Thomas Tasties

Honey Wheat Bread

2010-03-13T19:30:00.000-08:00

1 (.25 ounce) package rapid rise yeast
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 cup warm water
1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup honey
2 tsp salt
2 cups whole wheat flour
3 cups bread flour

1. Dissolve yeast and sugar in 1/2 cup water warm water.

2. Combine milk, 1/4 cup water, butter, honey, salt and wheat flour in mixer. Mix in yeast mixture, and let rest 15 minutes. Add white flour and process until dough forms a ball. Knead dough for 80 seconds in mixer or 10 minutes by hand. Place the dough in a buttered bowl, and turn to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let dough rise for 45 minutes, or until almost doubled.

3. Punch down and divide dough in half. Roll out each half and pound out the bubbles. Form into loaves, and place in 9x5 bread pans. Butter the tops of the dough and cover loosely with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm area until doubled; second rise should take about 30 minutes.

4. Place a small pan of water on the bottom shelf of the oven. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

5. Bake for 25 to 35 miutes, or until tops are dark golden brown. Butter crusts while warm. Slice when cool.

Burger Bundles

2010-03-02T11:33:00.000-08:00

1 lb. Hamburger
1 C. Stuffing (prepared according to box directions)
1/2 C. Evaporated milk

Sauce:
1 can Cream of mushroom soup
2 tsp Worchestershire sauce
1 Tbsp Ketchup
(I also added some of the evaporated milk)

Mix 1/2 c. milk with hamburger. (I also added seasonings) Make palm sized hamburger patty. Add a small amount of prepared stuffing to hamburger patty. Wrap sides of hamburger around the stuffing. Should look like a large meatball with the stuffing inside.

Place burger bundles in greased pan. Pour sauce over top. Cover, bake at 350 for 45 min to 1 hour. I served this with rice.

Meat Loaf

2010-02-26T07:43:00.000-08:00

1 ½ lbs. ground beef
3 slices bread broken into little pieces (white or wheat is fine)
1 C. Sprite or 7-Up
1 egg slightly beaten
1/3 c. chopped onion
1 1/3 t. salt
½ t. thyme
½ t. sage
½ t. garlic salt
Combine and mix all of the above ingredients.

In a separate bowl, combine ½ c. salsa and 1 T Worcestershire sauce and place in the bottom of a bread pan. Form the meat mixture into a loaf and place on top of the salsa mixture. Put ketchup over the entire top of the meat.

Bake at 350 for 1 ¼ - 1 ½ hours.

Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

2009-12-28T08:26:00.000-08:00

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter (no substitutes), softened
1/4 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup powdered sugar
2 tbs brown sugar
3/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup finely chopped pecans
Graham crackers

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla until fluffy. Gradually add sugars; beat just until combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. Place cream cheese mixture on a large piece of plastic wrap; shape into a ball. Refrigerate for at least 1 hours. Just before serving, roll cheese ball in pecans. Server with graham crackers.

Martha Stewarts Cream Cheese Frosting

2009-12-26T16:42:00.000-08:00

6 Tbsp Cream Cheese, Softened
1/3 cup Butter
1 ¾ cup Powdered Sugar
1 Tbsp Cream
1 tsp Vanilla

Mix all ingredients together. Blend till smooth

Perfect Gingerbread Cookies

2009-12-26T16:41:00.000-08:00

6 cups Flour
1 ½ tsp Baking Soda
½ tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Salt
2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
½ tsp Ground Allspice
½ tsp Ground Cloves
2 pinches Ground Nutmeg
1 ½ tsp Ground Ginger
1 cup White Sugar
1 cup Brown Sugar
1 cup Molasses
2 Tbsp Butter, Softened
2 Tbsp Canola Oil
3/4 Cup Apple Sauce
1/2 Cup Water
1/4 Cup Liquid Egg Substitue
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp White Sugar

