Tag Archive | easy recipes

Spring Greens and Strawberry Salad with Blue Cheese and Walnuts

May1

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Spring Greens Salad

Spring Greens and Strawberry Salad with Blue Cheese and Walnuts

Spring Greens and Strawberry Salad with Blue Cheese and Walnuts

Celebrate National Salad Month, and the warmer weather, with a lighter dish filled with color and texture. A refreshing mix of seasonal salad greens along with strawberries, blue cheese, and toasted walnuts drizzled with tangy balsamic poppy seed vinaigrette is both tasty and nutritious.

And you can always add cooked chicken breasts or your choice of lean protein, if desired. Whichever way you prefer, this refreshing recipe is an appetizing start to National Salad Month.

SPRING GREENS AND STRAWBERRY SALAD WITH BLUE CHEESE AND WALNUTS

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
3/4 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
12 cups spring salad greens
1 1/2 cups sliced strawberries
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/2 cup toasted chopped walnuts
For vinaigrette, in small bowl, combine vinegar, olive oil, honey, poppy seeds, sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens and strawberries. Whisk vinaigrette and drizzle desired amount over mixed greens and strawberries; toss to combine. Arrange on a large platter or 6 plates; sprinkle with blue cheese and walnuts. Makes 6 servings.

Dish it Up and Save with Food Lion!

Mar18

Dish it Up

Food Lion has made it fun to easy to enjoy a couple of tasty recipes and save money at the same time. Simply buy a bag of tortilla chips and a package of Kraft Velveeta and get Chi-Chi’s salsa, tortillas, and McCormick fajita seasoning mix free! Use these ingredients to make mouthwatering Cowboy Quesadillas and crowd-pleasing Amazing Nachos. See below to enter and win a $50.00 gift card too!

Cowboy Quesadillas

Cowboy Quesadillas

Dish it Up Recipes

Amazing Nachos

Amazing Nachos

Food Lion Dish it UpPerfect for hectic households, these family-friendly recipes are easy-to-make. And you can save last minute preparation by cooking chicken in advance and stashing it in the fridge until ready to use. Here’s a kitchen tip on how to have chicken at the ready for Cowboy Quesadillas and Amazing Nachos:

Place boneless and skinless chicken breast halves in a medium saucepan and add enough water to cover them. Cover and bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, until chicken is no longer pink in the thickest part (170°), 12 to 15 minutes. Remove chicken from the liquid; let stand 10 minutes before cutting. Save the liquid and use it to make soups, rice, etc., if desired.

Food Lion (2)The good folks at Food Lion are giving away gift cards in the amount of $50.00 each to two loyal shoppers. Here’s how to enter to win the gift cards:

1.) Fill out the form below with your name and email.

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

2.) Follow @harriedhswife and @foodlion on Twitter.

3.) Tweet and let us know you like to dish it up and save with @harriedhswife and @foodlion!

For example:

I like to dish it up with @foodlion and @harriedhswife!

Winners will be randomly selected on Tuesday March 24, 2015 and will be contacted by direct message. Good luck!

Thanks to Food Lion for sponsoring this post, and for providing $100.00 in gift card giveaways

Food Lion

Chicken Vegetable Soup

Feb26

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2

Chicken Vegetable Soup

Chicken Vegetable Soup

Time-crunched cooks always welcome quick and easy recipes. And when it comes to making soup, they’re especially appreciated. By using pantry staples along with store-bought chicken stock or broth, canned chicken, and packaged frozen vegetables, it’s easy to get out of the kitchen quick.

Make it even more delicious by topping each serving with wedges of provolone cheese and a dollop of pesto, if desired. Pouring on the comfort couldn’t be easier.

