Applesauce Berry Jell-O

This has become a family favorite. I got the recipe from my sister in law Anna and I've given it to many people who all love it too. I think the cranberry flavor makes it perfect for the Holidays. -Sarah

6 oz strawberry Jell-O
2 cups boiling water
16 oz can cranberry sauce, mashed up
1 3/4 cups chunky applesauce

• Dissolve Jell-O in hot water, add cranberry sauce and applesauce. Mix well.
• Pour into a greased 6 cup mold or serving bowl. 
• Cover and refrigerate over night. 

Overnight Steel Cut Oatmeal

I adapted this recipe from one I found online. I worked on it until it was just how I wanted it. I love having this waiting for me to eat in the morning. The leftovers reheat well too. -Sarah

1 cup steel cut oats
4 cups water
1 t. salt
1/2 cup half and half (or cream)
1 cup dried cranberries

• Combine all ingredients in a crock pot and cook on low about 8 hours. 
• serve with additional dried cranberries, sliced almonds, cinnamon, or whatever your favorite oatmeal toppings are. 

Shredded Beef Sandwich Meat

I got this recipe from a friend and it's so good. I serve the meat on sub buns with provolone cheese and sauteed onions. -Sarah

chuck roast
1 pkg. dry Italian salad dressing
1 pkg. dry onion soup

• Place roast in crock pot. Sprinkle with seasonings on both sides.
• Add a little water to the crock pot and cook on low 8 hours until tender. 
• Shred meat and add back to juices. 

Caramel Truffles

                                                         

I found this recipe on the Taste of Home website and I'm glad I tried it out. These were easy to make and everyone likes them. They would be a great addition to your Christmas trays. -Sarah

26 caramels
1 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup whipping cream
1 1/3 cup chocolate chips
1 T. shortening

• Line an 8x8 pan with plastic wrap and spray lightly with cooking spray. 
• Microwave the caramels, 1 cup chocolate chips and cream. One minute and stir, 1 minute longer and stir again. Continue stirring every 15 seconds until mixture is completely smooth. 
• Spread into prepared pan and refrigerate 1 hour or until firm.
• Cut cooled mixture into 30 pieces and roll into a ball. Refrigerate again until firm. 
• In another bowl microwave chocolate chips and shortening (or use melting chocolates) until completely melted and smooth. 
• Dip balls in melted chocolate and decorate with sprinkles if desired. 

Toffee Pecan Cookies

My sister made these delicious cookies on our Christmas cookie baking day. They are so buttery and yummy. I'm excited to add another great cookie recipe to the blog! -Sarah

1 1/2 cups softened butter

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 t. vanilla 

3 cups flour

1/4 t. salt

1/2 cup chopped pecans 

2/3 cup toffee bits 

• Beat butter, sugar, brown sugar and vanilla on medium until light and fluffy. 
• With mixer on low beat in flour and salt until blended. Stir in pecans and toffee bits. 
• Shape dough into 2 logs and wrap in plastic wrap, refrigerate at least 3 hours. 
• Slice and bake at 325 degrees 12-14 minutes. 

My Favorite Way to Bake Chicken

I have been following this method for years to make really great, moist and flavorful chicken breasts. The secret is the high temperature!  -Kristin

Chicken breasts (that will fit in one pan with room in between them)
Olive oil
Kosher salt
Black Pepper
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Dried Oregano
Paprika

• Preheat oven to 450.
• Drizzle olive oil on the pan.
• Place chicken on the oil and flip once to get oil on both sides.
• Sprinkle with the seasonings as desired.  Flip and do both sides.
• Bake uncovered for 10 minutes, flip and drizzle with a bit more olive oil if needed.
• Bake for 10 minutes more and check the thickest part by piercing the thickest part with a fork (or a slit with a knife) and see if the juices run clear.  If they are not clear continue to bake until they are.  ***Baking time will need adjust depending on the size of the chicken breasts.  
• When finished cooking remove from oven and cover tightly with foil for 5-8 minutes.

Low Carb Pizza Crust

This is so good!  My whole family loves this recipe.  Our favorite topping for this is cooked Italian Sausage.  -Kristin

8 ounce softened cream cheese

2 beaten eggs

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

salt and pepper

1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Top with pizza sauce (recipe on blog), mozzarella cheese and whatever pizza toppings you like.

• Beat the cream cheese.
• Add the rest of ingredients except sauce and toppings and beat until smooth.
• Spread in a greased 9x13 dish.
• Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.
• Let it rest 5-10 minutes.
• Add the sauce, cheese and toppings and bake until done.