Saltine Toffee

Sounds weird, but it's very yummy and so easy!  I think it tastes like a Heath Bar. 

Saltine Toffee

1 and 1/2 sleeves Saltine Crackers
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup butter
2 cups chocolate chips
3/4 cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans

Preheat oven 400 degrees.
Line cookie sheets completely with foil (wrap over sides). Spray with non-stick spray.  Lay out Saltines in single layer. Meanwhile melt butter and sugar and bring to a boil, stirring often.  Boil for 3 minutes. Pour over crackers and spread evenly.  Bake for 6 minutes until a light golden color and bubbly.  Remove from oven and sprinkle with chocolate chips.  Let sit for a few minutes till the chocolate melts and spread it around. Top with nuts.  Cool completely and break into pieces.  This process takes a few hours, so you can put it in the fridge to speed things up, if needed. 

Recipe from Creations by Kara

White Chocolate Dipped Gingersnaps

I have been in a baking frenzy lately! I love this time of year! I got this cookie recipe from this blog and they are so delicious and pretty too! You must try them!

1 cup oil
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup molasses
4 1/4 cups flour
4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 Tbsp ginger
2 tsp cinnamon
Sugar
3 cups white chocolate chips (I used one bag and it dipped most of them)
3 Tbsp oil or shortening (use less if you only use one bag)

Beat oil, sugar, eggs, and molasses. Stir in dry ingredients. Roll dough into small balls and roll in sugar. Bake on lightly greased cookie sheets at 350 for about 7 minutes. Cool completely.

Combine chips and oil in a small glass bowl. Microwave at 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Dip cookies half way into the white chocolate and lay on waxed paper till set.

Notes:
-The 2 tablespoons of ginger is not a mistake. It's what makes them really good. The spiciness is a perfect balance for the white chocolate, trust me!

-When you get to the last of the cookies, it will be hard to dip them. You can just spread the chocolate over the top of them, kind of like frosting.

Brent’s Brownies

-submitted by Brent Halling (Katie’s husband) Brent used to make these for us a lot while they still lived near us. He made this recipe up. It's really very good.

1 stick melted butter

1 C sugar

1 t vanilla

Mix together.

Mix in 2 eggs, ½ C flour, 2/3 C cocoa, ¼ t baking powder, ¼ t salt, 1 package of sugarfree chocolate pudding, 1-2 T vegetable oil, ¼ C (approximately) milk. Spread in 9 inch pan, sprinkle with chocolate chips, and bake 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven when it starts to pull away from pan. Be careful not to overbake.

My favorite drink

Satan's Concoction

My friend had been telling me about these for a long time and after I finally tried it--I am OBSESSED! I didn't know that Satan was such a good cook! Perfect treat while watching a fun movie!

2 cups Rice Chex
2 cups Cheerios
2 cups Nutter Butter Bites
1 bag Peanut M&M's
1 bag White Chocolate Chips

This is all I put in mine, but you can add anything, you'll just need another bag of chips. Pretzels, peanuts, Teddy Grahams, etc.

Mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl. Melt white chocolate chips according to package directions. Pour melted chocolate over dry mixture and stir carefully until completely coated. Spray a cookie sheet and spread mixture out in a single layer until dry.

This is a MUST try!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

This is an old recipe that is so easy and delicious! I also like to double it and make muffins!

1 Spice Cake Mix (just the dry mix)
1 15oz. can of pumpkin
1 bag chocolate chips

Mix together and drop on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes, depending on how big you made them.

Britt's Crock Pot Soup

I crave soup in the Fall and this recipe is a great tasting soup that's very easy!

2 cans Tomato Soup
1 can water
Carrots, chopped (however many you want)
3-4 potatoes, diced (however many you want)
1/2 - 1lb. browned and seasoned hamburger or sausage (I like sausage)
chopped onion or dehydrated onion
Salt and Pepper
Garlic Salt
I also sprinkle some Italian Seasoning in

Mix in crock pot and cook on low all day or on high for a few hours if your short on time.

Cinnamon Hot Chocolate Mix

It's snowing here today and that gets me in the mood for Hot Chocolate! I love this recipe; it has a touch of cinnamon that makes it taste so good! Top it with whip cream or marshmallows and enjoy!

1 oz. box powdered milk
16 oz. jar powdered creamer
16 oz. Nestles Quik
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Mix ingredients together in a large airtight container.

