Cookie Brownies

the name is deceiving...this is actually my mom's homemade chocolate chip cookies...baked on a large cookie sheet...so basically a cookie cake...but my boys always call them "cookie brownies"...

Cookie Brownies

1 c brown sugar

1/2 c. sugar

2 sticks of butter

1 tsp vanilla

2 eggs

2 1/4 c whole wheat flour (or reg)

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

one bag of chocolate chips

mix all wet ingredients, then add all dry ingredients.

stir in chocolate chips.

dump and spread (not all the way to edges) on a large greased cookie sheet.

bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 min...

Salsa

Salsa

2 cans of whole tomatoes (28oz)

2 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp garlic powder

3/4 tsp onion powder

4 med size jalapenos

use food processor to mince jalapenos and tomatoes. 

pour into large bowl together and add seasonings.

chill and serve!

Mom's Banana Bread

this was a staple in my house growing up...and now its a staple for my boys too!

Banana Bread

1/2 c butter

1 c sugar

3 mashed bananas

1 1/2 c whole wheat flour (or regular)

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp vanilla

2 eggs

1 tsp baking soda

2 tsp. hot water

cream butter and sugar.

add eggs, vanilla and bananas.

add flour and nutmeg.

dissolve baking soda in water then add.

bake at 350 degrees 

15-20 min for muffins

50-60 min for loaf

Chocolate Eclair Cake

Chocolate Eclair Cake

*must refrigerate overnight

2 small french vanilla puddings

3 cups milk

8 oz. cool whip

1 box graham crackers

1 jar chocolate frosting

whip pudding and milk.

stir in cool whip.

layer in 9x13 - 

crackers--pudding--crackers--pudding--crackers

warm chocolate frosting in microwave until pourable (30seconds)

pour on top and spread to edges.

REFRIGERATE OVERNIGHT

Baked Ziti

approved by all 3 boys!!

Baked Ziti

1 lb beef--browned and drained

1 can diced tomatoes (28oz)

1 can tomato sauce (28oz)

2 tsp Italian seasoning

1 box of Ziti (or other pasta)

15 oz. Ricotta cheese

3 cups Mozzerella cheese

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

salt to taste

Cook pasta and brown meat.

mix meat with tomato sauce, tomatoes, salt, seasoning.

mix pasta with all cheeses.

add about a cup of the sauce mixture to the pasta mixture.

layer (2x) in 9x13 dish...pasta then meat sauce...

bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 min till bubbly!!

chocolate granola bars

i was watching "the pioneer woman" cooking show one day, and she made some homemade granola bars dipped in chocolate. sometimes i'm just in the mood for a project. and i really was that day, so i took a few notes and watched how she did it...then dug through my kitchen and found enough ingredients and/or substitutes to give it a try. i altered the recipe somewhat...depending on the ingredients i had already, but they still came out great! they aren't super quick...but when i'm home all day, sometimes i don't mind the longer steps to baking...its more of a project at times...and these just happened to taste really good at the end!!

Homemade Granola Bars

Mix 6 c. of rolled oats, 1/4 c. oil, 4 T melted butter, and pinch of salt. After everything is mixed well, pour onto 2 baking sheets and toast the oats for 15 min. at 350 degrees.

In a saucepan, mix 1 c. brown sugar, 1/2 c. honey, 1/4 c. syrup, 1/4 c. apple juice. Heat until almost a boil, then remove from heat and set aside.

After toasted oats have cooled, pour into a bowl and add 3/4 c of almonds (chopped), and 1 c. of rice cereal. Pour the liquid mixture and coat well! Foil line a 9x13 baking sheet and grease well. Press oats on the foil...its very sticky, so you may have to grease your hands too!

Bake for 25 min. on 325 degrees.

Once out, let granola cool completely!!!  (or they will fall apart) I put mine in the fridge for awhile, and that worked well too.

Melt about 8-10oz of chocolate.

Once its hardened enough, cut small bars, dip into melted chocolate, and place on wax paper until cooled.

They are soooo good! The chocolate is an added treat, but not totally necessary! They were great even without the chocolate on the bottom!

crock candied almonds

every single time i go to canton to shop...i have to buy those cinnamon/sugar nuts...they are sooo good....i like the pecans and almonds. so. i found a recipe to make them myself.

o.my.gosh.

SO AMAZING.

so here it is!

Crock Candied Almonds

1 cup sugar

(recipe called for 1 1/2 cups, but 1 cup would be plenty!)

1 cup brown sugar

2 1/2 T cinnamon

1/8 tsp salt

1 egg white

2 tsp vanilla

3 cups almonds (or other nut)

1/4 cup water

Mix sugars, cinnamon and salt and set aside. In separate bowl whisk egg white and vanilla until its frothy. Add almonds and make sure they are thoroughly coated. Add sugar mix and toss well.

Spray a 4 qt. crockpot and put in almonds

Cook on low for 3 hours...stirring every 30 min.

Add the water and stir...cook one more hour...stir every 30 min.

Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper and pour almonds on that. Spread them out...this is what it will look like:

With in the hour, they will harden and you just break them apart and place in an airtight container.

This would be great for snacks for teachers!! YUM.