Homemade Chicken Strips with Milk Gravy

I have a lot of things that I make that I don't have exact measurements for to share a recipe.  A lot of the times I eyeball the measurements, or have made something so many times that I don't really need to measure.  This recipe is one of them, so bare with me on this one.  They are so worth the time it takes to make them, though!

3-6 chicken breasts, trimmed and sliced thin or into nuggets

3-4 eggs

1-2 Tbsp soy sauce

1-2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp minced garlic

2-3 cups flour

seasoned salt

pepper

onion powder (optional)

oil

bacon grease (not necessary, but I would HIGHLY recommend!)

- Scramble the eggs and whisk in soy sauce, Worchestershire sauce, and garlic.  Throw in sliced chicken and let marinate until you are ready to cook.

- Stir together flour (about 1 1/2 cups at a time) with the seasoned salt and pepper in a bowl with a lid.  Adjust the amounts to taste.

- Heat oil and bacon grease together in a large skillet for frying.  Warm up slowly to medium-high to high heat.

- When the oil is ready (throw in a drop of water and if it immediately bubbles, you're ready), throw in 4-6 chicken strips at a time into the flour mixture.  Close the lid and shake until the chicken is well-coated.

- Carefully drop the chicken strips into the hot oil.  Cook until they are nice and golden brown, and chicken is cooked through.  Remove from oil onto paper towels.  This is a good point to give one a try to see if the flour needs more salt or pepper!

- Repeat with all of the chicken strips until they are done cooking!  When the flour gets to be too crumbly and isn't coating the chicken well, toss it out and make a fresh batch of flour, salt, and pepper.

- Serve hot and enjoy!

* You can substitute BBQ sauce and some milk for the soy and Worchestershire sauce.  Gives it the chicken strips a different flavor, but still so, so good! *

* As I mentioned, the bacon grease is not essential but makes the chicken strips oh-so-amazing.  I just save all of my bacon grease in a quart-sized mason jar in the refrigerator, collecting the drippings from each time I make bacon.  When the mason jar is full...it's time for chicken strips! *

For the milk gravy...

1/4 cup butter

1/3 cup flour

2 tsp chicken bouillon granules (or 2 cubes)

salt and pepper to taste

1-2 c milk (not skim)

Melt butter in a saucepan.  Whisk in flour, salt, pepper, and bouillon.  Let cook for about 1 minute, until bubbly.  Slowly add milk, whisking constantly to ensure a smooth gravy.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 1 minute.  Add more milk if gravy gets to be too thick.

Grandma Rowley's Banana Bread

This is a simple and classic banana bread that you can't go wrong with! 

Best eaten warm with butter!

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup melted butter or oil
2 eggs
3 bananas, mashed
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

Beat sugars, butter/oil, eggs, and bananas together. Add dry ingredients. Pour into greased loaf pan. Sprinkle brown sugar over top to mostly cover. Bake at 325 for approximately 60 minutes.  Makes one regular-sized loaf.

* May substitute 1/4 cup applesauce and 1/4 cup oil for the oil, to cut down on fat and to make bread more moist.
* Optional stir ins:  pecans, chocolate chips, or blueberries.

Recipe from Karen

Blueberry Muffin Breakfast Cake

1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar plus 2 Tbsp
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 3/4 cup flour, plus 1/4 cup set aside
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
2 cups fresh blueberries
1-2 Tbsp lemon juice
milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a liquid measuring cup, put in 1-2 Tbsp lemon juice, then add milk to total 1/2 cup liquid and let sit.  In small bowl toss blueberries with reserved 1/4 cup of flour, until blueberries are coated.  Set aside.  In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar.  Add vanilla and egg and mix well.  Toss together dry ingredients, then add to mixing bowl.  Mix together.  Pour in soured milk and mix.  Stir in coated blueberries.  Pour batter into a greased 9x9 baking dish (or similar size).  Top with 1 Tbsp granulated sugar, sprinkled on top.  Bake for 40-45 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean.  Let sit for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Recipe adapted from HERE.

Homemade Hot Pockets

1 Tbsp yeast
1 Tbsp sugar
1 1/2 cups warm water
1/2 tsp salt
3 1/2 to 4 cups all purpose flour
desired fillings (i.e. lunchmeat, cheese, pizza fillings, etc.)

Combine yeast, sugar, and water in bowl.  Let sit about 10 minutes.  Throw in salt and flour and mix with dough hook until the dough pulls away from the side of the bowl.  Put dough in greased bowl, cover with waxed paper, and let rise in a warm place until about double in size.  About 45 minutes.  Turn dough out onto floured surface and roll until about 1/4-1/2 inch thick (depends on how dough-y you want your hot pockets to be).  Use pizza cutter to cut dough into 12-15 equal pieces.  Put your fillings in the middle of each piece of dough.  Then form dough around fillings to make pocket.  Bake at 475 for approx 15 minutes, until golden on top.  Brush lightly with butter while warm, if desired.  Serve warm, or cold.  May freeze and reheat in the microwave.

