Hamburger Gravy/Meat balls or loaf

 1lb ground beef - 1 tsp salt - 1 tsp pepper - 1/2 tsp garlic salt - 1 tsp minced onion - 4 Tbsp butter               1/4 cup flour - 2 cups milk 

Always prepare whatever your putting gravy over first. If you cook the gravy to long while waiting it gets to thick.

In a skillet, over medium high heat, season ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic salt and onion and cook until meat is done. 

Add butter and melt. Sprinkle flour over the top of beef and stir. Cook flour 1 to 2 minutes. 

Slowly pour in milk and whisk or stir to incorporate into the flour beef. Stir occasionally let it cook until it thickens. About 5 minutes or so. 

Serve immediately over mashed potatoes, toast, noodles or rice or meat balls. It was good. 

Meat loaf or Meat balls

1 pound ground beef, 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs, 1/3 cup milk, 1/4 cup onion diced, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, one egg, 1/4 cup parsley chopped, 1/4 cup Parmesan shredded, salt and pepper to taste. Mix and bake. I do 375 but it says you can do 400 18 to 20 minutes.

Kombuca

3 qts distilled water (dump 4 cups out of a gallon jug). Boil. Then add 1 cup sugar (Should be cheap sugar not organic) and continue to boil for 5 minutes. Remove from burner add 4 bags black tea and steep for 10 minutes then remove and stir.

Cool tea for at least 45 minutes. Then pour into a gallon jar. Cool for another 2 hours. You want it room temperature before you add the scobby. After 2 hours check it. Sometimes I let mine go a bit longer.

After its room temperature in the gallon jar add almost a cup of liquid from the scobby container and place the scobby dark side down in the jar. Cover with a coffer filter and use a rubber band to keep it on. Sit on counter out of sunlight. Let sir 7-10 days.

Cooking Substitute

Self-rising flour is made by adding 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt to 1 cup all purpose flour.

I use healthy oils for baking. I also replace oil for butter. If you want though you can substitute oil by using: applesauce, fruit puree or yogurt. I have used applesauce. If you make brownies and add applesauce instead of oil your kids might complain, mine did.

If you don't have buttermilk you can make your own but adding 1 Tablespoon of either fresh lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk. I have made it using the vinegar.

Out of eggs? Use any of these substitutes in place of 1 egg: 1/4 cup applesauce or 1/4 cup vegetable oil or 1/4 cup mashed banana.

Cut a recipe in half: 

3/4 cup is 6 Tablespoons - 2/3 cup is 1/3 cup - 1/2 cup is 1/4 cup - 1/3 cup is 2 teaspoons plus 2 Tablespoons - 1/4 cup is 2 Tablespoons - 1 Tablespoon is 1 1/2 teaspoons - 1 teaspoon is 1/2 teaspoon - 1/2 teaspoon is 1/4 teaspoon. 

Heavy Cream Substitute 

If you need heavy cream for a recipe, make your own by combining 2/3 cup whole milk with 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter. This will give you 1 cup of heavy cream. (I normally don't use unsalted butter and recipes that call for it I just use salted butter.)

Maple syrup instead of corn syrup.

  

Chocolate Cake/Frosting's/Brownies

This is my husband's 1st favorite dessert. It's healthy the way I make it. Although its a pretty big cake for just the two of us to make. I normally make when we are having company. I nevered realize the things you can make using unsweetened cocoa.

Chocolate Cake

1 1/4 cups granulated sugar (I use coconut sugar)
1 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 teaspoon salt (I don't use that much)
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla (I don't use)
1 3/4 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda AND powder
2 eggs
1/2 cup oil (right now I have always used avocado oil but sometime I will try almond oil)

Oven to 350 degree's. Grease and flour two nine inch or one oblong pan.
Mix all the ingredients together. Now add 1 cup boiling water. Pour into prepared pan or pans.

Bake 30 to 35 minutes.

Frosting

Creamy Chocolate Frosting

2 3/4 cups confectioner's sugar
6 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
6 Tablespoons butter softened
5 Tablespoons evaporated (I use regular milk)
1 teaspoon vanilla

Cream butter then add the rest of ingredients. Frost and enjoy. Ann's note: When I compare the sugar between the chocolate cake and the brownies its more sensible to make the cake. 

Brownies
1/2 cup oil
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla 
2 eggs
1/2 cup flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teas salt
1/4 teas baking powder
1/2 cup walnuts

350 degree in 9x9 greased pan for 20-25 minutes.

Butter Frosting

1/3 cup butter softened
4 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Beat the butter until fluffy. Gradually add 2 cups of the sugar. Beat well. Slowly beat in the milk, vanilla and remaining sugar. Beat well. Frost and eat.

Creamy Chocolate Frosting

2 3/4 cups confectioner's sugar
6 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
6 Tablespoons butter softened
5 Tablespoons evaporated (I use regular milk)
1 teaspoon vanilla

Cream butter then add the rest of ingredients. Frost and enjoy.

Cream Cheese Frosting

8oz cream cheese

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)

2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

Homemade Extracts

All the same basically. They all use Vodka. They all take 5-6 weeks. They all store in cool dry place. They all say tilt and turn upside down every few days. Someone told me they use bourbon instead of the vodka or half and half. I have made the vanilla. Very good. 

Vanilla Extract

3 whole vanilla beans - Vodka

Cut your vanilla beans in half, then split open each half to expose the vanilla seeds on the inside of the pod. Place cut vanilla beans inside your glass bottle. Add vodka, filling up to the neck of the bottle. Seal tightly and store bottle in cool, dry place. Every few days, tilt the bottle upside down to gently mix the liquids inside. After 5 to 6 weeks, you have extract. If you leave the beans, when you start running low you just add more vodka and wait a little time.

Mint

1/2 cup mint leaves - Vodka

Stuff mint leaves into your glass bottle. Using a chopstick, skewer, or other poking device, lightly bruise/crush the leaves inside the bottle. Add vodka, filling to the neck of the bottle. Every few days tilt bottle. Can't save the leaves this time and you should sieve to another bottle to get remaining leave pieces out.

Orange 

1 large navel orange - Vodka

Peel thin strips of zest from 1/2 of your orange. Place zest in bottle. Add vodka, filling up to the neck. Every few days tilt and turn upside down. 5-6 weeks later. Leave orange peel in bottle if you want. I probably won't.

Lemon 

1 large lemon - Vodka

Peel thin strips of zest from your lemon. Place in bottle. Add Vodka to the neck. Tilt.

These are from Gemma. She has almond too but a bit more complicated.

Cole Slaw

Apple & Poppy seed Coleslaw

2 cups shredded green cabbage
1 1/2 cups shredded red cabbage
1/2 cup shredded carrot
1 Granny Smith apple, julienne d
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:
In a large bowl, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, carrot and apple.
In a large glass measuring cup or another bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, poppy seeds, salt and pepper, to taste.
Pour mixture over cabbage mixture and stir using a rubber spatula until well combined. Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
Serve cold.

Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

1 Large apple - any kind

1/2 cup dried cranberries

3/4 teaspoon dried ginger - I used a little less. Wasn't sure about it. 

4 green onions

6 Tablespoon honey - might use a bit less next time.

3/4 cup mayo

1 -14oz bag mixed colors coleslaw 

1/2 walnuts - any will do or none

3/4 plain yogurt - I used Strawberry (I use less now or it’s to running after it sits. Just a heaping tablespoon or so).

Very very good.

Homemade Mayo/Different Dressings

Ranch Dressing

2 Tablespoons dried Parsley
2 Tablespoons dried Chives
2 Tablespoons Onion Powder
1 Tablespoon dried Dill Weed
1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
1 Tablespoon Salt
1 Tablespoon Pepper (I don't use cause I don't like)

I use Organic spices. Mix all of these together and the next time you want the best dip ever just add a Tablespoon or so to sour cream. Mix it to your liking. 

