Lacey Cookies

These are one of my favorite cookies.

• 2 cups quick rolled oats
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 lb (1 stick) butter or margarine
• 1 egg

Mix oats, brown sugar and baking powder in a bowl.

Melt butter and add to oats mixture. Add the egg (beaten) and mix well.

Drop by teaspoons on greased baking sheet. Bake at 350° for about 8-10 minutes.

Tips - These cookies spread (a lot) so don't place them close together or you will end up with one big cookie instead of many.

Wait about a minute - but not much more than that - before taking the cookies or they will break. I line the cookie sheet with parchment paper as it makes it easier to pull the cookies from the pan.

Pesto Ranch Chicken

This recipe combines two of my favorites: pesto and ranch! The only other ingredient is the chicken. and it's done in the crockpot! Can you hear the angels sing? cause there is no easier or better recipe for chicken.

• 1 jar of pesto (about 6 oz) - homemade pesto is even better.
• 1 bottle of Ranch (16 oz)
• 6 chicken breasts - cut into pieces

 Place everything in the crockpot and give it a stir so it's combined. Cook on low for about 6 or 7 hours. (you can, of course, cook it on high and it should take about half the time)

Neiman Marcus cookies

• 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 bag (12 oz) chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 cups nuts - chopped

Put oatmeal in a blender and blend until it becomes dust or like flour.

Cream the butter with the sugars.

Add the eggs and vanilla.

Add the oatmeal, flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Mix well.

Add the chocolate chips (I don't like chocolate that much so i don't put the whole bag - but that's what the $300 Neiman Marcus cookies recipe was supposed to call for)

Make small balls and place in a cookie sheet to bake for about 10 minutes at 375°

I don't know if the story is real or not or if they are really Neiman Marcus recipe - to be honest i don't really care, These cookies are YUMMY!!!!

Easy Tres Leches

Some people make this cake from scratch but I like EASY so I use a cake from a box - yes, from a box and use just the basic cake instructions - no pudding or anything else added. Oh, we like a White Cake mix better but yellow works too.

• cake mix (and what the cake calls for, eggs, oil & water)
• 1 can evaporated milk
• 1 can condensed milk
• 1 pint of cream - or a can of "crema" 
• 1 tsp of vanilla

Bake the cake according to the package directions.

While the cake is baking mix the 3 milks and vanilla. As soon as the cake is done remove from oven and pock holes all over, slowly pour the milks on the cake so that it's absorbed.

Cool.  Once it's cold, we can frost it with cool whip mixed with a bit of vanilla.

It is DELICIOUS!!!!

Baklava

This is a delicious and easy recipe but time consuming so I don't make it too often. But we normally have it for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

• 1 package phyllo dough (16 oz)
• 1 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans (or walnuts)
• 1 cup coconut
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 cup butter (or margarine) melted
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup water
• 2 Tbp honey
• 2 tsp lemon juice

Thaw the phyllo dough and cut the sheets in half (crosswise - to have rectangles about 13x9"). It is important to cover the sheets with a damp dishtowel or the phyllo sheets will dry out and crack.
In a bowl mix the chopped nuts, coconut, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg.
 Butter the bottom of a a 13x9 pyrex and put one sheet of phyllo in the pan, immediately brush with the melted butter - use a soft brush or i use 2 or 3 cotton balls (if using cotton balls they have to be replaced more than once).
Keep adding phyllo sheets one at a time, buttering the sheets immediately after.

After about 15 sheets (I never really count them but we need 3 layers of dough) spread half of the nut mixture over the phyllo in the pan.
Repeat the process with another 15 sheets - the first one after spreading the nut is kind of tricky so be careful not to tear the phyllo too much.
Spread the rest of the nut mixture and repeat the process with the rest of the phyllo dough so it ends with phyllo.
Cut the phyllo into diamonds - yes, before cooking. It doesn't need to go all the way to the bottom, just to about the top layer of the nut mixture.
Bake at 350º for about 40 to 45 minutes ot till gold-soft brown
While doing the dough layering, put the white sugar, water and honey to boil, simmer for about 10 minutes (it thickens a bit). Remove from the heat and add the lemon juice.
While still hot (or warm) pour the syrup over  the pastry.
Finish cutting along the diamond line to allow the syrup to reach every piece.
Cool and enjoy


This recipe freezes well - if you have any leftovers.

Carrot & Pineapple Cake

• 4 eggs
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 1/2 cups oil
• 2 cups flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 cups grated carrots (I put the carrots through the juicer and then mix them back again)
• 1 (8 1/2 oz) can crushed pineapple - drained
• you may add chopped nuts if you like - about 1/2 cup

Beat the eggs and sugar very well. Add oil, carrots, pineapple and nuts. Add the flour, baking powder, soda and salt and pour into greased and floured cake container.
Bake at 350˚ for 50-60 minutes or till cake is ready.