For one serving: Mix 1/3 cup dry mixture with 2/3 cup hot water

GUACAMOLE DIP

2 Medium avocados,peeled,pitted and mashed.
1/4 Cup PHILADELPHIA cream cheese spread
1/4 cup finely chopped tomatoes
2 Tbsp. finely chopped onion
2 Tbsp Lime Juice
1 clove garlic,minced
1/8 tsp. salt
Dash of black pepper

Yummy Peach Muffins

I love anything with peaches in it. These muffins are so moist and delicious and perfect to eat warm from the oven. And you better believe that I do the "optional" part!

1 1/2 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. salt
2 1/4 cups flour
1 1/2 cups slightly mashed peaches, fresh or bottled
1/2 cup chopped nuts
Cinnamon-sugar mixture
Butter (optional)

Combine sugar, oil and egg in a large mixing bowl. In another bowl, mix sour cream, salt, vanilla, and soda. Add the sour cream mixture to the sugar mixture and slowly blend in the flour. Do not over mix. Fold in peaches and nuts. Pour into medium muffin cups and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture. Optional: Dot each muffin with a small bit of butter before baking. Bake at 325 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

Notes-

-These taste best the first day, after that they get a little soggy! Don't get me wrong they are still delicious....just a little soft!

-I always heat up any leftovers for a few seconds in the microwave. They are best warm!

Cowboy Salsa

2 cans white corn
2 cans black eyed peas (by the beans)
6 Roma tomatoes, diced
2 avocados, diced
1 bunch chopped cilantro
2 Italian Seasoning/dressing mix (make according to package directions)

Mix together and store in fridge. Serve with tortilla chips. This recipe makes a lot, you can easily half it for a smaller crowd.

***Recipe from Janiel

Special K Cookies

These cookies are SO darn good! I usually make them at Christmas and put them on a plate with different goodies. When I make them I literally can not stop eating them!

2 cubes BUTTER, not margarine
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups mini marshmallows
Stir together until melted. Boil 2 minutes, no more! Then add:
3/4 cup chopped pecans
4 cups Special K cereal
Mix well and drop by teaspoon onto wax paper. Let cool and eat up!

***Recipe from Grandma S.

Mom's Zucchini Bread

3 eggs
1 cup oil
2 teaspoons vanilla

Mix together; then slowly add the following:

1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
3 teaspoon cinnamon
2 cups sugar
3 cups flour
1/2 cup nuts
2 cups grated zucchini

Grease two bread pans and divide batter evenly. Bake for 60-70 minutes at 350 degrees. I always keep one loaf to eat now and freeze the other loaf for later.

Chandi's Apple Dip

16 oz. softened cream cheese
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 package Heath chips (found by chocolate chips)
Sliced apples

Mix together and enjoy!

Toll House Cookie Bar

Whenever I feel like chocolate chip cookies, but I don't have the time to make cookies, I make these:

1 cup shortening
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. hot water
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix together and add:

2 cups flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. soda
2 cups oatmeal
1 cup coconut
1 cup nuts
1/2 - 1 package chocolate chips

Mix well. Spray 9x13 pan and bake for 15-20 minutes at 375 degrees.

Daisy Cupcakes

For Katelyn's birthday, I made daisy cupcakes. They were a cinch to make and looked really cute on a cupcake stand.

Make your cupcakes however you normally would. I used a chocolate cake mix to make it look like dirt. When completely cool, frost them. I used white frosting with green food coloring.

Now for the petals...take a large marshmallow and cut it into thirds with sharp kitchen scissors. Put the marshmallows sticky side up and sprinkle with sprinkles. Whatever kind you like. I think the Non Pareils look the best, but that's just my opinion.

Now, put a yellow DOT gumdrop candy in the center of the cupcake for the center and arrange the petals around it. You can use four or five petals. Either way looks good. Now you're done and have an easy and cute party treat!

King Cake

I made this cake for Alex's 2nd birthday, since his birthday is close to Marti Gras. My old college roommate (who's from Louisiana) made this for us one year, and I loved it! Alex's cake turned out pretty good, but I undercooked it a little. It was a little doughy. But it's fun to make. Be sure to include the baby!

