Milk Chocolate Chip Buttermilk Pancakes

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 2 cups flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
• 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2-3/4 cup milk chocolate chips
• oil or cooking spray

In a large bowl beat eggs. Add buttermil, butter and vanilla and mix well. Add flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well until mostly smooth. Fold in chocolate chips and let batter set for a few minutes.

Heat griddle or pan over medium heat. Add oil or cooking spray. Pour 2 tablespoons of batter onto the griddle. Cook on the first side until bubbles that form start to pop. Flip the pancake over with a spatula and cook until golden brown. Repeat until batter is gone. Let cooked pancakes rest on a heat proof plate in a 175 degree oven until ready to serve. Serves 4.

*I found this recipe on Joy the Baker's blog :)

"Each day is a new canvas to paint upon. Make sure your picture is full of life and happiness, and at the end of each day you don't look at it and wish you had painted something different." ~Author Unknown

Easy Stromboli

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon cornmeal
• 1 13.5 oz package refrigerated pizza dough
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (4 ounces)
• 1/3 cup shredded Parmesian cheese
• 4 ounces thinly sliced provolone cheese
• 4 ounces thinly sliced cooked ham
• 4 ounces pepperoni
• slices, sauteed mushrooms
• chopped, sauteed onions
• 1/3 cup chopped red, green, or yellow sweet pepper
• 1 cup fresh prewashed spinach

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly brush a baking sheet with olive oil and sprinkle with cornmeal; set aside. On a lightly floured surface carefully stretch or roll pizza dough into a 13X10-inch rectangle. Arrange ham slices on dough about 1/2 inch from edges. Sprinkle with half the cheese. Layer spinach and pepperoni on cheese. Top with remaining cheese, mushrooms, onions, and sweet pepper. Roll up dough, starting from long side. Pinch dough to seal the seam and ends.

Place loaf, seam side down, on prepared baking sheet. Brush with egg. Using a sharp knife, cut slits in top for steam to escape. Bake about 25 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand for 10 minutes. To serve, slice loaf into serving-size pieces. Recipe serves 4.

"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."

Hebrews 3:13

Orange Spiced Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Dipped in White Chocolate

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup raisins
• 3 tablespoons orange juice
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons grated orange peel
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 8 oz. white chocolate baking chips
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil

In a small bowl, combine orange juice and raisins; let stand overnight. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg and orange peel. In another bowl, combine flour and baking soda; stir into butter mixture. Add raisins, any soaking liquid, and oats; mix well.

Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls onto greased baking sheets; flatten slightly. Bake at 350 degrees, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to racks, and cool completely. In a small, microwave-safe bowl, heat chocolate and oil on low power. Continue until smooth when stirred. Let stand 2 minutes. Dip one-third of cookie in chocolate; set on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Chill until chocolate is firm. Recipe yeilds about 3 dozen cookies.

Be prepared: these cookies have a strong orange flavor!

"As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us."

Psalm 103:12

Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup all-vegetable shortening
• 1 1/4 cups firmly packed light-brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 1 egg
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Combine peanut butter, shortening, light brown sugar, milk, and vanilla in large bowl. Beat at medium speed of electric mixer until well blended. Add egg. Beat just until blended. Combine flour, salt, and baking soda. Add to creamed mixture at low speed. Mix just until blended. Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheet. Flatten slightly in crisscross pattern with fork.

Bake at 375 degrees for 7 to 8 minutes, or until set and just beginning to brown. Cool 2 minutes on baking sheet. Remove cookies to cooling rack. Recipe yeilds about 3 dozen cookies.

"Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold."

Ephesians 4:26b-27

Chocolate Banana Muffins

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup light-brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa, sifted
• 1 tsp baking soda

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a muffin pan with paper cups. Mash bananas by hand or with a mixer. While still mashing, add the oil, then the eggs and sugar. Mix the remaining ingredients together; beat gently into the banana mixture, then spoon into cups. Bake 15-20 minutes. Cool slightly in pan before removing to wire rack. Makes 12 muffins.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Romans 8:38-39

Grilled Zucchini Pasta Salad

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2 inch rounds
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 1 large red bell pepper, seeded, cut into quarters
• 1/2 cup light balsamic vinaigrette
• 1 (14 oz.) pkg. multigrain penne pasta
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Parmesan cheese

Place zucchini, onion, bell pepper and vinaigrette in a large reseable bag. Seal bag; refrigerate 4 to 8 hours, turning bag occasionally.

