Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls

 Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls
*this is a delicious and nutritious recipe from The Mouro family that is a staple around here.  it's my "go-to" snack w/ a glass of milk and some fresh fruit!  and it's not just my kiddos that like it ;)

~3/4 c. dry milk powder
~3/4 c. whole oats
~1/3 c. honey
~1/2 c. peanut butter (I use crunchy)
~1/4 c. dried fruit--raisins, dried apricots, chopped, dates, cranberries, etc. (I OMIT)
~1-2 T. wheat germ (I use 1)
~1-2 T. flax seed (I use 2)
~1/4 c. sunflower seeds (I OMIT)
Mix all and roll into 1" balls. Refrigerate.

Soft Molasses Cookies

Soft Molasses Cookies
*oh boy!!!  what a wonderful recipe!!!!  these have made #1 on Santa's list!  try them, he'll thank you for it :)
~1 c. butter, softened
~1 1/2 c. sugar
~1/2 c. molasses
~2 eggs, lightly beaten
~4 c. flour
~1/2 tsp. salt
~2 1/4 tsp. baking soda
~2 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
~1 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
~1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
In a large bols, cream butter and sugar till fluffy.  Beat in molasses and eggs.  Set aside.
In another bowl, combine flour, salt, soda, ginger, cloves and cinnamon.
Blend thoroughly w/ whisk.
Gradually mix flour into creamed mixture till smooth.
Roll dough into 1 1/2 inch balls.  Dip tops in sugar.
Place on cookie sheet.  Bake @ 350 for about 10 minutes.
Cool on rack.  Dip 1/2 of cookie in melted white chocolate.  Place on waxed paper to cool.
Makes 3 dozen

Cowboy Casserole

Cowboy Casserole
*OK, this is not a healthy meal.  BUT, it sure is yummy!  Serve a salad as a side w/ lots of yummy fresh veggies and you can justify it and eat guilt free! :)

~1 1/2 lbs. Ground beef (I only use 1 lb)
~1 medium onion, diced
~3 cloves garlic, minced
~1 can corn, drained
~1 can cream of mushroom soup
~2 c. shredded cheddar, divided
~1/2 c. milk
~4 Tbs. sour cream
~30 oz. Ore-Ida Crispy Crowns

Defrost tots.  Cook onion till tender.  Add garlic.  Cook one more minute.  Add beef.  Brown and drain.  Set aside.
Combine soup, milk and sour cream.  Whisk till smooth.  Add to meat.
Add corn and 1 c. of cheese.
Grease 9x13.  Layer 1/2 of the tots, then meat mixture, then remaining tots.  Top w/ remaining cup of cheese.
Bake @ 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

Tuscan Soup

Tuscan Soup
~this has such a wonderful flavor and is a great way to eat your greens!!! you can use all kale, but it has a stronger flavor.  the bok choy makes the dish.  you could use all bok choy and leave the kale out....but kale is good for you! ;)


1/2 lb turkey bacon
1/2 lb Italian sausage
4-6 potatoes, diced
1 onion, chopped
3-4 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups chicken stock, 2 cups water and 1 bullion cube
2 cups whole milk
1/2 head of kale, well washed and chopped
1/2 head of bok choy, well washed and chopped
salt and pepper, to taste
Parmesan cheese

-In a stock pot, cook the bacon.  Cool and finely chop.If using turkey bacon there shouldn't be a large amount of grease.
-Cook the sausage, onions, and garlic (in bacon grease) until the sausage has browned. Crumble sausage as you cook it. 
-Add the potatoes and stock (and water and bullion cube) and bring to a boil. Once it has reached a boil, turn it down to low and simmer for 20 minutes or so, just until the potatoes are tender. 
-Add the milk, kale, and bacon and allow to cook for 5-10 minutes. Season to taste. 
-Top with parmesan cheese for extra flavor! Enjoy! Makes 6-8 servings. Freezes well.

Heavenly Pumpkin Bars

Heavenly Pumpkin Bars

~from Martha Stewart

• 1 tablespoon pumpkin-pie spice
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 c. flour
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 package (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bottom and sides of a 9-by-13-inch baking pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, pie spice, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
• With an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar on medium-high speed until smooth; beat in egg and vanilla until combined. Beat in pumpkin puree (mixture may appear curdled). Reduce speed to low, and mix in dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
• Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake until edges begin to pull away from sides of pan and a toothpick inserted in center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely in pan.
•  Cut to desired size.  Devour.

