Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients:

bottom layer:

3 sweet potatoes and 1 butternut squash or 6-9 sweet potatoes (cooked pealed and diced)
1/4 stick butter
1/4 c. evaporated milk or cream
1/4 c. brown sugar

Topping:

1 c. crushed pecans
1/4 c. flour
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 stick melted butter


Directions:

1. combine all the bottom layer ingredients in a bowl.
2. Mash together just like you are making regular mashed potatoes.
3. Add the potato mixture to a small casserole baking dish.
4. Add all the ingredients for the topping in a separate bowl.
5. Mix together with fork.
6. Add to the top of sweet potato dish.
7. Bake @ 350* for 30 to 44 minutes.

Jo's tips: If you have a big group then double the recipe. you can substitute any winter squash for the sweet potatoes. I have used acorn squash it was equally delicious!

My favorite cookie recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 stick butter, melted
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper.
2. Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, cream together the melted butter, brown sugar and white sugar until well blended. Beat in the vanilla, egg, and egg yolk until light and creamy. Mix in the sifted ingredients until just blended. Stir in the chocolate chips by hand using a wooden spoon. Drop cookie dough 1/4 cup at a time onto the prepared cookie sheets. Cookies should be about 3 inches apart.
4. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the edges are lightly toasted. Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Upside-Down Pizza

I have been wanting to post this recipe for a while because it is so good and I don't want to lose it. I made it a while ago and took a picture because it looked delicious. It was and is now going to become a staple at my house. You will not want to order pizza from take out again after you have this pizza!

Recipe adapted from allrecipies.com

Ingredients

Sauce
1 (26oz) jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce (I like the chunky Ragu or Prego for this)
2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound Italian sausage

Dough
1 1/2 cups water
4 1/4 white bread flour
1/1/2 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp sugar
2 Tbsp butter
1 tsp yeast

Topping
1/2 stick butter
1 clove garlic

Directions

1. Put all ingredients for the dough in your bread machine.
2. Start on dough cycle and come back when dough is done.
3. When you are ready to make the pizza preheat oven to 375*.
4. Brown ground beef and sausage in a skillet.
5. Add spaghetti sauce.
6. In a 2 quart baking dish add the spaghetti sauce mixture.
7. Top with cheese.
8. On a flat lightly floured surface roll dough out to the size a little bigger then the baking dish.
9. Put dough over the top of the sauce.
10. Roll dough edges under to seal the sauce in and make it look nice.
11. Melt butter and add crushed garlic.
12. Brush butter mixture on top of dough.
13. Bake 20 minutes.
14. Let stand 10 Minutes.

Jo's Tips:
You can buy refrigerated pizza dough instead of making bread. It won't be as good though, just easier. You can add whatever toppings you want. Sometimes I like to add only veggies.
You can buy a used bread machine at DI for less then $15. And if you do get a bread machine or already own one I would suggest buying, The Cooks Encyclopedia of Bread Machine Baking by Jennie Shapter because you will love what you can do with it!