Bring 4 quarts water to boiling in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Cook pasta al dente, 8-10 minutes or according to package directions.

Meanwhile, remove vegetables from marinade; reserve marinade. Place vegetables on grill. Grill, covered, turning once.

Drain pasta; transfer to a deep serving platter. Remove vegetables from grill; cut into bite-size pieces. Spoon vegetables over pasta; drizzle with reserved marinade. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan. Serve immediately.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testig of your faith develops perserverance."

James 1:2-3

Oatmeal Scotchies

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups-all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups old fashioned oats, uncooked
• 12 oz. (2 cups) butterscotch flavored morsels

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon; set aside.

In a large mixer bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla extract until creamy. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in oats and butterscotch flavored morsels. Drop by measuring tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cook sheets. Bake 7 to 9 minutes. Remove from cookie sheets and allow to cool completely. Recipe yeilds about 4 dozen cookies.

"Always remember to be happy because you never know who's falling in love with your smile." ~Unknown Author

Broccoli Casserole

Ingredients

• 2 pkg. chopped broccoli
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 onion, grated
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup grated cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup white rice, cooked
• Bread crumbs: Cornbread Stuffing (Pepperidge Farms)

Cook and drain broccoli. Cook Rice. Mix all ingredients together, adding cheese last. Top with bread crumbs/stuffing mix. Bake for 30 minutes at 375 degrees.




"'Honor your father and mother'- which is the first commandment with a promise- 'that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.'"
Ephesians 6:2-3

Zucchini Fries

Ingredients

• 2-3 medium zucchini
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan
• 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Cut zucchini into 3-inch sticks. Whisk an egg white in a small bowl, and add 1/4 cup milk. Combine 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan and 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs in a seperate bowl. Dip zucchini sticks into egg mixture, and then roll in breadcrumb mixture. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray, and place zucchini on sheet. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.






"Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometime on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time." ~John Lubbock

Brown Sugar Pretzels

Ingredients

• 1 tube French bread or pizza crust dough
• 1 egg, beaten

Streusel Ingredients

• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Grease a baking sheet. Unroll dough into an 8x12 inch rectangle. Cut lengthwise into 4 strips. Roll each strip into a 16 inch rope; form into a pretzel and transfer to a baking sheet. Mix together streusel ingredients until crumbly. Brush pretzels with egg, then sprinkle with streusel. Bake until puffed and golden, about 15-20 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.

Other fun toppings include jam, granola, cinnamon sugar, or dried fruit

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

Ephesians 4:32

Potato Casserole

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. frozen hashbrowns
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 pint sour cream
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• 2 cups crushed Corn Flakes or Special K Cereal
• 1/4 cup melted butter
  

Deftrost hashbrowns. Combine the first eight ingredients in a large bowl. Pour into a 9x12 casserole dish. Cover with buttered corn flakes. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

"Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny." ~ Lao-Tze

Chicken Pot Pie

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz.) Veg-All Mixed Vegetables, drained
• 1 can (10 oz.) cooked chicken, drained or 2 boneless chicken breasts cooked and chopped
• 1 can (10-3/4 oz.) cream of chicken soup
• 1/4 tsp. thyme
• Two 9 inch frozen, ready-to-bake pie crusts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine vegetables, chicken, soup, and seasoning. May also add chicken broth for desired consistency.

Fit one pie crust into a 9 inch pie pan; pour vegetable mixture into pie crust. Top with remaining crust; crisp edges and prick top with fork. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is hot.

"Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home." ~ Edith Sitwell

Pumpkin Pecan Muffins

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Topping Ingredients

• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup finley chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cold butter

In a large bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, pumpkin, buttermilk, oil and vanilla. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in pecans Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full.

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, pecans and flour; cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over batter.

Bake at 375 degrees for 17-23 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Serve warm.

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved." ~ Helen Keller

Whole Wheat Banana Walnut Pancakes

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/3 cup cornmeal
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, separated
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cup milk
• 1 ripe banana, diced or mashed
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped

Whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Whisk together yolks, oil and 1 1/2 cups milk in another bowl and add to the flour mixture, whisking until smooth. Let batter stand for 5 minutes to allow flour to absorb liquid. Fold in banana and walnuts. Beat egg whites in a large bowl with an electric mixer at moderately high speed until they just hold stiff peaks. With a whisk, gently but thoroughly fold into batter.

Brush a griddle or 12-inch nonstick skillet with oil and heat over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking. Reduce heat to moderate. Spoon 2 tablespoons batter per pancake into a hot skillet, spreading if necessary to form 3-3 1/2 inch rounds. Cook pancakes until bubbles appear on surface, edges are set and undersides are golden, 45 seconds to 1 minute. Flip pancakes with a spatula and cook until undersides are golden and pancakes are cooked through. Transfer pancakes to plate and serve with Vanilla-Brown Sugar Syrup.

"You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familar with all my ways."

Psalm 139:2-3

Grilled Peanut Butter and Banana Split Sandwich

Ingredients

• 2 slices of sandwich bread
• 1 teaspoon butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 large strawberry, thinly sliced
• 1/2 small banana, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon strawberry jam
  

Spread one side of each bread slice with 1/2 teaspoon butter. Combine peanut butter and honey; spread over plain side of 1 bread slice. Sprinkle with chocolate chips; top evenly with strawberry and banana slices. Spread strawberry jam over plain side of remaining bread slice. Carefully assemble sandwich.
Heat a small nonstich skillet over medium-high heat. Add sandwich; cook 2 minutes on each side or until lightly browned.
*I found this sandwich idea on myrecipes.com





"What makes you better than anyone else? What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if all you have is from God, why boast as though you have accomplished something on your own?"
1 Corinthians 4:7

Pepperoni Pizza Puffs

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
• 4 ounces pepperoni, cut into small cubes (about 1 cup)
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 2 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 12-cup muffin pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder; whisk in the milk and egg. Stir in the mozzarella and pepperoni; let stand for 10 minutes.
Stir the batter and divide among the muffin cups. Bake until puffed and golden, 22 to 25 minutes.
Microwave the pizza sauce until warmed through, then stir in 1 Tablespoon basil. Sprinkle the puffs with the remaining 1 Tablespoon basil. Serve the puffs with the pizza sauce for dipping.





"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions in truth."
1 John 3:18

Zucchini Bread

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (I used 2 cups all-purpose and 1 cup whole wheat flour)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2-1/4 cups white sugar
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated zucchini
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins

Grease and flour two 8x4 inch pans. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Sift flour, salt, baking soda, powder, and cinnamon together in a bowl. Beat eggs, oil, vanilla, and sugar together in a large bowl. Add sifted ingredients to the creamed mixture and beat well. Blend in the zucchini. Stir in nuts and raisins until well combined. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on rack for 20 minutes.




"People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built." ~Eleanor Roosevelt

Chocolate Triple Layer Pie

Ingredients

• 2 cups cold milk
• 2 pkg. (4-serving size) JELL-O Chocolate Flavor Instant Pudding
• 1 Keebler Ready Crust Graham Cracker Pie Crust (6 oz.)
• 1 tub (8 oz.) Cool Whip Whipped Topping, thawed, divided

Pour milk into large bowl. Add pudding mixes. Beat with wire whisk 1 minute. (Mixture will be thick.) Spoon 1-1/2 cups of the pudding into crust. Gently stir 1/2 of the whipped topping into remaining pudding. Spread over pudding in crust. Top with remaining whipped topping.
Refrigerate 4 hours or until set. Makes 8 servings.




