The BEST Oatmeal Cookies

I have been on the search for a good oatmeal cookie recipe. My husband's favorite cookie is oatmeal and I never much liked making them since I really didn't have a great recipe. When I found this one and made he said, "Even my dad would approve!!" That was all I needed to hear!! These are soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside. The perfect oatmeal cookie for my husband. My search is now over!

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup shortening
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (Yup, that is right!)
  
• 3 cups rolled oats
• Raisins, chocolate chips and even coconut can be added
  

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
2. In a medium bowl, cream together the shortening, brown sugar and white sugar. Stir in the egg, water and vanilla. Combine the flour, salt, baking soda and cinnamon, stir into the creamed mixture. Finally, stir in the rolled oats. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets.
3. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Cool on baking sheets for a couple of minutes before removing to cool on wire racks.
4. (The dough will seem really soft, but don't add any extra flour. I bake mine for exactly 12 mins.)

Whole Wheat Bread

Don't be afraid to make homemade bread!! This is really easy. Requires no kneading!! EASY!! Especially good right out of the oven with butter and honey or homemade raspberry jam!!

5 cups warm water
3 TB. yeast
1 TB. white sugar
2/3 cup powdered milk
1 TB. salt
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup oil
1/3 cup yogurt
1/3 cup honey
2 TB. dough enhancer (Found in the baking aisles)
3/4 cup gluten (Found in the baking aisles)
5 cups whole wheat flour

In your mixer (like a Bosch, Kitchen Aid, etc,) use the whisk attachment, and mix for 3 mins. Change to the kneading bar attachment. Add an additional 6 - 6 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour. Mix 3 mins. more. You want the dough to clean the bowl. Meaning, dough should not cling to the sides.(I add just the additional 6 cups of flour and it always works for me.) Shape dough and place in 4 greased bread pans. Let rise for 1 hour. Bake at 350 for about 30 mins. (Depending on your bread pans. Some of mine actually take longer than others. )

Tortellini Tomato Spinach Soup

Cold and wet weather was here this week, and so I made soup, again!! This is a really healthy soup!! The kids like the cheese filled pasta.


1/2 cup chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
6-8 cups chicken broth (Depending on how thick you like soup. I add 8 cups)
2 (14 ounce each) Italian diced tomatoes (One can I like to put in blender and pulse
a few times.)
1 (9 ounce) pkg. tortellini (I use frozen)
10 ounces fresh spinach (I just add a couple of handfuls)
1 cup corn
1 cup diced carrots
1 can great northern beans
1 tsp. Italian season
1/2 tsp oregano (powdered form)


Add everything to the crock pot except the spinach and tortellini. Cook on low for 6 hours. The last hour, add the tortellini. Then 10 minutes before serving add the spinach. Serve with grated parmesan cheese. Makes 8-10 servings.

French Bread

We cannot get enough of this bread!! Sometimes I even make it twice in 1 week. It is soft and just plain good. (Especially right out of the oven.) Goes great with soup!!

2 tablespoons yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup warm water

Mix together in a med. size bowl.

In a large bowl mix:
3 cups flour
1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
2 cups warm water

Add to flour mixture:
1/3 cup vegetable oil and the yeast mixture. Add 3 more cups of flour. Mix well. Let rise for 1 hour, stir down every 10 minutes. Divide dough in half. Shape into 2 loafs. Make slits on top of dough using scissors. Let rise for about 30 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 mins. When done brush with melted butter. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, garlic seasonings, Italian seasonings etc...

Chicken Noodle Stoup (Cross between soup and stew!)

During the winter, I think that we have soup 2-3 times per week. It is amazing at how many different kinds of soups there are. With such a good variety, it is very hard to get tired of soup. I try to stay away from cream soups. They are good, but not as healthy for you. I love a good homemade chicken noodle soup. This one is so fast and easy. I especially love the thyme and the rosemary. Serve with warm bread from the oven.... YUM!

Cooked chicken breast, cubed (I don't measure, I just add what looks good.)
1 med. onion, chopped
2 large celery ribs, chopped (Or in my case, pureed. So the kids can't see it.)
2 cans of cream of chicken soup
2 cans of chicken broth 2 cans of water (I use the chicken soup cans.)
1 1/2 cups chopped broccoli
2 cups sliced carrots
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon rosemary
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
black pepper to taste
4-6 ounces egg noodles

In a crock pot, combine all ingredients except the broccoli and the egg noodles. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Last hour add the broccoli and the egg noodles.