To make it a dressing combine 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup mayo or milk and 1 Tablespoon the Ranch spices. Chill for an hour. Just make sure it isn't to thick.

Dry Onion Soup Mix

2/3 cup dried, minced onion

3 teaspoons parsley flakes

2 teaspoons onion powder

2 teaspoons turmeric

1 teaspoon celery salt

1 teaspoon sea salt (I always use Himalayan salt)

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon pepper (I don't normally use pepper)

Shake well. Use 4 Tablespoons a recipe in place of 1 packet of onion soup mix. 

Thousand Island Dressing

1 cup mayo
1/2 cup ketchup
1 cup sweet pickle relish
pinch of salt and pepper if you want. I also don't add that much relish.

Put 1000 island on your burger and its better then a big mac.

Coleslaw Dressing

1 cup mayo
2 Tablespoons sugar
2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon celery seed 
5 cups cabbage

Shred cabbage. Mix all ingredients and pour over cabbage.

Honey French Dressing:       
                                                            
1/2 cup Organic Ketchup
1 cup Organic Olive Oil  (I use grape seed oil)
1/4 cup Organic Apple Cider Vinegar                 
1/4 cup Honey
1/4 cup Organic Onion (coarsely chopped) (I use powder)
1 tsp Sea Salt (I use Himalaya salt)
1/4 tsp Organic Ground Black Pepper (Don't use)
1 small clove of Garlic (I  use powdered)
Combine everything in your blender and blend until smooth! Will keep for 2 weeks in the fridge, enjoy!

Western dressing from Dixie - Very good

1 cup ketchup 

1/2 cup water

1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar 

3 teaspoons honey

Cayenne pepper

Sweet and Sour Coleslaw Dressing

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup cold water
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon mustard seed (I use ground if that's all I have)
1/2 celery seed

Poppy Seed Dressing 

3/4 cup just mayo
1/3 cup sugar (a bit less)
2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons poppy seed

Potato Salad Dressing

1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 cup just mayo
1 Tablespoon mustard
1 teas salt
1/4 teas pepper (Don't use pepper)

Add some ranch dressing to spice it up. Very good.

Quick & Easy Barbecue Sauce

Makes: 1 cup

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 cup onion, finely diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 Tablespoons molasses
2 Tablespoons spicy mustard (I use Guldens' Spicy Brown Mustard)
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
2 teaspoons chili powder (NOT powdered chili pepper)

Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat and sauté onion & garlic for 2 minutes until golden brown.
2. Add everything else and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about
25 minutes. Sauce with thicken as it cools.

Deans Dressing

1\4 cup oil - 1/3 cup vinegar - 1/2 cup sugar or less - 1 teas celergy seed - garlice pd & salt

Boil and stir till clear. Let cool. 

Meals/Desserts in a Mug

Macaroni & Cheese in a mug

1/3 cup pasta
3/4 cup water cold
4 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon cornstarch or aka corn flour
4 tablespoons cheddar cheese, grated
salt and pepper

In a large microwavable mug or large bowl add in the macaroni and the water. You need a large mug as the water will boil up. Microwave for roughly 3 1/2 minutes. You want the pasta to be fully cooked. Again based on a 1200 watt microwave oven. Pour off the remaining water. Stir in milk, cornstarch and shredded cheese and mic for a final 60 seconds to create your sauce. Stir well, season with salt and pepper and enjoy.

Breakfast Burrito in a mug

1 large 9 inch tortilla
2 eggs
2 tablespoons cheddar cheese, grated
2 tablespoons scallions, chopped
salt and pepper
Garnish
salsa
sour cream

In a large microwaveable mug press in a fresh tortilla. It will naturally fold into shape of the mug and find its way. Crack your eggs and whisk up with a fork, taking care not to tear the tortilla. Now add in your favorite burrito mixins like cheese, beans, and scallions. Season with salt and pepper and mix together. Whatever ingredients you have on hand will work great. Microwave for 1 minute 20 seconds. Check, and if the eggs are still liquid, cook for another 15-20 seconds. Keep and eye during cooking so the eggs don't overheat. You don't want an egg-splosion in your mic. Cook time based on 1200 watt microwave. Once done, let it sit for 3 minutes to cool and serve with some sour cream and salsa on top. You could eat a bit out of the mug and then your able to pull it out of mug and roll it like a burrito.

Mug Pizza

 Serves: 1

Ingredients

4 tablespoons all purpose flour
⅛ teaspoon baking powder
1/16 teaspoon baking soda
⅛ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon marinara sauce
1 generous tablespoon shredded mozzarella cheese
5 mini pepperoni
½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil or oregano will work)

Instructions
Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together in a microwavable mug
Add in the milk and oil and mix together. There might be some lump but that is okay.

Spoon on the marinara sauce and spread it around the surface of the batter.

Sprinkle on the cheese, pepperoni and dried herbs.

Microwave for 1 minute 10-20 seconds, or until it rises up and the topping are bubbling (timing is based on my 1200W microwave so your timing might vary). My microwave is only 1000 watts so my time will be just a tad more.
Enjoy straight away!

Notes
Cooking time will vary greatly depending on your microwave and the width and depth of the mug. The mugs I use are small, roughly 6oz (¾ /1 cup)

Always keep a close eye on your mug while in the microwave so it doesn’t over flow or over cook.

⅛ teaspoon is simply a ½ of a ¼ teaspoon
1/16 teaspoon is simply a ¼ of a ¼ teaspoon

Desserts in a Mug 

Brownie in a Mug 
                     
2 T butter melted in a mug
Add  2 T water, 1 t vanilla and dash of salt
Mix with fork
Add 2 T cocoa pd, stir, 2 T sugar and stir 4 T flour and stir
Microwave 1 minute and 30 seconds

The recipe calls for 4 T of sugar but its great with just the 2.

Chocolate Mug Cake

4 tablespoons all purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon baking powder
pinch of salt
2 teaspoon flavorless oil (sunflower, coconut, canola)
4 tablespoons  milk
Mix together - 40 -50 seconds in microwave.

Chocolate Chip Mug Cookie 

1 tablespoon room temperature butter
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
¼ tsp vanilla extract
1 egg yolk
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons chocolate chips
Mix together, wet first then microwave 40-60 seconds.

Jelly Doughnut in a mug

2 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon strawberry jelly

Place butter into a microwaveable mug and microwave until just melted. Add in the remaining ingredients; mix well with a fork until just combined. Once the batter is mixed place the spoonful of jam down into the batter to get a jammy center. Microwave for 45 seconds or until it is firm on top. This time is based on a 1200 watt microwave so time may vary. Always keep a close eye while cooking.

Homemade Products

USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. I WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE. I USE A LOT OF HOMEMADE PRODUCTS WITH NO TROUBLE.

Tile and Grout cleaner
Add 1/2 cup Dr Bronner's Sal suds or Dawn ultra or other dish washing soap to 16 oz spray bottle. I used Dawn. Add 1.5 cups vinegar. Add 7 drops of each: Lavender essential oil - Lemon essential oil - eucalyptus essential oil - Tea tree essential oil.
Shake to mix ingredients. Spray on shower, tub, faucet, and glass shower doors. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (and as long as overnight, if needed) scrub if needed. Rinse with hot water.
DO NOT USE ON GRANITE OR MARBLE. THE ACID IN THE VINEGAR COULD EAT AWAY AT THE SURFACE AND CAUSE PITTING.

Cleaning your glass top stove
Drizzle some dawn (careful not to much you will have to wipe it off)
Then some peroxide - Then a good amount of baking soda. Work it in and wipe off.
I had a bad stain on mine so I actually did this procedure twice. The ring was gone.

