something sweet again...I've got to stop this addiction!

If you've followed my blog for awhile you are very aware that I'm a fan of the Pioneer Woman/Ree Drummond. Every recipe I've prepared that she has shared has been delicious! Recently, she blogged about Knock You Naked Brownies.  The picture of these brownies alone caught my attention, not to mention the name... but when I read through the post to learn how to make this dessert, the brownies quickly were added to my "to do list."  I have a folder on my computer where I link all the recipes I find on the web and want to create so I can easily find them in the future.  My addiction to something sweet kicked in today and what resulted was ....

 KNOCK YOU NAKED BROWNIES

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Ann's Squirrel Bars

After a short hiatus ...I'm back!  It's the end of another great school year!  The close each year brings much work to be done so my kitchen is neglected, as well as my loving husband. Fast food and sandwiches prevailed the last few weeks.  I'm glad to be back in my kitchen and ready for a summer of grilling, baking and reading (of course some new cookbooks purchased lately).  


As promised a few weeks ago... Squirrel Bars 

Ann's Squirrel Bar's printable recipe

Chocolate Chip Day

In honor of Chocolate Chip Day I prepared...
Chocolate Chip Chewy Bars
1 (lb) package light brown sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 stick butter, softened
3 eggs beaten
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup sweetened, flaked coconut
2 cups pecan, chopped
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips, divided
2 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup chopped almonds

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a Louisiana favorite

When it comes to the traditional favorite known as red beans and rice, most know it's a dish that originates from Louisiana. However, there is a whole lot more than meets the eye with this Louisiana favorite, so if you want to dig a little deeper into the history of red beans and rice..I suggest this website for some interesting facts: History of Red Beans and Rice

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just how mom made it

Tomorrow is Mother's Day so I wanted to make something just how mom made it!  My mother is no longer with me on this earth, but she remains with me within my heart.  I learned a lot from my mom...love, patience, understanding, positivity and the list goes on!  I give my mom full credit for teaching me how to cook.  My sister and I were 4-H members, therefore some of my fondest memories are those in which we went to area homes to join other ladies (my mother's friends and our 4-H food leaders) in their kitchens to learn new cooking techniques and collect recipes. One such recipe is one that my mother made for many years and I continue to make, especially this time of year.

Potato Salad
2 pounds of potatoes
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup Italian salad dressing
1 cup Miracle Whip salad dressing
1/2 cup chopped celery
3 hard-cooked eggs, chopped fine
1 cup sweet (or bread and butter) pickles

Wash potatoes. Heat 1 inch salted water to boiling.  Add unpared potatoes.
Cover tightly; heat to boiling and cook 30-35 minutes or until tender.

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simply asparagus

Ingredients

• 2 pounds fresh asparagus
• olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven or grill to 400 degrees F.

Break off the tough ends of the asparagus and, if they're thick, peel them. Place the asparagus on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, then toss to coat the asparagus completely. Spread the asparagus in a single layer and sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Roast the asparagus for 15 to 20 minutes, until tender, but still crisp.

Iced Oatmeal Cookies

This recipe was discovered inside one of my favorite cookbooks - With Heart & Soul:  Recipes Created by and Designed to be Shared AMONG FRIENDS.  Grandma Milligan's Iced Oatmeal Cookies has quickly become a favorite in our household since. There really isn't much to say about these cookies except that they are melt in your mouth GOOD!   Helpful hint:  Place cooling racks on counter lined with wax paper when icing these cookies makes for an easy clean up!

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