M&M Sugar Cookies

These cookies are so delicious! One of my favorite cookies and the kids LOVE them!

M&M Sugar Cookies

1 C butter, softened

1 1/2 C sugar

2 eggs

1 1/2 t vanilla

3 C flour

2 t baking powder

1 t baking soda

2 t cream of tartar

dash of salt

1 medium bag (12 oz) M&M's

1. In a stand mixer, or with hand held beaters cream the butter and sugar for about 3 minutes, or until fluffy.

2. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix for 2 more minutes.

3. In a separate small mixing bowl combine all dry ingredients. Add to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.

4. Pour in your M&M's and mix just until combined. Don't mix too long or you will crush your M&M's!

5. Form into round balls (about 2 inches in size) and lay onto a cookie sheet. I like to smash the dough down just a little bit with the palm of my hand.

6. Bake at 350 for 8 minutes or until you see the cookies start to crack. Take them out of the oven and let them finish cooking on the hot sheet for about 5 minutes.

7. Remove from the cookie sheet onto a wire rack to finish cooling.

Cajun Chicken Pasta

I love Chili's Cajun Chicken Pasta...so when I came across this recipe, I knew I had to try it! We loved it! So good and really it's easy. Just don't put on too much Cajun seasoning if you're feeding it to your small children. Mine are pretty good with spicy food, but I put on too much this time and they didn't love it.

Cajun Chicken Pasta

2 chicken breasts, seasoned with Cajun and grilled
1/2 lb. Penne pasta
1 jar Alfredo sauce
Cajun seasoning
2 Roma tomatoes, diced
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Season and grill your chicken breasts till done. While chicken is cooking, boil your noodles according to package directions. When the noodles are cooked, drain and put back in pot. Pour the Alfredo sauce in and mix together. I added a little Cajun to the noodle mixture, but once again, be careful if you're feeding your kidlets. Put a scoop of noodles on each plate and top with sliced chicken strips, chopped tomatoes and Parmesan cheese.

Oatmeal Carmelitas

I think this is my new favorite dessert and I have a lot of favorite desserts! Mmmmmm....just typing the recipe makes me crave them!

Oatmeal Carmelitas

2 cups flour
2 cups oatmeal
1 1/2 cup brown sugar
2 cups chocolate chips
1 jar caramel topping (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cup butter, melted
4 T. flour
1 cup pecans

Mix flour, oatmeal, sugar, baking soda, salt and butter together. Press half of mixture into greased pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Remove from oven. Sprinkle crust with chopped pecans and chocolate chips. Blend 4 T. flour with caramel topping. Drizzle over chocolate chips and nuts. Sprinkle with the rest of the oatmeal mixture. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

The BEST Dutch Oven Potatoes

We've been having fun experimenting with our dutch oven cooking skills this summer. I think we found the BEST potato recipe out there! They were delicious!!!

Dutch Oven Potatoes

1 pkg. bacon, cut into fourths
10-12 large potatoes (scrubbed, rinsed, and sliced into circles)
Seasoning Salt
1 Tbsp. garlic powder
1 can cream of chicken
3-4 c. shredded cheddar cheese

When the dutch oven is good and hot add the bacon and heat until fully cooked. Drain about half of the bacon grease then add the potatoes. stir in about 3 Tbsp. of the seasoning salt (or to taste) and all of the garlic powder. Cover and cook about 30 minutes stirring occasionally (or until potatoes are no longer crunchy, but do NOT overcook). Add cream of chicken. When the cream of chicken is evenly distributed and hot, add cheese. When cheese is melted, remove from heat and serve. Delicious with Ranch dressing!

Play dough

The other day the kids wanted to play with play dough, but when we got it out the dough was getting dry and old, so we whipped up a couple new batches. So easy!

Play dough

1 C. Water
2 Tbsp. Oil
1/2 tsp. Salt
1 C. Flour
2 tsp. Cream of Tarter
Food coloring---a few drops

Combine all ingredients over medium heat until it starts to pull away from the pan and stick into a ball. Keep in a Ziploc bag for re-use over and over.

Best Baked Beans

I got this recipe from a ward cookbook. The lady who submitted it is a fabulous cook so I knew they would be good and they were! Perfect for your next BBQ.

Best Baked Beans

1 large can pork and beans or 2 small cans
1 cup crushed pineapple
1 onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 lb. bacon, cooked and chopped

Combine and bake at 350 degrees for 2 hours. I cooked them in my crockpot on medium for about 3 hours. Delicious!

(I would double the recipe for a large crowd)

Churro Cake

I found this recipe in blogland somewhere and thought it sounded good and different. It wasn't just good, it was AMAZING! I can't wait to make it again!

