Chicken Gumbo of Sorts

I needed something simple to make for dinner, Christmas is almost here and still so much to be done. Thank goodness for beans and chicken.

Chicken Gumbo of sorts

In a food processor grind up 2 chicken breasts slightly frozen until minced. I your favorite stock pot over medium heat add 2 T. Olive Oil and minced Chicken, sauté until outside is cooked. Fill pot half way with water, 1 box Zatarans Red Bean and Rice, salt and pepper to taste, 1 can creamed corn, 1/2 c. Barley, 1/2 c. Lentils, 2 T. Garlic salt, 2 T. Onion powder, and 1 T. Chicken base. Cook over low heat until beans and rice are tender.

Enjoy a delicious bowl of soup and have a Merry Christmas.

The Lunch Lady :)

Baby Shower Cake Pops

I made these for my Daughter's Baby Shower. They were a big hit!

To make the cake pops I used a boxed chocolate cake mix, bake as directed, cool and mix with 1/2 can chocolate frosting. Use an ice cream scoop and place on parchment paper, roll each ball until smooth. Dip lollipop stick into meted chocolate and press into cake ball. Freeze until slightly hardened. Dip in your favorite chocolate and decorate.

I also made pumpkin pops using a yellow cake mix, use 1/2 the amount of water and 1/2 the amount of oil and 1 c. Pumpkin 3 T. Pumpkin pie spice and 1 t. cinnamon. Bake as directed, cool, crumble and add 1/2 can cream cheese frosting.

Enjoy!!!!

The Lunch Lady :)

Mushroom and Rosemary Risotto

We wanted something easy and comforting for lunch. Voila!!!!! Here is a simply delicious dish to share with loved ones.

My recipe for Mushroom and Rosemary Risotto:

In a large skillet over medium low heat, add 1 c. Risotto rice, 1 t. chicken base, and 2 c. water, simmer about 20 minutes, stir and add 1/3 c. water continue to cook. In another skillet add 1 T. olive oil and sauté 1/2 lb. mushrooms (sliced), 10 sprigs asparagus (chopped) and 1/4 onion ( chopped) until caramelized. Add to risotto, add 1 sprig rosemary leaves (chopped), salt and pepper to taste, and finish by adding enough heavy cream to make creamy. Stir well, plate and serve.

The Lunch Lady :)

Chicken Cabbage Vegetable Soup

The perfect pot of soup for this cold weather. 

Recipe for Chicken Cabbage Vegetable Soup is as follows:

Fill a large pot 1/3 way with water and heat over medium. Add 1/2 cabbage head shredded, 2 c. Diced chicken, 1 pkg. mixed veggies, 1/2 c. Dried minced onions, cook until cabbage is wilted about 15 minutes, add 1 c. Salsa, 1T. Chicken base, 1 t. garlic powder, 1 t. oregano, 1 t. chili powder, 1 t. dried cilantro, 1/4 c. soy sauce, and salt and pepper to Tate. Heat through and serve. Enjoy!!!!!!

The Lunch Lady :)

Pammie's Cajun Meatball Soup

Since I have been sick for the past 3 days, I decided I needed a pot of soup to help make me feel better. This soup recipe is a combination of a few different flavors I really like, such as my grandma's Jewish chicken & rice soup, jambalaya, and Italian wedding soup. I hope you try this, it looks and tastes yummy!

In a large stock pot add 6 quarts of water  over a medium high heat, bring to a boil and add 1 can chopped tomatoes, 3 chicken bouillon cubes, 1 can chopped jalapeños, 1 box zatarans dirty rice and 1/2 lb. homemade baby meatballs. Lower heat to simmer, add 1 bag of chopped spinach, salt and pepper to taste. Simmer until meatballs and rice are cooked through. Enjoy!

If you would like more flavor add some fresh chopped garlic, 1/2 lb. cooked shrimp, 2 T. hot sauce, and 1 can creamed corn.

I hope you enjoy this soup as the weather gets colder. Snuggle up with a bowl of soup, blanket and a good movie.

