Fruity Tossed Salad

I got the idea to make this delicious salad, from Nancy Girard whose an amazing cook.  Be sure to go easy on the salad dressing though, as a little bit surely goes a long way.  This is such a pretty salad!!



Fruity Tossed Salad

Fresh leafy salad greens
A few fresh strawberries, sliced
A few canned pineapple chunks, or tidbits, well drained
A few canned mandarin oranges, well drained
A few fresh blueberries
A few chopped pecans, or pecan halves (optional)
Bottled Kraft Creamy Poppy Seed Salad Dressing

1.)  Arrange leafy salad greens among salad plates.

2.)  Top greens with fruit and nuts.

3.)  Lightly drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salads.

4.)  Note: Be sure to go easy on the salad dressing though, as a little bit sure goes a long way.  

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Fruity Tossed Salad | Just A Pinch Recipes

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Mandarin Orange Salad With Peanuts

I was inspired to make this salad after viewing the recipe by CaliforniaJan at food.com. I tweaked the recipe to my liking, and used dry roasted peanuts instead of salted peanuts, but I think you could also use cashew halves or sliced almonds. I also used the mandarin oranges that come in those individual 4 ounce plastic sealed bowls. Plus I added dried cranberries to the salad, but this salad is also good without them.



Mandarin Orange Salad With Peanuts 

Salad Ingredients:
2 bunches of lettuce (Iceberg, Romaine, or Red Leaf)
1/2 cup salted peanuts, divided (I used dry roasted)
2 (11 oz.) cans mandarin oranges, drained

Salad Dressing:
3/4 cup granulated sugar
6 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 Tablespoons diced white onion, or red onion
2 teaspoons poppy seeds
Additional add ins: dried cranberries (optional)

1.)  Tear lettuce into bite-size pieces, and distribute among individual salad bowls.

2.)  Drain the individual bowls of mandarin oranges, then equally divide among the salad bowls.

3.)  Top each salad bowl, with some of the peanuts.

4.)  If desired, top each bowl with some of the dried cranberries.

5.)  To make the dressing: In a bowl, jar, or glass measuring cup, add the salad dressing ingredients; stir well with a spoon.

6.)  Pour the dressing over the individual salad bowls, and serve.

7.)  Yields: 6 to 8 servings

An up-close photo of Mandarin Orange Salad With Peanuts.

Mandarin Orange Salad With Peanuts | Just A Pinch Recipes

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Cindi's Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing

This is my own creation for strawberry vinaigrette dressing.  It's not overly sweet; just a bit on the tangy side.  To make the dressing, I used home-cooked strawberry jams that I've made myself.  I did not add much vegetable oil. I don't care for dressings that state to add a lot of oil.  This one balances out very well.




Cindi's Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing

9 Tablespoons strawberry jam (See *Note)
4-1/2 tablespoons white wine vinegar, or rice vinegar
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1/16 teaspoon salt (or just a pinch)
additional add in: 1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional)

1.)  In a bowl, jar, or a glass measuring cup, add all the above ingredients; mix by stirring with a spoon.

2.)  If desired, add a 1/2 teaspoon of poppy seeds to the dressing; stir to mix.

3.)  Serve dressing immediately with your favorite salad fixings, or refrigerate until ready to serve.

4.)  This almost makes 1 cup of dressing (about 7/8's of a cup).

5.) *Note: Whenever I prepared this vinaigrette dressing, I originally used a home-cooked strawberry jam, which I had prepared with a light powdered pectin, SURE JELL (in the pink box), but today I made this dressing using Ball Instant Fruit Pectin, it's a no-cooked strawberry jam.  Both are great for this recipe.

6.)  Also: I enjoy this dressing served over a bed of fresh spinach, along with chopped smoked honey-turkey deli meat, slices of hard-boiled egg, and chunks of fresh pineapple.  I've also enjoyed this served with a mixture of red lettuce, leafy green lettuce, fresh blueberries, canned pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, slices of red onion, and pecan halves.  And I've even enjoyed the dressing over baby romaine lettuce, along with mandarin oranges, canned pineapple chunks, and sliced almonds.   

