Let's talk about random things we make and prepare, etc. I think some people feel like they have to be gourmet cooks to post.

My split pea soup that everyone loves is just dry split peas, a packet of beef stew seasoning, and if I have any sort of ham around or even bacon, I throw that in too. I cook it in the crockpot on high. Almost zero effort.

My mashed potatoes that people rave about are so easy it's dumb. They are out of the box. I add salt, pepper, a lot of margarine or butter, a bunch of sour cream, and any sort of shredded cheese I have in the house AND some Parmesan out of the shaker. If you want to get really crazy, add chives.

To make things "fancy" add fruits and veggies. Through sliced fruit in your jello even orange sections are good. Slice up some celery and tomatoes and through them in your "salad". You can add non-acidic fruit like berries to your homemade Jello pudding (citrus makes the milk curdle).

Tell me what you do at home? What is quick and easy and your family loves?

Does your cauliflower turn yellow, even brown?
Soak it in water with some lemon added, it bleaches
the cauliflower to an unbelievable white :-)

I make a mean bowl of Top Ramen.

Throw dehydrated veggies in your Top Ramen. Makes it pretty. : )

having a party? Want a fairly inexpensive finger dessert that's simple to make and would cost a fortune at the bakery? I invest in some fancy cupcake papers at the party store and always keep them on hand for different occasions. I bake simple brownies, If I want fancier.. I add extra chocolate or white chocolate chips to the mix. I spread the top with a store bought coconut/pecan frosting. Again if I want to make it even fancier I sprinkle some white coconut to the top just to add a color difference, not a thick layer or anything, just a light sprinkle. Before it gets too cool I cut them into squares and when fully cooled I place them in the cupcake papers. Surprisingly they're pretty impressive when served on a three tiered/paper-laced platter But always keep in mind: Coconut is a Nut and some people have food allergies to nuts... not just peanuts So if they're being served outdoors, don't sprinkle with the white coconut as the extra as the wind could blow a coconut into another dish. The pre-made frosting is sticky enough to keep it intact and someone with severe allergies would know it's coconut, although it never hurts to let someone know there is coconut as part of the topping

..top tips..

Ever noticed how toast can be a little dry..?
..simply spread some butter on top and hey presto..a tasty snack..

Wondering why that steak seems a little rare..?
..simply leave it the pan a little longer..

..sausages overdone..?..apply less heat.

.your welcome guys.

Yummy breakfast:

Cut a croissant in half lengthwise. Spread with peanut butter and Nutella (chocolate hazelnut spread). To die for!

Bean Things

1 break taco shells in half
2 spread refried beans on shell halves
3 top with taco cheese
4 bake or microwave untill cheese is melted

Use any other Taco type toppings or eat plain..YUM

Ice Cream Samich Cake

Lay 12 ice cream sandwiches in a 12x9 cake pan
Top with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce and nuts
Repeat above steps

Freeze

Best potluck dessert EVER!!

lay slice of cheese on bread
put wiener in microwave ... heat till hot
put wiener on cheese
put selected amount of canned chili in microwave... heat till hot
put chili on wiener
put mustard on chili
Wrap bread around all of the above and stuff in face.