"Today you are YOU, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You." ~Dr. Seuss

Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
• 1 egg, beaten
• 3/4 cup Italian seasoned dry bread crumbs
• 1 jar (1 lb. 10 oz.) Ragu Pasta Sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 4 oz.)
• 1 tsp. dried oregano leaves (optional)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Dip chicken in egg, then bread crumbs. In 13x9-inch baking dish, arrange chicken. Bake 20 minutes.
Pour Pasta Sauce over chicken; top with cheese and sprinkle with oregano. Bake an additional 10 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked. Serve with hot cooked pasta.




"A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference." ~Winnie the Pooh

Broccoli Rice with Peanuts

Ingredients

• 1 can (13-3/4 ounces) chicken broth
• 1 package (10 ounces) broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup coarsley chopped peanuts or almonds
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1-1/2 cups MINUTE brown rice

Stir broth, broccoli, peanuts, soy sauce and garlic powder in a large saucepan. Bring to boil. Stir in rice; cover. Remove from heat. Let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with fork. Recipe makes 4 servings.



"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
1 Samuel 16:7

Ice Cream Cupcakes

Ingredients

• Cake mix


• Ice cream


• Fun Toppings

Make any sort of cake mix you like. Spray the muffin tins with nonstick spray. Fill the muffin tins only half as full as you normally would. For the mini muffin tins, use less than a teaspoon of batter. For the regular muffin tins, use about one Tablespoon of batter. Bake cupcakes at 350 degrees for 7 to 9 minutes. Remove the cupcakes from the oven, let cool in their tins for 15 minutes. Make sure that none of the cupcakes stick to the pan, cover with plastic wrap and put in the freezer for 3 hours, or overnight is best.

Remove the cupcakes from the freezer when you are ready to use them. If some of the cupcakes have domed up while cooking, remove them from their cup and use a small serrated knife to even out the top of the cupcake. Remove the ice cream from the freezer to let soften before filling the cupcake tins. When ice cream is softened, use a quick hand to spoon and flatten ice cream on top of the cake. When all of the cakes are topped with ice cream, return to the freezer to harden for at least 4 hours.

Remove the ice cream cupcakes from their tins. Place the cupcakes on a plate and return to the freezer for 15 minutes.

Next apply whatever topping you like, such as whipped cream, chocolate syrup, carmel, or sprinkles. Return to the freezer on the dish you would like to serve them on. When ready to serve, remove from freezer and eat promptly!

*I found this recipe on Joy the Baker's blog :)

"Life is the art of drawing without an eraser." ~John W. Gardner

Blueberry Muffins

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter or margarine
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup milk

Topping Ingredients *Recipe only needs 1/2 this, so freeze and save for when you make the muffins again!

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1-1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease 12-14 regular-size muffin cups. In bowl, mix butter until creamy. Add sugar and beat until pale and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each. Beat in vanilla, baking powder and salt. With spoon, fold in half of the flour then half of the milk into batter; repeat. Fold in blueberries. Spoon into muffin cups and sprinkle topping onto each muffin. Bake 18-20 minutes.






"We plant seeds that will flower as results in our lives, so best remove the weeds of anger, avarice, envy and doubt." ~Dorothy Day

Play Dough

Supplies

• 1 cup flower
• 1/2 cup salt
• 2 tsp. cream of tartar
• 1 cup colored water (use food coloring)
• 1 Tbsp. cooking oil

Mix in heavy saucepan; cook over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes. It will form a rubbery ball. Stir with wooden spoon. Store in airtight container.




"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." ~Walt Disney

Post-Surgical Ice Pack

Supplies Needed

• 4 one gallon zip-lock freezer bags
• 1 full bottle of rubbing alcohol

Use:Apply 3-4 times daily for 15-20 minutes in between use of pain medications

Directions

1. Pour 3 and 1/4 cups of water into one zip-lock freezer bag
2. Then pour one cup of rubbing alcohol into same bag (Make sure quantities are exact)
3. Combine mixture by shaking the bag
4. Unzip the bag half way and squeeze out any excess air
5. When air is gone, tightly re-seal the bag
6. Take the full bag and place inside a second bag to prevent leaking, also removing the air
7. Lay bag flat on counter, making sure the water inside bag is spread out evenly
8. Take bag and place it in the freezer, laying it on a flat shelf with a hard surface (The bag cannot be placed sitting up)
9. Repeat steps one through nine to make a second ice pack

"The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."