Original recipe from Our Best Bites.

Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes aka "Crumbly Cheeseburgers"

1 lb ground beef
1/2 medium sized onion, chopped
1/2 of a green pepper, chopped
1-2 Tbsp flour
2 tsp beef bouillon granules (or two cubes, crushed)
water
hamburger buns
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp flour
1 1/2ish cups milk
1/2 cup colby/jack shredded cheese
4-5 slices of American cheese

Brown beef in skillet with vegetables.  Drain fat.  Sprinkle flour and bouillon over beef and stir to coat.  When bubbly again, pour a little water into beef to get beef to stick together and make a thick sauce/gravy.

In separate saucepan, while meat is cooking, melt butter.  When bubbly, whisk in flour.  When bubbly, slowly whisk in milk.  Heat on med-high heat, stirring frequently, until milk mixture starts to bubble and thicken.  Remove from heat and stir in cheeses until completely melted through.

Spoon meat onto toasted hamburger buns.  Top with a generous spoonful of cheesesauce.  Enjoy!

*my kids also liked having a squirt of ketchup on the bun, making it more like a "crumbly cheeseburger."

Recipe by Meredith

Soft Pretzel Bites

1 1/2 cups warm (110 to 115 degrees F) water
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 package active dry yeast
4 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup butter, melted
10 cups water
2/3 cup baking soda
1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Pretzel salt or cinnamon/sugar mixture

Combine the water, sugar, salt, and yeast in a mixing bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes, until the mixture starts to bubble. Add the flour and butter and, using a dough hook, mix on low speed until well combined. Change to medium speed and knead until the dough is smooth, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the dough from the bowl, and spray it well with cooking spray.  Return the dough to the bowl, cover with greased wax paper and sit in a warm place for approximately 50 to 55 minutes or until the dough has doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment, and spray with cooking spray.

Put baking soda and water in a large pot and bring to a boil.  In the meantime, pinch of pieces of the dough and roll into bite-sized pieces.  Place the pretzels into the boiling water, one by one, for 30 seconds. Remove them from the water using a slotted spoon. Set on greased parchment.  Brush the top of each pretzel with the egg wash (beaten egg plus water).  Then sprinkle with salt.  Bake until dark golden brown in color, approximately 12 to 14 minutes, switching racks half way through.

For cinnamon/sugar pretzel bites, while pretzels are still warm, brush with melted butter, then sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top.

Serve warm.  May serve plain ones with mustard!

Original recipe tweaked from one found HERE.

Baked Oatmeal

2 apples, cored and rough chopped
1 cup fresh, frozen, or dried cranberries
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
3 cups quick cooking oats
4 cups skim milk
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients in a casserole or large oven proof dish.  Bake at 350 for 45 min.

Recipe modified from original found HERE.

Applesauce

12 cups apples; peeled, cored, and chopped into chunks
produce protectant or lemon juice
1 cups sugar (or up to 2 if you want it sweeter, less if you don't)
2 tsp cinnamon
1 cup water

Sprinkle produce protectant or lemon juice on apples as you peel and slice them.  Put ingredients into crockpot or large saucepan.  In crockpot, cook on high for 3-4 hours; in saucepan, cook on medium heat for 35-35 minutes, until apples are tender and can be mashed with a fork.  Put into hot, sterile jars and process in hot water bath.  Makes 2 quarts.

Recipe by Meredith

Apple Nachos

5-6 apples, sliced
fruit protector or lemon juice
1 bag caramels
2/3 cup half and half
2 cups marshmallows
splash of half and half
mini chocolate chips
crumbled Heath bar

Slice apples and arrange on plate.  Sprinkle with powdered fruit protector or lemon juice to prevent browning.  Melt caramel and half and half over medium heat and stir until smooth and creamy.  Set aside.  Microwave marshmallows and splash of half and half until melted, stir until smooth.  Drizzle caramel and marshmallow sauces over apples.  Sprinkle chocolate chips and Heath bar chips on top.  May also use nuts, coconut, or other favorite toppings.

Recipe by Meredith

Sticky Popcorn

2 bags of microwave popcorn (I use Tenderwhite from Orville Redenbaker...best EVER microwave popcorn in my opinion!!!)
1 stick butter
1 (10.5oz) bag of marshmallows
3/4 cup brown sugar
food coloring (optional)

Pop microwave popcorn, remove unpopped kernels and put in a large bowl. Melt butter in saucepan. When melted, add marshmallows. Stir until marshmallows are melted, and mixed well with butter. Add brown sugar and stir until well combined. If using food coloring, add in at this point. Pour marshmallow mixture on top of popcorn and stir to coat evenly.

Recipe from Jessica

Easy Caramel Corn

1 stick butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
splash of milk
2 large bags of microwave popcorn (I used Orville Redenbaker's Tenderwhite)

Pop popcorn, place in large bowl, remove unpopped kernels and set aside. In a small saucepan, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar and splash of milk. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for approx 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat. Let sit for 2-3 minutes. Pour over popcorn. Toss so that popcorn is evenly coated. Let sit, then stir some more.

