Melanie's Country Cooking

Please like, share with your friends on social media and subscribe! It would be greatly appreciated! Enjoy your day! Creamy Turkey Soup (I used my turkey carcass from Thanksgiving) Put turkey carcass in a large pot. Cover with water and simmer on low heat for 6-8 hours. Drain the bones and meat and save the broth. Pour broth back in a large pot. Add: 3 bay leaves 2 tsp minced garlic 3 tsp thyme 3 tsp basil 3 tsp parsley 2 tsp salt 2 tsp black pepper 2 small/medium onions (diced) 10 ounce package of celery (chopped) 2 pounds of carrots (chopped) After turkey bones have cooled pick the meat from the bones (it should fall right off) Add to broth. Simmer for an hour to an hour and a half until carrots and celery are tender. (I only add the noodles and flour mixture to the part we are going to eat immediately. The rest I put in the freezer) It doesn't seem to freeze well once the noodles are added. Put the amount that you are going to eat in a pot. Add 1/2 cup noodles. Simmer for 5 minutes. Whisk together : 2 -3 TBS flour 1/4 - 1/2 cup of cold water Add this to your soup and whisk for 1-2 minutes until soup has thickened. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed! Enjoy!

Please like, share with your friends on social media and subscribe! It would be greatly appreciated! Enjoy your day! Melt 1 TBS butter in a large skillet. Add one small chopped onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until onion is tender. Add 1 tsp minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. You can also add mushrooms or peppers if desired! Add 1 1/2 pound lean hamburger. Cook until browned and drain any excess fat. Add: 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes 15 ounce can tomato sauce 6 ounce can tomato paste Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes Add: 2 tsp parsley flakes 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp black pepper 1/2 tsp oregano 1/2 tsp basil 2 tsp sugar 2 bay leaves Cover and simmer for one hour, stirring occasionally. Uncover and cook for an additional 20 minutes. Remove the bay leaves and serve over pasta. Enjoy!

Please like, share with your friends on social media and subscribe! It would be greatly appreciated! Enjoy your day! Apple Honey Baked Ham This recipe is for a ham that is precooked. 2-3 pound ham (you can use a larger ham but it will take longer to cook) Glaze: Add: 1/2 cup apple juice 1/3 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup honey Stir together over medium heat until it comes to a simmer and thickens a little. Place ham in a foil lined baking dish. Cut slits in the top of the ham about every half inch (or however thick you want your ham sliced) Brush glaze over ham and into the slits. Place sliced apples on top and sides of the ham and secure with toothpicks. Optional: Stick whole cloves on the top of ham. Bake in a preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and brush more glaze over the ham & apples. Bake for an additional 20 minutes until the apples start to brown. Remove and brush remaining glaze over the ham. Enjoy!

Please like, share with your friends on social media and subscribe! It would be greatly appreciated! Enjoy your day! Chicken & Stuffing Casserole 1 pound cooked chicken salt (to taste) pepper (to taste) 1 tsp celery seed 1 tsp thyme 1 10.5 ounce can cream of celery soup (You could also use cream of chicken or cream of mushroom) 1/4 cup milk 2 TBS onion (diced) 1 cup carrots & peas 6 ounce package of stove top stuffing mix 1 stick butter (melted) 1 cup chicken broth Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 30-40 minutes until browned on top and bubbly! Enjoy!

Please like, share with your friends on social media and subscribe! It would be greatly appreciated! Enjoy your day! Zucchini Bread Cream together: 2 eggs 1 cup sugar Add: 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1 tsp vanilla extract Mix Add: 1 1/2 cups flour 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp baking powder 2 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp nutmeg Mix until well combined Add 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini. Fold into the mixture. Pour batter into a WELL greased 9" x 5" loaf pan. Optional: Mix together 1 TBS sugar with a couple sprinkles of cinnamon and sprinkle on top of the batter. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 45-50 minutes until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Enjoy!

Please like, share with your friends on social media and subscribe! It would be greatly appreciated! Enjoy your day! Crust: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs 1 TBS sugar 8 TBS butter (1 stick) (melted) Filling: 16 ounces cream cheese (softened) 2/3 cup sugar 2 TBS sour cream 2 TBS freshly squeezed lemon juice (I used the juice from half a lemon) 1 cup heavy cream Topping: I used canned cherry pie filling. You could use strawberries, blueberries or whatever fruit you like! Let sit in the refrigerator for 5-6 hours. Overnight works best! I don't put the topping on until I am ready to serve them. Enjoy!

