Sew God's Grace

I believe that, for most recipes, "bacon makes it better"!  So, when I saw a recipe for bacon-wrapped chicken, I knew I had to try it. Since my discovery of the recipe, I have made this dish often.  It is always a hit at potlucks.  Just place in the crockpot on the keep warm setting.  To serve as an appetizer, you can cut the chicken into three strips and put a toothpick into each piece.   Here is the recipe (adapted from this recipe ) Bacon-wrapped Chicken 2.5 pounds chicken breasts (about 4 ounces each chicken breast.  I use a box of Schwan's chicken breasts) 20 thin slices bacon (thick does not work as well to wrap around the chicken strips) 1/4 cup honey 1 Tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1 Tablespoon brown mustard Fresh ground black pepper Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.  Cut each piece of chicken lenghtwise into two strips.  Wrap each piece of chicken with a  strip of bacon.  (Tip: I do this with the chicken still part...

  I'll be honest, some of my kids will only eat boxed macaroni and cheese.  However, one day we were out  and decided to make homemade in the instant pot.  I adapted my recipe slightly from this one  so that it would make a bigger batch! Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese (adapted from this recipe ) 1 sixteen ounce box rotini pasta Approximately 6 cups water 4 1/2 tablespoons butter 1 twelve ounce can evaporated milk 3 cups shredded Colby and Monterrey Jack cheese (or your favorite shredded cheese) salt, to taste Place pasta in instant pot crock (I used my eight quart one) and cover with water.  Secure lid on instant pot and pressure cook for 3 minutes.  Release pressure and drain pasta.  Set instant pot to saute, add butter to the crock, and stir until it is melted.  I then press the cancel button and put the instant pot on the "Keep Warm" setting.  Then add milk and shredded cheese and stir.  Taste and add salt if needed.  If th...

This is a family favorite recipe that I remember my mother-in-law making when Matt brought me home to visit one time.  It's easy, cheesy, and delicious, so I thought I'd better add it to the blog!  Here's the recipe: Taco Casserole 1 pound hamburger, browned and drained 1 small can refried beans 1 small can cream of chicken soup 1 cup cubed Velveeta cheese 3/4 cup salsa 2 cups shredded cheese (we like the Colby/Monterrey Jack blend) Doritos nacho cheese chips Grease a 9 by 13 inch pan and preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  In a large bowl, mix all ingredients except Doritos well.  Crush some Doritos, and put them in the bottom of the pan.  Spread taco mixture over the chips and add more crushed Doritos on top.  Bake 20 to 30 minutes or until heated through.  Serve with lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, or other taco toppings as desired! Note: this recipe also freezes well.  Just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

I have made this recipe more times than I can count!  I got the recipe from my mother-in-law years ago, and I finally am getting it onto my blog.  It calls for onions, but I always omit those since my family doesn't care for them.  I included them in the recipe, though, because I know many of you out there like them in your meatballs.  This is a great recipe for the freezer, too! Here's the recipe: BBQ Meatballs 1 can evaporated milk 3 lb. hamburger 2 c. quick oatmeal 2 eggs 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1 c. chopped onion (I omit) 2 tsp. chili powder 2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. pepper      Sauce: 2 c. Ketchup 1 c. brown sugar 1/4 c. yellow mustard (I added this to the original recipe because that's what my mom always put in our BBQ sauce) 1/2 c. chopped onion (I omit) 1-2 Tbsp. liquid smoke (I omit) 1/2 tsp. garlic powder (I omit)     For meatballs, mix ingredients (I put them in my Kitchenaid mixer--so much better than using yo...

This is one of my favorite go-to weekday lunches!  It's fast, easy, and full of flavor.  It also makes me nostalgic, because when I was pregnant, I used to crave Chinese food.  This dish doesn't rival an all-you-can eat Chinese buffet (I may have needed a few of those for each pregnancy!), but it comes close. Instant Pot Sesame Chicken  (adapted from this recipe) 2 1/2 pounds chicken breasts (I use four ounce chicken breasts from Schwan's, partially frozen) 1/2 C. coconut aminos or soy sauce 1/2 C.  honey 1/2 C. Water 2 T sesame oil 1/4 C. Tomato sauce 2 cloves garlic if desired Red pepper flakes, if desired Salt and pepper to taste 2 T. Tapioca starch or cornstarch dissolved in 1/2 C. cold water Sesame seeds for garnish if desired Place chicken in instant pot liner and season with salt and pepper (I probably use about 1/4 teaspoon of each).  Whisk next five ingredients together and add garlic cloves and a few shakes of red pepper flakes ...

