Chicken N Dumplins

*This is another one of those recipes where everyone's grandma makes the best. However, since mine didn't make this one, I was forced to try and refine the many variations of this recipe to find the one we like the best. So, for any of you whose grandmothers failed to pass down their legendary recipe, this one's for you...

2 cups cooked chicken, chopped

20oz. chicken stock
1 can chicken broth
1 Tbl. poultry seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
3 carrot sticks, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped

1 can chicken gravy

1 can Pillsbury biscuits

Combine first 8 ingredients in pot on stove top and simmer on med-high heat for 15 minutes. While that is simmering, cut pillsbury biscuits in fifths, place on greased pan, and cook at 350 for 5 minutes. They will not be completely cooked. Add the can of chicken gravy and simmer another 10 minutes. Place the biscuits in the pot and simmer another 10 minutes.

*Note: the bread pictured is Wal-mart's 9 grain loaf of bread found in the bakery section and is so so good.

Chicken Stuffing Casserole

*Another good recipe from Kristen- she's such a good wife and cook! I think this recipe was originally found on the back of the stuffing box, but its definitely worth trying, especially when you're in a hurry or want a no-fuss meal. The picture doesn't do it justice.

2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
1 can of Cream of Chicken Soup
1 can of Water
1 box of Chicken Stuffing

Mix the chicken, cream of chicken soup and the 1 can of water together and pour in 9x9 pan. Make the Chicken Stuffing according to the directions on the box, then spread the stuffing on the top of the chicken mixture in the dish. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

*If you like, you can add a bag of mixed frozen vegetables to the casserole. Just blend in with chicken mixture and top with stuffing.

Puppy Chow - just in time for Christmas!

*This is a fun party snack or a fun anytime snack. I think everyone I know has either made it or tried it, so it certainly isn't new, but it is good!

8 cups Crispix cereal
3/4 cup peanut butter
1 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup butter
2 cups powdered sugar

Melt the peanut butter, chocolate chips, and butter together. Pour over the cereal in a large kettle or bowl and stir well. Pour the powdered sugar into a large brown paper bag and add the cereal. Fold the bag to seal and shake well to coat evenly.

Bacon Cauliflower Salad

*This is a recipe from Taste of Home that my friend Kristen shared with me. It is a cold salad and requires a couple of hours to chill, but its worth the wait. It makes for a good snack too.

1 med. Cauliflower, broken
1 lb. sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 c. cubed cheddar cheese, cut into thirds
1 med. Green pepper, chopped
1 med. Onion, chopped
1 c. mayo
2-4 t. sugar

Combine dry foods. Combine mayo, sugar, and put over dry ingredients to coat. Chill 4 hours.

Mexican Casserole

*This is a quick homemade Mexican meal that we both loved. Kids would love this meal!

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

1 lb ground beef

1/2 c. onions, diced

1 can Rotel

2 cups cheddar cheese

Taco seasoning packet

Can crescant rolls

Spray 9x9 pan with nonstick spray. Brown ground beef with onions, drain, then return to pan. Add Rotel, taco seasoning and cheddar. Mix well and leave on stove top until cheddar melts. Put one half of crescant roll can in bottom of 9x9 pan. Add beef mixture. Top with other half of crescant roll. Cook at 400 for 15-20 minutes.

Top with lettuce, tomato, sour cream or whatever you like!

*Note: side dish pictured is Bacon Cauliflower Salad.

Ribs in the Crockpot

*If you don't have time to grill, but want delicious ribs when you get home from work, this is a winner! My husband even said they were his favorite ribs and he is definitely a rib connessoir! Its so super easy too!

Country Style Ribs
1 cup catsup
¼ cup finely chopped onion
¼ cup cider vinegar
¼ cup molasses
2 T. Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 ½ lb pork country-style ribs or beef country style ribs

Mix sauce and poor over ribs in crockpot. On high for 3 to 3 ½ hours.

Chicken Pot Pie

*This is such a classic recipe, but it is just too good to leave off! I've tried several variations on this recipe, and we voted this the best. I'm sure your grandma's is just as good, but here it is anyway.

Chicken Pot Pie

2 pre-made pie crusts (frozen or rolled)
2 cups chicken, cooked, diced
1 bag of mixed frozen vegies or 1 can veg-all
1 can cream of potato soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup of mozzerella cheese
garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste
- note: make sure you put in enough garlic powder and salt - you can taste the difference

Mix all ingredients well, put in pie crust and top with other pie crust. Bake at 350 for 45-60 minutes. (watch carefully for crust to be done.)