Jello Popcorn Balls

From Mama's family.
Maybe it's because we're Lutheran, but we sure eat a lot of Jello-related items at family gatherings!

1 C. light corn syrup
1/2 C. sugar
1-3oz. box Jello, any flavor
9 C. popped plain popcorn, Old Maids removed

Bring syrup and sugar to a boil. Remove from heat and add Jello, stirring until dissolved.
Pour over popcorn in large bowl, mixing well.
Working quickly with buttered hands*, form into balls and place on buttered wax paper.
Let cool, wrap individually in Saran Wrap.

*Be careful- very hot!

{LDM}

Peas 'n' Pesto Salad

From your Fairy Godmother.

3/4# of pasta, cooked as directed on package
2 T. extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 C. prepared pesto
1/4 C. fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
3/4 C. defrosted frozen peas
2 1/2 T. pine nuts
5oz. frozen spinach, defrosted and squeezed dry
1 1/2 T. lemon juice
1/2 C. plus 1 T. mayonnaise
Salt & pepper to taste

Puree pesto, spinach, and lemon juice in food processor or blender.
Add mayo and puree.
Add mixture to cooked, chilled pasta.
Add Parmesan, peas, pine nuts, and salt and pepper.

{LDM}

Waffles

From your buddies Big T. and Little T.'s Daddy.

2 C. Bisquick
1/3 C. oil
2 eggs
1 1/2 C. club soda

Mix together, pour into buttered waffle iron.

Serve with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.

{LDM}

Mama's Chicken Nuggets

You're a toddler, so naturally your favorite food is chicken nuggets. I like making them from scratch for you!

Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Marinade:
1 C. buttermilk
1 T. lemon juice
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. soy sauce
1/4 tsp. paprika

Cube 1# chicken breasts, and add to marinade. Chill for 2 hours.

Combine 3/4 C. flour with salt and pepper to taste on dinner plate.
Combine 1 egg beaten with 1 T. water in small bowl.
Combine 1 C. bread crumbs with 1/3 C. Parmesan cheese on dinner plate.

Remove chicken and discard marinade.
Working with one nugget at a time, dredge first in flour mixture.
Dip into egg wash.
Finally, dredge through bread crumb mixture.

Place onto greased cookie sheet and bake @ 400* for 20 minutes. Flip nuggets over at halfway mark.

Enjoy with dipping sauces. Sweet 'n' Sour is your favorite!

{LDM}

Slush

From Grandma S.

12oz. frozen lemonade concentrate
12oz. frozen orange juice concentrate
1 C. sugar
6 C. water
1-48oz. can pineapple juice

Mix well; freeze in large ice cream bucket or tupperware.

To serve, scoop into individual glasses and top with 7-Up or Sprite.

{LDM}

Fruit Bars

I was served these at a bridal shower years ago and vowed to never make "regular" fruit pizza again!

1-20oz. pack refrigerated sugar cookie dough
8oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 C. powdered sugar
1/2 C. sugar
1/2 C. orange juice
1/4 C. water
1/4 C. lemon juice
2 T. cornstarch
Variety of fresh fruit

Spread sugar cookie dough into baking dish.
Bake @ 350* according to package.

Mix cream cheese and powdered sugar together.
When cookie dough has cooled, spread cream cheese mixture over top.
Top with fruit; I always use strawberries, blackberries, kiwi fruit, raspberries, green grapes, and blueberries.

Mix sugar, orange and lemon juices, water, and cornstarch in small saucepan.
Cook over medium until thick and clear, stirring constantly.
Let cool slightly, pour over fruit layer.

Serve chilled.

{LDM}

Mama's Favorite Soup

From your Grandma G.
She found this recipe somewhere and tweaked it to make it perfect.

Chicken Tortilla Soup
1/4 of a bunch of fresh cilantro (discard stems)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 small onion, chopped
1 can green chilies, chopped
6 C. chicken stock
1-14.5oz. can tomatoes
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. salt
1-14.5oz. can black beans, rinsed
1# chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips

Saute chicken in butter, with garlic and cumin to taste. Cook until juices run clear.
Puree cilantro, 3 cloves garlic, onion, chilies, and tomatoes in food processor or blender.
Heat chicken stock in large stock pot and add pureed mixture and 1 tsp. cumin and salt.
Boil; reduce and simmer on low for 1 hour.
Add chicken and beans.

Serve with fried tortilla strips, Monterrey Jack cheese, sour cream, and fresh avocado slices.

{LDM}