Monster Cookies with "Muffin"

The little "Muffin" I babysit made monster cookies with me the other day. We had a good time. She loves to bake, cook and be in the kitchen. I loved it when she tried to stir the M&M's into the mixture. Her little arm couldn't even move the spoon. :)

We took two plates of cookies along with homemade cards to some of our local community service men and women. The county jail sheriff and deputies and the firefighters were glad recipients. We  have been intentionally thinking of ways to give gifts to others--whether it be gifts of baked goods, candy canes, cards, time, etc. I'm thankful for the opportunity to be with my kids and do fun things like this!

Monster cookies are GREAT because it makes a BIG batch, they are yummy, and they freeze well. The only downside is that you spend hours switching cookie sheets in and out of the oven.

Enjoy!

Homemade Ranch Crackers

I made these yummy crackers today! I posted the recipe here a few years ago. Easy recipe and SO good.

Stromboli with friends

Last week I enjoyed a fun dinner with some friends. We talked about being more intentional about getting together...and since we all need to eat, well, dinner sounded like a good way to fellowship. I made stromboli, and others brought salad and desserts.

This stromboli recipe is written on a hand-penned 3x5 card from my friend Julie. Unable to make this recipe without thinking of Julie, I'm eternally thankful that God allowed us to be friends. I miss her so very much.

Here is the recipe:

Stromboli

*You can use frozen bread dough, thawed, or make the dough in the bread machine following these instructions: 
1 1/4 c. warm water
3 T. oil
1/8 c. + 2 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
2 T. instant mashed potato flakes
3 c bread flour
1 1/2 tsp. yeast
Dough setting on bread machine.

When dough is finished, roll out on floured surface into large rectangle (like 8"x15").
Brush lightly with oil and sprinkle with oregano and mozzarella cheese. Evenly sprinkle about 1/2-3/4 lb ground beef (browned and drained), pepperoni and more mozzarella.
Roll longways and pinch to seal ends (wet dough to get it to stick together.)
Bake on stone or sprayed baking sheet. 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until slightly golden brown.
Serve slices with warmed pizza sauce.

You can add other meats such as cooked, drained sausage to the inside. Can also be made as lunch meat stromboli--use cheddar cheese, lunch meat and dip in mustard/mayonnaise, etc.

A Batch of Recipes

My niece asked me to give her some of my recipes for a bake sale she is doing. I thought I'd post them here as the holidays are coming and you might enjoy these too. All three of these recipes are tried and true! :) The first recipe came from an old church recipe book, the second two are from friends. I've made all these recipes lots of times.

Monster Cookies
6 eggs
1 pound brown sugar
2 c. white sugar
1 Tablespoon vanilla
4 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 pound butter (softened, NOT melted)
1 1/2 pound peanut butter
9 c. oatmeal (quick oats are fine)
1/2 pound chocolate chips
1/2 pound m&m's

Preheat oven 350 degrees.
In a LARGE bowl, mix eggs, then add sugars and vanilla. Add soda, butter and peanut butter until well mixed. Mix oats (you will have to switch to hand stirring as the oats will make it too stiff to mix with beaters.) Once the oats are mixed in, add chips and m&m's.
Drop by heaping teaspoons onto ungreased baking sheets.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, but do not overcook.

Makes 8-10 dozen cookies. These freeze well and taste oh, so, yummy!

Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cream together:
2 cups butter flavored shortening
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon water
2 teaspoon vanilla

In separate bowl, mix:
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons baking soda

Mix the flour mixture into the wet ingredients.
Stir in 12 oz bag of chocolate chips and 1-2 cups of nuts (optional)

Bake for 8-10 minutes in preheated 350 degree oven.
Makes approximately 10 dozen cookies

Pumpkin Pie Squares

Mix together and press into 9x13 greased baking dish
1 box yellow cake mix--withhold 1 cup
1 egg
1/2 stick melted butter

Mix together; then pour over crust
1 16 oz can pumpkin
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
2/3 cup evaporated milk
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon nutmeg
dash vanilla

Mix until crumbly; then sprinkle on top
1 cup cake mix
1/2 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons melted butter

Bake 45-50 minutes in 350 degree oven.
Note: I have a neat little rolling pin and that REALLY helps with rolling the crust out while in the bottom of the baking dish. If you don't have something like that, you'll have to work hard at getting the crust to spread out in the dish. Believe me, it's worth the effort! These are yummy!!

