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!

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. 

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.

Turkey Meatloaf

Turkey Meatloaf

1 lb ground turkey (my pkg was like 1.2 lb, it worked)
1/2 cup quick oats
1/4 cup ketchup
1 egg
seasonings - like italian seasoning, curry powder, chili powder, etc. (I chose curry powder, abt 1-2 tsp)

Mix all together and bake for about an hour at 375*.  I topped mine with more ketchup during the last 15 minutes or so.

Turkey/Brown Rice "Hash"

Turkey Brown Rice "Hash"
(Had this at a potluck and mixed and matched at home to re-create it)

1lb ground turkey, browned (my packaged was like 1.2lbs...close enough)
2 Cups (or so) cooked brown rice
1 Can whole kernal corn
1 Can black beans
Chili Powder
Salt & Pepper
Cheese

Brown turkey in a deep skillet, at this point I added a couple shakes of chili powder.  Cook rice.  (I cooked mine in chicken broth, cause thats how I roll).
Add rice to cooked turkey.  Add corn and beans.  Salt and Pepper to taste.  Cook just a bit longer to heat through.  Top with cheese if ya want (of course we did!)

Tator Tot Casserole

Tator Tot Casserole
(origin unknown, this is how mom made it and I grew up making it)

-Photo when Blogger lets me upload it!-


1 lb ground beef (turkey could work too)
1 can mixed veggies
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
Cheese (your choice, I use slices because they are easy, or you can grate cheese or slice cheese, just need a thin layer
1 bag Tator Tots

Brown ground beef, drain if needed.  Add mixed veggies (do not drain!) and soup.  Mix together and pour in 9x13 pan.  Top with cheese, then tator tots.  Bake at 350*ish until hot and bubbly and tots are getting crispy and brown!

Special Delivery Chicken

Special Delivery Chicken
(Recipe from Taste of Home)

-Photo next time I make it, it went too fast!-


2 Cups Cooked Cubed Chicken (I cooked up probably more than that)
2 Cups Sour Cream
1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup

1/2 Cup Margarine
1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed

Mix the first three ingredients together in a casserole dish (I used 9x13 a smaller deeper one would be fine too).  Mix margarine and crackers and sprinkle on top.  Bake at 350* for about 20 minutes until bubbly!!