We love breakfast for supper at our house.  I like to make a large breakfast casserole, and then we have leftovers to eat for several days afterward.  This recipe is one of our favorites.  Use your food processor to shred the sweet potatoes, and it comes together quickly. Sweet Potato Breakfast Bake 2 large or 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and shredded 8-10 pieces of bacon, cooked and crumbled 1/2 - 1 pound sausage, cooked and crumbled  (make your own if you want one with no sugar added.  I like this recipe .) 1/2 cup coconut milk (or any other milk desired) 16 eggs Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease a 9 by 13 pan with coconut oil.  Crack eggs into a large mixing bowl and add milk.  I like to use an immersion blender to mix these up.  Tip:  if you are using canned coconut milk, use the immersion blender first to mix up your coconut milk in a small glass pitcher.  Then add the half cup to the eggs and blend together...

Last week I needed a quick meal to get on the table for lunch.  I found a recipe that I had pinned for  Cashew Beef Stir Fry , and it fit the bill nicely.  I made enough modifications to the recipe that I decided to post it.  I will definitely be making this one again.  If you have your beef pre-cooked, it comes together in a jiffy.  Here's the recipe. Cashew Beef Stir Fry (adapted from this recipe ) 2 pounds hamburger, cooked and drained 1 tablespoon coconut oil 1/2 green pepper, chopped 1/2 yellow or red pepper, chopped 1/2 pound fresh or frozen asparagus spears, cut into 1 inch pieces 1 teaspoon ginger 1 teaspoon minced garlic (I have a jar in the fridge!) 6 ounces coconut aminos (Use soy sauce if not paleo) 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder (Use corn starch if not paleo) 1/4 cup water 1/2 cup raw cashews salt and pepper to taste red pepper flakes to taste In a large skillet, heat the coconut oil over medium heat.  Add the peppers,...

This is one of my family's favorite recipes.  I modified the recipe slightly from my Best of Taste of Home, The First 10 Years cookbook.  When I serve it, my middle daughter, who usually struggles with getting her meat finished, always asks for seconds! Here's the recipe: 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup almond flour (can use dry bread crumbs if you prefer) 2 teaspoons dried oregano 2 teaspoons parsley flakes 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon pepper 12 boneless skinless chicken breast halves 1/2 cup butter, melted In a shallow pie pan, combine the first six ingredients and mix well.  Pour butter into another pie pan.  Dip chicken in butter and then into crumb mixture.  Place in greased 15 by 10 inch baking pan.  (You will have to squeeze them in a bit!)  Bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is tender and juices run clear.  (I use a meat thermometer and cook until 165 degree internal temperature....

Since starting on a mostly-paleo diet almost two years ago, I must say that I sometimes miss the ease of popping a casserole in the oven.  This easy, one-dish meal has been a go-to recipe for me.  I make it at least twice a month!  I can have it ready and in the oven quite quickly.  Plus, it's healthy and delicious.  Here's the recipe. Super Easy Chicken and Broccoli Bake (Slightly adapted from this recipe ) 8 four ounce boneless skinless chicken breasts 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces 1-2 heads broccoli 1/2 cup olive oil 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon oregano salt and pepper, to taste Place sweet potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl.  Add a small amount of water, cover, and cook on high for five to six minutes or until slightly tender.  Drain.  Place oil and spices in a large bowl and stir to combine.  Place chicken, sweet potatoes, and broccoli in bowl and stir well to coat.  Pla...

So, do you  ever feel like you are losing your mind?  I do.  More often than I would like to admit, in fact.  I was certain that I had posted a recipe for Stormboli on my blog sometime last year.  I remember taking the pictures and everything.  However, when I looked for the recipe, it was nowhere to be found!  I even did a search and turned up nothing. Consequently, when I made Stromboli the other day, I decided to take new pictures and waste no time getting them posted.  I make this at least once for supper during the harvest season because it is so good and easy to eat while driving machinery.  Stromboli is a great, easy meal that you can customize to your family's tastes.  I put pepperoni on one half for my spice-loving little guy, and ham on the other half for my girls.  Feel free to experiment with your favorite pizza toppings on this one! Here's the recipe: Stromboli 1 loaf frozen bread dough, thawed ...