Recipe By Meredith

Sausage Balls

2 cups Bisquick
1lb sausage, uncooked
10oz shredded cheese
1 Tbsp chives

Combine all ingredients in bowl with hands. If too dry, add a splash of milk to get all ingredients to stick together. Roll into 1 to 1 1/2 inch balls. Place on baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Makes approximately 20-25 balls.

Recipe modified by Meredith; original from a friend of a friend

"Mommy Worked Last Night" Baked Pasta

1 to 1 1/2 lb ground beef and/or Italian sausage
1 26oz can or jar of spaghetti sauce
1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup
1 box (1 lb) penne, mostacolli, or ziti pasta
1 small onion (optional)
minced garlic (optional)
Parmesan cheese (optional)
1/2 cup-ish sour cream (optional)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Brown meat with onion and garlic. Drain. Mix together sauce, cheese soup, Parmesan, and sour cream. Cook and drain pasta. Mix all ingredients together. Put in greased casserole dish. Top with mozzarella cheese. Bake covered for melty cheese, uncovered for bubbly cheese, at 350 for 25-30 minutes (until cheese is melted). Serve.

Basic, original recipe from Dawn, with some modifications by me.

Sauteed Apples

• 1/4 cup butter
• 4 large tart apples - peeled, cored and sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1. In a large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; add apples. Cook, stirring constantly, until apples are almost tender, about 6 to 7 minutes.
2. Dissolve cornstarch in water; add to skillet. Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon. Boil for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and serve warm.
3. Throw in some craisins or walnuts for fun!
   

Recipe from Allrecipes.com

Sourdough Pancakes

Sourdough Pancakes (serves 10-11)

- 2 tsp yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (almost hot, but still warm)

Combine and let sit 5 minutes. Add....

- 5 to 6 cups flour
- 4 1/2 cups luke warm water

Beat until smooth like snot. Yes, snot. Let rise for at least 8 hours if not overnight. Will double to triple in size. After letting sit, add....

- 3 eggs, beaten
- 2 Tbsp oil
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp salt

Grill on hotter than normal griddle.

Recipe passed down through the Rowley generations.

Pound Cake

1 1/2 cups flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp almond extract
2 eggs
1/2 cup sour cream

Cream together butter, sugar, and vanilla. Add eggs. Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir in sour cream until blended. Pour batter into greased and floured loaf pan, preferably glass. Bake at 325 for 70 minutes.

Variations: *omit almond and instead use 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 Tbsp lemon juice, and 1 Tbsp poppy seeds or 2 Tbsp minced crystallized ginger.

Recipe from Williams & Sonoma cookbook

"Space" Salad

1 (18oz) container cottage cheese (small or large curd)
1 (3oz) pkg. red Jell-O
1 (20oz) can crushed pineapple
1 small carton Cool Whip

Mix all ingredients. Refrigerate until time to serve.

Recipe from The Rowley's

Don't ask me why it's called "Space" Salad, because I don't know!!! :)

Poppy Seed Bread

3 eggs
2 1/4 cup sugar
1 cup oil
1 1/2 Tbsp poppy seeds
1 1/2 tsp butter flavoring
1 1/2 tsp almond extract
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 cup milk

Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 Tbsp milk
1/2 tsp each vanilla, almond, and butter flavors

Beat eggs. Slowly add sugar. Stir in cooking oil, poppy seeds, almond, butter, and vanilla extracts. Sift together flour, salt, and baking powder. Add alternating with milk to egg mixture. Turn into 2 or 3 greased and floured loaf pans. Bake at 350 for 1 hour. While hot, punch loaves with toothpick and spoon glaze on. Serve warm or freeze for later.

Recipe from Mary

Quiche of Any Kind

1 pie crust
6-7 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheese (any kind), divided
salt & pepper to taste
1/4 cup Parmesan


Fillings:
1 cup chicken, cooked and cubed
1 cup ham, cooked and cubed
1 to 1 1/2 cup pork sausage, browned and drained
bacon bits
1/2 cup cottage cheese
shredded hash browns
broccoli, cut up
yellow and red peppers, cut up
spinach, chopped

Prepare pie crust and put in pie plate. Place fillings into pie plate. Beat eggs. Add milk, 1/2 of cheese, cottage cheese (if using), salt, & pepper. Stir in chopped spinach (if using). Pour on top of fillings. Top with remaining cheese and Parmesan. Bake at 350 for approx. 1 hour, until top is golden brown and until knife inserted in middle comes out clean.

Recipe by Meredith

Hush Puppies

1 1/2 cups self rising flour
3 cups self rising corn meal
1 egg
1 tsp sugar
1 large onion, chopped
milk

Mix flour, corn meal, sugar, onion, and egg. Add milk until consistency resembles that of corn bread dough. Set aside for 1 hour; do not touch! Drop by teaspoonfuls into hot oil.

Recipe from Norma