Tropical Smoothies

2 cartons pina colada or pineapple yogurt
1 cup milk
1 can (11oz.) mandarin oranges, drained
1/2 banana
1/2 cup frozen peach slices
2 T plus 1 1/2 tsp instant vanilla pudding
17- 20 ice cubes

Combine first 6 ingredients in blender; cover and process until smooth,  While processing, add a few ice cubes at a time until at desired thickness.  Pour into chilled glasses.  Serve immediately.  Yield:  5 servings.

No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

Combine:
1/3 lb. graham crackers, crumbed
1/2 lb. softened butter
1 cup peanut butter
1 lb. powdered sugar (3 cups unsifted)

Press mixture into a 9x13 pan.

Melt:
2 cups milk chocolate chips

Spread over top of peanut butter mixture.  Cool in refrigerator.  May bring closer to room temp. to cut.

Fresh Green Beans

Fresh Green Beans

Bring a pot of water to a boil, add green beans and blanch for 3-4 minutes (I usually have to do it longer). Drain water, return beans to dry pan and put back on burner to get all excess water off. Add a generous dollop of butter and a handful of freshly chopped parsley and garlic. Saute for a couple of minutes until butter is melted and beans are heated through. (We haven't ever added the parsley or the garlic!!!)

Lettuce Wraps

Rex and Vicki Davis

1 lb ground turkey 2 T minced ginger 1/2 c bell pepper 1/2 c minced onion 1/2 cup cooked millet 1/2 c cooked quinoa yoshida sauce or other Teriyaki sauce Sweet chili sauce Iceberg lettuce leaves Scallions for garnish

Cook turkey then add garlic, ginger, onions and peppers. Cook until veggies are tender. Add teriyaki sauce. Serve in lettuce leaves with a splash of the chili sauce.

Favorite Brownies

This recipe is pretty new to me.  My mom brought them over one night in December and they quickly became my favorite.  They are delicious, have great presentation and are super easy to throw together.  From now on, they will be my go-to brownie.  Love them!

5 eggs
1 3/4 cup flour
1 cup oil
2 cups sugar
1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup cocoa

Topping suggestions:  2 kinds of chocolate chips or baking chips, toffee bits, m&m's, nuts, sprinkles, use your imagination.   I used 1 cup semi-sweet, 1 cup white baking chips and 1/2 cup toffee bits and it was great.

Mix all ingredients together until moistened.  Pour into 9x13 pan and sprinkle with chocolate chips and toffee bits.  Bake at 350F for 30-35 min.