Sausage & Lentil Stew

1 1/4 c. lentils, rinsed and drained
6 c.  chicken broth
2 c. water
1 kielbasa sausage, sliced & browned
1/2 stalk celery, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped 1 medium carrot, sliced thin
3 cloves garlic,minced
1 t. dried thyme
1/4 t. black pepper
3 T. red wine vinegar

combine all ingredients except vinegar in slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
just before serving add red wine vinegar and stir well.

Pic: http://www.diabeticlivingonline.com/recipe/smoked-sausage-lentil-stew/

Recipe adapted as well.

cowBoy sammies

cowBoy sammies

1 lb. ground beef
1 tablespoon dehydrated onion
1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper & garlic salt
1 (8oz.) can tomato sauce
6 slices cooked bacon
6 strips green chile
6 slices white cheese
6 hoagie rolls

brown hamburger with onion and spices. drain.

add tomato sauce; stir and simmer until well combined.

fill hoagie with a spoonful of beef, a slice of bacon, strip of chile, & slice of cheese.

wrap each sammie in saran wrap. (freeze & eat it later)...or
microwave on high for 1 minute or until heated through.

careful when unwrapping! it'll be hot and steamy and you'll be tempted to lick the melted cheese right off the saran wrap.

take-out beef

take-out beef

2-3 pound lean ground beef
1 T. rice vinegar 
3/4 c. brown sugar 
1/2 c. soy sauce (use low-sodium)
1/4 c. water
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 t. fresh ginger
1 t. crushed red peppers
salt and pepper

heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown hamburger with garlic.
drain most of the fat.
add the rice vinegar.
add brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, salt and pepper and red peppers. 
simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors. 
serve over steamed rice next to veggies.

We ALL surf Pinterest & some ideas flop and some are genius! THIS was a GENIUS idea...but it needed a little twist for my family. I LOVE Pinterest! Finally, a great recipe!!

The original Pinterest recipe made a TINY amount...the hubby needed veggies too, "to make up for the 'baby serving' I gave him"...here's the original: http://elizabethbryant.blogspot.com/2010/05/korean-beef.html

samoa cake (or cupcakes)

samoa cake (or cupcakes)

2 cups  sugar

1 3/4 c. flour

3/4 c. cocoa 

1 1/2 t. baking powder

1 1/2 t. baking soda

1 t. salt

2 eggs

1 c. milk

1/2 c. oil

1 t. vanilla

2 t. coconut flavoring

1 c. coconut, packed

1 (scant) c. boiling water

preheat oven to 350° and line 24 muffin tins with cupcake liners.

in a large bowl, combine sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt.

add in eggs, milk, oil, vanilla, and coconut flavoring. mix well.

fold in coconut, then add boiling water.  (batter will be very thin!!)

pour batter into 9x13.

bake at 350° for 28-32 mins.

salted caramel buttercream frosting

2 sticks butter, softened

2 t. vanilla extract

1/2 c. caramel topping

4 c. powdered sugar

1 t. salt

cream butter until fluffy.

add in vanilla extract and caramel topping.  

add powdered sugar and salt and mix until smooth.  

if icing is still too thin add a bit more powdered sugar

wait until cake is completely cool & frost!

enjoyed from http://spice-is-nice.com/2011/06/30/samoas-cupcakes/

Hometown

I love this place.

Mini Chimi's (guest post!)

Mini Chimi's (guest post by Diane Holyoak)

Beef chunks, shredded
1 jar pace picante sauce (medium hot)
Diced green chilies (as many for your taste)
Grated cheese (pepper jack or mexiblend or just regular cheddar)
"Baca" red chili sauce

Mix ingredients all together.

Cut large flour tortilla in pie shaped wedges and put small amount of mixture, roll up (sort of tricky) and secure with a tooth pick.
Can be frozen at this point and cooked later - or fry in hot oil now - remove toothpick and turn til brown all the way around - enjoy!

Grandpa's Salsa (guest post!)

