Zucchini Alfredo

ZUCCHINI ALFREDO
*I got this off of allrecipes and made a few changes because it works better and has a little more taste

1 Tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, diced
4 C zucchini, shredded
8 oz cream cheese
1/2 C (or more) milk
1/4 C fresh basil, chopped
Garlic salt to taste (be generous)
Pepper to taste

In a large pan heat oil and stir in garlic and onions.  Cook till tender (1-2 minutes).  Mix in zucchini and cook until most of the moisture from the zucchini has evaporated (around 10 minutes).  Add milk and cream cheese.  Cook until melted.  Add in basil and seasoning.  Serve over pasta with Parmesan cheese.

Note - you will need to adjust the amount of milk to get the sauce consistency you want

Cheesy Hamburger Vegetable Soup

CHEESY HAMBURGER VEGETABLE SOUP

1/4 pound ground beef/bison, browned and drained
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup chopped celery
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley
4 cups chicken broth
4 cups cubed potatoes

 4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups cubed Cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup sour cream

You can make this on the stove but it is super easy in a crock pot.  Put beef, vegetables, broth in crock pot on high for about 4-5 hours till vegetables are tender.  On stove top melt butter in a sauce pan, add flour and whisk together to make a roux.  Add milk and whisk, bring to a boil.  Remove from heat and stir in cheese till melted.  Add mixture to the vegetable broth mixture and leave in crock pot another hour or so.  Turn off pot (or turn to low) and add sour cream

Note - this really is beyond good but I haven't ever tried substituting something for the meat yet.  If you do and it works let me know!!

Split Pea Soup

SPLIT PEA SOUP
*from Meredith

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 onion, chopped

1 bay leaf

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups dried split peas

1/2 cup barley

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

5 cups broth (veggie or chicken)

5 cups water

3 carrots, chopped

3 stalks celery, chopped

3 potatoes, diced

1/2 cup chopped parsley

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

In a large pot over medium high heat, saute the oil, onion, bay leaf and garlic for 5 minutes, or until onions are translucent. Add the rest of the ingredients. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.

If you don't have barely on hand you can substitute arborio rice

Pizza Dough for crust

PIZZA DOUGH
*from Kristi Reese

1 C warm water
1 T sugar
2 1/4 tsp yeast (one package)
3 T Olive Oil
1 tsp salt
2 1/2 C flour

Mix water, yeast and sugar.  Add other ingredient and knead.

Lentil Quiche

 LENTIL QUICHE
*yes, when I saw this title I though "really???"  so good....

1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup dried lentils
2 cups water
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes (optional, some people don't like them)
1/4 C mushrooms
5 eggs, beaten
1 1/4 cup milk
ground black pepper to taste
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
dash of marjoram
1 C cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Saute the onion, make sure all the vegetables (if you use something different) are fairly cooked (except the tomatoes).  Bring water and lentils to a boil and simmer for about 20 minutes until lentils are done.  Put the vegetablse in a deep pie dish or use a larger baking pan and mix together.  You can add the cheese here and stir it in with the vegetables.  Beat eggs, milk and spices.  Pour over vegetables and cook at 375 for about 50-55 minutes.  Make sure the center doesn't jiggle ;)  Top with cheese if desired...

You can throw in any vegetable you like and different seasonings...

Carmel Pecan Topping for Cinnamon Rolls (use before cooking)

CARMEL PECAN TOPPING

3 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp light corn syrup
1 1/2 Tbsp water
3/4 C brown sugar
1/2 C chopped pecans

Mix till smooth.  Spread on the bottom of pan before adding cinnamon rolls.  This makes a 9x13 pan easily.

Cream Cheese Frosting for rolls

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

2 C powdered sugar
3 oz cream cheese, softened
1 Tbsp butter, softened
1/2 tsp vanilla
3 Tbsp milk

Beat together :)