Strawberry Salad

1 cup strawberry yogurt
1 package (3 oz) vanilla pudding
1 small can crushed pineapple
1 carton cool whip
1 pint fresh fruit (I used strawberries, but you could use anything)

Notes/Story:  Mix the first three ingredients. Add cool whip and berries and blend together.  This is super easy and super tasty. I think it's actually on the top of my list for favorite salads! Expect me to make it for you all when you come visit!

Fruit Salad

1 can (29 oz) peach slices {undrained}
1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks {undrained}
1 small box instant vanilla pudding
1 lb strawberries
1 sliced banana
1/2 pint blueberries
1 bunch of red grapes
3 tablespoons sugar (optional)

Notes/Story:  In a large bowl combine peaches, pineapples, and vanilla pudding mix.  Stir until pudding is dissolved.  Stir in strawberries, banana, blueberries, grapes, and sugar.  Let chill.
Fruit tastes so yummy on the hot summer days...and this recipe is superb! also very easy!

Pioneer Woman's Chicken Pot Pie

Make the crust first and then the pot pie filling.

For the crust:
3 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups vegetable shortening (I used butter)
1 egg
5 tablespoons cold water
1 tablespoon white vinegar

Notes:  Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl.  Add the shortening and stir it together.  Next lightly beat the egg with a fork and then add it to the mixture.  Add the cold water and vinegar.  Next stir the mixture until it's combined.  When ready, flatten half of it with a rolling pin and put it on the bottom of the pie pan.  The other half of the dough roll out and put on the top of pot pie mixture.  

For the filling:
3 celery stalks
3 medium carrots
1 onion
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup frozen peas
2 cups cooked chicken
1 cup all purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 chicken bouillon cube
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
black pepper to taste

Notes:  Begin by finely dicing the celery stalks, carrots, and onion.   Next melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.  Add the onion, celery, carrots, and peas. Saute for a couple of minutes.  Add the chicken and stir to combine.  Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mixture and then stir to combine.  Cook for a couple minutes, stirring gently.  Next pour in the chicken broth and bouillon cube.  Next pour in the cream and stir.  Allow the mixture to cook over low heat so it will gradually thicken.  Season with the salt and pepper.  Finally, pour the chicken mixture into the pie pan and finish by placing the crust on top of the mixture.  Press the crust gently into the sides of the dish and cut small slits in the top.  Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes.  Cool for 10 minutes before serving. 

Caramel Oatmeal Bars

1 cup flour
1 cup oatmeal
3/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
32 caramel pieces, unwrapped
1/3 cup half and half
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Notes/Story:  Blend the flour, oatmeal, butter, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Pat firmly in a well greased 9 by 13 pan.  Next melt the caramels in the half and half.  (I had to use a beater to mix it all together.)  Pour the caramel mixture over the crumb mixture. Lastly, sprinkle with chocolate chips.  Bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 325 degrees F.
This was a new recipe I made for Elizabeth and Kristin when they came home for a week in June.  It ended up being a big hit! (They sure disappeared faster than the Trix-krispies I made!)

Hamburger Pie

For the crust:
2 cups of flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup canola oil
2/3 cup milk

For the filling:
1 pound beef
1 can tomato soup
2 tablespoons water
1 clove garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup grated cheddar cheese


Notes/Story: Heat oven to 375 and grease a glass pie plate.  Mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, oil, and milk until it forms a ball. Press the crust into the greased pie plate.  Set aside.  Next brown the beef in a large skillet and once it is cooked, add in the soup, water, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.  Bring the mixture to a simmer for a couple minutes or until thick.  Lastly, pour the hamburger mixture into the crust and sprinkle with the grated cheese.  Bake for 20 minutes or until the crust is browned and the cheese is melted.

Chocolate Turtles

1/2 cup butter - melted
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs well beaten
6 Tbsp cocoa or 1 square Bakers chocolate
1 cup flour
1 tsp vanilla

Notes/Story: Combine all of the above ingredients and mix well.  Heat waffle iron and drop a teaspoon of dough on each section of the iron.  Close cover and bake 50 to 60 seconds. Lift off with a fork. For the frosting, combine powdered sugar, butter, cocoa, and water until you get the right consistency.
Mom got this recipe in 1972 from grandma Evanson and said that grandma used to make them a lot. They are so delicious!

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

1 cup pumpkin
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup canola oil
1 egg
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon milk
1 cup chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla

Notes/Story: First, begin by dissolving baking powder in the milk and set aside. Then whisk pumpkin, sugar, oil, vanilla, and egg together.  In another bowl stir together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.  Next add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture. Lastly stir in the baking soda mixture and chocolate chips.  Bake at 375 for 12-15 minutes.  They are very soft and chewy!