Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Pancakes

My Mom has a tradition with my boys where she makes these pancakes the morning after a sleepover at her house. I've never made these until now. I asked my son how they were and he said "good, but they don't taste like Grandma's, I think that's because everything tastes better at Grandma's house". I thought they were pretty delicious! -Sarah

2 cups flour
3 T. sugar
3 t. baking powder
3/4 t. salt
1 egg
1/3 cup peanut butter
5 T. melted butter
1 3/4 cups-2 cups milk
mini (or regular) chocolate chips

• Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.
• Mix the wet ingredients in another bowl, starting with the smaller amount of milk.
• Add wet ingredients to dry and add more milk if needed. Batter will be thick.
• Pour onto greased pan and sprinkle with chocolate chips, flip and finish cooking on the other side.

Homemade SpaghettiO's

This recipe is hardly even a recipe! I have always loved pasta in my tomato soup, and I love spaghettiO's, but can't eat them because of the MSG. So, one day I made my own! My whole family loves these and it's super easy and yummy.

1 can tomato soup
1 can water
1 can full of Ditalini pasta

• Mix all together in a small saucepan. Simmer until pasta is cooked.
• If I just want pasta in my tomato soup I add 1/2 a can full of Ditalini.

Fudgy Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting

These are chocolaty, fudgey deliciousness with peanut butter frosting. -Kristin

5 oz. unsweetened chocolate
4 oz. bittersweet or semisweet chocolate
1/2 c. butter
1 1/2 c. sugar
4 eggs
1 t. vanilla
1/2 c. all purpose flour
1/4 t. salt

1 c. creamy peanut butter (do not use natural)
3 T. butter, room temperature
2/3 c. powdered sugar
1 t. vanilla

1. Combine both chocolates and butter in saucepan and stir over low heat until melted and smooth. Cool to barely warm; set aside.
2. Using mixer, beat sugar, eggs and vanilla in large bowl until mixture thickens and is pale yellow, about 5 minutes.
3. Slowly beat in the flour, and salt.
4. Slowly beat in chocolate mixture.
5. Transfer mixture to greased 9x13 pan and bake for 20 minutes at 350. After baking let them cool down completely.
6. For frosting combine the butter and peanut butter in bowl and mix well.
7. Add the remaining ingredients and spread on cooled brownies.

Morning Glory Muffins

These are one of my favorite muffins. The combination is so perfect in these muffins. -Kristin

2 c. flour

3/4 c. sugar

2 t. baking soda

2 t. cinnamon

1/2 t. salt

2 c. grated carrots

1/2 c. raisins

1/2 c. coconut

1/2 c. drained crushed pineapple

3 eggs

1/2 c. applesauce

1/2 c. oil

2 t. vanilla

• Sift together the dry ingredients; set aside.
• In different bowl mix together remaining ingredients and then stir into the dry.
• Grease 18 muffin cups and bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

Squares of Yumminess

This is a recipe that I adapted from one I found on the Internet. Why I haven't had these all my life is beyond me. These will fix a serious chocolate craving in no time flat! It's all things delicious in one amazing recipe! -Sarah

2 cups chocolate chips
1 cup peanut butter
4 cups mini marshmallows
2 cups rice crispies cereal

• In a microwave safe bowl, microwave the chocolate chips and peanut butter, stirring every 30 seconds until chocolate chips are just melted.
• Stir in remaining ingredients and spread into a greased 9x9 pan.
• Refrigerate until set. Store in fridge.

The possibilities for this recipe are endless! Chopped nuts and chunky peanut butter would be great ingredients to play with!

Mom's Swiss Steak

This is how my Mom makes her awesome Swiss steak dinner. She always serves this with mashed potatoes. The meat turns out so tender, it just falls apart...YUM! This recipe amounts are vague because it depends on how much meat you have.  If you are covering a 9 x 13 pan with the round steak, double the cream of chicken, beef bouillon and water.  The end result leaves some delicious gravy to serve with it!  -Kristin

Round steak
salt and pepper
cream of chicken
3/4 c. water
1 cube beef bullion
1 package of onion soup mix.

• Cover the bottom of a 7 x 11 or a 9x13 pan with the round steak (depends on how much you have).
• Sprinkle the meat with salt and pepper.
• In a bowl mix together the remaining ingredients.
• Pour over meat.
• Cover with foil and bake at 300 for 4 hours.