Grandpa's Salsa (guest post by Diane Holyoak) 
1 qt. tomatoes
1 pint green chili, diced
2 med. onions, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 heaping T. honey
1 tsp. sugar
3/4 tsp cumin 
1 T. oregano
1 T. red chili peppers 

3/4 T. accent
garlic salt, salt & pepper to taste

Mix all together & chill - gets better as it sits & blends flavors

stuffed baguette (guest post!)

mystilettosanddiapers.blogspot.com

Stuffed Baguette (guest post by Amy Barberio!)

Makes one 12-inch long baguette; about 24 slices

Ingredients:

• Baguette about 14-inch long

• 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
• 4 oz fresh goat cheese
• 1 large garlic clove, minced (I used 2)
• ½ cup finely chopped red bell pepper (about 1 medium)
• 2 oz finely chopped spicy salami  (I used pepperoni)
• Freshly ground black pepper

Preparation:

Slice off both ends of the baguette and cut the loaf in half. Using a long thin knife and working from the both ends, hollow the baguette out leaving about ½-inch thick crust all around.

Using an electric mixer beat the cream cheese until smooth and lump-free. Beat in the goat cheese and garlic. Stir in the rest of the ingredients.

Working again from the both ends, fill the baguette with the cheese mixture. Pack the filling tight.  Wrap the stuffed baguette very well in plastic and refrigerate for at least two hours and up to two days. Right before serving, slice the baguette into ½-inch thick slices and serve. For the most neat looking slices, treat it as a cheesecake – each time slice it with a hot dry knife.

Frito Crap (guest post!)

Frito Crap (guest post by Bev Turley)
1 c. sugar
1 c. corn syrup
1 c. peanut butter
1 bag fritos (small fritos, not scoops)
bring sugar and corn syrup to boil. once it starts to boil remove from heat and add peanut butter.
stir together until peanut butter melts (I like to use chunky peanut butter) then, pour over the bag of Fritos.
cool on a cookie sheet sprayed with pam!
let it cool........then EAT UP!!

blueberry brown sugar cookies

blueberry brown sugar cookies

1 3/4 c. white whole wheat flour

1/4 t. salt

1/2 t. baking powder

1 1/2 t. cinnamon

1/2 c. butter/margarine

3/4 c. brown sugar

1 egg, beaten

1 t. vanilla

1 T. milk

3/4 c. fresh blueberries

whisk flour, salt, baking powder & cinnamon together.

in another bowl, cream butter & brown sugar.

add egg & vanilla and mix.

add dry ingredients until mixed well.

add milk, then fold in blueberries.

roll into small balls, flatten slightly, bake at 375 degrees for 15-18 mins.

magic salad

"puff the magic" salad

my kids named this because the yogurt starts out tart, then sweetens the whole thing! 

[And because of the obvious puff & their love of Puff the Magic Dragon ;-) ]

20 oz. can pineapple chunks [drained]
2 c. FUNmallows [fruit flavored marshmallows]
16 oz. plain nonfat greek yogurt
1/2 c. coconut flakes

mix pineapple, mallows, & yogurt together.
refrigerate for at least 30 minutes....the longer the better.
top with coconut before serving!

baja chicken salad

baja chicken salad

3 chicken breasts, shredded

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded & finely chopped

1/2 c. chopped fresh cilantro

1/4 c. diced red onion

1/2 c. plain yogurt [i used "greek"]

1 T. spicy brown mustard

salt & pepper to taste

mix ingredients until well blended.
refrigerate until ready to serve.
[remember, the longer they sit together the more the flavors meld together....the yummier it is!]

banana PB muffins

banana peanut butter muffins

4 ripe bananas, mashed

1/3 c. applesauce [or a container of fruity baby food...I used pears]

1 1/4 c. white whole wheat flour

3/4 t. baking soda

1/4 t. salt

2 T. butter, softened

1/3 c. brown sugar

2 egg whites

1/2 t. vanilla

8 T. peanut butter

cream butter & sugar until smooth.

add egg whites, bananas, applesauce, vanilla, & peanut butter.

mix until well blended.

combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.

add flour mixture to wet ingredients until combined, don't over mix it!

fill paper cup 3/4 way full in muffin tin.

bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes.

adapted from skinnytaste

guacamole...Chipotle style

copycat guacamole

2-3 ripe avocados, diced & mashed

1/3 c. chopped red onion

1 finely diced jalapeno

1/2 a bunch of chopped cilantro

3 T. white vinegar

a pinch of salt

mix well & chill.