Scotch-a-Roos

I'm making these yummy little bars for gifts for my mother-in-law, sis-in-law and her kids and my bro-in-law. They are called Scotch-a-roos and are similar to a rice crispie treat. Here's the recipe::

* 1 cup light or dark corn syrup
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
* 5-6 cups rice crispies
* 1 cup chocolate chips
* 1 cup butterscotch chips
* 9 x 13 inch greased pan

Directions

1. In large bowl, measure 5-6 cups (5 cups makes bars chewier) Rice crispies and set aside.
2. Combine syrup and sugar in a large saucepan and heat on stovetop until sugar is dissolved and mixture starts to bubble.
3. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter until creamy
4. Stir mixture into the Rice Krispies/thoroughly combine.
5. Spread evenly into 9 X 13 prepared pan
6. In microwave-safe bowl combine chocolate chips and butterscotch chips and melt in microwave until smooth consistency.
7. Spread melted chips evenly over crispies.
8. Refrigerate 30 minutes to set
9. Cut into desired squares and enjoy!!

As I was making them Bethany (my 7 1/2 year old) said, "I know these taste good, but they are so unhealthy for you. Do you want to make grandma unhealthy?" So should I tie them up with ribbon or what?

It's so funny that she would say that because I was thinking it in my head! I was thinking about writing this blog post and I was going to say, "Now these are yummy, but except for the peanut butter, they do not have one ounce of healthy in them!"

They are easy though, and they taste good.

You may be wondering how I resolved the issue with Bethany...well I told her that we were only going to give each person a few and they could eat them in moderation. Satisfied, she nodded her head and added, "And we are not keeping any for us!"

Happy Baking!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Sweeties

I am making these scrumptious sweeties for Thanksgiving dinner. You remember them, don't you? I originally posted the recipe on December 8, 2007. :) It may be that long since I've made them. They are so good...I've got to space out the calories!

We are sharing Thanksgiving dinner with some dear, dear friends. Formerly, we went to church together; since then the Lord has taken us in different directions (location wise). Our hearts are knitted together though and we are so looking forward to spending time with them.

Do you love chocolate and peanut butter? Then you are in for a treat with these sweeties!
Plan ahead because they need to chill.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Sweeties
1 c. peanut butter
1/2 c. butter
3 c. confectioners sugar
5 dozen pretzel twists
1 1/2 c. milk chocolate chips
1 T. vegetable oil

Beat peanut butter and butter together. Mix in sugar until well combined. Shape into 1-inch balls. Press onto pretzels. Place on wax papered baking sheet. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

In heavy pan, melt chips and oil. Dip peanut butter ball into the chocolate while holding onto the pretzel. Place back onto baking sheet. Refrigerate 30 minutes or until ready to serve.

Makes 5 dozen.

Oh, so yummy!

Harvest Fruit Bars

These bars are delicious! I haven't made them in several years, however every fall I think of them. My good friend Julie gave me the recipe for these bars, in fact the recipe card is in her handwriting. I can't help but get a little teary eyed making them. They were a hit at a get together we had yesterday. We got together with Julie's husband and 3 kids along with Julie's sister and parents. Julie's sister owns a tumbling gym and she invited us all for an afternoon of jumping, running and eating! We all had a great time.

Make up a batch of these for any fall get together.
Harvest Fruit Bars

6 oz. or more diced dried fruit (ie cranberries, pineapple, raisins, apple, coconut, etc.)
1 cup chopped or mashed bananas (about 2)
2/3 cup orange juice
1 tsp. cinnamon or apple pie spice (more needed at bottom of recipe)
3/4 c. butter, softened (original 1 cup)
1/2 c. brown sugar (original 1 cup)
1 3/4 c. flour
1 1/2 c. quick oats, uncooked
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 c. chopped nuts, optional

Heat oven to 375 degrees.
Combine first 4 ingredients in a bowl. Set aside stirring occasionally.
In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugar. Add flour, oats and 1/2 t. cinnamon. Mix until crumbly.
Reserve 3/4 cup of oat mixture for topping.
Press remaining oat mixture onto bottom of 13x9 baking pan.
Bake 15 minutes.
Spread fruit evenly over crust. Sprinkle reserved oat mixture and nuts evenly over fruit.
Bake 16-20 more minutes. Cool completely. Cut into bars.