Easy Chicken Enchiladas

This is an easy recipe for chicken enchiladas- very, very yummy! -Kristin

4 c. chicken, cooked
1 can cream of chicken
1 1/4 c. plain yogurt
1/2 c. sour cream
3/4 c. salsa
3 c. shredded cheddar cheese
12 flour medium tortillas

Optional Toppings:
salsa

green onions
diced tomatoes
sliced black olives

• Combine all except the flour tortillas and extra 1c. of cheese.
• Put some of the mixture in each tortilla, and place seam side down in a greased 9x13 pan. There will be extra filling to spoon over the top of the tortillas.
• Spoon leftover filling on top and top with the last 1c. of cheese.
• Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.
• Top with desired optional toppings.

Brocolli Cheese Soup

This is my Mom's recipe. I still make this and it is always a hit. I love the this soup. -Kristin

4 cups water

1 (16oz) package frozen brocolli

1 (16 oz) package frozen cauliflower

2 c. chopped onions

1 1/2 c. chopped celery

2 cans cream of chicken

1 # velvetta cheese, cubed

1 c. milk

• Combine the water, broccoli, cauliflower, onions and celery. Cover and boil lightly for 30 minutes.
• Add the cheese and soup and simmer.
• Add milk and heat through.

Pizza Casserole

This casserole was brought to our family after one of our babies was born. I had to get the recipe. This stuff is seriously so delicious. -Kristin

1 # ground chuck, cooked and drained
1 can cream of mushroom
1 can pizza sauce
1/2 t. oregano
1/2 # rigatoni, cooked
1 can tomato soup
3 c. mozzarella, shredded
1/4 t. garlic powder
1 package pepperoni (half for in the casserole, and half on top)
Parmesan cheese
mushrooms (optional)
diced green peppers (optional)
diced onion (optional)

• Stir all together and put in a greased 9x13 pan and top with the other half of pepperoni. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
• Bake 350 for 40 minutes covered and 15 minutes uncovered.

Tator Tot Casserole

This is my mom's recipe. We thought she was so cool when she served this for dinner... we all loved it. This is a very kid-friendly recipe and adults love it too. My family loves this!! -Kristin

2 lbs. ground beef/or ground turkey
1 medium onion
1 can of cream of chicken
1/2 c. milk
2 lb. frozen tator tots
1 can Durkees fried onions
1 1/2 c. grated sharp or Colby cheese

• Brown the meat with onion.
• Put on the bottom of a 9x13 pan.
• Mix soup with milk and pour over the meat.
• Place tator tots over sauce.
• Bake 1 hour at 350 and then sprinkle with the cheese and bake 5 minutes more.
• Remove from oven and top with the fried onions.
• Serve with ketchup.

Banana Oatmeal Bread

This banana bread is wonderful.  I really like the oats in there. -Kristin

1 1/4 c. flour

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/2 t. salt

1/2 t. baking soda

1/4 t. baking powder

1 T. oil

2 eggs, beaten

3 large bananas, mashed

1 c. uncooked old fashioned oats

• Preheat oven to 350.
• Sift together the dry ingredients except the oats and set aside.
• In a seperate bowl mix together the wet ingredients.
• Mix together the dry and wet ingredients.
• Stir in the oats.
• Grease loaf pan and bake 45-55 minutes until toothpick inserted comes out dry.

Orange Delight

This is one of my favorite jello recipes. -Kristin

1 c. mandarin oranges
1 large container of cool whip
1 c. cottage cheese
1 small package orange jello
1 c. boiling water

• Mix the jello into the boiling water.
• Mix in the rest of the ingredients and place in an 8x8 casserole dish and refrigerate until set.

Topsy Turvy Muffins (Black Bottom Cupcakes)

These are so fantastic. My Mom made these a lot when we were growing up. These are my Dad's favorites!  This recipe makes 18 cupcakes. -Kristin

1 1/2 c. flour
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
1 c. sugar
1/4 c. cocoa
1 t. vanilla
1/3 c. oil
1 c. water
1 T. vinegar

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1 egg
1/3 c. sugar
1/8 t. salt
6 oz. chocolate chips

• Sift together flour, soda, salt.
• Beat into the flour mixture the remaining ingredients.
• In a seperate bowl mix together the cream cheese, egg, sugar and salt.
• Stir in the chocolate chips.
• Fill paper lined muffin cups 1/2 full with the batter and then top with a heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture.
• Fill paper lined muffin cups 1/2 full with the batter and then top with 1 T. of the cream cheese mixture.
• Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes.

