Jambalaya

I made this last night. Fantastic! I love Southern food!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 broiler chicken, cut up, about 3 pounds
• paprika
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound smoked sausage, thinly sliced
• 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) stewed tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 teaspoons leaf thyme, crumbled
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (Tabasco)

DIRECTIONS

Wash chicken and pat dry; rub with the paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet; add chicken and brown on all sides. Remove chicken from skillet. Add onion, green bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Sauté over low heat until onion is tender, about 10 minutes.

Stir in sausage, tomatoes, chicken broth, rice, thyme, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Add chicken and turn to coat with sauce. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minute, or until chicken is tender.

Jambalaya recipe serves 6.

Butterscotch Noodles

My coworkers made these for me this morning. This is my alltime favorite cookie. A boiler isn't required, but it helps.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 12-oz. pkg. butterscotch morsels
• 2 cups chow mein noodles
• 1 cup salted peanuts

DIRECTIONS

Melt butterscotch morsels in double boiler over hot water. Remove from heat; stir in noodles and salted peanuts. Drop by teaspoons onto waxed paper. Let stand until thick, 20 to 30 minutes.

Yields 2 dozen nice sized cookies.

Irish Cream Cheesecake

I made this for my family for a special occasion this year. They loved it so much, I made another one the next day to use up ingredients. The only downside to the recipe is buying the unflavored genetin, which comes in a box of 12 packets. I also froze the cheesecake once I made it. I would recommend precutting it if you're going to freeze it, as the crust never seems to thaw out.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 C graham cracker crumbs
• 1 1/4 C sugar, divided
• 1/4 C butter, melted
• 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
• 1/2 C cold water
• 3 eggs, separated
• 16 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons cocoa
• 2 tablespoons Irish whiskey
• 1 C whipping cream, whipped

DIRECTIONS

Combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and butter. Press onto bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan.

Soften gelatin in water by stirring over low heat until dissolved. Beat egg yolks in a separate bowl. Mix in 3/4 cup sugar and beaten egg yolks to gelatin mixture. Cook stirring constantly, over low heat until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.

Beat cream cheese and cocoa, gradually mix in gelatin mixture and Irish whiskey, mixing until well blended. Chill until thickened, but not set, about 20-30 minutes.

Beat egg whites until foamy, gradually beat in the remaining sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Fold egg whites and whipped cream into the chilled cheese mixture and pour over crust. Chill until firm, at least 3 hours. Garnish with chocolate curls or additional cocoa, if desired.

Corned Beef Casserole

I decided to bring this into work for St. Patrick's Day this year, and my god... they loved it. It was gone within an hour and 5 people asked for the recipe. Prepare to amaze! You can also mix in any kind of meat, like pork or chicken instead of corned beef to eat this year round.

INGREDIENTS

• 8 ounces noodles, cooked and drained
• 1 can (12 ounces) corned beef, diced, or 2 to 3 cups diced leftover corned beef
• 4 ounces shredded mild Cheddar or American cheese
• 1 can (10 3/4 ounces) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 3/4 cup bread crumbs tossed with a tablespoon or two of melted butter

DIRECTIONS

Combine cooked noodles, corned beef, cheese, soup, milk, and onion. Pour into a greased 2-quart baking dish then top with buttered bread crumbs. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

Serves 8.