Churro Cake

1 yellow cake mix
1 cup sour cream
4 eggs
1 small instant vanilla pudding
1/4 cup oil
3/4 cup water
3 Tbsp. flour

Mix all ingredients together until the batter is fully mixed and no longer lumpy. HEAVILY grease bundt pan. Mix 1 1/2 cup sugar with cinnamon (I don't have a measurement, just until it looks like you'd want to put it on your toast). Pour about 1/4 cup of cinnamon and sugar mixture into the bundt pan. Move it around until the pan is coated in the mixture. Pour 1/3 of the batter in the pan. Add a thick layer of the cinnamon and sugar mixture. Pour 1/3 of the batter in the pan . Add another thick layer of the cinnamon and sugar mixture. Pour the last of the cake batter into the pan. Add another thick layer of the cinnamon and sugar mixture to the top of the cake. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes.

Creamy Strawberry Salad

I'm always looking for new salad recipes to try. This is a keeper and the kids gobbled it up!

Creamy Strawberry Salad

1 small package strawberry jello
1 small package COOK AND SERVE vanilla pudding (not instant)
2 cups water
sliced strawberries
Cool Whip

Mix jello, pudding and water in saucepan over medium-low heat. Mixture will begin to thicken. Bring to a boil and boil for one minute. Set mixture in fridge a few hours or overnight until it's set and cool. (I was short on time and put it in the freezer for a few hours) Whip in Cool Whip until mixed and creamy. Stir in sliced strawberries.

You can change this recipe to use other fruits. Just change the jello flavor and fruit. For example, orange jello and mandarin oranges, or raspberry jello and raspberries, or even peach jello and peaches.

Crock pot Chicken Cordon Bleu

I came across this recipe and it was so easy that I had to give it a try. The results were fabulous! I will definitely put this in the rotation at my house. It's also a perfect summer recipe since you can make it in the crock pot.

Crock pot Chicken Cordon Bleu

3-4 frozen chicken breasts (my crock pot only fit 3 large breasts)
deli sliced ham
sliced Swiss cheese
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 box stuffing, made according to directions

Place chicken in crock pot. Next layer each chicken breast with ham and sliced cheese. Pour soup over all the chicken and top with stuffing. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Orange Creamsicle Salad

This salad tastes just like those creamsicle pops! Yummy!

Orange Creamsicle Salad
1 small box tapioca pudding
1 small box orange jello
1 small box instant vanilla pudding
4-6 oz Cool Whip
1 large can mandarin oranges, drained

Boil 3 cups of water. Add both jello's and pudding and stir until mixed well. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours. Stir in oranges and Cool Whip and refrigerate for 2-3 more hours.

Strawberry Dessert Pizza

I tried this recipe a few weeks ago and it was really good. Perfect summer recipe. I'll be making it again soon!

Strawberry Pizza

6 Tbsp butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp almond extract
1 1/4 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Cream butter and sugar. Beat in egg and vanilla. Stir in dry ingredients. Cover and chill for at least one hour. Roll or pat out onto a pizza pan or if you don't have one, use a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes or till lightly browned. Cool completely.

Filling:
4 cups sliced strawberries
1 cup sugar
2 Tbsp cornstarch

8 oz cream cheese
1/2 - 3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Combine berries and 1 cup sugar. Let sit at room temperature for 1/2 hours or until sugar is completely dissolved and turned to juice. Drain all the juice from the berries into a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk the cornstarch into the liquid. Whisk until smooth. Bring to a boil and stir constantly. Boil until thickened. It will around 2-5 minutes to thicken. Cool and fold in the strawberries.

Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla till smooth. Spread over the crust. Top with berry mixture.

90 second cake

If you like those "Warm Delights" this is the same thing for a fraction of the cost. Having a cake ready in 90 seconds is very dangerous for me!

90 second cake

2/3 cup chocolate cake mix
1/3 cup water
Hot fudge or caramel

Mix cake mix and water in large cereal type bowl till it's no longer lumpy. Add some piles of hot fudge and/or caramel on top of the mix. Microwave for 90 seconds. If it still looks wet on top, add another 15-30 seconds until it's dry. Let sit for several minutes to cool. It's pretty big so plan on sharing! Delish!

Moist and Delicious Pork Chops

I found some pork chops on a really good sale last week so I began a search for a delicious way to cook them. This marinade and grilling them made them so delicious and moist. Tyler has never been a pork chop fan, until I made these! We are having them again this week, because they were so yummy!

Marinated Pork Chops

1/2 cup water
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup oil (I use Olive but any would work)
3 T. lemon pepper seasoning (or use 2 tsp. Montreal Steak seasoning)
2 minced garlic cloves (or you could use garlic powder)
4-6 pork chops (I like the thicker chops)

Combine all the marinade ingredients in a shallow dish, or I use a Ziploc bag so I can just toss it when I'm done. Marinade at least 2 hours. I started mine in the morning and let it marinate all day. Cook over medium high heat on grill. After chops have been on grill for 2 minutes, rotate 45 degrees for even cooking. If your chops are less than 3/4" thick, grill for about 5-6 minutes per side. If they are 3/4" or thicker, grill for about 6-7 minutes per side. DO NOT overgrill. They will become tough. ENJOY!

Caramel Brownies

These brownies are so yummy!

