Gingersnaps

There are a few fall recipes that signal that fall is here, and gingersnaps is one of them. You know the feeling, you are enjoying a cool, crisp fall day, taking in all the beautiful colors and scenes and you get the urge to make something. Something fall-ish. The smell of cinnamon and ginger surrounding these gooey cookies will definitely do the trick. Fall is here, and we have gingersnaps to prove it!

Blue Ribbon Gingersnaps

3/4 cup shortening

1 cup packed light brown sugar

1/4 cup molasses

1 large egg

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 cup sugar (for dipping)

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Cream shortening, brown sugar, molasses and egg in large bowl. In a separate bowl sift flour, baking soda, salt and spices. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, blending until mixed. Dough can be chilled for easy handling.

3. Shape the dough into balls the size of whole walnuts. Roll balls in sugar, place on baking sheet. Bake 8-9 minutes at 375 degrees. Cool on sheet one minute before transferring to rack.

Makes 3-4 dozen.

© 2010-2011 Day to Day Cook - All Rights Reserved

Homemade Potato Chips

Okay, you won't believe how simple it is to make these. This is our new favorite quick and easy side dish to make to go along with hot dogs, sloppy joes, or sandwiches.

Wash and slice the desired amount of potatoes.
Heat oil in a deep fryer or in a large skillet over med-high heat.
Place sliced potatoes in the oil and heat, moving the potatoes around every once in a while to cook evenly. When browned and crispy, remove from the oil to a paper towel lined plate. Press another paper towel on top of the chips and blot excess oil.


© 2010-2011 Day to Day Cook - All Rights Reserved

Candy Cake

I made this candy cake for my now 7 and 9 year olds birthday party. It was super easy and received tons of compliments! I saw the idea online a while back and the kids loved it so I tucked it away. Unfortunately, I don't remember where I saw it, or I would give them the credit. ;)



Candy Cake
Prepare an 8 inch round layer cake from your favorite recipe or mix. Crush 3 mini butterfinger bars. Spread a small amount of chocolate frosting on top of one of the cake layers. Spread the crushed butterfingers over the frosting. Place the second layer on top and cover the entire cake generously with frosting. Separate kit-kat bars and place around the entire outside of the cake. I used almost three whole packages of the 10pks you can purchase at Walmart for $1. Sprinkle m&ms over the top. DONE


© 2010-2011 Day to Day Cook - All Rights Reserved

French Bread Pizza

Sometimes the meals I make are so simple, I feel silly even posting them. But I know that for me at least, the simple ideas are the ones I seem to overlook and then LOVE to inevitably prepare.

French Bread Pizza

Slice a loaf of French bread in half horizontally. Mix 8 oz tomato sauce with 2 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp garlic powder and 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes. Spread half of the sauce on each half of the bread. Top with grated mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Add any additional toppings desired. Place on a cookie sheet and bake at 400 for 10 minutes or until bread is crispy and cheese is melted.

Cool for 5 mins, then slice into 1 inch pieces.


© 2010-2011 Day to Day Cook - All Rights Reserved

Twice Baked Potatoes

Bake the desired amount of potatoes. (I cheat and bake them in the microwave, 4 mins each) Once baked, slice of a small piece of the top of each potato, about 1/2". Scoop the flesh out of each potato and place into a bowl. Mash the potato flesh with a fork. Add 1 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp sour cream for each potato. Also sprinkle in some salt and pepper. You can add whatever additional add ins you desire. Bacon bits and cheddar cheese are standard. Once mixed, scoop the potato mixture back into each potato shell. It will mound over the top. Top with additional shredded cheese. Bake for an additional 10 minutes to crisp up and melt cheese.


© 2010-2011 Day to Day Cook - All Rights Reserved

Bacon Macaroni and Cheese

Today is my sons 9th birthday. :) He absolutely LOVES bacon so when I saw this idea on the cover of Family Circle, I knew I had to make my own version for him. Here it is:

Bacon Mac and Cheese

Fry up a lb of bacon, then finely chop when cool. Meanwhile, cook 1 lb pasta. Prepare 2 batches of white sauce EXCEPT substitute bacon grease for a portion of the butter. (Just measure the bacon grease when the bacon is done cooking, add melted butter to equal the full amount needed.) Melt either 1 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese or 16 American cheese slices into the white sauce. Place the pasta into a 13x9 dish and mix in the cheese sauce and the bacon. Shred an additional 1/2 c. cheddar cheese over the top. Bake at 350 for 10-15 mins or until bubbly and the cheese is melted.


© 2010-2011 Day to Day Cook - All Rights Reserved

Chicken Spaghetti

I feel bad even posting a recipe like this because it seems so simple that anyone can make it! BUT I also know that I am ALWAYS on the look out for more recipes that are easy but delicious, and that definitely describes this chicken spaghetti! If you don't have any leftover chicken on hand, you will have to cook some up, but this meal will still be ready in a snap. And promise me that if you don't make it a habit to have some cooked chicken on hand for quick and easy meal preparation, you will check out these posts (planned-overs and roasted chicken) and start now! Help me help you people!


Shred up 2 cups leftover chicken. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet. Slice half a green pepper and saute in oil over med-high heat with 2 minced garlic cloves until tender crisp. Add a 26 oz can spaghetti sauce, the shredded chicken, 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes and 2 tbsp chopped fresh Italian parsley. Cook just until heated through and flavors are blended. Serve over spaghetti or any type of pasta.


© 2010-2011 Day to Day Cook - All Rights Reserved