Pumpkin Bread

Mix together:
1c oil, 4 eggs, 2/3c water, 2c pumpkin
Sift and add to liquid:
3 1/3c flour, 3c sugar, 2t baking soda, 1 1/2t salt, 1t nutmeg, 1 1/2t cinnamon, pinch of ginger

Mix together well. Pour into 3 greased loaf pans. Bake at 350F ~35-35 min. Cool.

Notes: Can be frozen.

Recipe is from my mother-in-law, Barb.

Banana Crumb Muffins

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 bananas, mashed
3/4 cup white sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter


1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease 10 muffin cups, or line with muffin papers.

2.In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, beat together bananas, sugar, egg and melted butter. Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture just until moistened. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.

3.In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour and cinnamon. Cut in 1 tablespoon butter until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Sprinkle topping over muffins.

4.Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean.
 
Recipe is from Allrecipes.com

Hot Spiced Cranberry Cider

2 quarts apple cider

6 cups cranberry juice
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
4 cinnamon sticks
1 1/2 teaspoons whole cloves
1 lemon, thinly sliced

1.In a large pot, combine apple cider, cranberry juice, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves and lemon slices. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. With a slotted spoon, remove cinnamon, cloves, and lemon slices. Serve hot.

Notes: This is usually served at my son's birthday dinner since his birthday happens in the winter. It is convenient to just make it in a slow cooker and let it cook all day and fill the house with a nice aroma.

Recipe is from Allrecipes.com.

German Butter Cookies

1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Cream butter, gradually add sugar and beat until light and fluffy.

Beat in egg, milk and vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add to creamed mixture. Chill for ease in handling. Roll out dough to 1/8" thickness on lightly floured surface. Cut with floured cookie cutters into desired shapes or roll into balls and flatten with a fork.

Bake on a cookie sheet in preheated 350°F oven 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Notes: These are a favorite during Christmas tree season. I'd make a batch or two to freeze ahead just for the occasion.

Recipe was used in a school project many years ago.

Slow Cooked Apple Butter

5 1/2 pounds apples - peeled, cored and finely chopped
4 cups sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt

Place apples in a slow cooker. Combine sugar, cinnamon, cloves and salt; pour over apples and mix well. Cover and cook on high for 1 hour. Reduce heat to low; cover and cook for 9-11 hours or until thickened and dark brown, stirring occasionally (stir more frequently as it thickens to prevent sticking). Uncover and cook on low 1 hour longer. If desired, stir with a wire whisk until smooth. Spoon into freezer containers, leaving 1/2-in. headspace. Cover and refrigerate or freeze.

Notes: Great use of those apples you pick in the Fall.

Recipe is from Allrecipes.com.

Apple Crisp

5-6 diced apples
1 C. flour
3/4 t. salt
1 t baking powder
1 1/2 C. sugar
1 unbeaten egg

Place apples in baking dish (9 in x 9 in). Mix ingredients except egg. Add egg. Mix until crumbly and sprinkle over apples. Melt and cool 1/3 C. butter and pour over apple crumb mixture. Sprinkle with cinnamon on top. Bake 30-40 minutes at 350 F.

This is from my Grandma Bea.

Rice Crispy Treats

1T butter

1 bag of marshmallows

6c rice crispy cereal

1/4c flaxmeal seed

Melt butter. Add marshmallows. Stir until melted. Remove from heat. Add cereal and flax.

Pour into a 9x13 greased pan. Cool.

Tips:

• Add flavored marshmallows for a new spin on it such as strawberries.
• Melt some chocolate and pour over top
• Use puffed rice cereal for a change of pace too.
• Add 1/3cup cake mix

Recipe adapted from Deceptively Deliciously cookbook.

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

1 pound cubed beef stew meat

1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed golden mushroom soup (or potato, asparagus etc)
1/2 cup chopped onion (opt)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup water
4 ounces cream cheese

1.In a slow cooker, combine the meat, soup, onion, Worcestershire sauce and water.


2.Cook on Low setting for 8 hours, or on High setting for about 5 hours. Stir in cream cheese just before serving.
 
Notes: Super easy and one of Ryan's favorites.
 
Recipe from allrecipes.

Great White Bread

1 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
3 tablespoons white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cups bread flour
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

1.Place water, sugar, salt, oil, bread flour and yeast into pan of bread machine.


2.Bake on White Bread setting . Cool on wire racks before slicing.
 