Goo Gone
1 teaspoon vegetable oil - 2 teaspoons baking soda. Combine and try it.

How to remove water stain from you stainless steel appliances
1/4 cup vinegar to 1/2 cup baking soda. 1 Tablespoon of oil. Make it into a paste. Apply on dishwasher in circle motion with a soft cloth. Let sit 5 to 10 minutes. Wipe off with a damp cloth.
It worked very well on the dishwasher.

Blessings in a 24 ounce bottle

Kitchen Magic: 12 oz of White Vinegar - 12 oz of Dawn dish soap - 1 teaspoon laundry detergent.
Use everywhere. Kitchen as well as bath. The laundry detergent is optional.

Window Cleaner: 1 oz of White Ammonia - 4 oz of Rubbing alcohol - 1 drop of laundry detergent. Fill remaining space with water.

Air & Fabric Freshener: 1 oz of scented fabric softener - 2 Tablespoons baking soda - Fill with water. This is fake febreze. (Ann's note: I have made and used this one. I like it.)

Bleach Cleaner: 2 oz of bleach - 1 teaspoon laundry detergent - fill with water.

The Cure-All: 5 oz of rubbing alcohol - 3 oz of white vinegar - 1 teaspoon laundry detergent - 1 teaspoon of white ammonia - 2 drops essential oil - Fill with water. Use this like an all purpose cleaner.

Homemade Hand Soap: Fill your jar about 2/3 of the way to the top with white sugar. Next fill the rest of the jar with your soap. Stop when the soap is about 1/2" from the top of the jar. Stir till reaches a paste like consistency. If you let it sit the sugar will dissolve without stirring. Now the next time your hands are really dirty try it.

Mosquito bug Spray

1. 20 drops lavender - 17 drops lemon grass - 15 drops eucalyptus - 15 drops tea tree - 12 drops peppermint - 2 oz bottle add water. 

2. 1/2 cup witch hazel - 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar - 40 drops essentials oils (eucalyptus, lemon grass, citronella, tea tree or rosemary).

Homemade Weed Killer

1. 1/4 cup salt - 1 squirt dawn - Fill the rest with vinegar. 

2. Cornmeal scatter over soil to prevent crab grass.

3. Pour boiling water on growing weeds.

Plants that keep bugs away: 

Fleas & ticks is rosemary.

Spiders, mosquitoes, ants is peppermint.

Mosquitoes is catnip and basil and lavender.

To get rid of Japanese beetles: Sevin dust, or A cup of soapy water, or Neem oil spray. 

Also they love geraniums. The side affect however is they become dizzy and disoriented. This causes them to fall to the ground. I use the cup of soapy water and guide them into the container. This fall and spring I will treat the ground. 

Make your own Toweling: Cut a roll of paper toweling in half. Put the half in a closed container that fits it. Add 12 ounces of tap water, 1/4 cup of alcohol and 4 drops of dish soap.

  

For the Shower:

Vanilla Brown Sugar Scrub

Coconut oil - Vanilla - Brown Sugar. Use for hands and feet.

Himalayan Salt Scrub

2 Tablespoons finely ground pure Himalayan Salt

1 Tablespoon Sweet Almond Oil

1 Tablespoon jojoba oil

6 drops of pure lavender or meditation synergy blend  Essential oil

Mix together and apply to your wet body in the shower. Massage and rinse. Pat yourself dry.

Vanilla Lavender Relaxing Scrub

1 cup white sugar

1/2 cup almond oil

1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil

1 teaspoon vanilla

15 drops lavender essential oil

Place everything in a bowl and stir until combined. Store in a jar with a lid. Maybe small mason jars.

Lemon Scented Hand Scrub

1 cup white sugar

1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil is optional

15-20 drops of lemon essential oil

Place everything in a bowl and stir until combined. Store in a jar with a lid. Maybe small mason jars.

Gingerbread Sugar Scrub at Christmas Time 

1/2 cup brown sugar 

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup coconut oil

1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil

2 teaspoons vanilla

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon clove

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Place everything in a bowl and stir until combined. Store in a jar with a lid. Maybe small mason jars.

Pumpkin Pie Scrub

1/2 cup of brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup almond oil

1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil

3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

2 teaspoons vanilla

Place everything in a bowl and stir until combined. Store in a jar with a lid. Maybe small mason jars.

Homemade Hand Scrub

1 Tablespoon coconut oil 

2 Tablespoons raw honey

1/4 cup sea salt (You know I will try my Himalayan salt first)

1/4 cup sugar

1 Tablespoon lemon juice

Sugar Scrub

I make my own sugar scrubs. I don't even measure anymore. You will need sugar and coconut oil. Then add whatever you. Vitamin E, Essential oil to make it smell good and anything else you want. Take in the shower using a plastic container. 

Simple body scrub my daughter likes. I don't even measure. I put sugar in a bowl - add liquid coconut oil and she likes peppermint - so I add peppermint essential oil. I put in a plastic container with a cover.

Cookies & Cookies & more Cookies

Three ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

The  original recipe is:  

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg

My recipe is:

1 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup sugar

1 egg

I made them adding chocolate chips. If you do that add less sugar. 

Mix together. Roll into small balls. Dip in sugar if you want-use fork to press them down a bit and bake at 350. Watch them closely.

Ranger Cookies

1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs beaten
2 1/3 cups flour
1 cup coconut
1 cup oats
1 cup rice Krispies (I might put in a different cereal one I can buy organic)
1 teaspoon salt - 1 teas baking powder - 1 teas baking soda - 1 teas vanilla

Cream butter with the sugars, add vanilla, and eggs.  Mix well. Add flour with salt, powder and soda. Add oatmeal, krispies and coconut. Make into small balls and bake 350 for 10-12 minutes.

Thin Mint Cookies

These taste just like the Girl Scout thin mint cookies only much much better

Ingredients: Ritz cracker  - Andes Mint chips (You buy them in a bag like you would buy choc chips)

Melt Andes mint chips in microwave. Doesn't take long

Dip cracker in chocolate and place on parchment paper.

Pretzel thins too dipped in the chocolate are good.

Do your like peanut butter. I bet you could take melted peanut butter chips and dip cracker in the chips too. So many different things you can make. Use your imagination.

Ann's note: The first time I made them I couldn't find the Andes Mint chips so I just bought the little individual bars and just had to open them all up separate.

Toll House Cookies

I have learned a lot about recipes over the years. The first thing is you never need all the sugar the recipe calls for. Also I don't pack brown sugar like the recipe calls for. Here is my version of the Toll House Cookies.

2 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 sticks butter softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar in stead of 3/4 (I also use coconut sugar in stead sometimes)
1/2 cup brown sugar instead of 3/4 and don't pack it (I use my homemade brown sugar)
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 large eggs
2 dark chocolate candy bars chopped
1 cup nuts chopped optional

Oven to 375 degree's. I mix butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Then add the flour, salt and baking soda. Mix and add chocolate and nuts. Bake on ungreased sheet 9 to 11 minutes or until done.

Most of my recipes I don't use vanilla anymore either. I also use organic products and the taste is so good.

Remember homemade brown sugar is just 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 Tablespoon molasses. Little lumps are okay. You can also blend it. I don't take time to do that. I never pack it like recipe says.

Molasses Cookies

3/4 cup butter
1 cup granulated sugar (I used 3/4 cups, will try coconut sugar too)
1 egg
1/2 tsp cloves (Don't use)
1 tsp cinnamon
2 cups flour
1/4 cup molasses
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp salt

Melt butter in a 4 qt saucepan over low heat. (I just use soften butter) Remove from heat let cool and add sugar, molasses, and egg, beat well. Add everything else and mix well. Chill. Form into 1 inch balls and roll in sugar (if you want I don't) and place on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 375 8-10 minutes.

