Chicken Noodle Casserole

I am so sorry for the Halloween plate in these pictures.  The pictures were "misplaced" for a while it looks like.  It wasn't that we didn't like this recipe, because it was actually really good. It is a nice casserole that you can be sure that your family will get all their veggies for dinner.  It also is really good left over.  I'm thinking you could also freeze this casserole or at least part of it for later.

Nothing like Halloween in February. 

This casserole has so many yummy things in it you will want to make one night soon.  It is also a great dish for a cold winter night.

Start with a bag of thawed mixed veggies.

Add one can of cream of chicken soup

and one of cream of mushroom soup

Add 3/4 cup heavy cream

Chop up your cooked chicken.  I boil my chicken, but you can bake or even use a cooked chicken you have picked up at the store.

Grate 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and add to the mixture.

Now add your cooked egg noodles to the chicken mixture.

This casserole dish is an oversized 9x13.  I'm not really sure what the size really is.  It was great for this because there was so much.  I should have frozen half of it just like this without the topping for another day.  Lesson learned.  Place in a preheated 400 oven.  Bake for 25-30 minutes.  Until everything is nice and bubbly.

When it is finished in the oven take out so you can add the topping.

Add 1/2 cup French Fried onions on top.

Then add a 1/4 cup parmesan cheese on top of that.  Put back in the oven for about 5 minutes.

And remove.  The topping is so nice and crunchy.  I love the onions on top.

Then dish up.  I think you will like this dish and there's plenty for a crowd.

Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

1 pkg egg noodles
about 2-3 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 thawed bag of mixed veggies
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
Bake in a preheated 400 oven for 25-30 minutes

Top with
1/2 cup French fried onions
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Bake for another 5 minutes.

Sea Salt Shaving Scrub

I know you were expecting to find something good to eat on this page today, but I have something a little different for you.  In the past I have brought you some craft ideas so this isn't too far from that.  For some reason my Pinterest page has had lots of bath craft ideas for me.  Some look really good to try and I will probably be bringing you some more ideas in the future.  But on to today's recipe.

It is getting closer, I think, to springtime weather.  We get these little burst of spring-like weather every so often so full blown spring can't be far.  What comes with spring and warm temperature?  Sandals, shorts and capris.  So today we are creating something that will make your legs nice and smooth and get rid of all that dried winter skin.  I don't know about you but my legs are really dry right now.  That is the main reason I decided to try this. It is super easy and I made a nice size batch of it and it kept really well right in the bowl I mixed it in.  And even better it's not just for legs.  I used it on my arms as well. No more flaky elbows.

Make sure you find a scent you really like.  Mine is a citrus cent and it smells so fresh and clean.

 This is so easy.  Go to your kitchen and get your sea salt and then find your favorite flavor of body wash.  Now those of you that coupon there's usually a coupon in the paper for different types of body wash.  Pick up a scent you like and get started.  Where I found this recipe she used a beach scent because she was getting her legs ready for the beach.

 You will use equal parts sea salt and body wash.  I used 1/2 cup

 1/2 cup of body wash

Mix well.  Take it to the bathroom and use it on your arms and legs to get rid of all that dry skin.  I did not use all of mine and just left it on the side of the tub.  I have used it about 3 times so far and I still have a little left.

Crispy Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine

A couple of weeks ago I discovered that frozen shrimp were a pretty good thing to have in your freezer.  There are so many quick and easy things you can do with them.  They thaw really fast too which is a plus on those nights when you are running behind getting dinner ready.  I had found this recipe a while back and it looked good  It was the perfect dish for Mardi Gras.

This dinner was the perfect excuse to use my new bowls that a dear friend gave me for my birthday.  They were perfect for holding all the noodles.  And they are a little nod to Valentine's Day that is coming up too.

 I have learned to keep some heavy whipping cream in the fridge because there are always recipes that call for a little.  Also keep some fresh Parmesan cheese in the fridge.  It is so much better than the green can version.