Notes: This is the best white bread recipe I've been able to make that works well for sandwiches (slices easily) and is a nice side bread for dinner when it is still warm.
 
Recipe is from Allrecipes.

Churros

1 cup water

2 1/2 tablespoons white sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 quarts oil for frying

1/2 cup white sugar, or to taste

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1.In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine water, 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar, salt and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Bring to a boil and remove from heat. Stir in flour until mixture forms a ball.

2.Heat oil for frying in deep-fryer or deep skillet to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Pipe strips of dough into hot oil using a pastry bag. Fry until golden; drain on paper towels.

3.Combine 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon. Roll drained churros in cinnamon and sugar mixture.
 
Notes: It can fill your cravings for the fair food year around. If you don't have a pastry bag, just use a plastic bag with a corner cut off.
 
Recipe from Allrecipes.com.

Cuban Ropa Vieja

2 pounds beef flank steak (or round steak)
1 cup beef broth
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 small onion, sliced
1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon white vinegar

Transfer beef to a slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce, then add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, tomato paste, cumin, cilantro, olive oil and vinegar. Stir until well blended. Cover, and cook on High for 4 hours, or on Low for up to 10 hours. When ready to serve, shred meat and serve with tortillas or rice.

Notes: This makes a good quesadilla mix too!

Recipe from Allrecipes.com

Multi-grain Loaf

For a 1 1/2 pound loaf

1 1/4c water
2T butter, softened
1 1/3c bread flour
1 1/3c whole wheat flour
1c 7-grain or multigrina hot cereal (uncooked)
    (or any 1c combination of flax seed, oats, quinoa grain etc)
3T brown sugar
1 1/4t salt
2 1/2t yeast

Combine ingredients according to your bread machine.
Use Basic/White cycle (unless you want to make rolls, select dough setting)
Remove from machine and cool.

Steak Rub - Indian Flare

1t garam masala
1t brown sugar
1/2t salt
1/2t black pepper

Rub on steak. Let steak stand for at least 10minutes. Then grill.

Notes: The rub has a strong smell, but it tasted just right on the steak.

Tips:

•  If you don't have garam masala on hand subsitute with 1/2t cumin, 1/4t caradamom, and 1/8t nutmeg.

Recipe from Cooking Light Magazine Sept. 2010.

Oatmeal Pancakes

Not the prettiest, but a yummy alternative to the common pancake.

1/4c flour
1c quick-cooking oats
1T sugar
1/2t baking powder
1/2t baking soda
1/4t ground cinnamon
1c buttermilk (or 2T lemon juice and add milk to make 1cup)
2T butter, melted
1 large egg

Combine the first 7 ingredients, stirring with a whisk. Combine the rest in another bowl. Add to flour mixture, stirring just until moist.
Cook on skillet.

Tips:

•  Soymilk, almond milk etc. with lemon juice is a suitable substitute for the buttermilk.
•  Serve with fruit or add berries to the batter.

Recipe is from Cooking Light Magazine Sept. 2010

Slice and Bake Chocolate Chip (peanut butter) Cookies

2c butter/margarine
1 1/3c granulated sugar
1 2/3c brown sugar, packed
1T vanilla extract
4 eggs
5 1/2c flour
2t salt
2t baking soda
2c chips (chocolate, peanut butter)
1c nuts (opt.)

Cut four 14x12" pieces of waxed paper or plastic wrap. In a bowl, cream butter and sugars. Beat in vanilla and eggs unitl light and fluffy. In a bowl combinge flour, salt and baking soda. Stir flour mixture into egg mixture until blended. Add chips and nuts.

Divide dough into 4 pieces. Shape each into an 8-10in roll. Wrap rolls in waxed paper or plastic wrap. Place in a plastic freeze containter or wrap in aluminum foil. Labe wl with date and contents. Store in freezer. Use within 6 mths. Makes 4 rolls of dough or about 12-dozen cookies.

To Bake:
Thaw a roll for about 10min or so. Preheat oven to 350F. Cut dough into 1/4in slices. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake ~10min - until browned around edges.

Tips:

• I usually divided into 6 logs instead. So I had ~24 cookies at time instead of 36 cookies.
• It helps to have your hands wet or greased while working the dough.
• Can be dairy free - just use dairy free chocolate chips and butter.

Recipe from Make-A-Mix cookbook.

Blacken Chicken Spice Mix

2t paprika
1t onion powder
1t garlic powder
1/4t cayenne pepper
1/2t white pepper
1/2t black pepper
1/2t salt
1/2t dried thyme leaves
1/2t dried oregano leaves

Mix spices and store in an empty spice jar.

