Mindi's Marinated Chicken

For a gal who is a self-described plainaholic, this chicken dish does not skimp on flavor. Its unique blend of pantry staples fills the house and the grill with a captivating aroma. Lauren declared, "I really like this," then proceeded to devour her portion. Thanks, Mindi, for another simple and delicious dish.

1/3 cup Raspberry Vinegar
1 1/2 Tbsp. Dijon or Honey Dijon Mustard
2 Tbsp. Soy Sauce
2 Tbsp. Honey
2 Tbsp. Fresh Basil, minced
1/2 tsp. dried Thyme
ground pepper, to taste
1 lb. chicken breasts or tenders

1. Whisk together vinegar, mustard, soy sauce, honey, basil, thyme & pepper.

2. Place chicken in a shallow glass dish. Pour marinade over, and turn chicken to coat evenly. Marinate at room temp. for 15 minutes, covered.

3. Grill chicken until done.

4. Transfer marinade into a small sauce pan. Boil until reduced by half and thickened, and pour over chicken to serve.

I served this with a salad and rice. Delish!

Orange Jello Salad

At first this probably doesn't look appealing.... carrots in Jello?! But the key to bringing it all together is the pineapple. Every true Minnesotan has a Jello recipe idea for just about any meal, and if your kids are like mine and love a gelatin treat, this is a great way to add a few essential vitamins into the mix.

1 box Orange Jello
1/2 carrot, grated
1 small can pineapple tidbits, drained

1. Make Jello according to the directions on the box. Refrigerate until livery.

2. Stir in grated carrots & pineapple. Refrigerate until set, approximately 3 hours.

Rice Krispie Bars

Due to excellent short-term memory, Lauren could tell you how to make this classic kid favorite. But in the event you're looking for something a little more precise, here's where to find it.

3 Tbsp. butter
1 10.5 oz. package marshmallows
6 cups Kellogg's Rice Krispies cereal

1. Melt butter in a large sauce pan over low heat; be careful not to brown.

2. Add marshmallows & stir until completely melted.

3. Remove from heat. Using a buttered spatula or waxed paper, press mixture evenly into a greased 13 x 9 x 2" pan.

4. Cut into 2 x2" squares when cool.

Makes 24.

Note:
Use fresh marshmallows for best results.
Do not use diet or reduced fat margarine.

Rice Krispie Bars, By Lauren

Lauren loves to help in the kitchen, this afternoon we made Rice Krispie Bars. This is the recipe according to Lauren.

First you add the butter.

Then you add the marshmallows.

Next you add the Rice Krispies.

Now I can go play.

Chicken By Abby

Abby came up with this one completely on her own.

"This is how you make a chicken.

First you fold it up.

Then you wrap it.

Then you punch it.

There, a chicken. See, Mom?"

Poor chicken.

Lime Jello Salad

I found this recipe a few years ago on an aging recipe card in my mom's recipe drawer from my Aunt Diane. Since then I've given it a new life and it's a favorite of mine & my little lovelies. It makes a lot, so unless you're serving it to guests or at a pot luck, you may want to half the recipe.

1 large box Lime Jello
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 envelopes Dream Whip
1 large can crushed pineapple, drained

1. Make Jello according to directions, allow to set until livery.

2. Make Dream Whip according to directions.

3. To the Dream Whip add cream cheese, drained pineapple and whipped Jello.

4. Blend all together and set.

Apple Pork Chops

This recipe came from my Aunt Michele, who infamously loves recipes that are quick, easy and delicious.

4 pork chops, fried (not grilled) and seasoned with seasoning salt
1 can of apple pie filling
1 box Stove Top stuffing, I used chicken

Place fried pork chops in a casserole.

Pour pie filling over top.

Make stuffing according to the package and place over apples.

Cover and bake @ 350° for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for 30 minutes more.