Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls

I got this recipe from my mom years ago. She got it from a friend that owned a small diner in Louisiana. I remember them being good, but apparently I forgot just how good they are! After years of this recipe sitting in my files, I finally made them for my family and they are so incredibly good! They are moist and full of flavor. These are my new go to cinnamon roll recipe. I hope you enjoy them as much as we did!

Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls

2 ½ c water

2 pkgs. Yeast

1 yellow cake mix 

6+ cups flour, (add to reach the right texture,  dough will be sticky)

Oil and eggs that cake mix calls for

Filling:

Softened Butter

Cinnamon

Brown Sugar

(raisins & nuts optional)

Mix first 5 ingredients and let rise like other cinnamon roll recipes. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, 1 - 1 1/2 hours.

Punch down dough and let rest for 5 minutes. Roll dough out on floured surface into a rectangle. 

Brush softened butter over dough.  Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon over dough. Roll up dough and pinch edge together to seal.

Cut the roll into slices.

Arrange in greased baking pans and let rise again. Bake 15 – 20 minutes at 350*. Let cool and drizzle with frosting. (I used home made cream cheese frosting)

You can also make these into orange rolls by filling them with butter, sugar and orange zest, then frosting them with an orange glaze frosting! GO here for the instructions on orange rolls and for a recipe on butter cream glaze.

Texas Cowboy Salsa (aka Cowboy Caviar)

My mom shared this yummy recipe with me at a family reunion. It is another great summer recipe, although I also served it at a New Year's Eve party and it was a  total hit. It kind of reminds me of a bean salad with the marinade, but way better! My kids often ask me to make this because they like it so much. Be aware that this makes a large batch which is perfect for a group, it's delicious! 

Texas Cowboy Salsa

1 can each-drain and rinse

  Pinto beans

  Northern beans

  Black beans

  Black eyed peas

  Kidney beans

  White kidney beans

  Corn

Chop fine-

   1 c green pepper

   1 c celery

   1 onion

2 cans diced green chilies

Mix all together in a container with a tight lid.

I use a large flat one so it covers better to marinate.

Depending on the amount of beans used, you will need to make

½ more or double the marinate.

In a saucepan bring to a boil:

   1 cup oil

   1 cup sugar

   1 tsp water

    ¾ c white vinegar

    1 tsp salt

     ½ tsp pepper

Let marinade cool, and  then stir in with bean mixture. 

Let marinate for 24 hours before serving for best flavor. 

Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy!

Tabbouleh

Well, I've been "missing" for a while. We decided to sell our home and move to a new home. It all went very well and I'm finally back to sharing recipes again!

Here is an amazing recipe that I am excited to share with you. I got from my sweet friend Holly after she brought it to a summer picnic. It is refreshing and full of flavor. I am not normally a big fan of Tabbouleh that you get from a deli because I really don't care for parsley. But, this recipe uses flat leaf Italian parsley and not nearly as much as you see in those deli recipes. I think this is divine. My family can just sit and eat this for a meal and be happy. I hope you enjoy this too. It's a great refreshing summer salad. 

Tabbouleh

1 1/2 cup bulgar wheat
1 medium onion, diced
1/2 bunch green onions, diced (both green and white parts)
1 1/2 cup Italian/flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
3/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup olive oil
1 2-oz package pine nuts
1/2 cup feta cheese
 2+ tomatoes, chopped
1 teaspoon salt freshly ground pepper

Directions:
1. put bulgar wheat in a bowl and cover with water. Let soak for 1 hour
2. Drain bulgar, if necessary you can use cheesecloth to squeeze out excess liquid 
3. Add all non-liquid ingredients to a big bowl and toss together 
4. Add liquid; adjust amounts to achieve correct moistness. (It should be a little juicy, but not soupy)
5. Serve with cut pita bread

Fresh Summer Corn Salad

I made this for a church picnic today and had a lot of compliments. This was a yummy refreshing salad! Thanks to Jen from Tatertos and Jello for sharing this great recipe on her blog!

Fresh Summer Corn Salad ( from Tatertots and Jello)

8 ears sweet corn OR 4 cups of frozen corn.
1 large red pepper, chopped
1 red onion, minced
3 large tomatoes, chopped, or 25 mini tomatoes, cut in half
1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
1/3 cup lime juice
1/3cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

1. Cut the fresh corn off the cob or add the frozen corn to the pot and steam for 3 to 5 minutes in 1/4 cup water.
2. Remove lid and cook, stirring, 2 minutes more or until water evaporates.
3. Toss the corn with all other ingredients and chill.