Tips:

• Adjust mix to make spicier or less.

Recipe is from Once-A-Month Cooking cookbook.

Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls

1c water
2T butter/margarine
1 egg
2c bread flour
1 1/4c whole wheat flour
1/4c sugar
1t salt
3t bread machine yeast (I've used regular yeast too and worked just fine)

Measure ingredients and place into bread machine as recommended by the manufacturer of your bread machine.
Select Dough/manual cycle.
Remove dough from pan with lightly floured hands. Cover and let rest 10min on lightly floured surface.
Grease a 13x9x2in pan. Make 15 balls and place in pan. Brush with butter (opt). Cover and let rise for about 30min or until dough has doubled.
Heat oven to 375 and bake 12-15min until godlen brown.

Notes: Feel free to add 1/4c flax seed or other grains to make a multi-grain roll.

Recipe is from Bread Machine Recipes cookbook.

French Steak

Makes your home smell so good.

2lbs round steak
Flour
Salt and pepper to taste
1 Onion sliced or chopped
1 minced garlic
1c white wine (opt)
1c beef broth
1t Worcestershire sauce
1t soy sauce
1/8t pepper
1c cheddar cheese, grated
1/2c sour cream

Dredge steak through flour and add salt and pepper.
Place in slow cooker. Combine rest of ingredients (except for cheese and sour cream). Pour into slow cooker. Cook on low 5-6 hours until meat is tender. Stir in cheese and sour cream.

Tips:

• Yogurt can be used instead of sour cream for lower-fat content
• Dish maybe frozen after addition of the cheese and sour cream. Freeze in freezer bag/container. Just thaw and reheat on the stove but do not boil.

Recipe is from Don't Panic Dinner's in the Freezer cookbook.

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

1 pound cubed beef stew meat (or roast)
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed soup (celery, potato, mushroom, etc)
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup water
4 ounces cream cheese

1.In a slow cooker, combine the meat, soup, onion, Worcestershire sauce and water

2.Cook on Low setting for 8 hours, or on High setting for about 5 hours. Stir in cream cheese just before serving. Shred the roast, if needed.

Recipe from Allrecipes.

Caramel Popcorn

7 quarts plain popped popcorn
2 cups dry roasted peanuts (optional)
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup margarine
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1.Place the popped popcorn into two shallow greased baking pans. You may use roasting pans, jelly roll pans, or disposable roasting pans. Add the peanuts to the popped corn if using. Set aside.

2.Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, margarine and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring enough to blend. Once the mixture begins to boil, boil for 5 minutes while stirring constantly.

3.Remove from the heat, and stir in the baking soda and vanilla. The mixture will be light and foamy. Immediately pour over the popcorn in the pans, and stir to coat. Don't worry too much at this point about getting all of the corn coated.

4.Bake for 1 hour, removing the pans, and giving them each a good stir every 15 minutes. Line the counter top with waxed paper. Dump the corn out onto the waxed paper and separate the pieces. Allow to cool completely, then store in airtight containers or resealable bags.

Recipe taken from Allrecipes.

Sugar Cookies

1 1/2 cups butter, softened
2 cups white sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

1.In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight).

2.Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.

3.Bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. Cool completely.

Notes: Cookies can be frozen for later enjoyment.
I would take a plastic cup and use that as a cookie cutter to make pumpkins at Halloween time. Then the pumpkins cookies can be decorated to look like Jack-o-Lanterns.

Recipe from Allrecipes.

Slow Cooker Chicken 'n Dumplings

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 tablespoons butter
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
1 onion, finely diced
2 (10 ounce) packages refrigerated biscuit dough, torn into pieces

1.Place the chicken, butter, soup, and onion in a slow cooker, and fill with enough water to cover.


2.Cover, and cook for 5 to 6 hours on High. About 60 minutes before serving, place the torn biscuit dough in the slow cooker. Cook until the dough is no longer raw in the center.
 
Recipe taken from Allrecipes.

Slow Cooker Ham

2 cups packed brown sugar
1 (8 pound) cured, bone-in picnic ham
 
Spread about 1 1/2 cups of brown sugar on the bottom of the slow cooker crock. Place the ham flat side down into the slow cooker - you might have to trim it a little to make it fit. Use your hands to rub the remaining brown sugar onto the ham. Cover, and cook on Low for 8 hours. Ham shreds when done.
 
Recipe from Allrecipes.

