Spinach salad with Pears

1/2 cup pecans

2 tbl olive oil

1 tbl + 1 tsp distilled white vinegar

1 tbl honey

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground pepper

3 tbs chopped red onion

2 large red or green pears, quartered, cored and cut into thin slices

2 tbs dried cranberries ( called for raisins but I like cranberries)

1 bag(6 oz) prewashed baby spinach

3 oz crumbled feta cheese

Toast the pecans in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, stirring often for 3 to 4 min or until lightly browned and fragrant. Tip onto a plate and let cool.

Whisk oil, vinegar, honey, salt and pepper. Stir in onion and then the pears and cranberries. Add spinach and toss to coat.

Divide salad among 4 plates and top with the reserved pecans and cheese before serving.

Salad doesn't keep very well after the first day so I just eat it all :)

Cool whip delight

Mix together:

1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts)

1 cup of flour

1 stick of butter softened

Pat into 9x13 pan. Bake 15 min @350. Cool well.

Blend:

8 oz package of cream cheese

1 cup powdered sugar

1 cup + 1 tbs cool whip

Spread over crust

Beat for 2 min:

1 large package of Instant chocolate (or pistachio) pudding

2 1/2 cup milk

Spread over cream cheese mixture, spread remaining cool whip over chocolate pudding. Sprinkle with chopped nuts. Chill for 3 or more hours.

* Chill overnight for best results

Cowboy Cookies

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup sugar

1 cup shortening

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1 3/4 cup flour

1 1/2 cup oatmeal

1 cup chocolate chips

Mix all ingredients

Bake 325 until brown 8-10 min

Alfredo Sauce

8 tbs. butter
1 cup heavy cream
2/3 cup parmesan cheese
1/4- 1/2 cup water if needed  (i have never needed any
Pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients in a pan on stove until it bubbles

Serve over pasta, I sometimes have it with chicken and pasta.  

Yummy Salsa

1 jalapeno
1 clove garlic
1/4 cup of cilantro
1 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cumin

Blend together w/hand blender ( we use out magic bullet)
(1 jalapeno is pretty spicy for my taste...erik loves it. maybe use half for mild)

Chicken and Broccoli

1 whole chicken or 4 breasts ( I use 3 breasts)
2 cans of cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup mayonaise
1 Tbs lemon juice
1/2 cup evaportated milk
1 cup grated cheese
2 packages frozen broccoli or fresh

Cook broccoli and put into a casserole dish.
Cook chickenm cut into pieces and put on top of broccoli
Mix remaining ingredients, except cheese
Pour over broccoli and chicken
Sprinkle cheese on top
Bake @ 350 until hot, cook 45 min
Serve over rice

Pumpkin Squares

1 29oz can pumpkin
13oz can evaporated milk
3 eggs beaten
2 t. cinnamon
1 t. nutmeg
1/2 t. ginger
1/2 t. cloves
1/2 t. salt
1 c. sugar

Mix all together well. Pour into 9x13 pan. Grease pan. Sprinkle with topping.

Topping:
1 pkg yellow cake mix (dry, straight from box)
1 c. chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
then drizzle 1 c. melted butter over all

Bake 350 degrees for 45 minutes.