Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe | Freezer Meals | Easy Make Ahead Meals

If you're looking for easy freezer meals to bag and meal prep ahead for busy nights, this Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe is for you!

Chicken Cordon Bleu 

When my daughter had her third child, I went over and spent about 1 hour preparing and bagging these Chicken Breasts for her freezer.  All she had to do was take them out of the freezer the night before or morning of, and then bake in the oven for about 35 minutes!  She's a busy mom and always running around taking the kids to soccer, baseball, basketball, school events, community board meetings and more.  My youngest daughter has children and is expecting again, so I'll be making more of these ! Now how easy is that?

To make the chicken breasts and ham roll-ups extra fancy, you can prepare a sauce using Cream of Chicken Soup (I know, I know, but really it's delicious over the chicken breasts, and adds a nice touch making it special.)

Freezer Meal Prep

Place in Freezer Bag and take out as needed.  Serve with fresh vegetables and your favorite rice and Enjoy !


I made this easy make ahead meal the other night, but didn't have any Swiss cheese on hand, so I simply used what I had in the refridg, bagged Mozzarella cheese worked out just fine.  This is a great recipe for retired folks if you're cooking for two, just take out the individual portions you need for supper.  I save money by shopping at Aldi for my cheeses, staples, chicken and dairy.

Serve with helpings of Brown Rice, topped with Chicken Cordon Bleu Sauce

I freeze these Chicken Cordon Bleu in my Food Saver Vacuum Sealer, saving money when chicken is on sale, eating tomorrow at today's prices.

Check out some other easy Chicken recipes -

Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Pad Thai
Chicken Liver Pate

Save the Planet with these reusable Handmade Dish Cloths from Moomettes Crochet Shop !

Chicken Cordon Bleu

3 or 4 Boneless Chicken Breasts, split in half
8 slices of thin Ham
8 slices of Swiss Cheese or Shredded Cheese
Salt and Pepper, to taste
Old Bay Seasoning, to taste
Seasoned Bread Crumbs or Panko (Keto - use crushed pork rinds)
1 Egg
Milk or Water
Toothpicks

I make a basic white sauce and doctor it up a little:

Chicken Cordon Bleu White Sauce:

Makes 1 cup

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups whole milk
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons parmesan cheese finely grated
1 teaspoon thyme Fresh thyme is best. If using dried, reduce amount to 1/2 teaspoon
Salt and pepper as needed

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour to the melted butter, whisk, and allow to cook for several minutes while continually whisking to avoid burning. Once the flour has started to cook, whisk in milk. Continue to heat until the milk bubbles and begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in dijon, parmesan, and thyme. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Chicken Directions:

Cut each chicken breast in half, lengthwise
Pound to 1/4 of an inch
Sprinkle with salt, pepper, Old Bay Seasoning
Top with 2 slices of Ham
Top with Swiss Cheese
Roll up and Secure with Toothpick (non-colored)
Roll in Egg Wash mixture (Egg and milk or water)
Roll in Seasoned Bread Crumbs or Panko

Bake in 350 degree oven for about 35 minutes

Spoon sauce over Chicken Cordon Bleu when serving and serve with Brown Rice or Long Grain rice

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Easiest Ever No Bake Christmas Cookies | Oreo Truffles Balls | Recipe

Here's one of my family's favorite easy no-bake cookie recipes. These Sandwich Cookie Oreo Truffles Balls, Poppers or Bonbons steal the show at any holiday or Christmas party!

Oreo Truffles Balls No Bake Cookies

When the holidays arrive, everyone enjoys homemade baked goodies. I always enjoy making platters of cookies, candy, breads, cakes and pies to bring to Christmas parties for family, friends, neighbors or a Cookie Exchange with co-workers. However, ingredients for baking from scratch can still be expensive and put a dent in the family budget. I always find that Aldi is the best place to shop for most items.

Add a festive touch to the kitchen with these pretty handmade crochet Dishcloths available for sale in my Moomettes Crochet shop! 

No Bake Christmas Cookies

This year I've been shopping at Aldi, and decided to give their products a try to cut down on the grocery bill. I was pleasantly surprised to see that Aldis carried everything I needed to make Oreo Truffles Balls on my baking list this year, including peppermint sandwich cookies as well as mini-chocolate chips (for another recipe I'll be posting for Chocolate Cherry Cake) They even had mini crockpots, glass pie plates and take-along containers!

In the meantime, there's still plenty of time to make these no bake Christmas cookies, even if you don't start your baking until the night before Christmas - and you still have quite a bit of time to make these Oreo Truffle Balls bonbons ahead for New Year's Eve or New Year's Day parties!