Broccoli Casserole

• 2 (10 oz) pkg frozen chopped broccoli
• 3 cups cottage cheese
• 3 eggs
• 6 tablespoons margarine
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 (8 oz) can corn
• 1/2 lb cheddar cheese (or any other cheese you like)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper

Cook broccoli and drain. Meanwhile mix cottage cheese, eggs, 4 tablespoons of margarine (ok, if you put all 6 tablespoons is no big deal but you are going to need 2 more later) and the flour in a bowl - mix till cottage cheese is smooth and creamy. Add the broccoli, chopped onion, drained corn, cheese, salt and pepper. (if you like hot/spicy food, this is the time to add a teaspoon or two of hot sauce).

Pour into a greased casserole. Top with a couple of tablespoons of parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, fried onion crumbs, or any other topping you like.

Bake at 350˚ for about an hour or till it is set.

Ramen Noodle Cabbage Salad

Mix
½ head of cabbage, shredded
5 green onions, chopped
¼ cup slivered almonds, toasted
¼ sesame seeds, toasted
1 pkg chicken flavor ramen noodles

For the dressing mix
¼ cup vinegar
¼ cup oil
Ramen noodle seasoning packet

After mixing toss with cabbage mixture

Spinach Puffs

Four 10 oz. packages frozen chopped spinach
4 cups herbed stuffing mix
4 large onions, finely chopped
12 eggs, beaten to blend
1 1/2 C. butter, melted
2 C. grated parmesan cheese
2 T. garlic salt
1 t. thyme
2 T. pepper

Thaw spinach and squeeze dry. Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Mix well. Form mixture into 1 inch balls. Place on a greased baking sheet. Freeze until firm. Place in plastic storage bags until ready to use.

To serve:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Place spinach puffs on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 -25 minutes until puffed and golden.

Artichoke appetizers

• 2 cans crescent dinner rolls
• 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (I tend to put 1 cup)
• 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (or the mix of parmesan and romano)
• 1/2 cup miracle whip
• 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts - drained and chopped
• 1 small can of chopped green chilies - this is optional

Unroll crescent rolls on a cookie sheet and pinch triangles together so there are no holes. Bake at 350 for about 10-12 minutes. Meanwhile combine everything else. Spread over crust and bake at 375 for another 15 minutes and cheese is melted.

Thanksgiving Salad

• 1 pkg cherry gelatin (6 oz)
• apples (2 or 3) green or red, grated
• 1 cup chopped pecans (can be omitted)
• 1 can of cranberry sauce
• 1 pkg cream cheese (8 oz)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 can crushed pineapple (drained)
• 1 cool whip (8oz)
• 1 tsp vanilla

Disolve the gelatin in 2 cups boiling water. Cool to room temperature and add the grated apples, pecans and cranberry sauce. Pour in a 13 x 9 pirex and refrigerate till firm.

Cream the cream cheese, add the sugar and drained pineapple, mix the vanilla and add the cool whip. Spread over the jello and put back in the fridge till ready to eat.

(I don't always put the cranberry salad or the pecans)

Easy cobbler

1 box cake mix - we normally use yellow cake mix but it can be any flavor.

1 stick of butter (or margarine)

1 can of crushed pineapple (or sliced peaches)

Grease 9x13 pan and pour fruit - juice and all - in it.

Spread the box cake mix over it - try to make it evenly - and there is no need to mix it with the fruit.

cut and dot the butter over the cake mix.

Bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes.

It's easy, cheap and very good! You can put some vanilla ice cream on top to make it even better

Creamed chicken

• about 3 lbs of chicken pieces (not too big not too small)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine
• 2 tablespoons dry Italian salad dressing (1 pkg.)
• 1 can condensed chicken soup
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese - cut in chunks
• 1/4 cup chopped onion (at times I use 1/2 an envelope of dry onion soup)

Place the chicken in the crockpot, pour butter on, mix. Mix the soup, onion, dry italian dressing and the chunks of cream cheese.
Put on top of chiken and cook on low for about 7 – 8 hours (if cooked in the oven, cover the pan and cook until chicken is ready).

Sopapilla cheesecake

The first time I made this recipe, Jason - my recently married son, said "mom, how come you never told me you knew how to cook!" so it's yummy and super easy.