Caramel Brownies

1 box German chocolate cake mix
1/3 c evaporated milk
1/2 c butter,melted

14 oz package of Kraft caramels
1/3 c evaporated milk
1 bag milk chocolate chips

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Stir together dry cake mix, butter, and evaporated milk. Press half of this mixture into bottom of a 9x13 inch pan. Bake for 6 minutes.
2.Melt caramels with 1/3 c evaporated milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Set aside.
3.Sprinkle chocolate chips over baked crust. Drizzle caramel over chocolate chips. Spoon or sprinkle the other half of the cake mixture on top. Bake for 16-18 minutes. Refrigerate approximately 30 minutes to set. Cut and serve.

Chocolate Lover's Cake

This recipe is for the true chocolate lover! Like me! I love it!

1 chocolate cake mix (Dry--don't make it according to directions on the box)
1 small instant chocolate pudding mix
4 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
½ cup water
½ cup vegetable oil
2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips

Place all ingredients except chocolate chips, in a large mixing bowl. Blend with electric mixer for 1 minute. Stir down sides. Continue to mix on medium speed for 2-3 minutes. Batter will be very thick. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour batter into greased and floured bundt pan or a 9x13 pan.

Bake 45-50 minutes at 350. Cool 20 minutes. If making a bundt cake, invert onto serving platter.

This cake is delicious without the frosting, but if you're making it as a bundt cake, it makes the presentation of the cake so much prettier. So I recommend it for the bundt cake for sure!

Frosting:
8 Tbsp butter (not margarine)
4 Tbsp cocoa powder
1/3 cup evaporated milk
4 cups powdered sugar

Melt butter in medium saucepan over low heat. Whisk in cocoa and milk. Bring mixture just to boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Beat in powdered sugar with electric mixer until thickened and smooth. Pour warm frosting over warm cake. This recipe makes a lot of frosting.

Lazy Lasagna

My five-year old absolutely loves this meal. It's so easy too! This recipes makes a lot. If you don't want lots of leftovers then half it.

Lazy Lasagna

1 lb. hamburger
1 can spaghetti sauce
1 small container cottage cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 bag cooked noodles...We like the whole wheat curly pasta or penne noodles.

Brown hamburger and drain grease. Add remaining ingredients and heat for about 10 minutes. Serve over noodles and top with a little more cheese.

Oreo Truffles

I have been making these for Valentine's Day and let me tell you...I think your Valentine would be VERY happy to get these! Although, mine is not because he's on a diet. Bummer!

Oreo Truffles

1 package Oreo's (I used mint)
1 package cream cheese, softened
Chocolate Almond Bark
White Almond Bark (found in the baking isle by the chocolate chips)

Crush all the Oreo's into fine crumbs. You can use a blender or I just put them in a Ziploc bag and beat them with the rolling pin. It was much more fun than the blender. :) Then combine the Oreo's and cream cheese until well mixed. Roll the mixture into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Set on waxed paper on a cookie sheet. It should make about 42-46 balls. Place cookie sheet in freezer for about an hour to make the balls easier to dip. Melt chocolate bark according to package directions. Dip the balls and cover completely. Place balls back on waxed paper to dry. Melt white almond bark to drizzle on top of the truffles. Or you can do it the other way around and dip in white chocolate and drizzle with chocolate. You can also use sprinkles, nuts, or crushed Oreo crumbs to decorate the top. Keep truffles refrigerated.

German Chocolate Frosting

German Chocolate cake is a favorite in my family and homemade frosting is so much better than store bought!

German Chocolate Frosting

1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup sugar
2 egg yolks
4 Tbsp. margarine
1 tsp. vanilla

Cook and stir CONSTANTLY over medium heat. Cook until mixture thickens.

Add:
1 cup coconut
3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (I like pecans best)

Stir together and spread on cooked cake. Enjoy!

Winter BBQ Chicken

Really easy and really good!

Winter BBQ Chicken

3/4 cup mild salsa
3/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
4 chicken breasts

Mix sauce together and pour over chicken breasts. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes. Or put it all in your crock pot and cook for a couple hours.

Fruity French Toast Bake

My friend Kathy, makes this dish for our Young Women Leadership breakfasts. I've been trying to get the recipe for a year and I finally have it! It is seriously sooooooooooooo good! I know what I'll be making for Christmas breakfast next year! Probably birthdays and other special days too!

French Toast Bake

1/2 cup flour
1 T. sugar
6 eggs
1 1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla
12 slices Texas Toast bread
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1-2 cups fresh or frozen fruit

Beat flour, sugar, eggs, milk and vanilla until well mixed. Cut each slice of Texas Toast bread into 4 square pieces. Dip both sides in egg mixture. Place in well greased 9x13 pan (you should have two layers of 24 pieces each). Spread cream cheese on and top with desired fruit. (Kathy used frozen peach slices and raspberries on one and mixed berries on the other. The peaches and raspberries looked really pretty together!) Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake at 400 for 20-25 minutes. Top with vanilla syrup! ENJOY!

