Cheesey Mexican Casserole : )

This makes a generous 9"x13" casserole, which can be made ahead of time.

Crush tortilla chips to cover the bottom of the casserole about 1/4" deep.

1# lean hamburger, cooked with one small diced onion and two garlic cloves.
Add (2) 15 oz. cans of tomato sauce to the meat and heat through.

In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups cottage cheese, 2 cups sour cream, one can of olives, sliced and a 4oz or 8oz can of diced green chiles (NOT jalapenos!)

Pour hamburger mixture over crushed chips, then layer the cheese mixture over that. Grate about 1/2# of Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the casserole. Heat until bubbling, about 45 minutes, in a 350 degree oven.

Cut an avocado into slices and arrange on the top before serving.

Strawberry Pie

The secret to a really good strawberry pie is to use smaller, delicious berries.

Glazed Strawberry Pie
5-6 cups washed/hulled strawberries
1 cup or less sugar
3 1/2 Tablespoons cornstarch, packed down
1/2 cup water
1 9" baked/cooled pie shell
Whipped cream

Mash 2 cups strawberries. Mix sugar and cornstarch in a 3 qt. saucepan. Stir water into mashed berries, and add to pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Boil 2 minutes (the glaze should become clear), and remove from heat. Cool.
Carefully fold remaining berries into cooled mixture. Pile into pastry shell and chill for at least two hours. Serve with whipped cream.

Momma's French Toast

This is the french toast my Mother made; comfort food to me.

8 slices white bread, cut in half.

Mix 1 cup flour
1 1/2 tsps sugar & baking powder
1/2 tsp salt & cinnamon

Mix 1 cup milk
1 egg

Poor milk into flour mixture, beating until smooth.
Heat oil in a frying pan until hot. (Add a drop of the batter, it should rise to the top of the oil.) Dip bread into batter, and place into hot oil. Turn when golden underneath, and cook the second side. Drain on a plate with paper towels.
Have butter and syrup ready.

Serve with fresh fruit and bacon or sausage.

Tortilla/hamburger Stuff

1 lb. hamburger (use 15% or 7% fat)
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
salt (not much) and pepper
15oz. tomato sauce
onion powder, chili powder, cumin, oregano
1 15 oz. can of red kidney beans, drained

Cook the meat with the onion, garlic and salt/peper in a frying pan. Continue to stir and cook until the meat is cooked and the onion is soft. Pour the tomato sauce into the pan and add seasonings. Add the beans and heat thoroughly. Continue to simmer while you prepare the following....

Large bowl of tortilla chips (if these are low salt, you can add more salt to the meat)
shredded cheese, preferably cheddar
torn or shredded lettuce
olives
tomatoes, cut into wedges
sliced green onions
avocado slices
salsa
sour cream
Place all the above into separate bowls and let each person make their own dinner.

Oven Fried Chicken

This is easier and less mess results than frying chicken in a pan.

Chicken parts
all purpose flour in a flat bowl with seasonings mixed in (salt/pepper/garlic powder/onion powder, etc.)

Rinse the chicken and pat dry with a paper towel.
Dredge the chicken in the flour/seasoning mixture.
Shake off excess flour and lay skin side up in an oven proof 11x15" pan which has been oiled on the bottom.
Drizzle oil on top of the chicken, or spray with Pam.
Bake at 375 for about 40 minutes, depending on the chicken. (white meat takes less time to cook as do smaller pieces.)
Half-way through baking, baste the chicken with the fat in the pan. There should be no dry flour left, or the chicken won't brown.
When done, remove to a platter and serve.

Delicious Hamburgers

Judy had delicious hamburgers at Michelle's house; here is the recipe.

2 lb.hamburger
1 egg
2/3 c chopped onion
1/2c grated parmesan cheese
1/4 c chopped basil
1/4 c ketchup
2 minced garlic cloves
1/4 t salt
1/4 t pepper

Beat egg with a fork in a bowl; add the next ingredients. Mix well with the hamburger. Shape into patties and barbecue.
Makes 6-8 burgers.

Oatmeal Cookies

These are a family favorite. We particularly like them large as the cookies are chewier this way.

Preheat the oven to 350

In a mixing bowl place ~
2 cubes of room temperature butter, cut into chunks
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 splash of vanilla

Beat well until creamy and butter has almost disappeared.

Mix together in a small bowl ~
2 1/2 cups flour
2 cups Old Fashioned oats
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda

Beat the butter/sugar mixture again to further incorporate the butter.
Add the dry mixture and beat until thoroughly mixed.
Place onto cookie sheet by heaping tablespoons; give them a little room to spread.
Bake about 15 minutes, or until edges are set. They should still be a light color.