King Cake

• 2 envelopes active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 5 large egg yolks, at room temperature
• 4 1/2 cups bleached all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1 pound cream cheese, at room temperature
• 4 cups confectioner's sugar
• 1 plastic king cake baby or a pecan half
• 5 tablespoons milk, at room temperature
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Purple-, green-, and gold-tinted sugar sprinkles

Combine the yeast and granulated sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Add the melted butter and warm milk. Beat at low speed for 1 minute. With the mixer running, add the egg yolks, then beat for 1 minute at medium-low speed. Add the flour, salt, nutmeg, and lemon zest and beat until everything is incorporated. Increase the speed to high and beat until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl, forms a ball, and starts to climb up the dough hook. If the dough is uncooperative in coming together, add a bit of warm water (110 degrees), a tablespoon at a time, until it does.

Remove the dough from the bowl. Using your hands, form the dough into a smooth ball. Lightly oil a bowl with the vegetable oil. Place the dough in the bowl and turn it to oil all sides. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 2 hours.

Meanwhile, make the filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and 1 cup of the confectioner's sugar. Blend by hand or with an electric mixer on low speed. Set aside.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Using your fingers, pat it out into a rectangle about 30 inches long and 6 inches wide.

Spread the filling lengthwise over the bottom half of the dough, then flip the top half of the dough over the filling. Seal the edges, pinching the dough together. Shape the dough into a cylinder and place it on the prepared baking sheet seam side down. Shape the dough into a ring and pinch the ends together so there isn't a seam. Insert the king cake baby or pecan half into the ring from the bottom so that it is completely hidden by the dough.

Cover the ring with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and place in a warm, draft-free place. Let the dough rise until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F.

Brush the top of the risen cake with 2 tablespoons of the milk. Bake until golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.

Make the icing. Combine the remaining 3 tablespoons milk, the lemon juice, and the remaining 3 cups confectioner's sugar in medium-size mixing bowl. Stir to blend well. With a rubber spatula, spread the icing evenly over the top of the cake. Sprinkle with the sugar crystals, alternating colors around the cake.

The cake is traditionally cut into 2-inch-thick slices with all the guests in attendance.

Cheesy Chicken and Biscuits

I love this recipe during the fall and winter. It's one of those "comfort foods" that I crave when the weather is getting colder. It's also really easy and quick to make.

1 can Cream of Chicken soup

3/4 cup evaporated milk

1 1/2 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1- 10-12oz. bag frozen peas and carrots (I used mixed with corn, beans, peas and carrots)

2 cups cooked, chopped chicken

1 tube refrigerator biscuits

Combine soup, milk and cheese. Cook over medium low heat until cheese melts. Add frozen veggies and chicken and cook till hot and bubbly. Serve over hot biscuits.

(This is a great freezer recipe. To freeze- Remove mixture from stove and add frozen veggies and chicken. Allow to cool. Place in freezer bag and freeze.)

Super Scones

We made these at YW's tonight and they were delicious!

2 Tbsp. instant potatoes or 1/2 cup mashed potatoes

1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup honey

2 1/2 cup milk

5 cup flour

1 tsp. salt

1 Tbsp. dry yeast

1 tsp. sugar

3 eggs

Mix potatoes, honey and oil together. Add milk, flour mixed with yeast, salt and sugar. Beat well. Add eggs and more flour as needed to make a soft dough. Let rise for 2 hours. Fry in hot oil until light brown. Top with honey butter.

Honey Butter:

1 square butter, beaten until white and add 1/2 cup honey

***Recipe from Kathy E.

Good Grape Salad

Soooooo good and soooooo easy!

1 pound seedless green grapes
1 pound seedless red grapes
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow creme
about 1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 (6 ounce) package sliced or slivered almonds

1. Wash grapes in a colander under running water and remove all stems. Place in a large bowl.

2. In a separate bowl, mix together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla and marshmallow creme until smooth and creamy. Pour the mixture over the grapes. Using a rubber spatula or large serving spoon, fold the mixture into the grapes until well coated. Fold in the almonds and chill for at least one hour.

Creamy Chicken Lasagna

This is such a good and different lasagna recipe. It's always a hit! I double it if I'm making it for a crowd and put it in a 9x13 inch pan.

2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded

6 uncooked lasagna noodles

1 cube chicken bouillon

1/4 cup HOT water

1 8oz. cream cheese, softened

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 26oz. jar spaghetti sauce

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook noodles for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water and set aside.

2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Dissolve the bouillon cube in hot water. In a large bowl, mix the chicken with the bouillon, cream cheese, and 1 cup mozzarella cheese.