Vanilla Syrup

1 cup heavy cream
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 tsp. vanilla

Melt butter in saucepan, add sugar, vanilla and cream. Cook until sugar is dissolved. DON'T BOIL! Pour into blender and pulse together for about 10 seconds.

Granola

We're on diets around here, trying to get rid of baby weight and Christmas pounds (a horrible thing for someone who LOVES to eat and bake!) and I found this good recipe for homemade granola. It's really easy and good for you. I like it with low fat vanilla yogurt and some frozen raspberries mixed in. Or it's good just by the handful!

Granola

1-3 tablespoons light, unsalted butter or olive oil
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup water
7-8 cups slow cook or quick oats (or a mix)
1/4-1/2 tsp. cinnamon
Raisins, dried cherries, dried cranberries, nuts, etc. (I like it plain)

Melt butter, brown sugar and water together in a pan over medium heat. Stir well and allow mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes.

In a bowl, mix together cinnamon and oats and add to the brown sugar mixture.

Remove from bowl and stir until all the oats are covered. Place granola on a cookie sheet (with sides) and bake for 5 minutes at 375. Remove from oven and stir. Bake for 5 more minutes until granola is lightly browned. Allow to cool on cookie sheet. Transfer to an airtight container when cool. It will keep for a couple weeks.

Ham Fried Rice

I made this dish the other night and it was FANTASTIC! Better than a Chinese restaurant's, in my opinion! It made a ton for my little family, so next time I think I'll half it. The leftovers were still yummy though.

Ham Fried Rice

3 strips bacon, crumbled
1 medium onion, chopped
3-4 carrots, diced
1 1/4 cup diced celery
1 green pepper, diced (I left this out)
2-3 cups diced ham
2 cups frozen vegetables of your choice (I used peas and corn)
6 cups cooked rice
2 eggs, well beaten
Salt and pepper to taste
Soy sauce

Brown bacon in electric skillet or wok. Drain off most of the grease. Add veggies and saute until tender. You can add a little water if you need to. Add ham, frozen veggies, and rice. Cook and stir till heated through. Scoop the mixture to the side and scramble the eggs. Add scrambled eggs to rice mixture. If you like soy sauce, I just pour a little on top and stir again. If you don't like soy sauce; just let people add it to their own serving. Add salt and pepper, if desired.

Hot Fudge Sauce

YUMMY! Especially over brownies and ice cream!

2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet, dark, or milk)
1 can evaporated milk
1/2 cup butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Melt chips, butter, milk and powdered sugar. Bring to a boil. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring constantly. Take off heat and allow to thicken. Add vanilla.

Unforgettable Fudge

Stir and bring to a boil: 4 cups sugar and 1 can evaporated milk. Stir constantly. Boil for 10 full minutes and remove from heat.

Add the following:

3 (big) milk chocolate bars (broken into pieces)
1/2 lb. butter
2 tsp. vanilla


The chocolate bars are the key...I use Symphony bars with the toffee and almonds. Or you could use plain Symphony's or Hershey's if you don't want any nuts.

Ultimate Hot Chocolate

Over the last few days it has snowed soooo much! Yesterday, I made this hot chocolate for my family after they came in from sledding. It was absolutely fabulous! I LOVE a good cup of hot chocolate!

Ultimate Hot Chocolate

2- 1 oz. squares of unsweetened baking chocolate
1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
4 cups water
1 tsp. vanilla

Method 1: Using a Hot Chocolate Machine

In your microwave, heat the chocolate and sweetened condensed milk over on medium until the chocolate is completely melted (about 2 minutes). Whisk together to combine. Combine water, chocolate mixture, and vanilla in your machine and turn it on.

Method 2: Using your stove top

Follow above directions for chocolate mixture. In large saucepan, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Remove from heat and whisk in chocolate mixture.

Either way you make it, serve in mugs with a dollop of whipped cream or marshmallows and a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired. Serves about 6.

Variations:

Mexican Hot Chocolate: Add 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon and 1/8-1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper in with the vanilla.

Mint Hot Chocolate: Replace vanilla with 1 tsp. mint (NOT spearmint) extract.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Replace vanilla with 1 tsp. peppermint extract. Serve with a candy cane to stir.

Almond or Hazelnut Hot Chocolate: Replace vanilla with 1 tsp. almond or hazelnut extract.

***Recipe from Our Best Bites

Grandma's Pecan Pie

My Grandma brought her delicious Pecan Pie to Thanksgiving and I had to get her recipe. Here it is...it's yummy!

Grandma's Pecan Pie

1 cup brown sugar
4 Tbsp. butter
1 cup light corn syrup
3 beaten eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1/8 tsp. salt
1 cup pecans

unbaked pie shell

In mixing bowl, cream together brown sugar and butter. Mix in remaining ingredients, adding the pecans last. Pour into unbaked pie shell and bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 325 degrees and bake 40 minutes or until done.

Aimee's Caramels

My good friend from work brings these yummy caramels every year at Christmas time. Since I no longer work there, I'll have to make my own! They are so delicious!