Granola

Homemade Granola:

4c. old fashioned rolled oats
1/4 c. sunflower seeds (raw is best)
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 c. honey (spray measuring cup w/ Pam first)
8 Tbs. melted butter
pinch of salt
1/2 c. raisins (optional)
1/2 c. dried apples, chopped (optional)
1/2 c. toasted coconut (optional)

Heat oven to 300 degrees. Line baking sheet w/ waxed paper or parchment paper.

In large bowl, combine oats, sunflower seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt: set aside.

In a small bowl, combing honey and melted butter, pour over the mixture. Stir well; spread on baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Remove from oven and cool. As it cools it will get crispy and stick together. When cool, break up the granola and add raisins (and whatever other dried fruit you would like). Store in an airtight container. Makes about 6 1/2 cups.

First Day of School Breakfast Bread

First Day of School Breakfast Bread
~one word.  yummy!  this is a great and fun breakfast for the first day of school.  it smells amazing and appley and is sweet and special...and simple!!~~

~3 8oz. tubes refrigerated biscuits, quartered
~1 c. sugar
~1 Tbs. cinnamon
~2 apples, cored, peeled and chopped
~1/2 c. chopped pecans (or omit for children)
~1/2 c. butter, melted
Toss quartered biscuits with remaining ingredients except for butter; fill a greased and floured Bundt pan with biscuit mixture.  Pour butter over top.  Bake @ 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes.  Let cool for 5 minutes; invert onto a serving platter.  Makes 10-12 servings. 

Beans, Rice and Spinach Salad and Flat Bread

~This is one of our family favorites for sure!  The first time I read through the list of ingredients I was skeptical, but decided to be adventurous and give it a try.  Even the kids liked it!!  It's perfectly light yet filling and healthy for summer.  And the flat bread makes the perfect accompaniment.  You can make a flat bread taco like our kids do if you like :) ~

Rice, Bean and Spinach Salad (my version)
~1 c. uncooked brown rice
~1 lb. breakfast sausage
~4 cloves garlic, minced
~1 1/2 c. chicken broth
~1 1/2 c. sliced carrots (about 3 average sized carrots)
~1/2 c. raisins
~1 tsp.ground cumin
~1/2 tsp. paprika
~1/2-1 tsp. salt
~1/2 tsp. cinnamon
~16oz. can kidney beans, drained
~3-4 c. spinach, torn into bite sized pieces (about 3 oz. fresh)
~2 Tbs. red wine vinegar

Prepare brown rice.  While rice is boiling, brown sausage and garlic in large skillet. Drain fat.  Add broth and next 7 ingredients.  Bring to boil and simmer till carrots are tender.
Transfer rice to large bowl  Add sausage.  Add spinach and vinegar.  Toss.  Enjoy!!

Flat Bread
~1/4 c. water
~1 Tbs. yeast
~1 Tbs. sugar
Mix and dissolve
~1 c. lukewarm water
~1/4 c. plain yogurt
~1 egg, beaten
~2 Tbs. oil
~2 tsp. salt
Mix.  Add yeast mixture.
~2 c. wheat flour
~3c. white flour (can use all white flour)
Add enough flour to wet mixture to make a soft dough.  Knead 10-15 minutes.  Let rise 1 hour.
Separate into golf ball sized balls.  Roll out pretty thin.  Cook in buttered or sprayed skillet.  About 2 minutes per side.

Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon Rolls

~this batch didn't turn out very pretty.  i had to cram them in b/c i didn't have enough pans.  the dough will be very sticky...it's ok, just make sure you have your surface well oiled.  they will be super light and heavenly!!!!  oh, and i used a different icing recipe in this picture and it isn't nearly as thick and heavenly as this recipe.  this recipe is my favorite.  it. is. wonderful!!!!
Mix and Cool:

2 C. boiling Water

1/2 C. brown Sugar

1 C. butter or margarine

1/4 C. white sugar

I let this cool in my kitchen aid bowl in my sink filled with a little cold water and I stir it often.

Add in a bowl: 2 Tbsp yeast in 1/2 C. warm water wait until bubbly. Add a sprinkle of sugar to proof the yeast.

After your bowl of "sugar water" is cooled off enough add your yeast mixture to it and then add the following:

2 eggs slightly beaten

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

7 C. flour or more for a soft dough

Mix and cover.

Let raise.

Carefully put raised dough on Oiled or floured surface. It rolls out fast & easy when it's raised up. Roll out to 1/4" thick.

Brush dough with melted butter, and then sprinkle brown sugar all over it.

Next sprinkle cinnamon all over dough.

Roll up tight Cut into 2" rolls.