**Be sure not to overcook the corn.

Makes about 6 cups.

Mulligatawny Soup

My husband came home from work one day telling me about this great soup he had a lunch. The name was familiar, I remembered seeing it one one of my favorite recipe blogs. So, with a few clicks of a mouse, I found it! Thank you Melanie from Mel's Kitchen Cafe! This soup was incredibly good! Of course we love a good curry. This was a bit spicy, it may have been the brand of curry that I used which seems to be spicier than what I usually buy. So, you might want to start with less, and you can always add more. I added a little sugar, a full apple and half and half instead of cream. My family loved this! We ate it with some store bought Naan bread warmed in the oven. Melanie has a recipe for homemade Naan that I can't wait to make!

Mulligatawny Soup adapted from Mel's Kitchen Cafe

*Note: this recipe makes use of already cooked rice and chicken so plan accordingly!

*Serves 6-8

1 tablespoon olive oil
½ onion, chopped
1 cup chopped carrots, about 3 large carrots, peeled
1 cup thinly chopped celery, about 3 stalks
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons curry powder or 1 tablespoon hot curry powder
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 Granny Smith or other tart apple, cored, peeled and chopped
2 cups cooked rice, white or brown
2 cups cooked, diced or shredded chicken, (about 2 chicken breasts)
1 teaspoon salt
1 Tbs brown sugar
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups half and half (or 1 cup cream)

In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat until hot. Add the onion, carrots and celery, and cook, stirring often, until they are slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the flour and curry and cook for one minute, stirring constantly. Slowly whisk in the broth until well combined and bring the soup to a simmer. Cook at a low simmer, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes. Add the chopped apple, rice, chicken, salt, thyme, and pepper. Simmer 8-10 minutes longer, stirring every now and then to prevent sticking, until the vegetables are tender. Add the half & half and warm the soup through.

Amish Whoopie Pies

These soft morsles of goodness are so incredibly good! Almost like a giant soft oreo. I first had them years ago when visiting my cousins. My mom made sure to get the recipe and make them for us. My aunt made them for a Christmas family dinner so I had to quick take some pictures so I could share the recipe with you!

Amish Whoopie Pies
1 1/2 c Crisco
3 c sugar
1 Tbs soda
1 1/2 c buttermilk
1 1/2 c hot water
3 eggs
1 c cocoa
1 Tbs vanilla
1 Tbs salt
6 c flour

Mix well. Bake on generously greased cookie sheets. Dough will be soft so spread dough in a circle to bake. Bake for 8 min. Carefully place on counter to cool.

Filling:
Beat with electric mixer till fluffy
3 c Crisco (Crisco works best)
6 egg whites
2 Tbs vanilla
4 Tbs milk
6 c powdered sugar

Carefully spread filling on bottom side of each cookie. then top with a second cookie to make a sandwich. keep individual cookie sandwiches in small sandwich bags
these are like homemade hostess ding dongs!

Other option for filling using marshmallow fluffWhoopie Pie Filling:
Some people prefer just using the Marshmallow Fluff right out of the jar and not making the below filling. Your choice.

1 cup solid vegetable shortening*
1 1/2 cups powdered (confectioner's) sugar
2 cups Marshmallow Fluff**
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

* Butter may be substituted for all or part of the vegetable shortening, although traditional Whoopie Pies are made with vegetable shortening only

** Marshmallow Creme may be substituted.

In a medium bow, beat together shortening, sugar, and Marshmallow fluff; stir in vanilla extract until well blended.

Perfectly Wonderful Cinnamon Rolls (& Orange Rolls)

We made four batches of these on Christmas Eve and delivered them to friends and let me tell you, they were delicous! I got the recipe from The Sister's Cafe and it's a keeper! The key is to not over bake them. They are just barely golden when they are done. So, don't let them get too browned. The recipe comes with a buttercream glaze but I made mine with a homemade cream cheese frosting. I also made an orange roll variation which I will post at the bottom. These were a great treat to have Christmas morning!