1 -Whisk Flour, Baking Soda, Baking Powder, Salt, 2 tsp Cinnamon, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger in bowl; set aside
2 – Beat together 1 cup white sugar, brown sugar, molasses, butter, canola oil, applesauce, water, egg substitute, and vanilla in lg bowl until evenly combined. Stir in the flour mixture to make a soft, thick, not-very-sticky dough. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes. Stir together 1 ½ tsp cinnamon w/ 1 ½ tsp Sugar in a small bowl; set aside
3- Roll dough on a heavily floured surface to a thickness of ¼ inch. Cut into shapes using cookie cutter. Place on prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with cinnamon/sugar mixture.
4- Bake in preheated oven until edges are golden, and the bottoms are slightly darker. Cool on wire rack
Bake 350 degrees for 9 to 11 minutes. Makes 72 cookies

I topped this recipe with the Martha Stewart Cream Cheese Frosting.
** I also halves this recipe when I made it.

Chicken Cheese Soup

2009-12-26T16:40:00.000-08:00

This is the recipe that Amy Osborne made for the Newman Family Christmas Party

12 cups water
1/4 cup chicken broth granules (or 13 cubes)
1 1/2 cup carrots, sliced
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1 cup butter
1 cup flour
1 frozen peas
2-3 cups chicken, cooked and copped bite size
8 oz Cheez Whiz

Boil water and granules together. Add vegetables, except peas. Cook until almost tender. In separate bowl, blend flour and melted butter. Add cooled portion of broth to flour and butter. Gradually add to soup. Add peas, bring to boil. Stir in Cheez until melted. Do Not Boil. Add chicken.

Honey Pecan Chicken

2009-12-13T12:03:00.000-08:00

8 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
2 cups orange juice
2 T. butter
1/2 cup honey
1 pkg Stove Top Stuffing
1/3 c. pecan pieces
8 slices bacon

Pound chicken to even thickness (about 1/2 inch) Heat orange juice, butter and honey for 2 minutes in microwave, then mix with Stuffing mix, including seasoning packet, and pecans. Set aside for 5 minutes. Cut bacon lenghtwise into 16 strips. Place on bakingsheet criss cross. Place a slice of chicken ontop, top with stuffing mixture, and cross bacon over top. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.

Salad Dressing

2009-12-13T12:01:00.001-08:00

This recipe comes from one of my favorite books, The Essential Mormon Cookbook.
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 cup sugar
1/2 onion, chopped
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp mustard
1 cup salad oil

In blender mix all ingredients, except oil. Add oil and blend again.

Pumpkin Squares

2009-12-10T14:20:00.000-08:00

4 eggs
1 cup oil
2 cups sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups pumpkin (or 1 small can)
-cream together
2 1/4 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
mix well, spray large cookie sheet, spread batter and bake at 350 for 15-20 min. Let cool completely before frosting.

Frosting
1 8oz cream cheese
1 cup butter
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar
mix until smooth and spread over bars.

Salad

2009-12-10T14:13:00.001-08:00

This is a yummy salad recipe from my 1st counselor and friend, Lorene.

Broccoli
Cauliflower
1 C. Sunflower seeds
1 C. Craisins
Bacon

Dressing : (Add to salad a little at a time. It's easy to use too much dressing)
1 C. Mayonaise
2 T. White vinegar
1/2 C. Sugar

Banana Cream Pie

2009-11-22T09:22:00.000-08:00

3/4 cup White sugar
1/3 cup all -purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups milk
3 egg yolks, beaten
2 tbsp butter
1 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1 pie crust, baked
4 bananas, sliced

In a saucepan, combine the sugar, flour and salt. Add milk in gradually while stirring gently. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is bubbly. Keep stirring and cook for about 2 more minutes, and then remove from the burner.
Stir a small quantity of the hot mixture into the beaten egg yolks, and immediately ad the egg yolk mixture to the rest of the hot mixture. Cook for 2 more minutes; remember to keep stirring. Remove the mixture from the stove, and add butter and vanilla. Stir until the whole thing has a smooth consistency.
Slice bananas into the cooled baked pastry shell. Top with pudding mixture.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 12 - 15 minutes. Chill for an hour.

