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The Peckish Moon is a virtual recipe box! A place to store all the recipes I have created. I hope you enjoy them and if you make any of them please leave a comment and tell me what you think!

Friday, January 24, 2014

Zucchini Cakes

I made these last night and they were soooo delicious, even hubby said they were awesome, which is saying something for the meat loving carnivore he is! ^_^

1 whole Large zucchini
1 Tbsp minced garlic
1/2 cup (to 3/4 cup) breadcrumbs
1/2 cup shredded cheese (your choice)
2 whole eggs
Salt (to taste)
Black pepper (to taste)
Olive oil

Directions:


  1. Wash zucchini and chop off the stem end. Shred it using the large holes of a cheese grater. Squeeze the shredded zucchini inside a large clean towel until you've removed as much liquid as possible.
  2. Place shredded zucchini in a medium sized bowl. Add garlic, breadcrumbs, cheese, eggs, salt and pepper. Stir with a fork until well mixed.
  3. Heat oil oil to medium heat, when oil is hot drop a spoonful of zucchini mixture into skill and flatten it a bit with spoon. 
  4. After about 2 minutes, turn the cakes over (should be golden brown) and cook on other side for another 2 minutes.
  5. Serve with dipping sauce of your choice or top with a little more shredded cheese.
(I did not use minced garlic as I had seasoned breadcrumbs, so if you use seasoned breadcrumbs you can omit minced garlic and they're just as tasty!)

Homemade Pizza Dough

2-1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp baking powder
3 Tbsp oil oil or vegetable oil
Pizza Seasoning
1 cup water
1 can tomato sauce or 2/3 cup if using jar sauce

Directions:


  1. In a large bowl, mix together flour, salt, baking powder, and pizza seasoning (I sprinkled in enough to give the dough some extra flavor.)
  2. When dry ingredients are well mixed, add in the olive oil. Gradually add in water, stirring constantly. When dough starts to form, sprinkle a small amount of flour over the mixture. Begin to knead the dough until everything is well mixed and you have a round ball of dough.
  3. Flatten dough onto a large pizza pan or baking sheet. 
  4. Spread half of the sauce over your dough, then lay on the toppings.
  5. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Saturday, January 11, 2014

Party Meatballs

1 (14 oz) can Cranberry Sauce
1 (12 oz) bottle Heinz Chili Sauce
1 (2 lb) bag frozen, pre-cooked, cocktail sized meatballs (or faux meatballs for you vegetarians)

Directions:
  1. Combine sauces in large saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring until smooth.
  2. Add meatballs, cover and cook for 15 minutes or until meatballs are heated through; stir occasionally.
(Makes 30 appetizer servings)

Slow Cooker Preparation:

  1. Place meatballs in slow cooker
  2. Combine sauces and pour over meatballs.
  3. Cover and cook on High until heated through.

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Skinny Taco Dip

1 (8-ounce) package 1/3 less fat Philadelphia Cream Cheese, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups salsa, homemade or store-bought
3/4 cup light fat sour cream
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
1 1/2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
2 Roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup sliced black olives
1/4 cup tortilla strips

Directions:


  1. In the bowl, beat cream cheese, salsa, sour cream and taco seasoning until well combined, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Serve immediately, topped with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, olives and tortilla strips.


Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

1 lb bacon, diced
1 onion, diced
5 large Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 cups chicken stock
3 Tbsp butter
3 Tbsp flour
1 1/2 cups milk
3 green onions, sliced
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 tsp black pepper
sour cream (optional)

Directions:


  1. In large stock pot, cook bacon until crisp. Drain all but 2 Tbsp of bacon grease from pot.
  2. Cook onions in remaining grease for 5 minutes until tender
  3. Add potatoes and chicken stock to pot. Bring to boil and simmer until thick. Slowly stir into stock pot. Bring to boil, reduce heat to low and simmer.
  4. Add 1/2 cup shredded cheese, 3/4 bacon and 1/2 green onions to pot. Add pepper. Stir to combine. Cook additional 5 minutes.
  5. Ladle into bowls, top with cheese, bacon, green onions and optional sour cream.


