Non-Gross Granola

I'll start by saying that I don't really like granola. Actually, I hate granola bars. I think they're nasty. However, needing a different and healthy breakfast, I decided to make my own granola. I always like things better when I make it myself.

You'll need:
3 cups rolled oats (old-school)
*1/2 cup whole raw almonds
*1/2 cup walnuts
*1/2 cup pecans
1/2 cup (or more... I use more) real maple syrup
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
Raisins or something (highly optional. I never put in raisins because for some reason mine always explode in the oven.)

***Note about the nuts: they are expensive if you buy them in the packages you find in the grocery store. If you don't use them that often, either buy them like that and store in the freezer, or just buy what you need. I bought mine at the Sunflower Farmer's Market, and just scooped out a little portion and put it in my bag. It cost me less than $3 for all the nuts.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Chop the almonds, pecans, and walnuts and combine in a bowl with everything else. I like to add the maple syrup last. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray and spread your granola out in an even layer. Bake for about 15 minutes, stirring once. Let cool and store in an air-tight container.

Serving suggestions: eat it with milk (like cereal), combine with yogurt, eat with fruit, or just put it in snack bags and munch on it.

Quick Candy Cookies

From the Kitchen of Pioneer Woman thepioneerwoman.com

What you will need:

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Refrigerator Cookie Dough (any kind or a varitey)

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Miniature Chocolate candies (kisses, peanut butter cups, etc.)

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Mini-Muffin Tin

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First, Slice the cookie dough into 1 to 1 1/2 inch slices.

Next, lay the slices on their side and cut them into quarters (that means 4 equal slices)

Please each quarter into a greased mini-muffin tin.

Next, peel the wrapper from as many pieces of candy as cookies you will be making.

Don't be afraid to try different combinations of candies and dough.

Bake the cookies dough in a 350 degree oven for just a few minutes, about 6 to 8 at the most. You'll want to take them out just when they start to turn golden.

Now, this is important. Almost as soon as you pull the warm cookies from the oven, you'll want to begin lightly pressing one piece of candy into each cookie. The warmer the cookies, the better.

They'll grab onto the pieces of candy and work their magic, making the candy nice and soft and melty.

When they're all done, carefully remove from muffin tins with a spoon and arrange on a nice decorative platter.

I haven't actually tried this recipe yet, but I plan to this week. Cookies and Candy, I don't think you can go wrong.

Easy Baked Ziti

My Mom Gave Me This Recipe & We Tried It

For The First Time Last Night. This Is Now

A Family Favorite! ...And Once Again, Very Easy!

You Will Need:
12 oz Penne Pasta
1 Jar Of Your Favorite Spaghetti Sauce
1 Cup Grated Mozzarella Cheese
1 Cup Parmesan Cheese

Directions:
Cook Pasta. In Greased Casserole Dish, Mix Pasta,

Spaghetti Sauce & Cheeses. (I Just Mixed Everything

In the Pot That I Cooked The Noodles In) Top

With Any Leftover Cheese If You Have Extra.

Bake @ 350 For 15 Minutes