As I'm sitting here freezing

I am trying to think of a clever Works for me Wednesday idea, but I have nothing today. So instead of that, I will share a recipe for yummy soup. Since I'm sitting in the basement at the computer and it is cold down here. But it is pretty nice outside. Here's the recipe...

Cheesy Ham Chowder
10 bacon strips, diced
1 lg. onion, chopped
1 c. diced carrots
3 Tbls. flour
3 c. milk
1 1/2 c. water
2 1/2 c. cubed potatoes
1 can whole kernel corn, drained
2 tsp. chicken bouillon
pepper
2 c. cubed fully cooked ham
3 c. shredded cheddar cheese

In a large pan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain. In the drippings, saute onion and carrots until tender. Stir in flour until blended. Gradually add milk and water. Bring to a boil; cook & stir 2 minutes or until thickened. Add potatoes, corn, bouillon and pepper. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Add cheese and ham; heat until cheese is melted. Stir in bacon.

I have been leaving out the bacon (because I'm lazy) and the onion (because K doesn't like onion). I just saute the carrots in butter until they are tender. This sounds like a lot of work, and it is more work than I usually put into a meal, but it is well worth it. I'm making this for my sister and brother-in-law this weekend.

On a side note, my HCG level today was at 1800 something. It was supposed to double, which it did. So now I will schedule an ultrasound in 3 weeks and we'll see what's going on in there!

Works for me Wednesday - easy warm sandwiches

I make regular sandwiches with cheese, turkey and ham. Then I put them under the broiler (on the middle shelf) until they are crispy (but not burnt). Ta-da! An easy alternative to a cold sandwich.

I ate so many cold sandwiches when I was pregnant with Emma that I don't really like them anymore. Unless we are eating out. So I like to make my sandwiches either on the griddle grilled-cheese-style or under the broiler. It adds a little spice to my life!

For more good ideas visit Rocks in my Dryer.

Rice Krispie bars - yummy style

I'm making these tasty treats today, so I thought I'd share the recipe...

Rice Krispie Bars with Caramel (what an original title!)
1/2 c. butter
8 c. marshmallows
8 c. Rice Krispies
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 14 oz. bag of caramels

Measure out 4 c. of Rice Krispies in a large bowl. Melt 1/4 c. butter and 4 c. marshmallows together. Pour over Rice Krispies and mix well. Press into a greased 9x13 pan with greased hands. (I spray Pam on my hands!) Melt sweetened condensed milk and caramels together over low heat until combined. Spread over first layer. Refrigerate for 30-40 minutes. Measure out 4 c. of Rice Krispies in a large bowl. Melt 1/4 c. butter and 4 c. marshmallows together. Pour over Rice Krispies and mix well. Spread over caramel layer. Refrigerate. Try not to eat them all in one sitting. Yum!

I'm actually making these for other people, so I won't be eating any. Well, maybe I should make sure they are okay before I bring them to church...

Saturday Stirrings - waffles/pancakes

I didn't like these growing up. I'm pretty sure my mom put extra stuff in them like wheat germ or something. But today I think they are very tasty and light...I don't add wheat germ, but you could if you wanted to.

High Protein Pancakes or Waffles

Combine in blender:
1 c. cottage cheese
4 eggs
1/2 c. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 c. oil
1/2 c. milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla
Blend at high speed for 1 minute. Bake in a waffle iron or griddle.

I use whole wheat flour (and have separated some out and made them with rice flour for Emma). I also substitute unsweetened applesauce for the oil to try to be healthier. It makes enough for our family (2 adults and a 17-month-old) plus a couple extras.

Happy early Father's Day!

Ice cream desserts

In honor of the warmer days of spring, I thought I'd share some ice cream desserts. I ate a lot of the first one growing up. It is a favorite of my dad's. We called it "Hydrox dessert" because it is made with crushed Hydrox (aka Oreo) cookies. I don't even think I've seen Hydrox cookies for a long time. The store brand Oreo cookies work just as well!

Hydrox (Oreo) Dessert
2 c. crushed Oreo cookies
1/2 c. butter
1 1/4 square semi-sweet chocolate
3 eggs (separated)
2 c. powdered sugar
1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream (the square version)
8 oz. Cool Whip

Line the bottom of a 9x13 pan with 1/2 of the crushed cookies. Slice ice cream into 1 - 1 1/2 inch slices and spread/press over the cookies. Store in the freezer (of course). Melt butter and chocolate. Beat egg yolks (put the egg whites in the fridge for a little while). Add powdered sugar to the egg yolks first and then mix with the butter & chocolate. Bring this mixture to the boiling point. Cool completely. Add beaten egg whites. Spread chocolate mixture over the ice cream. Spread Cool Whip over top. Sprinkle the rest of the cookie crumbs over top. Enjoy!

Here's another similar recipe that's even easier - it doesn't involve the stove at all. It was given to me by K's mom.

Ice Cream Dessert
1 lb. crushed Oreo cookies
1 stick melted margarine
5 crushed Butterfinger bars
1/2 gallon ice cream (vanilla, mint chip, peppermint stick, etc.)

Mix cookies, margarine and Butterfingers. But 1/2 in the bottom of 9x13 pan. Spread ice cream on crust. Press remainder of crumbs on top. Freeze. Note: Butterfingers will crush easier if frozen.

Yum! I want to eat some now. I guess that would involve making it, though. Hope you're having a great weekend!