One Crazy Cookie

This recipe came from Terri a good friend of mine. She made them for me. I must admit I had never made them myself and it has been years. It was pretty simple and the frosting is delicious!!! I added the chocolate chips just because I love the two flavors together. So here is pumpkin in a little different way. Pumpkin Waffle Iron Cookies 1 1/3 cups sugar 1/2 cup shortening (I used butter) 2 eggs 1 cup canned pumpkin 1 tsp. vanilla 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. baking powder 3/4 tsp. cinnamon 3/4 tsp. nutmeg 1/4 tsp. ginger 2 1/2 cups flour Optional: 1 cup chocolate chips Cream sugar and shortening and then add other ingredients, Mix well. Heat waffle iron. Drop batter by Tbs. on to hot waffle iron making 1 in each square. Bake 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Place on racks to cool. Frosting 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar 1 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon 1/4 cup melted butter 1/2 tsp. vanilla 2 Tbs. milk Mix together. It will be a runny. I placed it in a ziplock bag. Cut a small hole in the corner

This recipe is so good and easy to make.  Every time I make it I am reminded of my Grandma.  Probably because it is delicious and a comfort food.  I have to admit I did not make my own pie crusts.  My excuse is I found one in the freezer that needed to be used.  While I was rolling it out I wondered what it would taste like with a real home made crust.  So next time I make this it will be with a home made crust.  I think I can, I think I can...and I need to remember to pick up some shortening while at the grocery store.  Old Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie 1/3 cup butter 1/3 cup flour 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 1  1/2 cups water 2/3 cup milk 2 tsp. chicken bouillon granules or 2 cubes. 1 cup chicken, cooked and diced 2 cups cooked diced vegetables (I use potatoes, carrots and peas.  You can also use frozen mixed veggies) 2 pie crusts Cook vegetables until tender.  Set aside.  In a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until well blended.  Gradually stir in wat

I wish I could take credit for this cute idea but I found it at Cheat Day Cafe .  It was so darling I had to try it.  Hers look much better than mine.  I got impatient and just laid mine all out on a cookie sheet. Then put them in the freezer for a few minutes and then broke them in to pieces. They really do look like spider legs...HA HA!! Chocolate Covered Spider Legs from Cheat Day Cafe Chocolate: white, dark, milk or a mix of all three thin pretzels (tied, not sticks) broken into large pieces peanuts (optional but a great addition) Directions:  Melt chocolate in an electric skillet on low heat or in the microwave in a large mixing bowl. Stir the chocolate as it melts. You can add about a tablespoon of vegetable oil or shortening to the melted chocolate to thin it out. When the chocolate is completely melted, add the pretzels and peanuts. Stir until it is all coated. Continue to add pretzel pieces and peanuts until the chocolate is evenly distributed.  Drop by spoonf

I was asked to co-chair a cooking activity held once a month at our church called "What's Cooking".  We decided that this months theme is: All Things Fall.  You are supposed to bring your favorite fall recipe to share for a potluck lunch.  I decided on these muffins because they are a fall tradition for my friend Michelle (yes, another great recipe from her) and she always makes them mini.  Every fall when she made them she would always bring me a plate. (Thanks Michelle!) So not only is it a good recipe, but it brings back great memories.  Since now I live far away I had to make them myself this year. I guess this is my way of keeping the tradition alive and it is my turn to share it with others. Apple Pumpkin Muffins 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 cup pumpkin 1/4 cup oil 2 eggs 2 1/2 cups flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1 Tbs. pumpkin pie spice 2 cups chopped apples (peel, core and chop into small pieces) 1 cup chocolate chips Combine sugar, pumpkin, oil and eg