Top with Whipping Cream and additional banana slices if desired

Cherie's Bread Stuffing

2009-11-22T09:14:00.000-08:00

Original Recipe
3 Tbsp chopped onion
1/4 cup butter or Margarine
4 cups dry bread cubes (about 7 slices)
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
1/2 tsp ground sage
2 to 4 Tbsp water or chicken broth

Cook onion in butter. Combine with bread and seasonings. Toss with enough liquid to moisten. Makes 3 cups stuffing, or enough stuffing for a 4 to 5 pound turkey. Double recipe for 10 pound turkey.

Bulk for Big Groups 6x
2 loaves white bread torn apart
18 Tbsp Onion (Little over 1 cup)
1 1/2 cup Butter
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp pepper
3 tsp Poultry Seasoning
3 tsp Sage
12 - 24 Tbsp Broth

Grandma Newmans Ribbon Jello

2009-11-22T09:02:00.000-08:00

2 small pkg or 1 large pkg Green Lime Jello
2 small pkg or 1 large pkg Red Raspberry Jello
1 small pkg Yellow Lemon Jello
8 oz Cream Cheese - room temp
1 (10oz) can Crushed Pineapple - Don't Drain
2 cups Mini Marshmallows

1st Layer- Green
Prepare Lime Jello according to pkg. Chill until this layer is completely set

2nd Layer - Yellow
Dissolve Lemon jello in 1 cup hot water, then add mini marshmallows. In a blender combine the cream cheese and pineapple, blend together, then add the marshmallow mixture, blend together. Pour over the "Set" Green layer. Chill until completely firm.

3rd Layer - Red
Dissolve Jello with 2 cups hot water and 1 1/2 Cold Water. Let this cool down so it's not hot and turning cold and starting to set, then pour it over the Lemon layer, Chill until firm

*Notes: This is easiest to prepare in two days. Day one in the morning do the lime layer, that night do the Lemon layer, the next morning prepare the Red layer.

Make sure each layer is completely set before adding the next layer or the layers will blend together.

Corn Casserole

2009-11-22T08:54:00.001-08:00

A Thanksgiving Classic

1 can (16oz) Cream Style Corn
1 can (16 oz) Corn Kernels - drained
1 box Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
1 cup Sour Cream (light)
1 Egg
1/2 cup Butter - Melted

In large bowl mix all ingredients together. Blend well
Spoon into 9x13 pan coated with cooking spray

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes (Closer to 45 - 50 Minutes)

Extra notes. Cook until golden brown and no longer runny. Can turn this into a Mexican dish by adding peppers and seasonings.

Black Bean Couscous Salad

2009-11-10T14:36:00.000-08:00

1 Cup uncooked couscous
1 1/4 Cups chicken broth
3 Tbs extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbs fresh lime juice
1 tsp red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp ground cumin
8 Green onions, chopped
1 Red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1/4 Cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 Cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
2 Cans black beans, drained
Salt and pepper to taste

Bring chicken broth to a boil, stir in couscous. Cover the pot and remove from heat. Let stand for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, whish together the olive oil, lime juice, vinegar and cumin. Add green onions, red pepper, cilantro, corn and beans and toss to coat.
Fluff the couscous. Add to the bowl with the vegetables and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to tast and serve at once or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tortilla Soup

2009-10-28T08:28:00.000-07:00

4 corn tortillas, but into 1 inch pieces

1 large onion, chopped

4-6 garlic cloves, minced

2 T dried cilantro

3 T. veg. oil

2 cups chopped cooked chicken (I use canned)

2 quarts chicken broth

1 (14.5 ounce) chopped tomatoes

1 (10 ounce) can tomatoes and green chilies

1 T. ground cumin

1 bay leaf (I usually leave this out)

½ t. pepper

4-8 corn tortillas, cut into ¼ inch strips

½ veg. oil

2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Monterey jack or Mozzarella cheese

Avocado slices (optional)

Sauté first 4 ingredients in 3 tablespoons hot oil in large pan for 5 minutes. Add chicken and next 6 ingredients. Bring mixture to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes. Discard bay leaf.