3. Spread 1/3 of the spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a 9 in square baking dish. Cover with half of the chicken mixture and top with 3 lasagna noodles; repeat. Top with remaining sauce and sprinkle with remaining cheese.

4. Bake for 45 minutes and enjoy!

Raspberrry Pretzel Dessert or Salad

This dish always gets so many compliments! It looks really pretty too!

2 cups mashed pretzels
1/2 cup melted butter
2 Tablespoons sugar
8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
1 cup sugar
9 oz. Cool Whip
1 6 oz. Raspberry Jello
10-16 oz. bag frozen berries (I use raspberries)
1 3/4 cup boiling water

In a 9x13 glass pan, mix mashed pretzels, butter and 2 T. sugar together until well blended. Press down and cook for 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Let cool completely. Mix cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and Cool Whip until well blended. Frost over the pretzel, making sure to cover all the edges so the Jello layer doesn't seep into the crust. Put in freezer to chill. Dissolve Jello in boiling water, add frozen berries. Pour on top of cream cheese layer and spread. Cover and refrigerate until Jello is set or overnight for best results.

Linguine with chicken, herbs and sun-dried tomato

This is Tara's recipe, but since she never posts, I'll do it for her! This is the yummiest pasta dish ever!

(Picture by Mindy)

1 lb linguine

2 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped (can be cooked earlier)

1/2 cup olive oil

4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil OR 2 tsp dried basil

1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes

1/2 cup fresh parsley, coarsely chopped (optional)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

1 avocado, chopped

salt and pepper to taste

1. Boil linguine 10-12 minutes until al dente.

2. In another saucepan, heat chicken through (if cooked earlier) with some garlic salt and lemon pepper. Set aside.

3. Heat olive oil in same saucepan on medium heat. Add garlic and basil and saute for about 10 seconds. Add tomatoes and saute for about 3 minutes. Be careful not to burn tomatoes. Add salt and pepper.

4. Drain pasta and place in a large bowl and toss with the warm sauce. Add chicken and avocado as well as other optional ingredients.

Mexican Macaroni Bake

This recipe was so good that I had three helpings! We loved it!

1 lb. hamburger, browned and drained
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup salsa
15 oz. corn, drained
8 oz. macaroni noodles, cooked and drained
Shredded cheese

Cook hamburger and add the taco seasoning and salsa. After simmering a few minutes, add the corn. Cook the macaroni. Add the macaroni to the mixture and mix well. Pour into a large casserole dish and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. May serve with sour cream and chips and salsa. Enjoy!

Orange Fluffy Salad

1 8 oz. Cool Whip
1 small pkg. orange Jell-O
1 8 oz. carton cottage cheese
1 11 oz. can mandarin oranges, drained

Thaw Cool Whip. Add dry Jell-O and mix until Jell-O is dissolved. Mix in cottage cheese until well blended. Carefully stir in oranges. Best if chilled for several hours or overnight before serving.

Poppy Seed Salad

Back in the good old days when I used to have a lot of "Girl's Night Out's", we would always have my friend Carly bring this yummy salad! It is SO good!

1 bag baby spinach
1 head lettuce
1 red onion, sliced and put on top of the salad or chopped and put in the salad
1/2 lb. sliced mushrooms
1/2 lb. swiss cheese, cut into small cubes
1/2 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled

Dressing:

1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup rice vinegar
3/4 cup corn oil
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon grated onion
3/4 teaspoon poppyseeds
1/2 teaspoon mustard

Mix salad ingredients and put dressing on just before serving.

Tip from Carly: The dressing is best if made the night before.

***Recipe from Carly

Honey Mustard Chicken

Here is a good and easy chicken recipe.

1/3 cup melted butter
1/3 cup honey
2 Tablespoons mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
Chicken breasts

Mix together and pour over chicken. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Chocolate Eclair Cake

A fun and different dessert!

1 lb box of graham crackers
2 small packages instant vanilla pudding
1 9 oz. whipped topping
3 1/2 cups milk
Chocolate frosting- make your own or from a can

Line bottom of a 9 x 13 pan with graham crackers. Mix pudding and milk. Beat at medium speed for 3 minutes. Blend in whipped topping. Pour half of pudding mixture over the graham cracker layer. Put second layer of crackers over pudding. Pour remaining pudding over top and layer with a third layer of crackers. Don't frost until cake is cold. Refrigerate at least 3 hours before serving.

