BUTTER COOKIES

These big 4" cookies are crispy, light as a feather and full of butter-y goodness. They are too fragile to ship through the mail, but straight out of the cookie jar, they are melt in your mouth perfection.1 1/4 cups butter (room temperature)1 1/2 cups granulated sugar3 egg YOLKS2 cups all purpose flour1 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon cream of tartar1 TABLESPOON of vanilla extractCream the room temperature butter and granulated sugar with your stand mixer. Once smooth, add the egg yolks, one at a time, and beat well in between each addition; beat in the vanilla.Mix the flour, baking soda and cream of tartar, and add this mixture to the butter...

Super Moist Chocolate Cupcakes

I found this quick, easy, delightful recipe on the For the Love of Cooking web site. It makes one dozen super moist, super chocolate-y, super yummy cupcakes. This recipe is going into my "5 star file", that is for sure.  1/2 cup white sugar1/2 cup brown sugar3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons flour1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder3/4 teaspoons baking soda3/4 teaspoons baking powder1/4 teaspoon salt1 egg1/2 cup milk1/4 cup canola oil (I used vegetable oil)1 teaspoon vanilla extract1/2 cup BOILING waterPreheat the oven to 350° and line a cupcake pan with 12 paper liners.Sift together all of the dry ingredients into a large bowl....

CINNAMON ROLL CAKE (5 STAR!!)

Oh my goodness, this cake is beyond perfect. It has that wonderful taste that you only find in the "center part" of a good cinnamon roll (does that make sense?). The first time I tried it, I was compelled to close my eyes and savor it in complete silence...it was THAT good.The cake is quick and easy to make and it is one of those great recipes that tastes good (even better) on day two and three (if it lasts that long).It would be a big crowd-pleaser for ANY occasion.  2 1/3 cups all purpose flour1 TABLESPOON baking powder3/4 teaspoon salt1 1/2 cups granulated sugar1/2 cup butter flavored Crisco (see note)Put...

TACO MEAT LOAF

This meat loaf is a lot of fun and it is a great way to perk up any week night. It has crushed corn chips, salsa and cheese in it and then its topped with refried beans and more cheese.The "heat" of your salsa will determine how spicy this meatloaf is, so it is easy to adjust for younger kids (and us grandparents). I like to serve it with Spanish rice, refried beans and coleslaw. It is a great change of pace.1 pound of LEAN ground beef (less than 10% fat)½ cup of finely crushed corn chips1 beaten egg3 teaspoons chili powder1 teaspoon cumin½ cup of (your favorite) thick and chunky salsa½ teaspoon black pepper½ cup of Mexican blend shredded...

PEANUT BUTTER SNACK CAKE

Are you old enough to remember the snack cake craze? Simple sweet cakes made for no special occasion, other than to just "snack on"; they were great. I don't  know when, or why, they faded from the scene, but I've decided to bring them back into my kitchen as a welcome change from the ever present cookie jar. Peanut butter cake, studded with mini-chocolate chips and frosted with a peanut butter and honey frosting...what's not to love?!This cake is delicious and, if kept covered, stays moist for several days. The recipe ingredients listed here are for a 10" round cake, but you can double the ingredients and bake it in a 9"x13" pan as well....

CHEWY MOLASSES COOKIES

Warmly spiced, sweet and chewy; these cookies are perfect for ANY cookie exchange. Molasses cookies are the quintessential Christmas cookie. 3/4 cup butter (room temperature)1 cup brown sugar (packed)1 egg1/4 cup molasses2 cups all purpose flour1 teaspoon baking soda1/4 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/2 teaspoon ground cloves1/2 teaspoon ground gingerIn the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the room temperature butter, brown sugar, egg and molasses; mix until smooth, scraping the sides of the bowl if necessary.Add the flour, baking soda, salt and spices and mix well.  Cover and chill the dough for about an hour.Roll...

COLD OVEN POUND CAKE

I've been making this cold oven pound cake for over 25 years and it has never failed me. It is a wonderful old recipe that you start baking in a COLD oven. An hour and five minutes later, you have perfection in taste, texture, sweetness, moisture and shape.1 pound powdered sugar (4 cups, see note)1/2 pound of butter (room temperature)4 large eggs3 cups all purpose flour (see note)1 cup warm water1 teaspoon baking powder2 teaspoons vanilla extract1 teaspoon lemon extract1 teaspoon coconut extractThis recipe calls for 1 pound of powdered sugar, but that was an inconvenient measurement for me, so I got out my new handy-dandy kitchen scale and...

BAKED MEATLOAF BURGERS

I love meatloaf, especially the top and end pieces that are coated with that sticky sweet glaze, don't you? As a matter of fact, picky-picky husband and I have been known to make leftover meatloaf sandwiches, using ONLY that outside saucy layer of meat.With that in mind, I decided to try "baked meatloaf burgers" and they were a big hit; we ended up with the best part of the meatloaf in EVERY sandwich!!1½ pounds lean ground beef (I use 90% lean)1/2 cup chopped onion (chopped finely)2 eggs lightly beaten2/3 cup saltine crumbs (fine)1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon black pepper2 teaspoon chili powder1 teaspoon ground...

HASHBROWN CRUST QUICHE

The beauty of this recipe, besides its "yummy-ness",is that it is ultimately consumer friendly. You can add (or subtract) your favorite veggies or meat to your liking...don't like mushrooms? Don't add them. REALLY like broccoli? Double the amount used. It all works and turns out great. The hashbrown crust is a nice, easy, and tasty change from the traditional quiche crust. 3 cups UNcooked shredded hashbrown potatoes1/3 cup melted butter (I use a little less)salt and pepper to taste1 cup diced cooked breakfast meat 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions (optional)1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (pepper jack is good too)4 eggs½ cup milk1 cup...

APPLE CAKE

Many years ago, a older lady named Virginia Spreen gave me this wonderful recipe. It is one of those great old recipes that turns out perfect every time and even improves on day two and three. No electric mixer is used with this cake, just a sturdy spoon. It's down home flavor and texture reminds me of one of grandma's delicious cakes!!4 cups peeled and diced Rome apples1½ cups white sugar1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans.Mix the above ingredients together and let stand at room temperature for an hour to extract some of the juice from the apples (juice goes into the recipe later)This is an important step, don't leave it out..In large mixing...