It makes me smile when I read Julie's recipe cards. She liked to cut down on fats and sugars whenever possible. So this recipe has several reductions with the original amounts in parenthesis. I've used the reduced amounts with fantastic results.

Enjoy!

p.s. ever since I changed the background to my blog, my links within my posts are not showing up the color they are supposed to. I've tried to fix this and can't seem to figure out how. If you know how to fix it, feel free to contact me or leave it in the comments. For now, when you mouse over the text that is linked it will show up another color.

Whole Wheat Bread

I wish I had a picture of this beautiful bread to post here with the recipe. But I don't, I think it gets eaten too quickly! :)

I make this delicious dough in the bread machine, then transfer it to a loaf pan to bake it. I like the traditional loaf and one day I'd like to have a Kitchen Aid mixer with the dough hook attachment. However, for now I'm content, really content with what I have.

Now, here's the recipe for you...

Homemade bread recipe
Ingredients:
1 1/8 c. hot water
2 T. olive oil
2 T. honey
2 3/4 c. whole wheat flour
1 1/2 T. gluten
1/2 T. lecithin granules
1/2 t. salt
2 t. (heaping) yeast

Put ingredients in bread machine in order recommended by manufacturer. Set on dough cycle. When complete, shape, put dough in loaf pan and put in cold oven. Turn on to 350 degrees. Bake 23-27 minutes, or until done.

This bread is good. And when it's baking in the oven, the yummy smells wafting from your oven will make everyone's mouth water. Watch out, the loaf won't last long.

Sweet Potato Muffins

A dear friend gave me this recipe years ago. She had graciously baked these delicious, moist muffins and brought us a batch. I had to have the recipe. And then I proceeded to make the recipe maybe 3 times over the last many years. Each time I make them, we all rave about how yummy they are. I really should make them more often, much more often.

The most surprising fact is that the muffins are made with sweet potatoes. You'll never know, trust me. So run and make them. And make a batch for a friend, she'll appreciate it, trust me.

Sweet Potato Muffins
3 c. self rising flour--(to make own: 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder and 1/2 t. salt for each cup flour)
2 c. sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
Combine these ingredients in a mixing bowl

4 eggs
1 1/2 c. vegetable oil (I cut down to 3/4 c. and still plenty moist)
1 tsp. vanilla
Beat together in 2nd mixing bowl.

2 c. mashed cooked sweet potatoes--stir into liquid ingredients, then stir the liquid ingredients into dry ingredients, just until moistened.

1 c. raisins (can use less)
1 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Fold in raisins and nuts.

Fill greased or paper lined muffin cups 2/3 full.
Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes.
Cool 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.

Homemade Pretzels

We made homemade pretzels today. This is the first time I've made them.
I used this recipe:
1 1/3 water
2 T. butter
1 1/2T. sugar
3/4 t. salt
4 c. flour
2 1/2 t. yeast

I put the ingredients in my bread machine on dough cycle. I was going to use this recipe, but I really wanted to use my bread machine.

I let Bethany and Trenton help roll the dough and shape them into pretzels. We have some interesting looking pretzels, just to say.


Now they are rising and then this is what I'm supposed to do:
In a cast iron or other nonaluminum pan, bring water and baking soda (1 1/2 teas.) almost to a boil. Gently lower (by hand or slotted spoon) pretzels into water for about 1 minute, turning once. Do not let water come to a full boil. Remove pretzels and return to greased baking sheet. Sprinkle with coarse salt or Kosher salt. Bake in a preheated 475 degree oven for about 12 minutes.

Edited recipe: I had to add more water than the 1 1/3 cups. I just added it slowly as my bread machine was mixing until the dough looked right.

Meal Plan for the Week

I've found that a meal plan makes our week go so much smoother. Keeps me on track and, of course, stops the "AHH, it's 5 o'clock and I have no idea what's for dinner" syndrome.

So here's the plan for this week:
Monday: Pasta Meatball Soup
Tuesday: Parmesan Chicken Sticks and Salad
Wednesday: Breakfast for Supper
Thursday: Stir-fry Chicken and veggies
Friday: BBQ Chicken in the crock pot, rice and salad
Saturday: Homemade pizza (I'm going to try this recipe for the dough.)

I made this plan before my good friend, Melanie shared this website with me: $5 Dinners. The gal who writes this blog goes to church with Melanie and her blog has gained national attention. I'm going to enjoy perusing her recipes and seeing what I can add to our menu.