Clone of Cinnabon

1 cup warm milk (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
2 eggs, room temperature
1/3 cup margarine, melted
4 1/2 cups bread flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup white sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons bread machine yeast

1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/3 cup butter, softened

1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt

1.Place ingredients in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select dough cycle; press Start.
2.After the dough has doubled in size turn it out onto a lightly floured surface, cover and let rest for 10 minutes. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon.
3.Roll dough into a 16x21 inch rectangle. Spread dough with 1/3 cup butter and sprinkle evenly with sugar/cinnamon mixture. Roll up dough and cut into 12 rolls. Place rolls in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
4.Bake rolls in preheated oven until golden brown, about 15 minutes. While rolls are baking, beat together cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter, confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract and salt. Spread frosting on warm rolls before serving.
 
Recipe taken from Allrecipes.

Banana Monkey Bars

3/4 cup butter or margarine (1-1/2 sticks)
2/3 cup sugar
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (3 medium)
2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 6-oz package (1 cup) semisweet chocolate chips

Turn oven to 350 degrees and grease a 15x10x1″ baking pan with shortening.
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter or margarine with electric mixer on medium speed until softened. Add sugar and brown sugar and beat till fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla. Beat well. Stir in mashed bananas.
In a medium mixing bowl, stir together flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add this to the banana mixture, beating until well mixed.
Stir in chocolate chips. Eat a few chips.
Spread batter in the greased baking pan.
Bake in the 350 degree about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan on a cooling rack. Cut into bars.

Notes: I make this in a 9x13 cake pan since I don't have 15x10x1 pan. I just cooked it a little longer. The first time I made this Ryan, Ian and I just devoured it!

Recipe is from A Soft Place to Land blog.

Braided Bread

2 1/4t active dry yeast
<1/2c warm water
3/4c milk
1/2c sugar
1/2t salt
1/4c butter, softened
2 beaten eggs
3/4t ground cardamon
4c flour

Add ingredients according to your bread machine. Use the dough cycle.
Split into 9 pieces. Roll each piece out into a long rope using flour.
Make 3 braids.
Let rise for about 45 min.
Bake 12-15min at 375.
Brush with butter once removed from oven (opt)

Notes: Can be frozen once the bread is cooked. Makes 3 loaves.

Recipe is from my Aunt Cheryl.

Brownie Mix and Brownies

Make this brownie mix and you'll never have to buy a boxed brownie mix again!

6c all purpose flour
4t baking powder
4t salt
8c sugar
1 (8-oz) can unsweetened cocoa powder

Combine the ingredients in a large bowl. Store in an airtight container. Use within 10-12 weeks.

Our Best Brownies

1/4c butter/margarine melted
2 eggs, beaten
1t vanilla extract
2-1/4c BROWNIE MIX
1/2 cup chocolate chips or peanut butter chips (optional)

Grease and flour an 8in sq. pan. Combine butter, eggs, vanilla, and mix. Beat until smooth. Stir in chips. Pour into prepared pan. Bake 30-35min at 350, until edges separate from pan.

Recipes from Make-A-Mix cookbook.

Chicken Mix + Broth

This is an easy method to make ahead some bite size chicken to use in future recipes plus broth that can be frozen. All amounts are approximate so adjust for your tastes and what fits in your slow cooker.

5-6lbs chicken breasts (either whole or cut up)
Cover chicken with water
3T parsley flakes
4 carrots, peeled & chopped
<2t salt
1/2t pepper
2t basil

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker. Cook 7-8 hours until chicken is done.
Cut up chicken if didn't previously. Strain broth and freeze in 1-2c freezer containers. Measure 2c chicken mixture and place in freezer bags.

Use within 3 months.

Recipe adapted from Make-A-Mix cookbook.

Peanut Butter Cookies

These will be the easiest, best peanut butter cookies you'll ever make!

1c smooth peanut butter 
1c sugar
1t baking soda
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4c mini chocolate chips

Mix pb with the sugar, baking soda, and egg until blended. Stir in the chocolate chips.
Roll tablespoons of the dough into 24 balls.
Place on baking sheets. Using a fork, make a crosshatch pattern on each cookie.
Bake ~15min  at 350 until cookies are lightly browned.

Tips:

• Can be made dairy-free if you use dairy-free chocolate chips.

Notes: Often in the winter, Ryan would make this recipe after the kids have gone to bed. They are worth staying up for!