• 2 cans of Pillsbury crescent rolls (I tried the supermarket brand but somehow they didn't come out the same)
• 2 packages of cream cheese
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 tsp of vanilla
• 1/2 cup butter melted
• 3/4 cup of sugar (yep, more sugar)
• 1 tsp of cinnamon (I don't measure it, it could be a bit more or less - according to taste)

Spray a 9x13 pan with cooking spray
Unroll and spread one of the cans of crescent rolls on the baking dish - try to patch the holes so the cream is on a solid base.
Beat the cream cheese with the sugar and vanilla.
Spread the cream on the dough
Unroll and place the other crescent roll can over the cream.
Pour the melted butter on top of the whole thing.
Spread the cinnamon sugar on top of the melted butter.
Bake at 350˚ for about 1/2 hr.

Cheesecake covered brownies

Ingredients:

• 1 pkg brownie mix plus the ingredients required to make it
• 1 pkg cream cheese (8 oz)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 egg
• 1 can condensed milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla

Prepare the brownie mix as directed in the package. Pour mix in a greased pan and set aside.
In a bowl mix the cream cheese, butter and the cornstarch till smooth and fluffy. Add the egg, condensed milk and vanilla flavoring, mix a bit more.
Pour cream cheese mix over the unbaked brownie mix.
Bake at 350° for about 40 minutes.

Cheese & carrot chowder

Ingredients:

• 2 carrots shredded (I use the juicer and then put the pulp and juice together)
• 1 onion chopped
• 1/2 stick of margarine or butter
• 2 big tablespoons of cornstarch (or you can use flour but you will need a bit more)
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups broth
• 1 can tuna (squeeze liquid out and then flake into little pieces)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar is the best)
• 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.

Melt margarine in a pan, add the carrots and onion. Cook till tender - don't let it brown cause it won't look good in the chowder. Add the cornstarch (or flour) and cook a minute more.

Add the milk and broth and cook mixing till it gets thicker. Add the Worcestershire sauce and the tuna and the cheese. Mix till the cheese melts.

Remove from the fire and enjoy!

(even my finicky boys love this one - of course I don't tell them it has tuna or carrots)

Caffeine free diet pepsi salad

Hey, it's My salad, I can call it whatever I want.

Ingredients:

• 1 (6 oz) box cherry gelatin
  1 (3 oz) box lime gelatin
  1 can crushed pineapple
  2 cups of caffeine free diet pepsi (or any other "cola")
  about 1/2 cup chopped nuts (most of the time I forget to put them in)

Mix the gelatin with the crushed pineapple in a saucepan and cook in medium heat till boiling and the gelatins dissolve. remove from fire. Add the pepsi and nuts and mix gently.

Put in refrigerator to set. Eat!

(this is a thick jello salad, so it can be cut for portions)

Oreo cheesecake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups oreo cookies crushed
  1/2 stick of butter or margarine
  3 pkg cream cheese (8 oz ea.)
  1 can condensed milk
  3 eggs
  2 tsp vanilla extract

Mixed the crushed cookies with the softened butter. Press onto baking pan.

Beat cream cheese (if you don't do this first, you will end up with lumps), add the condensed milk, vanilla and eggs until mixed.

Pour over cookie crust. Bake at 300˚ for about 45 to 50 minutes until set. Cool

Variation: if you are a die hard chocolate lover, you can melt a bag of chocolate chips and mix it with half the cream cheese mixture. Pour the plain cream cheese mixture first and then drop the chocolate by tablespoons and swirl.

Variation 2: If oreos are "your" cookies, then you can add some crushed oreo pieces to the cream cheese mixture before baking.

Caramel Bars

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup margarine
• 3/4 cup nuts (chopped)
• 24 soft caramels (I use Kraft caramels)
• 1 can condensed milk

combine flour, sugar and egg. Add 1/2 of the margarine until crumbly. Mix in the chopped nuts. Separate about 1 1/2 cups of mixture to sprinkle on top and press the rest on a greased baking pan. Bake 15 minutes at 350˚.

While it bakes, put the condensed milk, the rest of the margarine (1/4 cup) and caramels in a pan over low heat until the caramels melt. Pour over the baked crust and sprinkle the saved crumb mixture over it.

Place back in oven and bake another 30 minutes. Cool, cut & enjoy!

Flan

Ingredients:

• 2 cans condensed milk
• 8 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 cans of water (use the empty milk cans)

Caramelize a bundt cake pan - about 3/4 cup sugar and a bit of water, until it thickens and takes color (the lighter the color the sweeter it is).

Mix eggs, add condensed milk and vanilla. Add the water and mixed till blended.

Pour in caramelized pan. Place that pan in a larger pan with water in the oven. Bake at 350 between 1 and 1 1/2 hrs - depends on your oven.

Cool in the fridge, unmold and enjoy