Monday, January 6, 2014

Hot Dog Casserole

3 tbsp butter
HDog92 tbsp flour
1 – 1 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 1/2 cups milk
5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
1 pkg hot dogs, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/2 inch slices
1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. In small saucepan, melt butter. Stir in the flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil, cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly.
2. In greased 2 1/2 quart baking dish, layer with 1/3 of the potatoes, half of the hot dogs. Repeat layers. Top with remaining potatoes. Pour white sauce over all.
3. Cover and bake 350° for 1 hour. Uncover, sprinkle with cheese. Bake additional 10-15 minutes longer or until potatoes are tender.

Sugar Cookies

3/4 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt

Directions:

  1. Combine all ingredients
  2. Chill dough 1 hour
  3. Roll dough out 1/2 inch thick, cut shapes
  4. Bake 400 degrees or 6-8 minutes.
  5. Let cool, decorate if desired.

Baking Powder Biscuits

2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
4 Tbsp butter or shortening
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup milk

Directions:

  1. Combine flour, baking powder & salt. Cut in butter or shortening.
  2. Add milk gradually, stirring until soft dough forms.
  3. Turn out onto lightly floured surface and lightly knead for about 30 seconds, enough to shape.
  4. Roll dough 1/2 inch thick and cut with 2 inch floured biscuit cutter.
  5. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet in a 400 degree oven for 12-15 minutes.
    Makes 12 biscuits

Scotch Shortbread

This is an extremely quick and easy cookie recipe that isn't too sweet and only requires 3 ingredients. They make a delicious snack with a cup of coffee or tea; or just by themselves!


3/4 cup butter (or margarine), softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar (or sugar substitute)
2 cups of all-purpose flour

Directions:  

1.      Preheat oven to 350°
2.     Stir together butter, granulated sugar. Stir in flour and mix well.
3.     Roll or pat dough 1/2 inch to 1/3 inch thick
4.     Cut into small shapes, place 1/2 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet
5.     Top with sugar sprinkles (optional)
6.     Bake for 20 minutes or until set.
7.     Remove from oven immediately.


Makes 2 dozen, 1 1/2 inch cookies.

Butter Tarts


2 eggs
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup currants or raisins
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
2 teaspoons vinegar
pinch of salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
One batch of pie crust

 Directions:

1.     Preheat oven 350° 
2.     Beat eggs. 
3.     Add sugar, syrup, and melted butter and beat again.  
4.     Add the currants, walnuts, vinegar, salt, and vanilla extract and mix vigorously.  
5.     Put a small amount of corn meal into tart tins or muffin pans OR use cupcake papers  
6.     Place circles of uncooked pie crust into the pans.  
7.     Fill the shells 2/3 full and bake until the pastry is light brown, about 20 minutes. (For runnier tarts, cook for 15 to 17 minutes.)

Makes 24 tarts 


Grandma's Hot Water Pie Crust

1 cup shortening
1 large teaspoon margarine
3/4 cup boiling water
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:


1. Mix up the shortening, margarine, and water until creamy.

2. While it's still creamy and not yet cold, sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a dough forms. (Try not to knead it while forming it into a large ball.) 3. Separate the dough into two equal balls for easier rolling; (each portion will yield a single 9-inch pie crust or one dozen small tart shells.) 4. Chill the dough before rolling it out, but not overnight (depending on your fridge, 20 to 40 minutes). 

Bacon Egg & Cheese Cups

8 slices bacon (I used turkey bacon)
6 eggs
1/2 cup shredded cheese (whichever you like)
1/4 cup milk
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:


1. Preheat oven to 350°
2. Whip eggs, milk, salt, pepper and cheese together.
3. Wrap bacon inside muffin tin cups, fill with egg mixture about 3/4 full.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes.

We enjoyed these babies for dinner with some tasty buttered Texas Toast!

Homemade Pancakes/Waffles

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
3 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
1 1/4 cups milk
1 egg
3 tbsp butter, melted

Directions:


1. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in milk, egg, and melted butter; mix until smooth.
2. Heat lightly greased skillet or griddle over med-high heat.
3. Pour or scoop batter onto griddle using 1/4 cup for each pancake.
4. Don't flip pancake until batter starts to bubble!
5. Brown both sides and smother with maple syrup, jam, honey, or any other topping desired.

