Cheesy Bacon Potatoes & Bayou Glazed Ham

Yesterday's rain and colder temps were a perfect excuse for me to break out one of our new Fall products from Tastefully Simple!  I've been anxious to try the NEW Bountiful Beer Cheese Soup and came across this recipe - and in my book...cheese, potatoes and bacon are always a good combination!  Rounded out the meal with some ham slices (drizzled with Bayou Bourbon Glaze & baked in the oven until warmed through) and some beautiful fresh fruit.  Meal was much enjoyed by all!

Cheesy Bacon Potatoes Au Gratin
Bountiful Beer Cheese Soup Mix™
4 cups milk
2 lbs. thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled or
unpeeled
8 oz. shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
¼ cup cooked, crumbled bacon

Combine first 2 ingredients; whisk until smooth. Place
1/3 of sliced potatoes in the bottom of a greased
2-quart baking pan; top with about 1 cup soup mixture
and ½ cup cheese. Repeat layers of potatoes,
soup mixture and cheese. Top with remaining potatoes
and soup mixture; reserve remaining cheese for later.
Bake at 375º, uncovered, for 55-60 minutes or until
potatoes are tender. Top with remaining cheese and
bacon; bake an additional 15 minutes or until cheese
melts. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Makes 10-12
servings.

Chicken Broccoli Quiche

This recipe was handed over to me from a dear friend, and is a staple in our family menu.  I sometimes mix it up using Ham & Swiss if I don't have all the ingredients on hand.  However, the chicken & broccoli version is my favorite.  For those of you who may be intimidated by the word 'Quiche'....DO NOT let the fancy sound intimidate you.  It is such an easy dish to make!

Shortcuts:  Here are some short-cuts you can use with this recipe to make it even easier.

*  Chicken - you can use canned, but I'm not a big fan of canned chicken.  Instead I toss a couple chicken breasts in the crock pot in the morning and let them cook on low until I'm ready to assemble the meal.
*  Broccoli - If it's on sale, I buy fresh and steam in the microwave.  Otherwise, I get the frozen steam packs and use them for a quick fix!
* USE pre-made, rolled pie crusts!!!  You find them in the refrigerated section next to the biscuits, crescent rolls, etc.  I recommend using these over the frozen crusts in a foil pan - these tend to burn more.  (Plus, baking it in your own dish gives it a homemade feel!)
*  Make ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.

BEFORE BAKING:

 FINISHED MEAL:

Chicken Broccoli Quiche
1/2 cup Mayo-lite
2 Tbsp flour
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs, beaten
8 oz. grated cheddar cheese
1 tsp Tastefully Simple Seasoned Salt
2 cups diced cooked chicken (or 10 oz. can)
1/4 cup green onion, chopped with some stalks
1 cup frozen broccoli, cooked
9 inch deep dish pie crust, unbaked

Combine all other ingredients and pour into unbaked pie crust.  Bake at 450 degrees for 30 minutes or until set.

Classy Chocolate or Absolutely Almond Mug Cake

Perfect for those nights you want a little sweet after dinner, but didn't have time to whip up any desserts!  Based on a recipe from a popular weight-loss company, this delicious dessert can be made in under 2 minutes!  Great low-fat option that tastes fabulous!

 

Classy Chocolate Coffee Mug Cake
Ingredients:
One package angel food cake mix
One box Classy Chocolate Pound Cake Mix or Absolutely Almond Pound Cake Mix™
 

Directions:
Empty pound cake mix into a big plastic storage container.
Add angel food cake mix and mix well. (Store at room temperature to use as needed.)
Spray a coffee mug with non-stick spray. Add 1/3 cup of the blended cake mix and 3 tablespoons of water. Stir thoroughly.
Microwave (yes … microwave) for 60 seconds.
Carefully remove to a plate and enjoy.

Tempting Taco Grilled Pizza

Here's a great meal to help involve your kids in the kitchen.  Everyone loves getting to customize their own pizza!  I added chopped avacado and tomatoes to the adult pizza's - YUM!

Tempting Taco Grilled Pizza
Submitted by Rosemary (MN) HQ Resident Chef

Ingredients
Tempting Taco Cheese Ball Mix™
8 oz. softened cream cheese
1 lb. ground beef
2-3 tsp. Simply Southwest™ Seasoning & Rub or to taste
1 cup finely diced tomato
1 cup finely shredded Cheddar cheese
8 (6-inch) pita breads
Olive oil

Directions
Combine first 2 ingredients; chill 2 hours. Prepare barbecue grill(medium heat). Sauté ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat with Simply Southwest Seasoning & Rub until cooked through; drain. Let cheese ball mixture soften at room temperature to make spreadable. Lightly brush 1 side of each pita bread with oil. Grill, oiled side down, until bottom is crisp, about 2 minutes. Transfer to work surface, grilled side up. Spread each pita bread with cheese ball mixture; top with ground beef mixture, tomato and cheese. Return pita pizzas to barbecue grill. Grill, covered, until heated through; about 2 minutes. Makes 8-10 servings.