Cooking Up a Storm

Be sure to check out the post beneath this one for a giveaway.


Well, I'm not really cooking up a storm. But, we have had our fair share of thunderstorms around here, and I did microwave a quesadilla yesterday.

Seriously, I do cook. I do my best to cook things mostly from scratch. Don't expect to find a pot of sauce simmering on the stove all day, but I do my best.

Of course, in the summertime I do things a bit differently. Don't most people? I've never been invited to a chili cook-off during the summer months.

What do I like to cook in the summer? Well, we eat our fair share of hamburgers, hot dogs, pasta salad, green salads, and fruits. But, if you were to come to my house, I'd probably serve my favorite chicken enchiladas and "The" Pie. I'd add a salad, some rice, and chips and salsa. Because, hello, chips and salsa go with everything. Don't bother telling me otherwise. I won't believe you.


Here are my recipes:

My Favorite Enchiladas

(No, that isn't the proper name, but I'm missing my mom's recipe with the correct title.)

2 cups cooked and cubed chicken (By all means use a rotisserie chicken--yum.)

2 cans green chile enchilada sauce

3/4 of a 8 ounce package of cream cheese

2 cups cheddar cheese

6-8 tortillas (I like to use the whole wheat because they seem to have a better texture.)

In a large pan, combine the chicken, one can of sauce, cream cheese, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Cook over medium heat (while stirring) until the both cheeses have melted.

Pour a small amount of enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Fill the tortillas with the chicken mixture. Roll up the tortillas and place them seem side down in the baking dish. Cover with the remaining sauce and top with the rest of the cheddar. (I've been know to use extra sauce and extra cheese.)

Cook at 350 degrees until nice and bubbly. Enjoy!

Okay, now for the dessert, and please, you must try this as soon as possible, especially if you like cookie dough. And, if you don't like cookie dough, don't tell me, I'll think you are odd.

"The" Pie

1-18 oz. tube refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
2-8 oz. packages cream cheese softened
1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 package Heath toffee bits

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.Press the cookie dough into an ungreased 9-inch pie plate.In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and half a cup of the candy pieces.Pour over the top of the cookie dough.Bake for 30 minutes or until set.Cool completely and top with more candy pieces.Chill until ready to serve. (You definitely want to wait until the pie is chilled or you will be disappointed. We keep the pie in the freezer because we think it tastes better that way.)

That's it. You're welcome to join us. I just ask that you bring the guacamole.

Please be sure to visit Big Mama for more summer recipes.