Caramels

1/2 lb. butter (not margarine)
1 1/2 cup light corn syrup
2 cups sugar
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp. vanilla

Put all ingredients except vanilla in a large pan. Stir well on low heat until it's all dissolved. Bring to a boil. Stir constantly. Cook until firm ball stage about 245 degrees (Check your thermometer and calibrate it first). Take off heat and stir in vanilla. Pour in greased 9x13 in. pan. Let cool and cut into 1 x 1" squares. Wrap caramels in wax paper and twist the ends. Enjoy!

Crock Pot Beef Gravy

I've been making and freezing lots of meals lately so that on the "crazy days" after we have the baby I don't have to worry about dinner. This one is really easy and good.

Crock Pot Beef Gravy

2 lbs stew meat
2 cans Cream of Mushroom soup
1 packet of dry Onion soup mix
1/2 cup water

Put meat in bottom of crock pot. Combine soup, soup mix and water. Pour over meat. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or hot buttered noodles.

(If you're going to freeze this...let cool completely and pour into freezer bag. To serve: thaw and heat on the stove or in the microwave until it's hot and bubbly.)

EASY Taco Soup & Homemade Chips

I got this recipe from a friend last week. It is amazingly easy and sooooooooooo good! Plus, I already had all the ingredients in my food storage! I haven't tried the chips yet, because I already had some chips out. I will next time!

Easy Taco Soup and Homemade Chips

1 can chili with beans
1 can whole kernel corn, with liquid
1 can diced tomatoes, with liquid (I use diced tomatoes with green chilies)
1 can tomato sauce
1 can black beans, with liquid
1 1/2 - 3 Tbsp taco seasoning
Shredded cheese (to go on top when serving)

I had 1/2 pound of cooked sausage that needed to be eaten so I threw that in too. It was great with it, but would still be yummy without it.

Combine all ingredients in greased slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Makes 4-6 servings. (If you don't already use the slow cooker bags to line your crockpot, you MUST try them! They make clean up so easy!)

Homemade Chips:

Cut tortillas into pieces. Place on cookie sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 5 min.

***Recipe from Kristin H.

Frankenstein cookies

This is what I'm making for Halloween this year. Thanks to Kellie for giving me the idea, and thanks to this website (www.karaskitchencreations.blogspot.com) for giving her the idea.

Cookie Base:
3/4 cup butter or margarine
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2tsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and flavorings and beat. Stir in dry ingredients. Chill for about an hour. Pat dough into the bottom of a foil lined and greased 9x13" cake pan. Bake at 350 for about 20-25 minutes. Don't overbake, or they will be hard to cut. Cool, then lift out of the pan using the foil. Cut into 12 squares.

Place the chocolate frosting in a pastry bag (or ziplock with the corner snipped). Pipe frosting on to make hair. Cut a marshmallow in half for the eyes. Pipe on a stitched smile and dot the eyes. Repeat for remaining cookies.

Easy Pumpkin Spice cake (or cookies)

One box Spice Cake Mix (do not make according to box directions)
One 15 oz. can pumpkin
One bag chocolate chips

Mix together, spread in 13x9 pan, bake for 28-30 minutes at 350. Or you could make into cookies and bake about 10-12 minutes. Easy!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

I LOVE this time of year! It makes me crave all things pumpkin! I wanted some pumpkin chocolate chip cookies last night and I usually make the ones with the cake mix, but instead I tried this recipe. They are delicious! I don't like my pumpkin cookies too "spicy" and these were perfect! Enjoy!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup pumpkin
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 bag chocolate chips or you could use cinnamon chips

Cream shortening and sugar. Mix in egg and pumpkin. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Drop onto greased cookie sheet and bake at 400 degrees for about 9-10 minutes.

Chicken Enchiladas

This is Tyler's very favorite enchilada recipe. He always gives me rave reviews when I make them. They are also really easy, so that's a bonus!

Chicken Enchiladas

2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 cups shredded cheese
1 large can Enchilada sauce
Tortillas 8-10
sliced olives (optional)

In a medium bowl, mix together cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, and 1 cup shredded cheese. Pour a layer of enchilada sauce in bottom of 9x13 pan. Fill tortilla shells with chicken mixture and lay seam side down in pan. Continue until you've filled the pan. Pour the remainder of the sauce over top of the enchiladas and top with remaining cheese. You can also also add sliced olives, if you desire. Cover with foil and cook at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Remove foil and cook for 20 more minutes. Serve with sour cream and shredded lettuce.

Zebra Brownies

I haven't made these for awhile, but I came across my recipe today. If you like cream cheese, you will LOVE these! I'll be making them again soon!

Brownies:
1 family size brownie mix
1/3 cup very hot tap water
1/3 cup oil
1 egg

Filling:
6 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 egg

Grease bottom only of a 9x13 pan. In small bowl, beat all filling ingredients until smooth. Set aside. In large bowl, combine all brownie ingredients until mixed. Spread half of batter in pan. Pour filling mixture evenly over batter and spread to cover. Place spoonfuls of remaining batter on top of cream cheese layer. Marble by pulling knife through batter in wide curves. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Do not over bake. Cool completely. Refrigerate.