Lickety Split Brown Sugar Muffins

We loved these muffins growing up!

1 cup brown sugar
1 cup milk
2 cups flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 egg
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup nuts (optional)

Beat all ingredients together until mixed well. Pour into muffin cups filling about 2/3 full. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

Chicken Tetrazzini

This recipe is totally fattening, but totally worth it!

1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 cup chicken broth
1 pkg. spaghetti, cooked and drained
2 cups cubed chicken or turkey
1 can sliced mushrooms, drained
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup whipping cream

Melt butter in large saucepan over low heat, add flour and stir until mixture is smooth and bubbly. Remove from heat. Stir in salt, pepper, broth and cream. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir one minute. Stir in spaghetti, chicken and mushrooms. Pour into ungreased 2 quart casserole dish. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until bubbly.

Chicken Pillows

Very good and very easy!

8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
2 Tbsp. margarine
2 Tbsp. milk
2 cups cooked and chopped chicken
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
2 packages crescent rolls
Bread crumbs
Cream of Chicken soup (optional)

Combine cream cheese, margarine, chicken, salt, pepper and milk. Place one tablespoon of mixture in each crescent roll and roll up. Roll each pillow in melted butter and then in bread crumbs. Place on baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. (Make sure you cook them long enough or it will be doughy) Serve with heated cream of chicken soup as the gravy.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

I love Sweet and Sour Chicken from Chinese restaurants and I think this recipe is as good, if not better than getting take out.

3/4 to 1 cup sugar
1/2 cup vinegar
1/4 cup pineapple juice
3 to 4 Tbsp. soy sauce
1/2 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. cornstarch (to make sauce desired thickness)
Garlic salt
2 large chicken breasts
2 beaten eggs

Cut chicken into bite size pieces. Salt chicken with garlic salt and dip in beaten eggs. Shake chicken in a bag with flour and fry chicken in a little oil until golden brown. Combine remaining ingredients and heat to boiling. Pour over chicken in a 9x13 glass baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour, turning chicken once. Serve hot over rice.

(I double the liquid ingredients when I make this.)

Chicken Tortilla Casserole

I found this on a recipe blog, but I can't remember where. It was really easy and very good! The green chiles add the perfect amount of spice--however, if you want to be extra safe, only add half the can.

1-2 cups Chicken breast, cooked and cubed
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
1 cup Sour Cream
1 can Diced Green Chiles
grated Cheddar Cheese, divided
4-6 flour Tortillas, torn into pieces

Mix ingredients together, except tortillas. In an 8x8 pan, layer tortilla pieces, chicken mixture, tortilla pieces, chicken mixture. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Top with more cheese and bake 5 minutes.

Garlic Chicken Alfredo Pizza

Very yummy pizza recipe!
1/2 jar Garlic Alfredo sauce
2 cups Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
1-2 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
Cooked broccoli florets
Minced garlic
Olive oil
1 pizza crust (I used a Pillsbury Pizza Crust that comes in a can)

Cook chicken in 1 Tbsp olive oil and 2 tsp. garlic. Flavor with your favorite seasonings. Bake pizza crust according to directions on package. Take out crust and spread with Alfredo sauce. Add the cooked chicken and broccoli. Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese as desired. Return to oven until cheese is melted and crust is cooked through.

**Next time I make this, I'm going to puree fresh spinach and put it on after the sauce. An easy way to add more vegetables!

Island Cookies

This is one of my favorite cookie recipes...

1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 pkg (11.5-oz.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Milk Chocolate Morsels
1 cup flaked coconut, toasted if desired
1 cup chopped walnuts (I used pecans)

1. PREHEAT oven to 375° F.
2. COMBINE flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a small bowl. Beat butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl until creamy. Beat in egg. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels, coconut and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.
3. BAKE for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
4. NOTE: NESTLÉ TOLL HOUSE Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels, Semi-Sweet Chocolate Mini Morsels, Semi-Sweet Chocolate-Covered Raisins, Premier White Morsels or Butterscotch Flavored Morsels may be substituted for the Milk Chocolate Morsels.

***Recipe from Nestle's Toll House Cookie Cookbook

Green Beans and Mushrooms

This is the yummiest side dish!