Cinnamon Rolls - from The Sister's Cafe
2 c. milk
2 cubes butter (1 cup)
2 pkg yeast (4 ½ tsp)
1/3 c. warm water
1 1/3 c. sugar
1 tsp salt
4 beaten large eggs
8 c. flour
Filling: 1 square softened butter & cinnamon(lots) & sugar

Heat milk and 2 cubes of butter together until butter is melted. Cool and set aside. Mix yeast and warm water; let stand 5 minutes. Add cooled milk, 1 1/3 c. sugar, 1 tsp salt, 4 beaten eggs. Add 4 c. flour and mix and gradually add 4 additional cups flour. Dough should be firm but sticky. Cover with cloth and put in a warm place, and raise 1 ½ to 2 hours. Dough should nearly be doubled in size. Divide dough in half and empty onto floured surface and knead a little. Roll dough into rectangle, about ½ inch thick. To this half of dough, spread on ½ cube of softened butter, completely covering dough. Then sprinkle a coating of sugar over entire piece of dough. Then a layer of cinnamon. Be generous with the cinnamon; this is what makes it tasty. Roll into long roll, pinch edges together and slice with dental floss. Place on a cookie sheet covered with a silpt or parchment paper. Do same thing to second half of dough. Cover with a clean dishtowel (or saran wrap sprayed with cooking spray) and put in warm place, free of drafts, for 2 to 5 hours to raise--just depends-but the should be double in size. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes or until barely browned. Remove from oven and let set for 5 minutes. Drizzle with glaze while still warm. Makes 3-4 dozen.

Butter Cream Glaze:
1 cube softened butter (1/2 cup)
1 tsp vanilla
dash of salt
dash of cream of tarter
1 1/2 lbs powdered sugar
scalded milk or cream

Add all together...adding milk a little at a time, alternately with the powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached. For cinnamon rolls, it needs to be a little thinner than regular icing.

We also made the orange rolls with the same dough recipe. Be generous with the orange glaze when rolls are done.

Orange Rolls

Also from the Sister's Cafe

Make dough recipe above as for cinnamon rolls but instead of the cinnamon/brown sugar filling use this orange filling.

Filling:
1/2 cup softened butter
1 cup sugar
2 T. freshly squeezed orange juice
Grated orange rind from two large oranges

Mix together and spread on dough as you would the brown sugar and cinnamon for cinnamon rolls. Roll up and make like the cinnamon rolls.

Orange Glaze:
Mix together;
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
3 T. freshly squeezed orange juice
½ tsp. grated orange rind.

Spread over cooled orange rolls

Mango Salsa

My sister shared this recipe with me years ago while having chicken tacos at her house. It was so yummy and refreshing on the tacos! I usually put it on my pork tacos but it is great straight with tortilla chips too. If you like mangos, you'll love this fresh salsa!

Mango Salsa

2-3 mangos, peeled and cubed
2 avocados cubed
1 cucumber, cubed
2-3 Tbs lime juice
1 green onion diced
chopped cilantro
½ jalapeno diced (*roasted or raw- if raw, remove seeds)

Stir together and serve fresh with chips or on pork,chicken,or shrimp tacos. would also be good on baked fish!

*Roasting a jalapeno... My sister also taught me how to roast a jalepeno to help release the flavor when making salsas. First you put the jalapeno(s) in a dry hot fry pan or grill. Turn it occasionally to get the grill marks all the way around. You will hear it pop and sizzle and it will soften up a bit. Then comes the magic... Pop the hot jalepeno(s) in a ziplock bag and seal it right up so that the jalepeno(s) can sweat. This releases the oils and adds flavor and cuts down on the heat. If you want to keep it mild, you can still remove the seeds. Once it has cooled, cut it up for your favorite salsa or dish.

Baked French Toast

This has become a favorite breakfast treat at our house. My mom first made it for us when we were visiting and my son asks for it when ever Grandma is in town. the recipe says to make it with a loaf of french bread but we have also made it with a loaf of homemade white bread with great results. I like to eat it with a little milk poured over the top!

Baked French Toast

In a saucepan, heat together the following ingredients until it bubbles, and then set aside;

1 c up brown sugar

1 stick ( 1/2 c) butter or margarine

2 Tbs white corn syrup

1 tsp cinnamon

In a bowl mix together;

5 beaten eggs

1 1/2 cups milk

1 tsp sugar

Generously grease or spray a 9x13 pan

Layer bottom with 1 diced loaf of french bread. (or homemade bread)

Drizzle brown sugar mixture over the top

Sprinkle with nuts if desired.