Recipe from Food and Wine - Sept. 2008

Hawaiian Meatballs

Meatballs
1lb hamburger
bread crumbs
1 egg

Mix together. Season with salt, pepper, ginger, garlic. Brown meatballs in skillet.

Sauce
2T cornstarch
1/2c brown sugar
1/3c vinegar
1 - 16oz pineapple tidpits (or crushed)
1T soy sauce

Mix cornstarch and brown sugar together. Drain pineapple juice into the bowl. Add rest of the wet ingredients.

Drain excess grease from meatballs. Add pineapple and sauce to the meatballs. Cover and simmer on low until sauce thickens.
Opt. 1 medium onion and 1 pepper can be added.

Serve over rice or raman noodles. This is a good leftover meal too!

Recipe from a former co-worker, Travis.

Turkey Meatballs

1lb ground turkey
1/2c spinach
2T rice vinegar
1/2c oatmeal
1t basil
1t tarragon
1t oregano
2t garlic
1T parsley

Mix ingredients. Form into meatballs. Brown.

Tips:

• Use in spaghetti sauce
• Make a meatball sandwich with marinara sauce
• Adjust spices to your liking

Recipe from my friend Maleah.

Italian Bread Baked on a Pizza Stone

3 cups unbleached flour

1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1 1/3 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
2 tablespoons cornmeal

1.Place flour, brown sugar, warm water, salt, olive oil and yeast in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select dough cycle; press Start.


2.Place pizza stone in oven and preheat to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Oven must be preheated at least 30 minutes before baking.

3.Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Form dough into two loaves. Place the loaves seam side down on a cutting board generously sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover the loaves with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes.

4.In a small bowl, beat together egg and 1 tablespoon water. Brush the risen loaves with egg mixture. Make a single long, quick cut down the center of the loaves with a sharp knife. Gently shake the cutting board to make sure that the loaves are not sticking. If they stick, use a spatula or pastry knife to loosen. Slide the loaves onto the pizza stone with one quick but careful motion.

5.Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
 
Recipe is from Allrecipes.

Pancakes

2c flour
1T baking powder
1/2t salt
1T sugar
1 or 2 eggs
1 1/2 - 2c milk

Mix dry ingredients. Beat the eggs into the milk and add to dry ingredients. Mix just enough to moisten the flour. If batter is thick add a little more milk.
Cook on skillet until brown and flip.

Tips:

• Can make dairy free using soy, rice, almond milk
• Can freeze pancakes and reheat in toaster or microwave.
• Place the batter in a squeeze bottle and you can make letters, numbers, and whatever else your heart (and kids) desire. (Jim's Pancake Art)

Recipe is from How to Cook Everything - the Basics Cookbook.

Chocolate Chip Cookies (with Chickpeas)

1c brown sugar
3/4c butter/margarine
2 large egg whites
2t vanilla extract
1 - 15oz chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2c chocolate chips
2c all-purpose flour
1/2c old-fashioned oats
1t baking soda
1/4t salt

Mix sugar and butter. Beat in egg whites and vanilla, then chickpeas and chocolate chips. Add flour, oats, baking soda, and salt, and mix on low speed until a thick dough forms.
Drop by tablespoonful onto baking sheet. Press gently with a fork to flatten.
Bake until the cookies are brown and just set, 11-13 min at 350.

Tips:

• Can add 3/4 walnuts and/or raisin
• Taste good frozen too
• Can be dairy-free just using dairy-free chocolate chips and vegetable spread

Recipe from Deceptively Delicious

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

1 pound shredded, cooked chicken
1 (15 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, mashed
1 (10 ounce) can enchilada sauce
1 medium onion, chopped
1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups water
1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
1 (10 ounce) package frozen corn
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
7 corn tortillas
vegetable oil

1.Place chicken, tomatoes, enchilada sauce, onion, green chiles, and garlic into a slow cooker. Pour in water and chicken broth, and season with cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir in corn and cilantro. Cover, and cook on Low setting for 6 to 8 hours or on High setting for 3 to 4 hours.

2.Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

3.Lightly brush both sides of tortillas with oil. Cut tortillas into strips, then spread on a baking sheet.

4.Bake in preheated oven until crisp, about 10 to 15 minutes. To serve, sprinkle tortilla strips over soup.
 
Tips:

• Tortilla strips are of course optional
• I usually just add whole uncooked chicken breasts and then shred before serving.

Recipe is from Allrecipes.

