The Ladies Luncheon (several recipes...)

Chicken Ambrosia Salad

This was a spin-off of your average ambrosia salad. The salty/sweet kind.

Recipe: Mix up cooked chicken, coconut, crushed pineapple and almond slivers.

Pecan-Crusted Chicken Breasts

This turned out relatively well, but I am not a pecan fan so they weren't my favorite. This reminded me of a health fried chicken. I used tenderloins rather than breasts and cut them up to make easy finger foods.

Recipe:
Season chicken with salt, pepper and a little mayo. In a separate bowl, combine a cup of panko bread crumbs, cup of chopped pecans and dip chicken into mixture. Press firmly. Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes at 350 degrees.

Everyone's Favorite Pimento Cheese Dip

Yum!

Ham Biscuits

Very good! Simple, and tasty.

Ham Biscuits Recipe

General Robert E. Lee Cake

This was my first attempt at a layer cake EVER. As you can see, I am not exactly the best icer - lol. It is a trial and error type thing.

This cake was very light and refreshing with the hints of lemon and orange.

62 down.

Hot Pimiento Cheese Dip, Gooey Gorilla Bread and Chocolate Pecan Bars

Down side of the day: Texans lost. Up side: Accomplished three recipes. 

Cheeeeeese!

I had my first scare today. After piecing together the gorilla bread and pouring the sugar/butter mixture of the top, I slid it into the oven and was certain that none of the drippings would slide right out. I was wrong. Before we knew it, we were practically being smoked out of the house. We had the vents going, windows and doors opened, fans on, everything. Looks like I get to try out the Self Clean cycle on the oven.

Gooey Gorilla Bread

21 down.

Vanilla Buttermilk Pie and Paula's Flaky Piecrust Dough

Wasn't really feeling it tonight. One of those days where I really had to put some effort in to get into the kitchen. Mark and I had a lovely meal at Carino's restaurant tonight, thanks to his brother and family (thanks y'all!). It was nice not having to worry about dinner for tonight, but decided on this pie since I had some buttermilk on hand. Sure it seems like every recipe has buttermilk, but really I am just trying my best to utilize ingredients as best I can.

...almost forgot the crust!

13 down.

Bubblin' Brown Artichoke and Cream Cheese Dip, Mousse, Gooey Butter Cake

Football playoff day! First season for our Texan's to make it to the playoffs, and boy were we pumped! The game isn't quite over yet, so I am posting this before the final score. I can tell you this though, they are doing awesome, and we threw a few yummy recipes in to get us through it all.

Bubblin' Brown Artichoke and Cream Cheese Dip

Smoked Salmon Mousse

I knew going into this that the artichoke dip would be amazing, it has parmesan and cream cheeses! The second one, I wasn't so sure. The sound of both Salmon and Mousse in the name of the recipe, kinda made me think twice. Mark and I have already been given a great recipe for Salmon Dip so we felt awkward straying away from it. This one is also definitely tasty! A bit smoother because it calls for the food processor, while the other one we just mix up using a fork.

Bubblin' Brown Artichoke and Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

You always need a dessert, and as I am quickly learning, it has butter more often than not. We are definitely trying to limit ourselves on all the intake of these recipes. I take most all desserts into work to share with co-workers and I will most likely be going door to door to welcome new neighbors with future recipes. So no worries all, we are NOT eating all of this stuff.

Right outta the oven

Finished product

The edges were caramalized and slightly chewy, and the centers were definitely gooey. You can't have too much of this, or else you'll be heading to the dentist. Paula mentions in her recipe about how much she loves cake batter, and sometimes more than the finished product. If thats the case, this cake is for you!

Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

8 down.

Tea Cakes

It only took 4 recipes before my first mental breakdown. I can officially say that I actually dropped a few tears on this one. Today had its ups and downs, and it was definitely WAY down when my first attempt at these cookies were nearly a fail. Mark claims the dough didn't refrigerate long enough, but I claim that the dough was just picking on me. After flouring the surface and rolling, struggling to keep it from sticking, finally attempting to peel it up just to see myself lose half the dough I had lovingly kneaded and stirred until the perfect consistency, I threw it all to the side and shed a few tears. Oh boy, y'all should have seen the looks on Mark and the boys' eyes. By the way, by boys, I mean my two pups Ollie and Jake. I was hesitant to share my flaws, I mean, who would even know? That wouldn't be true to what I am doing though. I want y'all to be there to see the success' as well as the not so successful's. I know I am learning from every mistake, and would love if y'all are following along with me.

#mess

#fail - definitely did not let it refrigerate long enough - ran all over, practically before I even put it in the oven...

Finally, success!

The main recipe did not call for icing, but Paula's tip at the bottom was to serve with icing if you are having guests. It gives it that extra "umph." Good advice ;)

Tea Cakes Recipe

4 down.

Crunchy Oatmeal Coconut Pecan Cookies

After reading the name of this recipe, I thought to myself, "Wow, that is quite a long name for a cookie. I can't imagine how many ingredients are in there, if there are already that many in the title." To my surprise, I had all of the items right there in my pantry. A nice way to ease into Paula's cookbook. I myself am not a fan of crispy cookies, but if there is coconut in it, I am bound to be in love with it.

What I am bound to turn into after the 325 recipes in Paula's cookbook...BUTTER.

Yes, the dough was delicious, and yes, I waited until after I spooned it onto the pan before I decided to scrape the bowl.

At this point, I had all 3 boys at my feet hoping a few pieces would fall. I also noticed that a little mouse must have grabbed a bite of the cookie, or was it Mark?

A heaping mound of deliciousness!

After completing the recipe, I do agree with Paula when she mentions that the little crispies find their way onto the couch. I will be finding crumbs for the next few days, that I am sure of, until the last cookie is devoured. Just follow the trail and you'll find the culprit!

Crunchy Oatmeal Coconut Pecan Cookies Recipe

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