The Lunch Lady :)

Pammie's Sunday Pasta

This no fuss dish will allow you to enjoy  an easy, comforting, relaxing Sunday with family and friends.

The recipe for my pasta dish is as follows:

In a large skillet brown 1 lb. sausage, 1 lb. mushrooms and 1 bunch chopped asparagus, cook until browned. While browning in another pot cook 1/2 box of your favorite pasta, drain add to sausage mixture add 1/2 c. heavy cream 1 T. chopped garlic, and 1/2 c. Parmesan cheese. Heat until cheese starts to melt.

The Lunch Lady :)

Pammie's Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

As fall is getting closer, i think of pumpkins  and am reminded of my love for pumpkin bread. I made up this recipe today and decided to create a family favorite, Whoopie pies. They are easy, delicious and a treat for all. Enjoy!

My recipe for Pammie's Pumpkin Whoopie Pies:

In a large bowl mix together a small can of pumpkin, 2 eggs, 1 c. brown sugar, 1 t. baking soda, 1 t. baking powder, 1 t. salt, 2 c. flour, 2 t. pumpkin pie spice, 2 t. vanilla, mix well and place into greased muffin tins. Makes 12 muffins/cupcakes. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes. Cool and slice in half.

In a bowl combine 1/2 stick crisco, 2 t. vanilla, 1 t. butter, 1/4 c. water and enough powdered sugar to create a creamy frosting. Spread between muffin layers. Place on a beautiful plate and serve. 

 The Lunch Lady :)

Pammie's Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

I have never found the perfect banana bread recipe until I made this one up today. It is moist and delicious. Great for an afternoon snack. Hope you try the recipe.

Pammie's Chocolate Chip Banana Bread recipe is as follows:

In a large bowl add 8 small bananas, 1&1/4 c. dark brown sugar, mix until creamy, add 1/2 c. oil, 2 eggs and mix; add 2&1/4 c. flour, 1 box instant vanilla pudding, 1 t. vanilla, 1 t. baking soda, 1 t. baking powder, 1 t. salt, mix together and stir in 1 pkg dark chocolate chips. Pour into 2 greased loaf pans, bake in a 350 degree oven for about 35-40 minutes or until chopstick comes out clean. 

Serve warm with a glass of milk.

Serving options. Crumble cake and press into ball shape, freeze and dip into melted white chocolate, roll in crushed vanilla wafers. Great treat to serve for the holidays. 

Enjoy!

The Lunch Lady :)

Homemade Chocolate Cupcakes

I made these cupcakes for a friend's birthday tonight. They were so yummy and pretty. 

Recipe for Homemade Chocolate Cupcakes:

Mix together 2 sticks softened butter and 3 c. sugar, add 4 eggs and beat until fluffy. Add the following and mix until smooth; 3 c. flour, 1 T. baking soda, 1/2 t. salt, 3/4 c. cocoa powder, 1 1/2 c. hot coffee, 1 box instant vanilla pudding, 4 oz. applesauce, and 1 1/4 c. light sour cream. Pour into greased muffin tins and bake in a 350 degree oven for 18-22 minutes. Cool and frost with the following ganache recipe.

Recipe for ganache:

In a large glass bowl add a bag of peeled Hershey kisses, pour over 3/4 c. heavy cream and 1/4 c. hot coffee, stir until mixture is smooth, cool, add 1 container marscapone cheese and 1 c. smooth peanut butter. Place into a plastic bag, put in fridge until mixture is cold. Pipe into cupcakes and sprinkle with gold decorating sugar.

Enjoy! Not only are these cupcakes pretty, but they are delicious.

The Lunch Lady :)

Saturday Brunch

Saturday morning in our house is slow and quiet. I usually try and making something hearty for us to eat by mid-morning. Today I made an old favorite. I hope you try it.

My recipe is as follows:

Open Face Turkey Sandwich

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On a cookie sheet place 4 slices of bread or English muffins, top with sliced turkey, garden fresh sliced tomatoes and top with homemade cheese sauce, see recipe below. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Broil until cheese sauce is golden. Enjoy!