Pumpkin Muffins

4 eggs
2c sugar
16oz pumpkin
1 1/2c oil (or combination with applesauce)
3c flour
2t baking soda
2t baking powder
1t cinnamon
1t salt
1 pkg choc. chip (or less depending on your preference)

Mix all together. Makes 24-30 muffins. Bake at 400 for 16-20min.
These can be frozen to be thawed and eaten later.

Notes: These are some of the best muffins.

Recipe is from my friend Ellen.

Naan

Worth the effort - much cheaper than the store.

1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
1/4 cup white sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 egg, beaten
2 teaspoons salt
4 1/2 cups bread flour
2 teaspoons minced garlic (optional)
1/4 cup butter, melted (optional)

1.In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand about 10 minutes, until frothy. Stir in sugar, milk, egg, salt, and enough flour to make a soft dough. Knead for 6 to 8 minutes on a lightly floured surface, or until smooth. Place dough in a well oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and set aside to rise. Let it rise 1 hour, until the dough has doubled in volume.


2.Punch down dough, and knead in garlic. Pinch off small handfuls of dough about the size of a golf ball. Roll into balls, and place on a tray. Cover with a towel, and allow to rise until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.

3.During the second rising, preheat grill to high heat.

4.At grill side, roll one ball of dough out into a thin circle. Lightly oil grill. Place dough on grill, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until puffy and lightly browned. Brush uncooked side with butter, and turn over. Brush cooked side with butter, and cook until browned, another 2 to 4 minutes. Remove from grill, and continue the process until all the naan has been prepared.
 
Tips:

• Feel free to use the Broiler inside if you cannot grill, but they do taste better grilled, but what doesn't?
• Tastes best right after making them, but can be reheated in microwave for later.
• Can use alternative milk (soy, almond, etc) if you can not eat dairy.

Recipe taken from Allrecipes.

Key Lime Pie

Make/Buy a graham cracker crust.

Filling
4 egg yolks,
2 cans sweetened condensed milk,
1 cup key lime juice (sold in bottles,or use regular lime juice)

Combine ingredients. You can add lime zest if you want for more tart flavor.
Pour into a crust.
Bake for about 25 minutes 350.
Cool then refrigerate. It will set more in fridge too. Top with whipped cream if you want, or dollop on the side...

Incredibly easy for a pie that tastes so good.

Recipe is from Ryan's aunt, Mo who just happens to be a professional chef/baker.

Granola Bars

1/3c oil (olive, canola whatever you prefer)
3/4c brown sugar
2T honey
1t vanilla
1 egg
1c whole wheat flour
1t cinnamon
1/2t baking powder
1/4t salt
1 1/2c oats
2c cereal (form of Cheerios, crisp rice, or granola type)

Optionals: 1-2 cups of: nuts, raisins, chocolate chips, dried fruit, peanut butter chips, etc.

Combine oil, brown sugar, honey, vanilla, and egg.
Add flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
Stir in rest.

Spray a 9x13 pan. Press mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan.
For chewy bars: 350 for 20-30min, until ightly browned on edges.
For crunchy bars: 300 for 40-50min until brown all over.

These can be frozen to be used for later.

Tips:
This is  a great base for granola bars so feel free to experiment and make it even more healthy with flax seed, bananas etc.

Recipe is from 30 Day Gourmet Cooking Manual.

Salsa

2 large cans of Red  Gold whole tomatoes, drained

1/2 large sweet onion

1 jalapeno pepper (remove seeds for less heat)

1t salt

3/4 cilantro bunch

lime juice from 2 limes (microwave the limes for 10secs to get more juice)
4-5 fresh garlic cloves

Pile all the ingredients in a food processor. Run the processor until well blended.
Yields about 7-8cups.
Tips:

• Can use a jar of jalapenos instead and add to tastes.
• A can of chilies is also good to add.
• Red gold tomatoes are our favorite and Hunts our least.
• I typically just make 1/2 recipe for one week. And make one hot for Ryan and one mild for Ian.
• Feel free to add fresh banana peppers or other fresh ingredients to what you like.

Recipe from my friend Colleen C. soon to be Colleen W.

Taco Seasoning Mix

2t instant minced onion (or onion powder)
1t salt
1t chili powder
1/2t cornstarch
1/2t crushed dried red pepper
1/2t minced garlic (or garlic powder)
1/4t dried oregano
1/2t ground cumin

Tips:

• Recommended to use within 6 months.
• Feel free to adjust red pepper for your tastes
• To make tacos: brown 1lb ground beef and then add 1/2c water and the mix.Simmer for 10min. Makes 8-10 tacos