Poppy Seed Bread

2 1/4 cup sugar
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (I use canola)
3 eggs
3 tablespoons poppy seeds (in the baking aisle with the spices)
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons butter extract
3 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups milk

Glaze:
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon butter extrat

In a large mixing bowl, combine the first seven ingredients until blended.

Combine the flour, baking powder and salt.

Add flour mixture to sugar mixture alternately with milk just until moistened.

Spray 2 loaf pans with non-stick cooking spray.

Pour batter onto pans. Bake at 350* for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

In a small bowl, combine glaze ingredients; drizzle over warm loaves.

Cool 10 minutes until removing from pans to wire racks.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches

2 whole, boneless, skinless, chicken breasts, diced
6-8 slices of bacon, diced
1/2 medium onion, diced
salt and pepper as desired
hoagie buns or any bun of your choice, sometimes I use whole wheat hotdog buns






In a large skillet, over medium high heat, drizzle 1-2 tablespoons olive oil. Add chicken, bacon and onions (salt and pepper if desired) and cook till done and browned, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Remove from heat.

Split and toast 5 hoagie buns under the broiler.

Top one half of each bun with chicken/bacon/onion mixture, then top with a slice of provolone cheese.

Return to oven under broiler until cheese is melted.

Add ranch or other favorite condiment, top with other half of bun and serve.

I like to jazz mine up with lettuce, tomato and maybe a pickle. The boys are happy with meat, bread and cheese!

Bubble Pizza

2 lb ground chuck
2 14 oz jar pizza sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 7.5 oz can biscuits

Preheat oven to 400*.

Brown ground chuck, drain.Stir in pizza sauce.

Pour mixture into a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.

Cut biscuits into quarters and spread evenly over meat mixture.

Bake until biscuits are brown, 10-12 minutes.

Remove from oven and sprinkle cheese over the top. Return to oven until cheese melts.

This is not a recipe I make a lot. It is good in the summer when I need a quick, filling lunch to feed the guys.