New Years Resolutions

It has been a crazy month.....At the beginning of the year I started thinking about the year ahead. I told myself that it was going to be a good year. I had so many plans. I had a monthly budget all planned out. We were going to get out of credit card debt, I was going to declutter my house, I was going to plant a garden in three of my friends back yards (my back yard was so small and had little usable sunlight space), I was going to go to Bass Lake California, and we were going to go to Disneyland! Now I'm not saying I have given up hope on doing these things, but let me tell you what started happening....January our new old car broke. It cost $900.00 to fix!!! Now I am ok with having to fix the car. It is just the price you pay for not having a car payment. The problem lies in the fact that in December, November, and October the car also had to be fixed. $400 here $500 there starts to get to you after a while. Humm my budget was toast.
I started to declutter the house (see Monday motivation), but something happened while in the middle of the decluttering process....(this one's my fault) I was just on the internet looking at houses (I kinda do this as my hobby) I found the cutest little 100 year old Victorian house on 1.7 acres of land in the heart of Grantsville! I had to go see it. (every once in a while I drag Mike and the kids out on a "drive" to go look at a house I found) We took a picnic and went to Grantsville. It was, and is the cutest house I have ever seen. I fell in love with it and Mike did to(or so I thought). He told me we could look into selling our house. I prayed about it first to see if it was right for us to move, I couldn't believe I got a good feeling about it, that had never happened. I have prayed several times once for Roy, for Eagle mountain, and for Logan. All NO! I was surprised that I got the go ahead for Grantsville.
We did our research on Realtors, and house prices, started shoving things in boxes to get the house "show ready", painted, and basically wore myself out. The house went up on the market and the next day. We had two or three showings. This continued all week and by the end of it we had our first offer! No go. He didn't want to budge and neither did we. The next day or so we got our second offer. We accepted. It took them a week to back out, so up it went again! Another week, more showings and another offer! We took it! All went well. We packed up, moved and now......we are homeless with no garden! Two of the neighbors were not happy because they were two of my garden helpers! (I felt bad because this was so not in my plans for the year and I felt like I backed out of a promise to them).
Back to the cute little Victorian! Well we went back to look at it and my husband noticed the foundation had a crack in it and the chimney was about to fall off. (I don't get the problem but whatever) He told me he had the feeling we should build a new house! It took me a while to warm up to this idea, but after much internal turmoil and finally taking it to the lord again, I got the distinct feeling to listen to my husband. That out of the way we picked a lot and the house and we are now on our way to getting a new house!
I'm sorry to have messed up Monday motivation, and well, We'll get out of debt sometime right?
One more thing...we are definitely going to Disneyland because I need a vacation!

Maple Syrup

I make sure I always have a bottle of maple extract in my pantry because if I do I will never be without syrup for pancakes, waffles, and french toast! My family lives for these breakfast items so this is a good thing!

Ingredients

1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup water
1 tsp maple extract
1 tsp vanilla
2 tbsp butter

Directions

1.While I am making my pancakes I put the first four ingredients into a sauce pan and tun on the heat to high. Stir to mix all ingredients.
2. When it starts to boil turn heat to med-med low. making sure it does not boil over, (it smells bad on your burner and is a pain to clean up).
3. When my pancakes are done I take off the heat and add the vanilla and butter. (about 10 minutes)
4. Stir and serve warm.

Jo's tip's: Store extra syrup in the fridge. If you let it sit too long in the fridge it will form sugar crystals, but hot water cleans those up nicely.

Fiesta Lime Chicken

On Friday My good friend Sabrina and I went out for a girls night. (We had been planning it since Christmas and just never got around to it.) For dinner we went to Applebee's. And she ordered the fiesta lime chicken. She said she ordered it every time and she would be very happy if I could recreate it for her. So, in honor of Sabrina I give you wanna be Fiesta Lime Chicken! (We also went to the bead store and made watch bands it was really fun!)

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (grilled all the way through in the bbq)
2 cups ranch dressing (I suggest the homemade ranch packet kind because it doesn't seem to be as strong)
1/2 cup salsa (pureed in a food processor)
1-1 1/2 cup shredded cheese
about 1/4 bag crushed up tortilla chips
1-2 limes

Directions

1. Cook up the chicken on the barbecue and set aside.
2. On four individual plates, put a pile of crushed up tortilla chips.
3. Mix together ranch and salsa puree.
4. Put a spoon full of ranch mixture over each pile of tortilla chips, covering them.
5. Put one chicken breast on each pile of chip and ranch mixture.
6. Add more sauce (optional).
7. Cover with cheese.
8. Put each plate under the broiler in the oven for about a minute each plate.
9. Squeeze some lime juice over each dish (optional)

Jo's tips: Serve with rice. We found this dish to be really strong do it is good to serve with rice and I mixed the chicken with the rice, it toned it down a bit. If you like ranch you will love this dish! It was also REALLY good with the avacado so I would recommend that as well if you like them.

