Strawberry Cheesecake Shake

Need I say more??? MMMMMMMMMM :0)

1 3oz. package cream cheese, softened (can use light but NOT fat free)

1 c. milk (can use 1%)

2 c. vanilla ice cream

1/2 of a 16 oz. can of strawberry pie fillling

1 c. fresh strawberries (I use more because I like mine "chunky")

1-Place cream cheese and milk in a blender. Cover and blend until combined. Add ice cream, pie filling, and 1 cup (or more) of strawberries. Cover and blend until nearly smooth. Serve immediatley!

*I think it would be delicious to throw in 1/2 c. crushed graham crackers. Mmmmm I will try that next time!! You can't make these just once!

Sub Sandwiches For A Crowd

I love making these every time we are invited for a pot luck or are having friends over for game night. You can slice these up so they are bite size like an appetizer, or make them bigger as your main dish! Enjoy!

1 loaf of French bread

1/2 of an 8 oz. carton of sour cream ranch dip (pre-made, or you can make your own)

1 c. shredded lettuce (I always add more)

3/4 c. shredded carrots or 1/2 c. julienned carrots

8 oz. thinly sliced roast beef, ham or turkey (my hubby likes all 3!!)

1/2 medium cucumber, shredded (adds a GREAT flavor!)

4 oz. thinly sliced mozzarella or provolone cheese from the deli

1 large tomato thinly sliced

1-Cut the bread in half horizontally. Spread ranch dip on each sides of bread. On one half of the bread layer lettuce,carrot,meat,cucumber,cheese, and tomato. Secure with toothpicks the portions you wish to cut.

*You can add more veggies or toppings of your choice. I have just found these to always be a favorite and kind of out of the ordinary!

*Serve with crunchy potato chips and a light pasta salad

Hazelnut Coffee Coolers

What better way to cool down in the hot days of summer! Have yourself one of these! So good, betcha' can't just have one!!

2/3 c. instant coffee (dry) CAN USE NON- CAFFEINE granules

1 1/2 c. hazelnut flavored coffee creamer

1 c. water

1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

8 c. milk (can use 1% but NOT skim. They turn out too runny)

Whipped cream for garnish (optional)

Cinnamon for garnish 9optional)

1-Mix coffee, creamer, water and 1/4 tsp. cinnamon in a medium bowl, stirring until coffee is dissolved.

2- Pour into 2 ice -cube trays. Freeze about 3 hours or until cubes have hardened. Once they are frozen, remove from trays and place in a freezer bag.

3-For each serving place 2 coffee cubes, 2/3 c. milk and 4 regular ice cubes into blender. Cover and blend on high speed about 20 seconds or until slushy. Pour into glass. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon

*This will make about 12 servings

*Try crushing of toffee bits or a Skor candy bar and sprinkle it over the top of the whipping cream. YUMMMM!

Southwest Potato Salad

I LOVE potato salad. Just plain old regular potato salad (with my Mom's twist of course!) But if you are in a potato salad rut, give this a try. It has a bit of zip to it and goes great with burgers or grilled chicken!

3 lbs. red potatoes, washed, skin LEFT ON, cubed, cooked

1/2 c. mayo (can use light)

1/2 c. sour cream (can use light)

1/2 c. salsa

1/4 c. canned, chopped green chilies, drained

1/4 c. olives, sliced, drained

2 large tomatoes. seeded and chopped (about 2 c.)

1 can (11 oz) whole kernel corn with red and green peppers, drained

1-In a large pan boil potatoes until tender. Remove from heat and drain. Let cool about 10 min then cut into cubes

2-Mix mayo, sour cream, and salsa in a large bowl. Gently stir in potatoes and remaining ingredients.

3-Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

*If you want, you can add cooked cubed chicken to this and it is so good. I used about 2 cups.

Pepper Rub For Steaks

Around our house we LOVE steaks! Especially in the summer when we are grilling all the time. This is a great pepper rub that's not too spicy.

2 Tbsp. cracked peppercorns

1 1/2 tsp. dried thyme leaves

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. garlic salt

*This is enough for about 4 large steaks

Chinese Cabbage Salad

My husband is in LOVE with this salad. He always asks, "when are you making that cabbage 'stuff' again?"!! For someone that is not big on cabbage (at all) this sure pleases his taste buds! It is super easy and goes great with burgers or steaks.

1 large head cabbage, rinsed, chopped

4 green onions, chopped

2 packages of Ramen noodles, crunched up (chicken flavor)

1/2 c. slivered almonds

2 c. cooked, cubed, well peppered chicken

Dressing:

4 Tbsp. vinegar

4 Tbsp. sugar

1/2 c. salad oil (vegetable oil works fine too)

seasoning packages from noodles

1-Cut up all your veggies and place in a large bowl. Add you almonds, Ramen noodles, and cooked chicken. Set aside.

2- In a small bowl combine all ingredients for your dressing and mix well. Pour over salad and toss to coat.

3- Chill in fridge for at least an hour before serving

*The last time I made this, I added a small can of Mandarin oranges and it was DELISH!