Please like, share with your friends on social media and subscribe! It would be greatly appreciated! Enjoy your day! This sauce will be enough for up to 4 small chicken breasts Season chicken with: 1 -2 TBS flour 1 tsp salt 1 tsp black pepper Add 2 TBS butter to a large skillet and let melt. Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until the internal temperature of the chicken is at least 165 degrees. Remove the chicken and set aside. Add 1 TBS butter to the same skillet and add: 4 large minced cloves of garlic (minced) Cook for one minute. Add: 2 TBS sun dried tomatoes (chopped small) (add more if you really like sun dried tomatoes)! 1 1/2 cups heavy cream Bring to a simmer. Add: 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese 3 cups of fresh spinach (chopped) Simmer for 2-3 minutes Add the chicken back into the skillet and simmer for 3-5 minutes. Enjoy!

Please like, share with your friends on social media and subscribe! It would be greatly appreciated! Enjoy your day! 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (softened) 1/2 cup sugar 1 cup brown sugar 2 eggs 1 TBS vanilla extract 2 cups all purpose flour 1 cup old fashioned oatmeal or rolled oats 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 3 cups semi sweet chocolate chips Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 10-12 minutes until the cookies are light golden on top. Enjoy!

Please like, share with your friends on social media and subscribe! It would be greatly appreciated! Enjoy your day! 2 pounds chicken wings (rinsed and dried) Mix together 1 1/2 tsp of corn starch and 1 1/2 tsp of baking powder. Cook chicken with this mixture and put in the refrigerate for 30-60 minutes. After removing from the refrigerator spray chicken wings with a little olive oil. Seasoning: 2 TBS powdered parmesan cheese 1 TBS garlic powder 1 TBS onion powder 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp dried parsley 1 tsp dried thyme 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp black pepper Add seasoning. Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Flip and add seasoning and bake 20 minutes. Flip and add seasoning and bake for 15 minutes. Check and make sure the internal temperature of your chicken is at least 165 degrees. Enjoy!

Please like, share with your friends on social media and subscribe! It would be greatly appreciated! Enjoy your day! Seasoning: Olive Oil 1 TBS brown sugar 1/2 TBS onion powder 1/2 TBS garlic powder 1/2 TBS paprika 1/2 tsp black pepper 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp thyme Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 20-25 minutes (IF YOU PARBOILED YOUR CHICKEN FIRST) If you are putting in the oven raw...bake in preheated 400 degree oven for 40-45 minutes until the internal temperature of the chicken is at least 165 degrees. Enjoy!

Please like, share with your friends on social media and subscribe! It would be greatly appreciated! Enjoy your day! 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut in bite size pieces) Season with: salt & black pepper 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp garlic powder Add 1 TBS olive oil to a skillet and brown chicken on all sides Place cooked chicken in a crockpot. Add: 1 1/2 cups heavy cream 2 cups chicken broth 2 cloves garlic (minced) cayenne pepper (I just used a dash)(If you don't like "heat" leave this out or add more if you like "heat". 2 TBS butter (cut in small pieces) salt and pepper (to your taste) Cook on high in the crockpot for 2 1/2 hours. Do not be tempted to lift the lid or it will add on more cooking time! Add 1/4 cup hot water 8 ounces of pasta (I used penne but you can use any kind of pasta you like) Cook on high another 30-35 minutes until pasta is done. Add 4 ounces shredded parmesan cheese and cook 5 minutes until cheese has melted. Top with shredded parmesan cheese, parsley and black pepper. Enjoy!

Please like, share with your friends on social media and subscribe! It would be greatly appreciated! Enjoy your day! 2-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts Season with: salt black pepper paprika Heat 1 TBS butter and 1 TBS olive oil in a skillet. Cook chicken about 5 minutes on each side until browned and the internal temperature is at least 160 degrees. Remove chicken from the pan. Add 2 TBS butter in the same pan and melt. Add 1 TBS flour and cook for 1 minute until flour is dissolved. Add: 1 cup chicken broth 1/2 cup milk 1/4 cup sour cream 1/2 tsp onion powder 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning 1 packet ranch seasoning mix Cook and whisk for about 2-3 minutes until all has been combined and the sauce starts to thicken. Add chicken back to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes until chicken reaches at least 165 degrees. Enjoy!

Please like, share with your friends on social media and subscribe! It would be greatly appreciated! Enjoy your day! Crust: 1/2 cup butter (or margarine)(1 stick) 1 cup flour 2nd layer: 8 oz Cool Whip 1 cup confectionary sugar 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature) 3rd layer: 2 boxes INSTANT chocolate pudding 3 cups milk (I used whole milk) Top with 8 oz tub Cool Whip and mini chocolate chips! Enjoy!