Next on my list to try are Tiramisu Poppers!  Oh my!

Check out my recipe for No-Bake Brandy Balls too !

Sandwich Oreo Truffle Balls

1 (18 oz.) package of Oreo Sandwich-type cookies (regular size, 3 rows of cookies)
1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese block
4 oz white, milk, or dark chocolate bark

Add Oreo sandwich cookies to food processor and blend until fine.
Add cream cheese to Oreo sandwich cookie crumbs and blend until dough-like.
Chill mixture for 15 minutes.
Roll into bite-size balls.
Chill balls in refrigerator for 15 minutes
Melt chocolate bark in microwave according to package directions. Dip chilled Oreo sandwich cookie balls in melted chocolate using a toothpick so chocolate can "drip off".
Set covered cookie balls onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment or waxed paper and let set approximately 30 minutes. If using jimmies, shots, sprinkles or decorative sugars do so before chocolate sets.

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Holiday Chex Mix | Christmas Chex Mix Recipe | Party Mix

There are a lot of original recipe Chex Mix sites out there, but I find that the one published on the back of the box is easy and adaptable. This is truly the ORIGINAL Chex Mix Recipe. To make Chex Mix party mix you need cereal, nuts, pretzels and “goodies”. In my case that is oyster crackers. And maybe some red pepper flakes.

During the pandemic I served in a bowl with a scooper so everyone can scoop into their own little party snack bowls.

The stirring is important, and I set a timer so I won’t forget. Every 10 minutes I stir. Within 30 minutes the aroma and smell make the family salivate in the kitchen waiting for the goodness to come out of the oven. I like to eat warm Chex Mix by the handful.  During Christmas, I store Chex Mix in large decorative Christmas tins. This year I started early and plan on making batches for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I also like to send up a tin to my brother out of state, and bring some over to the neighbors.

I might even make it throughout the year it's that good! Most of my supplies for this Chex Mix I find at Aldi.

This year I learned about the "secret ingredient" from my son-in-law's aunt in Vermont.

Bacon Drippings!  Everything is better with BACON, right? I haven't tried it yet, but might some day.

1 stick of butter - or in my case, maybe a stick and a half (butter taste so much better) and then add whatever amount of bacon drippings you have.

My mom used to keep a can of bacon drippings in a coffee can for frying things up - parsnips are great when sauteed in bacon fat.

The kids and Grands also enjoy the Reindeer Food Muddy Buddy Mix that I make, it's a little sweeter

Easy clean up in the kitchen with Handmade Dish Cloths from Moomettes Crochet ! Great gift basket ideas too when you package up a pretty bundle of homemade Chex mix to go with them!

Chex Mix Recipe Snack Food

3 cups Corn Chex

3 cups Rice Chex

3 cups Wheat Chex 

1 cup mixed nuts (we like just peanuts)

1 cup bite-size pretzels 

7 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (or to taste)

1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt (Emeril's Original Seasoned Essence)

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

3 sticks of butter

Then I just wing it.

The original Chex mix recipe oven method is super easy. Pour in your cereal, add your goodies, and pour over your seasoning mix

Preheat oven to 250 degrees

In large roasting pan, (like the one you prep the turkey in)

Mix cereals, nuts, pretzels and oyster crackers – set aside.

In a small microwavable bowl, microwave butter uncovered on high about 40 seconds or until melted.

Stir in seasonings.

Pour over cereal mixture, stir until evenly coated.

Place in oven and “toast” for approximately 50 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

Cool in roasting pan and store in airtight containers.

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Enjoy! 

Reindeer Christmas Mix | Holiday Muddy Buddies | Peanut Butter Free

This Holiday Muddy Buddies Mix is a party favorite of my family ! It's easy and quick, made with Chex cereal and Chocolate !  Package the Reindeer Christmas Mix up in pretty cellophane bags or tins for family and friends !

Reindeer Christmas Mix Muddy Buddies

My husband isn't a fan of peanut butter, so I adapted this recipe to make it peanut-butter free.

We still like peanuts in our Muddy Buddy Mix, but you can leave them out if you prefer.  Whether you use Dark Chocolate or White Chocolate, it's unanimous in our family that this is one of the best snack mixes  during the holidays !

I always try to find my ingredients at Aldi for the best prices.

Check out my other White Chocolate Reindeer Food Christmas Mix Recipe and Christmas Bark Recipe !

Easy clean up with Handmade Dish Cloths from Moomettes Crochet !