Strawberry Jam and Butter Cookies

1 3/4 cups flour
1/2 teas salt
1/2 teas baking powder
3/4 cup butter (1 1/2 sticks)
2/3 cup sugar plus more for rolling
1 egg
1 teas vanilla
1/3 cup jam

Preheat oven to 350. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or spray them.

Whisk together flour, salt and baking powder.

Beat butter and sugar till fluffy. Add egg and vanilla until just combined. Slowly beat in dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Roll into 1 inch balls. Roll in sugar if you want, I don't. Place on your cookie sheets 2 inches apart. Press thumb gently into the center of each ball, about 1/2 inch deep. Fill each thumbprint with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam.

Bake 15 - 17 minutes or until edges are golden. Cool on baking sheet.

Make your own brown sugar by taking a cup of white sugar and 1 Tablespoon of molasses. 

Crackers

Homemade Cheez-it Crackers

1 cup flour
4 Tablespoons cold butter, cut into small squares
1 8oz bag grated extra sharp cheddar cheese
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper - I don't use

Preheat oven to 350. Combine all ingredients in food processor, and pulse until crumbly. Add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until dough comes together. Form into ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. Place dough between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper, and roll out to 1/8 inch thickness. Transfer to parchment lined baking sheet, and, using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut into 1 inch squares. Sprinkle with salt and bake 25 minutes. Test for crispiness; cracker may take a few minutes more to finish crisping. Remove from oven when crisp and just starting to brown. Let cool and serve. They aren't as good the next day so eat them when fresh.

Crack-tastic Crackers

1 - 1 1/4 cup oil
1 packet ranch dressing 
2-3 Tablespoons red pepper flakes
4 sleeves of saltine crackers

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl. Let sit 5 - 10 minutes. Lay them out on a cookie sheet and drizzle the yummy, ranchy, peppery oil that's in the bottom of the bowl, over the top of the crackers. Bake at 250 degree's for 15-20 minutes, stirring them around about halfway through. Let them cool and store in a big old baggie. Or a few little baggies.

Batter Coatings/Sauces

Batter for Shrimp, Chicken or Veggies

1 cup flour
1 Tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teas baking powder
1/2 teas season salt
1/2 teas chili powder
2 eggs beaten
1/3 cup milk
1 tablespoon oil or melted butter

Mix dry ingredients then add wet. Dip whatever you want then deep fry. Or us it for a fondue.

Batter for Fish

Dip in flour  -  dip in egg or milk  -  then in bread crumbs OR
Dip in flour  - dip in egg or milk   - then dip back in flour

Dipping Sauce

1 15oz can tomato sauce
1 teas sugar
1 teas oregano
1/2 teas basil
1/2 marjoram
1/2 garlic powder
1/4 salt

Heat all till boil then simmer 30 minutes stirring occasionally.

Barbecue Sauce from GB Christian School Cookbook

1 cup chili sauce - I didn't have the chili sauce so I used a can of tomato sauce and added chili powder.
2 cups ketchup
1 T soy sauce
Juice of 1 lime
2 T brown sugar
Seasoned salt
salt and pepper
2 T Worcestershire sauce
2 T lemon juice
1/4 cup vinegar
2 T honey
2 cloves garlic, minced

When I use to make this I used a can of tomato sauce and I added chili powder to it instead of the chili sauce. I never used the lime because I didn't have it on hand.

Quick & Easy Barbecue Sauce 

Makes: 1 cup

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 cup onion, finely diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 Tablespoons molasses
2 Tablespoons spicy mustard 
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
2 teaspoons chili powder 

Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat and sauté onion & garlic for 2 minutes until golden brown.
2. Add everything else and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about
25 minutes. Sauce with thicken as it cools.

Fresh Pasta Sauce

In saucepan, saute 1 pint cherry tomatoes in oil for 5 minutes., or until skins begin to split. Add 2 cloves garlic, minced, and a pinch of oregano. Add salt and pepper to taste; stir until fragrant. Toss with cooked angel hair pasta. Top with grated Parmesan and baby arugula. Drizzle with oil.

Taco Salad

Taco Salad

We like taco salad but for two of us its to much at one time. The chips get soggy the next day and even though its good its not as good as day 1.

When I make chili as an example I take a bit of the browned hamburger and put it aside. The next day I literally throw a taco salad together. It  makes just enough for two. I also add more veggies. 

Just throw it together. The browned hamburger, cheese, onion, lettuce and I use romaine, chips crushed and I don't eat Dorito's. Throw in anything you like stir it and add more it needed. I do use western dressing but careful not to add to much. Some day will try my homemade western dressing.

Homemade Ice Creams & Sauces

Mason Jar Ice Cream - Good

1 cup heavy whip cream
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 Tablespoon cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla

Shake - Freeze - Enjoy

I shake it then put in a small container to freeze. Depending on how big your mason jar is you need to be able to get the ice cream out of the jar.

Easy Homemade Butterscotch Sauce-Good  

Ingredients
⅔ cup cream
4 tablespoons  butter
½ cup dark brown sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

Combine all ingredients (except the vanilla and salt) in a heavy bottomed pot.
Over low heat cook until the sugar has dissolved, do not boil.
Bring the sauce to a simmer for 3-4 minutes
Take off the heat and whisk in the salt and vanilla extract.
Serve warm or store in the fridge for up to 8 weeks.

Homemade Chocolate Syrup-Good

1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 cup water
2 cups sugar
1/8 teas salt
1/4 teas vanilla

Mix the cocoa powder and the water in a saucepan. Heat and stir to dissolve the cocoa. Add the sugar, and stir to dissolve. Boil for 3 minutes over medium heat. Be careful not to let it get too hot and boil over! Add the salt and the vanilla. Let cool. Pour into a clean glass jar, and store in refrigerator. Keeps for months, but trust me it will be gone before then. Yields 2 cups.

Homemade 2 Ingredient Ice Cream by Gemma-Good

2 cups heavy whipping cream cold
14 ounces (1 can) sweetened condensed milk cold
1 teaspoon vanilla optional

Place sweetened condensed milk in the fridge to keep cold.

Using a hand or stand mixer fitter with a whisk attachment, whip the cold cream on medium/high speed until soft peaks form.

Turn off the machine and pour the cold condensed milk into the whipped cream.

Turn the speed to high and whisk until the mixture is thick and stiff peaks form. Turn off the machine and stir in the vanilla extract.

Vanilla extract keeps your ice cream from freezing to hard. If you decide to omit the vanilla you can leave your ice cream at room temperature for about 15 minutes to make it more scoopable.

Once you finish creating your flavors, transfer your ice cream mixture to an airtight container.

Put in the freezer for a minimum of 6 hours or overnight before eating. I do overnight.

Good up to 6 weeks in freezer. Enjoy. I like mine plain just the 2 ingredients with chocolate syrup on top.

Chili/Hamburger & Spaghetti/Spaghetti Sauce/Rice Stuff

Spaghetti Sauce

1 lb hamburger

2 teaspoons oil

Onion powder

Garlic powder

1 - 28 ounce can peeled diced tomatoes

4 teaspoons basil

4 teaspoons oregano

1 teaspoon sugar

Instead of the oregano and basil you can use Italian seasoning. 

Ann's Chili 

I make simple Chili and we love it. It's all about the spices.

1 lb ground beef browned: while browning add: Himalaya salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder and I add turmeric and moringa. Moringa is a vitamin.

When beef is browned add 2 cans of cream of tomato soup and 2 teaspoons chili powder along with all the spices from above. Add 1/2 cup of water or so. I use organic soup so its a bit thicker. I also have been buying the 32 ounce jugs of tomato soup. It is cheaper then the cans and both are organic. 