Cindi's Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing | Just A Pinch Recipes

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Strawberry Shortcake Iced Coffee

This delicious iced coffee is made with Dunkin' Donuts Strawberry Shortcake Ground Coffee, and a can of sweetened condensed milk. (You will need a 12 cup coffee maker to brew the coffee.)



Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cubes

Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes

6-3/4 cups cold water

7 Tbsp. Dunkin' Donuts Strawberry Shortcake Ground Coffee

1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

Coffee Ice Cubes (*See recipe below)

regular ice cubes

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1.)  Add 7 Tablespoons of ground coffee inside your paper-lined basket, and adjust basket to fit the coffee maker.

2.)  Pour the cold water into the coffee maker.

3.)  Start brewing the coffee.

4.)  After the coffee's done brewing, turn off the coffee maker, and set the coffee pot aside, for the coffee to cool somewhat.

5.)  Combine the brewed coffee and sweetened condensed milk into a large pitcher; stir thoroughly until coffee and condensed milk is blended together.  Refrigerate until coffee is chilled.

6.)  Once chilled; pour coffee in glasses filled with coffee ice cubes, or regular ice cubes, or a combination of both.

7.)  Yields: 58 ounces of iced coffee

8.)  Note: Prep time and cook time may vary.  Depending on your coffee maker, cook time may take less than time stated, or perhaps a few minutes more.

6.) *To make coffee ice cubes: Pour 2 cups of cold water inside your coffee maker.  Place 3 tablespoons of the ground coffee inside your paper-lined basket.  Start brewing the coffee.  Once the coffee is done brewing, set pot aside to cool the coffee somewhat, then pour the coffee into an ice cube tray, and place the tray in your freezer to freeze the coffee.  Note: Double the recipe to make 2 trays of coffee ice cubes.

Strawberry Shortcake Iced Coffee | Just A Pinch Recipes

Poached Eggs on Toast

Poached Eggs on Toast

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1 slice of bread (toasted & buttered)

2 eggs

1/4 teaspoon salt

black pepper, add according to taste

dried parsley flakes, optional

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1.) Lightly grease a deep skillet, or a saucepan. (I spray the skillet or saucepan with a no-stick cooking spray.)

2.) Add 1-inch of water to the skillet, but if using the saucepan, add 1-1/2-inches of water.

3.) To the water, add the 1/4 teaspoon of salt; then heat water just to boiling.

4.) Break eggs into 2 separate custard dishes.

5.) When the water comes to a boil, carefully slip the eggs into the skillet or saucepan.

6.) Cover the pan or skillet, and cook over low heat for 3 minutes.

7.) Remove poached eggs with a slotted spoon or pancake turner.

8.) Serve poached eggs on buttered toast, then season with black pepper and a light sprinkle of dried parsley flakes.

9.) Yields: 1 or 2 servings

Poached Eggs on Toast | Just A Pinch Recipes

Goulash

This goulash is not only quick and easy to make, but it's also very satisfying. It can be made with any pasta sauce or spaghetti sauce. I make mine with Hunt's Garlic & Herb Spaghetti Sauce. I do add red pepper flakes, which gives this goulash a 'bit of a kick'. It's comfort food at it's best!



Goulash

1 lb. ground beef

1/2 of one large onion, finely chopped

2 or 3 cloves of garlic, minced (Or use 1 teaspoon garlic powder)

Lawry's Seasoning Salt, add according to taste

black pepper, add according to taste

1-1/4 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

2-1/2 cups Hunts Spaghetti Sauce or Pasta Sauce

dried parsley flakes, optional

Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese, optional

1.)  In a large deep skillet, add the ground beef, onion, and garlic.

2.)  Season the beef mixture with the seasoned salt & black pepper.

3.)  (While the beef mixture is browning, start cooking the macaroni according to package directions. I cooked mine for 9 minutes.)