Fry tortilla strips in ½ c hot oil in a large skillet until crisp. Drain on paper towels.

Sprinkle fried strips and cheese over each serving. Top with avocado if desired.

Milk Chocolate/Caramel-covered Apples w/ Heath Bar

2009-10-23T12:13:00.000-07:00

3 wooden dowels
3 large Granny Smith apples
37 Milk Maid caramels
1 T water
2 C milk chocolate chips
2 T Crisco Shortening
3 - 4 Heath bars or favorite candy bar

Wash apples to get the wax off. Dry and insert sticks into the center of the apples.
Unwrap caramels and place in glass bowl (microwavable) with water. Heat in microwave for about 3 minutes. Watch closely and take out and stir when it STARTS to bubble. If it bubbles too much the caramel will dry too hard. Don't let the cramel get too thin - stir it to the right consistency. Dip apples into caramel, allowing the extra caramel to drip off - use a spoon to work the extra cramel off the apple. Place dipped apples on large cookie sheet that is covered with wax paper and sprayed with cooking oil. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, overnight is even better. Next morning, if the caramel puddles around the apple, run some water over your fingers and push the caramel back up the apple before you dip it into the chocolate.

While waiting for the caramel to set up, prepare the candy bar topping by chopping the bars into small pieces.

Next, melt chocolate chips in a glass bowl- 50% power for 45 seconds at a time. Once the chips start to get soft, add Crisco and return to microwave for 30 seconds at 50% power. Remove and stir well to ensure no lumps. Do not let chocolate chips get too runny - doesn't stay on the apple. Dip the apples into the chocolate. Sprinkle on the candy bar topping and then pat onto chocolate. Return to fridge on wax paper (no spray) and let the chocolate set up for about 20 minutes.

Peach Pie

2009-09-15T18:05:00.000-07:00

Cheryl....here's a really good peach pie recipe...and it's easy!!!

4 C. sliced peaches
add 2 T. sugar and 2 T. lemon juice and let sit for 15 minutes.

Pour off juice from peaches, add enough orange juice to make a cup. Warm juice up in a sauce pan on stove with 2 T. butter or margarine. Pour a small amount into a container and whisk in 3 T. of cornstarch. Add back into the mixture on the sauce pan and stir on medium high heat until thickened. Sweeten with sugar to taste. Mix in peaches. Pour into cooled pie shell and let sit until set.

Peach Pie

2009-09-15T14:03:00.000-07:00

Does anyone have an easy and delicious fresh peach pie recipe?

Sausage Flowers

2009-09-12T15:20:00.000-07:00

1 lb Ground Italian Sausage
1 C. Colby Jack cheese, grated
1 C. Salsa
1 Pkg. square wonton wrappers
Sour Cream
Green onion, chopped (optional)

Brown the sausage in large skillet, drain off fat. Stir in the cheese until it begins to melt. Add the salsa. Lightly grease mini muffin pan and line cups with wonton wrappers so the corners stick out. Fill each wrapper with the sausage mixture. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes until the wontons begin to brown. Cool slightly. Spoon a dollop of sour cream on top then sprinkle with green onions.

These are a great appetizer for Christmas and New Years Parties.

Reunion Chicken Enchilada Casserole

2009-09-12T15:08:00.000-07:00

3 - 4 chicken breasts cooked and cut up
2 cans of cream of chicken soup
2 cans of enchilada sauce (we like it spicy so we use medium)
2 T diced onion
1 can green chilies
1 bag corn tortilla chips crushed slightly
1/2 cup milk

Mix all together, including crushed chips. Put in 9 x 13 pan, sprinkle with grated cheese and bake at 350 for 35 minutes.