We are going to make pretzels this week too as part of our Lent activities. From what I've read, homemade pretzels originated as a Lenten treat and their twisted shape suggested arms crossed in prayer. I'm going to use this recipe.

Visit I'm an Organizing Junkie for more fantastic meal plans.

What a Great Friday!

We had a great day today! It was a great way to finish up the week. I was watching a friend's two daughters, 5th grade and K. They brought their school work and let me tell you, having them here helped us stay on task SO much! At one point everyone was doing school work...even Trenton who was doing 'math'. :) It was a beautiful sight. And at break time, the kids all played so well together. I know I'm going on and on about it, but really I'm serious it was a good day. They (good days) don't happen like that very often, so I've got to relish in it!

Bethany and I are working on a maple syrup lapbook that I found at homeschoolshare. I borrowed the needed books from the library and we've been having a sweet time working on this study. The sweetness was enriched through a field trip yesterday to a maple sugar bush. Fantastic two-hour tour through the woods, and at the end, a tasty lick of the yummy syrup.

At meal times, the older girls pitched in and helped which was very fun. They made cherry delight for dessert and Parmesan Chicken sticks for dinner. *Recipes at the end. Clean-up times when fast and well too. It was all around a great day.

Today I started a training 'system' whereby the girls earn "screen time" through different means. I explained the idea to them (another friend of mine shared it with me). Basically, you make cards--I made mine on the computer. I put 15 minutes of Screen Time at the top and a picture of a tv/computer screen in the middle. My friend printed mine out and laminated them for me...thanks Angie! I have two different colors, one for each girl. They can earn screen time (computer, tv, etc.) by doing their chores and school well and by showing good character (Fruit of the Spirit qualities--love, joy, patience, peace, self-control, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness). The girls can't ask for the cards--I will reward as I see and hear. So, when the girls want to watch something or have computer time, they will give me a screen card for each 15 minutes. Their screen cards can also be taken away as a consequence for wrong-doing. This system is working very well. I could tell they were trying to do their best in every area. It was refreshing. I'm praying that it continues to go this well.

This evening my Hunny was dancing and playing with the kids. Everyone had a good time. Here are some pictures of our night. In the first picture, Trenton is pretending his stick horse is a guitar. We are listening to a Third Day song, and you know how we feel about Third Day!


In this picture, Bethany and Daddy are dancing together. He took turns dancing with us (I even had a turn!)


This last picture is of my strong men. Don't you love that little boy's face!


Well, thanks for listening to my tales of a great day. I could use many more of these kinds of days.

*Recipes:
Parmesan Oven Fried Chicken Sticks
1/2 c. fine dry bread crumbs (I used a combination of bread crumbs and crushed croutons)
1/2 c. crushed saltines
1/3 c. grated Parmesan
2 T. dried Parsley
1/2 t. poultry seasoning
1/4 t. garlic salt or powder
1/2 t. pepper
12 chicken breast halves
1/2 c. Italian salad dressing

1. Combine first 6 ingredients; set aside.
2. Cut chicken into strips about 1/2 x 1/2 inch
3. Dip chicken in salad dressing; dredge in crumb mixture.

To Freeze: flash freeze by laying strips on a sprayed baking sheet and put in freezer until frozen. Then put them in a ziploc freezer bag.
To Eat: Pick out as many strips as you want to cook and bake on cookie sheet at 400 degrees for 45 minutes or until cooked through.

Cherry Delight
note: this recipe is my Grandma's and it is so delicious. I warn you, once you make it and take it to a gathering, you will be asked to bring it everytime. Marissa wants it for every birthday (here and here). I'm surprised that I haven't given the recipe before now.

2 c. cinnamon graham crackers, crushed
1 stick butter, melted
3 T. powdered sugar
2 envelopes Dream whip
1 c. milk
1 c. sugar
2 packages cream cheese softened
2 t. vanilla
2 cans cherry pie filling

1. Mix crackers, butter, and powdered sugar. Press into 11x7 pan and set aside.
2. Mix dream whip with cold milk, beat until stiff
3. In another bowl, mix sugar, vanilla and cream cheese. Beat into dream whip mixture.
4. Pour into prepared crust pan.
5. Add cherry pie filling to top and refrigerate. 24 hours is best for firmness.
Enjoy!

Sometimes we skip the cherry pie filling and crumble oreos or butterfinger candy bars on top.