Muddy Buddy Mix

1 box (12.8 oz.) (about 13 cups) Rice Chex, Corn Chex Wheat Chex or Chocolate Chex cereal (or combination)
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Pretzels
Peanuts
¾ cup creamy peanut butter, optional
Or use 1/4 to 1/2 cup Corn syrup
6 tablespoons butter, cut into smaller pieces
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup Holiday M&M's

Melt chocolate chips in double boiler, add butter and corn syrup, stirring until smooth
Add Vanilla Extract
In a large bowl or stock pot pan, add Chex Mix, peanuts, M&Ms, Pretzels
Mix in chocolate mixture until all is coated
Stir in Powdered Sugar, 1/2 cup at a time until well coated
Layer in parchment lined cookie sheet
Refrigerate until firm
Break into pieces
Place in air-tight container and store in

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Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore | Easy Freezer Meal Recipes for Slow Cooker

By using your crockpot or slow cooker more often, take advantage of sales on beef and chicken, and try making several cheap crock pot recipes such as this Freezer Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore.

                                                

Freezer Meals Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

I've been trying to take advantage of B1G1 grocery sales on meat and chicken lately to make ahead using easy freezer meal recipes. Oftentimes I find some great buys on chicken at my local Aldi.

Usually I cook dinner for two at night, but even though my family is grown, our grocery bill expenses haven't gone down since when the kids lived at home.  I still prepare most of my large meals on the weekends, and have everyone over for Sunday dinner, holidays and special occasions. How many trips do you make to the grocery store each month? How many of those are planned? You could be spending extra money each month by taking those unplanned trips.  Planning your meals ahead of time can take the impulse shopping out of your grocery budget.

Meal Planning Helps Lower The Grocery Bill

Another kitchen tip is that I've been doing some OAMC and preparing some frozen meals starters ahead and put them in a freezer bag. Saves me time as most of the prep work is then done ahead.

Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore

 Kitchen cleaning is easy with my crochet Handmade Dish Cloths that I make. Find them at my Moomettes Crochet Shop!

Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

 3 lbs chicken breasts, cut up in pieces; or boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
6 ounces (one can) sliced mushrooms
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
1 green zucchini squash, chopped
1 red pepper, finely chopped
1 can Diced Tomatoes
2 -4 garlic cloves, minced
1 package Good Seasonings Italian Salad Dressing Mix
1 Tbl. Lawry's Seasoned Salt
1 Tbl.Old Bay Seasoningfor Poultry mix
2 Tbl. Kraft Minute Tapioca
Cooked, pasta, spaghetti, linguine or egg noodles (if desired)
2 one-gallon Zip-Lock Freezer bags

Trim any fat off chicken. Cut chicken into 1 inch cubes.
Chop and dice veggies
Divide into two portions and add everything to freezer bags, shaking well.
Release air from freezer bags.
Mark freezer bags with date and type of meal.
Cook in slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours
Serve over pasta of choice 

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Christmas Mix | Reindeer Food | Trail Mix Recipe

This sweet and salty Christmas Holiday Reindeer Food trail mix recipe is easy to make and the perfect snack or dessert to surprise your family and friends at your next Christmas Party or Holiday Event !

Christmas Holiday Reindeer Food Trail Mix

You won't believe how easy it is to make !  I bought one box of each Chex and Cheerio cereal at Aldi  (that store is terrific) and had enough to give away to all of the relatives and neighbors.  Of course, my little granddaughter thinks it's the perfect breakfast food because it has Cheerios and Rice Chex in it !  That's what Grandmoms are for !

If you can find the red and green M&Ms that makes it even more festive and fun, but I haven't seen them in awhile around here.

I like to add about a cup of confectioner's sugar after the white chocolate is mixed in to give this sweet treat even more sugary goodness!

Box it up in festive tins to give out as gifts or bring to your office holiday party !

We also enjoy making the original Chex Mixx that is more spicy, not sweet, and is always a favorite when our family secret ingredient is added 

Easy cleanup with Handmade Dish Cloths from Moomettes Crochet !

Christmas Chex Mix Trail Reindeer Food Mix

3 c. Cheerios
3 c. Rice Chex
1 Bag Pretzel Sticks
1 Large Can of Salted Peanuts
2 Bags M&M's
24 oz of White Chocolate (or Almond Bark - I find at Aldi)
1 c. Confectioner's Powdered Sugar

In a large bowl combine the Cheerios, Chex Mix, Pretzels, Peanuts and M&Ms and mix well.
Using a Double Boiler, or a large pan filled with water and insert a smaller pan, place white chocolate in smaller pan, and melt over the very hot, but not quite boiling water.
 When chocolate is smooth and melted, pour into the dry mixture and mix well to coat all pieces.
Mix in the the powdered sugar after all pieces are coated with white chocolate.
 Dry on parchment or wax paper on a large cookie sheet.
Break into pieces, place in air tight container or in refrigerator or freezer.