Peanut Butter Bars!

This is an all time family favorite! You can never go wrong with peanut butter and chocolate. This will definitely cure those chocolate cravings.

Bar:

3/4 cup margarine
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups oatmeal
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 3/4 cup flour

Mix all ingredients until combined. Pat into a large cookie sheet.(No need to grease the pan.) Bake at 350 for 8 minutes. (Not a min. longer.. trust me. They will not look done, but they are!) Spread with an additional 1 cup of peanut butter. To make it easier to spread, warm in the microwave first. (I highly recommend this idea!!)
Cool completely then frost with chocolate frosting.

Chocolate Frosting:

1/4 cup melted margarine
1/2 cup cocoa
1-2 tablespoons milk (Depending on how runny you like your frosting.)
dash of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups of powdered sugar.

Mix well. Add more powdered sugar if too runny or more milk if too thick.

Enjoy with a nice tall glass of milk!

Baked Taco Salad Bowls

Our family loves taco salads. I love them because they are easy to make and I usually have all of the ingredients on hand. I found this recipe where you bake the taco shell, instead of frying it. I like the idea of lower fat. The baked ones come out crispy and delicious. We hardly miss the fat.

Using a pie plate/pan put a cup of water in it. Add about a tablespoon of olive oil, and a teaspoon and a half of salt. Mix lightly. Place the tortilla in the pie plate and completely cover with the oil/water mixture. Place empty food cans on a cookie sheet. Drape the tortilla over the cans. (I have found that pineapple cans are the perfect size. I have saved 6 empty cans in my cupboards. That way I can make theses when ever I want.) If you off set the tortilla slightly, it gives the tortilla a nice flared shape on one side. I can bake 3 tortillas at one time on 1 cookie sheet. Bake at 425 until as crispy as you like. (about 8 mins.) When cooled, fill with your favorite ingredients and enjoy!

Double Chocolate Banana Muffins

These muffins are my kids absolute favorite! Everytime I make them I hear," These are the best!!" Of course, I sub applesauce for the oil to make them healthy. I have even subbed flax seed for the egg--no one even knew the difference!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup baking cocoa
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/3 cups mashed ripe bananas
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil (Used applesauce)
• 1 egg
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients.
2. In a small bowl, combine bananas, oil and egg.
3. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.
4. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Fill greased or paper lined muffin cups three fourths full.
6. Bake at 350 deg F for 20-25 minutes or until muffins test done.

Sugar Cookie Bars

I love sugar cookies, but there is a lot of effort that goes into making them. This recipe definitely make the sugar cookie process so much easier. I like to under cook mine a little. I take them out at 8 mins. (NOT a min. more.. Trust me!!) They do look under cooked and not done, but I think that they are better this way.

Bars:

1 cup butter, at room temperature (I use half butter, half margarine.)
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond extract
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda

5 cups flour

Frosting:

1/2 cup butter; at room temperature
1 tsp almond extract
1 tsp vanilla extract
pinch of salt
4 cups powdered sugar
5 Tbsp. milk
food coloring, if desired

1. Bars: In a large bowl cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each egg. Mix in vanilla and almond extract.
2. In a separate bowl whisk together flour, salt & baking soda. Add to wet mixture and mix just until combined. Spread on a greased, rimmed baking sheet (use a 13 x 18 pan). The dough will be just like cookie dough- heavy & sticky- so it’s best to spray your hands with a little nonstick spray and use them to help mold the dough into the pan.
3. Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 mins, until light golden brown or until a toothpick comes out clean. (I like to slightly under cook mine. I take them out at 10 mins. exactly. They are not brown at all, but I think that they are better this way. Cool completely before frosting.
4. Frosting: In a large bowl, beat butter, vanilla, almond extract and salt. Add powdered sugar (1 cup at a time) until combined, then add milk & mix until smooth and spreading consistency. Add a few drops of color, if desired. Spread over cooled cookie, then cut into bars.