James 5:16

Giant Raisin Bran Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups Raisin Bran cereal crushed to 1-1/2 cups
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 cup margarine, softened
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs

Stir together Raisin Bran cereal, flours, and soda. Set aside. In a large bowl, beat margarine, sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs. Beat well. Add flour mixture. Mix thoroughly. Drop 1/4 cup onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 325 degrees for 12 to 14 minutes or until lightly browned. Yeilds 16-20 cookies.




"The Lord disciplines those He loves, as a father the son he delights in."
Proverbs 3:12

Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup crisco oil
• pinch of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 2-1/2 cups unsifted flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, oil, salt, and vanilla. After measuring flour, sift together with other dry ingredients. Roll dough into balls. (Dough will be soft.) Roll ball in sugar and flatten with cookie cutters, decorative cookie markers or use a fork making criss-cross patterns on the cookies. Place on lightly greased baking pans and sprinkle with festive sugar crystals. Bake 10 to 12 minutes in a 350 degree oven. These cookies are not supposed to get brown, so do not overbake them. Recipe makes 5 dozen cookies.





"Our heats grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time."
~Laura Ingalls Wilder

Snickerdoodles

Ingredients

• 1 cup Butter Flavor Crisco
• 1-3/4 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cream Butter Flavor Crisco, 1-1/2 cups sugar, eggs and vanilla thoroughly in large bowl at medium speed of electric mixer. Combine flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt. Stir into creamed mixture. Shape into 1 inch balls. Combine remaining 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon in small bowl. Roll balls of dough in cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 7 to 8 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. Makes 6 dozen cookies.





"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13

Peanut Blossom Cookies

Ingredients

• 1-3/4 cups flour
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 48 chocolate candy kisses, foil removed

Combine all ingredients except candy kisses in a large mixing bowl. Mix on lowest speed of mixer until dough forms, or mix together by hand. Shape dough into balls using approximately one rounded teaspoon for each. Roll the balls in granulated sugar and place on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake in an oven which has been preheated to 375 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. When you remove the cookie sheets from the oven, press a candy kiss firmly into each cookie so the cookie will crack around the edges. Makes about 48 cookies.




"A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song." ~Lou Holtz

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

• 2-1/4 c. all purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate morsels

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Makes 2-3 dozen large cookies.






"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will suceed."
Proverbs 16:3

Homemade Three Musketeer Bars

Ingredients

• 4 cups Chocolate Chips
• 8 ounces Frozen Whipped Topping
• 2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil

Line an 8 or 9 inch square pan with wax paper. In a medium bowl, melt 2 cups of chocolate chips in the microwave at 50% power, or use a double boiler. Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat melted chocolate for about 30 seconds. Add frozen whipped topping to the melted chocolate and beat until well combined and fluffy, 30-60 seconds more. Spread chocolate mixture evenly into prepared pan (if mixture is too stiff, press into pan with lightly dampened hands). Place in freezer for at least 30 minutes.
Remove pan from freezer and turn chocolate mixture onto a cutting board; cut into one-inch squares. Return squares to freezer for another 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, melt the remaining 2 cups chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and stir until well combined. Dip frozen chocolate squares into melted chocolate coat. Place on wax paper to set up. Keep chocolates in an airtight container in the refrigerator.







"For where your treasure is, there will your heart also be."
Luke 12:34

Apple Pie

Ingredients

• 4 large tart apples
• 1 deep dish pie crust
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup flour
• 1/3 cup butter or margarine

Thaw pie crust 10-15 minutes. Soften butter. 

