Breadsticks

I got this recipe from my college roommate, Angela McKinnon (soon to be Harris).

1 T. yeast
1 1/2 c. warm water
2 T. suger
1/2 tsp. salt
3 c. flour

Mix together 3 min.  Let rest 10 min.  Roll into thick rectangle.  Spray cookie sheet.  Cut dough into strips, 8" long and not too wide.  Roll in butter, dust on cornmeal, and lay on cookie sheet.  Let rise 10 min.  Bake at 375 for 20 min.  Sprinkle with garlic salt or parmesan cheese.  Makes 1 dozen.

Oatmeal Raisin (or choc. chip) cookies

Cream together:    
1 c. crisco
1 c. sugar
1c. brown sugar (less is OK)

Add to mixture above:
2eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt

Mix aside:
1 tsp. baking soda
2 t. warm water
Dissolve, then add to rest.

Add 1 1/2 cups flour, then mix.
Add 3 cups oatmeal, then mix.
Add raisins or chocolate chips, then mix.

Bake at 375 for 7-10 minutes.  Makes 4-5 dozen.
(If baking frozen dough, try 10-13 min)
Makes 4-5 dozen

Crockpot parmesan chicken and potatoes

4 chicken breasts
1 c. Italian salad dressing
2 t.  Italian seasoning
1 c. parmesan cheese
8 potatoes, cubed

Cook in crockpot on low  6-8 hours.
On high, it was done after 2 1/2 hours.

(Do not double.  1 1/2 times this recipe barely fits in a 6 qt. crock.)

Chicken marinade

Blend the following:
1 egg, beaten
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup oil
1 cup cider vinegar
3 cloves garlic
ground pepper
4 T. bell seasoning or Old Bay seasoning or poultry seasoning

3-4 lbs chicken breasts (marinate 2-6 hours, but NOT overnight)
Grill or bake.

Pasta Fagioli Soup

An Olive Garden favorite we now make at home!

1 lb ground beef, browned

1/2 onion, chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

1 1/2 carrots, slivered or chopped

1 28 oz can diced tomatoes (with juice)

1 16 oz can white beans, drained and rinsed

1 15 oz can beef broth

1 1/2 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp pepper

2 1/2 tsp parsley

2 shots Tabasco (or less!)

10 oz spaghetti sauce

4 oz pasta (ditalini/salad macaroni), COOKED

Simmer veggies 10 min, then add rest and simmer 45 min.  Add pasta at end.

OR

Cook in crockpot (add cooked pasta at end)

Club Tacos

This is one of Aaron's favorite things to order at Chili's.  We decided to make our own at home.

Place 2 flour tortillas on a baking sheet, top with shredded cheese and grilled chicken slices, then bake for 2-3 minutes until crisp and melted.

Remove to plates and add toppings:

Bacon crumbles

Lettuce

Tomato

Sauce (ranch dressing mixed with a little taco sauce)

This can also be made with grilled steak and sliced avocado.  That's my favorite at Rubio's.  YUM!

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake

This cake is incredibly moist and delicious!  I got the recipe from my friend Carrie Lowe when we were serving in the Primary presidency together.

Combine:
1 yellow cake mix
1 small (3.9 oz) pkg instant chocolate pudding
½ cup sugar
¾ cup water
¾ cup oil
3 eggs
1 cup sour cream

Mix with beaters until smooth. Stir in 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips. Pour into greased bundt pan. Bake at 350 for 50-60 min. Cool 10 min. in pan, then remove onto wire rack. Cool completely and sprinkle with powdered sugar.