I swear to you, you will forget you are NOT actually at Chipotle.

It is that close! It's incredible.

thru-the-night fridge oatmeal

i have seen [way too] many recipes

for overnight refrigerator oatmeal

flying around Pinterest lately.

i had to know if any of them worked,

or were tasty.

i found one that looked simple.

we changed it because we're picky.

i enlisted my hubby's help.

and we hit a gold mine!

ingredients:

1/4 c. old fashioned oats

1/3 c. plain almond milk

1/4 c. plain greek yogurt

1 t. chia seeds

1 T. maple syrup

1/4 c. diced strawberries

put all the ingredients in a small jar.

twist on the lid & shake.

let it sit through the night in your fridge.

then crack the lid the next day and d-e-v-o-u-r.

holy yummy. . . 

there are 1,001 variations and flavors.

we'll try more and post them if they're fabulous!

super moist wheat zucchini bread

Time to put the summer garden's harvest to good use!!

super moist wheat zucchini bread
2 c. sugar
1 c. applesauce
3 eggs, beaten
2 medium zucchini (or one large!), grated, unpeeled, pressed in paper towel
3 tsp. vanilla
2 c. whole wheat flour
1 c. white flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
3 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. baking powder

mix sugar, applesauce, eggs, zucchini, and vanilla in a big bowl.
sift together in another bowl, flour, salt, soda, cinnamon and baking powder.
add the dry ingredients into the first bowl, stirring well.
pour in greased loaf pans. bake it at 350 degrees for 45 to 60 minutes.
allow to cool & slice.
(makes 2 full size loaves.)

frozen lemonade pie

frozen lemonade pie (just like BestBites)
1 14 oz. can fat free sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 [8 oz.] tubs fat free/sugar free cool whip
1 can light lemonade frozen concentrate
1 'sleeve' graham crackers, crushed
3 T. butter or margarine, melted
1/4 c. splenda
[opt.] red food coloring

mix graham crackers, splenda and butter to form crust.
fold milk, cool whip and concentrate carefully together until well mixed.
[add 5 red food coloring drops, if desired]
spoon whipped mix over crust.
freeze!

lemon buddies chex mix

lemon buddies chex mix
9 c. rice chex cereal
1 1/4 c. white vanilla baking chips
1/4 c. butter or margarine
4 t. grated lemon peel
2 T. lemon juice
2 c. powdered sugar

microwave chips, butter, lemon peel and juice uncovered on high 1 minute; stir. 

microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth.

pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated.

pour into ziploc bag.

add powdered sugar.

shake until well coated.

spread on waxed paper or foil to cool.

store in airtight container.

[i keep mine in the freezer, it's yummy freezing cold and lasts longer!]

taken from chex.com

buffalo chicken cheeseball

buffalo chicken cheeseball
1 c. chopped, cooked chicken
1 8oz. pkg. cream cheese
1/4 c. crumbled blue cheese
1/4 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
3-4 T. buffalo wing sauce (frank's red hot)
1 med. jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely diced

mix ingredients until well blended.
shape into ball.
roll in shredded monterrey jack cheese, if desired.
serve with celery, crackers or tortilla chips.

