Standing Ovation Corn Bread

If there is ever a cornbread contest - ya'll better get OUT of My Way!  Have Mercy, this is the BEST cornbread I've ever made and I have to feed a few dozen folks tonight so I made a double batch (I hope it'll be enough:)!

I saw this on the Internet and thought, Oh Why Not?!  I've made thousands of batches of cornbread in my life but this looked truly unique!  Results are gorgeous and delicious!

You're gonna' need:
2 boxes of Jiffy Cornbread mix
1 box of Jiffy* Yellow Cake mix
   *If you can't find the Jiffy Cake mix, you can only substitute with Duncan Hines Golden Butter Cake - you need a regular ole' yellow cake mix that does not contain pudding in the mix. 

Mix the cornbread mix and cake mix together and add ingredients according to directions on BOTH packages (throw in an extra egg for luck - ya'll should already know that)!  Mix everything all together in a big mixing bowl. I used my electric mixer as this is too big a batch to stir by hand.

Spray a big baking dish - these are 10x15 disposable baking dishes and Sugar, they are FULL.  If you are using a regular 9x13 casserole dish, this will easily split into two pans.  Just spray them down with baking spray as you sure don't want this to stick!

The original recipe said to bake half an hour at 350*- that might work for small pans!  I baked these beauties for a full hour (maybe even a few minutes more) at 350* - you just have to watch them - bake until the center sets firm.

I could NOT resist and I can't possibly serve my guests something that hasn't been taste tested .... Standing Ovation Corn Bread!  I hear this is what they serve at Disney....I don't know if that's true or not but I'd drive to Florida just to taste compare!  Grab some butter and get to it ya'll!

Smashed Potatoes

If you like the Smashed Potatoes at TGI Fridays, you'll LOVE this!  Super quick and easy - only the microwave oven actually works for this one!

2 russet or baking potatoes per person - I use 4 for just me and the hubs
1/2 stick real butter (okay - margarine is fine if you just have to use it)
1/4 cup milk per person
1 slice American cheese per person (go ahead and add an extra if you're
   really cheesy:)
Salt and Pepper to taste
Chopped Scallions (optional)

Bake potatoes in microwave until done.  I usually do 4 potatoes for 6 minutes, flip then 6 more minutes. 

When potatoes are soft to the squeeze, give them a quick slice horizontal then chop into about 1 inch chunks.  Slice butter over hot potatoes, salt and pepper to taste, then mash with an old fashioned potato masher or use the back of a fork to break the chunks up a bit.  Add cheese, torn into bite size pieces, then add milk.  Stir to a creamy consistency (this will be chunky and that's what you want).  Microwave another minute or two to melt the cheese and you're done!  You won't have any left overs - I promise!!!!

Add scallions if you like - heck, you could even add bacon bits or sour cream if you like...what ever floats your potato "boat"! Ha Ha Ha!!!

Apple Nachos

 

I've been challenged for something to serve for a ladies wine pairing....NEVER challenge the Queen!  Fruit and grapes (okay, wine but same thing:)!

 

I might omit the marshmallows and butter but would add toffee chips for sure maybe even pretzels - love a sweet and salty combo!  You can dib and dab, mix and match to your heart's content!

 

 

 

Ingredients

• 4 large Granny Smith apples, sliced
• 35 large marshmallows
• 1/4 cup butter
• 35 caramels
• 1 Tbsp evaporated milk (or half and half)
• 1/4 cup peanuts
• 1/4 cup mini semi-sweet morsels
• 2 Tbsp chocolate syrup

 

Instructions

1. Slice apples and arrange on platter.
2. In saucepan, melt marshmallows and butter until creamy. Set aside.
3. In microwave dish, melt caramels with milk (cooking in 30 second intervals, and stirring). Set aside.
4. Pour marshmallow cream over apple slices, followed by caramel sauce. Drizzle chocolate syrup and sprinkle with peanuts and mini chocolate morsels. Serve immediately and enjoy!