Buttermilk Pancakes
Yesterday while at the grocery store I saw saw something crazy!!!! They had shake and pour pancake batter! Apparently you add milk or whatever liquid it requires and shake. then you pour the batter to make the pancakes! I can not believe someone would pay money for THAT! I don't know maybe it is just me but is is sooooo easy to make your own pancake batter I just don't understand why people buy mixes. This recipe from the Better Homes and Garden cookbook and has been a staple in our family for years. It is so easy my husband even makes it occasionally. I don't know, I make my own syrup too so maybe I'm just weird.

Ingredients

1 c flour
1 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
2 eggs beaten
1 cup Buttermilk
1 Tbsp oil

Directions

1. Combine all dry ingredients in a large batter bowl and mix together.
2. Add remaining wet ingredients and mix with an electric hand mixer. (not for too long)
3. Pour onto a hot skillet and make the pancakes. (we all know how to do this part)


Jo's tips: If you don't have buttermilk you can add a few drops of lemon juice to the milk. Or just use plain milk (they are not buttermilk pancakes though!) I add the real buttermilk on special occasions because I don't always have it on hand, but it is so good when you use the real thing.

Out with the old in with the new

I have been neglecting my duties as a blogger, but I have a good reason for it. Not just the fact that I have three kids, I babysit four days out of the week, clean someones house every Thursday, try to keep my own house from looking like a pig sty, and that I'm a cub scout leader for a pack of wild wolves. No I have something else going on that I think justifies my lack of recipe writing. The main reason for the lack of posting is that we are in the middle of "fixing" up the house to sell! This is my first experience with selling a house and there is so much involved. I am now in the process of putting everything in boxes to shove under the house so the house looks decluttered to the point of being sterile. And painting the walls, (I have to make a note that EVERY single wall in my house has some form of art work painted, colored, penciled, or penned on them and I'm talking little people level here). I am trying to get everything ready to start showing the house for next month, so until then I am cooking lots of great food and will post them when I have a chance. Tonight we are having some friends over for dinner. I am making scalloped potatoes. I will post the recipe soon because I have SERIOUS issues with people making them from a box. It shouldn't be done. Ever.
Happy cooking everyone!
Jo

Tomatillo Ranch

What is better then fresh tomatillo ranch dressing? Not much in my opinion. I love this salad dressing. You can get a similar version at Cafe Rio, but when you want to stay home and have a delicious taco salad, this dressing will fill your craving just fine!

Ingredients

1 pkg. Hidden Valley Ranch
1 cup mayo
1 cup chopped cilantro
2 cloves garlic
3 tomatillos
1/3 cup buttermilk
1/4 tsp cayenne or to taste

Directions

1. Blend in a blender all ingredients except mayo. Mix well.
2. Add mayo and pulse until creamy.
3. Store in fridge.

Jo's tip: If you don't like spice you don't have to add the cayenne pepper.

More Then Enough Chocolate Cake

The first time I made this was for James' birthday. We loved it so much we decided to make it for Glens Birthday as well. It was a hit again! Especially for Glen. We gave him a huge piece and he ate it all! I was surprised because he is only one! Enjoy. For all those who have asked for the recipe here it is.
(This recipe is from the Dave Ramsey website)

Cake Ingredients

2 cups sugar
½ cup shortening
4 eggs (at room temperature)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 squares (1 oz. each) unsweetened chocolate
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups of buttermilk

Icing Ingredients

½ cup butter (softened to room temperature)
1 3-oz package of cream cheese (soften to room temperature)
½ teaspoon vanilla
Dash of salt
1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons of whole milk
2 squares unsweetened chocolate (1 oz. each) melted and cooled

To Prepare Cake:

Preheat oven to 325. Spray and flour two 9-inch cake pans. (For easy cake release, I always line the bottom of my pans with parchment paper, sprayed and floured.)

Cream sugar and shortening until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time. Stir in vanilla. Add melted, cooled chocolate.

In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda and salt.

Add dried ingredients to the wet batter, alternating with buttermilk until combined. Divide batter evenly between the pans. Bake at 325 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pans, remove and cool completely.

To Prepare Icing:

Combine butter, cream cheese, vanilla and salt. Beat until light and fluffy. Add powered sugar slowly, beating on low speed. Stir in one tablespoon of milk and melted chocolate. Beat until fluffy. Add additional tablespoon of milk if needed.

