Friday, September 24, 2010

No Bake Cookies (AKA Mud Cookies)

No Bake Cookies- Mud Cookies
Not sure the true origin but I use the recipe by grandmother used.














1 stick butter or margarine
2 Cups sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup cocoa
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup peanut butter (we use super chunky)
3 cups oatmeal (we use quick oats)
dash of salt

In a large pot mix butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa and bring to a rolling boil.  Boil for three minutes.  (be careful here if you boil too long they get too hard and crumbly too short and they dont set up.  I dont use a candy thermometer like some do but just be sure and watch your time.  If either of these happen they are still yummy just not as pretty and easy to eat/serve.)  Remove from heat and immediately add other ingredients and stir until blended.  Drop by spoonful onto wax paper (or I use a silicon baking sheet).  Let sit until cooled and set up(if you can) and enjoy!

I have to make these a couple times a week minimum for my family!

Monday, September 20, 2010

Whole Wheat Pizza Crust

Whole Wheat Pizza Crust
Original recipe from allrecipes.com (though after my modifications...which came from the reviews)

1 teaspoon sugar ( I used 2 Tablespoons Honey)
1 1/2 Cups warm water
1 Tablespoon Active Dry Yeast
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1 teaspoon salt
2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour ( I use much more wheat, abt 3 Cups)
1 1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour ( I only added abt 1/2 cup to help it bind up)
I also added a couple "shakes" of italian seasoning.

In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water. Sprinkle yeast over the top, and let stand for about 10 minutes, until foamy. 
Stir the olive oil and salt into the yeast mixture, then mix in the whole wheat flour and 1 cup of the all-purpose flour until dough starts to come together. Tip dough out onto a surface floured with the remaining all-purpose flour, and knead until all of the flour has been absorbed, and the ball of dough becomes smooth, about 10 minutes. (I did this in the Kitchen Aid)
Place dough in an oiled bowl, and turn to coat the surface. Cover loosely with a towel, and let stand in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour. 
When the dough is doubled, tip the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and divide into 2 pieces for 2 thin crust, or leave whole to make one thick crust. Form into a tight ball. Let rise for about 45 minutes, until doubled. 
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Roll a ball of dough with a rolling pin until it will not stretch any further. Then, drape it over both of your fists, and gently pull the edges outward, while rotating the crust. When the circle has reached the desired size, place on a well oiled pizza pan. (I precooked it for a few minutes to just "seal" it up so it wouldnt be soggy.  I also use a pizza stone)
Top pizza with your favorite toppings, such as sauce, cheese, meats, or vegetables.
Bake for 16 to 20 minutes (depending on thickness) in the preheated oven, until the crust is crisp and golden at the edges, and cheese is melted on the top. 

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Suasage Hash

Sausage Hash

1lb pork sausage (just whatever you like for breakfast!)
Abt 2 Cups cubed potatoes
1 Large Carrot Shredded (or baby carrots slice, whatever works)
Salt and Pepper to taste
(actual recipe calls for bell pepper and I think onion, I'm too lazy to chop everything like that just to have hubby pick 'em out!)

Cook potatoes.
Brown sausage in a large skillet.  Towards the end of browning add carrots (and other veggies).  Add cooked potatoes and salt and pepper.  Cook just until its all mixed up good.  And viola!  Sounds super plain but the spiciness in the sausage really gives it flavor.