Veggie Chowder

2009-09-11T15:27:00.000-07:00

3 c. potatoes, cubed
1 onion, diced
1 stalk broccoli
1 lg. carrot, grated
2 stalks celery, chopped
3 c. water
1 T. chicken bullion
1 c. grated cheddar cheese
1 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper

Sauce
3/4 c. margarine
3/4 c. flour
1 qt (4 cups) milk

Put veg, water and bullion in a large sauce pan. Simmer until potatoes are just tender. Make white sauce by melting margarine in a large bowl in microwave. With a wire whip, stir in flour. cook mixture over stove until it bubbles (about 2 minutes)..STIR CONSTANTLY!
Slowly add milk, still STIRRING CONSTANTLY. Continue cooking and stirring until thickened. Add to pan with veggies and simmer 10 minutes longer. Add cheese, salt and pepper. Stir to melt cheese. Is yummy served in bread bowls.

Meat Loaf

2009-09-11T15:23:00.000-07:00

1 1/2 lbs ground beef
3 slices white bread (I have used wheat also)
1 c. sprite or 7-up
1 egg slightly beaten
1/3 c. chopped onion
1/4 t. salt
1/2 t. thyme
1/2 t. sage
1/2 t. celery salt
1/2 t. garlic salt
1/2 c. salsa
1 T. worch. sauce

Mix everything together except the salsa and worch. sauce. In a loaf pan, combine the salsa and worch. sauce. Shape meat mixture into a loaf and place in pan on top of salsa mixture. Top with ketchup. Bake at 350 for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours.

Chicken Pillows

2009-09-11T15:19:00.000-07:00

1 8 oz. cream cheese
4 green onions
2 apples - skinned and diced
4 chicken breasts that have been cooked and diced (I use canned chicken (2 cans) instead)
2 pkg. crescent rolls
cornflake crumbs (buy in a box at the store...actually called "cornflake crumbs")

Make 4 squares from each pkg. of crescent rolls. Mix all ingredients together and put place filling in center of each crescent square. Draw up the 4 corners and pinch together. Dip in milk and roll in corn flake crumbs. Bake according to crescent roll package - 375 fro 12-15 minutes.

Pour Gravy over and serve
Gravy:
1 can of cream of chicken soup with about 1/2 can of milk, heated.

Chicken Tikka Masala

2009-09-11T11:57:00.000-07:00

1 cup yogurt
1 TBS lemon juice
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp freshly ground pepper
1 TBS minced fresh ginger
1 tsp salt
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
4 long skewers

1 TBS butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1 jalapeno pepper finely chopped
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1 8 oz can tomato sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, 2 tsp cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, pepper, ginger, and 1 tsp salt. Stir in chicken, cover, refrigerate 1 hour.

2. Preheat a grill for high heat.

3. Lightly oil the grill grate. Thread chicken onto skewers and discard marinade. Grill about 5 min on each side.

4. Melt butter in a large skillet. Saute garlic and jalapeno for 1 min. Season with 2 tsp cumin, paprika, and 1 tsp salt. Stir in tomato sauce and cream. Simmer on low heat until sauce thickens, about 20 min. Add grilled chicken, and simmer for 10 min. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Oreo Cookies

2009-09-10T20:00:00.000-07:00

1 box devils food cake
1/3 c oil
2 eggs

Mix all together. Roll into small balls, and flatten the tops. Place on cookie sheet. Bake at 375 for 8-10 min.

( You can also use any cake mix with this recipe. My very favorite cookie comes from the funfetti mix)

1-8oz pkg cream cheese softened
2 c powdered sugar
1/4 c butter
2 tsp vanilla

Mix together and spread a layer on one cookie, then top with another. Best if kept in the refrigerator.

Chicken Saute with Spicy Peanut Sauce

2009-09-08T13:44:00.000-07:00

6 Boneless skinless chicken breasts or about 2 lbs.
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup minced cilantro
3 TBS ketchup
2 garlic cloves minced
1 tsp tabasco sauce
4 scallions sliced thin
30- 6 inch long wooden skewers, soak in water or cover ends with foil to prevent burning.

Slice chicken diagonally into 1/4 inch strips. Combine the above ingredients to make marinade. Add chicken and refrigerate for 30 to 60 min. Adjust oven rack 6 inches from broiler. Heat broiler. Line pan with foil. Weave marinated chicken onto skewers and broil until fully cooked, about 10 min, flip chicken half way through. Serve with dipping sauce.

