A Blog with a Purpose

I started this blog with the intention of making a good shared recipe site. These are all recipes which I have found, cooked, ate and loved (also that my 2 going on 3 picky eaters loved as well: my husband, 6 yr old son and 3 month old daughter). So give them a try and feel free to leave comments on the recipes as well and share this page with your friends. Enjoy - Kenni Holland

Ham Broccoli Braid

So this is a recipe I tried twice. The first time I made the terrible mistake of thinking I could substitute thyme for parsley. DO NOT EVER! Make that mistake. It was awful I threw the whole thing away. I made the parsley version tonight and it was much better. This is my own twist on a recipe I found on allrecipes.com using leftover ham. I buy spiral cut hams after holidays like easter, thanksgiving or christmas. I freeze what we don't eat (about 2 or 3 slices a bag) and then reuse the ham in omelets or other recipes that call for cooked ham. There are tons of leftover ham recipes out there and I'm all about disguising left overs for my picky eaters. This recipe is a great customizer, too. You can really put what ever you want in it. This one turned out great and is fairly easy to make.

It's not super pretty, but I'm sure you could make it better I was in a hurry and no one to impress LOL
Ham Broccoli Braid


2 slices spiral cut ham, chopped (you can use any cooked ham or chicken)
2 c. chopped broccoli (fresh or frozen doesn't matter; thaw if frozen)
1 small onion chopped
1 tbsp. parsley
1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 1/2 c. shredded cheese (I used the Mexican blend you can use any you like)
1/2 c. sour cream 
2 (8oz) cans refrigerated cresent dough


1. Preheat oven to 350*.
2. Saute broccoli and onion in a little oil till tender.
3. In large bowl combine everything except dough and mix thoroughly.
4. Prepare the dough. Unroll the crescent dough, and arrange on a flat baking sheet. Pinch together perforations to form a single sheet of dough (or you can kneed it all together and roll it out in one sheet between two pieces of parchment paper or on a floured surface then transfer to baking sheet. I found this way alot less stressful. It's really up to you). Using a kinfe cut 1"wide strips in towards the center starting on the long sides. there should be a solid strip 3" wide down the center with fringe down each side.
5. Spread the filling along the center strip. Fold strips over alternating each side. Pinch or twist to seal.
6. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until dough is done and golden brown (depends on thickness if you rolled it out so try to make it thin).


Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Tenderloin

My husband doesn't usually care for pork tenderloin. Until he had THIS! Thank God for that too because I always am able to find them discounted when they are going out of date. This is super easy and stress free. Will post a pic soon. This makes enough for 2 days with our small family. I am making BBQ sandwiches with coleslaw tomorrow night for dinner.

Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Tenderloin

1 mesquite pork tenderloin (Smithfield makes them but i guess you could use a regular one and marinate over night in mesquite marinade)
1 small onion sliced
1/2c. Coke-Cola
2 cloves garlic or 2 tbsp fresh minced garlic

Place pork tenderloin in bottom of slow cooker. Don't cut it just bend it around to fit. Top with garlic, sliced onion and Coke-Cola. (I squirted some of my fave BBQ sauce over it about 1/4 cup just for good measure but that isn't necessary). Cook on low for 6-7 hours. When serving pull it apart like chopped BBQ and serve either with vinegar based BBQ sauce for a south eastern flair or top it with your favorite sweet BBQ sauce for a western flair. I served it with sauteed squash and onions and corn on the cob.

Lentil Soup

Ok I know, you're saying Lentils? Soup? Gross. Trust me on this one it isn't. This soup is super easy to make and very filling. Try it out you won't be disappointed. My friend, Jessica, came over and tried it and had to have another serving she enjoyed it so much.


Lentil Soup 

1 lb. smoked sausage (large link), sliced
1 lb. dry lentils
1/2  onion, chopped
1/2 c. sliced celery
1/2 c. sliced carrots
1/2 tsp garlic salt
2 1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp oregano
1 6-oz can tomato paste
1 small can chopped green chilies (optional)
1 28oz. can diced tomatoes
8 c. water

In a large stock pot combine all of the ingredients except for the diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low and cook for 1 1/2 hours. Add the diced tomatoes and simmer on low for an additional 30 minutes.

4th of July Dinner

Well it rained in good ole NC on 4th of July which put a damper on our fireworks display. However, we did eat well. My husband prepared a crock-pot dish and I baked a pie and some corn on the cob. The in-laws brought over some watermelon. So I would definitely say we had an All-American meal.

Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs and Potatoes

4 1/2 lbs boneless ribs sliced into servings
2 bottles of your favorite BBQ sauce (we used Jack Daniels)
Red Potatoes 
1 onion sliced

In a large slow cooker, place ribs in the bottom and top with one bottle of BBQ sauce. Place sliced onion on top and fill with quartered red potatoes until cooker is filled top with another bottle of sauce. Place cover on and cook on low for 8 hours. Serve with Corn on the cob.


Cherry Berry Pie

2 cans lite cherry pie filling (you can use regular but my husband accidently bought lite)
2 c frozen blueberries
1 pkg refrigerated pie crusts

Remove pie crusts from pkg and allow to come to room temperature. Place one crust in bottom of 9" pie plate. Place a can of cherry pie filling in pie dish top with 1 cup of blueberries, put another can of cherries in and top with remaining blueberries. cut remaining pie crust in anyway you wish to decorate. And cook according to directions on pie filling. (Times can vary)

Finger Lickin' Easy BBQ Chicken

Ok so this recipe is easy to prepare but does take some time to cook. I recommend preparing everything the night before and refrigerate  then pop in the crock pot before heading to work. It'll be done when you get home.



Finger Lickin' Easy BBQ Chicken

2 lbs chicken drumsticks (with skin removed optional)
1 c. your favorite BBQ sauce (I use sweet baby rays)
1/3 c. Apricot preserves (or peach preserves)
2 Tbsp yellow mustard

Place drumsticks in crock pot. Mix remaining 3 ingredients in a bowl and pour over chicken. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. I recommend the low setting, the chicken will fall off the bone. Spoon sauce over chicken when serving. I serve with corn on the cob, steamed buttered green beans and biscuits.

Carolina Treet Slow Cooker BBQ
Here is an even easier version. If you live in NC you will be able to find this at almost any grocery store, if not you'll have to order it online. Well worth the shipping. Put 4 split chicken breasts in crockpot and cover with a half a bottle of Carolina Treet BBQ sauce (It's only meant for cooking with but you can spoon the juices over the chicken when you serve. It is delicious!!)