So. . . I spent more than a little time trying to decide whether to call this "Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken," or "Marinated Lime Grilled Chicken."  In the end, it probably doesn't matter that much, but I sought the counsel of my oldest daughter, who agreed with me on my choice. I love this recipe.  It is so easy and delicious!  It's one of my son's favorites.  Whenever I tell him that we are having chicken, he asks, "Is it the lime one?" The only kink with the recipe is that you have to plan ahead.  It tastes best when you marinate the chicken overnight.  So, throw this into your fridge today and celebrate the fact that dinner is ready for tomorrow night! Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken (adapted from here) 8 - 10 four ounce boneless skinless chicken breasts 1 cup lime juice 2/3 cup olive oil 5 - 6 tablespoons honey 2 teaspoons minced garlic (I use the jarred kind; you could also run 4 garlic cloves through your garlic press if...

My husband jokes with me that I'm not happy unless I use my slow cooker at least twice a week.  While that may be an over-exaggeration, I do love my slow cooker.  I enjoy the feeling of knowing that supper is in the crock pot at home ready to go.  Right now my kitchen smells amazing because I mixed up some of this spaghetti sauce right after lunch and turned it on low.  That sauce is in there, getting all warm and bubbly and yummy.  For supper, I'll just cook up some pasta for the kids and some zucchini noodles for Matt and me.  Pass the parmesan, please! Easy Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce (adapted from this recipe) 2 pounds ground meat, cooked (use ground beef, pork, sausage, or any combination.  I keep thinking I will try half ground beef and half sausage) 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste 1 1/2 - 2 teaspoons garlic powder 1 1/2 teaspoons each dried ba...

I got this recipe from Matt's Aunt Sarah.  This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight supper when you don't have a lot of time to prepare.  What I love about it is that you can put whatever veggies and other fixin's in that you want.  If someone doesn't like them, they can easily be picked out.  This means that I get to have my beloved mushrooms, which no one else in my family cares for.  You can make it as much or as little as you want, so it's great for company as well.  You can prepare this in the oven (which I do in the winter) or on the grill (which means my husband gets to cook!)  Here's the recipe: Super Sausage Supper 1 - 2 pounds smoked sausage Potatoes (white or sweet or both, whatever you like!) Zucchini Bell peppers (whatever color you like) Baby carrots Mushrooms, washed, dried and halved Non-stick cooking spray Seasoned Salt Wash veggies and cut into bite-sized chunks.  Cut sausage int...

Every now and again, I like to do something over the top. Last Saturday night was one of those times. I was taking suggestions for ideas what to make for supper for Valentine's Day (I'm serving Matt and the kids a candlelight dinner!) and Matt suggested chocolate waffles. Well, I already had something in mind for a special dessert, and, since chocolate waffles are basically a dessert in itself, I didn't want to make them for Valentine's Day supper. However, I couldn't get chocolate waffles out of my head, so I whipped some up for supper on Saturday night. Before you begin, please know that this is not exactly a quick and easy recipe like many of the recipes I post. While not that hard, it is a bit more time consuming, and you will need to use several bowls. When I was growing up, my grandma would make these waffles for dessert. We would eat them with vanilla ice cream and homemade caramel sauce (recipe to come soon!). Yum! Just thinking about it ma...

I had the idea for this recipe a long time ago. When we had some leftover pizza ingredients, I thought it was a great way to use them up. Also, you can coordinate your toppings to each child. Keep this in mind when you need a quick and easy lunch! Pizza-Dillas Tortillas Pizza Sauce Mozzarella Cheese Assorted toppings Place one tortilla on a paper plate. Spread half of it with a few tablespoons of pizza sauce. Add desired toppings and cheese. Microwave about 40 - 50 seconds or until cheese is melted. Fold over and cut into wedges to serve. My son Evan loves pepperoni, while his sisters do not. It's easy to customize each Pizza-Dilla so that everyone is happy! If you need to put together a quick pizza sauce, try using 8 ounces of tomato sauce with about 1/2 teaspoon each basil and oregano. Enjoy! Looking for more great pizza recipes? Homemade Pizza Stuffed Crust Pizza Exquisite Pizza Sauce

