Dinner Creations Cookbook: Review and Giveaway

Welcome to The Dinner Creations Cookbook virtual blog tour, hosted by Virtual Book Tour Cafe

Diane Krause
12A Windcreek St.
Friendswood, Texas 77546
832.755.4567 Mobile
www.thedianekrause.com
diane@thedianekrause.com
Twitter: @DianeKrause2

Author Bio:

Diane Krause is a Southern girl who began cooking and baking at a very young age. She’s the former owner-operator of Dinner Creations, and still enjoys sharing Jalapeno-Stuffed Chicken and King Ranch Chicken with those she loves. Diane currently works as a freelance writer and editor. She’s the author of a short inspirational book for writers, 25 Ways to Create Classic Characters Readers Will Love, and is currently at work on her second cookbook.

Author and book links:

http://www.thedianekrause.comhttp://www.dinnercreationscookbook.com

INTRODUCTION 

Dinner Creations operated in Friendswood, Texas, from 2004 to 2008 and was one of the first meal assembly businesses in the Houston area. Through the business of Dinner Creations, we gained a whole new family. We shared life stories, celebrated weddings, and rejoiced over the addition of new little ones to families. We watched people provide care and comfort to others through the gift of food and considered it a blessing to be a part of that caring. We made new friends, and we had a very good time doing the business of Dinner Creations. 
This book is a collection of the recipes from Dinner Creations. Perhaps these recipes will enrich your family, and maybe even help you extend a bit of care to those around you. 
From all of us who have been a part of Dinner Creations, thank you for letting us have a place around your dinner table. 

---Diane Krause Owner, Dinner Creations

Genre: CookbooksPublisher: Southern Road Press
Release Date: 2nd edition released 7/14/13; Original release September 2009

Purchase link (Amazon): http://tinyurl.com/nxhuco6

Book Description:

The Dinner Creations Cookbook is a collection of more than 130 delicious freezer-friendly recipes.Dinner Creations was a meal assembly business that operated in Friendswood, Texas from 2004 to 2008. With this cookbook, you can enjoy the Dinner Creations favorites in your own home. Among those favorites are:

· King Ranch Chicken and Dumplings

· Jalapeno-Stuffed Chicken

· Baked Salmon in Puff Pastry

· Herb Crusted Flank Steak

· Guiltless Brownies

· ....and many more!

Each recipe includes freezer preparation instructions, and as an added bonus, printable freezer labels – complete with thawing and cooking instructions – are available at www.dinnercreationscookbook.com.



Recipes:

BAKED SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE

5 Serves 6-8 
1 lb. ground beef 
1 1/4 cups prepared marinara sauce 
1 1/2 tsp. sugar 
9 ounces angel hair pasta (cappellini) 
1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese 
1 1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese 
Preheat oven to 375° F. Spray a 9 x 13 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. 
Cook ground beef in a large skillet until beef is cooked through and no longer pink, breaking up any large pieces. Drain the meat, then return it to the skillet and stir in the marinara sauce and sugar. Set aside. 
Cook angel hair pasta according to package directions; drain pasta and rinse with cool water. 
To assemble, spread 2 cups meat sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the cooked pasta, then sprinkle over 1/2 cup cheddar and 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese. Top with 2 cups meat sauce, the remaining pasta, and another 1/2 cup cheddar and 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese. Cover with the remaining 2 cups meat sauce, then sprinkle over the remaining cheese. 
Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes. 

FREEZER PREPARATION: Prepare casserole as directed, omitting the cheese topping. Measure last 1/4 cup of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses into a plastic sandwich bag; seal. Lay a sheet of deli paper or waxed paper over casserole, then place bag of cheese on top. Seal entire pan well and label.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL OATMEAL BARS

Yields 24 bars 3/4 cup butter, softened 3/4 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup sugar 1 egg 
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups flour 1 tsp. baking soda 2 cups quick-cooking oats 3/4 cups chocolate chips, or other flavored chips 1/2 cup raisins 
1/2 cup nuts, chopped (optional) 

Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray a 9 x 13 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray, or line with foil. Cream softened butter with sugars. Add egg and vanilla extract and mix well. Stir together the flour and baking soda, then add to butter mixture. Stir in oats, chips and raisins. Spread batter into prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan, then cut into bars. 

FREEZER PREPARATION:Mix batter as directed and spread in pan; do not bake. Cover tightly, label and freeze.

Giveaway: 

One lucky winner will receive a Cook’s Gift Basket which will include a print copy of The Dinner Creations Cookbook and a variety of other kitchen goodies and culinary treats.

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