Mixed Cereal Muffins

This is a very unique recipe I got years ago from a lady at our church. I think she made them up to use up extra baby food cereal. I have done that but also have specifically bought the Gerber Mixed Cereal for this recipe. These are very, very good and so easy to make! -Kristin

I made these with Cream of Wheat cereal in place of the baby cereal and they turned out great.-Sarah

2 eggs
1 c. sugar
1/2 t. salt
1 t. almond extract
1/4 c. oil
1/4 c. milk
1 c. baby cereal (rice or mixed)
1 c. flour
1/4 t. baking powder
1/4 t. baking soda

Mix all and pour batter into paper lined muffin tins.

Bake at 325 for 20-30 minutes

Spinach Rice Casserole

This is delicious. I served it for dinner tonight and all the kids looked disappointed. But, at the first bite they were suprised, they loved it! I got this recipe from tammysrecipes.com, she has very good recipes on her site. The only thing I would do differently next time is double it for sure!-Kristin

10 oz. fresh spinach leaves
1 T. water
1 t. dried minced onion
1 c. cooked rice (white or brown)
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
1/3 c. milk
2 eggs, beaten
1 t. salt
1-2 c. leftover, cooked diced chicken (optional)

• Place washed spinach in a large pan or skillet (with the water). Cover over medium-low heat until the spinach leaves wilt.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine all other ingredients. Add the wilted spinach and stir.
• Pour into a greased 8x8 inch baking dish.
• Bake at 325 for 35-40 minutes, until set in the middle. (Test with a fork.)

Yummy Broccoli

This is a recipe from the Food Network chef Ellie Krieger. This is very good...I love new ways to make broccoli, because we eat it a lot! -Kristin

1 bunch broccoli (about 1 1/4 pounds)
1 T. water
2 T. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 c. fresh bread crumbs made from day old whole wheat bread or 1/4 c. plain (store bought) bread crumbs
1/4 t. dried oregano
1/4 t. salt
pinch of pepper

• Cut the broccoli into spears and place in a large microwave safe bowl with the water. Cover tightly and microwave on high for 5 minutes.
• Drain the broccoli well and set aside.
• While the broccoli is cooking, heat the oil in skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the garlic and cook for 1 minutes.
• Add the remaining ingredients and cook, stirring, until the crumbs are toasted and golden brown, about 2 minutes.
• Add the broccoli, toss to coat with bread crumbs and serve.

Nutty Granola

I love this granola and its light sweetness from maple syrup. My family loves yogurt/berry and granola parfaits. They are always a special treat for any time of the day! -Kristin

3 c. old fashioned oats

1/2 c. chopped walnuts

1/2 c. chopped almonds

1/2 c. chopped pecans

1/2 c. unsweetened flaked coconut

1/2 c. pure maple syrup

1/4 t. salt

1/4 t. cinnamon

1/2 c. raisins (optional)

• Preheat oven to 300 and spray jelly roll pan with non stick spray; set aside.
• In a large bowl mix together all the ingredients; stir very well to mix the maple syrup all the way through.
• Spread out on the pan and bake for 30 minutes, stirring at 15 minutes.

Egg and Onion Matza

This is another great recipe from tammysrecipes! My family loves these fun squares and I love that they are easy and quick. I love the mild onion flavor and this recipe has made me reach for the onion powder a lot more often while cooking. -Sarah

2 1/4 cups flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup butter
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon onion powder
1/2 cup milk

• Mix onion powder with milk and set aside to soak.
• Mix dry ingredients and cut in butter until crumbly. Add egg and milk mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead and divide dough in half.
• Roll each half of dough out on lightly floured surface and cut with a pizza cutter into desired shapes. Prick each piece a few times with a fork.
• Place pieces of dough on a lightly greased cookie sheet that has been lightly salted (Kosher salt works well for this).
• Bake at 450 degrees about 10 minutes.