CHICKEN VEGETABLE SOUP

2 teaspoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried parsley, crushed
1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
7 cups regular or reduced sodium chicken stock or broth
1 (16-ounce) package frozen mixed vegetables
1 (10-ounce) can chunk-style chicken, undrained, or 2 cups cooked cubed chicken
1 cup dried ditalini or other small pasta
Salt and pepper to taste
4 slices provolone cheese, each cut into 8 wedges (optional)
1/3 cup pesto (optional)
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until hot; add garlic, parsley, and basil. Cook 1 minute, stirring frequently. Stir in chicken stock or broth, vegetables, chicken, and ditalini. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer until ditalini is tender, 8 to 10 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Top each serving with 4 wedges of cheese, then a dollop of pesto, if desired. Makes 8 servings.

Cinnamon Hot Chocolate

Jan23
Cinnamon Hot Chocolate

Cinnamon Hot Chocolate

A cup of hot chocolate is a delightful indulgence on its own, but the addition of cinnamon makes it extra tasty.

Similar to Mexican-style hot chocolate, this recipe makes it easy to whip up a flavorful beverage with a spicy twist. And it makes good use of pantry staples so there’s no need for specialty shopping or exotic ingredients.

Top with light, freshly whipped cream and serve with cinnamon sticks, if desired. Whether it’s to enjoy on a snow day or anytime, this soothing sipper will warm you up from the inside out.

CINNAMON HOT CHOCOLATE

3 ounces high-quality semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
4 cups milk
3 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
Whipped cream (optional)
Cinnamon sticks (optional)
In a small saucepan, combine chocolate, cinnamon, and 1/2 cup milk. Cook over low heat until chocolate melts, 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, add the remaining 3 1/2 cups milk and sugar. Cook over medium heat until thoroughly heated, 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently. (Do not boil). Whisk in melted chocolate mixture until well blended. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Ladle into mugs; top with whipped cream and serve with cinnamon sticks, if desired. Makes 4 servings.

Come say hello!

February 7, 2015 at 12:30 to 4:30 ~ Meet and Greet ~ Representing the Observer Dispatch’s Entree Magazine ~ Turning Stone Resort and Casino Home Show, 5218 Patrick Rd., Verona, NY 13478

Autographed copies of The Harried Housewife’s Cookbook: 125 Most Requested Recipes! will be available for purchase

Chewy Chocolate Cookies

Jan16

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Chewy Chocolate Cookies

Chewy Chocolate Cookies

Chewy Chocolate Cookies

Similar in taste to brownies, these mouthwatering cookies are filled with rich chocolate goodness. Simple to prepare with on-hand ingredients, the microwave makes it easy to melt the chocolate chips, butter, and sweetened condensed milk.

By adding the remaining ingredients to the melted chocolate mixture, a decadent batter is ready for baking. Pair with a glass of milk and savor the ultimate in homespun comfort.

CHEWY CHOCOLATE COOKIES

1 cup flour
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 (12-ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup chocolate chips, butter, and condensed milk. Microwave on HIGH until chocolate chips have melted, about 2 minutes, stirring once halfway through; stir until smooth. Whisk in egg and vanilla. Stir in the remaining chocolate chips. Add flour mixture. Stir until smooth. Drop by heaping teaspoons 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake until centers are almost set, 6 to 8 minutes. Cool 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Makes about 4 dozen cookies.

Lemon Fruit Dip

Jan2

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Lemon Fruit Dip recipe

Lemon Fruit Dip

Lemon Fruit Dip

Brighten your day and savor the fresh taste of lemon by whipping up a zesty dip everyone will enjoy. A luscious addition to a wintertime brunch menu, this crowd-pleasing recipe appeals to both children and adults.

Perfect for time-crunched cooks, it can be prepared in a matter of minutes and also is ideal for making ahead. Just cover and store in the fridge up to two days in advance.

Serve with a variety of fresh fruit—and savor a light and refreshing recipe that’s as welcome as a ray of sunshine in the heart of winter.

LEMON FRUIT DIP

1 (6-ounce) carton non-fat vanilla yogurt
1 (6-ounce) carton non-fat lemon yogurt
1 (8-ounce) carton regular or light frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Lemon slices and/or finely grated lemon zest (optional)
Assorted fresh fruit, such as strawberries, pineapple, grapes, kiwi, cantaloupe, for dipping
For dip, in a large bowl, combine vanilla yogurt, lemon yogurt, whipped topping, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, and lemon juice. Garnish with lemon slices and/or lemon zest before serving, if desired. Serve with assorted fresh fruit. Makes 24 servings.