Grandma's Chocolate Marshmallow Brownies

My Grandma S* is famous for her brownies; her mint brownies (recipe already posted) and her chocolate marshmallow brownies. We are always excited for family parties, because these fabulous brownies are usually there! I've never actually made them until last week. They've always just been a special "Grandma treat"! I was having a craving so I made them myself. Of course they weren't as great as hers, but they were still darn good! These are my very favorite dessert! Have I convinced you yet? Yummy!!!

Chocolate Marshmallow Brownies

Brownie Layer:
2 cubes soft butter (no substitutions!)
2 cups sugar
1/3 cup cocoa
2 tsp. vanilla
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cup chopped nuts, optional

Middle Layer:
1 bag miniature marshmallows

Frosting:
1/2 cup soft butter
1 2/3 cups powdered sugar (may need more)
1/3 cup cocoa
1/3 cup evaporated milk

Cream together butter, sugar, cocoa and vanilla. Add eggs (one at a time), flour, salt, and nuts. Spread onto greased 12x17 baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove from oven and cover with a single layer of miniature marshmallows. Return to oven for 3 minutes. Remove and let cool completely. Frost. Let sit one day before serving, if possible.

--These brownies are excellent to freeze. Just cut them and layer them in a tupperware container with wax paper between the layers. Then hide them in the back of the freezer before your husband eats them all! : )

Oatmeal-Peanut Butter-Chocolate Chip Cookies

1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup oats
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1-2 cups chocolate chips or M&M's

Cream butter, peanut butter and sugars together; beat in egg and vanilla. Stir in dry ingredients and chocolate chips. Drop by spoonfuls on cookie sheet. Flatten slightly. Bake at 350 degrees for 7-9 minutes.

Cake Mix Zucchini Bread

Here's another fun recipe I tried with my zucchini. It was more like a cake than bread, but it was really good.

1 chocolate cake mix
1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
3 teaspoons butter, melted
2 cups shredded zucchini
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Mix all ingredients together. Pour into two greased and floured loaf pans and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Or make one large loaf and bake for 60 minutes.

Frosted Zucchini Brownies

Thanks to my in-laws garden, I've had lots of zucchini lately. Usually, I just make bread and freeze most of it, but today I tried this brownie recipe. Nothing beats a good brownie and holy cow, these are soooooooo yummy! The zucchini keeps it so moist and good! I will be making this recipe again and again!

Frosted Zucchini Brownies

1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup oil
2 tsp vanilla
2 cups grated zucchini
2 cups flour
1/3 cup cocoa
1 1/2 tsp soda
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Whisk sugar, oil, vanilla and zucchini till blended. Stir in remaining ingredients. Spread into a greased 9x13" pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. When cool, frost with chocolate frosting.

Frosting:
3 Tbsp melted butter
2 Tbsp cocoa
2 cups powdered sugar
2-3 Tbsp buttermilk or milk
dash of salt
1 tsp vanilla

Stir together butter and cocoa till smooth. Beat in remaining ingredients, adding milk till it's the right consistency.

Note:
--If you're worried that you can taste the zucchini, don't be. I told my dad that there was a secret ingredient in them and he never did figure out what it was. He just knew he loved them! I didn't even peel the zucchini, but you could if you wanted to.

--There are no eggs in this recipe.

Cowboy's Delight

I grew up on this dish that came from my Grandma W*. It's really easy to make with only a few ingredients. It's kind of like Hamburger Helper, so if you don't like that stuff, you probably won't like this either. My two-year old is a really picky eater, but she can't get enough of this when I make it!

1 pound hamburger
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped (optional, I don't like green peppers)
1 large can V-8 (you know, the veggie drink that's yucky by itself!)
Half a bag macaroni noodles
Salt and Pepper

Brown your hamburger with the onion and pepper. Drain the grease. Add about half the can of V-8 and add your noodles. Let it simmer and stir often. When the noodles have absorbed most of the juice, add more juice. I use most of the can. Cook until noodles are tender about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Zucchini Skillet

This is a great recipe to use up those garden vegetables! It's so simple and it tastes SOOOO good!

1 pound bacon
4-6 red potatoes, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped
1 yellow squash, chopped
Salt and Pepper

Cook bacon till crispy and chop. Drain all but about 1 Tbsp. grease from your pan. Add potatoes to pan and cook until crisp tender, it takes about 15-20 minutes. You can add a little water to the pan to speed things up if you need to. Add zucchini and squash and cook five minutes longer. Don't let them get mushy. Season with salt and pepper.

Smores Topped Brownies

I got this recipe from Real Mom Kitchen. It's one of my favorite recipe blogs. These were really yummy. I took them to a family party and everyone loved them! They tasted best the first day, so make sure you have people to share them with!