machaca street tacos & ranchero beans

machaca street tacos & ranchero beans
tacos
1 1/2 lb. beef roast
1 lg. onion, sliced
7 oz. can green chilies
1 1/2 t. dry mustard
1/2 t. garlic salt/powder
1 t. seasoning salt (Lawry's)
1/2 t. black pepper
1 1/2 c. water
small corn tortillas
opt. garnish:
1 onion, finely diced
1 bunch cilantro, chopped

combine first 8 ingredients in slow cooker.
cook on low 10 hours (or high 6-8 hrs.)
shred meat. drain by the spoonful and serve on warm small, corn tortillas.
top each taco with diced onion & cilantro.

beans
1/2 lb. dry pinto beans
1/2 t. black pepper
1/4 t. onion salt/powder
1/2 t. garlic salt/powder
1 c. salsa
1 t. tabasco sauce
1 t. liquid smoke
1 1/2 c. water

combine all ingredients in slow cooker.
cook on high 8-10 hours.

chocolate chip box cookies

chocolate chip box cookies
1 box yellow cake mix
2 eggs
1/2 c. butter or margarine
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. chocolate chips

mix it all together.
drop it by the spoonful onto cookie sheet.
bake at 375 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes.
pass out by the plateful.

party crunch cake

party crunch cake
6 c. fruity pebbles cereal
1 bag large marshmallows
3 T. butter

melt butter over low heat on stovetop.
add marshmallows and stir until melted.
add cereal. mix well. shape into pan.
let cool, and cut.

delightfully fruity & easy party treat. in honor of my special day today. the big 2-9! woot!

fancy pinto soup





fancy pinto soup

1/2 of a lb. bag of dry black beans

1 lb. bag dry pinto beans, rinsed

1 small onion, diced
1 ham hock (use your leftovers from the easter ham)
8 c. water
1/4 t. garlic salt
1/2 t. pepper

bring a pot of water to a boil, add black beans and simmer for 20 minutes.
drain and rinse well.
warning: (if you skip this part, trying to save time,
like i always do....the whole pot of soup will turn black in the end.
you have to boil the black off the beans first....now, proceed.)
place black beans, pinto beans, onion, and ham hock in crock-pot.
add 8 cups water.
add garlic salt & pepper.
cook on high 8 hours until beans are tender.

serve that with a slice of wheat toast and your easter feast will linger on for days...

bunny bait

this has been all over  Pinterest lately...

bunny bait
3 bags (light butter) microwave popcorn
1 (lb.) bag stick pretzels
1 bag easter color m&m's
handful of springtime candy corn
1 12oz. bag white chocolate chips

mix the popcorn, pretzels, m&m's, and candy corn in a large bowl.
over low heat, melt chocolate chips until smooth.
pour over popcorn mixture, and stir until coated.
spread on waxed paper until hardened.
break into pieces and catch you an easter bunny!

gearing up...

this weekend, we are having a par-tay!
and around here, parties mean food. good food.
so it has been awhile since my last post,
only because i am gearing up to share my take on an easter feast.
it will be worth your wait, i promise.

coconut macaroons

coconut macaroons
1 c. flour
1/2 c. sugar
1 c. light corn syrup
4 c. coconut
2 stiff beaten egg whites

to make them "bird's nests":
[1/4 c. chocolate chips, 1/4 c. butter, and robin's eggs candy]

mix flour & sugar, then gradually add corn syrup & mix until smooth.
in a seperate bowl -beat egg whites until stiff, add coconut.
add coconut mixture to flour mixture.
shape into small balls and use your thumb to push down the center of each cookie.
bake at 375 degrees for 13 minutes.

to make them bird's nests:
[melt chocolate chips & butter over low heat.]
[spread spoonful of chocolate on top of cooled cookie.]
[place two eggs on top.]

no fail peanut butter cookies

no fail peanut butter cookies

1 c. peanut butter

1 c. sugar

1 tsp. baking soda

1 egg, beaten

mix sugar & peanut butter.

add baking soda & egg.

mix well.

roll into small balls.

bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

let everyone think you are a kitchen genius!

