My Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies

I've tried a lot of chocolate chip cookie recipes, and this one seems to be the best.

2 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. butter, softened (soften at room temperature--don't microwave)
1 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract (I added a tad more)
2 eggs (I use extra large)
2 c. chocolate chips

Heat oven to 375 degrees.  Cream butter, sugars, and vanilla.  Add soda and salt.  Mix in flour. Add chocolate chips.  Drop by spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake 7-8 minutes.  Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet to wire racks.  Cool completely.  Makes about 5 dozen cookies.

Tip:  I tend to over bake cookies.  My mother-in-law told me to remove the cookies from the oven right before I think they are done.  "The trick to perfect cookies," she said, "is to have the bottom of the cookie be the same color as the top."

Mom's Marvelous Meatloaf

I know there are many unfavorable associations and mental images conjured by the word "meatloaf," but this dish really is a winner. Besides being full of heart-healthy oatmeal, this non-greasy variety is full of flavor too. The secret ingredient, Italian seasoning, makes this main dish a favorite with everyone.

1- 1 1/2 lb. extra lean or lean ground beef
2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 egg
1 c. milk, ketchup, OR tomato sauce (I use a combination of all three usually or whatever I have on hand.)
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
3/4 c. oats
chopped onion (however much your family likes)
chopped green bell pepper (Optional, my kids don't like bell peppers, so I omit them.)

Optional Glaze (shown in picture):
3/4 c. ketchup
2 T. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. dry mustard, or 1 tsp. prepared mustard

Mix ingredients thoroughly.  Spread evenly in a greased loaf pan or medium casserole dish.  Combine glaze ingredients and spread on top of meat mixture.  Bake at 375 for 1 hour.  You can also make mini meat loaves and bake them on a rimmed cookie sheet for about 20-30 min. depending on the size of each individual loaf.