 

Makes 6 servings.

Chicken Noodle Soup

It is cold and snowy here, so what would taste better than some hot soup.  This uses canned chicken broth so it is quick, but it will taste fresher than just a can of soup.

3-4 cooked chicken breasts cut into small pieces

4 cups canned chicken broth

1 cup chopped carrot

1 cup chopped celery

1 cup chopped onion

8 ounces of uncooked noodles or pasta

Put chicken, broth and vegetables in a  large pot, bring to a boil then turn down to low and simmer for about 45 minutes until the vegetables are tender.  Bring back to boil and add noodles or pasta and cook until finished according to the directions on the package. Add salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

Soft Caramels

Sorry I have been a little slow on my posts lately  -  I have been busy preparing for our annual Christmas Party and this is a recipe I make every year.  It came from my mother in law and they are a scrumptious candy to share  You do need a thermometer to make sure they get to the right temperature and patience to wait for them to cook!

½ pound butter

1 pound light brown sugar

1 cup light karo syrup

1 16 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk

Melt butter in heavy saucepan over medium high heat.  Add brown sugar and stir until it dissolves.  Add karo syrup and sweetened condensed milk.  Stir constantly until candy reaches 238 degrees on a candy thermometer.

Pour on greased cookie sheet and cool.  Cut into one inch squares and wrap in wax paper.  Store in the refrigerator.

Cheese Puffs

This would make a nice little snack on a snowy day.  It is so simple that it only has three ingredients.

1/4 pound softened butter
8 ounces of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup of flour

Mix all ingredients with hands and roll into one inch balls.  Bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 425 degrees for ten minutes.

Enjoy!

Praline Sweet Potatoes

Here is another way you could contribute to your family's Thanksgiving dinner.  It is a different recipe for sweet potatoes that is really delicious.  And, I know you can do it because my daughter made it for her apartment's Thanksgiving dinner last week before she came home.

4 medium sweet potatoes (1 1/2 pounds)
1/2 to 3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup evaporated milk
2 beaten eggs
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoons butter, cooled slightly
1/4 cup chopped pecans

Wash and peel potatoes cut into quarters.  Cook in boiling water for 25 to 30 minutes or until tender, drain well.

Grease 8x8x2 inch baking dish.  In a large mixing bowl beat sweet potatoes on a low speed until smooth.  Beat in sugar, butter and salt until well combined.  Add eggs and milk, beat until just combined and spread in baking dish.

For topping: In a small mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, flour and one tablespoon melted butter.  Stir in pecans.  Sprinkle topping over potato mixture.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Fresh Cranberry Sauce

I challenge you to make this instead of opening a can of cranberries this Thanksgiving.  It is really easy and
you cannot beat the fresh flavor.

1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 12 ounce bag fresh cranberries

Bring water and sugar to boil in medium saucepan.  Add cranberries and return to a boil.  Reduce heat and boil gently for ten minutes, stirring occasionally.  Pour sauce into a bowl and cover and refigerate until cool. 
Makes 2 1/4 cups

Best Ever Butter Cookies

This recipe came from my mother in law and they are really the best ever.

1 cup butter (2 sticks)
1 cup sugar
2 egg yolks
2 cups of flour
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt

Cream butter and sugar with electric mixer. Add eggs and mix well.  Add remaining ingredients and mix until combined.

Break off small pieces and roll into one inch balls  Place on greased cookie sheet and make a small indentation in the center of each one.  Fill with your favorite jam or jelly.  We like apicot, cherry or raspberry.  Bake at 350 degrees for 15 - 20 minutes.