Cook spaghetti. We like the long spaghetti.

I do beans for Butch on the side. Like I said simple but it's good.

Hamburger & Spaghetti

I don't make this that often anymore. But since it was a dish I made when the kids were growing up I will add the recipe.

1 lb ground beef
1 or 2 cans of tomato soup. This time no water added. Add the Himalaya salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder. Serve over spaghetti.

Rice Stuff

One day I got bored with cooking the same old stuff. So I made this:

Brown 1 lb of hamburger - Add 1 or 2 cans of cream of chicken or mushroom soup (I used chicken but mushroom is okay but will change the flavor) - add season salt.

Serve over rice

This use to be my girls favorites. 

Hot Chocolate/Chocolate Syrup/Chocolate Pudding

Hot Chocolate

There is no need to buy the packet's of hot chocolate anymore. Homemade is to easy. The only good thing about the packets is you use water. I don't. I use milk.

Mug of Milk
1 Tablespoon of cocoa
1 teaspoon of honey

Heat milk in your mug for a minute and a half. Add the cocoa and put back in the microwave 30 seconds more. Add the honey and enjoy.

Some other options:

To the hot milk I add:

Andes Mints (either the square candies or the chips)

Add a Seroogy's caramel bar or any candy bar to the hot milk. You only need 1/4 of the bar

Do you like peppermint? Add some peppermint chips to the milk.

When using candy no need for the honey.

The list can go on and on. What do you like?

Hot Chocolate for a group

1 1/2 cups heavy cream, 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14 oz, 2 cups chocolate chips, 6 cups of milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Chocolate Syrup

1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
1 teas salt
1/4 teas vanilla

Mix the cocoa powder and the water in a saucepan. Heat and stir to dissolve the cocoa. Add the sugar, and stir to dissolve. Boil for 3 minutes over medium heat. Be careful not to let it get too hot and boil over. Add the salt and vanilla. Let cool. Pour into a clean glass jar, and store in the fridge. Keeps several months. Makes 2 cups.

Chocolate Pudding
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa  3 T corn starch
1/2 cup sugar         1 teas vanilla
2 cups milk        Cook til thick

Ruhbarb Crunch/Broken Glass Torte

Rhubarb Crunch

2 cups flour
2 cups brown sugar
2 Tablespoons cinnamon
1 1/2 cups uncooked oatmeal
1 cup melted butter

Mix all together until crumbly and press into pan. Add rhubarb.

Sauce: 2 cups sugar
2 cups water
2 Tablespoons Corn Starch
2 teaspoons vanilla.

Bring sauce to a boil, it should be white and pour on rhubarb. Bake at 350 for 1 hour. Hard for me to make this anymore being their is so much sugar. 

Broken Glass Torte

 

1 1/2 packages graham crackers and 7 tablespoons melted butter to make the crust. 

2 - 3 oz jello's two different flavors

Dissolve the jello in 3/4 cup each jello in boiling water and add 3/4 cup cold water each jello. Put in a pie plate and chill. When chilled cut in squares. Take 1/2 pint dairy whip cream and beat until fluffy and add some sugar with it just a T maybe. In measuring cup put 1/4 cup hot water in it and add one envelope Knox and then fill the cup to 1/2 with cold water. Add to the whip cream and stir and then add jello. Mix and pour into the crust. Chill. 

Melt in your Mouth Chicken Breast

My Chicken Breasts

My husband loves my chicken and it's so simple. We live by Maple wood Meats and we are truly spoiled. I buy there bone in chicken breast. When I am ready to prepare them I just put them in a pan drizzle some avocado oil on them, sprinkle with my homemade season salt. Then bake at 375 for at least 45 minutes or till done. For a white meat they are so tender and not dry.

Season Salt 

6 Tablespoons sea salt (I always use Himalaya salt)
3 Tablespoons garlic powder
2 Tablespoons Onion powder
1 Tablespoon Turmeric
1 Tablespoon coconut sugar or sugar
Hint of black pepper unless you like it add more.

This is absolutely the best season salt. I won't even trying to make the Lawerys or the Curts. It is nice to know the ingredients though.

Sloppy Joes/Pasta Sauce

Sloppy Joes

1 lb ground beef
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
3/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup barbecue sauce optional
3 teas brown sugar
salt to taste
ground pepper to taste

I used my garlic and onion chives from patio. I did add a little garlic and onion powder too. No pepper and green bell pepper.

Sloppy Joes Again

1 pound ground beef

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 8 ounce tomato Sauce

1/3 cup ketchup 

2 Tablespoons brown sugar

1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Very good too. If you want them less sloppy don't add all the ketchup. 

Fresh Pasta Sauce

In saucepan, sauté 1 pint cherry tomatoes in oil for 5 minutes., or until skins begin to split. Add 2 cloves garlic, minced, and a pinch of oregano. Add salt and pepper to taste; stir until fragrant. Toss with cooked angel hair pasta. Top with grated Parmesan and baby arugula. Drizzle with oil.

Lasagna

1 1/2 pounds of hamburger

1 clove garlic

1- 6 ounce tomatoe paste

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup onion

2-8ounce can tomatoe sauce

2 teaspoons basil

8 oz laz noodles 

oven 375 till done

Baked Tenderloin

Whole tenderloin brushed with oil and garlic pd. In oven at 375 for 1 to 1/2 hours or till done. 

Oven Tenderloin

Oven Tenderloin

Take a whole tenderloin. Brush with oil. Now put garlic powder on it and don't be stingy. Also pepper if you like pepper.

Bake at 375 for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

Potatoes/Spaetzl/Noodles

Potato Deluxe

2 lb frozen hash browns thawed
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 stick melted butter
2 tsp salt
1 cup chopped onion
2 cups sour cream
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese grated

Mix and bake uncovered in 9x13 pan at 350 for 1 1/2 hours. (My daughter likes to add half the amount of sour cream).

Spaetzl

4 cups flour 3 eggs     1 cup milk   dash salt       1 tablespoon butter

Beat eggs with the milk. Slowly mix in flour and salt. I boil water then and cut little pieces from a plate into boiling water and let cook.

Baked Garlic Fries

Ingredients:

3 tbsp oil (I like avocado or olive oil, but any high-smoke point oil works)
2 tbsp minced garlic
1.5 lbs russet potatoes (rinse/scrub well beforehand)
3 tbsp minced parsley
1/2 tsp salt plus more to taste

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
In a small pan set over medium low heat, combine the oil and minced garlic. Simmer this mixture for 5 minutes, to infuse the garlic flavor into the oil.
Strain the garlic from the oil, letting the oil out directly over a rimmed half sheet pan. Make sure to save the minced garlic for later.
Cut the potatoes into matchsticks by first cutting into thick slices, then cutting each slice into small thin sticks. I like about 1/4" thick.
Place the fries onto the oil sheet pan and add 1/2 tsp salt. Use your hands to thoroughly coat the fries with the oil and salt.
Spread the fries out evenly on the sheet pan, making sure they are in one single layer, spaced a bit apart. If they’re all on top of each other and crowded, they will steam each other and never get brown. When in doubt, bake on two pans.
Bake the fries for 20-25 minutes*, until the bottoms are starting to turn golden. Then give everything a toss to redistribute the fries, and return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, until golden but still tender on the inside. You want to make sure they don't dry out or burn (they brown faster at the end), so when you think they might be ready, taste one.
Toss the fries with the reserved minced garlic, parsley, and additional salt, to taste. Enjoy!

One pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

1 Tablespoon oil

4 cloves garlic

2 cups chicken brotrh

1 cup milk, or more as needed

2 Tablespoons butter

8 ounces uncooked fettuccine

salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add garlic and cook, stiring frequently until fragrant about 1-2 minutes. Stir in chicken broth, milk, butter, and fettuccine; season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring, occasionally, until pasta is cooked through, about 18-20 minutes. Stir in Parmesan. If mixture is too thick, add more milk as needed until desired consistency is reached. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.  