Homemade Cheese Sauce Recipe:

In a saucepan over a medium heat place 2 T butter, melt and add 2 T flour, stir well add enough milk to thin slightly, add 2 pieces American cheese, 2 pieces Swiss cheese and 2 T Parmesan cheese, add salt and pepper to taste. 

When you remove sandwich from oven top with an over easy egg or dunky egg as my husband calls them.

I hope your family enjoys this recipe as much as mine does.

The Lunch Lady :)

Beef Stroganoff w/ a Twist

I hope you try this different version of an old classic. 

My recipe is as follows:

Cook 1 pkg of egg noodles, drain and set aside.

In a large skillet brown, 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion, and 1 pkg mushrooms, add the following over low heat: 4 chopped tomatoes, 6 chopped basil leaves, 1 sprig chopped rosemary, 4 oz ricotta, 4 oz sour cream, salt ad pepper to taste, 1 squeeze of ketchup, 1 dash of steak sauce, and 1 t minced garlic, heat for 5 minutes. Add noodles and stir. Serve in a bowl and top with shredded cheese is you prefer.

The Lunch Lady :)

Berrygood Lowfat Muffins

Today I made some delicious lowfat muffins. I hope you try this recipe.

My recipe is as follows:

In a large bowl add 2 1/4 c all purpose flour, 1/2 c brown sugar, 2 small containers applesauce, 2 eggs, 1 t baking soda, 1 t baking powder, 1 t salt and 1/2 pkg frozen mixed berries. Mix well and top with streusel topping.

Recipe for streusel topping:

In a bowl combine 1/2 c brown sugar, 1 c oatmeal, 1 t pumpkin pie spice, and 3 t softened butter. Mix until crumbled, sprinkle over muffins before baking.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

The Lunch Lady :)

Pancakes with Berry Sauce

My husband just got back from Canada where wild blueberries were in abundance, so I decided blueberry pancakes with homemade berry sauce should be on the menu for breakfast. Delicious!

My recipe for Homemade Berry Sauce is as follows:

In a small saucepan add blackberries, blackberries and 1/2 c. sugar, cook over low heat until berries break down, use a whisk to break up berries, allow to cool slightly, while you cook your favorite pancakes. 

I made blueberry pancakes and poured the sauce over. They were delicious. Hope you try them.

The Lunch Lady :)

Potato Soup

Making a pot of soup is one of the easiest ways to stretch your food budget, and it is delicious. I think you will enjoy trying this recipe.

The recipe for my Potato Soup is as follows:

In a large stock pot over med heat add 2 T. olive oil, then add 1 large chopped sweet onion, 2 stalks of chopped celery, 1 c. chopped carrots, salt and pepper. Cook until tender. add 1/4 c. flour and stir well. add 4c. chicken stock and 1 c. heavy whipping cream, and simmer. In another large skillet over medium heat cook 1/2 lb. bacon until crisp.remove bacon and drain on a paper towel. Pour grease in a bowl. Add 2 T. back to skillet and heat over medium high heat, add 8 diced small white potatoes and 1 sweet potato, diced. Add 1 T. garlic salt, 1 T. paprika, 1T. Black pepper, 1T. Italian seasonings, cook until potatoes are fork tender. Add cook potatoes to soup, add 2 c. corn,  1 c. shredded cheddar cheese. Season as you desire. Heat, stir and serve..

To plate, ladle soup into bowl, top with crumbled bacon and chopped chives.

I hope you enjoy trying this recipe.

The Lunch Lady :)

Pammie's Chicken Lo Mein

This dish was so easy to make and very versatile. Because it is homemade you can control the sodium much better than take out. I hope you try this recipe.

My recipe for Pammie's Chicken Lo Mein is as follows:

In a large saucepan add 2 T. olive oil, 1 sliced onion and 1 chicken breast, sliced, cook until lightly browned and onions are caramelized. Add 1 head of broccoli florets, 1/2 c. carrot slices, 1/2 c. corn, 1/2 c. peas. Cook until tender. 