Taco Seasoning Mix

I love this mix for seasoning meat for tacos. Or in place of any recipe that calls for a taco seasoning mix. -Kristin

1 T. chili powder
1/4 t. garlic powder
1/4 t. onion powder
1/8 - 1/4 t. cayenne pepper
1/4 t. oregano
1/2 t. paprika
2 t. cumin
1 t. salt

• Mix all ingredients together and store in airtight container until ready to use.


• When ready to use sprinkle it onto 1-1 1/2 pounds cooked ground beef along with 3/4 c. water.


• Simmer and stir till water is absorbed and it is thickened.

If you want to make up a bunch of this at a time to keep around: 3 T. of mix=1 batch

Keoni's Island Broil

This is a fantastic way to prepare salmon. My whole family loves salmon and we look forward to these special meals. -Sarah

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup red wine
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup sliced green onions
4-6 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 T. sesame oil
1 T. toasted sesame seeds
2 #'s salmon

• Combine marinade ingredients.
• Cover fillets in marinade and refrigerate about 3 hours, turning occasionally.
• Grill or broil.

Roasted Vegetables

This is a great way to use up some of that produce that has seen fresher days! Almost anything goes great in this, it's such a simple recipe, but has so much great flavor. -Sarah

Italian salad dressing
mushrooms
carrots
bell peppers
onion
zucchini

• Toss vegetables in salad dressing. Spread onto greased jelly rolled pan and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Bake at 450 degrees 30-40 minutes. Tossing vegetables a few times during cooking. Check seasonings before serving.

Hot Chicken Salad

This is an oldie but goodie recipe of ours. Sarah and I have made this for along time. It is always a family pleaser. -Kristin

1 c. chopped celery
1 T. butter
2 c. diced, cooked chicken
1 c. cooked rice
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 t. dried minced onion
1 t. salt
3/4 c. mayonnaise
1/2 c. sliced water chestnuts

1 T. butter
1 1/2 c. crushed cornflakes
1/2 c. slivered or sliced almonds

• Saute celery in butter.
• Mix in remaining ingredients, except the cornflakes and almonds.
• Place in a greased casserole dish.
• In a saucepan melt 1 T. butter and add the crushed cornflakes and toast for about a minute. 
• Sprinkle cornflakes and almonds on top of the chicken mixture.
• Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

Flaxseed Waffles

These are healthy and hearty, but still light. Do not let this name scare you, they are awesome. My kids and husband rave about these. I double this recipe for my family. -Kristin

1 c. all purpose flour
1/2 c. whole wheat flour
1/4 c. whole unprocessed flax seeds
2 T. dry milk
1 T. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
2 c. milk (2% or whole)
1/3 c. melted butter
2 eggs

Maple syrup
Berries (optional)

• Whisk together the first 6 ingredients in a large bowl to blend; set aside.
• In different bowl mix well the milk, melted butter and eggs.
• Pour wet ingredients into dry and mix well. Then let batter sit for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours.
• Spray waffle iron with non stick spray and preheat.
• Cook on waffle iron as directed.

Cinnamon Raisin Biscuits

This is a recipe I found on the Internet, but I've changed it a little bit. These are so awesome! I think these are a perfect balance because the biscuit isn't sweet, so the cinnamon frosting isn't too much. The biscuit part is so full of raisins and tender, and the cinnamon flavored frosting makes them extra special. -Sarah

1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup white flour
4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 cup butter
1/2 cup milk
1 cup raisins

cinnamon frosting:
1 1/2 Tablespoons softened butter (very soft, but not melted)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4-1 cup powdered sugar
1-2 Tablespoons milk

• For biscuits, mix dry ingredients and cut in butter until crumbs form. stir in milk and raisins.
• Press dough onto lightly floured counter and cut with a biscuit cutter.
• Place on lightly greased cookie sheet and bake at 450 degrees about 8 minutes.
• Cool until warm and frost with cinnamon frosting.
• To make frosting combine butter and cinnamon well, mix in powdered sugar, beat with whisk, adding milk until desired consistency. Must have very soft butter or it will not work.

