Lentil and Butternut Squash Soup

I adapted this recipe slightly from this blog acouplecooks.com. I love how the butternut squash cubes cook down a little and add creaminess to the broth. My boys enjoy this soup also.-Sarah

2 T. olive oil
4 garlic cloves
3 carrots
1 onion
1 med. butternut squash, peeled and cubed
8 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups lentils
1 bunch kale, washed and roughly chopped
1 t. oregano
1 t. thyme
salt and pepper

• In a large pot heat olive oil. Add onion and garlic. Cook a minute until onion starts to soften. Add carrot and squash. Cook and stir a few minutes until onion is cooked.
• Add remaining ingredients and bring to simmer. Cook about 30 minutes until veggies are done.

Turkey Rub

This is my friend Shannon's recipe. She has used it for years and always gotten rave reviews. I finally tried it and can't believe it took me so long, this made an amazing turkey.-Sarah

2 T. rubbed sage
1 T. salt
2-3 t. pepper
2 t. curry powder
2 t. garlic powder
2 t. celery seed
2 t. parsley
1 t. paprika
1/2 t. ground mustard
1/4 t. allspice
3 bay leaves, crumbled

14-16# turkey

• Mix all of spices together to create rub.
• To season turkey rub with spice mixture. Use half on the inside cavity and half on the skin.
• Cover with foil and bake at 325 degrees about 2 1/2 hours. Remove foil and brown skin. 

Puppy Chow

When I was going to make this one day I couldn't believe we didn't have the recipe on the blog! I know it's all over the internet and now called Chex Muddy Buddies but when I was a teenager it was called puppy chow and it's still as easy to make and delicious as it was waaaaay back then!-Sarah

9 cups Chex cereal
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup butter
1 t. vanilla
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

• In a microwave safe bowl, microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter for 1 min. Stir and microwave 30 more seconds until mixture is smooth and easy to pour. Stir in vanilla. 
• Place Chex in bag or large bowl. Pour mixture over and shake or still until cereal is covered. 
• Add powdered sugar and shake or stir until mixture is covered in powdered sugar. 

Warm Bean Dip

My whole family fell in love with this dip the very first time I made it. I then made it again and again because it never disappointed wherever I brought it. I love that it's incredibly easy to make, has only a few ingredients, and everyone loves it! I originally found it through pinterest and the credit goes to life-as-a-lofthouse.blogspot.-Sarah

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
2, 16 oz cans refried beans
1 pkt. taco seasoning
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded monterery jack cheese

• Beat cream cheese until smooth, add sour cream, beans and seasoning. Mix until well combined. 
• Spread mixture into a greased 9x13 pan. 
• Sprinkle cheese over top.
• Bake at 350 degrees 25-30 minutes until heated through.
• Serve with tortilla chips.

Dynasty Corn Pudding

Apparently this recipe is from Linda Evans, a famous actress from the Dynasty t.v. show. I don't really know anything about her or the show but I know this is an awesome recipe! My dad made it for a Christmas dinner a few years ago and I've made it a few times since. It is really delicious and my family agrees.-Sarah

2, 15 oz cans of corn drained or 3 cups fresh corn kernels
1 stick butter, melted
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream
8 oz. pepper jack cheese or Monterey jack cheese, cubed
4 oz can chilies, rough chopped or chopped green chilies (I like the bigger pieces in this)
1/2 cup cornmeal
1/2 t. salt
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

• In a blender puree 1 cup of corn, butter and eggs until smooth.
• In a large bowl combine remaining ingredients (except Parmesan). Stir in blended mixture until combined. 
• Pour into a greased 2 qt. baking dish and top with Parmesan. 
• Bake at 350 degrees 30 minutes.

Hot Cocoa Mix

I love a great cup of hot chocolate! It doesn't even have to be that cold out, it just needs to be really delicious hot chocolate. I love having a homemade mix on hand, and the instant pudding really gives it a creamy texture. I found this in a Taste of Home magazine and it's well worth the extra time to make up a batch.-Sarah

2 3/4 cups dry milk powder

2 cups powdered creamer

1 1/4 cups powdered sugar

3/4 cup baking cocoa

1 small pkg instant chocolate pudding

Mix all together and store in airtight container.

*I've found this mix works best when added to hot milk.

Tomato Cream Sauce Pasta Bake

I found a similar recipe on a blog and had to make my own version. There are so many ways this could be changed, as long as the base stays the same. You must try the pasta with this delicious sauce! We loved it and I can't wait to make it again soon. -Sarah

creamy Alfredo sauce:
1/2 cup butter
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 t. garlic powder
2 cups half and half
6 oz shredded Parmesan (or grated works too)

Melt butter in saucepan, whisk in cream cheese and garlic powder until smooth. Slowly add remaining ingredients and cook over low heat until combined and heated through.

1 recipe creamy Alfredo sauce
1 24 oz. jar spaghetti sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella
3 cups cooked, cubed chicken
16 oz. penne pasta, cooked
1 cup Parmesan cheese

• After making the Alfredo sauce add the spaghetti sauce and stir well to combine.
• Stir in mozzarella, chicken and pasta. Pour into a greased 9x13 pan and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. 
• Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees about 30 minutes until heated through.