Hot Sandwich's

Ham & Cheese Sliders

Buns: Spread butter and mayo on the buns.
Top with ham and cheese.
Now top with whatever you want: tomato, onion etc.

Bake in oven 350 for 12 to 15 minutes.

Pulled Pork Sandwich

Maple-wood meats pulled pork
Maple wood meats coleslaw

Put both on a bun

There is a homemade recipe on my pinterest page that looks good.

Stuffing

Stuffing                   
                 
2 small onions - I used a white onion and not that much.
4 stalks of celery
2/3 cup butter
1 1/2 teaspoon poultry season - I made my own
black pepper to taste - didn't use
salt to taste - not sure if i used
12 cups bread cubes - I used brown berry sage flavor per Butch
3-4 cups chicken broth - might not need that much
2 tablespoons fresh parsley - didn't use
1 tablespoon fresh herbs sage, thyme, rosemary - didn't use. Wasn't sure cause up above I added all these in a poultry season.
Preheat oven to 350F.

Melt butter. Add onion, celergy and poultry sesaon. Cook over medium low until tender do not brown. Place bread cubes in a large bowl. Add onion mixture.  Pour broth overtop until cubes are moist but not soggy and gently toss. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Put in a baking dish dot with some butter and cover. Bake 35 minutes then uncover and bake for 10 minutes. 

Last year I used bread pieces from bread smith. I will have to write down next time I make it how I changed it.

Last year I used bread pieces from bread smith. I will have to write down next time I make it how I changed it.

Bluegill Parmesan Recipe

Bluegill Parmesan Recipe
                                     
1/4 cup butter melted
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, basil and pepper
1 pound bluegill or crappie

Directions
Place butter in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, cheese and seasonings. Dip fish in butter, then coat with the crumb mixture. Place in a greased 15x10x1in baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degree's for 20 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

If I am deep frying I coat them flour then egg or milk and then back in the flour. Same for chicken.  I also saw a bluegill recipe for 1 part flour to 3 parts corn meal to coat them.

Batter for Shrimp, Chicken or Veggies (Taken from Fondue Book)

1 cup sifted flour 1 tablespoon sugar 1 1/2 teas baking powder
1/2 teas season salt 1/2 teas chili pd 2 eggs beaten
1/3 cup milk 1 tablespoon oil or melted butter

Mix dry ingredient then add wet. Dip whatever you want. Then deep fry.

Artisan Bread and Garlic Bubble Bread

No need crusty artisan bread

Ingredients

3 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon yeast

1 1/2 cups Luke warm water - I just take the chill off.

Combine the three dry ingredients in a large bowl then pour in the lukewarm water. Stir until completely combined. Dough will look messy and not smooth and that is completely OK. Once combined, cover tightly with plastic wrap and let’s sit on the counter overnight. It needs to sit for at least eight hours. I like overnight but sometimes I make it during the day.

Dough will be puffed up and be sticky. Put flour on a clean countertop or surface. Turn Dough on the flowered surface and shape into a round ball. ( I put flour on the dough so it’s easy to handle and make into a ball). Don’t pop the air bubbles. Place round dough on parchment paper.

Preheat oven to 450. It says to heat the Dutch oven so when the temperature gets to 200 I put Dutch oven in oven to preheat. When oven is ready you can place your bread in pan on parchment paper. Put the cover on Dutch oven and put in oven. Bake for 30 minutes then remove cover. Then bake till done. Normally once the cover comes off I bake for another 13 minutes it all depends how hot your oven gets. Bread will be golden color. Pan will be extremely hot. Put on cooling rack.

If your making more then one loaf you will want to take the dough for the second loaf and prepare it like 15 to 20 minutes before the first loaf is done baking. It will just sit there on the parchment paper till your ready to put in oven.

The 4 ingredients is the main plain bread recipe and my favorite. But now you can do add ins. Water is always last ingredient to do. So if your adding anything else add it to the dry flour, salt and yeast before the water.

Get creative now. You know what you like.

To make orange cranberry walnut bread add to your flour, salt and yeast 1/2 cup dried cranberries, grated orange peel or the spice and 1/2 cup walnuts.

Butch likes just plain cranberry so I add a whole cup of cranberries.

Got kids coming? Add chocolate chips to you ingredients before the water. Messy but good. Kim’s favorite.

If I make a loaf just for sandwiches I might add some Italian seasoning and or onion powder.

I have made one just adding cinnamon. 4 tablespoons though in order to taste cinnamon.

I have added apples too maybe three of them. I guess I should try apple cinnamon.

I know rosemary and Himalayan salt is good cause I make a skillet bread like that.

Can also make buns. Instead of making your dough into a round ball make 7 smaller ones. When the go in the Dutch oven you will put them in like the bread. When comes out of oven just break them off.

Lots you can do. Enjoy……..Ann at 920-655-7883.

Artisan Bread

Garlic Bubble Bread

This is a whole different bread. You can use a loaf of frozen bread dough or make a loaf of dough. I haven't made it for awhile but someday do want to try my homemade bread. Last time I made it I used frozen bread dough. Not anymore. 

1 egg beaten

1 teas parsley flakes

1/2 cup melted butter

1/2 teas garlic powder

1/4 teas salt

Thaw or make dough. Blend 5 ingredients together and tear off pieces of the dough and dip them into mixture and place back in bread pan. Bake at 375 for 30 minutes.

To make a cinnamon loaf thaw dough or make dough. For the mixture use:

1 egg beaten

1/2 cup melted butter

1/4 teas salt

1 Tablespoon cinnamon or use your best judgment. I have learned it takes more cinnamon to make it taste cinnamon.

Milk Bread

2 Cups flour - 1 Tablespoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 1/4 cups milk - Mix but don't overmix. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes. 

40-Minuted Hamburger Buns/Old Fashion Biscuits

40-Minute Hamburger Buns 

2 Tablespoons active dry yeast
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup sugar (I didn't use that much)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon salt
3 - 3 1/2 cups flour

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add oil and sugar; let stand for 5 minutes. Add the egg, salt and enough flour to form a soft dough.

Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 3-5 minutes. Do not let rise. Divide into 12 pieces; shape each into a ball. Place 3 inches apart on greased baking sheets.

Cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Bake at 425 for 8-12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool. Makes  dozen depending on the size of the buns.

Bob's Old Fashion Biscuits

2 cups flour
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1 Tablespoon sugar
1 tsp salt
6 Tablespoon butter
1 cup milk

Preheat oven to 425. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Cut in butter with pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add milk and stir until dough just comes together. Dough will be wet and sticky.

Turn Dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead 15 times. Gently roll or pat dough to 1 inch thick. Cut biscuits with a biscuit cutter. Place biscuits on ungreased baking sheet.

Bake 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Makes 6 big biscuits.

Tortillas Shells/Pizza Crust

Homemade Tortillas

2 cups flour
1/2 teas salt
3/4 cup water
3 Tablespoons Oil

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Stir in warm water and oil. Turn onto a floured surface; knead 10-12 times, adding a little flour or water if needed to achieve a smooth dough. Let rest for 10 minutes.

Divide dough into eight portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a 7 inch circle.

In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, cook tortillas over medium heat for 1 minuted on each side or until lightly browned. Keep warm. Yields 8.

Pizza Crust

1 Tablespoon active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
2 1/2 cups flour
2 Tablespoons oil
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt

Combine flour, salt, and sugar in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add oil and dry ingredients. Stir dough until tough, then knead on lightly floured board until smooth and elastic. Form dough into a ball and place in a greased bowl. Cover bowl and let dough rise until doubled. Divide dough in half and pat with floured fingers or use rolling pin to form two 12 inch circles. Pinch and edge around the crusts and place on cornmeal dusted baking sheets. Top as desired and bake in a preheated 450 oven for 15-20 minutes.