Spicy Dipping Sauce
(makes about 1 1/2 cups)

1/2 Cup peanut butter
1/4 cup hot water
3 TBS line juice
2 TBS ketchup
1 TBS soy sauce
1 TBS dark brown sugar
1 TBS minced cilantro
2 scallions sliced thin
1 garlic clove minced

Whisk peanut butter and hot water together in a medium bowl, stir in remaining ingredients and pour over chicken or use as dipping sauce.

(I serve this with rice)

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cookies

2009-09-08T07:49:00.000-07:00

1/2 C shortening
1/2 C Sugar
1 C packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
3 C grated zucchini
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
2 1/2 C flour
1 C chocolate chips
2 C rolled oats

Cream together shortening and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in Zuchinni. Stir in dry ingredients, adding chocolate chips last.
If zucchini is especially moist, add another 1/2 C flour.

Bake 375 for 12 - 15 minutes.
Makes 5-6 dozen cookies

CHOCOLATE MELTING CAKE---YUM!!!

2009-09-06T08:37:00.001-07:00

4 T butter at room temperature, plus more for muffin tins
1/3 C. sugar, plus more for muffin tins
3 large eggs
1/3 C. flour
1/4 t. salt
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted
confectioner's sugar for dusting
whipped cream for serving (optional)

Preheat over to 400 degrees. Generously butter 4 cups of a standard muffin tin. Dust with granulated sugar, and tap out excess. Set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. With the mixer on low speed, beat in the flour and salt until just combined. Beat in the chocolate (do not over mix). Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups.

Place the muffin tin on a baking sheet; bake just until the tops of the cakes no longer jiggle when the pan is lightly shaken, 8-10 minutes. Remove from the over; let stand for 10 minutes.

To serve, turn out cakes, and place on serving plates, top sides up. Dust with confectioner's sugar and serve with whipped cream, if desired.

Tip: To melt the chocolate, place finely chopped chocolate in a heat-proof (glass) bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water; stir until just melted. DO NOT MICROWAVE!

Chilled Strawberry Soup

2009-09-06T08:35:00.000-07:00

1 c. apple juice
1 c. water, divided
2/3 c. sugar
½ tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground cloves
2 c. fresh strawberries
2 cartons (8 ounces each) strawberry yogurt
2 drops red food coloring, optional
Additional strawberry halves, optional

In a saucepan, combine the apple juice, ¾ c. water, sugar, cinnamon and cloves; bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove from the heat; cool.

Place strawberries and remaining water in a blender or food processor; cover and process until smooth. Pour into a large bowl.

Add the apple juice mixture, yogurt and food coloring if desired. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled. Garnish with additional strawberries if desired.

TIFFANY’S NOTE: I used 32 oz. of low-fat yogurt…I like it creamy

Cafe Rio Salad

2009-09-06T08:29:00.000-07:00

Pork

3 pounds pork roast (butt or shoulder)
3/4 cup coca cola
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
3/4 cup ketchup
1 cup brown sugar
2 limes, juice only
1 cups tomatilla sauce (see recipe)

Place the pork in a crock pot. Top with garlic and coca cola. Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or until you can shred it with a fork. When pork is tender, remove it from crock pot and shred. Return meat to crock pot and mix in the remaining ingredients for the sauce. Cover and simmer on low until ready to serve.

Creamy Tomatillo Dressing

2 large jalapeño peppers (I use 1 or 2 and I take out most seeds)
3 cloves garlic
2 tomatillos
1 handful cilantro
2 limes, juice only
2 cups milk
2 cups mayonnaise
2 packages Hidden Valley ranch salad dressing mix

Blend all ingredients except mayonnaise in blender until smooth. Whisk in the mayonnaise and chill until ready to serve.

You can fry large flour tortillas in really hot oil and then drain them on a paper towel [in a bowl so they harden in a bowl shape], or you can buy the tortilla bowls that are already shaped that you bake. We make a salad with romaine lettuce, the pork, black beans, Mexican rice, cheese, pico de gallo, sour cream, guacamole, or anything else you want to add. Top with the dressing.