Makes 9 biscuits

French Bread in the bread maker

This is another recipe that I use often. It makes great bread for french toast. I try to make the loaf at least the day before I want it for french toast so it will dry out a little bit. It's also great for grilled cheese. -Sarah

1 1/2 pound loaf
10 1/2 oz. water (80 degrees)
1 T. butter
1 1/2 t. oil
3 1/3 cups bread flour
1 T. sugar
1 1/4 t. salt
2 t. yeast

2 pound loaf
12 1/2 oz. water (80 degrees)
1 T. butter
1 T. oil
4 1/4 cups bread flour
1 1/2 T. sugar
1 1/2 t. salt
2 1/4 t. yeast

• Layer in the order according to the manufacturers directions.

Soft Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls

These whole wheat rolls will impress you with how incredibly soft they are. The secret ingredient is instant mashed potatoes. I got this recipe from an old issue of Bon Appetit I found. -Kristin

3/4 c. milk (2% or whole)
3/4 c. water
1/4 c. butter
3 c. whole wheat flour or white whole wheat flour
3/4 c. instant mashed potato flakes
1/4 c. nonfat dry milk powder
3 T. sugar
2 1/4 t. quick-rising active dry yeast
1 1/4 t. salt
1 egg yolk
1 egg white, whisked with 1 T. water (for glaze)
3-5 T. oatmeal

• Bring milk and water to simmer in a small pan.
• Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted. Bring the mixture down to 120-130 F.
• Meanwhile, mix together all the dry ingredients.
• Add the warm milk mixture to the dry ingredients along with the egg yolk.
• Knead mixture in bowl until dough comes together, (dough will be sticky).
• Turn out onto floured work surface and knead until very smooth, elastic and no longer sticky. (About 8 minutes) *Or just use stand up mixer.
• Place dough in a buttered bowl and cover with plastic wrap and then a kitchen towel. Set in a warm, draft free place and let rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours till doubled.
• Butter 13x9x2 baking sheet.
• Turn dough onto floured surface and divide in half and then each half into 4 equal pieces.
• Roll each piece into almost smooth ball.
• Arrange dough rounds 4 lengthwise and 4 crosswise rows in prepared pan.
• Cover with kitchen towel and let rise till almost doubled and expanded to where they touch each other, about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350.
• Brush the egg white mixture all over the rolls and then sprinkle with the oatmeal.
• Bake for 28 minutes until lightly browned.
• Remove from oven and let cool a few minutes before removing.

Rhubarb Crisp

My Dad and my father in law love rhubarb desserts. This is an old one from my Mom's recipe box. I try to get rhubarb to stock my freezer every summer, then I can make delicious recipes like this all year round. -Sarah

-Mix and press half of mixture into a greased 2 qt. baking dish. Reserve remaining crumb mixture for topping.
1 cup flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup oats

-Cook in a saucepan until thickened.
1 cup sugar
2 T. cornstarch
1 cup water

-Stir in rhubarb and pour over crust.
4 cups chopped rhubarb, fresh or frozen (if using frozen slightly thaw first)

-Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture and bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes.

Broccoli Side Dish

This is from my friend Shannon, it's quick, delicious and only dirties one dish! This recipe is a definite keeper! -Sarah

5 cups broccoli florets (approximately)
2 T. melted butter
4 t. soy sauce
2 t. brown sugar
1/2 t. minced garlic

• Place broccoli in a casserole dish with a lid.
• Combine remaining ingredients and pour over broccoli.
• With lid on casserole dish, microwave 3-5 minutes, depending on how cooked you like it. Stir and serve.

Cheesy Bread Sticks

This recipe is from tammysrecipes.com she has a ton of awesome recipes on her site and this is one of them, although she calls it Italian Cheese Bread. Whatever you call this it's yummy! My family loves these and I've made this recipe many different ways. -Sarah

1 recipe pizza crust, from blog
1/4 cup Italian, Ranch or other salad dressing
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp ground oregano
1/4 tsp dried thyme
pepper
1 T. Parmesan cheese (or more)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• Make the pizza dough and press onto a lightly greased pan.
• Spread with salad dressing.
• Sprinkle with seasonings.
• Top with cheeses and bake at 450 degrees for 15 minutes.

I've made these using a Greek salad dressing, red onion and fet cheese, oh the possibilities!

