My husband, Bill, and I love cooking together. I'm sure not all couples both love to cook, but we do. Growing up on a small farm in Eudora, all our vegetables came from a large garden my grandparents cultivated every year. We always had fresh veggies. I remember Momma cooking the best meals. We always had two vegetable dishes for supper and fresh tomatoes when they were in season. One of my favorite meals was Momma’s fried chicken with butter beans and creamed potatoes. No one will ever be able to replicate her chicken, so I thought I'd share with you a new twist on that traditional meal. I hope you enjoy.Crockpot Catalina Chicken1 cup Catalina Dressing1/2 cup Peach Preserves 1 packet dry onion soup mix1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional if you want it to be spicy6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts1/2 tablespoons cornstarch Stir together Catalina dressing, peach preserves, onion soup mix, and red pepper flakes.Spray inside of a 6-quart crockpot with cooking spray. Lay chicken breasts in crockpot.Pour Catalina dressing mixture over chicken.Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours.Mix the cornstarch with 1 1/2 tablespoons water. Stir into liquid in crockpot and cover and cook another 15 to 20 minutes.Hash Brown Casserole 2 poounds frozen hash browns 1/2 cup melted margarine Salt and pepper 2 cans cream of chicken 1 pint sour cream 1/2 cup finely chopped onions ( I have used the frozen ones) 10 ounces or 2 bags cheddar cheese Mix all together. Mix 2 cups crushed cornflakes with 1/2 cup melted margarine and sprinkle on top.Bake at 350 degrees about an hour. Butter Beans (Southern style)6 slices bacon coarsely chopped1 small onion chopped1 (28-ounce) bag frozen butter beans (about 5 cups)4 cups (32-ounces) Chicken Broth1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon black pepperIn a large Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Drain away all but about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease, then return the pan to the heat. Add the chopped onion, and cook in the bacon grease until the onion is translucent, about 7 to 8 minutes. Add the beans, broth, salt, and pepper. Bring the broth to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook about 45 to 60 minutes or until tender.Chocolate Kiss Coconut Macaroons1 14 ounce package sweetened angel flaked coconut3/4 cup all-purpose flour1/4 teaspoon salt1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk1 egg white beaten until frothy2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract24 chocolate kisses unwrappedPreheat the oven to 350°. Line 2 baking sheets with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.In a medium size mixing bowl, mix together the coconut, flour and salt.Add the sweetened condensed milk, beaten egg white and vanilla. Mix well. The mixture will be stiff.Use a 2 ounce cookie scoop, ice cream scoop or tablespoon to divide the dough dropping 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.Bake for 16-18 minutes or until golden.Remove from the oven and gently press a candy kiss into the center. Cool on rack