In a small bowl mix the sauce together as follows:

1/2 c. soy sauce, 1 T. orange marmalade, 1 T. minced garlic, 1/2 t. crushed red pepper flakes, 2 T. cornstarch, and salt and pepper to taste. Add 1/4 c. water. Mix well and add to vegetable mixture until thickened. Then add 3 c. cooked spaghetti. Mix well and serve.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I did tonight for dinner.

The Lunch Lady :)

Stuffed Breakfast Mushrooms

This morning for breakfast I made some yummy stuffed mushrooms. They could be served anytime. I hope you try them.

Items needed:  1/3 lb. bacon,  1 pkg. stuffing mushrooms, remove the stem, 1 pkg. chopped spinach, thawed and drained, 2 eggs & 3 T. heavy cream mixed, 4 T. Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to taste.

In a large skillet cook bacon, remove bacon to plate, drain grease and save. Add mushrooms and 2 T. grease to skillet, heat over medium,  brown on both sides. Add a little crumbled bacon inside each mushroom cap, top with a little chopped spinach, pour egg mixture over mushrooms, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Cover with lid and cook until egg is set. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place mushrooms on a platter, chop egg mixture and sprinkle remaining eggs over mushrooms and serve. 

These were most delicious!

The Lunch Lady :)

Pammie's Pasta

Summer is a time to relax, take it easy, and have fun. While doing all that, cooking should be easy. Try my pasta dish, nothing fancy, yet delicious.

Recipe for Pammie's Pasta is as follows:

Pammie's Pasta

Cook your favorite pasta. In a large skillet add 3 T olive oil and lightly brown 1 c. sliced chicken, add 1 c. sliced mushrooms, 1 T. sliced green onions, 1/4 c. sliced  sundried tomatoes, 1/2 c. peas, add 1T. Italian seasonings, 1t. garlic powder, 1t. onion powder, 1 t. paprika, toss together, place on large platter and top with Parmesan cheese.

I hope you enjoy this as much as I do.

The Lunch Lady :)

Veggie Friendly Dinner

 I am still down in Florida helping my mother recuperate, making dinner needs to be simple, so I made some of my favorite simple veggies for dinner. Try it I think you will like it.

Just sauté some asparagus in butter until browned add salt and pepper to taste. Heat some red cabbage, one of my childhood favorites. Boil some red potatoes sliced in half, cook until tender, drain. Add some butter, sour cream, salt/pepper and chopped fresh chives.

Enjoy!

The Lunch Lady :)

Pammie's Summer Salad

During my time in Florida I have been making quite a few salads, use your imagination and create your own delicious masterpiece.

On a large platter place a head of chopped romaine. Top with French fried onions, 1 sliced apple, 2 hard boiled eggs, 1 can garbanzo beans, 1/4 c. crumbled feta cheese, 3 slices cheddar cheese cubed, and sliced medium rare steak, top with creamy blue cheese dressing.

Hope you enjoy sharing with your special someone.

The Lunch Lady :)

Pammie's Friday Fruit Salad

I have been in Florida visiting my mother and enjoying some delicious fresh produce. Tonight for her Temple dinner I made a delicious fruit salad enjoyed by all. I hope you will try it as well.

The recipe for Pammie's Friday Fruit Salad is as follows:

Pammie's Friday Fruit Salad

In a large bowl combine the following fruits cut into small diced pieces; 2 apples, 1 cantaloupe, 1 seedless watermelon, 1 pint blackberries, 4 peeled peaches, 1 pint strawberries, 1 red pepper, 1 yellow pepper, 1 green pepper, juice of 2 fresh picked limes, salt and pepper to taste. Mix well, cover and place in fridge until ready to serve.

Everyone loved the crunch and flavor of the peppers. 

The Lunch Lady :)

Chocolate Delight

After a yummy dinner of grilled turkey cutlets, potatoes and cranberry sauce....we needed some delicious dessert. I had a box of white cake mix and a little imagination. I hope you enjoy trying my chocolate delight.

My recipe for Chocolate Delight is as follows:

In a large bowl combine white cake mix contents, 1 small snack size of apple sauce, 1/2 c. olive oil, 3 eggs, 1/2 c. cocoa powder and 1 c. water. Mix well and bake until center is set. 