Peanut Butter Temptations

These cookies are a must try for all those peanut butter and chocolate lovers...which is everyone in my family! Needless to say, we REALLY like these. -Kristin

1/2 c. butter, softened

1/2 c. peanut butter

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. brown sugar

1 egg

1/2 t. vanilla

1 1/4 c. flour

3/4 t. baking soda

24 miniature peanut butter cups

• Cream the butter, peanut butter, sugar, brown sugar, egg and vanilla.
• Add the dry ingredients.
• Roll into 24 balls and place in greased mini muffin pans.
• Bake them at 350 for 12-15 minutes.
• When the cookies come out of the oven and press 1 peanut butter cup in the middle of each one.
• Let them cool in the pans and then remove.

Au Gratin Sausage Skillet

This is great quick dinner for when you don't have a lot of time to cook.-Sarah

1# smoked sausage ring, halved and sliced 1/2 inch thick
1 pkg. Au Gratin potatoes
2 1/2 cups water
16 oz. pkg. frozen California blend vegetables
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• Cook sausage until browned.
• Add potatoes, cheese packet and water. Cover and cook 18-20 minutes until potatoes are almost tender.
• Add vegetables, cover and cook 8-10 minutes.
• Sprinkle with cheese.

Green Bean Dinner Casserole

                                                                    

This is an old family favorite. I brought it to Kristin when she had her first baby...memories! -Sarah

1 can green beans (larger size), drained
1# ground beef, cooked and drained
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 can tomato soup, undiluted
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
prepared mashed potatoes

• Place green beans in a 2 quart casserole dish.
• Cook ground beef with onion and drain. Add tomato soup and season with salt and pepper.
• Top with mashed potatoes.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Franks and Cornbread

This is so yummy! It's a great dish for kids. And adults love it too! -Sarah

28 oz. can baked beans
12 oz. hot dogs, sliced
2 T. brown sugar
1 T. worcestershire sauce
1 T. mustard
8 1/2 oz. box cornbread (Jiffy mix)
1 cup shredded cheddar

• Combine hot dog slices with beans and seasonings. Place in a casserole dish.
• Prepare cornbread according to package directions and stir in cheddar.
• 
  
  Spread over bean mixture. Bake uncovered, at 350 degrees 40-45 minutes.

Granola Bars

This is a recipe Kristin gave me years ago, it makes such a yummy, chewy treat! This recipe is very forgiving, just use whatever you have in the cupboards. You can't taste the coconut in these bars, but it helps with the chewy texture. -Sarah

1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/4 cup melted butter
2/3 cup peanut butter
2 t. vanilla
3 cups quick oats
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup coconut
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup M&M's or raisins

• Combine all. Press into greased 9x13 pan.
• Bake at 350 degrees about 15-20 minutes, until edges just begin to brown.

Honey Peanut Butter Cookies

I love the flavor and texture of this cookie! It has ingredients that are a little healthier and the whole wheat flour doesn't take anything away from this cookie. -Sarah

1/2 cup butter
1/3 cup shortening
3/4 cup peanut butter (natural peanut butter tastes best in this recipe)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
1 cup flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. baking soda

• Cream butter, shortening, and peanut butter. Add brown sugar and honey.
• Mix dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture.
• Drop onto cookie sheets and press down with fork, creating crisscross pattern.
• Bake at 375 degrees for about 8 minutes, careful not to over bake these!

Rocky Road Fudge Brownies

This is a great way to make a brownie mix very impressive! Again, how can you go wrong with chocolate and marshmallows? -Sarah

1 package brownie mix (9x13 size)
1 cup chopped pecans, if desired
3 cups mini marshmallows
2 oz. unsweetened chocolate (Bakers chocolate)
1/3 cup milk
1/2 cup butter
16 oz. powdered sugar
1/2 t. vanilla

• Prepare brownies according to package. Stir in pecans if desired. Spread batter into a greased 9x13 pan.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Remove pan from oven and sprinkle marshmallows over. Allow to cool on counter while making the frosting.
• In a saucepan combine unsweetened chocolate, milk and butter. Cook over low heat until well combined, stirring to prevent burning.
• Transfer to a mixing bowl. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
• Spread frosting over brownies.