3 (9 oz.) packages frozen cut green beans
3 green onions, finely chopped
1/4 cup butter
1 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 teaspoon salt

Cook green beans according to package directions. Drain. In a separate saucepan saute onions in butter until transparent. Add mushrooms and continue cooking until tender. Combine with green beans. Salt to taste. Serves 8.

**Recipe from Dad

Tator Tot Casserole

I have never made this before yesterday, but it was surprisingly good and very kid-friendly. Not that I have to worry about that. Landon will eat anything!

1 can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)

1 can milk

1 lb. hamburger, cooked and drained

2 cups cheese

Tator tots

Green beans (optional)

Salt, Pepper, Onion

Spread cooked hamburger in 9x13 casserole dish. Mix with the soup and milk and season with salt, pepper and minced onion. Add green beens. Cover with 1 cup of shredded cheese. Add tator tots in rows, side by side. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Return to oven for five more minutes.

Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

I don't even like this kind of cookie, unless it's this recipe...they are so moist and better the next day.

1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk

3/4 cup peanut butter

2 cups Bisquick

1 teaspoon vanilla

Hershey Kisses

Roll in balls and then in sugar. Bake for 7 minutes at 375 degrees. Remove and press down kiss in center and return to over for 1 minute.

Swedish Pancakes

Landon loves these! He calls them "Roll Up Pancakes" and wants me to make them ALL the time!




In blender mix:
3 eggs
1 1/4 cup milk

Add:
3/4 cup flour
1 Tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt

Blend together. Butter frying pan or griddle and cook over medium heat. Flip over when edges start to look dry. Sprinkle with sugar or jam and roll up.

Chinese Chicken

This is one of my favorite chicken recipes. I've been making this since junior high!

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup margarine

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup water

1/2 teaspoon mustard powder

4-6 chicken breasts

Combine ingredients and cook together for 5 minutes on medium heat. Cool slightly, pour over chicken breasts and cook for 1 hour at 350 degrees. Serve chicken over rice and drizzle with remaining sauce.

***Recipe from Janiel

Asian Noodle Bowl

I made this the other day and it was YUMMY! I marinated my chicken in teriyaki sauce and some of the salad dressing before cooking it. It was delicious! The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of dressing, but I used a lot more. I also used the light dressing.

8 oz. linguine, uncooked
3 cups broccoli florets
2 cups carrots, sliced
1 lb. beef sirloin steak strips, chicken breast chunks, or pork
1/4 cup or more Kraft Asian Toasted Sesame Dressing
1 Tablespoon teriyaki sauce

Cook pasta as directed on package, adding the vegetables to the boiling water the last 3-4 minutes of the pasta cooking time.

Meanwhile, heat oil in large nonstick skillet. Add meat and cook until no longer pink and cooked through. Stir in dressing and teriyaki sauce; cook 2 minutes or until until sauce is thickened, stirring occasionally.

Drain pasta mixture; place in large serving bowl. Add meat mixture; toss to coat.

Makes 4 servings, 2 cups each.

Mexican Soup

Another one of Ali's recipes. Sooooo good.

1 1/2 pound chicken (cooked and cut up)
1/2 C chopped onion
1-2 garlic cloves
2 chicken bullion cubes
1 C hot water
2 C half and half
2 can cream style corn
1 can diced green chiles
4 t Tabasco sauce
1 t cumin
3 T butter

Cook on low for one hour. Add 1 cut up tomato, chopped fresh cilantro, shredded Monterrey Jack cheese. Cook until cheese is melted. Serve with chips, sour cream and avocado.

Asian Chicken Salad

This one's actually Ali's recipe (and I think she got it from Channing). It's so yummy! It calls for a few uncommon ingredients, but once you buy them, you can make this salad over and over. You'll love it, I promise!

1 chicken breast
2 carrots, julienned
1 Gala apple
1/2 red bell pepper, cut into strips
1/2 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
1/2 head romaine lettuce, chopped
1/2 cup peanut oil
3 T creamy peanut butter
2 T rice vinegar
1 T soy sauce
2 t brown sugar
1 t peeled, minced ginger root
1 t Asian chili paste
1/2 C canned fried chow mein noodles
1/4 C dry roasted peanuts, chopped
1 green onion, diced

Boil chicken breast 20 minutes. Combine carrots, apple, peppers, and lettuce in a large bowl. Shred chicken, add to salad. Combine peanut oil, peanut butter, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and chili paste in small bowl. Whisk until smooth.