Before I say anything else, I must tell you that I do not have a Grandma Mack. I don't know who she is, but this recipe is delightful! This is a recipe that I got from my sister-in-law, Stephanie. (She doesn't have a Grandma Mack either, but she has been a terrific recipe resource for me.) I have a great recipe for Poppy Seed Almond Bread from her as well that I hope to post soon. I love breakfast casseroles! They are so easy to have ready, in the fridge, for the next morning. I just write the instructions on top of the Press N Seal, and Matt can slip it in the oven when he wakes up. Then breakfast is ready when the kids are up and around! This is a very versatile and easy recipe. You can use ham, sausage, or any breakfast meat that you like. As I said before, I like to put this one together the night before so all that is necessary in the morning is to pop it in the oven. Here's the recipe: Grandma Mack's Breakfast Delight: 1 tube (8 oz.) refrige...

My Anna loves fruit. Put somes apples, bananas, or grapes on her plate, and she is a happy camper. Often, though, she struggles to eat her meat portion of the meal. When we have chicken, I usually put five small bites on her plate. She is expected to eat that much, and it can be a bit of a battle for her to get it done. The other day, I was struggling with what to make for dinner when this recipe came to mind. It is simple enough to make for a weeknight meal, yet pretty enough to serve for company. The recipe is well known at the Methodist church in Sharon Springs --I know of at least one wedding where this chicken was the main course! "How does this story come together," You ask? Well, we put about five pieces of this chicken on Anna 's plate. Not only did it disappear in seconds, but she requested seconds. . .and thirds! The rest of the kids really enjoyed it, too. I will definitely be making it again soon! Here's the recipe: (adapted from Sharon S...

We have our fair share of sandwiches for lunch.  And, while my kids are big fans of PB & J, I like to change it up sometimes with something a little different.  This recipe definitely fits the bill.  It's also quick and easy to prepare, which makes me happy, too! Ham & Cheese Pockets 1 can refrigerated crescent rolls 4 slices American cheese (or any cheese you would like to use.  I have used provolone sometimes and also shredded) Sliced deli ham Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Grease an 8 by 8 inch pan with cooking spray. Press half of the crescent roll dough into the bottom of the pan, pinching seams to seal.  Place ham on top of the rolls--I like to rip mine up a bit with my fingers so the kids have an easier time biting into the pockets.  Top with cheese slices and remaining dough.  Bake for 17 - 19 minutes or until golden brown.  Cool slightly before serving.  For extra cheesy pockets, place a layer of cheese over th...

Ever have one of those days where you discover that it's 5:00 PM, and you still have no idea what you will put on the table for supper?  Well, yesterday was one of those days.  I was tired.  I had just brought the kids home from piano lessons, and I did not feel like going online for inspiration.  I mean, I needed to get something in the oven pronto.  I had previously made a similar recipe to this one in the crockpot.  I thought, "Why can't I adapt it to an oven dish?"  So, here is what I did: Speedy Italian Chicken 6 - 8 four ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 jar spaghetti sauce 6 - 8 slices provolone cheese Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Place chicken breasts in a greased 9 by 13 in pan.  Pour spaghetti sauce over the top.  Place a slice of cheese over each chicken breast. Bake, uncovered, for about 40 - 45 minutes or until the chicken is done.  I recommend using a meat thermometer to prevent overbaking....

Fall, to me, is the beginning of "slow cooker" season.  With all the fun pins I am seeing on Pinterest, I'm itching to get my crockpot out several times a week.  This recipe is one that my whole family enjoys!  I have adapted it from a Taste of Home recipe.  I like to make a big batch--we use half and then freeze the leftovers for another time.  The taste is slightly different than barbequed beef, and it turns out very moist and delicious.  My kids love them on homemade buns with cheese and pickles.  See here  for the recipe I use for the buns.  Instead of making 12 rolls, I make about 10 buns and adjust the baking time a bit longer.  Super quick and easy, too! Since I have been trying to cut down on my carbs (it's been taking a while to get the baby weight off!), I just ate the beef plain, and it was very satisfying.  Here's the recipe: Shredded Beef Sandwiches 1 12 ounce can cola 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce 4 ga...