hi there , i loove to cook, always eager to try new recipes so if any one has any recipes they feel that they cant live with out really would like to try them on my family.I always tring new ones.

okgeema, I think you (and your grandson) will love the BC Super Moist cake mix.  Overbeating the batter is not good.  Mix it only as the directions call for.  Overcooking will also dry out a cake.  If all your cakes are dry, your oven may be a tad too hot.  I'd reduce the heat 10 or 15 degrees or check for doneness 4 or 5 minutes before you normally do.  Hope this helps.

If the dry cakes you made were from scratch instead of a mix, you may have too much flour or not enough liquid for the amount of flour you are using.  

Hello everyone!  I've been cooking meals and baking for 50 years so I guess I'd call myself 'experienced'.  I used to be known for my pies, but have cut down in recent years.  Have to watch the weight and had rather have a great pie every couple of months than use all the sugar and 'healthy crust' substitutes! 

I love to bake but with only my husband and myself I'm now looking for goodies I can freeze and save!  I've recently purchased a vacuum sealer and am loving it!

The 5 words for my kitchen are...large....organized....homey.....convenient...and not sunny enough!

I'd hate to live without my food processor.  We always have a big garden and it's great for chopping and shredding large batches.  Also is SO EASY to do a pie crust!

I also make all the treats and extras for our 5 'retired' cow dogs!  We only feed one type of food, so we try and vary it most of the time with homecooked extras!  Yes, they're spoiled!  The grandkids are too far away!

Hello. I san't wait to meet every one.

(1) What kind of cook/baker are you? Do you have any specialties? If so, what are they? so-so

(2) What brings you to the community? to learn to cook/bake better

(3) Describe your kitchen in 5 words. very, very creamed and cozy

(4) What kitchen appliance can you not live with out? I can live w/o all of them, but I do not like to! lol

My husband is so much better than I am, so I am always looking to find something I can do better. lol

HELLO EVERYBODY,

I too am the newbie on the block!  I have always LOVED to cook (as an adult!)         But, for 7 years I was divorced and HATED eating alone, so NEVER cooked!!  Got fat  eating out all of the time.  Met my DH and NOW after 14.5 years have decided I had better get some of my cooking skills polished up a bit.  So, HERE I AM!  Be gentle!  LOL!

My kitchen is virtually brand new!  We had this house built almost 4 years ago,     and while my kitchen COULD be B~U~T~FUL, it is not because my health problem don't allow me much cleaning energy! I keep the BIGGEST messes at bay, at best!

But, I've been feeling GOOD lately, so have started on kitchen cleaning/organizing! 

My fave things in the kitchen: crockpot & great stove!  

Does anybody have some good recipes, for a SPAGHETTI using that SQUASH?   How do I cook the squash?   Do I scoop it out first and cook like regualr spaghetti?  Or bake it first?  How long?  How hot?   DH & I both need to lose weight, so are trying to get more veggies into the routine of eating.  THIS sounded like a good idea, a few days ago! Now I am not so sure!  HOPE SOMEONE CAN/WILL HELP ME OUT WITH THIS PROBLEM!!

THANKS!  So sorry to ramble, on the intro page!

Much Love, Many Blessings,

RITA

Hi all, I'm Lil_72, married, have two sons, 1 daughter, and 2 adorable granddaughters.

I live in central Florida with my husband, and consider myself a seasoned cook. I'm here to find new recipes, and share some, too.

My kitchen is small, but with space for a table and chairs, along with a large antique hutch where my depression glass collection is displayed.

I cannot live without my gas range, and am currently seeking a replacement for a lemon we bought 3 years ago. The simmer burner does not work, can you imagine?

Glad to be here!

Lil_72

Rita51Ann, pierce the squash in several places so the steam can escape.  Place in a baking dish and bake uncovered at 400 degrees for about 1 1/2 hours until tender.  Cut in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and fibers.  Use a fork to shred the flesh into spaghetti-like strands. 

Hello all!!

(1) What kind of cook/baker are you? Do you have any specialties? If so, what are they?

I am an ok cook, not great baker.  My husband says everything I cook tastes wonderful, but I think he is supposed to say that.  No, we are not newlyweds, we have been married 4.5 years. 

My specialty is being able to open the pantry and throw together a meal that most people wouldn't think of.  I buy food I like, I don't shop by what ingredients I would need for .......... whatever.

 (2) What brings you to the community?

TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ALL YOUR VAST KNOWLEDGE AND BECOME A BETTER COOK, but also.....I have been looking for an old Betty Crocker Chicken Enchilada recipe that I loved.  It wasn't an easy, quick recipe; not that it took that long.  There was no store bought cheese sauce, you had to make your own.  It came out of the early 90's edition if anyone happens to have it.

(3) Describe your kitchen in 5 words.

out-of-date; boring; not user friendly

(4) What kitchen appliance can you not live with out?

I'm not sure it's an appliance, but my Pampered Chef food chopper.  It saves me alot of time.  It also saves my family from eating chopped off pieces of my fingernails. :(

(5) Anything else you want to share with everyone.