Homemade Ranch Crackers

Years ago, a good friend of mine had a bunch of us ladies over to her house for a weekend retreat. It was such a relaxing, delightful time. We exchanged recipes, talked about homemaking, shared meals together, took a walk and grew together as sisters in Christ. I cherish that time.

One recipe that I received at that weekend retreat was this one for make your own seasoned crackers. They are yummy and addicting and as some famous brand says...you can't eat just one.

We had these crackers this evening with Golden Potato Soup.

Cracker Snacks

20 oz. oyster crackers
½ t. dill weed
½ t. lemon pepper
½ t. garlic salt
1 package original ranch seasoning
¾ c. oil

Mix all dry ingredients and pour over crackers. Pour oil over all and toss intermittently for one hour. Store in Ziploc bag or in glass jar with tight fitting lid. Best if served 24 hours later.

I reduced the amount of ranch seasoning (didn't use the entire package) and also reduced the amount of garlic salt. My kids love these crackers and they are very inexpensive to make. (I bought the oyster crackers at Aldi.)

Do you have any frugal recipes that you'd like to share?

Check out Biblical Womanhood for more Frugal Friday ideas.

Recipe Swap

For one of my Works for me Wednesday posts I showed you all my bread that I'd made into bread crumbs. Today I thought I'd give you the recipe for Oven Fried Chicken--why I didn't give it to you way back when, I don't know. I received a comment on that bread crumbs post that prompted this recipe...and it's Recipe Swap day over at Randi's I have to Say. Thanks Randi!

Baked Parmesan Chicken (Oven Fried Chicken)

Mix the first 5 ingredients together in a bowl.
1 slice whole wheat bread (1 cup)
¼ c. minced parsley
½ c. grated Parmesan cheese
1/8 t. salt
1/8 t. garlic powder
Wash and pat dry 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts. (I cut my chicken into “nugget” size pieces.)
Dip pieces of chicken in nonfat milk, then coat with bread crumb mixture.
Bake on baking sheet sprayed with non-stick spray at 350 degrees F for about 1 hour or until done through.

Recipe Swap

The topic for today is Lunchtime Favorites. I guess since you don't need a recipe for peanut butter and jelly, I'd better give you one of our other lunchtime goodies. These work well for lunch or could be an after school snack.

Pita Pizzas
You will need:
pitas--we use whole wheat mini pitas (found at Trader Joe's)
spaghetti sauce or pizza sauce
mozzarella cheese
any toppings you like--we use turkey pepperoni

1. Cut the pitas open.
2. Spoon on the sauce.
3. Sprinkle on the cheese and toppings.
4. Bake in hot 450 degree oven or toaster oven.
Watch carefully--these only take a couple minutes to bake. They will burn easily.

Check out Randi's blog, "I Have To Say" for more lunchtime recipes. Her recipe looks wonderful and the pictures are beautiful.

Grandma's Cinnamon Raisin Bread

It's been so long since I've posted a recipe, you all probably thought I'd stopped cooking altogether. I found this recipe for Cinnamon Raisin Bread and it is scrumptious!! I checked out the book, America's Best Bread Machine Baking Recipes, from our local library.

Grandma's Cinnamon Raisin Bread
1 1/4 c. water
1 egg
1/4 cup skim milk powder
1 1/4 t. salt
2 T. packed brown sugar
2 T. butter
3 3/4 c. bread flour
1 t. cinnamon
3/4 t. bread machine yeast
3/4 c. raisins

1. Measure all ingredients except raisins into baking pan in order recommended by the manufacturer. Insert pan into bread machine.
2. Select dough cycle.
3. Add raisins at "add ingredients" signal.
4. When finished, dump out onto lightly sprayed counter. Shape into loaf and put in lightly sprayed loaf pan.
5. Place in cold oven. Set oven temp. to 350 degrees. Set timer for 25-30 minutes.
Enjoy!

Recipe Exchange

Here are some of our favorite recipes.

Blueberry, Orange and Cherry Salad

Dressing:
1/2 c. olive oil
3 T. sugar
1/2 t. coarsely ground black pepper
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. beef bouillon granules
3 T. Balsamic vinegar
1/4 t. dried basil
1 T. reserved Mandarin orange juice

Salad:
3/4 c. fresh blueberries
1/2 c. dried cherries or cranberries
1/3 c. chopped green onion
1/3 c. slivered almonds, toasted
8 c. mixed salad greens
1 (11oz) can Mandarin oranges, drained, juice reserved

Combine all dressing ingredients, shake well.
Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl. Pour dressing over salad and toss.
Serves 12

Dressing may be prepared and refrigerated 3 days ahead.
Fruits and greens may be prepared up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate in separate containers.