Add chow mein noodles and dressing to salad; toss. Sprinkle with peanuts and green onions.

Shortcut Stroganoff

1 Tablespoon oil

1 lb. boneless beef steak strips

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 can beef broth

1 cup water

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

3 cups uncooked egg noodles

1/2 cup sour cream

Heat oil in skillet. Add beef and cook until juices evaporate. Add soup, broth, water, Worcestershire sauce and pasta. Heat to a boil. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, for 15 minutes or until noodles are soft. Add sour cream and heat through.

"Washing Machine Cookies" (A family favorite!)

My grandpa used to fix washing machines when my dad was a kid. Once he was fixing a lady's washing machine and she gave him one of these cookies. He loved it and asked for the recipe. They've been called "Washing Machine Cookies" ever since.



Boil together for one minute:
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup margarine
1/2 cup milk

Remove from heat and add:
5 tablespoons cocoa
1 cup nuts
1 cup coconut
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups oatmeal

Mix well and drop into balls on wax paper. Allow to cool. We like them best cold with a big glass of milk!

Rolo Cookies

1 Devil's Food cake mix

2 eggs

1/3 cup oil

1 pkg. Rolo's (unwrapped)

Mix cake mix, eggs and oil together with wooden spoon. Place 1 teaspoon of dough in your hand and flatten. Place one Rolo in center and roll into a ball. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 7-9 minutes at 350 degrees. Sprinkle with powdered sugar when cooled. I think they taste best the same day.

Chicken Taco Soup

2-3 frozen chicken breasts

1 large can diced tomatoes

1 cup salsa

1 packet taco seasoning

1 can Cream of Chicken soup

1 can mild green chilis

1 can black beans, drained

Add everything to crock pot and cook on low for 8 hours. Remove chicken after 8 hours and shred. Return chicken to soup mixture. Serve with cheese, sour cream and tortilla chips.

Mint Brownies

These are my favorite brownies! They also freeze well, so you don't have to eat the whole pan all at once!

Brownies:
1 ½ cup sugar
¾ cup butter (don’t use margarine), softened
6 eggs, beaten
24 oz. bottle of Hershey’s Syrup
2 tsp. vanilla
1 ½ cup flour
¾ tsp. salt

Mix sugar and butter together, then add everything else and mix well. Spread in sprayed jelly roll pan and bake at 350 degrees for 28-30 minutes. Cool completely.

Mint Frosting:
3 cups powdered sugar
¾ cup butter (don’t use margarine)
3 T. water
1 ¼ tsp. mint extract (not peppermint)
6 drops of red or green food coloring

Mix together and spread on cooled brownies. Put brownies in the fridge for at least an hour (till the frosting doesn’t shine anymore), then put on the top chocolate layer. Keep brownies in fridge until about 30 minutes before you serve them. Cut after 30 minutes, so the top layer doesn’t crack. They test best if you make them a day in advance.

Top Chocolate Layer:
12 oz. bag semi sweet chocolate chips
1 cube butter
Melt together in microwave, stirring every 30 seconds.

**Recipe from Grandma S.

Pumpkin Squares

Here you go Sis, they are yummy!

16 oz. can pumpkin

2 cups sugar

1 cup veg. oil

4 eggs, slightly beaten

2 cups flour

2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. salt

Beat pumpkin, sugar and oil together. Add egg, mix well. Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; add to pumpkin mixture and beat until well blended. Pour into greased 15 x 10 x 1 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 - 30 minutes. Cool.

Frosting:

5 oz. cream cheese (softened)
5 T. butter or margarine (softened)
1 tsp. vanilla
1 3/4 cup or more powdered sugar
3-4 tsp. milk

Beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla in mixing bowl until smooth. Gradually add sugar and mix well. Add milk until desired consistency. Frost and sprinkle with chopped nuts, if desired.

New York Style Cheesecake (The best cheesecake ever!)

2- 8 oz. cream cheese (softened to room temp)

3/4 Cup sugar

1 Tablespoon flour

2 teaspoons vanilla

1/2 cup sour cream

3 egg whites (beaten)

Graham cracker crust

Blend first four ingredients, then blend in sour cream. Add each beaten egg white, one at a time. Pour into crust and bake at 325 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes or until the center doesn't wiggle anymore. Cool for five minutes and refrigerate for 3 hours before serving. Top with your favorite topping and enjoy!