Poke holes in pie crust. Peel apples and cut in eighths; arrange in 9 inch pastry lined pie pan. Mix 1/2 cup sugar with cinnamon. Sprinkle over apples. Sift 1/2 cup sugar with flour and cut into butter till crumbly (Use fork to help with crumbles). Sprinkle over apples. Bake at 400 degrees for about 35 minutes; Cover with foil and cook another 5-10 minutes.





"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."
Proverbs 18:10

Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

• 1 box Duncan Hines devil's food cake mix
• 1 big box chocolate pudding
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3/4 cup oil
• 3/4 cup water
• 4 large eggs
• 6 oz. chocolate chips
• Chocolate icing (2 containers)

Mix all this together. Pour in two greased and floured 9 inch round cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. When done, ice with chocolate icing.





"When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family hapinesses." ~Joyce Brothers

Oreo Cookie Ice Cream Cake

Ingredients

• 20 to 30 oreo cookies
• 1/2 gal. vanilla ice cream
• 1/3 cup margarine, melted

Place cookies in a plastic bag. Roll cookies with a rolling pin to crush. Add melted margarine to crumbs, mix well and press as crust into oblong pyrex dish (9x13). Place crust in freezer until firm. Remove ice cream from freezer to soften while crust hardens (30 to 45 minutes). Spred softened ice cream over frozen crust. Return to freezer.


Topping Ingredients

• 1 cup semi-sweet morsels
• 1 T. margarine
• 1 T. vanilla
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 small can evaporated milk
• 1 cup pecans, chopped (optional)

Mix all ingredients and cook over double boiler stirring frequently until fully melted, well mixed, and sllightly thickened (about 30 minutes). Cool (thickens further while cooking) and spred over ice cream. Top with pecans, if desired. Return to freezer until ready to serve.






"For it is only by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God."
Ephesians 2:8

Banana Bread

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1-1/2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs separated
• 3 ripe bananas
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• pinch of salt

Cream the shortening, sugar and egg yolks. Put the egg whites in a small mixing bowl and set aside. Mash the bananas and add to the creamed mixture slong with the 3 tablespoons of milk. Sift dry ingredients together and add to the creamed mixture. Beat egg whites toll stiff peaks form; fold gently into other mixture. Pour batter into greased and floured tube pan or loaf pan and bake in 350 degree oven about 40 to 50 minutes. Check cake as it should not be overbaked. Remove from oven and let cool in pan 10 or 15 minutes, then remove from pan and cool on cake rack.



"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strengh and my redeemer."
Psalm 19:14

Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup corn bread stuffing mix
• 1 8oz. can seasoned tomato sauce
• 1 slightly beaten egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion

In a large bowl, gently break up ground beef; add other ingredients and toss gently to mix. Shape mixture into one large or two small loves. Bake covered in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Uncover and continue baking about 30 minutes more, or till done. Allow meatloaf to rest about 5 minutes after coming out of the oven.

"Praise be to the name of God forever and ever; wisdom and power are His. He changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowldege to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him."
Daniel 2:20-22

Lemon Chicken

Ingredients

• 3-4 pounds chicken parts (thighs and legs recommended), skin-on, bone-in, trimmed of excess fat
• 2 Tbsp lemon zest
• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 Tbsp fresh chopped rosemary
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2-3 Tbsp melted butter

Place lemon juice, lemon peel, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, whisk to combine. With the tip of a sharp knife, cut into each chicken piece one or two times by about 1/2 an inch (this will help the marinade penetrate). Place the chicken pieces and the marinade in a gallon-sized freezer bag so that all chicken pieces are coated with the marinade, seal the bag and place in a bowl in the refrigerator. Let marinate for at least 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Remove chicken from marinade and place in a single layer in a large baking dish, skin side up. Reserve the marinade. Use a pastry brush to brush a little melted butter on to each piece of chicken.
Bake for a total of 50 t0 55 minutes, until the skins are crispy brown, and the chicken is cooked through, juices running clear. Half-way through the baking, at about the 25 minute mark, baste the chicken pieces generously with reserved marinade.
Depending on the size of the breast, they may be ready before the thighs, so if you are cooking a mix of chicken parts, keep that in mind, you may have to take them out of the oven before the thighs. Once cooked let rest, covered in foil, for 10 minutes before serving.
Pour the juices from the pan into a serving bowl. Serve the chicken with the juices on the side or a little poured over the top of the chicken. Serves 4-6.