Please like, share with your friends on social media and subscribe! It would be greatly appreciated! Enjoy your day! 2-4 boneless chicken breasts (cut in bite size pieces) 1/4 cup cornstarch 1 -2 TBS olive oil 1/2 cup hoisin sauce 2 TBS soy sauce 1/2 cup brown sugar 3 cloves garlic (minced) 3 TBS rice wine vinegar (I used seasoned) 1 tsp sesame oil fresh ginger (minced) or you can use 1/2 tsp ground ginger 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper (add more if you like spicy) Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds Enjoy!

Please like, share with your friends on social media and subscribe! It would be greatly appreciated! Enjoy your day! 1 chicken breast (I sliced into two pieces) 2 TBS brown sugar 1/4 cup Barbecue Sauce 1/4 cup bourbon 1 TBS soy sauce 1/2 TBS Worcestershire Sauce 1 TBS Dijon Mustard 2 TBS honey 2 TBS onion (chopped) 2 cloves minced garlic small piece of ginger (chopped) Grill for 4-5 minutes on each side until internal temperature of the chicken is at least 165 degrees. Sauce: Marinade (heated to at least 200 degrees) 1/2 tsp red wine vinegar dijon mustard salt black pepper

Please like, share with your friends on social media and subscribe! It would be greatly appreciated! Enjoy your day! Chicken Thighs (or any kind of chicken will work) Season with: salt black pepper rosemary garlic powder 1 TBS honey per piece sprinkle of brown sugar Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Check to make sure the internal temperature of the chicken is at least 165 degrees! Enjoy!

Please like, share with your friends on social media and subscribe! It would be greatly appreciated! Enjoy your day! 2 large very ripe bananas (or 3 small) 1/4 cup melted butter 3/4 cup brown sugar 2 eggs 2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp cinnamon 1/8 tsp nutmeg 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 cups flour 1/2 cup milk Optional: 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, raisins or nuts! Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Optional: When muffins are still warm dip in a mixture of 1/4 cup of sugar and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Enjoy!

Please like, share with your friends on social media and subscribe! It would be greatly appreciated! Enjoy your day! 4-8 Chicken Drumsticks (washed, dried and fat trimmed) Seasoning: 1/2 tsp thyme 1/2 tsp basil 1/2 tsp onion powder 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp oregano 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp black pepper 1 TBS paprika dash of cayenne pepper (optional) Glaze: 1/3 cup Barbecue Sauce (I used Sweet Baby Rays) 1/4 cup honey 1 TBS brown sugar Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 35-40 minutes or until internal temperature of the chicken is at least 165 degrees. Enjoy!

Please like, share with your friends on social media and subscribe! It would be greatly appreciated! Enjoy your day! Graham Cracker Crust: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs 1/3 cup sugar 6 TBS butter (softened) I partially melted it in the microwave 1/tsp cinnamon Filling: 16 ounces cream cheese (softened) 1 cup powdered sugar 1 tsp lemon juice 8 ounce container cool whip I used 1 can of blueberry pie filling for the topping.

Please like, share with your friends on social media and subscribe! It would be greatly appreciated! Enjoy your day! 4 Large Country Style Pork Ribs (you can definitely use more) 1/2 cup maple syrup (I used real maple syrup) 1 TBS brown sugar 2 cloves garlic (minced) salt and black pepper (to taste) Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours Place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to brown (optional) Enjoy!

Please like, share with your friends on social media and subscribe! It would be greatly appreciated! Enjoy your day! Chicken Breast (pounded flat) Season with: Salt Pepper Italian Seasoning Add 2 TBS olive oil to pan and cook chicken 4-5 minutes on each side or until internal temperature of the chicken is 165 degrees Remove chicken and add: 1 small onion (diced) Cook 1-2 minutes Add 4 cloves garlic (minced) and 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1-2 minutes. Add 2 cups fresh spinach. Cook another 2 minutes. Add 1 1/2 cups heavy cream and 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese. Cook until cheese is melted and sauce has thickened. Add chicken back into the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until chicken is heated back up. I used angel hair pasta. Top the pasta with the chicken and sauce. Then add parmesan cheese and black pepper.. Enjoy!

Please like, share with your friends on social media and subscribe! It would be greatly appreciated! Enjoy your day! Breadcrumbs: 3 TBS olive oil 5 cloves garlic (minced) 2 TBS parmesan cheese (grated) 2 TBS fresh parsley (chopped) 2 tsp oregano 1/8 tsp red pepper (optional) 1 TBS lemon juice 1/4 tsp salt (to taste) 12 ounces raw shrimp (cleaned and deveined) Add breadcrumb mixture on top Then add: 1/2 cup chicken stock 1/4 cup white white (optional) I didn't use any wine 5 TBS Butter (cut in small chunks) salt and pepper to taste Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 8-10 minutes. Then place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to brown on top. Watch carefully under the broiler to prevent burning! Enjoy!