This past week, at the What's Cooking potluck I was lucky enough to get a pie crust demonstration from a friend of mine.  I believe that now I have gotten past the fear and will be trying it out all on my own soon. (Thanks Amy!)  I was able to bring a crust home (that I actually rolled out) and today finally got around to putting some filling in it.  I tried Coconut Macaroon Pie a recipe I got from Heart N Soul Cooking.(Thanks Geri!)  It was delicious.  I had to resist the urge to lick the plate clean.  It was that good!  Not too sweet and very flavorful.  My family enjoyed it very much.  My only regret was not having any whip cream to put on top.  I had bought a can of it and it would not work for anything.  It was so frustrating so I believe I will not buy the cans of whip cream any more.  Amy's pie crust recipe was very delicious also.  It was light, tender and had great flavor.  On to another CRAZY week. Weekly Menu Monday: Shrimp Scampi (new recipe) Tuesday: Chi

As you can see I took full advantage of the hamburger I bought on sale.  When I first tried this recipe I was a little worried about the swiss cheese due to the fact my children do not like it.  The fact is they did not even notice it and loved every bite of it.  It is a fabulous recipe to double and freeze one for later.  The red you see in the picture is the bacon.  I made sure that it got cooked throughout.  I was a little freaked out the first time I made this when I cut into it and thought that it was not cooked throughout.  I was relieved when I realized it was the bacon. (Uncooked meat tends to "freak" me out a bit!!) Bacon, Swiss and Mushroom Meatloaf 1 package bacon,cooked crispy and diced. 1- 4 oz can mushrooms or 4 fresh mushrooms sliced. 1 small onion finely chopped . 1 1/2 lbs. hamburger 1 egg 1/4 cup milk 2 cups swiss cheese shredded 1/2 cup crushed corn flakes In a large bowl mix beef, egg and milk. Add mushrooms, onions, cheese and corn flakes and

This is a simple but delicious meatball recipe.  I love to make them and put them in the freezer.  This is a basic 1 batch recipe.  There was a sale on hamburger so I made 3 lbs. worth. I had to fight the kids off in order get them frozen. They were eating them right out of the oven. The only other issue I had was the hamburger was 80/20.  It was a bit fatty. So after they had cooked I had to wipe the fat off the bottom of each one.  Other than that they turned out great. Meatballs Makes one batch: double or triple to get the amount you want if freezing them. 1 lb. hamburger 1 egg 1 Tbs. corn starch 1 tsp. salt 1 Tbs. minced onion dash of pepper Mix all ingredients together.  Shape into balls or use cookie scoop and place on a cookie sheet.   Bake 350 degree  for 15-25 minutes depending on the size of your meatballs.   These were smaller ones (about 1 Tbs worth. I used my small cookie scoop.) I baked them for 15 minutes.  Flash freeze until solid (about 1/2 hour, unless yo

This is a family favorite recipe.  It is so easy and tastes great.  I wish I knew where I found it.  I hand wrote it in my recipe binder years ago.    Crock Pot Black Bean Chicken 3-4 chicken breasts 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed 1 can corn 1 jar of salsa ( 2 cups) 1 (8oz.) package cream cheese Put the frozen or fresh chicken into the crock pot.  Add the black beans, salsa and corn.  Cook on low for 4-5 hours or until chicken is done.  Stir once or twice during this time.  Take chicken out and slice or shred it.  Put chicken back into the crock pot.  Add the cream cheese and let it cook until it melts.  Stir together.  Cook 2 cups rice. Add rice to mixture and stir until combined.  Garnish the top of each serving with grated cheese and diced tomatoes.  * You can serve it over the rice if you prefer. *Leftovers make great taco filling. Check out some great crock pot recipes at Dining With Debbie Crock Pot Wednesday.