Jo's Tips: I add a chopped up candy bar on top to give it an extra something. I used Skore for Gens cake and chocolate chips for James. I am going to use Snickers next time!

Split Pea Soup

This is a very easy and yummy food storage meal. I grew up eating split pea soup. I remember the first time I had it. Mom made it for dinner and I didn't want to try it because it was PEA soup! I hate peas and I couldn't believe they were trying to feed it to me. They knew how I loathed that ugly green vegetable! My dad coaxed me into eating it by telling me it didn't taste like peas and you know what? It didn't taste like peas! It has been a favorite soup of mine ever since!

Ingredients

1 lb. split peas (washed and sorted*)
1/2 pk frozen bacon
1/ onion (diced)
2 stalks of celery (diced)
2 carrots(diced)
2 cloves garlic
1 bay leaf
8 cups chicken broth
crock pot

Directions

1. In a frying pan add bacon, sliced into little pieces.
2. Add about 2 Tbsp olive oil to braise the veggies.
3. fry bacon until cooked, using medium heat.
4. Add chopped vegies ( not the garlic and bay leaf)
5. Cook until you have a slightly brown color.
6. Put the peas in your crock pot
7. Add chicken broth, veggie mix, bay leaf, and garlic to the crock pot.
8. turn on the crock pot to low for 8 hours.
9. enjoy yummy soup

Jo's tips: *You need to sort the split peas from any small pebbles that might be hiding in your peas. (it happens). You can also add a dollop of sour cream to the soup. It makes it taste creamier and is so good. If you don't have chicken broth you can add bullion cubes to water. I like lots of salt so I add some to my bowl!

It has been crazy at my house since Christmas. First the car broke right after thanksgiving, then I was sick for the three weeks before christmas, the week in between christmas and new years we gutted the bathroom in order to lay tile, which we also did, then the car broke again. And in the middle of it all the batteries died in my camera. I Have new batteries now and have calmed down just enough to start cooking again! yeah. There is a catch.....We are living on our food storage right now because we spent all our money on cars and bathrooms and doctor trips! Ok enough about me lets talk about food!
The first time I had a grilled peanut butter and jelly was when I was in kindergarten! My dad was in charge of getting me lunch. Usually mom only made regular pb&j but that day I had it grilled (dads are so cool) with a large glass of milk! It was the best lunch a five year old ever had!

I ate a whole lot of these when I was pregnant, for some reason I just craved them. So pick your favorite jelly and have yourself a grilled pb&j sandwich! they are soooooo good!

Curry Chicken

I first had a dish like this at a very good oriental restaurant called La Cai Noodle House, at 961 s State st. in Salt lake. It is one of my favorite places to eat. The food is delicious and the prices are reasonable. The Curry chicken was so good I had to try to make it at home. This recipe is one of my husbands favorites. I still go to La Cai to get their curry chicken, but when I want to score some brownie points with my hubby I make this! I hope you like this as much as I do!

Ingredients

2-3 chicken breasts (Cubed)
3 carrots pealed and cut into circles
1 onion sliced into long thin slices
2 cans chicken broth
1 can coconut milk
1-2 tsp curry powder (depending on how spicy you like it)
1tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
2 Tbsp smooth peanut butter

Directions

1. In a large skillet add some oil and fry up the chicken breast until cooked through.
2. Take out chicken and set aside. Add some more oil to pan and add the onions and carrots. Fry on medium heat until onions are nice and brown. Take off burner and set aside.
3. In a large pot add last 8 ingredients. Turn on burner to medium high. Add the meat and vegies. cook until boiling.
4. In a small cup add 2 tbsp corn starch and a little water. About 5 tbsp, (it won't matter if you add too much water) stir the corn starch until it is all mixed with water and there are no lumps.
5. Add the corn starch to the curry chicken stiring until it comes to a full boil. Turn down heat and simmer on medium low until you are ready to eat.

Jo's tips: Serve this with rice. If it is too runny repeat step 4 until it is thick enough to put over rice. If you like it really spicy add more curry powder. All curry powder has different spice levels so find one that works for your family.

