Kerry's Beans

I can't even tell you the number of times my sister and I have asked and texted this recipe back and forth.  It's the BEST and I am finally writing it down!

8 small cans of pork and beans (may slightly drain if there is a lot of juice)
1 can kidney beans, drained
1 can garbanzo beans, drained
1 lb hamburger browned with 1/2 cup chopped onion
1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
2 T mustard
2 T vinegar
1/3 cup brown sugar

Mix the BBQ sauce, mustard, vinegar and brown sugar together.  Then mix everything together in the crockpot.  Put it on low to warm it through and enjoy!

Cranberry Jello Salad

Jello Mixture:
1 1/2 cups boiling water
6 ounce package of cranberry jello
16 ounce can whole cranberry sauce
2- 11 ounce cans mandarin oranges, drained

Graham cracker crust:
1 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (about one sleeve)
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted

Cream cheese middle layer:
8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
8 ounces cool whip, thawed
5 ounce can crushed pineapple, drained

Jello Mixture:  In a large bowl mix the jello and boiling water until jello is completely dissolved.  Add in the cranberry sauce and stir until it is combined.  Add in the mandarin oranges and stir lightly.  Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator until slightly set up.

Graham Cracker Crust:  In a bowl mix the cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter.  Press the mixture firmly to the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish.

Cream cheese middle layer:  In a bowl beat the cream cheese until it's smooth.  Add in the sugar and beat until it is nice and fluffy.  Add in the pineapple and beat until incorporated.  Then fold the cool whip into the mixture.  Then pour the cream cheese mixture onto the graham cracker crust and spread to cover the crust.  Cover it and place in the fridge until the jello mixture is slightly set.  Once the jello mixture is ready, pour it over the cream cheese mixture.  Spread and smooth the jello layer, if needed.

Refrigerate the jello salad for several hours or overnight.  I like to make it the night before to make sure everything is set.  This is a sweet salad and could be a salad or a dessert.

Mexican Rice in the Rice Cooker

I found this recipe on food.com  I had to tweek the chicken broth amount to suit my rice cooker and you may have to do the same.  The first time I made the recipe the rice was too al dente for my taste.  After I upped the chicken broth to 3 cups the second time I made it the rice was just right.

1 cup rice (I like to rinse my rice in cold water before I cook it)

3 cups low sodium chicken broth (the original recipe asked for 2 1/4 cups)

3 ounces tomato paste (half a small can)

2 T butter, cut in pieces

1/2 cup onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced (or 2 t. minced garlic)

2 ounces diced green chilies (half of a 4 ounce can)

dash of pepper

dash of crushed red pepper flakes

fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish, optional

Combine all the ingredients in the rice cooker except the cilantro or parsley, if using.

Cook according to the manufacturer instructions.

Let the finished rice sit uncovered for 3 minutes or so to allow it to thicken.  Then stir, garnish if desired and serve.

Homemade Salsa

Every time I make this it disappears quickly. It is so easy and super yummy

Homemade Salsa
2 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes
1 can green chiles
1 bunch of cilantro (just the tops)
4-6 green onions
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. lime juice or lemon juice
1 pinch of sugar
2-3 cloves of garlic
In a food processor chop up the cilantro, green onions, and garlic until finely chopped. Add in the green chiles, tomatoes, lemon/lime juice, sugar and salt. Pulse until combined and the desired consistency is reached.
(add a fresh jalapeno to increase heat, add it in with the cilantro to chop it up finely)

Baked Sweet Potatoes (Thanksgiving Yams)

Baked Sweet Potatoes (Thanksgiving "Yams")
2 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup liquid egg substitute or equal amount of real egg
1/2 cup plus 2 T buttermilk
2 T butter or margarine
pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups crushed cornflakes (I use golden grahams instead ;) )
3 T shredded coconut
1/4 cup chopped pecans
can also add mini marshmallows last few minutes of baking if desired.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Spray 1 1/2 quart casserole dish with non stick coating. In Large bowl combine sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1 T margarine, and salt. Mix well and pout into casserole dish. Bake 20-30 minutes until set around edges but not in center. Meanwhile, combine cereal, pecans, 2 T buttermilk, and 1 T margarine-melted. Sprinkle over top and bake 15 -25 minutes more. If desired, add marshmallows last 5 minutes.

-Kitty

Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro Lime Rice
2 T. butter
1 1/4 c. rice
2 1/4 c. chicken broth
3/4 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1 lime, juiced
2 T. cilantro, chopped
1/4 t. cumin
Directions
In a skillet, melt butter and add rice. Let cook for 1-2 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and cook for 18-20 minutes. Fluff with fork and serve.

I served this with the Easy Black Bean and Chicken Enchiladas. Also from the Deals to Meals website.

Broccoli Salad

I've had several version of this salad and this one is by far my favorite (Thanks Aunt Kerry)!

Broccoli Salad

2 big bunches of broccoli

½ red onion, chopped

1 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 cup sunflower seeds

2 cups craisans

Combine all in a large bowl.

Dressing:

1 ½ cup mayo

½ cup sugar

2 T vinegar

Combine dressing ingredients in a separate bowl and then add enough dressing to coat the salad well. Salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving, I prefer overnight.