This same recipe can be used to make waffles in your waffle iron.

Sweet Cornbread Muffins

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup cornmeal
2/3 cup sugar

5 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1 egg
1 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat oven 400°
2. Combine dry ingredients
3. Melt butter, whisk egg into butter as it cools. Then add egg, milk, & vanilla to butter.
4. Make a well in the center of dry ingredients and pour into center, stirring lightly until blended. DO NOT over-mix or muffins won't be as tender.
5. Spoon into muffin tin and bake for 15-18 minutes.

Banana Bread

3 or 4 ripe bananas
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp vanilla extract
pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven 350° F
2. Mix butter into smashed bananas. Stir in sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
3. Sprinkle in baking soda and salt.
4. Add flour a little at a time, mix thoroughly.
5. Pour into lightly greased or floured 4x8 loaf pan.
6. Bake for 1 hour.
7. Let bread cool completely before removing from pan.

Homemade Country Bread


3 cups flour
4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups water
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°

2. Combine flour, baking powder and salt.
3. Combine water and vegetable oil, add to dry mixture. Mix well. Dough should be moist and sticky.
4. Roll into a ball or oval shape, score the top with an X.
5. Place on baking sheet and bake 40 for minutes.

Chipotle-Apricot Cream Cheese Spread


1 pkg. (8 oz.)  Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 cup  apricot preserves
1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped
2 Tbsp. water
1 green onion, finely chopped
Ritz Crackers or Wheat Thins

Directions:
  1. Spread cream cheese onto bottom of pie plate. 
  2. Cook preserves, peppers and water in saucepan on medium-low heat 5 min. or until preserves are melted, stirring occasionally. Stir in onions; spread over cream cheese.
  3. Serve with crackers.

Turkey Kielbasa Chili


1 can kidney beans 
1 can ranch beans
1 can pinto beans with bacon
1 can tomato Soup
1/2 can beef broth
1 turkey kielbasa

Directions:


1. Cut kielbasa into bite sized pieces, cover with beef broth. Salt, pepper, and Herbs de Provence to taste.
2. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes over med-low heat.
3. Mix in beans and tomato soup.
4. Simmer until thoroughly heated.
5. Top with shredded cheese (optional)

Friday, January 3, 2014

Cold Weather Chowder

As we find ourselves turning up the heat and breaking out the fuzzy pajama pants; I recently decided to make potato soup, only to find that I had only 2 big potatoes left. So I improvised on some of the ingredients and ended up creating this delicious meat-free chowder.



2 medium sized potatoes (2 cups) diced
1 cup diced carrots
2 cups (1 can) sweet corn
3 medium sized mushrooms sliced
1 1/2 cups milk
3/4 cup water
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Cornstarch

Directions:
1. In medium saucepan cover and simmer potatoes, carrots, salt, pepper and water for 15 minutes.
2. Add corn & mushrooms and simmer for another 10 minutes.
3. Add milk, stirring until heated. DO NOT BOIL!
4. Stir in cornstarch a little at a time until you reach desired thickness.
5. Serve hot with your favorite bread or crackers. 

Homemade Alfredo Sauce

Fed up with store bought sauces? ME TOO!  I have been buying sauces instead of making my own, thinking it was too difficult and time consuming. So last week I decided to make my own Alfredo sauce for the first time, and it turned out perfect, if I do say so myself. It is rich, creamy and to die for delicious. And it only took about 10 minutes to make.



Directions:

1/2 cup butter
1 8 oz pkg cream cheese
2 tsp garlic powder
2 cups milk
6 oz grated Parmesan
1/8 tsp black pepper
1. Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add cream cheese and garlic powder, stirring until smooth.
3. Add milk a little at a time, smoothing out the lumps.
4. Stir in Parmesan and pepper.
5. Remove from heat when sauce reaches desired consistency, sauce will thicken.
6. Serve over your noodle of choice. (Add cooked chicken if desired for a tasty chicken fettuccine Alfredo.)