German Chocolate Cookie Bars

These German Chocolate Cookie Bars uses a cake mix and are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert. With their rich chocolate flavor, coconut pecan filling, and chocolate chip topping, they are sure to please everyone who tries them. Because we needed to make a large quantity, we used 2 large sheet pans instead of using a 9"x13" pan.
--Note
The history of German Chocolate Cake is a bit misleading, as it is actually an American dessert. The name comes from Samuel German, an American baker who developed a type of dark baking chocolate in 1852. This chocolate, which is known as Baker's German's Sweet Chocolate, is often used in German Chocolate Cake recipes.

The first recipe for German Chocolate Cake was published in 1957 in the Dallas Morning News. The recipe was submitted by a homemaker named Mrs. George Clay, and it quickly became popular. The cake was featured in other publications, and sales of Baker's German's Sweet Chocolate soared.

By Leslie Blythe

Chicken Tortilla Soup

This Chicken Tortilla Soup is from The New York Times. This is a nontraditional method. There are many variations of tortilla soup. This one is made in a slow-cooker, but I have also included the stovetop version. The soup gets its depth of flavor from roasting the tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and garlic until they become charred. It's then put in a slow-cooker with the chicken for about 5 hours. To me the toppings are key. I like adding fried tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, cilantro, etc. I also have another version on this blog here.

By Leslie Blythe

Fried Pickle Dip

Because my family is into anything to do with pickles... I made this Fried Pickle Dip, which is a creamy, tangy, and savory dip made with dill pickles, cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch seasoning. It is a popular appetizer or snack, and is often served with potato chips, pretzels, or vegetables.

By Leslie Blythe

Pork (or Venison) Schnitzel

Cafe Mozart is a restaurant that was started in Durand, Wisconsin in 1987 by Eva-Maria Coughlin and her husband George. Their specialty was German cuisine. I had this when I was visiting my brother-in-law in Ohio this summer. His brother Dean came over and made this Pork Schnitzel. It was outstanding, everyone loved it. The key to this particular recipe is to marinate the meat in the fridge overnight in lemon juice, olive oil, thyme, bay leaf, which is rubbed into the meat. The meat is pounded thin, then dredged in flour, dipped in beaten eggs, and coated with breadcrumbs. It is then fried in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. It's incredibly tender and delicious.

By Leslie Blythe

Bacon-Wrapped Apricots Stuffed with Pistachios and Mozzarella

Bacon-Wrapped Apricots Stuffed with Pistachios and Mozzarella is a delicious appetizer that combines sweet, savory, and salty flavors. The recipe involves dried apricots poached in a spiced sherry vinegar, stuffed with pistachios and mozzarella, and then wrapped in bacon for a simple yet unforgettable party snack.

By Leslie Blythe

Hard Cider Pot Roast with Mushrooms, Carrots, and Onions

Hard Cider Pot Roast with Mushrooms, Carrots, and Onions is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for autumn. The beef chuck roast is braised in flavorful hard cider and beef broth with mushrooms, carrots, and onions until it is fall-apart tender. The resulting gravy is rich and savory, and the vegetables are perfectly cooked. You can serve over/alongside creamy mashed potatoes or herbed wide noodles.

By Leslie Blythe

Tater Tot Cowboy Casserole

This family-friendly Tater Tot Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and delicious casserole dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a potluck. It is made with ground beef, corn, cream of mushroom soup, and cheddar cheese, and it is topped with a layer of crispy tater tots. The casserole is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. For example, you can add other vegetables, such as black beans, spinach, or onions, to the beef mixture. You can also use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Colby.

By Leslie Blythe

Apple Cheddar Salad with Chicken, Bacon, Walnuts and Balsamic Vinaigrette

Apple Cheddar Salad with Chicken, Bacon, Walnuts, and Balsamic Vinaigrette is a delicious and hearty salad that is perfect for a fall meal. It is made with a variety of flavors and textures, including sweet apples, sharp cheddar cheese, savory chicken and bacon, and crunchy walnuts. The balsamic vinaigrette dressing ties all of the flavors together perfectly.

By Leslie Blythe

Monterey Spaghetti

Monterey Spaghetti has a creamy sauce made with sour cream and Parmesan cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, chicken, spinach, and crispy fried onions. It is thought to have originated in the Monterey Bay area of California, and is named after the Monterey Jack cheese that is a key ingredient.

By Leslie Blythe

Pork Tenderloin Medallions in Lemon-Mustard Sauce

Pork Tenderloin Medallions in Lemon-Mustard Sauce is delicious and easy to make and is a perfect for a weeknight meal. The pork is tender and juicy, and the sauce is light and flavorful. It’s also relatively healthy, as it is low in fat and calories. The sauce would work on chicken as well.

By Leslie Blythe