Yield: 32 bars

Fast and Easy Pizza Dough

1 TB yeast
1 cup warm water
2 1/3 cups flour
2 TB veg oil
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Stir in remaining ingredients and beat vigorously 20 strokes. Let rest 5 mins. Heat oven to 425. Grease large pizza pan. Spread dough in pan and add toppings. Bake on the lowest rack for 20 mins.

Cinna Sticks

Whenever we order pizza, we always need to order cinna sticks. (For the kids of course!) I found this recipe and it is so good. I never have to order cinna sticks again. They are fast and easy.

• 1 package prepared pizza crust (or your favorite recipe. See my Fast and easy pizza dough recipe!!)
• 1/4 cup melted margarine
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Icing

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 - 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Roll out pizza dough into a large rectangle.
3. Brush melted margarine over dough.
4. In a small bowl combine sugar, and cinnamon, mix well.
5. Sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mixture liberally over the pizza dough.
6. Slice the dough into either long sticks, or cut dough in half, and then slice into smaller sticks.
7. (The smaller sticks are easier to handle.) Place on an lightly greased cookie sheet and bake for approximately 15 minutes or until done.
8. While the pizza sticks are cooking mix together the powdered sugar, milk, melted butter, and vanilla.
9. Mix until smooth.
10. You may need to add an extra teaspoon of milk.
11. Serve icing with sticks.

Sour Cream Banana Bread

This is the best banana bread recipe that I have ever tired. I replace the sour cream with vanilla yogurt to make it healthier. I also like a hint of cinnamon, so I add a tsp. This is so good hot out of the oven with butter on it!!

• 1/2 cup margarine or 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
  
• 1 cup mashed banana (about 3 bananas)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (omit if you don't like nuts)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (I use vanilla yogurt)

Directions:

1. Grease 1 large loaf pan.
2. Cream margarine, sugar, eggs and vanilla.
3. Add dry ingredients, then bananas, nuts and sour cream.
4. Mix well.
5. Bake at 350 F for 1 hour.

Orange Julius

This is my Dad's recipe that he would make for us when I was a kid. I change this up and use the different Dole fruit juices. Orange-peach-mango is a favorite!

1 -6oz can orange juice (I just scoop out half of a regular size -12 oz can of OJ)
1 cup water
1/4-1/2 cup sugar
12-15 ice cubes
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

Put in blender and blend away!!

Crepes

When I make these, I have to triple the recipe!! The kids devour these. Literally!! It is not often that the kids eat dessert for dinner. (Only when we have crapes!) Maybe that is why they "inhale" them. Sometimes I don't even don't even get any. We usually fill them with a banana cream sauce, strawberries, whipped cream, powdered sugar, jam, strawberry and blueberry syrup, sometimes even chocolate syrup, etc. I have also filled them with scrambled eggs and ham then top it with Hollandaise sauce. So yummy!!

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and the eggs. Gradually add in the milk and water, stirring to combine. Add the salt and butter; beat until smooth.
2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each crepe. Tilt the pan with a circular motion so that the batter coats the surface evenly.
3. Cook the crepe for about 2 minutes, until the bottom is light brown. Loosen with a spatula, turn and cook the other side. Serve hot.

Chocolate Mint Brownies

Brownie:

• 4 eggs
  
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup butter
• 4 ounces baking chocolate squares
• 1 cup flour

Topping:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoons peppermint extract
• green food coloring
• 3 -4 tablespoons milk

Frosting:

1/4 cup melted butter
1/2 cup cocoa
1/8 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Beat eggs until fluffy.
2. Add sugar and vanilla; beat well.
3. Melt the butter and chocolate and add to the mixture (mixing well).
4. Add flour and stir until smooth.
5. Pour into pan.
6. Bake at 375*F for 25 min (if using 9x12 pan) or for 20 min (if using 15x10 pan). Cool.
   
7. Topping: Mix 4 tablespoons butter, confectioners' sugar, peppermint, and milk.
8. Add green food coloring.
9. Frost brownies and refrigerate.
10. Chill 1 hour.
11. Mix the ingredients for the frosting and spread on the top of the green mint filling.
    
12. Cut into squares and enjoy. (Then go run several miles to burn off the calories!!)