This is the version of Shepherds Pie that my mom uses.  It is always good and makes for a quick and easy meal.  Sometimes if I am in a hurry I substitute the Idahoan flavored instant mashed potatoes.  Sorry for the picture.  I forgot to take one before so this is what we had leftover. Mom's Shepherds Pie 1 lb hamburger, browned 1 can green beans (I like the french cut for this.) 1 can tomato soup 3-4 medium potatoes, cooked and mashed 1 cup+ cheddar cheese shredded Mix cooked hamburger and the tomato soup and place in the bottom of a casserole dish. Drain and add the can of green beans. Boil potatoes until tender and mash.  I drain and then put them in my mixer with a little bit of butter and milk.  Then beat until smooth and creamy.  Place these on top of beans. Sprinkle the top with the shredded cheese. Bake at 350 degrees covered for 25 minutes.  Uncover and bake for 10 more minutes until cheese is melted. *If it has been refrigerated it will take a few

I just had a mild panic attack a minute ago when I uploaded some photos and then could not find the earlier ones.  I deleted everything on the card yesterday thinking that everything was already uploaded.  That will teach me to check first before doing that. Luckily they had been downloaded, just in some weird place.  So my heart is now back to its' normally beating schedule.  Thank gooodness!! I just had to share my bit of  fall decorating.  This is the first thing I see when I walk through the door.  It gives me that nice comforting feeling.  I know I am a bit strange!! Here's the menu plan for this week. Monday: Bacon Swiss Mushroom Meatloaf Tuesday: Crock Pot Black Bean Chicken Wednesday: Meatball Tortellini Soup (new soup recipe with homemade meatballs) Thursday: Picnic Night Friday : Pasta Milano (the night before the big race pasta) Saturday : It is a CRAZY day, so we may just have to eat out.  Sunday: Malibu Chicken This menu is linked with Menu Pl

Have you ever had just one of those days?  I have been trying to grow my hair out and it has been difficult process.  Yesterday, I finally had a good hair day. I rushed out the door to get my daughter from the bus and drove because it was raining hard.  I get out of the car, open my umbrella and go to cross the street.  Just then a gust of wind rips the umbrella off and I am left holding the pole.  Needless to say my good hair day lasted about 5 minutes.. ... Oh well, atleast I had a productive day for a change.  I made: 2 spaghetti casseroles a batch of french bread One shepherd pie 3 lbs of meatballs. (I really don't know what got into me or where the energy came from.) My grandma made me spaghetti casserole one time.  I loved the little different twist on spaghetti and not to mention it tasted great.  I regretted never getting the recipe from her.  For years I played around with ingredients and think I finally got it pretty close to hers.  Spaghetti Casserole 1 lb. ham

A BIG Thank You to Geri at Heart N Soul Cooking  for this award.  Her blog is so darling and has delicious recipes and great pictures.  I feel that her and I have become instant friends.  Thanks again!! Neno's Award—-Rules and Regulations 1. As a dedication for those who love blogging and love to encourage friendships through blogging. 2. To seek the reasons why we all love blogging. 3. Put the award in one post as soon as you receive it. 4. Don’t forget to mention the person who gives you the award. 5. Answer the award’s question by writing the reason why you love blogging. 6. Tag and distribute the award to as many people as you like. 7. Don’t forget to notify the award receivers and put their links in your post. I started blogging in May of 2007 just before we moved as a way to share what was going on with our family with family and friends.  I have enjoyed it so much that I started this blog in June then did not post until 6 weeks ago.  It has been so much fun!  I h

Sorry, there really is no supreme to this recipe.  I just thought it needed more of a title than just "Salsa".   It  is supremely (is that a word?)  delicious though.  I have been making this recipe for several years.   I love to vary the "hotness" factor.  My husband loves it spicy so I try to make him an extreme hot batch.  One year while eating it my brother was actually sweating.  He said it was so good he couldn't quit eating it ,so he kept right on going.  It was pretty funny!!  Me, I like mine mild and so do the kids. I am used to growing lots of tomatoes, but since we moved I now have no garden spot.  My container tomatoes just  did not quite produce enough to can.  I was blessed to have some friends share their tomatoes with me this year.  I dried a few.  Which I am excited to try and then made a double batch of salsa yesterday.  It smelled really good.  I ended up with 16 pints.  Salsa Supreme 8 cups tomatoes, peeled, chopped and drained 2 1/2