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Low Carb Apple Muffins | Diet Friendly Apple Muffins

Autumn is a wonderful time to whip up a batch of Apple Muffins for your family. If you can't get out and do some apple picking, stop by your local farm stand!  This version is  Low-Carb Cinnamon Apple Spice Muffins and are perfect for an autumn breakfast. They can be part of a Low-carb, Keto, Paleo, Atkins, Diabetic, LC/HF, Gluten-free, or grain-free diet.

In an effort to loose some weight I've changed up my way of cooking and trying to eat healthier.  I had lot 10 pounds since August just by doing a Dirty Keto, Low-Carb diet and watching my Macros.  Since then, I have switched to the Mediterranean Diet way of eating, which I think is a bit more forgiving.  I've lost 16 pounds by changing my eating habits.

The My Fitness Pal app helps keep track of my calories, carbohydrates, proteins and sugars and Macros while the Carb Manager App help me to track of the carbs. Both apps are available in Google Play.

I found the Bob's Red Mill Almond Flour at my local Ocean State Job Lot, which was having a sale on Red Mills products.  You can also find Almond Flour at Aldi.  I am going to try this with White Whole Wheat flour from King Arthur.

I've always used my favorite Oatmeal Apple Muffins recipe that is not Low Carb.  That's been my go-to fall apple muffin recipe.

I think that the texture in this low carb recipe came out a little differently - perhaps it's the Almond Flour and the 4 eggs.  While my husband thought they tasted fine, I might just continue with my original Oatmeal Apple Muffins recipe when serving to family and friends, and keep this recipe when it's just the two of us.

If you're not concerned with carbs, these Oatmeal Apple Muffins are terrific too!

Easy clean up in the kitchen with Handmade Cotton Dish Cloths from Moomettes Crochet Shop.

LOW CARB APPLE MUFFINS RECIPE

Ingredients   
Preparation time: 12 minute
Cooking time: 15 minutes

2 1/2 cups superfine almond flour
3/4 cup granulated stevia/erythritol blend
1 teaspoon grain-free baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup butter melted, or extra virgin olive oil
4 large eggs
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk, or 1% milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 ounces Granny Smith apple (about 1 small) peeled, seeded, and finely diced (I used two)

Preparation Method

Preheat oven to 350º Fahrenheit. Prepare a muffin pan by lining it with muffin papers or spraying lightly with coconut oil.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, granulated Stevia/erythritol blend, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt until well blended.

Whisk in the butter or coconut oil. The mixture will appear mealy.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, almond milk, and vanilla extract.

Pour egg mixture into the dry ingredients and stir together. Stir in diced apple.

Spoon batter into the prepared muffin pan, filling each 2/3 to 3/4 of the way full.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top springs back when lightly touched.

Allow to cool 5-10 minutes in the pan, then remove from the baking pan and allow to finish cooling on a cooling rack.

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Keto | Bacon Cheese Nachos | Atkins Friendly

These Keto friendly Bacon Cheese Nachos will satisfy any snacker on a diet ! 

Keto Bacon Cheese Nachos

The Keto diet focuses on cheese and fats.  Right up my alley. I now have a Pinterest Board for Keto and Atkins Friendly recipe
Pinterest has been my friend, and I did some research and am trying the Keto Diet to drop some weight.  I have to admit I'm a self-professed snacker, and it's for that reason that I'm now trying to lose a few pounds.  The homemade ice cream that I made this summer most definitely did  me in.  That, and along with the sweet tooth I have for rich desserts. One of my favorite diet-friendly desserts I turn to is my peanut butter treats.

The basic recipe is frying up some bacon, layering shredded cheese over parchment paper, sprinkling bacon and more cheese, and baking.  Broiling adds a nice crisp touch.

These Bacon Cheese Nachos keep for quite some time in a container in the refrigerator.

Find the recipe for these Nachos here.

I do quite a bit of my shopping at Aldi, and found the already-prepared Guac easier than trying to make my own.  I'm also trying to incorporate fresh Avocado into my diet.

Easy clean up with Handmade Cotton Dish Cloths from Moomettes Crochet Shop

                          

Enjoy!

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Easy Chicken Pad Thai Recipe | Pad Thai Sauce | Asian Food

One of my favorite Thai food dishes is Pad Thai. You can learn to make this authentic easy Chicken Pad Thai recipe and sauce at home.