My Mom lives with us (we have 2 kids 16 & 12) and since he and I work fulltime, she does most of the cooking.  My husband would like me to cook more (he's not a big fan of Mom's cooking), but sometimes I don't get home until after 7 pm and my kids go to bed at 10:00.  They would literally be eating just in time to go to bed.

Anyway if anyone has a copy of my Chicken Enchilada recipe, please reply!

Thanks,

Misie

#   Emmyjean:   We defiantly have some kid friendly ideas on here!
http://www.bettycrocker.com/search/searchresults.aspx?terms=kid+friendly
Please check out our section- Cooking & Baking with Kids
http://www.bettycrocker.com/CommunityForums/forums.aspx/11
Let us know what foods you are trying the hardest on… we would love to help if we can!

# Baren45: We are so glad you are here. I think some of the best meals I’ve had is the easy everyday meals that you can have week after week and not get sick of!

# Whitelove: I’m sure our posters in  “Bake Life Sweeter” would LOVE to talk to you!
http://www.bettycrocker.com/CommunityForums/forums.aspx/8

# okgeema: Thank you for joining us- Please let us know of the communities advice has helped you!

# thegirl & mouthofthesouth (love both of  your user names). We are glad you are here!
 
# catsdogsdiva: Your post made me smile! I would love to read some of your favorite pies in the Bake Life Sweeter Category!
http://www.bettycrocker.com/CommunityForums/forums.aspx/8

#   sharpfloors: I think we can help you one up your hubby in something…  Brunch?
http://www.bettycrocker.com/search/searchresults.aspx?terms=brunch

# Rita51Ann: Have you seen these two recipes yet?
http://www.bettycrocker.com/search/searchresults.aspx?terms=Spaghetti+Squash+
Or this?
http://www.bettycrocker.com/search/searchresults.aspx?terms=ratatouille

Also, I made this a few months ago and thought it was good!

Let us know what recipes you end up trying…

# Lil_72 we are so happy you are here! Hope you find a replacement for your simmer burner soon!

#   MissMisie: Hmmm… Other than embracing you crock pot and your rice cooker have you encouraged the kids to start helping out in the kitchen? Please for sure check out the Cooking and Baking with Kids. And start asking your Q’s in there… I think our community can help!
http://www.bettycrocker.com/CommunityForums/forums.aspx/11

# AL Cooker: You are such a quick and great responder to the members.. I know you probably introduced yourself before- but can you re-do it again in this thread. We would love to know more about you!

Mere and I are so happy you are responding to this thread! :) Sincerely, Cate

Hi to all fellow foodies!

I am a 51 year old, mother of six( mostly grown now). Two boys and four girls, and six grandchildren and one more on the way! ( Three and three ) I LOVE cooking. My mothers family is Slovak, Scottish, and English, while my fathers family is Irish/Italian. I married German/Boehmian,, so the cooking gets interesting to say the least. When you have a large family, the food is always homemade and plenty.

I love baking. I create my own recipes, and slim down family recipes to make them healthier. I also love grilling. Even living in Ohio, my grill gets lots of use in the winter as well as the summer months. I grill whatever I can, whenever I can. Some of the specialties are grilled salmon in orange glaze, grilled pizza, and grilled veggies, Italian style. Baking,, what can I say? Tarts, pies, breads, cakes, kolachis, and cookies. Even homemade pastas. I love the new " designer " breads, and am constantly inventing new tastes and textures of bread for friends and family.

I am interested in the community to exchange recipes and ideas. I am terribly creative, and love crafting as well.

My kitchen in 5 words?  Clean, organized, well-stocked, prepared, and fun.

Appiances I can't live without? All of them. No really, I love kitchen appliances. Panini press, blender, Stand mixer, hand mixer, fryer, microwave,ice cream maker, waffle iron, pizzelle iron, sandwich maker, rice cooker, pizza cooker... I have to admit,, I am a small appliance nut!  And BOWLS,,, I love large ceramic baking bowls. Oh yeah, one other thing I cannot live without, a "write in" cookbook I started thirty years ago. Has all the family favs, my creations, and helpful hints etc. I am currently working on putting it all into print for my children ( see below) and for them to pass down to my granddaughters and grandsons.

Other things I would like to share. I am a breast cancer survivor. Had the first round in 2002, and a second round of cancer this past June, only this time it was in my femur, and caused quite a nasty break. I am healing, positive, and blessed. After surgeries, chemotherapys, radiations, more surgeries, rods, and all the invasiveness and pain, I am cancer free,,, although since it went to my bone, I am technically " treatable but not curable" but have no active cancer at this time. Its complicated, but I am here, I am living, walking again, and cooking.  

I am a southern cook who is trying to expand my horizons.  I watch a lot of FOOD NETWORK.  I love to bake, especially with my 5 year old granddaughter!  I love to cook in general, but get tired of the same old things.  I like to use shortcuts for everyday cooking, but love to experiment for special occasions. 

I happened on this website, and have enjoyed already picked up a some good tips, and recipes.

My kitchen is very functional, spacious, a little dated, well used and .

I love my crockpot, and my blender.