To toast almonds, bake at 400 degrees on a baking sheet for 3-5 minutes. Check frequently to avoid burning.

Italian Turkey Cutlets

1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
5 t. olive oil, divided
1 can (14-1/2 oz) Italian stewed tomatoes
1 t. dried basil
1 t. dried oregano
1/2 t. dried rosemary, crushed
1 1/4 pounds turkey breast cutlets
1/2 t. salt
1/8 pepper
2 T. shredded Parmesan cheese

In a saucepan, saute onion and garlic in 2 t. oil until tender. Stir in the tomatoes, basil, oregano and rosemary. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook, uncovered, over medium heat for 15-20 minutes or until sauce thickens. Meanwhile, sprinkle both sides of the turkey cutlets with salt and pepper. In a large nonstick pan over medium heat, cook turkey in batches in remaining oil until juices run clear. Serve with tomato sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Yield: 4 servings

The salad recipe is from my scrapbooking friend, Deb. I'm not sure where she found it. It is one of those recipes that once you make it and take to a gathering--most people want the recipe and they want you to bring it to all the gatherings. :)

The Italian Turkey Cutlet recipe came from Taste of Home.

Make sure you visit the Baking and Cooking section from archived posts.

And, run right over to Randi's and get more great recipes. Thanks Randi for hosting this recipe exchange.

Soft Ginger Snaps

These cookies are a favorite holiday treat around our house. I make them a lot for friends and neighbors, too. They are soft which may take them out of the "snap" category.

Ginger Snaps

¾ c. butter softened
1 c. granulated sugar
1 egg
½ c. molasses
2 ½ c. all purpose flour
2 t. baking soda
2 t. ginger
1 t. cinnamon
½ t. salt
granulated sugar

Cream butter and first amount of sugar well. Beat in egg. Mix in molasses.
Stir flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon and salt together.
Add to butter mixture. Mix well. Shape into 1 inch balls. Roll in sugar and place on greased baking sheet.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 8-10 minutes. Makes 3 dozen.

Make sure they don't bake too long or they will not be soft.

Enjoy!

For more Works for me Wednesday ideas check out Shannon at Rocks in my Dryer.

Golden Potato Soup and Honey Wheat Rolls

We are having a carry-in lunch after church tomorrow. The theme is soup and bread. So I'm bringing this combination.

Golden Potato Soup
3 c. potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 c. chopped celery
1/2 c. chopped onion
15 oz. can chicken broth
2 carrots, chopped
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
pinch black pepper
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
1 c. chopped ham OR 1/2 c. cooked and crumbled bacon

In a large stock pot, combine first 6 ingredients. Season with salt and pepper and simmer until vegetables are tender. In separate bowl, mix flour and milk. Once it is well blended, add to soup mixture and cook until soup becomes thick. Stir in cheese and ham and simmer until cheese is melted.

[Note: I omitted the celery and the ham/bacon with good results.]


Honey Wheat Rolls
8 oz. warm water
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 c. honey
1 large egg, beaten (or 2 egg whites)
2 c. bread flour
1 1/4 c. whole wheat flour
2 teaspoon dry yeast

Put the ingredients into your bread machine according to manufacturer's instructions. Set on "dough". When it is finished shape into rolls (about 12-18 depending on size). Let rise and bake until done.

These rolls are a favorite of our family. The recipe is especially precious to me because my friend Julie shared it with me. The recipe card is in her handwriting. Not a day goes by that I don't think of her. I miss her.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Sweeties

Do you love chocolate and peanut butter? Then you are in for a treat with these sweeties!
Plan ahead because they need to chill.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Sweeties
1 c. peanut butter
1/2 c. butter
3 c. confectioners sugar
5 dozen pretzel twists
1 1/2 c. milk chocolate chips
1 T. vegetable oil

Beat peanut butter and butter together. Mix in sugar until well combined. Shape into 1-inch balls. Press onto pretzels. Place on wax papered baking sheet. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

In heavy pan, melt chips and oil. Dip peanut butter ball into the chocolate while holding onto the pretzel. Place back onto baking sheet. Refrigerate 30 minutes or until ready to serve.

Makes 5 dozen.

Oh, so yummy!