chicken wing dip

chicken wing dip
8oz. block of neufchatel cream cheese
1lb. tub of blue cheese crumbles
16oz. tub of fat free sour cream
1 c. frank's red hot wing sauce
4 c. shredded, cooked chicken

in crockpot, mix first four ingrdients until smooth.
add chicken and mix.
cook on low at least 2 hours.
serve warm with celery sticks.

cracker toffee

cracker toffee

40 saltine crackers

1 c. butter or margarine

1 c. brown sugar

1 classic bag hershey's nuggets with almonds, chopped (i use my mini food processor)

(----could also substitute chocolate chips)

place saltines flat on foil/parchment lined sheet pan or casserole(9x13).

in small pan, melt butter & sugar together.

boil for 3 minutes.

pour onto saltines, evenly coat.

bake at 400 degrees for 5-6 minutes.

top with chocolate.

spread evenly as it melts.

cool in fridge until hardened.

break into pieces and devour.

st. patty's day soup

st. patty's day soup:

corned beef & cabbage

2 T. oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 leeks, sliced

4 carrots, sliced

5 medium red potatoes, diced

1 head green cabbage, sliced

2 lb. corned beef (with seasoning packet)

8 cups water

in a large pot, saute garlic, leeks & carrots in oil for 4-5 mins.
trim fat from corned beef.
add water and beef (+ seasoning packet's contents) to pot.
bring to a boil.
cover and reduce heat to low and simmer 3 hours.
remove beef and shred meat.
return it to the pot.
add potatoes & cabbage and simmer for additional 30-45 minutes until tender.

yum. i now love this irish meal.

totally from skinnytaste...i only twisted it a tiny tad

stumped..

between being on a diet,
having children's sports practices every night of my life,
and trying an occassional date night out on the town...
new & exciting [and worthy to share] dinner recipes
are far and few between.
when we have something you would like,
i promise, i'll share.

pizza rolls

pizza rolls

dough:
2 c. cold water
4 c. flour
1 c. wheat flour
1/4 c. sugar
2 T. pwd. milk
2 t. salt
2 t. yeast
1 T. butter or margarine

1 lg. can marinara sauce
8 oz. bag shredded cheesetoppings; pepperoni, sausage, ham/pineapple, etc.

add all dough ingredients in bread machine in order and run on dough cycle.
after cycle is complete (usually 1:30 hrs.) sprinkle counter with corn meal.
 roll dough into thin oval shape.
spread even layer of marinara sauce atop dough.
sprinkle cheese.
add toppings and roll into log shape.
slice into a dozen rolls.
top with additional toppings (if desired), sauce and cheese.
bake at 375 degrees until center rolls are browned and cheese is bubbly.

i debated about letting this recipe out into the world, but it is so just daggum delicious. consider yourself lucky.

mexicorn chowder

mexicorn chowder

2 c. water

2 chicken bullion cubes (or 2 t. granules)

1 can creamed corn

1 can mexicorn (corn w/ peppers)

1 can diced green chilies

3 medium red potatoes, diced

1/2 t. salt

1/4 t. cumin

1/4 t. black pepper

1/2 t. garlic powder

tortilla chips, to garnish

mix all ingredients in slow cooker (crock-pot).

simmer on high 6 hours.

next time, we're adding a spoonful of salsa to our bowls right before we chow.

afterschool snack on a dime. literally.

we all grow up eating our favorite foods and thinking they are totally normal and mainstream.
as i got older, i realized all of the things i loved weren't the same things my friends grew up loving.
still, they are my favorite.
an all-time favorite: cheese bread
here's how it's done...
one slice white, cheap bread (now that i'm a grown-up i like it on cheap wheat bread better.)
+
a handful of grated cheese spread over the entire piece
+
microwave-d for 30 seconds
=
happiness

beans & greens soup

beans & greens soup

5 c. water

1 large can crushed tomatoes

1 pkg (lb.) dry great northern beans

1/2 c. brown rice, uncooked

1/2 c. dehydrated onions

1/4 t. black pepper

1/2 t. garlic salt

1/2 t. dried basil

handful, fresh spinach (opt.)

mix all ingredients in slow cooker (crock-pot) and simmer on high 7-8 hours.

add fresh spinach 20 minutes before serving, if you so desire.

