Best Ever Meatballs

These meatballs are soooo easy to make and have the best flavor. The ingredients definitely sounded weird to me at first but I'm so glad I tried them. These are the first homemade meatballs I ever made that actually tasted great (and I've tried a few recipes!). Plus one batch gives you plenty leftover to freeze, which are great for meatball sandwiches at a later date!

**Highly recommend letting them sit overnight if possible (still great without doing this) but even better when you do! ***

INGREDIENTS:
2 lbs LEAN ground beef (could also use ground turkey - havent tried it but i'm sure its great also)
1 1/4 cup water
2 eggs
1 package (6oz) stove top stuffing mix (for chicken)
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp pepper
1 tbs italian seasoning (usually use mccormicks brand)
1 tbs garlic powder

**HEAT OVEN TO 400 DEGREES**
Line 2 baking pans with alum foil and spray the foil with cooking spray.

HOW TO MAKE:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Best way to mix well is to use your clean hands! MIX VERY WELL. Then shape the mixture into about 32 meatballs (about 1 1/2" each, 1/4 cup each to make). Bake 15-18 minutes or until cooked through (about 160 degrees in middle). Freeze any leftover cooled meatballs in freezer bags.

TO MAKE SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS:
Add the meatballs to your favorite sauce and let simmer for an hour or so.

TO MAKE MEATBALL SANDWICHES:
Add 2-3 meatballs (depending on size) to a slice of fresh baked italian bread. Top with marinara sauce and mozz cheese. Bake in oven until the cheese is melted and bread is slightly crispy.

Crab Melts

In the words of my husband and 4 yr old son, "this is the best thing ever!!!!". Super easy and quick to make and 1 lb of crab meat makes almost 10 melts so its a great dinner for guests. Based on my prices here in Carney, the melts only cost $20 for all ingredients. Highly recommend this one.....

Preheat oven to 375

Ingredients:
1 lb crab meat (lump, deshelled)
1 1/2 jars Old English Kraft Cheese spread (You can find them in a groc store, near the feta cheese and tub cheese, I know Mars & Giant both carry it. Not too expensive to buy and calories aren't bad either! Microwave for about 20 seconds to soften the cheese before you add it.)
1/4 lb melted butter (about 1/2 stick usually)
2 TBS old bay (more to taste)
1 TBS fresh ground pepper
1 package of English Muffins

TO MAKE:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. (Add more old bay or pepper to taste.) Stir very well. Spray the bottom of a baking pan (helps them brown). Slice the english muffins in half. Add the crab topping to each of the english muffin halves. Bake for about 10-12 minutes on middle oven shelf, or until the english muffin is browned and the crab topping is hot. Enjoy!!!!

Maryland Crab Soup

This is a classic recipe and soooo good. Perfect for all occasions. If you live around the Parkville/Carney area, email me. I know the perfect store for great crabmeat prices.

Ingredients

1 can (28 oz) whole tomatoes, cut into small pieces
3 cups water
2 cups beef broth (i use reduced sodium)
1 cup lima beans, frozen
1 cup baby carrots, sliced
1 1/2 cup yellow sweet corn, frozen
2 tablespoons Chopped Onions (can use minced onions also)
2 tablespoons old bay (more to taste, depends on how spicy you like it)
1 tsp fresh ground black pepper (more to taste, i prefer a bit more)
1 tsp salt
1 pound crabmeat (lump, deshelled)
Optional: 1/2 lb of claw meat (usually pretty cheap to buy and adds great flavor to the soup but not necessary)

TO MAKE:

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Cook on med/low heat for at least 3o minutes. Add more Old Bay and fresh pepper to taste. Let simmer on low for at least one hour. The flavors are better if you let the soup simmer longer. If it gets too watery, turn it on med/high heat for 20 minutes - it thickens the soup (thanks hol.... lol!)

Jalapeno Poppers

It's the time of season again when you're thinking about game food!!! Look no further, these delicious jalapeno poppers are a crowd pleaser! They are especially easy if you've been growing peppers in your garden this summer!

Ingredients:

8 Small Jalapeno Peppers

1/2 cup of shredded Cheddar

2 Tbsp cream cheese (low/non fat)

1-2 Tbsp Mayo

Eggs (for the dipping)

wheaties & whole wheat ritz crackers (for coating)

Directions:

Slice peppers down the middle long ways and de-seed. 

Mix remaining ingredients together, smash it into the peppers, dip in egg and roll in the "breading".

Bake for 30 minutes on 350.

Want to pre-make the peppers? Go ahead, they freeze really well! Follow directions for assembly but do no bake. Instead, lay peppers on a tray covered with wax paper and freeze. Once frozen stick in a baggie and take out what you need when you need them.

Baking time remains the same for frozen peppers.

**Thanks to Sarah for sharing this recipe**

Sweet Potato Spears

EXCELLENT side dish and alternative to regular potatoes.

Ingredients:

2 large sweet potatoes, washed, pealed and cut into spears

1/4 cup of water

1 tbsp kosher salt

2 tbsp honey

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp cayanne pepper

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

2 tbsp butter/margarine, melted

Directions:

Turn broiler on high.

Place sweet potato spears in microwave safe dish, add water.  Cover and microwave for 10 minutes.

Place sweet potatoes in glass baking dish and sprinkle with kosher salt. 

Combine remaining ingredients in a bowl and stir. Pour over sweet potatoes and toss.

Broil until tender and slightly brown. (approx 20 min)

Jerk Chicken

This recipe comes from Kraft and  is such a great alternative to the regular bbq chicken. If you've ever been to Jamaica or the Caribbean it will definitely take you back there.

Jerk - style Chicken

Ingredients:

1 envelope GOOD SEASONS Italian Dressing Mix 
2 Tbsp. firmly packed brown sugar 
2 Tbsp. oil 
2 Tbsp. soy sauce 
1 tsp. ground cinnamon 
1/2 tsp. ground red pepper (cayenne) 
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Directions:

MIX all ingredients except chicken in large shallow dish until well blended. 

ADD chicken; turn over to evenly coat both sides. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour to marinate. Drain; discard marinade. 

PREHEAT greased grill to medium heat. Grill chicken 20 to 25 minutes or until cooked through, turning frequently.

Suggestion:

Pair with Sweet Potato Spears

Sundried Tomato Garlic Dip

This has quickly become a favorite - people are always asking for the recipe. I highly recommend it! It's a good crowd pleaser for parties and get togethers.

INGREDIENTS:
1 tub Reduced Fat Cream Cheese (8oz)
1/2 cup Reduced Fat Miracle Whip
1/2 cup Sundried Tomatoes, drained & chopped (the ones that are packed in oil)
2 TBS chives
1 clove garlic
1 TSP fresh ground black pepper

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl. Best to let refrigerate overnight if possible. If not, allow at least 3-4 hours in fridge before serving.
Serve with your favorite crackers, veggies, or bread!