* Crockpot Taco Soup *

This is the easiest meal you'll ever make...seriously. I got this recipe out of a crockpot cookbook called "Fix it and Forget it: Recipes for Entertaining." It's actually a combination of two recipes. Basically you brown the meat, open cans, and throw it all in the crockpot. You could even make it easier by using canned chicken instead of ground beef--then all you have to do it open a bunch of cans and let it cook. It's super easy and super yummy!

*Crockpot Taco Soup *
1 lb ground beef
1 can corn
1 can black beans
1 can kidney beans
1 can stewed tomatoes
1 small onion
1 envelope taco seasoning
1 envelope ranch seasoning (the best part about the recipe)

Brown the ground beef. Pour into crockpot. Add the remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Serve with corn or tortilla chips, sour cream, and shredded cheese.

* Stromboli *

I found this recipe at The Sisters Cafe and it has become a "regular" at our house. I change it a little bit (basically just the toppings) and my family loves it!

*Stromboli*1 Rhodes bread dough (I used Rhodes wheat bread dough sometimes)
1/4 lb ham, sliced (I use any pizza toppings I have on hand...pepperoni, ham, olives, pineapple)
1/4 lb hard salami
1/2 c. provolone
1/2 c. mozzarella cheese (I use the cheese that I have on hand...usually colby jack)
1/2 tsp dried basil, divided
1/2 tsp dried oregano, divided
melted butter or olive oil ( I use vegetable oil)
cornmeal

Set out bread dough to thaw. Once thawed, spread the dough out on a cookie sheet. Layer the toppings along the middle of the dough going lengthwise. Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp each of basil and oregano then layer on cheeses. Sprinkle with remaining basil and oregano. Wet edges of the dough and fold over the long edges and roll up the ends. Brush olive oil over dough and sprinkle lightly with corn meal. Carefully flip stromboli over and repeat on other side. Bake at 375 degrees for 20-22 minutes. Serve with hot spaghetti sauce and ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy!

* Crockpot Fajitas *

We got some orange bell peppers in our Bountiful Basket last week and I am not a pepper person. I decided that I need to get over my childish fear of "gross foods" and planned to make fajitas. I found this recipe at A Year of Slow Cooking (awesome crockpot recipes, by the way). I did not have a packaged fajita seasoning mix so I found this fajita seasoning recipe online and it was great!

*Fajita Seasoning Mix*
3 Tbsp cornstarch
2 Tbsp chili powder
1 Tbsp salt
1 Tbsp paprika
1 Tbsp sugar
2 ½ tsp crushed chicken bouillon cube
1 ½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp cayenne pepper
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
½ tsp cumin

Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Pour the mixture in a small glass or plastic air tight container and store in a cool, dry place. 2 Tbsp. = 1 Seasoning Packet

*Crockpot Fajitas*2 lbs of thin sliced beef (I used round steak because we have a lot of it but usually it's made with flank steak...pretty much any steak would work though)
1 packet of fajita seasoning mix
1 onion
2 bell peppers
1/2 cup of water

Dump your meat into the crockpot. It can be frozen or thawed. Cut the onion and the peppers in strips, and add to the crock. Add the seasoning and water. Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours, or high for 6. The meat is done when it reaches desired tenderness.

We really enjoyed this meal! The only thing that some may not like is that the peppers and onions are cooked really well...so well that they pretty much blend in with the meat and you can't really tell they are there. That was great for a pepper-hater like myself but for someone who loves the crunch of the vegetables, I'd suggest adding them in later...maybe a few hours before you plan to serve it.

* Fettuccine Alfredo *

I got this yummy recipe from one of my best friends, Melissa! She and her husband made it for us one day a few years ago and my husband has talked about it ever since! I finally remembered to ask her for the recipe and we had it for our Valentine's dinner yesterday and it was SO GOOD and easy!

* Fettuccine Alfredo * (Once again, don't mind the ugly picture. I am not a photographer.)

Bring to a rolling boil in a large pot:
6 qt. water 2 Tbsp. salt

Add 1 pound fettuccine pasta & cook until tender but firm.

Melt 8 Tbsp. (1 stick) unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet along with:

1c. heavy cream
1c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt & pepper to taste

Toss pasta over low heat until it is well coated. Serve immediately. Serves 6.

I also cooked two chicken breasts (sprinkled with salt, pepper, & garlic powder), cubed them, and added them to the sauce with the pasta! It was DELICIOUS!

* Oreo Balls *

The yummiest little delectable ever! You have to try them...once you start eating them, you won't want to stop. Thanks to my mom for the recipe (although I do it a little different than she does).

Oreo Balls(picture from here...I forgot to take one of my own so this'll have to do til I make them again)

1 package (16 oz) Oreos
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese
2 packages (12 oz) white chocolate chips (My mom uses almond bark)

In food processor, mix Oreos and cream cheese until blended. Roll dough into 1 inch balls and chill for at least 1 hour.

After the balls chill, melt white chocolate chips in microwave at half power...be very careful not to burn the chocolate. Dip Oreo balls completely in white chocolate using two forks or a toothpick (or however you think it would be easiest) and place on wax paper. At this point you can be done, or you can embellish them a little. I like to sprinkle sugar sprinkles on top or drizzle with melted milk chocolate...either way, they are delicious!!!!

* Creamy White Chili *

This chili is actually my husband's specialty...and by that, I mean it's one of the few things he really makes...besides desserts and grilling...and he is awesome at desserts and grilling! (It's not that he can't cook--because he can---he just doesn't that often) He made this for us when we were dating and it was a bit spicy for me but I've grown to really like the kick in it!

Creamy White Chili
1 lb. chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 cubes
1 T. vegetable oil
1 medium onion
1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

Brown chicken and onion in oil. After browned, add garlic power.

2 cans (15.5 oz) great northern beans
1 can (14.5 oz) chicken broth
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
2 cans (4 oz) chopped green chilis
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. dried oregano
browned chicken/onion mix

Mix all ingredients in large pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmering and cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in:

1 c. sour cream
1/2 c. whipping cream

We serve it over rice but you could have it by itself too!