Muffins

Grandma's Honey Muffins

2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar ( I used less)
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg, room temperature
1 cup 2% milk
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup honey

Preheat oven to 400 degree's. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. In a small bowl, combine egg, milk, butter and honey. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.

Fill greased or paper lined muffin cups 3/4 full. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 15 to 18 minutes. Cool 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack. Serve warm.

I added blueberries. So get creative with other stuff.

Soups & Chili

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

4 slices bacon, diced
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups milk, or more, as needed
3 russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate; set aside.

Melt butter in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, and cook, whisking constantly, until slightly thickened, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in potatoes and green onions.

Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Stir in cheese, sour cream, salt and pepper, to taste. If the soup is too thick, add more milk as needed until desired consistency is reached.

Serve immediately, garnished with green onion, cheese and bacon, if desired.

Cream Soup Substitute  

Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons butter, 3 Tablespoons flour, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
In a sauce pan, melt butter over medium to low heat. Whisk in flour and let cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly stir in chicken broth, then milk. Whisk until it begins to thicken. Let it simmer for a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Vegetable Stock

2 quarts water, 2 carrots, 2 large onions, 2 celery, teas salt, 1/4 teas rosemary, 1/2 cup parsley leaves, 2 bay leave, 1/2 teaspoon thyme, 1/2 teaspoon marjoram. Placee all in stock pot and boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer 45 minutes. Take whole veggies out and strain if you want. Add any veggies you want to make this stock.

Creamy Tomato Soup

In sauce pot over low heat, combine 2 cloves garlic minced; 6 tomatoes, chopped; 1 Tablespoon tomato paste and 3 cups chicken stock. Simmer 30 minutes. Add 1/2 cup cream. Let cool slightly. Puree in blender and serve.

Lentil Vegetable Soup by Cynthia

2 cups lentils
2 slices bacon, diced or real bacon bits
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped carrots
2 Tablespoons parsley. I use dry
1/4 clove of garlic to taste
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano crushed 1 pound can (2 cups) diced tomatoes
2 Tablespoons wine vinegar

Rinse lentils. Drain and place in soup kettle. Add 8 cups of water and rest of ingredients and simmer covered for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. I usually simmer until lentils are soft but not mushy. If you like mushy, simmer longer. I double recipe.

Tomato Potato Soup

4 cups veg broth,  3 cups potatoes, diced, 1/2 cup onion, minced,
1 cup sliced mushrooms,   2 cloves garlic, minced, 5 roma tomatoes, chopped,
2 cups raw spinach, chopped,  1 cup Lima beans,  1 cup corn,    1 teas parsley  flakes.
pinch of basil and oregano and pepper. Add all ingredients to broth and simmer 30 min.

Chicken Barley Chili

1-14&1/2 ounce can tomatoes, diced undrained

1-16 ounce Salsa or tomato sauce

1-14&1/2 chicken broth

1 cup  barley

4 cups water

1 Tablespoon Chili powder

1 Tablespoon Cumin

3 cups chicken cut in pieces

1-15 ounce can black beans - 1-15 ounce  can corn.

Combine first seven ingredients. Over high heat bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 40 minutes stirring occasionally. Add beans, corn and chicken. Increase heat to high untill chilli comes to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for another 5  minutes or until barley is tender. Add more broth or water if to thick. Can top with cheese and or sour cream if you want. 

Refrigerator Beets

Refrigerator Beets

1 bunch of beets like 5 to 6 medium trimmed
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon oil and I use avocado
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
A dash of salt and pepper

I boil with skins on. There done when easily pierced with a fork. Watch water level cause it does boil off.

Seasonings

Poultry Seasoning

2 teaspoons sage
1 1/2 teaspoons thyme
1 teaspoon marjoram
3/4 teaspoon rosemary
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon pepper ( I didn't use that much)

Italian Season

2 Tablespoons basil
2 Tablespoons oregano
2 Tablespoons rosemary
2 Tablespoons thyme
2 Tablespoons marjoram
On the back of the bottle I have it uses:
Oregano, basil, marjoram, garlic and sage.

On the back of the Italian seasoning bottle it says: Ingredients are: Oregano, basil, marjoram, garlic and sage.

Taco Seasoning

1 part chili powder
1 part cumin
1 part garlic powder
1 part onion powder
1/4 to 1/2 part crushed red pepper

Depending on what size batch you want mix this next time instead of the packets from the store.

Season Salt 

6 Tablespoons sea salt (I always use Himalaya salt)
3 Tablespoons garlic powder
2 Tablespoons Onion powder
1 Tablespoon Turmeric
1 Tablespoon coconut sugar or sugar
Hint of black pepper unless you like it add more.

This is absolutely the best season salt. I won't even trying to make the Lawerys or the Curts. It is nice to know the ingredients though.

The Lawerys salt has salt, sugar, paprika, turmeric, onion and garlic.

Curts salt has salt, garlic, onion and premium spices so it says.

Homemade Peanut Butter/Butter

Homemade Peanut Butter

You can use whatever nut you want to use. I actually use cashews.

2 cups roasted, salted nuts or unsalted and add your own salt.
4 Tablespoons vegetable oil or canola, safflower but NO olive oil. (I use avocado oil and sometimes a bit more)
2 Tablespoons honey

Put the nuts in the food processor or blender and grind until they start to break down and form a soft smooth paste. Add oil and honey and process again til very well blended. Store in air tight container in the fridge. If seems to hard add some more oil.

Roasting Raw Cashews

Preheat oven to 350. Put cashews in a bowl. Coat with oil and salt (My favorite is avocado oil. I am starting to use almond oil too).  Put cashews on cookie sheet and into the oven. I don't know how long I do know that you have to watch them. You look and there not done then look again and they are to done. These are so good. Using your own pick of oil and salt. Most nuts are processed in cotton seed oil that isn't good for you. I like to buy fresh thyme's nuts because it is processed in peanut oil.

Instructions for Peanuts

Place raw peanuts, inshell or shelled, one layer deep in a shallow baking pan. Roast in 350 oven for 15 - 20 minutes for shelled and 20-25 for inshelled. Remove from heat just short of donesness desired as peanuts continue to cook as they cool. Season to taste.

How to Make Homemade Butter

Serves: 2 sticks

Ingredients
3 cups  heavy cream (high fat content)
1 teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons Ice water

Instructions:

I use my kitchen aid mixer. Pour your heavy cream in mixer. You have to start the mixer out slowly or it will splatter all over. I gradually as it thickens up the speed of the mixture. It takes at least 6 minutes. You will know it's butter when you have buttermilk splashing at the bottom of the mixer bowl. So watch it closely. I don't feel a need for the cold ice water to be added. When its butter separate the butter from the milk. I just squeeze the butter to get all the liquid out and while squeezing I add salt. Store in frig. I keep just a bit out on cupboard for toast. Be careful it doesn't spoil.

Use the butter for your fresh Skillet Bread and the buttermilk to make pancakes. If you don't have enough just add some regular milk.

Here is another way to make it.

Pour the cold cream into your food processor. You can also use an electric whisk or stand mixer.
Whip the cream until it separates. After around 2 ½ minutes you will see it start to over whip and really thicken. Keep going. After around 4 minutes it should be fully separated. You can see yellow buttery solids and cloudy liquid at this point.
Once it separates pour in your ice cold water. This helps separate the butter fully separate from the liquid (buttermilk) and you will see even more buttermilk appear.