Cool and cut into circles. Place on a small plate, top with Nutella and drizzle with melted peanut butter. Top with sliced strawberry and add blackberries a desired. 

For extra creaminess add some cool whip or fresh made whipped cream.

Serve and enjoy!

The Lunch Lady :)

Jay's Rotisserie Roast

My husband made the most delicious roast on the grill for Memorial Day. It was easy and perfect to share with friends and family.

My recipe for Jay's Rotisserie Roast is as follows:

Buy a 4-5 lb. roast and cover with a rub combination on 2 T each of garlic salt, crazy pepper, crazy salt, crushed black pepper. Place the roast on a spit and cook at 450 degrees for 20 minutes, adjust the heat on your grill to 350, place an aluminum pan under the roast and cook an additional 45 minutes until internal temp is 110 degrees, remove from heat and allow to rest for another 20 minutes. Baste with marinade every 15 minutes while cooking.

Marinade Recipe:

In a saucepan add 1 bottle of beer, 1 bottle of soy sauce, 1 stick of butter and 1 T. black pepper. Heat until butter melts, keep warm on the grill while cooking the roast.

Slice roast into thin pieces, drizzle remaining meat drippings over meat and serve with sliced red potatoes w/ butter & chives, sautéed mushrooms and grilled asparagus. Finish off your meal with a homemade s'mores. A perfect way to spend the evening with your special someone. Delicious!!!!!!!

The Lunch Lady :)

Memorial Day Deliciousness

A day at home always inspires me to some time in the kitchen. Today I made some Zeppole, yummy. These were not hard to make, serve warm.

Zeppole

My recipe for Zeppole is as follows:

In a saucepan melt 1 stick of butter, 4 T. butter, 3/4 t. salt and 1 c. water, bring to a boil; remove from the heat and add 1 c. flour and stir until creamy. Remove from heat and add 4 eggs, beat until mixture is smooth.

In a large pot add 1 bottle of canola oil and heat to 365 degrees. Drop batter into oil with a small ice cream scoop, cook until lightly browned on all sides. Remove to a paper towel and dust with cinnamon sugar, plain sugar or powdered sugar. Heat a can of frosting until melted and serve on the side as a dipping sauce. 

So yummy and addicting.

Enjoy!!!!

The Lunch Lady :)

Berry French Toast

French toast is always a favorite for breakfast, this morning I used challah bread and made an easy triple berry topping.

Berry French Toast

Slice a few pieces of challah an set aside, in a bowl mix together 3 eggs, 3/4 c milk, 1 T cinnamon and sugar. Dip bread in mixture and place in skillet over medium eat with 2 T butter. Cook until golden brown.

In a small bowl add some triple jelly jelly and heat in the microwave and heat until liquidy.

On a platter place your bread and pour syrup over the top.

Enjoy for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

The Lunch Lady :)

Greek Fried Rice

Crazy name? Well I had leftover fried rice from take out and needed to make something for dinner to go along with my steak from last night. This rice combination sounded good in my head and the taste was delicious.

Greek Fried Rice

In a skillet over medium heat add 2 T butter and heat until melted. Add box of leftover fried rice and 10 sliced cherry tomatoes with 2 T water and stir, cook until tomatoes are tender. Add 1/4 crumbled feta cheese and 2 T half and half. Season with pepper and stir until cheese begins to melt. Serve along with leftover steak and sautéed asparagus.

The Lunch Lady :)

My favorite dinner

While my mother is resting I made my favorite thing for dinner, steak, with sautéed mushrooms and asparagus. Delicious!

Steak, Mushrooms and Asparagus

In a large medium hot skillet place your seasoned ribeye, cook until seared on both sides in 2 T. butter, lower heat and add asparagus and cook until tender. In another saucepan sauté 1 lb. of mushrooms until browned. Cover steak and allow steak to simmer over low heat for 2 more min. I cook my steak to a medium well.

Serve on a beautiful plate along with some soft hunky bread.

