Minnesota Meatloaf

Ah, yes, back just in time for below zero temps and ice storms, it's Minnesota Meatloaf! Quickly comes together in one bowl, bakes for just under an hour and has lots of nice crusty crunch. More of a different technique than anything else - if you have a fav family recipe, by all means use it, just follow these baking instructions.

1 lb. ground chuck
1 small onion, chopped
1 egg
1/2 c. wheat germ
2 T. catsup
1/2 c. shredded Parmesan cheese
Healthy dash garlic powder
1 tsp. each, salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Thoroughly but lightly, gently, mix all together in bowl. Then mound in center of a foil-covered baking sheet (No, not using your loaf pan...). Gently spread out, flattening, so it looks like a flat football. Center should be a couple of inches high, max.

Bake, uncovered 30 minutes. Dial oven up to 425 degrees, spread on 2 T. of BBQ sauce or catsup. Back in for 20-25 minutes until topping starts to brown. Let sit 15 minutes before slicing.

Bonus: Best leftover sandwiches ever!

Jenny's Snowflake Cocktails

Just in time for the winter weather, a nummy change from the usual suspects - guaranteed to take the chill off a below-zero evening!

Girl Scout Cookie
2 oz. Kahlua
1 oz. creme de menthe
1 oz. half-and-half
Shake with ice, pour over ice. Mint leaf is nice touch.

Toasted Almond
3/4 oz. Amaretto
3/4 oz. Kahlua
3/4 oz. cream
Shake with ice, serve.

Burnt Toast Almond
1/2 o. Vodka
1/2 oz. Amaretto
1/2 oz. Kahlua
1/2 oz. cream
Shake with ice, serve.

Andes Candies
1 oz. Vodka
1/2 oz. Kahlua
1/2 oz. Rumple Minze
Milk
Mix liquor, pur over ice, add milk to fill glass

Kahlua Egg Nog
4 oz. Egg Nog
1 oz. Kahlua
Mix together, dust nutmeg on top.

Smith & Kearns
2 oz. Light cream
1 oz. Kahlua
1 oz. soda water
Pur Kahlua and cream in ice-filled glass, stir, add soda water, stir again.

Cookie Cheaters

This one goes out to Kealie, who swears she can't bake ANYTHING! Perfect for a quick - slightly different - coupleadozen cookies.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Bake time: See package

Cranberry Oatmeals
1 package oatmeal cookie mix
1/2 c. dried craisins

Mix together and bake according to directions on package. Super quick.


Snickerdoodles
1 package sugar cookie mix

Prepare according to package directions. BUT - form into ball, roll each in 1/4 c. sugar + 1 tsp. cinnamon. Bake according to directions.

Mole Chili

Perfect for a chilly (get it?) winter night - this chili comes together in a matter of minutes. Deep, dark brown and thick enough to stand a spoon upright.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 additional minutes on simmer
Servings: 4 bowls

Brown: 1 lb ground beef + 1/4 c. chopped onion

Stir in:
2 cans diced tomatoes (drained)
1 can chili (or black or navy or kidney) beans (drained)
1/4 c. ketchup
1 T. garlic powder
2 tsp black pepper
2 tsp salt
1 T. chili powder

... and the magic ingredient...
1 T. unsweetened cocoa powder.

Tuck into a bowl of THAT on a rainy/snowy night!

Mushroom Pasta

This is one speedy recipe, yet tastes divine... a super combo for any short-cut cook! And with all the holiday parties approaching... something different to bring!

Serves: 6-8 as a side
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes total

Cook 1 lb box of medium-sized pasta (penne, ziti are great)

Meanwhile, cook an entire 12 oz. package of microwave bacon (saving yourself an icky greasy pan to clean later!)(Or brown up about 12 slices if you like messes. Drain well.)

When pasta is done, drain, return to pasta pot and stir in:
2 - 8 oz. cartons of sliced mushrooms (can mix types)
1 c. chopped green onions (abut 6-7)
2 - 16 oz. jars Alfredo sauce
Generous dash of:
cayenne pepper
salt
garlic powder
1 c. grated Parmesan cheese
and at the very end, the crumbled bacon.

Serve now or store covered in refrig to reheat nicely.

Judy's Spicy Noodles

Another lifesaver from Guest ShortCutCook Judy A. -- helping out as I take a few to get through minor surgery. Very minor surgery, unless it's on YOU, of course!

1 lb linguini
1/2 cup chinese sesame oil
1/2 cup soy sauce (use lite if you prefer)
2 Tablespoons hot chili oil
2 tsp minced garlic
salt and pepper to taste
toasted sesame seeds (if you have the time and energy)

Prepare linguini according to packaged directions. Combine the remainder of the ingredients and toss with the cooked linguini. Serve hot or cold. Even kids love this one.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Another way to get that hot/cool, ying/yang taste of Buffalo Chicken Wings... This pasta has plenty of kick - if you wish, tone it down a bit by using less cayenne.

Prep / Cooking time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Cook 1 lb. box pasta (penne works well) according to package directions.

Meanwhile, melt together:
1/2 stick butter
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt

Turn off heat.

When pasta is almost done, wisk in:
1/2 c. prepared ranch dressing

Drain pasta, pour sauce over, stir in:
1 lb cooked chicken, sliced, diced or cubed
12 scallions/green onions, chopped
4 oz. package blue cheese crumble