1 brownie mix (9x13 size)
3 Hershey's milk chocolate bars
4 full size graham crackers
7 oz. jar Marshmallow Creme

Make brownie mix according to directions. I made cake like brownies. Bake and let cool for 5 minutes. Then drop spoonfuls of marshmallow creme down the center of the pan. Let sit for a few minutes. The warm brownies will help the creme to spread out. You can use a knife and gently help spread it to the corners, if you need to. I put mine back in the warm oven for a minute to make it spread easier. Then chop up your chocolate and graham crackers and sprinkle on top of the marshmallow layer. Allow to cool and enjoy!

Delicious Cinnamon Rolls

Yeast and I have never had a good relationship. I decided I'd try and rekindle our friendship one last time and now we can be friends again! I made these cinnamon rolls yesterday and they were so delicious and I didn't mess them up! I was so proud of myself! If I can do it, you can do it!

Pour 1 1/2 cup warm milk into mixing bowl. I used my Kitchen-Aid. Sprinkle a little bit of sugar in to activate the yeast.

Add 1 heaping tablespoon yeast

Mix in bowl with whisk until it makes little bubbles. Once it bubbles, let it sit for a few minutes until it looks foamy. This means your yeast is working! Hooray!

Then add:
1 beaten egg
1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup warm water (almost hot)
1/2 cup shortening

Mix together until the shortening is broken up.

Add about 2 cups flour, one at a time, until smooth.

Switch to dough hook.

Add about 3 1/2 cups flour, one cup at a time, until dough is just a little bit sticky and barely sticking to the sides of the bowl.

Sprinkle about 1/2 cup flour on counter and drop dough on top. Knead until a very soft dough forms and is no longer sticky. (The more flour you add, the less soft your rolls will be, so be careful not to add too much!) Continue kneading your dough for about 5-6 minutes and then form the dough into a ball.

Spray mixing bowl with nonstick cooking spray, put in dough, and spray top of the dough lightly with cooking spray as well. Cover with a towel and let rise till it's doubled in size.

Once dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the counter and lightly pat dough ball with flour.

Roll dough out into a long rectangle, not too thick.

Spread room-temperature margarine over the dough and cover all the dough very generously with brown sugar and cinnamon. You can also try raspberry pie filling for a raspberry roll.

Roll up the dough tightly and pinch it off along the side. Use unflavored dental floss to cut the rolls about 1 1/2" thick.

Spray cookie sheets with nonstick spray and place 12 rolls on each pan. Cover with towel and let rise till doubled in size.

Bake at 375 degrees for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Makes about 18 cinnamon rolls.

Frosting:

1/2 cup margarine, softened
about 3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
about 4 tbsp. milk

Beat all ingredients together and thin with milk until a semi-thick frosting forms. When rolls have cooled for just a few minutes, spread frosting over top. It will melt down into the rolls making them extra delicious!

Mud Pie

I can't believe I've never posted this recipe. This is my family's very favorite dessert! Every year, my dad, brother and I request this for our birthday cake! If you are an ice cream lover, you will absolutely love this recipe!!!

1 package Oreo's
1/4 cup margarine, melted
1/2 gallon ice cream, softened (any flavor) Our favs are: Mint chocolate chip, chocolate chip, cookies and cream, etc. Be creative!
1 jar Hot Fudge topping (NOT chocolate syrup)
8 oz. Cool Whip, softened (Sometimes you can find chocolate Cool Whip!)

Crush 26 Oreo's (centers too) and mix with melted margarine. Press into 9x13 cake pan. Freeze 20 minutes. Spread softened ice cream over crust. Freeze 20 minutes. Heat hot fudge in microwave for about 30-45 seconds. Spread evenly over ice cream. Freeze 20 minutes. Next, spread softened Cool Whip over hot fudge layer. Crush a couple remaining Oreo's (without centers) and sprinkle evenly on top of Cool Whip layer. Freeze for at least a few hours before serving. Remove about 10-15 minutes before serving. ENJOY!

Jello Poke Cake

When it's 100 degrees outside, sometimes I like a dessert that isn't chocolate. Don't worry, that's only if it's 100 degrees outside! I made this cake a few days ago and it's so cool and refreshing! Yummy in the hot summer!

1 white cake mix (made according to box directions)
2 cups boiling water
1 small box of raspberry Jello (or any other flavor)
Cool Whip

After cake is cool, add Jello mix to boiling water. Stir until combined. Poke holes in cake (all the way to the bottom) with the end of a wooden spoon about 1 inch apart. Spoon Jello mixture on cake, especially in the holes. Chill for a couple hours and then frost with Cool Whip.

Crockpot Potato Chowder

I don't normally eat soup in the summer, but my sister who is pregnant has been craving this soup like crazy. At first, I was making fun of her, but since I am also pregnant and she mentioned food, I have been craving it too! At least it's made in the crock pot so it doesn't heat up the house. It's SO VERY GOOD!