I use my kitchen aid to mix it. It takes longer because I have to start the mixer on mix and gradually put it up to power 8 or 10. If I don't start out on mix there is liquid splashing all over. If you have a splash guard that's great use it. Also remember the butter doesn't last as long sitting out like the store bought butter does. That's why I just form mine into small balls. Take a little at a time out. If you don't have enough butter milk for your recipe just add milk or water to make it enough.

Did you know you can make buttermilk simply by adding 1 Tablespoon of  white vinegar to a cup of milk? Or add 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice to a cup of milk. I have used the vinegar mix with milk but normally I use homemade buttermilk. It's so good.

Now your butter is done. Go make my easy no knead skillet bread or cornbread.

I love having homemade bread, butter, peanut butter, and jelly. No restaurant can beat it.

Mixing the Cream (See note above)

From the mixer to the strainer to be squeezed

You should have buttermilk

After squeezing add Salt - work in & Shape

End result - I make mine into little balls

Buttermilk for your favorite Recipe

Bars & Bars

Lemon Bars

2 cups flour
1 cup butter
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Blend and spread in 9x13 pan. Bake 20 minutes in 350 degree oven.

Beat well 4 eggs and set aside, (should be light lemon in color)

Mix together with the mixer

2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
3 Tablespoons lemon juice

Fold in eggs. Carefully pour over hot crust and bake 25 minutes at 350 degrees or until golden brown. Make sure to cook thoroughly or else will not set. I usually bake 35-40 minutes. Depends on your oven. Dust with powdered sugar and cool and cut.

7 Layer Bars

1/2 Cup Butter
1 1/2 Cups Graham Cracker Crumbs
1 Cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips
1 Cup Butterscotch Chips
1 Cup Pecans, Chopped
1 (14 Ounce) Can Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 1/3 Cups Shredded Coconut

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Add butter to a 9X13 inch baking dish then place in the preheated oven until butter is completely melted.

Swirl the pan to spread the butter. Add graham cracker crumbs and mix them together to combine evenly. Spread the crumb mixture evenly in the baking dish and press it firmly
Sprinkle the graham cracker layer with the chocolate chips, then the butterscotch chips, then pecans, then the coconut.

Pour the condensed milk evenly over the top of all the layers.

Bake in preheated oven 25-30 minutes, until the top is nicely golden brown. Cool completely before cutting into serving pieces.

Pumpkin Bars

2 cups Flour
2 teaspoon cinnamon
4 beaten eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar (1 cup)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 16 ounce can pumpkin
1 cup cooking oil or Apple sauce

Stir we ingredients, add dry ingredients and spread batter in ungreased 15x10x1 inch baking pan. Bake in 350 oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool and frost. It takes 30 minutes in a oblong pan.

Jim Bars by Cynthia

Melt 1/2 cup butter in 13x9 pan. Mix in 2 cups crushed graham crackers crumbs and 1/4 cup sugar. Mix and press into the 13x9 pan. Bake app 10 to 12 minutes. When cooled spread 1 7 1/2 oz package coconut over crust. Evenly pour 1 can of sweeten condense milk over coconut. Bake app 15 minutes. Allow to cool.

For the icing: Melt together 1 1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips, 1 1/2 tablespoon peanut butter. Spread over the bars. Cool and cut.

Pecan pie Bars

1 3/4 cups blanched almond flour
1 egg
1 Tablespoon coconut oil
1/2 teaspoon arrowroot powder
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Filling

8 ounce pitted dates
2 eggs
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350

In a food processor, combine the almond flour, egg, coconut oil arrowroot powder, and sea salt. Pulse until the dough forms a ball. Press the dough into a 9x9 inch glass casserole dish, and bake it for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the filling by adding the dates to the food processor and blending them on high for 1 minute. Add the eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla and process on high until filling is smooth.

Pour filling mixture over the partially baked crust. Sprinkle the pecans evenly over the top, and bake the bars for another 30 minutes. Let the bars cool before cutting them.

I made these once. Lots of work. They were good.

Pecan Pie for One

Crust:

2 1/2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon salt

Filling:

1/4 cup corn syrup
1 egg
1/4 cup sugar
pinch of salt
1 tablespoon butter melted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup pecans

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350. In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add flour, cornstarch and salt. Mix until combined. Press dough onto bottom of lightly greased 5 inch baking dish. Set aside to make filling.

Mix corn syrup, egg, sugar, salt, butter and vanilla in a bowl using a spoon. Stir in pecans. Pour filling over shortbread crust. Bake on center rack of oven for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let pie cool on wire rack for 2 hours.

Fudge/Carmels/Mounds Bars

Fanny Farmer Fudge

2 pounds dipping chocolate melted
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 eggs added one at a time
walnuts are optional

Mix with mixer and pour into square pan, cool and cut. Another idea would be to pour into cookie cutters. Not sure how easy to get it out of them though. Also pour batter into cupcake liners.

Carmels 

2 pounds light brown sugar
1 lb butter
1/2 teas salt
2 cups light Karo syrup
1 can eagle condense milk

Mix to a boil stirring all the time to 245-250. Remove from the heat and add vanilla, mix and pour into a buttered cookie sheet, cool and cut and wrap.

Coconut Macaroon by Cynthia

Ingredients:

1 14 oz bag unsweetened coconut flakes
2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
2/3 cup salted almonds chopped
1 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk regular or fat free works

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 325F
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside
In a large bowl combine coconut, chocolate chips, almonds and sweetened condense milk
Stir til combined
Scoop out dough with a cookie scoop onto prepared baking sheet
Moisten the tips of your fingers with water and shape into discs. Pat the tops flat
Bake cookies for 12 to 14 minutes or until tips of coconut are just starting to turn golden brown
Let cool on a baking sheet
Store cookies in a airtight container

Parchment paper is very important for these cookies. Don't substitute

I have had these and they are very good.

I don't use fat free. Think about it. They took something out to make it fat free so what did they add back in?

Homemade Mounds Bars by Ann

Ingredients:

3 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 teaspoon Maldon salt or another flaked sea salt ( I use my Himalayan salt)
2/3 cup sweetened condense milk
10 ounces bittersweet chocolate melted (Very important to taste. Use bittersweet)

Instructions:

Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or tin foil (I always use parchment). Spray with nonstick spray or just oil it.

In a medium bowl mix together the coconut, salt, and condense milk until combined. Press mixture into prepared pan and spread into an even layer with a rubber spatula. Freeze 15 minutes or until slightly hardened.

In a small microwave safe bowl melt the chocolate in 15 second bursts in the microwave, stirring between every burst, until smooth.

Remove coconut mixture from pan. Cut into 1 inch bars. Dip the coconut bars in the chocolate, turning to coat with a fork. Let excess drip before placing on parchment lined baking sheet. Place mound bars in fridge until chocolate is set.

Bars can be kept in fridge up to 4 days. They won't last that long they are so good.

Ann's note: I just use the chocolate like a frosting. I don't mind if the whole bar isn't covered in chocolate.

Homemade Corn Syrup Substitute 

2 cups sugar
3/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
2 teaspoons lemon juice
A pinch of salt

In a heavy bottomed saucepan, over medium heat, add the sugar, water, cream of tartar and lemon juice. Once the sugar dissolves, turn down the heat and let the syrup simmer steadily until it reduces significantly and becomes a thick syrup that drips off your spatula slowly. This will take roughly 15 to 20 minutes. You can test if it's ready by putting a drop on a cold plate and placing it back in the fridge for 10 minutes. If it is really thick once it's cold then it is ready. To be even more exact, you it to reach 230 on a candy thermometer.

Remove from the heat and put the pot in a bowl of cold water to cool it down quickly. Once the syrup cools down completely use as directed in your recipe.

You will end up with roughly 1 1/3 cups of corn syrup substitute. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 months.