4.)  Once the beef mixture is done cooking, drain off any excess grease.

5.)  Place the beef mixture back in the skillet, and then add the red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and the pasta sauce.  Simmer over low heat while you finish cooking the macaroni; stirring the meat sauce frequently.  

6.)  When the macaroni is done cooking, drain it, then add it to the meat sauce, and finishing heating it through.

5.)  Once heated through; sprinkle on a bit of dried parsley flakes.

6.)  Serve immediately, and top with a bit of grated parmesan cheese.

7.)  Yields: 4 to 5 servings

Photo of Goulash topped with Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese.

Goulash Recipe | Just A Pinch

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

I came across this side dish recipe at Food.com, which Karen=^..^= had posted the recipe, but I did modify the recipe to my liking. This delicious side dish is so quick and easy to prepare. My husband and I agree... this side dish is very good, and I look forward to making it often.



Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

9 ounces (2-1/2 cups) penne pasta, uncooked
2 Tablespoons butter
1 very large clove of garlic, minced
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 Tablespoons flour
3/4 cup reduced sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup milk (I used 2%)
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
6 tablespoons Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese

1.)  In a large saucepan, cook the pasta in boiling for 11 minutes, along with a bit of vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of salt.  Once cooked; drain the pasta in a colander, then rinse with cold water.  Drain again to remove any excess water, then set the pasta aside.

2.)  In the same saucepan over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter.

3.)  To the pan, add the garlic and red pepper flakes; cook and stir continuously for about 1 minute.  (I only cooked the garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds.)

4.)  Now add the flour, and continue to cook and stir for 1 more minute.  (I only cooked the flour for 30 seconds.)

5.)  Gradually add the broth and milk; stirring continuously, until the sauce comes to a boil and thickens.

6.)  Once the sauce has thickened, quickly add the remaining spices and the parmesan cheese; stirring continuously until the cheese has melted.

7.)  Once the cheese has melted, reduce the heat, and add the cooked pasta; stir until the sauce is incorporated into the pasta, then serve immediately.

8.)  Season pasta with a bit more salt & pepper, if need be.

9.)  Yields: 4 servings

An additional photo of Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe - Food.com

Banana With Peanut Butter & Chocolate Syrup

I happen to come across this dessert recipe at food.com.
My husband loves peanut butter and bananas, and I love
chocolate, so we both enjoy this delectable dessert.



Banana With Peanut Butter & Chocolate Syrup 

1 banana
2 tablespoons peanut butter (or more)
3 tablespoons chocolate syrup (or more)
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Optional toppings:
Reddi Wip Whipped Topping
Colorful candy sprinkles

1.)  Peel banana; split lengthwise, and place on a plate.

2.)  Spread peanut butter on the banana.

3.)  Drizzle chocolate syrup over the banana.

4.)  If desired, top with some Reddi Wip and candy sprinkles.

5.)  Serve immediately.

6.)  Makes: 1 serving

Banana With Peanut Butter & Chocolate Syrup | Just A Pinch Recipes

Mushroom Pasta Carbonara

I absolutely love this creamy and cheesy mushroom pasta carbonara.  This is my recipe that was published in the Taste of Home's Simple & Delicious Magazine; May/June 2009 (on page 29).

Photo by: Taste of Home 

Mushroom Pasta Carbonara 

2-1/2 cups uncooked mostaccioli pasta

8 bacon strips, diced

1 or 2 jars (4.5 oz. each) whole mushrooms, drained

3/4 cup half-and-half cream

1/3 cup butter, cubed

1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

1 teaspoon minced garlic

6 to 8 drops hot pepper sauce

1/2 teaspoon salt, optional

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup sliced green onions

1.)  Cook mostaccioli according to package directions.

2.)  Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp.  Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels to drain.

3.)  Brown mushrooms in bacon drippings; then remove to paper towels.  Drain drippings from the skillet.

4.)  Add the cream, butter, parsley, garlic, pepper sauce, and salt if desired, to the skillet. Cook and stir over medium heat, until butter is melted.

