Chocolate and peanut butter has to be one of the greatest dessert combinations ever invented.  These cookies are more proof of that fact.  Grab a glass of milk and enjoy! Recipe:1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder1/2 teaspoon baking soda1/2 cup butter, softened1/2 cup, plus 2 tablespoons sugar1/2 cup packed brown sugar3/4 cup peanut butter1 egg1 tablespoon milk1 teaspoon vanilla3/4 cup powdered sugar In a medium bowl stir together flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda.  Set aside.  In a large mixing bowl combine butter, the 1/2 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of the peanut butter; beat with mixer until combined.  Add egg, milk, and vanilla; beat…

Have you ever felt guilty about eating leftover dessert for breakfast?  Well, this recipe will give you a perfect excuse, because it is dessert transformed into a breakfast food!  The peach compote would also be delicious served over ice cream. Ingredients:4 slices leftover pound cake (preferably homemade, of course)2 eggs4 tablespoons milk4 peaches, thinly sliced1 tablespoon lemon juice1/4 cup brown sugar1 teaspoon cinnamonpowdered sugar In a small bowl, combine the sliced peaches, lemon juice and brown sugar.  Let this rest for about 5 minutes, so that it can create some good juices. Place peach mixture in a medium-sized skillet and cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes.  Reduce heat and…

Our garden is doing beautifully and I love the fact that I can walk outside, pick something from the garden, and bring it in to eat it for dinner.  I was able to use tomatoes and basil from our garden for this dish.  This is an easy one to make, but it looks like it took a long time–a perfect combination in my opinion!  And to top it off, it’s quite healthy. Recipe:3 tablespoons olive oil, divided2 ears fresh corn3 medium tomatoes1 green onion stem12 basil leaves, approximately4 large skinless boneless chicken breastsflour1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil For the Relish:Preheat oven to 375F.  Brush rimmed baking…

We came home last night to a garden that is producing some great vegetables!  I can’t wait for everything to start coming in.  There were 3 zucchini, just the right size for this meatloaf recipe I’ve been wanting to try.  If you like roasted veggies, then you will love this recipe.  Don’t be scared of vegetables in your meatloaf, it really is great.  My 17 month old LOVED it! Recipe:3 small zucchini2 red peppers2 red onions2 tablespoons olive oil1 teaspoon dried rosemary 2 pounds ground beef (the fattier the better, so that the meatloaf will be moist)2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded1 1/2 cups bread crumbs (fresh or panko–I used fresh)1/2…

These potatoes are quite tasty!  The honey Dijon mustard adds a nice flavor if you want to ‘shake up’ your traditional mashed potato recipe. Recipe:2 1/4 pounds Yukon-gold potatoes, peeled and cubed6 tablespoons melted butter2/3 cup milk3 tablespoons honey Dijon mustard Cook potatoes in a pot of salted water until very tender, about 25 minutes.  Drain well.  Using an electric beater, mix butter and potatoes until potatoes are completely mashed.  Add milk and mustard, beating well.  Season with salt and pepper and serve with Roasted Vegetable Meatloaf. Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit, March 2005

This recipe is one of my absolute favorite bar-cookie recipes.  Not only are they delicious, but they have a sentimental value as well.  I can remember my grandmother serving these at family gatherings, and my mom would often make them for special occasions.  I don’t know who to give credit to for this recipe; it’s just one I copied out of my mom’s files years ago.  So, credit will go to both my grandmother and my mom! Recipe:1 cup packed brown sugar1/2 teaspoon salt3/4 cup butter, chilled and cut into pieces1 cup oats (quick or old fashioned is fine) 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips…

If you’re looking for a healthier cookie (is there really such a thing??) this one might fit the bill.  I love finding a recipe that uses ingredients I generally have in my pantry.  Yes, I almost always have white chocolate chips and craisins on hand.  Follow this link to some yummy scones and you’ll see why! Recipe:1 stick butter Crisco3/4 cup sugar3/4 cup packed brown sugar2 eggs1 teaspoon vanilla1 1/4 cups all purpose flour1 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon3 cups oats (quick or old-fashioned; old fashioned are healthier!)11 oz package white chocolate chips1/2 cup craisins Beat together Crisco, sugars, eggs and vanilla until creamy.  Add flour, salt, cinnamon…

Yesterday I was in the mood for some hummus, so I pulled out a cookbook and decided to make a great alternative using cannellini beans.  This recipe is yummy, light, and perfect for dipping raw veggies, pita chips, or using as a spread on a sandwich.  Enjoy! Recipe:1 15-ounce can cannellini beans, drained1 clove garlic, minced2 tablespoons lemon juice1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper1/3 cup olive oil Place beans, garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon juice in a food processor.  Puree until well combined, but still a bit chunky.  Pour in the olive oil and puree again until the oil is completely mixed with the other ingredients.  Pour into a…

We’re visiting my in-laws this week and are having a wonderful time! My husband is between work assignments right now, so he was able to get leave, and it’s been great to have him with us. He and I lived here when we were first married, so we know quite a few people in the area, which makes coming here for a visit even better! Tonight some sweet friends are joining us for dinner, so I made two pies (requests from the hubby) to enjoy. My first tip for today:  NEVER make this with banana flavoring; it makes the taste have too much banana.  This recipe uses a vanilla custard,…

The best Chocolate Cream Pie I’ve ever eaten was in Pacific Grove, CA, at The Little Red House Cafe.  The pieces are generously sliced, and topped with large shavings of semi-sweet chocolate.  This recipe is a good runner-up and I love to serve it for company, birthdays, or just when we want a cold chocolate dessert. Making custard, or pudding, is fairly simple to do, it just takes a bit of time and patience waiting for the filling to thicken.  If you’re willing to wait, though, I think you’ll enjoy this yummy dessert. Ingredients:1 9-inch baked pie shell1 1/2 cups sugar1/3 cup cornstarch1/2 teaspoon salt3 cups milk4 egg yolks, slightly…