---quicker version---beans & greens soup
3 c. water

1 large can crushed tomatoes

2 cans great northern beans, drained & rinsed

1/2 c. brown rice, cooked

1/2 c. dehydrated onions

1/4 t. black pepper

1/2 t. garlic salt

1/2 t. dried basil

handful, fresh spinach (opt.)

mix all ingredients in slow cooker (crock-pot) and simmer on high 2-3 hours.
add fresh spinach 20 before serving, in you so desire.

sticky bun popping corn

sticky bun popping corn

2 bags natural (or low-butter) microwave popcorn, popped

1 c. brown sugar

1 (sm)t. cinnamon

1/2 c. butter or margarine

1/4 c. light karo syrup (or honey)

1 t. vanilla

1/2 t. baking soda

in microwaveable bow, mix brown sugar & cinnamon.

chop the butter in chunks and evenly place it over sugar mixture.

pour karo syrup/honey over all.

microwave for 30 sec. remove & stir.

microwave 2 minutes. remove & stir.

microwave 2 additional minutes.

remove & add vanilla & baking soda (this is the secret....mixture will foam & rise & get sticky!)

pour the gooey-ness over the popcorn and mix well to coat evenly.

spread on cookie sheet and bake at 250 degrees for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

remove sheet from oven and immediately transfer to wax paper to cool.

what's next?

i've given you some of the most-requested

recipes from my little recipe box.

so, now...

what do you want next?

QUICK.

leave a comment,

then i'll post your request next.

pumpkin cinnamon roll bars

pumpkin cinnamon roll bars
1 15-oz. can pumpkin
4 eggs
1/2 c. oil (or applesauce)
1/2 c. milk
1/2 c. sour cream
1/2 c. butter
3/4 c. brown sugar
1/2 t. cinnamon
1 box instant vanilla pudding mix
1 vanilla cake mix

mix all ingredients, whichever way you want to, all together.
mix until smooth.
pour into jelly roll pan.
bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.
let cool, then frost with cream cheese frosting (but maybe add 2 T. of milk)
cut into bars.

do not forget to lick every single utensil clean, when you're done. it is that good.

luau beans

luau beans

1 lb. ground beef

1 small onion, chopped

1 20-oz. can crushed pineapple, drained

1 large can baked beans

1 can chili beans

1 c. spicy bbq sauce

1 c. ketchup

salt & pepper to taste

brown onion and ground beef in skillet.

transfer to slow cooker, or crock-pot.

add remaining ingredients and stir.

cook on low 6-8 hours.

could be dinner alone or as a side dish. and beans are cheap $.

banana sheet cake

banana sheet cake
1/2 c. butter or margarine
2 eggs
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 c. yogurt
(every single kind you have in your fridge works just fine---this is the secret!!)
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 t. salt
2-6, mashed day-old, bananas

cream butter, eggs, sugar, yogurt, vanilla.

add remaining ingredients and mix well.

bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

frost with cream cheese frosting (and nuts, if ya want)

my 90-year-old grandpa eats more bananas than anyone I know.
and this recipe always reminds me of him.
enjoy it.

sugar cookies

sugar cookies

1 c. shortening
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
3-4 T. milk
4 c. flour
1 t. nutmeg
2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt

cream shortening & sugar.
add eggs & milk. mix well.

in another bowl, mix flour, nutmeg, baking powder, & salt.
add to creamed mixture.

refrigerate half the day.

roll thin and cut into shapes.

bake a 375 degrees for 12 minutes.


optional frosting--

2-3 c. powdered sugar
1 cube butter (1/2 c.), softened
1 t. vanilla
3 T. milk

mix well.

i cannot count the times my Grandma made these cookies.
i love them, my children love them, so will you.
p.s. they are kinda crunchy...yum.

