Good Recipes You Won't Want to Miss!

In my last post I promised some good recipes. I'd love to hear what you think!

This first recipe is for Marinated Cucumbers. My husband thinks I'm a good cook, but every once in awhile he'll make a statement like, "I sure wish I had some ______ like my momma used to make."

Thank goodness it's not often he says that or we might have some "issues" about it. But one of those things that his momma made and that he just loved (besides her) is marinated cucumbers. I found this recipe in Taste of Home and modified it just a little for our tastes. He thinks it's even better than "Momma's". Enjoy!
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MARINATED CUCUMBERS
4-6 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, sliced paper thin
1 c. white vinegar
1/3 cup sugar or Splenda
1/4 c olive oil
1 t. salt
1 t. dried oregano
1/2 t. garlic powder
1/2 t. dried marjoram
1/2 t. lemon pepper
1/2 t. ground dry mustard

In a large bowl, combine cucumbers and onion. In a jar with a tight fitting lid, combine the remaining ingredients; cover and shake well.

Pour over cucumber mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Serve with a slotted spoon.

Note: I like to substitute about 3 tsp. of dried dill for the Italian seasoning, but both are good. Also, as you eat the cucumbers, etc. you'll have marinade left over. Just add more cucumbers and onions or any other veggies thinly sliced and s-t-r-e-t-c-h it for a few more servings.
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Another recipe we've enjoyed came out of my Quick and Simple magazine -- a great little publication put out by Good Housekeeping and only costs $1.59 per issue. I used to make homemade pizza years ago, but as it's gotten cheaper and in many cases tastier through the years, I just got take out. This recipe is really fast and easy -- and I'll guarantee if you try it, you'll prefer it to take out.

HOMEMADE SAUSAGE – MUSHROOM PIZZA
This is so easy and so-o-o-o good I may never order pizza again!

Directions for 1 pizza. Double for 2.

Preheat oven to 450.
1 12” prepared pizza crust (Boblo?)
8 oz. Italian sausage (or sausages with casings removed)
1 medium onion, diced coarsely
4 oz (1/2 package) sliced mushroom
4 cloves garlic or 2 t. roasted garlic in jar
½ c. spaghetti or pizza sauce
2 c. shredded Italian 4-cheese mix, divided

Brown sausage and onions with garlic. Spread prepared pizza crust with spaghetti/pizza sauce. Top with 1 cup cheese, then the sausage and onion mixture, then mushrooms. Top with remaining 1 c. cheese and bake directly on oven rack for 10 minutes or until crust is crisp and cheese is melted. Slice and serve.

Excellent with some sliced veggies or Marinated Cucumbers. Another nice touch is some pickled mild or jalapeno pepper rings.
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This next recipe is always a hit with both my kids and my grandkids -- and it's so easy. It makes any breakfast a special treat.

COCONUT TOAST
1 c. flaked coconut
1 c. sugar or Splenda
1 stick butter or margarine, melted
1 egg, beaten
1 t. vanilla
11-12 slices bread

Heat oven to 350. Place bread on flat cookie sheet and toast slightly on one side while you make the topping. (Turn bread over after you have toasted one side.)

In a bowl, combine coconut, sugar/Splenda, butter, egg and vanilla. Mix well. Spread over each slice of bread. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned.

Recipe from Michele M. Lerna with a salt shaker/recipe holder I bought at a craft fair.
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And finally, one last recipe for now. This one too was a real hit with my son Kevin and his family in June and with Bobby and his family in August. I'll be trying it out on Jared's family in Denmark when we visit them in September. We think it's a 'keeper'! It also is from Taste of Home.

ITALIAN DELI ROLLERS
Mayonnaise
3 flour tortillas (10")
6 slices provolone cheese
6 slices deli ham, sliced thin
6 slices deli turkey, sliced thin
30 thin slices pepperoni
18 mild banana pepper rings
9 thin slices tomato
6 lettuce leaves, optional

Spread each tortilla with light coat of mayonnaise. Layer each with cheese, ham, turkey, pepperoni, peppers, tomatoes, and lettuce. (I like to layer mine toward the right side and leave a little tortilla without toppings on the left, then roll right to left.)

Roll up tightly. Place 2 toothpicks in each roller and cut in half. Serve immediately or wrap in plastic and chill up to 2 hours.

Note: You can be creative with these ingredients and change to suit your tastes. Also the portions listed don't have to be exact. It's also easy to increase the number of servings. Just 'build' your "roller."
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I'll leave you with a few ideas for when you're wondering "what to have for supper" or planning your menus for a few days. Any recipes you would like from me, just post a request in comments along with your email address.

MAIN DISHES
Chicken Enchilada Casserole or Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas
Mexican Lasagna
Chicken Hobo Supper
Sunday Chicken w/ baked potatoes, green beans, cantaloupe
Ramen Noodle Salad (add diced chicken for a full meal)
Homemade Pizzas
Bunless Burgers (one of our favorites -- grilled hamburgers, no bun, but all the veggies plus
ranch dressing)
Chipped Beef w/biscuits, fresh veggies, Italian green beans
Portabella Pizzas or Portabella Casserole (see previous post)

BREAKFAST TREATS
Coconut Toast
Pecan Pancakes w/strawberries, Cool Whip, and Sausage
Breakfast Casserole (great for company on a Sunday morning when trying to get everyone fed
and ready for church).
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Now for my words of "wisdom" . . .

If you go through life contemplating your naval, you'll end up with a narrow mind and a stiff neck.

Treat your family like friends and your friends like family.

Love,
Mama K