Place on a greased cookie sheet.

Cover with a towel and let raise really well.

Bake at 375 degrees for 18 minutes.

Makes 3 dozen rolls

Frosting:

3/4 C. Soft butter

3 C. Powdered sugar

1 Tbsp. Vanilla

Pinch of Salt

1-2 Tbsp. Milk

Mix well with electric mixer it should be thick and creamy

~these freeze great! just cook them and ice them and let them cool. cover and freeze. then on the morning you are ready to eat them put them into a preheated 250 degree oven for 15 minutes. de-lish!

Peanut Butter Granola

 

Stacey's Peanut Butter Granola

*we love granola around here, but were getting burnt out w/ our other recipe.  I found a recipe for peanut butter granola and changed it up to be relative healthy and our family fell in love w/ it!  Because of the peanut butter it makes a great bedtime snack too!*

~7 c. rolled oats

~6 Tbs. coconut oil (EXCELLENT stuff!)

~1 c. Sucanat (dehydrated cane juice)

~1/2 c. brown sugar (may substitute for 1/4 c. honey I do it either way depending on my mood)

~1 c. Peanut Butter

Measure out oats into a big bowl.  

Combing oil and peanut butter till melted.  Removed from heat and add sweeteners.  Stir to combine and pour over oats.  Stir to coat.

Cook in 350 degree oven for 20-25 minutes (depending on how crunchy you like it) stirring every 5 minutes.

Serve w/ milk or yogurt....or plain like my kids :) 

Strawberry Banana Bread

Strawberry Banana Bread

*this bread is HEAVENLY!!!!  it's the perfect summer bread w/ all these delicious fresh strawberries getting ripe!!
~1/2 c. butter
~1 c. sugar
~2 eggs
~1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
~1 1/3 c. flour
~1 tsp. bkg. powder
~1/2 tsp. salt
~1 c. strawberries, sliced
~1 ripe banana, mashed
Cream butter and sugar.  Add eggs and vanilla.
Sift together dry ingredients and add to wet mixture till just moistened.
Fold in fruit and pour into bread pan.
Bake @ 350 degrees for 1 hour.
Cool.  Slice.  Devour!  Heavenly!!!! 

Empty Tomb Rolls

Empty Tomb Rolls
~these are an Easter tradition must!  so fun and simple that the kids can do it!!!

-2 tubes crescent rolls
-16 large marshmallows
-1/2 c. sugar w/ 1 tsp. cinnamon
-2-3 Tbs melted butter
Separate the dough into 16 triangles.  Dip marshmallow in melted butter and then roll in the cinnamon/sugar mixture.  Place 1 marshmallow in the middle of each triangle. 
Bring up all of the sides of the crescent to completely cover the marshmallow, pinching all of the edges together so that none of the marshmallow shows.
Dip tops in cinnamon sugar and place on a cookie sheet.
Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.

*The symbolism here is that marshmallow represents Jesus.  Have the children seal the "tomb" well.  When they are done there will be a big hollow space in the middle representing the empty tomb.

Peanut butter Crispies

Peanut Butter Crispies
~a simple and good for you snack!!!!  we LOVE these.  i always double the recipe b/c we go through them so fast!
-1 c. peanut butter
-1/2 c. honey
-1/2 tsp. vanilla
-3 c. crispy rice cereal
In a saucepan warm peanut butter and honey till combined.  Remove from heat and add vanilla.  Stir in crispy rice.  Spread in an 8x8 baking pan and let cool.
~this recipe is from Heavenly Homemaker

Sweet Pork Tacos

Sweet Pork Tacos
~oh my joe!  these were SO delicious!  there wasn't a crumb left on anyone's plate!  you've gotta try these!

-pork roast
-3/4 cup brown sugar
-2 c. salsa
1. Place in crock pot and cook on low 8-10 hours or high 4-6.  One hour b/f it's done shred the pork and stir.

Green Sauce
-1 c. sour cream
-3/4 c. mayo
-1 small bunch of fresh cilantro
-1pkg ranch dressing mix
-2 cloves garlic, crushed
-1-2 dashes Tabasco
-4 Tbs. salsa verde
-juice of 1 lime
2. Blend all in blender
3. Assemble tacos by layering: cooked brown rice, shredded pork, lettuce, tomatoes, sharp shredded cheddar, and green sauce.  Delicious!!!!!!!!!!! 