Baked Potato Soup

This soup is great even if the picture isn't! I made this soup for my husbands work as a Christmas gift and it was a hit! I make this recipe to my tastes, but feel free to mix things up a bit if you want. I sometimes add more sour cream sometimes less. enjoy!

Ingredients

4 or 5 large baking potatoes
2/3 cups butter
1/3 cups flour
2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
4 cups chicken broth
4 cups milk
1 1/2 - 2 cups sour cream
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
10 strips cooked bacon crumpled
1 1/2 cup cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Bake potatoes at 350* for 65-75 minutes or until tender. Cool completely. Peal and cube.
2. In a large saucepan melt butter. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth with a wire whisk.
3. Gradually add broth then milk. stiring the whole time. Bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
4. Remove from heat whisk in cheese and sour cream. Add potatoes and bacon. Garnish with green onions.

Jo's tips: Most or the time I just boil the potatoes with the skins on and then peal and cube the potatoes. It seems easier to me. Occasionally I will bake them.

Overnight Danish Twists*

I first had these at a family get together.
My sister in law brought them.
They were so good I ate about 5 of them!
*this is a Betty Crocker recipe!

Twists

2 Tbsp dry active yeast
1/2 cup warm water
4 cups flour
1/3 cup sugar
2 tsp salt
1 cup (two sticks) cold butter
4 eggs
1 cup milk
1 jar (10oz) of your favorite jam or preserves

Powdered Sugar Glaze

1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 to 3 Tbsp milk

Directions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let sit for 10 min. Stir in granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in butter,using a pastry blender or crisscrossing two knives, until mixture looks like fine crumbs. Separate eggs; refrigerate whites for brushing pastry. Stir yolks and 1 cup milk into flour mixture until soft dough forms. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 8 hours for proper rising, but no longer then 24 hours.
2. Lightly grease two to three cookie sheets. Gently push fist into dough to deflate. Divide dough into three equal parts. Roll 1 part dough into 9x7-inch rectangle on lightly floured surface. Cut crosswise into nine 1-inch strips. For each twist, pinch ends of strip together to form ring, stretching strip slightly. Twist to form figure 8. Place at least 2 inches apart on cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining 2 parts dough.
3. Beat egg whites; brush over dough. Let rise uncovered at room temperature about 25 min. or until puffy and loops fill in.
4. Heat oven 350*. Make an indentation in the center of each loop. Fill with 1/2 tsp-1 tsp jam. Brush dough again with egg whites. Bake about 15 min. or until light golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.
5. In a small bowl, mix all powdered sugar glaze ingredients, with a hand held electric mixer, until smooth and thin. Drizzle over warm twists.

Jo's tips: I made these twists to long the first time I made them, so when they rose in the 8 form, the holes did not fill in. I just lightly pressed the sides to cover the hole, so that my filling didn't fall out. I also used my home canned apple pie filling. Yumm! And for an extra treat I added four Tbsp cream cheese to the glaze before mixing. I also put the glaze in a small plastic bag and cut to tip off to drizzle.

Chicken Stroganoff

I made this recipe last night for dinner and got really excited about it
because there is so much you can do with it!
It is so yummy and rich,and even the kids gobbled it down.
Beware this is not for the calorie counter.

Ingredients

3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves -cubed
3 Tbsp butter
1 (.7 ounce) package dry Italian-style salad dressing mix
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1/2 can of water (use the empty cream of chicken can)

Directions

1. In a big frying pan add chicken, butter, and Italian seasoning packet.
2. Fry on med-high heat until chicken is cooked through
3. Add cream cheese, cream of chicken, and water to frying pan.
4. simmer until the cheese and soup are well mixed and melted.

Jo's tips: You can also make this in the crock pot. Add the chicken, butter and seasoning to the crock pot, turn on low for 6-8 hours. Add the soup, cream cheese and water to the crock pot. Turn on high and let cook together for about half an hour, until all cooked together and melted.
Serve with rice or noodles. I am going to make this recipe into a casserole. So as to have yet one more way to make the yummy dish. When I make it I will post the revised recipe!

