Crockpot Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

This is a great recipe that is easy to throw together, set the crockpot, and forget. The blend of flavors is amazing.... real 'comfort' food!

3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 lb. bacon, diced, cooked and drained
1 (2 cup) pkg. shredded Cheddar cheese
1 32-oz bag frozen tater tots
3/4 cup milk
Salt, pepper, and poultry season or chicken seasoning

In crockpot, place 1/2 of the tater tots, then 1/3 of the bacon, and 1/3 of the cheese. Place all of the cubed chicken on top, sprinkle with salt, pepper and seasoning. Place 1/3 of the bacon and 1/3 of the cheese on top of the chicken. Put in the rest of the tater tots, and top with the remaining 1/3 of the bacon and 1/3 of the cheese. Pour milk evenly over top, cover and cook on "Low" for 4-6 hours. Be sure to check at the 4-hour mark; it may be done and longer cooking may dry it out.

Nutella Swirled Banana Muffins

These are amazing, and extremely easy to make!

1 3/4 cups self-rising flour

(I made my own by adding 2 TBS baking powder and 3/4 tsp salt to the flour)
3/4 cup granulated white sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
3 large very ripe bananas, mashed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 Tbs Nutella, at room temp (I used more than that!)

Pre-heat oven to 350F. Line your muffin tins with paper liners, or use silicone trays.

In one bowl combine flour, sugar & salt. In another combine eggs, butter, mashed bananas & vanilla. Tip one into the other and gently fold together. You want your batter to be thoroughly mixed, but still lumpy.

Divide your mixture between muffin cups, each one should be just about half full. Take a teaspoon of Nutella and pop a blob (technical term) onto the center of each muffin. Use a toothpick to swirl the Nutella into the muffin without turning the whole thing chocolatey.

Repeat with each muffin and then pop them all onto the middle shelf of your oven. Bake for 20 mins, when they're done you should be able to stick a toothpick into the center and have it come out clean.

Leave to cool by the window and enjoy when still warm.

Snickers Salad

This is a good dish for either a side, or as a dessert. 2 pkg. Vanilla or French Vanilla instant pudding mix 2 cups milk 1 - 12 oz. Cool Whip, thawed (I use Cool Whip Free) 2 large apples, chopped into small chunks 10-20 "Fun Size) Snickers candy bars Prepare the pudding with the 2 cups milk. When thickened, blend with Cool Whip. Add the apples and the Snickers; mix well. Refrigerate until chilled.

Baked Beans

This Baked Beans recipe is so meaty, it's almost a main course instead of a side dish! My family loves it, and my husband's family always likes it when I bring this dish to family gatherings. 3 large cans Van Camp's Baked Beans (Original style) 1/2 lb. bacon, cut into small pieces 1 lb. hamburger, browned 1 large sweet onion, chopped 1/2 cup brown sugar Salt and pepper to taste Cook bacon pieces until crisp; drain on paper towels. In remaining bacon grease, add onion and cook until golden (almost carmelized). Remove from pan and drain. Add hamburger to pan, and cook until browned; remove from pan and drain. In large Dutch Oven, add all ingredients; stir to blend. Bring to simmer, then removed from heat, cover, and place in oven. Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees.* *These also do well in a Crockpot. If using this method, cook on low 4-6 hours.

Green Chile Pork Stew

This stew is definitely "comfort food" especially on cold days. Served with a side of hot, crusty bread, it makes a very hearty and filling meal. 1 lb. pork tenderloin Salt and ground black pepper 1 Tbs olive oil 3 cans Great Northern beans Yellow carrots* (canned, frozen or fresh) 1 - 10 oz. box chopped spinach, thawed 1 tsp. minced garlic 1 - 4.5 oz. can chopped green chilies 1 tsp. cumin Cube pork, sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in large pan or Dutch Oven over medium heat. Add pork, cook 4-5 minutes or until lightly browned. Stir in remaining ingredients, except for 1 can of beans. Empty remaining can of beans into a small mixing bowl (do not drain); mash until fairly smooth. Stir in 1 cup water, mix well. Add to other ingredients in pan. Bring to a simmer. Cook, covered, about 15 minutes or until pork is cooked through, stirring occasionally. Ladle into soup bowls and enjoy! *Yellow carrots are pretty hard to find. If they are not available, I use baby carrots, cut into small chunks.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Red Velvet Cake is a winner, no matter what the occasion. And this recipe combining the fudginess of brownies with the red velvet? Oh my..... 1 box Brownie mix (NOT the family size) 1-1/2 tsp. red food coloring 8 oz. cream cheese at room temperature 1/3 cup sugar 1 large egg 1/2 tsp. vanilla Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8- or 9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and lightly grease.* Prepare the brownie batter as directed on the box, using the recipe for the cake-like brownies (adding an extra egg). Stir in the red food coloring. Pour into prepared pan and spread into an even layer. Prepare cheesecake mixture: In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg and vanilla until smooth. Drop by spoonfuls onto brownie batter; gently swirl two batters with a butter knife. Bake for 35-40 minutes until brownies and cheesecake are set. (A knife inserted into the cheesecake mixture should come out clean, and the edges will be lightly browned.) Cool in the pan completely before slicing and serving, either at room temperature or chilled. Brownies can be refrigerated, covered, for several days. * I use baking spray, and it works very well.

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

This is an adapted version of a recipe found on the Kraft Website. 3 cans french-style green beans 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup 8 oz. Velvetta, cubed OR 1 pkg. shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese* 1-1/2 cups hot water 1/4 cup butter 1 pkg. Stove Top Stuffing Mix for Chicken Heat oven to 350 degrees. Combine beans and soup in 2-quart casserole; top with cheese. Add water to butter in medium bowl; stir until melted. Stir in stuffing mix just until moistened. Spoon over bean mixture. Bake 35-40 minutes or until heated through. *I prefer the shredded Cheddar cheese in this recipe. I prefer the flavor over the Velveeta.