This meal was delicious.

The Lunch Lady :)

Florida Salad

While down in Florida caring for my Mother, I made a simple salad with Spanakopita for dinner the other. It was pure deliciousness.

Simple Salad & Spanakopita

In a large bowl combine fresh torn romaine leaves, 1 can black olives, 1 can green olives, 1 can mandarin oranges, 1c. crumbled feta cheese, your favorite Italian dressing.

For a main entree salad add some fresh Florida grilled shrimp.

Serve with your favorite Spanakopita

My recipe is as follows:
Roll our 3 sheets of thawed phyllo dough, in a bowl combine 1 box thawed, drained spinach, 1 container feta, 1/4 c. chopped onion, salt and pepper to taste, 3 T. Olive oil, mix well. Place a large spoonful at the end of the strip and fold and roll in a triangle. Brush with olive oil. Bake at 375 for 20 minutes until golden brown.

The Lunch Lady :)

Chicken & Wild Rice Casserole

This recipe is perfect for dinner parties or unexpected company. Nothing fancy needed, but oh so yummy.

The recipe for Chicken & Wild Rice Casserole is as follows:

Chicken & Wild Rice Casserole

In a large bowl combine 4 c. Cooked chicken, 1 box cooked wild rice, 1 can sliced water chestnuts, 2 cans sliced green beans, 2 c. French Fried onion rings, 2 cans cream of chicken soup and 1 c. Light mayo. Top with a layer of french fried onions. Mix well and pour into greased 9x13 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 min.

I hope you try this recipe, it is one of my favorites.

The Lunch Lady :)

Sensational Salad

You might be wondering where I have been....no worries, all is well and I am back. Life has been so busy, no matter what I am making room for the things I love, cooking to be one of them. The recipe I am posting today is a sensational salad and very satisfying. Try it, I am sure you too will enjoy it.

The recipe for my Sensational Salad is as follows:

Sensational Salad

In a small bowl combine 3/4 c. light olive oil, 1/3 c. red wine vinegar or lemon juice, 1/4 c. honey, 1 T. dried oregano, 1 T. garlic powder, 1 t. salt and 1 t. black pepper. Mix well and toss salad with this dressing.

For some other dressing options, you can add 1/4 c. low sugar jam or jelly, or 1/4 c. mustard, or a squeeze or orange juice.

Salad Mix is as follows:

On a beautiful platter add 4 c. mixed greens, 1 c. blue cheese or feta, 1 small can mandarin oranges, 1 sliced cucumber, 1 pint cherry tomatoes, 1 handful shredded carrots, and  1/2 c. sunflower seeds.

To make a dinner salad add 2 c. sliced grill chicken, beef or salmon.

Mix with dressing and top with your favorite croutons.

Enjoy!

The Lunch Lady :)

Pammie's Brussel Sprout Sauté

What to do with a picky eater who does not like the flavor of a Brussel Sprout? Try anything, add flavors try like, be patient, and try, try again. This recipe just might win them over.

My recipe for Pammie's Brussel Sprout Sauté is as follows:

Pammie's Brussel Sprout Sauté

In a large sauté pan melt 2 T butter over medium heat, add 1 chopped onion, 12 fresh sprouts cut in half and 1/4 water, cover and sauté until liquid is almost gone, remove lid add 1/4 lb chopped bacon, salt and pepper to taste, a little water, add lid and allow to steam, cook until sprout is tender, add water as needed. Add 1 handful of raisins, dates and craisins. Cook until softened. Mix well and serve.

Good luck !

The Lunch Lady:)

Hockey Time Saturday Salad

Today is a great cold day to stay in and watch hockey. Therefore, we need something to eat for lunch. How about a delicious hearty salad.

The recipe for my Hockey Time Saturday Salad is as follows:

Hockey Time Saturday Salad

In a large skillet add 2 T. Butter and heat over medium heat. When butter is melted add 2 ribeye steaks, cook 4 min on each side, remove from heat. Allow to rest and slice.

On a plate or platter add a bed of romaine lettuce, top with sliced steak, cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, green olives, and blue cheese or feta.

