Fay's Jello

1 large pkg lemon pudding, cooked according to package instructions
1 large pkg jello dissolved in 3 cups boiling water
Cool whip

Mix the jello and pudding together and refrigerate until set.  Top with cool whip and serve.
Peach or raspberry jello are my favorites, but any flavor works.

Penny's Meatballs

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (I usually use crushed ritz crackers)
2 eggs
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1 T Italian seasoning(to taste.. I think I use less)
1 t. salt
1 t. pepper

Mix all together until well combined(sometimes I mix by hand, or if I'm making a big batch I'll mix in my bosch).  Use a spoon or cookie scoop & roll in balls.  Place on cookie sheet with cooking spray or parchment paper. Bake at 400 for 10-12 minutes until done.  1 recipe makes about 24 meatballs depending on how big you make them.  I like to make a double or triple batch and then freeze the leftovers for a future easy meal.

Homemade Nacho Cheese

My kids have been loving nachos lately… I've made this nacho cheese several times and feel better about them eating this rather than the processed cheese kind.. The original recipe included cayenne pepper, but I leave that out.  Also, I've gotten to where I don't really measure, I just throw everything in & it turns out well.  I've also used medium cheddar instead of sharp & as long as its good quality cheese(like tillamook), it should turn out.  I have reheated leftovers in the microwave & Neil told me he likes it even better reheated.  You may have to add a little milk when reheating it if its too thick.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1 cup whole milk (I use 1%)
1/4 tsp salt
8oz block sharp cheddar cheese, grated (the original recipe warned against using pre- grated cheese, as it has some additives and won't be as creamy)

Directions:

Melt the butter in a medium size skillet over medium flame. Once the butter is melted add the flour. Whisk until it combines into a smooth blond paste and starts to bubble around the edges.

Add the milk to the skillet and continue whisking. Once the milk is incorporated, raise the heat to high and bring to a boil. Once the milk has reached a boil, quickly lower the heat and reduce to a simmer. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Add the salt and whisk to combine.

Add the cheese and gently stir, allowing the cheese to melt. When the cheese is completely melted and the mixture smooth in consistency, the nacho cheese sauce is ready to serve. Enjoy immediately, as the sauce will get firm as it sits.

Citrus Soy Pork Tenderloin

The pork tenderloin that we served at the family Christmas party.. 

From Mel's Kitchen Cafe

• 2-3 pounds pork tenderloin
• 3/4 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine all the ingredients except the pork and mix well. Pour the marinade into a ziploc bag or baking dish and add the pork tenderloin, making sure the marinade completely covers the pork. Marinade for 8-10 hours.
2. Preheat an outdoor grill (charcoal or gas). Grill the pork tenderloin about 3-4 minutes on each of its four sides (the exact time will depend on the temperature of your grill) or the internal temperature is about 150 to 155 degrees. Remove from the grill, tent with foil, and allow to rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Doctored Cake Mix

1 box of cake mix
1 large box of pudding mix
4 eggs
1 cup oil
1/2 cup water
1 cup sour cream

Cook as a cake or cupcakes or whatever form you choose according to the cake mix directions on the box. It will be much more moist and taste less like a cake mix.

Pecan Pie

This is the recipe that I always use for pecan pie.  It was from my boss during my health department days.


~3/4 cup pecans
3 eggs, well beaten
1 c. dark corn syrup
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. cinnamon
1 t. vanilla
1 t. flour
1/4 c. melted butter

Combine ingredients(except pecans), mix well and pour into a pie shell.  Top with pecans(whole pecans look better).

Bake at 375 for 35 to 40 minutes or until the center is set.