fruit pizzAZ

fruit pizzAZ
1 sugar cookie mix, prepared (or a batch of homemade)
1 8-oz. cream cheese
2-3 c. powdered sugar
1 T. butter or margarine
1 t. vanilla
1 c. blueberries
1 small can mandarin oranges, drained
1 lb. strawberries, hulled & sliced
1 c. diced pineapple

...and a flag, of course.

prepare and bake sugar cookie mixture as directed in a jellyroll pan.
let cool.
in a small bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter & vanilla.
spread on cookie.
top with fruit in pattern of AZ flag.

happy 100th b-day AZ.

lemon heaven cookies

lemon heaven cookies
1 boxed cake mix, lemon flavor
1 tub cool whip
1 egg, beaten
1/2 c. powdered sugar

mix the cake mix, cool whip and egg together until just evenly moistened, (don't overmix)
roll 1/2 inch balls out of dough.
roll in powdered sugar to coat outside evenly.
place on greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 mins.

the mr. calls these lemon spring nuggets....they're the essence of spring at it's finest!

whole wheat pizza

whole wheat pizza

pizza dough:
2 c. water
4 1/2 c. white wheat flour
1/4 c. honey
2 T. dry powdered milk
2 t. salt
2 t. yeast
1 T. butter or margarine

mix well in bosch or bread machine.
let rise until doubled in size.
roll very thin on lightly floured countertop until size of pizza pan.
spread layer of canned spaghetti sauce.
top with reduced fat cheddar/colby jack cheese.
top with favorite toppings.
---like, ham, pineapple, pepperoni (even turkey), olives, onions, chicken,---
bake at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes until crust is brown and cheese is melted.

feeds 8-ish

15 bean and ham soup

15 bean and ham soup

6 c. water
1 package 15 bean mix
2 c. chopped ham
1 28-oz. can diced tomatoes
1 c. sliced carrots
1 c. diced purple onion
1 t. oregano
1 t. basil
1/2 t. black pepper
1/2 t. salt
1 t. liquid smoke (opt.)

combine all ingredients in slow cooker.
cook on high 6 hours.
simmer on low until ready to serve.

...my mr. likes it with hot, fresh, wheat rolls.

scotchies with some oatmeal

scotchies with some oatmeal

1 1/4 c. flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 t. salt

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1 c. butter or margarine

3/4 c. sugar

3/4 c. brown sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

3 c. oats

2 c. butterscotch chips, or 1c. chocolate/1 c. butterscotch, or any dang kind really!!!

mix flour, soda, salt, and cinnamon.

in another bowl, cream butter, sugars, eggs & vanilla.

mix dry into creamed mixture.

stir in oats & chips.

scoop onto greased cookie sheet.

bake at 375 degrees for 9 minutes, just until the edge is light brown.

cool them on sheet for a minute or two, then transfer to wax paper.

feeds 3 dozen-ish

pineapple sheet cake

pineapple sheet cake

cake:

2 c. flour

1 c. sugar

2 tsp. baking soda

1 20-oz. can crushed pineapple in it's own juices

(don't drain)

1 tsp. vanilla

2 eggs, beaten

frosting:

8-oz. cream cheese, soft

1/4 c. butter or margarine

1 3/4 c. powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

p.s. coconut or any nuts on top, is to die for!

preheat oven to 350 degrees.

mix flour, sugar, and baking soda.

add pineapple in juice, vanilla, & eggs.

pour into sheet pan (11x17-in. cookie sheet with sides).

bake for 25 minutes.

**it's gonna look like it's getting too done, but it's not. let it go for 25 minutes exactly. it's the sugars in the pineapple crystalizing that makes it look like it's burnin'! 

while the cake is baking, mix all the frosting ingredients together.

spread over the hot cake (that's the secret) and cut into bars when cool.

feeds 20-ish

cream cheese frosting

cream cheese frosting

8-oz. package cream cheese
1 lb. (3-4c.) powdered sugar
1/4 c. butter or margarine
1 tsp. vanilla

mix well, until smooth.