Cooking 101

I know you might be thinking, "Why does she make everything 101?" For this blog, I am going to do this to keep track of everything. I have another blog and I have more labels then I can remember, so for this blog, I'm going to try and be a little more organized...That is something else I could add to my list of things I want to do/be this year...more organized...nah...I'll save something for 2010...grin...

Okay, so Cooking 101...I hate this question: "what's for dinner?"..so I am planning on posting some very simple, throw together recipes that you can make in now time at all with very little effort.

Ranch-Mashed Potatoes

• 4 cups prepared, unsalted mashed potatoes (I've started using Ore-Ida Steam n' Mash potatoes...microwave and your done)
• 1 (1 oz) package of ranch-style dressing mix
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
• 1/2 cup half-and-half cream

Combine all ingredients in saucepan and heat on low until potatoes heat thoroughly.

*If you use the Ore-Ida Steam n' Mash potatoes, all you need to do is microwave the potatoes per package directions, pour into a bowl once cooked, add the rest of the ingredients and mix with an electric mixer...serve

Dijon Pork Chops

• 6 loin pork chops
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard

Place the pork chops in a greased Pyrex baking dish. Mix sugar and mustard well. Spoon over chops and bake, covered at 350' for 45 minutes. Remove cover and bake about 10 minutes longer or until brown.

*I do this up the night before and have my husband put it in the oven when he gets home because he gets home about an hour before me. So when I get home, dinner is ready...

Lemon Cheesecake

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (3.4 oz) package instant lemon pudding mix
• 1 graham cracker pie crust

Beat cream cheese until creamy. Mix the pudding per directions, add to the cream cheese mixture and mix. Pour into pie crust and chill 2-4 hours (overnight)

Okay, there you have it...the very first Cooking 101...enjoy!

Lilfix