 I used a zip lock bag to coat my shrimp just for ease of cleanup.  First thing to do is to peel and clean your shrimp.  My frozen shrimp had the shells off I just removed the tails, then I realized I needed to clean out the line on them.  It was easy though with a paring knife.  So I put the shrimp in the bag, and added 1 Tablespoon cajun seasoning. Use whatever brand you like.

 Then add 2 Tablespoons flour.  Next time I make this and yes there will be a next time, I am going to only add 1 Tablespoon to the bag and then the second Tablespoon to the sauce.  I'll explain more later.

 Add 1 Tablespoon butter

 and 1Tablespoon olive oil to the skillet.  When melted and hot

 Add the shrimp and cook them until they are pink.  Remove from the pan.

 I turned the heat down on the pan before I added the cream  Add 1 cup heavy cream.

 Then 1 cup chicken broth.  Cook until the sauce starts to get thick.

 Then add 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.

 I forgot to add that while I was doing all this other stuff I was cooking my fettuccine noodles.  When the cheese is melted add the noodles to the pot.

 Then put the shrimp back in and let get hot.

Dish up and add some additional fresh parmesan cheese on top. 

Crispy Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine Recipe

Fettuccine noodles cooked per box.

1 Tablespoons olive oil

1 Tablespoon butter

8-16 shrimp depending on size.  I used 16. Use as many shrimp as you want really.

1 Tablespoon cajun spice

2 Tablespoon flour

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.

Spicy Three Cheese Dip

Well most of you know that yesterday was the Super Bowl, and with that big day comes some big recipes.  This is a great dip, especially if you like your dips with a little kick. The Super Bowl may be over but I bet you can find another occasion to pull out this recipe.

I know that neither team in the Super Bowl had red as a color, but those of you that know me well know there was nothing blue or orange in my house to use. 

 This is a nice blend of monterey and cheddar cheeses.

 Start with 4 oz of softened cream cheese

 2 teaspoons paprika

 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper.  If you do not want it quite as spicy you can use less cayenne.

 1/4 cup mayo

 1 Tablespoon horseradish

 1 teaspoon steak sauce

 8 oz grated cheddar cheese

 4 oz grated Monterey Jack cheese.  Mix well.  I ended up pulling out the hand mixer to make it easier.

 The paprika and cayenne give it that nice reddish orange color.  I made it the day before so that all the flavors would have time to blend.

Set out a little before you are ready to eat to get to room temp.  Serve with crackers and pita chips.  We also had some veggies to go with it too.  I think you will like this dip.

Spicy Three Cheese Dip Recipe

1/4 cup mayo
4 oz softened cream cheese
1 teaspoon steak sauce
1 Tablespoon horseradish
2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
8 oz cheddar cheese
4 oz Monterey Jack cheese

Mozzarella and Parmesan Quick Bread

I made spaghetti for dinner last night and wanted some fresh homemade bread.  But I really didn't want to make a yeast bread and have to deal with kneading and rising and all that stuff that comes with yeast breads.  I found this recipe and what is better with spaghetti than cheese bread.  I use to make cheese muffins and this recipe reminds me of that but with different cheeses.

I had to show off my new Alabama cutting board that I got for Christmas.  It is perfect for breads.

 I will admit that I had to run to the store for buttermilk for this recipe.  When I picked it I thought I had some in the fridge.

 2 cups all purpose flour

 2 Tablespoons sugar

 1/2 teaspoon salt

 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

 1/4 cup melted butter

 1 cup buttermilk

 1 egg

 1 cup mozzarella cheese grated

 On top of the mozzarella cheese is 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.  Mix well.

 Spray a loaf pan.  I think I might could have used a smaller loaf pan.  Place in a preheated 350 oven for 1 hour.

 It smells so good.

 Turn it out to cool a little bit before slicing.

Then serve with butter.

Mozzarella and Parmesan Quick Bread Recipe

2 cups all purpose flour
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 egg
1/4 cup melted butter
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350.  Bake for 1 hour.