Surprise Cookies

This is a Martha Stewart recipe and doesn't disappoint! Kristin and I have a weakness for all things marshmallow! -Sarah

1 3/4 cup flour
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
1 stick butter, slightly softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1 t. vanilla
12 large marshmallows, halved

Chocolate Frosting
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
4 T. softened butter
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup milk
1/4 t. vanilla

• Whisk dry ingredients together.
• Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg, milk and vanilla. Beat until combined.
• Add dry ingredients and mix on low until just combined.
• Roll into 24 balls and bake about 10 minutes. Remove from oven and press half a large marshmallow into center of cookie. Place back into oven until marshmallow just begins to melt, about 2 minutes.
• Cool and frost cookies. (You can't see the marshmallow until you bite into the cookie...that is the surprise!)

Pumpkin Cookies

This recipe is from my mother-in-law, Gail. These yummy cookies are addictive! My husband says that anything is good when you spread cream cheese frosting on it! -Sarah

1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 t. vanilla
1 egg
1 cup pumpkin
2 1/2-3 cups flour
1 t. baking soda
1 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. nutmeg
1/4 t. ground ginger
1/2 t. salt

Cream Cheese Frosting
4 T. butter
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 t. vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar
-Beat butter and cream cheese, add vanilla and powdered sugar, beat to spreading consistency.

• Cream butter, sugar, vanilla and egg. Beat until fluffy and add pumpkin.
• Add dry ingredient until stiff dough forms.
• Drop onto greased cookie sheets. Flatten slightly with fingers.
• Bake at 350 degrees about 10 minutes.
• Cool and frost with cream cheese frosting.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

My Mom sometimes has pre-made balls of this dough in her freezer to bake when people (grandsons) stop by! This is a cookie that turns out great every time! -Sarah

2 cups flour
1 t. baking soda
1 cup peanut butter
3/4 cup butter, slightly softened
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 t. vanilla
2 eggs
2 cups chocolate chips

• Beat peanut butter, butter, sugars and vanilla until well mixed. Beat in eggs.
• Mix dry ingredients and gradually add to creamed mixture. Beating just until mixed.
• Stir in chocolate chips.
• Roll into balls and freeze for later or bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

Peanut Butter Swirl Bars

These are another classic from my childhood. These bars are a quick alternative to baking cookies. -Sarah

1/2 cup crunchy or plain peanut butter
1/3 cup butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 t. vanilla
1 cup flour
1 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

• Beat peanut butter, sugars, and butter together. Add eggs and vanilla. Beating until well mixed.
• Combine dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture.
• Spread dough in a greased 9x13 pan. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top and bake at 350 degrees for 5 minutes. Remove from oven and swirl dough with a knife.
• Bake 15-20 minutes longer.

Peanut Butter Cookies

Again, my Mom's recipe! These are the best peanut butter cookies that I have ever had! -Sarah

1 cup shortening
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup sugar
1 cup peanut butter
2 eggs
2 3/4 cups flour
2 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt

• Cream shortening, and sugars together.
• Add peanut butter and eggs.
• Mix dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture.
• Roll balls in sugar and push down with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern.
• Bake at 375 degrees 8-10 minutes.

Marla's Meatloaf

Marla is my Aunt, and this is very good meatloaf! This is a more traditional recipe than the horseradish meatloaf (posted on blog). I love them both, and I also love meatloaf sandwiches! -Sarah

2#'s ground beef
1/2 cup water
2 eggs
1/3 cup ketchup (plus more for topping)
2 1/2 cups bread cubes
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
1 t. salt
1/8 t. pepper
1/8 t. Lawrys season salt

• Mix all ingredients well and form into a loaf shape in a 9x13 pan.
• Spread additional ketchup over top of loaf and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour, 20 minutes.

Pizza Meatballs

My Mom often served these unique meatballs to guests. She always made a delicious dinner when we had company, and her cooking gave her the reputation of being the excellent cook that she is. These meatballs never fail to impress. -Sarah

1# ground beef
1/2 cup dried Italian breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
2 T. dried minced onion
1 t. garlic salt
1/8 t. pepper

4 oz. mozzarella cheese, cut into 12 cubes
3 T. flour
2 T. oil
1 large jar of spaghetti sauce

• Mix beef with seasonings. Shape into 12 balls, with cube of cheese in the center of each meatball.
• Coat with flour, brown on all sides in oil, drain off grease and add spaghetti sauce to pan. Simmer for 20 minutes.
• Serve over rice, pasta, or on a sub bun!