"Be content with what you have, rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you." ~Lao Tzu

Mom's Pasta Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef
• Oregano to taste
• Basil to taste
• Dash of garlic salt
• 16 ounce jar of Ragu sauce
• 8 ounce can tomato sauce
• 6 ounce can tomato paste

Brown ground beef in large pot over medium heat. Then add oregano, basil, garlic salt, sauces, and paste. Stir well and bring to boil. Reduce heat to low and allow sauce to simmer for 30 minutes. Serve over pasta.

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. he makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for His name's sake. Even though I walk throughh the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff- they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Pslam 23

Hamburger Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cups chopped onion
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup Bisquick
• 2 eggs

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease a 9 inch pie pan. Cook and stir beef and onion until brown. If desired add a dash of oregano along with the salt and pepper. Drain off any excess grease. Spread beef in pie plate; sprinkle with cheese. Beat milk, egg and Bisquick together till smooth. Pour mixture over beef and cheese. Bake till golden brown and knife inserted in center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Serves 4 to 6.

"If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything." ~ Mark Twain

Chili

Ingredients

• 2.5 lb. ground beef
• 2 onions, chopped
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 1 can tomatoes
• 2 cans (15 oz.) kidney beans
• 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
• Dash of salt and pepper

Brown ground beef; drain. Add all ingredients. Simmer in crock pot for 3 to 4 hours.

"This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalm 118:24

Corn Pudding

Ingredients

• 1 can creamed corn
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 dash salt
• 1/4 cup milk

Mix ingredients together and bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.

"All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Homemade Potato Chips

Ingredients

• Russet(baking) potatoes
• Butter, melted
• Coarse salt to taste

Peel and slice the potatoes 1/16 inch thick. Pat the potatoes dry between paper towels and arrange in one layer on a baking sheet. Brush the potatoes with the melted butter, bake them in a preheated 500 degree oven for 2-5 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Sprinkle chips with the salt. Allow to cool before serving.





"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah 40:31

Toasted Pita Chips

Ingredients

• Whole-wheat pita bread
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Oregano

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut pita bread into thin slices. Places slices on a foil-lined baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over slices, followed by salt, pepper and oregano. Be sure all slices are coated. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until chips begin to brown. The bread will toast and become chips.

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." ~Robert Brault

French Toast

Ingredients

• 4 eggs
• 2/3 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 8 slices of bread
• Butter
• Maple Syrup

Beat eggs, milk, and cinnamon together. Wisk until well blended and pour into a shallow bowl. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, allowing bread to soak up some of the mixture. Melt some butter over a large skillet on medium high heat. Fry until brown on both sides, flipping the bread when necessary. Serve with hot butter and maple syrup.





"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Matthew 6:34

Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients

• 1lb. sausage
• 6 eggs beaten
• 2 cups milk
• 2 slices cubed bread
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried mustard

Brown sausage and drain well. Beat together eggs, milk, salt, and mustard. Layer in 8x8 baking dish- bread, sausage, cheese, egg mixture. (May assemble and refridgerate the night before and bake in the morning.) Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.





"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant."
~Robert Louis Stevenson

Frito Dip

Ingredients

• Hormel chili- no beans
• 8 oz. cream cheese (Use 8 oz. cream cheese for each can of chili)

Heat to melt cream cheese into chili.

Serve with Fritos.

Enjoy!

Sausage Puffs

Ingredients

• 2 -1/2 cups Bisquick
• 10 oz. package sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 lb. hot uncooked sausage
• 3-4 tbsp. milk

Mix all ingrediants together. Shape into small balls. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet for 15 minutes at 375 degrees.




"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid of terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:6