8 cups diced potatoes (about 8-10 potatoes)
1/3 cup chopped onion
1-2 cups chopped celery
3 chicken bouillon cubes
6 cups water
1 can cream of chicken soup
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 8 oz. cream cheese (I always use light)
1/2 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled
shredded cheese
green onion (optional for garnish)

Combine potatoes, onion, bouillon, water and chicken soup in crock pot. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until potatoes are tender. Add cream cheese to crock pot 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving and blend well. Either add the bacon to the crock pot and stir before serving or add the bacon to each individual serving. Top with cheese and green onion.

Simply Delicious Taco Salad

This is a great summer recipe. Everyone loved it and my four-year old had three helpings!

1 lb. ground beef
5 cups torn lettuce
1 large, chopped tomato
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can corn (optional)
3/4 - 1 cup Catalina salad dressing (I use light)
Shredded cheese (optional)
Doritos or corn chips

Cook beef until no longer pink. Drain. In a large bowl, combine beef, lettuce, tomato, beans, and corn. Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat. Arrange chips on plate, top with beef mixture and sprinkle some cheese on top.

Fudge Krinkle Cookies

I tried this cookie recipe, because they looked so good and were really easy. My kind of recipe! They turned out great!

1 Devil's Food cake mix
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs
Powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix cake mix with oil and eggs. Beat well. Roll into balls and roll in powdered sugar. Bake on greased cookie sheet for 8-10 minutes.

Awesome Turtle Cheesecake

Have you ever been to The Cheesecake Factory? I would have to say that it's my favorite restaurant. Everything on the menu is delicious (at least what I've tried) and I can never leave without getting a slice of yummy cheesecake to go.

This cheesecake recipe is so delicious and it's as pretty as the ones you get at the restaurant. Can you tell that I not only like my food to be good, but I also like it "pretty"? If you love cheesecake, you must try this recipe. It's really easy, just a little time consuming.

Turtle Cheesecake
Crust:
1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full crackers)
1/3 cup melted butter or margarine

Filling:
3 (8 oz) pkgs cream cheese, softened (I used light cream cheese)
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 Tbsp vanilla
3 Tbsp lime juice (I used the juice from 2 limes)
3/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips, melted

Topping:
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Caramel sauce
Whipped cream

For crust: Combine crumbs and butter. Press into a greased 9" spring form pan, pressing up the sides.

For the filling: Beat cream cheese and milk till smooth. Lightly beat in sugar, eggs, vanilla, and lime juice till blended. Melt 3/4 cup of chocolate chips and cool slightly. Stir in about 1 cup of the cheesecake batter till well combined. Pour the plain batter into the crust. Drop spoonfuls of the chocolate batter randomly over the plain batter. Swirl with the handle of a wooden spoon. Bake in a 350° oven for 65-75 minutes. Cool completely, then chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Before serving, sprinkle chocolate chips and pecans over the top and drizzle with caramel sauce. Decorate with whipped cream if desired. Serve additional caramel sauce drizzled on individual slices.

****When I baked mine, I checked it at 68 minutes and it was already a little too done. My oven bakes hot, so just watch yours. You want it a light, golden color and when you touch it it springs back. It's not done if it wiggles in the middle.

Cool Strawberry Brownies

They served this for dessert at a Pampered Chef party I went to last week. I made it for Landon's graduation party and it got rave reviews! So easy and pretty too!

1 brownie mix (9x13 size) I used the one with the chocolate chunks in it
1 container Cool Whip (thawed)
1 pint strawberries
Magic Shell ice cream topping

Make brownies according to package directions. Cool completely. Spread Cool Whip on top of brownies. Wash, dry, and hull strawberries. cute in half. Place strawberries in rows on top of Cool Whip. Drizzle ice cream topping over strawberries and refrigerate at least 10 minutes before serving. Store in fridge.

California Club Pizza

I went to a Pampered Chef party last week and they served this pizza. It was delicious! I made it yesterday for the family and they all loved it! It's a good summer pizza.

1 tsp. olive oil
1 pkg. refrigerated pizza crust
2 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken
2 cups shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend
2-3 Roma tomatoes
1/4 red onion
1 medium avocado (I love avocado so I used 2)
1 lemon
6 slices bacon, cooked and drained and thinly chopped

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly brush cookie sheet with oil (I was out of olive oil, so I just sprayed the pan). Unroll dough onto bottom of pan, gently stretching and pressing dough to cover bottom. Top crust with chicken and sprinkle with cheese. Bake 16-18 minutes or until crust is golden brown; remove from oven to cool.

Meanwhile, slice tomatoes in half lengthwise. Scrap out seeds and dice. Slice onion. Cut avocado in half, avoiding pit; twist halves apart and remove pit. Dice avocado and place in bowl. Add tomatoes and onion. Squeeze lemons to make 2 Tbsp. juice and add to bowl. Stir gently.

Distribute tomato mixture evenly over pizza. Sprinkle with bacon. Cute pizza into squares using pizza cutter. Enjoy!

---I don't imagine this pizza would reheat well, because of the fresh ingredients on top. We ate half and gave the other half away.