Cranberry Martini

Dec26

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Cranberry Martini

Cranberry Martini

Cranberry Martini

Add an elegant touch to New Year’s Eve celebrations by whipping up a colorful cocktail that will toast the evening in style.

By combining a few ingredients, a refreshing drink can be ready to serve in no time. You also can add a dash of vermouth, if desired. And it’s just as easy to double or triple the recipe. Make it even more festive by adding a skewer of fresh cranberries to the drink.

Sophisticated, romantic, and always in good taste, a martini is a delightful choice when it comes to ringing in the New Year. Here’s wishing you and your family a happy and healthy New Year. Cheers!

CRANBERRY MARTINI

Crushed ice
5 tablespoons cranberry juice cocktail, chilled
3 tablespoons vodka
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
Fill a martini shaker 3/4 full with ice. Add cranberry juice cocktail, vodka, and orange juice. Cover and shake. Strain into a martini glass. Makes 1 serving.

Easy Chocolate White Chip Cookies

Dec19

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Friday, December 19, 2014

Easy Chocolate White Chip Cookies

Easy Chocolate White Chip Cookies

Running out of time but still would like to bake cookies for Santa? Then head to the store and pick up a box of cake mix and a package of white chips, combine with a few pantry staples, and you’ll be on your way to batches of homemade cookies in no time.

By not having to roll and cut out dough or frost when cooled, it’s easy to get out of the kitchen quick. And Santa will surely be pleased to have a plate of fresh-baked cookies to welcome him. All that’s needed is milk and perhaps some food for the reindeer. Now this is one sugarplum of a shortcut that’s perfect on a long winter’s night.

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas.

EASY CHOCOLATE WHITE CHIP COOKIES

1 (16.5 ounce) package plain devil’s food cake mix
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
3 tablespoons water
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup white chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, butter, water, egg, and vanilla. Stir with a wooden spoon until mixed. Stir in white chips. Drop by heaping teaspoons 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake until centers are almost set, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool 2 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Makes about 4 dozen cookies.

Brandy Eggnog

Nov28

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2

Brandy Eggnog

Brandy Eggnog

Get into the holiday spirit by indulging in a glass of eggnog spiked with the velvety goodness of brandy. Ideal when friends come to call, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for preparing at the last minute.

For the ultimate in flavor, be sure to whip the cream just until soft peaks form. And use fresh nutmeg, if possible, to grate over the top of the lightly whipped cream.

Whether it’s an impromptu visit from family and friends or a planned celebration, toasting the Yuletide with this time-honored indulgence will help make the season bright. Here’s to a happy holiday season. Cheers!

BRANDY EGGNOG

1 quart regular or light eggnog
1/2 cup brandy
Fresh, lightly whipped cream
Freshly grated nutmeg
In a medium pitcher, combine eggnog and brandy; stir well. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate up to 4 hours. Stir well before serving; top each serving with lightly whipped cream and freshly grated nutmeg. Makes 6 servings.

Colorful Bow Tie Pork

Nov20
Colorful Bow Tie Pork

Colorful Bow Tie Pork

The back to school season is in full swing with hectic schedules for both parents and children. At this time of year, quick to prepare dishes are especially welcome. Ideal for time-crunched cooks, this recipe for Colorful Bow Tie Pork is a great choice for busy weeknights.

Packed with nutritious veggies, flavorful pork, and hearty pasta, this vibrant dish is tossed with a tasty cheese sauce just before serving. And with Thanksgiving right around the corner, check out this family-pleasing recipe for Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie. Made with minimal ingredients, it’s a terrific timesaver.

For more kid-friendly recipes that will make it easy to stick to full schedules at this time of year, visit Food Lion. Enjoy!

Thanks to Food Lion for sponsoring this post