Sunday, November 14, 2010

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."

Monday, November 8, 2010

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.