Chicken Diablo...Shhhh the recipe is a secret!

This is a secret recipe from my old neighborhood in Tennessee.  It was always served at a friend's ornament exchange. Can't remember how exactly I got my hands on it (likely passed in a note under the table before I moved away).  In any case, it's a sweet and savory take on chicken and rice casserole. 

Chicken Diablo

6-7 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
2 boxes Uncle Ben's Wild Rice
1 large jar mushrooms, drained
2 8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 Tbsp Grey Poupon mustard
2 Tbsp parsley flakes

Topping
1/2 cup butter, melted
3/4 cup brown sugar (original recipe called for 1 cup)
1/2 cup chopped pecans


Cook rice according to package directions.  Add both rice packages to a 9x13 pan (or a little bigger).  Mix softened cream cheese, mushrooms, mustard, and parsley.  Stir in diced chicken.  Spread over rice.  Sprinkle topping mixture over cream cheese mixture.  Bake at 350 for 45 minutes, uncovered

Outrageous Fudge Marshmallow Brownies

We're a brownie house. We always have a box of Aldi brownie mix in the house. Always. Growing up my mom would occasionally frost the brownies, but most often they were dusted with powdered sugar.  This is the way I usually make them.  However, if I want to totally impress someone, I make these.  They're the best!

The base is the standard Aldi brownie mix made according to the box.  The marshmallows and frosting are the magic that make these outrageously good.  

Outrageous Fudge Marshmallow Brownies

18.3 oz package Aldi Fudge Brownie Mix + Ingredients to prepare (oil, eggs, water)

2 c. mini marshmallows

6 Tbsp half and half

6 Tbsp butter

1 1/2 c. white sugar

1/2 c. chocolate chips

Instructions:

Prepare brownie mix according to package directions.  Pour into 9x13 pan and bake 25 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle marshmallows over prepared brownies. Turn off oven.  Place brownies back in hot oven that's been turned off until they puff up about 2-3 minutes. Remove from oven.

When brownies are about half-way through baking, start making frosting.  In a medium size saucepan bring half and half, butter and white sugar to a boil. Boil for one minute, stirring frequently not to scorch the bottom. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips, stirring mixture until they are completely melted and frosting is smooth. Immediately spread over brownies.

Let brownies cool approximately 2-3 hours before cutting.  Store in an air tight container. 

Jon's Pizza Crust

 Jon is our family's pizza crust master.  He has the touch.  His crust turns out perfectly every single time.  Here's his recipe.  Hopefully, others can also get the same result!

Jon's Pizza Crust

1 packet yeast (2 1/4 tsp)

pinch of sugar

1 cup water

2 1/2 cups flour

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 tsp salt

cornmeal (optional)

Combine warm water with yeast and sugar.  Let sit until foamy.  Combine 2 1/2 cups flour, 2 Tbsp olive oil and salt.  Mix in yeast mixture.  Let sit for at least 10 minutes.  Spread onto pizza sheet covered in cornmeal.  Top with sauce, toppings, and cheese. Bake at 450 for 15 minutes.

Best No-Cook Pizza Sauce

 I used to make my pizza sauce with crushed tomatoes that were simmered with spices.  Not anymore, my friends.  I now make this super fast, no-cook pizza sauce seasoned with oregano and thyme.  It's outstanding and comes together in less than 5 minutes!

No-Cook Pizza Sauce

12 oz tomato paste (2 small cans)

1/2 tsp salt

2 tsp oregano

2 tsp thyme

1/2 tsp garlic powder

4 Tbs olive oil

2 tsp white vinegar

In a large bowl, combine ingredients until completely mixed.  I use a whisk.  Spread on your favorite pizza crust, top with cheese, bake and enjoy delicious pizza at home!