Homemade Oreo Cookies

1 super moist devils food cake mix
2 eggs
1/2 c. shortening

Mix together. Roll into balls about the size of a walnut and slightly press down. Bake at 350 degrees for 7-9 minutes. Cool completely. Spread with the frosting mixture when cool to make your own oreos!

FROSTING
8 oz cream cheese
1/2 c. butter
1 lb powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Cream together and refrigerate overnight before making into oreos.

NOTE: Sometimes this frosting recipe seems to have tons of leftovers, so I will make 2 batches of cookies (double the above) so I use up all the frosting. Or you have half the frosting recipe.

Orange Syrup

Another favorite syrup! YUM! This also turns out okay reducing the sugar and butter content.
1/2 c. butter
3/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. orange juice concentrate

Heat almost to boiling.

Cinnamon Syrup

Remember Mom's cinnamon syrup? Mmmmm!

1 c. sugar
1/2 c. corn syrup
1/4 c. water
1/2 to 3/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 c. evaporated milk

Combine sugar, corn syrup, water and cinnamon. Boil over medium heat stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes more. Cool for 5 minutes removed from heat. Stir in evaporated milk. Makes 1 2/3 cups.

Beef and Cheese Bread

- 2 3/4- 3 cups flour
- 1 pkg yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 3 tbsp butter (divided)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt (or garlic bread sprinkle)
- 2 eggs
- 3 pkg beef wafer meat
- grated cheese

Combine water, 2 tbsp butter, sugar and salt and heat until butter melts. Add eggs and yeast; mix 1 minute. Add 1/2 flour and mix 3 minutes. Stir in enough flour to make a nice dough; cover and let rise 10 minutes. Roll into a rectangle (just smaller that a cookie sheet pan), cover with 1 tbsp melted butter and garlic salt. Layer meat, cheese, meat cheese. Roll up, tucking ends in and sealing open edges with a little water. Cover, place in oven at 250 deg. for 1 minute then turn off oven. Open door and let dough double in size. Remove bread and preheat oven to 375 deg. and bake for 25-30 minutes. Top with a little melted butter if desired.

Recipe makes about 1 french bread-sized loaf. My family usually doubles the recipe for 2 loaves. We always loved this as kids and Nate and I still enjoy it.

German Pancakes

Melt in oven at 450 degrees..............5 tbsp butter placed in a 9x13" dish (watch closely, it will burn)

Beat together.......................................6 eggs
1 cup milk
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt

Pour batter into melted butter, bake at 450 degrees for 15 minutes.

My family would always have this for breakfast every Christmas. It was my oldest sister's favorite breakfast so whenever I have this I think of what she might like today if she was still here.

Food for (Positive) Thought

• Low-fat, low-protein, high-carbohydrate snacks are good for chasing away the blues.
• Try air-popped popcorn or whole-wheat bread with honey.
• To ward off depression, go for fish. Omega-3 fatty acids are reputed to ease mood swings.
• Fight stress with high-fiber foods, such as apples, pears, olives, beets, squash, zucchini, asparagus, spinach, lentils, beans, tofu, barley, brown rice, buckwheat, and couscous.
• Drink water for a quick pick-me-up. Regular hydration will keep you from feeling fatigued, and it can also help you burn calories.

Beef and Cheese Manicotti

1, 8 oz package manicotti
1/2 lb lean ground beef
1/2 c finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1, 15 oz container fat free ricotta cheese
1 c shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 egg white
2 T finely chopped parsley
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 1/2 c marinara sauce

Cook manicotti according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Cook ground beef, onion and garlic until meat is browned; drain and let cool slightly. Combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 c mozzarella cheese and next 4 ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the meat mixture and set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spoon 1/2 c marinara sauce in a lightly greased 9X13 inch baking dish. Fill manicotti shells with the meat mixture and arrange in a single layer in prepared dish. Spoon the remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake 30 minutes or until sauce bubbles and is heated through. Let stand 5 min before serving.