How To Make Pad Thai

Connecticut has an abundance of Top colleges such as UConn, ECSU, University of Hartford, Connecticut College, Yale University, Wesleyan University, Trinity College, Fairfield University, Quinnipiac University, Sacred Heart University, St. Joseph College, and as with many college towns, we're fortunate to have a variety of restaurants serving International Cuisine.

I first tried Pad Thai at a little Thailand restaurant in the college town of Middletown, Connecticut, home to Wesleyan University.  It was nice to get together with both of my sisters-in-law and enjoy a leisurely Girls Lunch Out.

Now my hubby isn't as adventurous when it comes to trying ethnic dishes and is a meat and potatoes kind of guy who likes everything in it's own little pile.  If I want Asian food, I either have to dine out with my sisters-in-law, friends, order take-out to-go with my youngest daughter or enjoy it when we have a Diversity Day luncheon at the office.

Try making this stir-fried Chicken Thai Pad recipe with egg, scallion, bean sprout, ground peanut, Pad Thai sauce and fresh lime at home for an easy lunch or light dinner! If you don't have a Wok, you can still make this Asian recipe in a large skillet or fry pan!  I can find all of those ingredients at my favorite Aldi store to save money.

Cooking at home is a fun way to introduce the kids and grandkids to the culinary delights of new ethnic foods.

Clean up your kitchen easily with my crochet handmade Dish Cloths from my Moomettes Crochet shop!

Enjoy!

Easy Chicken Pad Thai Recipe

8-10 oz. thin Thai-style rice noodles (or enough for 2-3 people)
1 to 1 1/2 cups raw chicken breast or thigh meat, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp. cornstarch
2 Tbsp. soy sauce
3 cups fresh bean sprouts
optional: 2 eggs
3 spring (green) onions, sliced
1/2 cup fresh coriander/cilantro
1/3 cup crushed or roughly chopped peanuts (or other nuts, such as cashews)
1/4 cup chicken stock
1/8 tsp. ground white pepper
vegetable oil for stir-frying, and wedges of lime

PAD THAI SAUCE:
3/4 Tbsp. tamarind paste dissolved in 1/4 cup warm water (look for tamarind at Asian/Chinese or Indian food stores)
2 Tbsp. fish sauce, + more to taste
1-3 tsp. chili sauce, or substitute 1/2 tsp. or more dried crushed chili or cayenne, to taste
3 Tbsp. brown sugar

Bring a large pot of pot to a boil and remove from heat. Dunk in your rice noodles. Allow noodles to soak while you prepare the other ingredients. Note: you will be frying the noodles later, so you don't want to over-soften them now. Noodles are ready to be drained when they are soft enough to be eaten, but are still firm and a little "crunchy". Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
Make the Pad Thai Sauce by combining the sauce ingredients together in a cup. Stir well to dissolve the tamarind paste and brown sugar. Set aside. Note: this may seem like a lot of sugar, but you need it to balance out the sourness of the tamarind - this balance is what makes Pad Thai taste so amazing!
Place chicken slices in a small bowl. Stir together the marinade and pour over chicken. Stir well and set aside.
Warm up a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 1-2 Tbsp. oil plus garlic and minced chili, if using. Stir-fry until fragrant (30 seconds).
Add chicken together with the marinade. Stir-fry 30 seconds to 1 minute. When wok/pan becomes dry, add a little chicken stock, 1-2 Tbsp. at a time, to keep the chicken frying nicely. Continue stir-frying in this way until the chicken is cooked (5-8 minutes).
Add the noodles, and pour the Pad Thai sauce over. Using two spatulas, wooden spoons, or other utensils, immediately stir-fry the noodles. Use a gentle "lift and turn" method (like tossing a salad) to prevent noodles from breaking. Stir-fry in this way 1-2 minutes. If you find your wok/frying pan too dry, push noodles aside and add a little more oil to the bottom (but no more broth, or the noodles will become soggy).
Add the bean sprouts and sprinkle over the pepper. Continue "tossing" 1 more minute, or until noodles are cooked. Noodles are done to perfection when they are no longer "hard" or crunchy, but chewy-sticky wonderful!
Taste-test for seasoning, adding more fish sauce until desired flavor is reached (I usually add at least 1 more Tbsp. fish sauce). Toss well to incorporate.
Lift noodles onto a serving plate. Top with generous amounts of fresh coriander, spring onion, and crushed/chopped nuts. Add fresh lime wedges (lime is great squeezed overtop), and if desired, serve with Nam Prik Pao Chili Sauce (homemade recipe) on the side.

Pad Thai Tip: For even more flavor, I'll often make a double batch of the pad Thai sauce. Then, as I'm stir-frying the noodles, I'll add more sauce until I'm happy with the taste (I also add extra fish sauce). Any leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

Source: Adapted at About .com

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