For added flavor sprinkle with a handful of raisins, dates and craisins.

Top with homemade dressing:

1 c. Olive oil, 1/3 c white vinegar, 1/4 c honey, 1 T low sugar strawberry jam, 2 T. Dijon mustard, salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and drizzle over salad.

Enjoy this yummy salad!

The Lunch Lady :)

Tater Tot Soup

What to do when your freezer is broken and you have limited product to work with.....make a pot of soup using what you have, HA. Well today was one of those days. I made a pot of Tater Tot Soup. It was different, nice flavor, might be worth trying for your family.

My recipe for Tater Tot Soup is as follows:

Tater Tot Soup

In a large stock pot add a bag of frozen tater tots, 1 bag shredded carrots, 2 t. chicken base, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 c. dried minced onion, 1 T. garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste, cover with water and heat until tots are tender, before serving add 8 slices of american cheese. Before serving sprinkle with crumbled bacon and chopped chives.

*add more water or milk if soup is too thick.

Serve with a salad and bread. Enjoy!

The Lunch Lady :)

Chicken Chili

Soup of the day is Chicken Chili. It was a big hit at school today. Perfect for a cold, snowy day. Enjoy!

The recipe for Chicken Chili is as follows:

Chicken Chili

In a large stock pot add 4 quarts of water, heat over medium heat; add 2 T. chicken base, 3 c. diced, cooked chicken, 2 c. corn, 3 c. white canned beans, 2 T. cumin, 2 T chili powder, 2 T onion powder, 2 t salt, 2 t pepper, 1/2. brown sugar, 3 c. diced tomatoes and 2 T cilantro. Allow to simmer 20 minutes. Serve with chips and cheese.

This soup is simple to make and very satisfying. Enjoy!

The Lunch Lady :)

Creamy Cauliflower Soup

I made this soup at school today for our staff, they seemed to enjoy it as the crock pot was empty. It is a comforting, flavorful soup. No fuss, forget about it recipe.

The recipe for Creamy Cauliflower Soup is as follows:

Creamy Cauliflower Soup

In a large stock pot add 4 quarts of water and heat over medium heat, add 2 T chicken base, 1 head cauliflower (cut into pieces), 1 c. shredded carrots, 2 c. corn, 2 c.  leftover chicken (diced), 1 can of  black beans or kidney beans, turn heat to low summer and add 1 T cumin, 1 T garlic powder, 1 T Italian seasoning, 1 T salt , 1 T pepper and 8 slices of American cheese. Heat through.

*If you want it thicker use an immersion blender and puree until creamy.
*If you want it thinner add some water or milk before serving.

Serve with some French bread and a salad.

Extra spice wanted add 1 can chopped jalapeños and 1 c salsa.

Enjoy trying this yummy soup.

The Lunch Lady :)

Grilled London Broil w/ Grilled Veggies

Grilling out makes any day perfect....even a cold, gray winter day. I am sure you will enjoy this tasty dish.

The recipe for London Broil and Veggies:

Marinate a piece of London broil in your favorite marinade for about 2 hours. Cook on the grill until medium rare, slice and serve with grilled veggies.

Grilled Veggie Recipe:

Slice 1 red pepper, 1 sliced onion and 1 pkg. mushrooms, add to a large sauté pan and cook until caramelized. Serve over sliced London Broil.

I served this London Broil with rice, peas and grilled veggies.

Enjoy trying this recipe.

The Lunch Lady ;)

Chicken Soup with a Kick

Today I made a pot of Chicken Soup, nothing boring, very easy with a little something extra. I am sure you will want to try it too. Enjoy making this soup and sharing it with your family.

My recipe for Chicken Soup with a Kick is as follows:

Chicken Soup with a Kick

In a large stock pot add 3 quarts of Water, 3c.of Diced, Cooked Chicken, 1 bag of Mixed Vegetables, 1c. Dried Minced Onions, 2c. Salsa, 1T. Italian Seasonings, Salt and Pepper to taste, 2T. Chicken Base and simmer until onions are tender.