Beans and Cornbread

Pinto Beans
Put 5-6 c. of dried pinto beans (that are washed well) into large pot.  cover with water and bring to a boil.  Turn off heat, cover and let sit 1 hour.
Remove lid and season w/
-4-5 slices of bacon
-1 jalapeno, diced
-3 garlic cloves minced
-1 tsp + of cumin
-1 Tbs + of chili powder
-1 Tbs dried minced onion
-2-3 + Tbs bean spice (such a Bodacious if you live round these here parts)
Bring to a boil and turn down to simmer.  Replace lid and dimmer 5 hours making sure beans stay covered with water.  After 2 hours remove bacon and check to see if it needs more seasoning.

Leftovers make great refried beans for bean burritos!!!

Corn Bread
2 boxes of jiffy cornbread mix
1 jalapeno
1 can corn, drained
Make jiffy cornbread mix according to directions.  Add diced jalapeno and corn and pour into 9x13 baking dish.  Bake according to box directions.

Butter and Honey Rolls

Butter and Honey Rolls
~the are SO yummy!

-1/2 c. warm water
-pkg. active yeast
-1/2 tsp. sugar
-1/2 c. warm  milk (110 degrees)
-1 egg, room temp.
-1/3 c. soft butter
-1/3 c. sugar
-1 tsp. salt
-3 3/4 c. flour
-1/4 c. butter, soft
-2 Tbs. + 2 tsp. honey
1. In bowl of electric mixer, combine water, yeast and sugar.  Let rise 10 minutes.
2.  Add milk, egg, butter, sugar, salt and flour.  Mix w/ dough hook attachment on med-low for 10 minutes.
3.  Transfer to oiled bowl.  Cover and let rise 1 hour.
4.  Turn out dough onto lightly floured surface.  Divide in 1/2.  Let rest 10 minutes.
5.  In small bowl combine 1/4 c. butter and 2 Tbs+2tsp honey.  Set aside.
6.  Roll each 1/2 into 12 inch circles.  spread honey butter on both.  Cut each circle into 8 wedges and roll from the outside in.
7.  Place on cookie sheet and let rise 1 hour.
8.  Bake @ 350 12-14 minutes.

Garden Chowder

Garden Chowder
~this soup is one of my favorites.  It's packed w/ veggies and has a creamy, cheesy flavor similar to potato soup.  Wonderful and healthy on a cold night!~

1/2 c. chopped bell pepper
1/2 c. chopped onion
1/4 c. butter
1 c. diced potato
1 c. diced celery
1 c. diced cauliflower
1 c. diced carrots
1 c. diced broccoli
3 c. water
3 chicken bullion cubes
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 c. flour
2 c. milk
1 tsp. parsley
1/4 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. coriander
1/4 tsp. ground mustard
2 cups shredded cheddar

Saute bell pepper and onion in butter till tender.
Add veggies, water, bullion and pepper; bring to a boil.
Reduce, cover and simmer 20 minutes.
Combine flour and milk. Stir till smooth.  Add to pan.
Allow to thicken.
Add parsley and other spices.
Just before serving add cheese.

Cheddar Garlic Biscuits

Cheddar Garlic Biscuits
~these are such a great addition to soup!  I can't fix potato soup w/o these babies!  They are delicious!!!!~
 
2 c. Bisquick
2/3 c. milk
1/2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese (I usually end up using more ;)
2 Tbs. melted butter
1/8 tsp. garlic powder

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Stir baking mix, milk and cheese until soft dough forms.  Drop by spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
Stir together butter and garlic powder; brush over warm biscuits.

White Bread

White Bread

1 1/2 tsp. yeast
1 Tbs. honey
4 Tbs. water
3 3/4 c. flour
3 tsp. gluten flour
1 Tbs. butter (room temp.)
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 Tbs. milk powder
1 c. warm water

Combing all ingredients in bread maker in this order.  Set on dough cycle and when it beeps take it out and shape.  Place in greased loaf pan.
Cover and let rise 30-45 minutes in draft free place.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
Butter top. 

*this recipe can be used as rolls, french loaf, sandwich buns, whatever you need.  just shape into whatever you need and cover to rise.  continue to bake like normal!

Minty Hot Cocoa

Mint Hot Cocoa

Ingredients

• 1 package (30 ounces) instant chocolate drink mix
• 1 package (25.6 ounces) nonfat dry milk powder
• 2-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 cup powdered nondairy creamer
• 25 peppermint candies, crushed
• 
  ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS (for each servings):
• 1 cup milk

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to 6 months. Yield: 53 servings (17-2/3 cups total).
• To prepare hot drink: Warm milk; stir in 1/3 cup mix until dissolved. Yield: 1 serving