I've been married 31 years.  We have a daughter who is married, with three beautiful children (2 boys, one girl) ages 5 months to 5 years.  My son is 18, graduating high school and going in the Air Force this summer.  I plan to use cooking as my crutch to overcome empty nest syndrome!  Please pray for me!!!!!!

My husband (who has never cooked much, except BBQ) has recently taken an interest, and will watch the food network with me.  He and I have come up with some pretty tasty entrees as a result.  We hope to take this to the next level and develop some new family favorites!

Hi!

1) I'm a "I'll try to cook/bake anything kinda gal.

2) Coupons, recipe's, tips and new ideas.

3) Nice but needs to be bigger

4) NuWave Oven

5) I LOVE mexican food and love to make it!  Only the authentic stuff - no Taco Bell!

Prncssjo3957: I loved reading more about you! What wonderful culinary crossroads!
Designer of breads? Oh, wow- that sounds interesting. We would love to know more about that…  Either in this Category or hmmm… Make Ahead & Time Tips (depending how you make it!).
I am glad to hear you are in a healthier stage in life.  I love your line…”I am here, I am living, walking again, and cooking.” Mere and I are so happy you are!

Dlooney: The Food Network is addicting isn’t it? I’ve been noticing though, the Discovery Channel has been having some interesting Foodie show on it… Hmm… I think we should start a new thread on this subject…
Congrats on your son going into the Air Force. In my profession, I have been able to talk with lots of military moms and I know many who try to figure out the empty nest syndrome. (IMHO- cooking for 2 is really hard for me! So hopefully the community will help us out with this!)   I am truly excited you are here.
Please let us know how the developing of new family favorites goes! We are curious!

Aletheia: I love Mexican food also. I make it more than the average person (I think).  I made these a couple of weeks ago and loved it!
http://www.bettycrocker.com/Recipes/Recipe.aspx?recipeId=7687

I am going to start up a “Staycation” Mexico theme today… I would LOVE for you to add your ideas!

am a good cook i love to bake looking to see if ya had the points going on i have 3,403 of them

small but cozey i have 10 kids 17 grandkids

mixer

I my name is Vicky.

Dear Gidgetbear:

That is a big family :) I come from a big extended family and love it! 

Please check this link out... I think it will lead you in the right direction

POINTS LINK: http://www.bettycrocker.com/store/points-information.htm

Angel: Hi Vicky, we are happy you are here!

Sincerely, CC

(1) What kind of cook/baker are you? Do you have any specialties? If so, what are they?

avid cooker, collector of recipes. above average skills, I usually make something new out of one of my numerous cookbooks or from online source at least 3 nights a week.

(2) What brings you to the community?

a question about sustitutions

(3) Describe your kitchen in 5 words.

clean, airy, quasi-efficient, homey, fun

(4) What kitchen appliance can you not live with out?

large appliance, stovetop (preferably 6 burner gas); small appliance, food processor

(5) Anything else you want to share with everyone.

My name is MaryAnn. My mom was a chef, and I grew up running around in commercial kitchens, but my mom was always about the 'home cooked, comfort' kinda food. I love to cook, my family is very appreciative of all my efforts, even the not so great adventures! I really love to improvise with recipes to add my own twists that I think my family would prefer

I love to bake, bake, and bake......  Cookies, cakes, anything you name it...  Dessert is my thing.....

Boredom and new ideas brought me here.

Bright, spacious,and full of nosey children wanting to help.

My oven of course....

i love cheese, garlic, and can't live without my stoneware....  Cheesecake, oatmeal cookies, apple crisp, and chocolate chip cookies are my fav...

Hello. I am a baker at heart and a lousy cook. no fault to my heritage, Italian, and daughter to one of the best old school cooks around. I am always in need of new ideas, that others have tried and succeded with. Overstocked, shared,electric( blahh) bright and roomy kitchen. I have always had a love of kitchen gadgets and appliances and feel that I do have them all. I love to see remarks and variations on recipes that I would like to attempt.

1.  Hi there.  Well, here goes.  I don't 'have' to cook anymore, but my hubby loves it when I do.

2.  I'm here because I had a box of Yellow Cake, a couple of rotten bananas and no idea how to make something of it. (I ended up making a great cake that needed no frosting! Thanks Betty Crocker)

3.  My kitchen is set up like a U.  I can reach everything and don't have to move much at all.  It's got big windows and has my favorite color of counter tops and an easy floor to mop.  What more could I want?

4.  I cannot live without my 9x13 very old metal baking pan, nor can I live without any of my collection of utensils to stir, toss, chop, beat and eat, that I have have painstakenly collected for many years.

5.  Somebody gave me a recipe once (23 years ago) that I used every week for at least 4 years.  That was 5 kids ago.    NOW I want to bake it so bad that I cannot remember how I did it and who I got it from.  I've been searching for about 2 years now.  This is what was in it.  If ANYBODY recognizes it, please let me know.  I can taste it right now.

It's called:  Broccoli Quiche - 1 can of chicken broth, use the same can and fill it with white rice, 6 oz. frozen broccoli pieces, questionable amount of eggs and some amount of grated cheddar cheese.  Garlic is the great ingredient to put them all together.  I baked it in a deep, square, corningware dish.  I can't figure out how to do it.