peanut butter oatmeal.

i may be in the middle east right now but that doesn't mean that american girls do not find a way to satisfy their cravings for cookies. today (friday) is our church day in jordan and that means treat day so this is what we are making...

1 cup butter
1 cup peanut butter
¾ cup brown sugar
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups flour
1½ cups rolled oats
2 tsp. baking soda
1½ tsp. salt
2 cups M&M candies (or chocolate chips, or both)

Cream together butters and sugars until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and mix well. Stir in dry flour, oats, baking soda and salt until combined, then gently stir in M&Ms. Chill for about an hour, and then drop by tablespoonsful onto cookie sheet. Flatten slightly, and then bake at 375 degrees for about ten minutes, or until just barely starting to turn golden. Remove from pan carefully, as they are very tender until they cool.

Cafe Rio Pork

1 cup brown sugar
1 cup Sprite or Dr. Pepper or Coke
1 cup salsa (any kind will do)
pork tenderloin (I like to buy the two pack at Costco and freeze one)

Cook in crock pot on low for 8 hours. Shred with a fork.

Eat.
(I usually serve it with tortillas, cheese, more salsa, black beans, corn, rice, avocado... the options are limitless)

Serves... plenty. I like having the leftovers. I would say that at least four people with Brad appetites would be filled.

{PS - I propose that we come up with labels like "Easy," "Few ingredients," "Not as easy but totally worth it," "Desserts," "Lunch," etc. and make links on the sidebar to each category so that it's easier to search... perhaps we could even add type of food....}

Taco Soup

1  lb. hamburger

1  small onion chopped (optional i never add this)

2  1/2 c. chunky salsa (i just use the big pace kind)

1  15 0z. can red kidney beans, drained

1  28 oz. can chopped tomatoes, undrained

1  15 oz. can corn, undrained

1 tsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 T. taco seasoning mix

Garnishes: grated cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, tortilla chips (all optional)

Brown hamburger and onion in large saucepan until meat is no longer pink and onion is transparent. Drain fat and place in a large crock-pot or soup pot.  Add all remaining ingredients and stir to combine. cook on low in crock-pot, or simmer in soup pan, several hours or until soup is heated through and flavors are well blended. Ladle into bowls and garnish as desired.

I just use the pan method so it is fast and easy and it is substantial enough for our boys for dinner.  Keith loves it.