If soup is too thick add some extra water.

Serve with a salad and some french bread.

The Lunch Lady :)

Yummy Steak Salad

One of my favorite things to eat is a Steak Salad. I think you too will enjoy this recipe.

My recipe for Yummy Steak Salad

Yummy Steak Salad

On a platter place a bed of romaine lettuce chopped, add a sliced medium rare ribeye steak, 1 pkg. chopped mushrooms, 1/2 lb. bacon cooked and crumbled, 1 c. crumbled bleu cheese, 1 small can mandarin oranges (drained), 1 small sliced red onion and your favorite croutons.
Top with your favorite dressing.
My favorite dressing is as follows:
1/2 c. olive oil, 1/3 c. red wine vinegar, 1/4 c. honey, 1 T. oregano, 1 t. garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and drizzle over salad.

I hope you enjoy this salad. Perfect fr any meal. Enjoy!

The Lunch Lady :)

Grandma's Chicken Soup with a Southwestern Twist

My grandma made the best homemade Chicken Soup, for years I have used her recipe. It is an easy recipe to follow and add items to make it even better than first thought. Have fun trying new ideas.

My recipe for Grandma's Chicken Soup with a Southwestern Twist:

Grandma's Chicken Soup with a Southwestern Twist

In a large pot add 2 leftover rotisserie chicken carcasses barely cover with water, add 1 onion cut into pieces, 4 carrots cut into pieces, 4 celery stalks cut in half, cover and cook over a slow simmer for 4 hours. Drain broth and bones, add broth back to pot, add chicken pieces, heat over simmer. While cooking add 1 box of zatarans black bean and rice mix, 1 bag of corn, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 can of jalepenos and salt and pepper to taste. Cook until rice is cooked.

Serve with a loaf of french bread and salad. This soup freezes very well.

The Lunch Lady :)

Steakhouse Salad

Yummy! I made a delicious salad today that I think you will want to try.

The recipe for my Steakhouse Salad:

Steakhouse Salad

In a large bowl combine 1 bag of chopped romaine, 6 pieces crumbled, cooked bacon, 1 red onion sliced, 10 cherry tomatoes, 1 c. Crumbled blue cheese, 1 can mandarin oranges. Add dressing and mix.

Dressing:

In a bowl combine 1 c. Olive oil, 1/4. Red wine vinegar, 1/4 honey, 2 t. mustard, 1 t . garlic powder, 1 t. basil, 1 t. black pepper, 1 t. salt. Mix well and combine with salad.

Serve with your favorite meal and enjoy.

The Lunch Lady :)

Loaded Potato Soup

Today I made some Loaded Potato Soup for our staff and they loved it. Simple recipe to follow and full of flavor to enjoy.

The recipe for Loaded Potato Soup is as follows:

Loaded Potato Soup

In a stock pot add 10 diced potatoes with the peel on and 1 pkg. shredded carrots and cover with water. Cook until tender. Add 1 late can cream of mushroom soup, 8 pieces of American cheese, 10 pieces of cooked bacon (crumbled), salt and pepper to taste, 1 t. Garlic powder, 1 t. Onion powder, 1t. Italian seasonings. Cook until cheese is melted and serve. Enjoy with some hot bread and a salad.

The Lunch Lady :)

Pasta la Pammie

Needed something easy, comforting ad delicious. Everything for this recipe was in my fridge and pantry. I think you will enjoy making it too.

The recipe for Pasta la Pammie is as follow:

Pasta la Pammie

In a large skillet sauté 2 onions in 2 T. butter until soft and caramelized.

Cook1/2 box pasta until al dente.

In another skillet cook 2 ribeyes lightly seasoned until medium, set aside and slice.

Heat skillet that had the steaks in it over medium heat, add 1 can corn, 1 can black beans, 1/2 can chopped jalapeños, 1/3 stick cream cheese, 1/4 c. heavy cream cook until cheese melts. Add steak, cooked onions, pasta and salt and pepper to taste.

Mix well and serve long side your favorite salad an bread.

The Lunch Lady :)