Sausage Cheese Biscuits

Last week, our Bible class at church had a breakfast potluck.  We're about to start a new study on marriage and parenting, and it was a great way to kick off the new study and get to know some of the new faces in class.  And of course, it didn't hurt that the food was A-MAZING! I rarely have the time (or energy!) to cook big breakfasts, so I forget how delicious they can be!

I made these Sausage Cheese Biscuits, and they were a hit. Several people commented on how good they were, so I thought I'd post the recipe.  Sorry no step-by-step photos, but they are super easy!

The great thing about this recipe (other than how delicious it is!) is that it only requires four ingredients: Bisquick, Sausage, Cheese Whiz and Milk.

I know, I know...Cheese Whiz?! I'm not gonna lie...the stuff kind of grosses me out.  But it makes these biscuits really moist and delicious.  I'm sure you've already figured out that this is not one of my healthier recipes.  If you're looking for healthy, check out these Salmon Patties or  this Quinoa Avocado Salad.  But if you're looking for a delicious breakfast (or anytime) splurge, read on.

I actually created this recipe by accident!  Last year during the holidays, I was asked to bring sausage balls to a get together. I dug out my grandmother's recipe, bought the ingredients, and went to work.  I combined the sausage, Bisquick, Cheese Whiz, and milk and began to stir.  Then I suddenly realized I had forgotten to preheat the oven.  I went over to check the oven temperature on my recipe card, and as I was glancing over the recipe, I noticed that beside "1 jar Cheese Whiz" there was a little note in parentheses that said "8 oz." Hmmm...I was pretty sure the jar I just put in was more than that.  I went to check, and sure enough, it was 15 ounces. 

Oops! The ingredients were already mixed together, so there was no way to take any of the Cheese Whiz out.  I couldn't double the recipe because I didn't have any more sausage.  And I really didn't want to go back to the store to get more.  So I decided to experiment a little.  I added some extra milk and Bisquick and hoped they would turn out okay.

I was pleasantly surprised when they turned out even better than the original!  They were moist, cheesy, and delicious.  Definitely more biscuit-y than your average sausage balls, but I really liked that.  Everyone kept going on and on about how good they were, so I guess it was a happy accident! 

I decided to rename them "Sausage Cheese Biscuits" to more accurately describe what they are, but feel free to call them whatever you want!

Sausage Cheese Biscuits

4 cups Bisquick
16 oz ground sausage
1 15 oz jar Cheese Whiz
3/4 cups milk

Pre-heat oven to 375.  Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well (you may have to use your hands!).  Roll into balls (mine were about 1 1/2 inches in diameter) and place on a baking sheet about 2 inches apart.  Feel free to make them smaller or bigger depending on what you like, but remember they will expand quite a bit in the oven.  Bake for 15-20 minutes or until tops are golden brown.

Serve warm or store in the refrigerator. If they are cold, I recommend warming in the microwave before serving.  These also freeze really well! 

Enjoy!

~Rachel

Banana Bread Oatmeal

There's nothing better on a cold morning than a nice warm bowl of oatmeal!  I've experimented with all kinds of additions to my oatmeal, and this is one of my favorites.  I call it "Banana Bread Oatmeal." 

Now I'm not gonna lie and say it tastes just like banana bread because it doesn't.  It's oatmeal!  But it is quite delicious and healthy.  And, just like banana bread, it's a great way to use up ripe bananas. 

You can adapt this recipe to make as much as you want.  Jake's not a big oatmeal fan, so I usually just make enough for one, but you can easily double, triple, or even quadruple it to feed the whole fam!

Here's what you need:





 

• Oats: I like to use old fashioned oats.  I think they have a better texture and flavor, but you could also use instant.
• Banana: The riper the better!  Like I said, a great way to use up those brown bananas.  Use one banana per serving of oatmeal that you're making.
• Milk: I like to use almond milk for oatmeal...makes it nice and creamy.  But I've also used regular and soy milk, and they work well too.
• Flaxseed: This isn't essential, but it's so good for you!  Flaxseed is high in omega-3's and fiber, and you can't even taste it in the oatmeal.  I definitely recommend adding it!
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg
• Sweetener of choice:  I used maple syrup today, but brown sugar and honey are also delicious!

Pour your milk into a small sauce pan, and bring to a boil.  Be careful to watch so it doesn't boil over.  I speak from experience.

While the milk is heating, assemble your other ingredients in a bowl.  (I just use the same bowl I'm going to eat it out of.  Less to wash!)

Start with your oats...

Then add your banana.  I chopped it up into small pieces, but if it's really ripe you can mash it up.

Add your flaxseed, cinnamon, and nutmeg.  I don't really measure the spices, but I use quite a bit of cinnamon and just a dash of nutmeg.  A little goes a long way with nutmeg.

 

When your milk starts to boil, stir in oatmeal ingredients and turn the burner down to low.

 

 



Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches desired consistency.  For old-fashioned oats, I cook about 5-6 minutes. 

If you want it thicker, you can always cook a little longer.  Or if it gets too thick, you can add a little extra milk.  Once it has reached your desired consistency, pour it into a bowl and sweeten to taste.

Easy, yummy, and healthy!  What more could you ask for? :)

Banana Bread Oatmeal

2/3 cup milk of choice (almond, soy, and regular all work well)
1/3 cup old fashioned oats
1 ripe banana, chopped or mashed
1 Tbs flaxseed
Cinnamon and Nutmeg to taste
Sweetener of choice (I recommend maple syrup, brown sugar, or honey)

Bring milk to over medium-high heat.  While milk is heating, combine all other ingredients except sweetener in a bowl.  When milk is boiling, stir in oatmeal ingredients and reduce heat to low.  Cook 5-6 minutes or until oatmeal reaches desired consistency.  Pour into bowl and sweeten to taste. 

~Rachel