5.)  Drain mostaccioli; add to cream mixture.

6.)  Stir in the bacon, mushrooms and cheese; heat through.

7.)  Remove from the heat. Sprinkle with green onions.

8.)  Yields: 4 servings

Mushroom Pasta Carbonara Recipe: How to Make It (tasteofhome.com)

Pumpkin Mousse Parfait

I really enjoy this layered Pumpkin Mousse Parfait!



Pumpkin Mousse Parfait 

3 cups cold milk (I used 2% milk)
2 pkgs. (3.4 ounces) each, instant vanilla pudding
1 (15-oz.) can pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup thawed Cool Whip
Additional Cool Whip (for layering)
Additional ground cinnamon (for sprinkling on top the dessert)

1.)  Beat milk and pudding mix in a large-deep bowl, for 2 minutes.

2.)  Blend in the pumpkin and spices.

3.)  Stir in the 1 cup of Cool Whip, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

4.)  Layer the pumpkin mousse and additional Cool Whip into a trifle bowl, or parfait glasses.  (Or use other individual glasses of your choice.)

5.)  Top each dessert with a light sprinkle of the ground cinnamon.

6.)  Serve immediately, or place the dessert in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

7.) Note: Depending on the size of dessert glasses you are using, and how much of the pumpkin mousse and whipped topping you layer into them, that pretty much will determine the servings you will get.

8.) Optional Variation: Omit layering the additional Cool Whip and the pumpkin mousse.  Just add the pumpkin mousse into smaller individual serving dishes, and top each with a dollop of Cool Whip and a light sprinkle of the ground cinnamon.  This will yield more servings.

Pumpkin Mousse Parfait | Just A Pinch Recipes

Mom's Red Scalloped Potatoes

This cheesy-scalloped potato recipe was posted by metzstar at allrecipes. I did however, modify the recipe to my liking. The original recipe stated to use 4 cups of the shredded cheese, but by accident, I only used 2 cups, which my husband and I thought that was plenty of cheese. If you want yours to be cheesier, than add more. Also, you can pretty much substitute one can of soup for another.



Mom's Red Scalloped Potatoes

8 cups thinly sliced red potatoes (with the skins on)

3 Tablespoons butter

2 medium sized onions, finely chopped

2-3 large cloves of garlic, minced (I used 3 cloves)

1 (10-3/4 oz.) can cream of broccoli soup

1 (10-3/4 oz.) can cream of celery soup

1 cup milk (I used 1/2 cup each, milk & Half-N-Half)

salt (I added 1/2 a teaspoon)

pepper (I added a 1/4 teaspoon)

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

dried parsley flakes, to garnish the potatoes

1.)  First - be sure to wash and pat dry, the red potatoes you are going to use for this recipe.

2.)  Butter the inside of a 13 x 9-inch baking pan; set pan aside.

3.)  Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat.  (I used a very large Teflon coated pan.)  Add the onion, and saute' for about 3 minutes, or until the onions become soft and translucent. Then add the minced garlic, and saute' it for about 1 minute.

4.)  Reduce the heat under the pan to low, then add both cans of soup, the milk, plus the salt & pepper; stir to incorporate.


5.)  Now add 1 cup of the shredded cheese, cook and stir until the cheese has melted through.


6.)  Add the thinly sliced red potatoes to the pan; stir to coat the potatoes evenly, then add them to the buttered baking pan.


7.)  Sprinkle the top the potatoes with the remaining cup of shredded cheese.


8.)  Cover the pan with foil, and bake the potatoes for 1 hour 25 minutes in a 350º oven.

9.)  Remove the foil, and continue to bake the potatoes for another 10 minutes.

10.)  Once the potatoes are done baking, place the pan on top of the stove, and let the potatoes set for 15 minutes, so they will absorb the sauce in the pan.

11.)  Sprinkle the potatoes with the dried parsley flakes, then serve immediately.