Italian rice

This is a unique dish that uses basic ingredients. I think it's best with both white and dark meat, so I usually roast a whole chicken in the oven for this dish. Just pull the meat off the bones and dice. This can be done a few days before and the dish can be thrown together very quickly. This reminds me of Spanish rice, but with Italian flavors and chicken.-Sarah

1 medium onion, diced
1 green pepper, chopped
3 cups diced chicken
2 1/2 cups cooked rice
3 cups spaghetti sauce

• Saute onion and green pepper, in oil, until tender.
• Add remaining ingredients and simmer 20 minutes.

Pizza Burgers

My Mom made these and I thought they were good, the first time my husband had them he thought they were awesome! The sauce makes the burgers so tender. They are easy, tasty, and kids love them! -Sarah

1# ground beef
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup dried Italian breadcrumbs
1 t. garlic salt
1 T. minced dried onion

spaghetti sauce
mozzarella cheese
hamburger buns

• Mix patty ingredients and shape into desired amount of burgers.
• Cook in hot skillet until almost browned through. Drain and cover with spaghetti sauce. Heat sauce and top with mozzarella cheese. Continue cooking until cheese is melted.
• Serve in hamburger buns. (we use the extra sauce in the pan for dipping!)

Great way to use up leftover spaghetti sauce! These are also good with mushrooms on top.

Waffles

I love making waffles and my kids love eating them! This is a classic recipe that has such a great flavor! I usually serve them with a fruit sauce and maple syrup. I double this recipe because I love having leftovers, just pop them in the toaster the next day. -Sarah

2 cups flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups milk
2 teaspoons vanilla
6 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 eggs, separated

• Separate eggs and beat whites until stiff peaks form.
• Sift dry ingredients into a large bowl. Add milk, vanilla, oil and egg yolks.
• Stir till almost combined and then fold in egg whites.
• Cook in heated waffle iron.

Coconut Bread

I am so impressed with this recipe, even my husband, who's not a big coconut fan likes it. It has a great coconut flavor, and the sugar on top bakes into a nice crunchy crust. -Sarah

1/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
3/4 cup coconut

• Cream butter and sugar. Beat in the egg and extracts.
• Mix the dry ingredients together and add, alternately with the milk.
• Fold in coconut.
• Pour batter into a greased loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes.

Aloha Quick Bread

Delicious...a must try. -Kristin

1/2 c. butter, softened
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 c. mashed banana
1/4 c. milk
1 T. grated orange peel, packed
1 t. vanilla
1/2 t. almond or rum extract
2 c. all purpose flour
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
1 1/2 c. flaked coconut
1/2 c. crushed pineapple

• Beat together butter, sugar, eggs, mashed bananas, milk, orange peel, vanilla and almond extract; set aside.
• In separate bowl combine flour, baking soda and salt.
• Stir into wet ingredients until just moistened.
• Fold in coconut and pineapple.
• Spray a loaf pan and place batter in it.
• Bake at 350 for 70-80 minutes.

Italian Parmesan Bread

I love to bake bread! This is a fun bread to make, there is no trouble with shaping the dough, it just goes into the casserole dish. I got this recipe from a friend, it goes perfectly with any Italian meal! I've used grated Parmesan instead of the shredded, the bread is different, but still awesome! -Sarah

1 pkg. yeast
1 cup warm water (130 degrees)
3 cups flour
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 egg, beaten (room temperature)
2 T. sugar
2 t. salt
1 1/2 t. minced dried onion
1/2 t. garlic salt
1/2 t. garlic powder
1/2 t. basil
1/2 t. oregano

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
melted butter

• In a mixing bowl dissolve yeast in warm water. Add 2 cups of flour, butter, egg, sugar, salt and seasonings.
• Beat at low speed until mixed, increase speed to medium and beat 2 minutes.
• Stir in remaining flour and 1/3 cup of the cheese.
• Beat until smooth, cover and rise 1 hour.
• Stir batter 25 strokes.
• Place in a greased 1 1/2 quart casserole dish. (dough will be very soft and sticky) Brush with butter and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover and let rise 30 minutes-1 hour.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.