Wednesday, September 15, 2004

Crockpot Apples and Granola

4 med. apples peeled and sliced
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp. cinnamon (could use less)
2 tbs. melted butter
2 cups granola (recipe to follow)

Cook on low overnight

Monday, September 13, 2004

Our Favorite Macaroni and Cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
3 cups macaroni drained (cook according to directions)
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup flour
2 cups milk (we like to add a little more liquid)
4 cups (1 pd.) shredded cheddar cheese (I use what I have, but sharp cheddar is what is called for)
Optional-1 can mild rotel
Salt to taste

Melt butter over low heat. Whisk in flour, stir until bubbly, stir in milk. Heat to a boil. STIR, STIR, STIR. Mix in cheese until melted. Stir in cooked macaroni.

Pour into a 9X13 casserole. Bake until bubbly. Can be made ahead and bake just before serving.


Basic Muffins

1 1/2 cups organic flour or self rising
1/2 cup rapendura or white sugar
1/4 cup canola oil
1/2 cup milk or other liquid such as OJ, fruit juice or really anything
1 egg
2 tsp. baking powder and a little salt (if not using self rising flour)
3/4 cup blueberries (see variations below)

Mix quickly just until moistened. Bake 350 degrees for 18 to 20 minutes

3/4 cup chopped apples and some cinnamon
3/4 cup any combo of berries
3/4 cup or less chocolate chips (make with orange juice for choc/orange muffins)
3/4 cup cranberries, orange zest and oj instead of milk

I have used peaches and peach juice from a can of peaches, pineapple juice.

For a really special treat mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Add 3/4 cup apples and some cinnamon. Put half of the batter in the cups. Sprinkle cinn/sug combo over batter. Add rest of batter and push a small chunck of butter in the batter. Bake as directed





Friday, September 10, 2004

Taco Soup

3 cans of beans (any combo) Our favorites are kidney and black
1 lb. browned ground beef
1 package hidden valley ranch dip/dressing mix
1 package taco seasoning mix
1 can corn
1 can mild rotel (I have also use petite diced tomatos)
water to consistency wanted

Mix all ingredients and heat. Even more yummy the second day. Can also be done in the crockpot. Can be doubled.

I'm going to try diced chicken too.

We make mexican cornbread or cornbread muffins