12.)  Yields: 10 servings

Mom's Red Scalloped Potatoes Recipe (allrecipes.com)

Five O'Clock Franks

This recipe is from my 1975 Campbell's Cookbook titled...
A Campbell Cookbook Most-For-The-Money Main Dishes.
I did however tweak the recipe a bit, substituting one soup
for another, and also using another kind of noodles.



Five O'Clock Franks

1 (l6-oz.) package franks, cut into 1/2" pieces
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 Tablespoons butter or margarine
1 (10-3/4 oz.) can Campbell's Fiesta Nacho Cheese Soup
2 Tablespoons ketchup
1/3 cup water
1-1/2 cups uncooked rotini noodles
8 oz. frozen cut green beans, cooked and drained

1.)  In a 10-inch skillet, brown the franks and onion in butter until tender; stirring often.  (I browned the franks and onion over medium to medium-low heat within 5 minutes.)

2.)  Stir in the soup, ketchup, and water.

3.)  Add the cooked noodles and cooked green beans; stir and heat through.

4.)  Season with salt and pepper, according to taste.

5.)  Yields: 5 servings

6.) *Note: Campbell's original recipe states to use a can of cheddar cheese soup, but I opt to use Fiesta Nacho Cheese, which gave this hot dish a bit of a 'kick'.  Also, I cooked the frozen green beans with 2 tablespoons of water, in a 900 watt microwave oven for 9 minutes; stirring them after 4 minutes and 30 seconds.  I should also mention, I cooked the noodles for 9 minutes.

Five O'Clock Franks | Just A Pinch Recipes

My Favorite Macaroni and Cheese

This is my favorite way to eat Mac 'n Cheese from a box.  The salsa added, makes it taste so good!  By the way, I wanted to let everyone know... The photo of the mac 'n cheese was taken by, mydesigirl at: Food.com   




My Favorite Macaroni and Cheese

1 (7.25 ounce) box Kraft Macaroni & Cheese
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup milk (I use 2% milk)
4 to 5 Tablespoons salsa (See *Note)

1.)  Prepare the mac 'n cheese according to package directions.

2.)  Just before serving, (and while still hot) stir in the salsa.

3.)  Servings: 3

4.) *Note: Whenever I make this recipe adding salsa that has more
heat to it (like my husband's homemade 'hot' salsa), I only add 4 Tablespoons to the mac 'n cheese, but if I use a store bought brand that's not so hot, and is a medium-heat tasting salsa, then I'll add 5 Tablespoons of the salsa.

My Favorite Macaroni and Cheese Recipe - Food.com

Coffee L'Orange

This is a delicious orange chocolate flavored coffee, which I top with either Reddi Wip or Cool Wip Whipped Topping, and a light sprinkle of either ground cinnamon or nutmeg.



Coffee L'Orange 

2 Tablespoons ground coffee
1/2 teaspoon ground coffee
1 teaspoon orange zest
3 tablespoons chocolate flavored syrup
1 cup cold water
1/8 cup cold water
1/4 teaspoon orange extract
large dollop (or two) Reddi Wip Dairy Topping, or Cool Whip
light sprinkle ground cinnamon, or ground nutmeg

1.)  Place the coffee grounds inside paper filled (brewing) basket.

2.)  Sprinkle the orange zest over the coffee grounds.

3.)  Adjust brewing basket to fit inside the coffee maker.

4.)  Add the chocolate syrup to the empty coffee pot of the coffee maker.

5.)  Pour the cold water inside the coffee maker, and start brewing the coffee.

6.)  When brewing is completed, add the orange extract to the coffee pot.  Stir the chocolate/coffee mixture, until it's well blended.  (At this point, I add my coffee to a mug, and heat it up a bit more in the microwave.)

7.)  Stir coffee, then top it with a dollop or two of Reddi Wip or Cool Whip.

8.)  Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on top the Reddi Wip or Cool Wip.

9.)  Yields: 1-serving (8 ounces)

Coffee L'Orange | Just A Pinch Recipes