I guess a part of me will be glad when the corss country season  is over, for once again at the last minute, I had to prepare a  treat for the team dinner this week. (You think I would learn!!).  Luckily, he took the whole pan and came home with only a few left.   Peanut Butter Rice Krispy Treats 1 cup sugar 1 cup corn syrup 1 cup peanut butter Place ingredients in a saucepan, melt on medium heat until smooth and all the sugar has dissolved. Stir in: 5 cups Rice Krispies Spread mixture in a greased pan. Melt in microwave: 1 bag (or 2 cups) milk chocolate chips Spread on top of the bars and place in freezer until the chocolate has set. You can also use 1 cup butterscotch chips and 1 cup milk chocolate chips.

This is one of my favorite dishes. It is easy and tastes great.  I have to admit it is the first recipe I go to when I need to take dinner in to someone.  It also freezes well.  I don't know if my family was just really hungry this time, but we ate it all for dinner.  Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole   16 oz. frozen hashbrowns (1/2 of a normal sized bag.) 3-4 chicken breasts cooked and diced 1/2 lb ham 1 -8 oz. cream cheese 1 can cream of chicken soup 2 cups shredded swiss cheese 1/4 tsp pepper 1/4 cup milk Place hashbrowns on the bottom of a 9x13 casserole dish. Layer chicken and then ham over hashbrowns. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the shredded swiss cheese.  Combine soup, cream cheese, milk and pepper.  *I found it easiest to melt the cream cheese a little in the microwave then mix everything together.   Now for the tricky part.  Drop the soup mixture on top and spread.  I find it best to treat it like you are frosting a cake.  Sprinkle the top w

First of all I would like to give a HUGE THANKS to everyone who has stopped by and left me such sweet comments.  It has been so  fun.  I feel like I am making lots of new friends and how fun is that!  I have enjoyed seeing new blogs and getting some great new recipes to try.  So thank you again!! This is another one of those crazy weeks. (Will they ever really stop??)  With the weather feeling quite fall like I decided to make soup on Wednesday.  I just can't decide what to make.  It needs to be something I can throw in the crock pot and everyone can eat at their own time and pace.  Anyone have any ideas for me??   Menu for This Week Monday: Sausage & Potatoes Tuesday : Tacos Wednesday: Soup?? Thursday: Picnic Night (Hopefully we will have leftovers this week. Last week I had to cook something.) Friday: Spaghetti Casserole Saturday: Random Night Sunday: Shepherds Pie I am excited to see what others are cooking for this week at The Organizing Junkie . 

This has become my familys favorite treat.  It is easy and no baking required.  I keep them in the fridge and they seem to just get better with a little time.....that is if they last that long.  I made these for my son's team dinner this week and then he came home and informed me that they had requested for him to bring a salad.  The rest of the family was happy with that decision.  Peanut Butter Bars 3 cups Rice Krispies (crush a bit) 4 cups powdered sugar 1 cup butter, melted 1 1/2 cup peanut butter Mix all ingredients together.  Press into a greased 9x13 pan.  Chill 1 hour or until firm. Top with: 1 (12oz package) chocolate chips 2 Tbs oil Place in a bowl and microwave for 1 minute. Stir and continue to microwave for 15 second intervals until chocolate is melted.  Spread over the top of the peanut butter layer and return to the fridge until chocolate hardens. *The only issue I have had with these is keeping the chocolate layer on the top when cutting them.  I found adding th

