Barbecue For Sandwiches

When I make this my kids ask who is coming over.  My "company" meal typically consists of this served with Mom's Coleslaw.  Our preference is to actually put the coleslaw into the bun with the meat.  I love this because you make it a day ahead of serving, which leaves the day of "company" open for other preparations.  The recipe calls for beef, I use 4 pounds of beef or pork, most often it's a bit of both.  Of course the home-made buns are a must also.  Just use this bread machine recipe, minus the garlic, shape into buns instead of sticks.

Barbecue For Sandwiches
1-1/3 c. water
1 lg. onion, chopped
3/4 c. celery, chopped
3/4 c. ketchup
1/2 c. barbecue sauce
4 T. lemon juice
3 T. vinegar
3 T. brown sugar
1 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
3/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
4 lbs. beef pot roast

Combine all ingredients, pot roast last, in large casserole or slow cooker (I always use slow cooker).  Bake 6+ hours (until meat is so tender it flakes) at 325°.  Separate meat by flaking with fork.  Chill overnight.  Before reheating, skim any separated fat.  Serve in hamburger buns.

Five Can Soup

Okay, although this soup looks super healthy, it's probably pretty high in sodium.  If someone wanted to take the time, I'm sure you could use fresh ingredients.  I started making this when I first started following Weight Watchers, years ago.  It's really high in fiber...  I'm not sure the point value with the current WW plan, but back when...  It was only 1 point per cup.  I love the added "spark" that comes from the Rotel tomatoes.  This is not a fussy combination.  I personally don't care for a lot of corn in soup, so I substitute another type of beans (such as Pinto) for the can of corn.

Five Can Soup
10 oz. can Rotel tomatoes
19 oz. Progresso Minestrone soup
15 oz. canned corn
15 oz. canned black beans
15 oz. can Veg All

Just dump all ingredients together, heat on stove top.  This keeps really well in the fridge or in the freezer.  Yields about 8 cups.

Panda Express Cream Cheese Wontons (copy cat)

I have always wanted to make these, I've been a little afraid of the calories, because of the deep-frying.  My daughter convinced me we should go ahead and do it.  Super easy!  Very, very good!  I don't have a deep-fryer, so we just used a heavy pot on the stove top.  Oh my goodness...  I will make these again, and I will turn off the voice saying "how many calories are in these things?" Wonton wrappers are really easy to work with, a dab of water and they stick to themselves.  We had this with our Sweet and Sour Chicken meal. 

Panda Express Cream Cheese Wontons
8 oz. package cream cheese – softened
1-1/2 T scallions sliced thin
pinch of garlic powder
wonton wrappers
oil for frying
Sweet & Sour Sauce (for dipping)

Mix together cream cheese, garlic powder, and scallions.  Begin to heat oil in a heavy pot, a couple of inches is good (it should be hot-hot). Place about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese mix in a middle of a wonton wrapper, fold wonton wrap by dipping fingers into water and secure shut. Drop wonton into oil and turn over once, wonton will crisp up and then remove onto a paper towel. Serve with sweet and sour sauce.  I didn't count, but this made quite a few...