See's Fudge*

This fudge has been a family tradition ever since I can remember. It is the real deal, and is a little bit more complicated to make. It is well worth the effort though. I hope you enjoy our family favorite!

Ingredients

4 1/4 cup sugar
1 can evaporated milk
2 pks. chocolate chips
l large hershey's bar with almonds
1-2 cups roasted almonds
1 jar marshmallow cream
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 lb. butter
1/2 tsp salt 1 1/2 tsp. mint extract

1. In a large bowl add last 7 ingredients. ( I cut the butter into cubes, and break up the candy bar) set aside.
2. Put sugar and evaporated milk in a large pot.
3. Heat sugar and milk stiring the entire time, until it comes to a hard boil.
4. Turn heat down and continue to cook for 6 minutes. stiring the entire time.
5. Pour milk onto the chocolate mixture. Stiring until all the chocolate is melted, (you get to use your muscles on this part)
6. Put into a large buttered casserole dish.
7. Put in the fridge until cooled.

Jo's tip's: *I don't know if this is the real See's fudge. That is just the name of the recipe in the cookbook.

(DeAnn's)Mom's Famous Peanut Butter Fudge

This comes from an old friend who I use to work with
DeAnna B. She mentioned making it one day and I
was intrigued so here you are. This is the easiest fudge
recipe you will see. And it is very yummy enjoy the fudge season!

Ingredients
1 bag chocolate chips
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup peanut butter
dash of salt
1tsp vanilla

1. Coat a square baking dish with a little butter. (to put the fudge in)
2. In a microwave safe bowl add the first four ingredients.
3. Put in microwave for 30 seconds.
4. Pull out and stir.
5. Repeat until melted.
6. Add Vanilla and stir until mixed.
7. Put mixture in coated baking dish.
8. Put in freezer until hard.
9. Cut and serve.

Jo's tips
You don't have to put the salt in if you don't want. I did though.
You can use crunchy or smooth peanut butter I had smooth so that is what I used.
I usually buy my sweetened condensed milk right before thanksgiving when it is on sale. I buy enough to last me through the year. This year I got mine for around 85 cents a can!

Alfredo dipping sauce

This one is "inspired" by The Olive Gardens Alfredo sauce. The first time I really remember going to The Olive Garden was at a girls night out with my in-laws. We had a great time and it was great food. My sister and mother ordered the alfredo sauce on the side to dip their bread sticks in. It was really good! I made up a sauce (with my sisters help) that tastes very similar to me, you can judge for yourself. I don't really like this with noodles it doesn't taste quite right. I am going to make one change and see if I like it better. But, for dipping this is fantastic! I haven't been able to make a bread stick that I really LIKE yet, so until then I will hold off posting a recipe for that. I like to chop up french bread into chunks and dip it into the sauce for a delicious Appetizer. This is great for a cheep stay at home movie night with your husband! I hope you enjoy.

Ingredients

1 tbsp. butter
1 tbsp flour
2 1/2 c half and half
1/2 c shredded Parmesan cheese (portioned into 1/4c servings)
1/4th pk of cream cheese (cubed so it will melt easily)
salt and pepper to taste

melt butter in a frying pan on medium high heat. When the butter is melted add the flour whisking it at all times. add half and half still whisking the mixture.

When it looks like this add 1/4 Parmesan cheese and cream cheese. stiring the whole time. When the cheese is melted it should be thick and ready to serve. Take off heat and add the remaining Parmesan cheese. salt and pepper to taste!

Household tip on how to save money!

I tried to make my own dish detergent for my dishwasher to try to save some money and it didn't work out so well. The dishes came out with a thick layer of soap scum on them. (we are still trying to get it of some of the dishes!) I did find out however how to conserve on the detergent. Most dishwashers have two spots for the soap. A prewash and the actual wash. The cups for the detergent are huge! To get the dishes clean you don't have to fill them all the way. (I think it is a conspiracy on the soap and dishwasher makers to try and get us to spend more money) I just put one Tbsp of soap in each spot. I have been doing this for 6 months now and have saved a lot. I only buy dish detergent about every two to three months now. It is great!