Chicken Oriental salad

My aunt used to bring this salad to most family occasions.  I just remember being so amazed that the cabbage tasted so good with the ramen!  Very tasty and slightly addicting salad!

Chicken Oriental Salad
2 chicken breast halves
2 TB slivered almonds, toasted if desired *
1/2 head cabbage, finely chopped (about 4 c)
2 green onions, sliced
1 pkg Ramen oriental noodles chicken flavor
2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds*
1 Tbsp sugar
1/2 c vegetable oil
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
3 Tbsop vinegar
1/2 tsp MSG (optional)
salad greens
Tomato wedges

Cook chicken in small amount of water, covered, until tender, aobut 20 to 30 minutes, skin, bone and dice chicken to make 2 cups.  Combine chicken with alonds, cabbe green onions, and uncooked noodles that have been broken up with envelope of seasonings, set aside.  In glass jar, combine sugar, oil, salt, pepper, vinegar, and MSG.  Shake until blended.  Pour over salad, toss.  Add more salt and pepper as needed.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or for as long as 24 hours.  Serve on crisp salad greens garnished with tomato wedgs.  Makes 8-10 servings. 

*Toasted sesame seeds and almonds:  To toast sesame seeds, spread in shallow pan in single layer;bake at 350 for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.  To toast slivered almonds, spread in single layer in shallow pan; bake at 350 for about 5 minutes.

Hamburger Minestrone Soup

Yet again a staple food from growing up.  Very hearty and tasty.  You can whip up this whole thing  and then freeze leftovers for when you just want some yummy soup!   (Oh I always have a piece of toast, homemade of course, with cheese on it to dip in.  MMMMM!)  Go ahead and crockpot this too...

Hamburger Minestrone Soup

1 lb ground beef
1 c onions, chopped
2 medium potatoes, cubed
2 c sliced carrots
2 stalks celery, diced
2 c shredded cabbage
1/2 c brown rice or barley
1 small zucchini, sliced (optional)
1 qt tomatoes or tomato juice
2 tsp Mrs Dash
1 small bay leaf
1/2 tsp thyme
1 tsp basil
2 tsp beef bouillon granules
2 qts water

Brown hamburger with onions until tender.  Drain fat.  Mix all of the ingredients together and boil for 5 minutes.  Turn down to low and cook 1 1/2 hours or until vegetables are tender.  Makes 12 large servings.

Meat Pasties

These are a bit like hot pockets only homemade.  I didn't care for them as a child but have grown fonder as I have gotten older.  I would try mozzerella cheese if you aren't a swiss fan, it could change the whole experience.

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 c shredded cabbage
2 c shredded zucchini
1 tsp minced garlic
1 8 oz can tomato sauce
2 tsp basil
swiss cheese
frozen texas rolls, thawed or your favorite roll recipe

Brown ground beef; drain fat.  Add onion, cabbage, and zucchini.  Cook until vegetables are tender.  Drain off any extra liquid.  Add garlic, tomato sauce, and basil.  Mix well.  Roll out rolls in flattened circle 1/2 to 1/4 inch thick.  Place 1 inch square slice swiss cheese on edge of roll.  Place spoonful  (3 Tablespoons) of beef mixture on top of cheese.  Fold dough over the top and crimp edges to seal.  Place on greased cookie sheet.  Bake at 375 for 20 minutes or until bottom is browned.  Serve warm or cold.