French Bread

I have made this twice now. The outside is crunchy and the inside so soft! It makes two loaves.

1 Tbsp Yeast
1 Tbsp Sugar
2 tsp Salt
2 1/2 C Warm Water
5-6 C Flour

In a large mixing bowl (My kitchen Aid) combine yeast, sugar, salt, and warm water. Make sure the water isn't too hot. Mix and let it sit for about 15 minutes for the yeast to activate. Gradually add the flour. You want the dough to be soft, but not sticky. Form the dough into a ball and let it rise in a big bowl. Cover it with a towel. Let the dough rise until it doubles. Punch it down and let it rise again.
Grease a cookie sheet. Then cut the dough in half and form two oblong shapes. Put on the cookie sheet and cover with a towel. Let them rise for 30-40 minutes. Cut slits on the top of the loaves with a knife or scissors. (You can do an white egg wash I never do) Bake at 400 for 20-25 minutes. Make sure the bottom is slightly brown. The top will be light brown and hard. I rub butter on it when I pull it out.

Potato Soup

Dead serious, this is a great and simple soup. Dexter isn't usually happy to have soup. He came up and dipped some bread in it as I finished cooking it and immediately said, "Wow, that is good!" So definitely try it.

1 Bag of frozen diced hash browns (~30 oz)
4 C Chicken Broth
1 Can of Cream of Chicken Soup
1 8 oz package Cream Cheese
6-8 Pieces of Bacon, chopped into small pieces (or a bag of bacon bits if that's easier)
Salt and Pepper to taste
Shredded Cheddar Cheese


In a big pot on the stove, add the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and bacon pieces. Bring to a low boil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Then add the cream cheese in chunks and mix. Heat it until the cream cheese is completely mixed in. Top with cheddar cheese. (Green onions might be good on it too)

Avocado Chicken Salad

So yummy! We even just ate it on regular bread and it was good!

3 C Cooked Chicken, shredded or chopped into small pieces
2 Large Avocados
2/3 C Mayo
1-3 Tbsp Cholula hot sauce, or your favorite hot sauce
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp salt
2-3 tsp fresh lime juice
1 Tbsp Cilantro

Combine the chicken and avocados in a mixing bowl. Mash the avocado into the chicken. In a small bowl mix the mayo, hot sauce, salt, and lime juice. Add the dressing to the chicken mixture and stir well to coat. Serve on croissants, toast, lettuce, or crackers. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro.

Red Sauce (Enchilada Sauce for burritos)

I made smothered burritos the other day with leftover pork. I do not like red enchilada sauce from the can. I found this recipe to make my own and it was delicious! Like Mexican restaurant delicious! (Probably best to half it)

1/2  C Vegetable Shortening
3/4 C Flour
4 C Beef Broth
2 Tbsp Chili Powder
1 1/2 tsp Cumin
1/2 tsp Oregano
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Pepper
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/4-1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (I just left this out for my kids)
1/2 C Milk
16 oz Tomato Sauce
6 oz Tomato Paste (I did not have paste so I substituted tomato chunks and really liked it)
2 C Water

Melt the shortening in large pan on medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk while the flour and shortening mix together. Add the beef broth and whisk until smooth. Add the rest of the spices and mix again. Whisk in the milk. Pour in the tomato sauce, tomato paste (or diced tomatoes, drained) and water. Whisk the sauce until completely smooth. Cover the pot and let simmer for about an hour (don't know if I did it that long) Make sure to stir the sauce every 10-15 minutes so it doesn't burn the bottom.