I found this recipe, in a pinch when I realized I had did not have enough purchased enchilada sauce.  To my surprise it was so good.  My husband commented on how he liked it better. I figure that it has no preservatives, I know exactly what is in it, I usually have all the ingredients on hand and it tastes great. It is a winning situation, so this has become my stand by sauce for enchiladas. I have to admit this was my first taste of homemade enchilada sauce. Sad I know!!  As I was cooking it this go round I was thinking I should make a big batch and can it or possibly freeze it.  I made enchiladas out of my leftover roast, adding onions, cheese, sneaking in a can of black beans (my family did not say a word) and a little salsa. They were good and a nice change to my normal filling for them.  My only complaint this time was I thought the enchiladas could of used just a little bit more sauce.  My little girls started with a half of one and each ended up wanting more.  Needless to say w

I just want to warn everyone that this is not your typical recipe and I appologize.  It is a good one though.  My husband was in charge of feeding a group of people several years ago (over a decade really).  He was talking to the butcher while getting the hamburger and the butcher gave him this recipe.  He took him around the store and picked out all the ingedients and placed them in the shopping cart for him. My husband then made it for the group and it has been the recipe we use ever since.  I must admit I have adapted it just a little bit.  Now for the bad news... there are no measurements and yet it turns out good everytime.  I have made it for several  family gatherings and always get asked for the recipe.  So here it goes just the way it was given to my husband those many, many years ago..... Crock Pot Sloppy Joes hamburger onion, diced green pepper, diced ketchup a little brown sugar (my addition) Brown the hamburger, place in crock pot with onions and green peppers. 

Warning; this is not for the faint of calorie consumption.  That is the main reason that I only make it a couple times a year, if that. Because it is addicting. If you are worried about the calories, make it and take it somewhere. That way the odds of eating the whole thing are low and you will get credit for a great tasting treat. Sorry the picture is not that great.  I tried lots of different camera angles, but nothing showed the true value. White Caramel Popcorn Warning:This recipe makes a huge batch.  Pop a LARGE bowl of popcorn. I use two bowls. It makes it easier to stir and lets me get all the unpopped kernels out of it. Then when mixed I put it all in one bowl. 1 lb butter 2 3/4 cup sugar 1 cup corn syrup 2 tsp vanilla Place ingredients in a saucepan.  Melt on med-high temperature. Stirring constantly.  Bring to a boil and boil for 30 seconds.  Pour over popcorn and stir to coat. Enjoy!! . You can check out some other great recipes at  Temp My Tummy Tuesdays  an

Note: After much debate in my own mind, I have changed my menu plan a bit   ok, alot this week.  I realized that I have some items already in my fridge that need to be used. That being the main reason and the second it will make for much more interesting meals this week. I survived the 2 1/2 hour drive one way to stand in the wind and a bit of rain to watch my son run for 17:04 minutes.  I would not have missed it for anything.  He did really well.  My girls found an acorn tree and they thought that was pretty neat to collect the acorns.  We had never seen them in real life before.  It was a gorgeous drive through the mountains with all the fall colors.  You would all be proud of me because I packed us veggies, apples and stuff to make sandwiches with so we would not have to eat out.  So atleast I was thinking for once.  It was a good family day.  Now on to the crazy week.  This week  for my new recipe I am trying Chicken Bacon Cheese Pockets.  They sound delicious.  I will let yo

This is a great meal for one of those really crazy days because all you really have to do besides cook the hamburger is dump everything in the crock pot.  I actually cooked my hamburger and diced my onion the night before.  Which is the only way I had time to pull off a home made meal. Taco Soup 1 lb  hamburger, brown and drain 1/4 cup chopped onion 1 can diced tomatos 1 -16 oz can kidney or pinto beans 1 jar salsa (or 2 cups) 1 can corn 1 packet taco seasoning 1 packet ranch dressing 2 cups water Place all ingredients in the crock pot.  Stir and cook on low.  Soup is done when fully heated.  Serve with grated cheese, crushed tortilla chips and sour cream. I usually put this in the crock pot in the morning and let it simmer all day.  The ranch packet is optional.  *My mom had another version of Taco Soup that is also very good.  I will post it at a later date.  It even has it's own song we sing whenever we eat it at family gatherings.