Pour egg mixture over the top

Press bread pieces into the egg mixture. You can refrigerate over night or bake right away.

Bake at 350* for 35 min. or til golden brown.

No need for syrup as it is already baked right in!

Dilly Pretzles

I first had these a few years ago while doing a candle party and fell in love with them. The hostess was happy to share the recipe with me and I'm so glad she did. These are so yummy and easy to make!

Dilly Pretzles
12 oz Orville Redenbacher popcorn oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
2 TBSP dill weed
1 envelope Hidden Valley Original Salad Dressing Mix
2 - 15/16 oz bags mini pretzels

Directions
Whisk all ingredients except pretzels and pour over pretzels. Place them in a 2 gallon zip loc bag or another very large plastic bag and shake to coat the pretzles.
Toss/shake the pretzles every 15-20 minutes for a couple of hours or until oil is absorbed. Similar recipes say to bake in a 300*oven and stir every 10 min. But this recipe does not require that so I don't.

Guacamole Salsa

I came across this recipe on yummy blog Frosted Bake Shop. The kids weren't' quite sure of it because of the tang of the tomatillos but my husband and I loved it. We had it on chicken tacos and the next day I used it to top my taco soup and boy, that was good! It is also good with tortilla chips as a snack, with burritos or any thing else that you would put salsa on. Enjoy!

Guacamole Salsa - from Frosted Bake Shop

1 lb. tomatillos (or more if you want it thinner)
1 jalapeno pepper, cut up (remove the seeds for less spice or add more if you like it spicy)
1/3 bunch cilantro
1 thick slice of onion
1 garlic clove
1 avocado
1 tsp. salt

Directions:
Peel the husks off and wash the tomatillos. Cut them into quarters and put in the blender. Add the jalapeno, cilantro, onion, garlic, avocado & salt. Be sure to put the tomatillos in the bottom of the blender and not the avocado so it doesn't stick to the blade. You might have to help it start by shaking or using a mixer at first. But, once it gets going the juice from the tomatillos will help move the other ingredients around. That is it!
The recipe says that it lasts for about a week in the fridge. It does thicken up in the fridge, so if you want it thinner grab a couple more tomatillos to mix in again. So easy and so good!!

Loose Meat Sandwiches

My mom is visiting from out of town and shared this delicious recipe with me. I had no idea what to expect when she told me the ingredients because we are not fans of yellow mustard, but I was pleasantly surprised! These sandwiches are so yummy! I don't know that I will ever go back to a regular Sloppy Joe again. These are sweet and tangy and it is hard to stop eating them!

Traditionally these are eaten with mustard and dill pickles, we had them with coleslaw and that was a great combination. I'll have to try them with pickles next time.

Loose Meat Sandwiches adapted from food.com

2 lbs lean hamburger meat

1 extra large sweet onion, chopped

1/4 cup yellow mustard

1/4 cup vinegar (we prefer apple cider vinegar)

1/4 cup sugar

Seasoning salt

Directions:

Sprinkle seasoning salt in bottom of skillet and throw in chopped onion and hamburger meat. Fry up the meat and onion while chopping up the meat to make it small like for Sloppy Joes. Drain off any fat. Aadd mustard, vinegar and sugar. Heat it through till sugar is dissolved. IF you want a little more tang add just 1-2 tablespoons more vinegar to your liking. Serve on your favorite hamburger bun toasted.

7-Up Biscuits

Oh My! These biscuits are incredibly good and so easy to make! They are moist and fluffy and oh, so yummy. They were even good the next day. I will be making these babies on a regular basis. 7 Up Biscuits from Plain Chicken

2 cups Bisquick
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup 7-up
1/4 cup melted butter

Cut sour cream into biscuit mix, add 7-Up. Makes a very soft dough.

Sprinkle additional biscuit mix on board or table and pat dough out into the same size/shape as the pan you are going to bake them in. Cut biscuts into squares.

Melt 1/4 cup butter and pour in a 9 inch square pan. Place cut biscuits in pan, they will be touching, and bake at 450 degrees until golden brown (approx 15 minutes).

Note: I usually double this recipe and bake in a 9x13 pan as shown in the picture.