Peanut Butter/Oatmeal/Chocolate Chip cookies

These cookies were presented to me as a "vegan" recipe. so if you want Vegan follow diet guidelines accordingly. BUT They can be made non vegan using butter, real milk and real chocolate chips. Both ways Yield DELICIOUS cookies   INGREDIENTS: 2 cups flour 2 cups oats 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup canola oil 3/4 cup chunky peanut butter 1 cup sugar 1 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup soy milk 2 teaspoons vanilla 1 1/2 cups chocolate/carob chip   DIRECTIONS: Preheat to 350, and lightly grease 2 cookie sheets (or line 'em with parchment paper...either works)   Mix all the dry ingredients in a large bowl before adding wet ingredients. Add peanut butter last. Dough should be very firm. Scoop out 1-2 tablespoons of dough per cookie, rolling into a rough ball and flattening slightly with your palm on the cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes, until cookies puff slightly and tops are lightly browned. Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before removing from cookie sheet, or they'll fall apart.

A Greek Favorite: Pastitsio

This is one of my Favorite Greek Dishes. PLEASE do not be scared off by the nutmeg. This dish is Fantastic. The last time we made this dish we tried using venison instead of beef, great choice!

Ingredients

1/2 pound dry ziti or macaroni pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 dash ground nutmeg
salt and pepper to taste
1-1/2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 tablespoon butter
1/2 large onion, chopped
1/2 clove garlic, crushed

1 pound lean ground beef
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/4 cup dry red wine
1/4 cup vegetable broth
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups milk
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 egg, lightly beaten
salt and pepper to taste

 Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). 

cook pasta for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain and return to pan.Melt butter until golden brown and pour over pasta add 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, pepper and toss well; allow to cool. Add eggs and toss again; set aside. 

To make meat sauce: Saute onion and garlic with butter until onion is Translucent. Increase heat and add ground beef; stir well. Cook until meat begins to brown. Add tomato paste, wine, broth, parsley, salt and pepper. Simmer over low heat, covered, for 20 minutes. 

To make cream sauce: Over medium heat, melt butter in saucepan, slowly stir in flour and cook gently for 2 minutes. Pour in milk and bring to a boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add nutmeg, salt, pepper and cool slightly before slowly adding beaten egg. Transfer 1/3 cup of this sauce to the meat sauce. 

To assemble: Grease a 9x9 inch baking dish. Spoon half of the prepared ziti evenly in the bottom and top with meat sauce. Top that with remaining ziti. Pour on cream sauce and spread to completely cover ziti. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. 

Bake for 40-50 minutes until golden brown. Let stand 10 -15 minutes before serving. 

SERVES 4

An Introduction:

Hi Everyone,

I'm Bryant! I am what some call a "foodie". I love to cook, eat, and talk about food. In this blog I hope to inspire, those who "cannot" cook or remind those who have fallen into the fast food and box restaurant rut, how easy and fun it can be to enjoy home cooked favorites.  I've put together a small collection, that is growing with time, of tips, tricks, and recipes. Some of my creations are cooked from scratch and some may be shortcuts to popular favorites.

No matter your skill level in the kitchen, I hope you will enjoy the things to be be posted. AND not only do I love to share my knowledge but I love to hear your polite feedback, and your own kitchen tips. Some things to keep in mind as you follow my blog are these:
I don't eat pork
I am very sparing with the salt and sodium
I may give you options (be prepared to make decisions)

I think that is it. So lets start our voyage into the world of cooking with a simple pizza sauce you can make from canned tomato products. This recipe will make enough sauce to create two 18" pizzas.

Simple Pizza Sauce:
1 can condensed tomato soup
1 small can tomato paste
1 12.5oz can tomato sauce
1 Tbs Oregano
1/2 tsp Garlic powder
1/2 tsp Onion powder
1 tsp Parsley

Mix all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Ladle sauce onto pizza crust to desired thickness and add toppings.

I hope you enjoy this sauce, remember you can tweak it with your own ingredients or use fresh garlic and onions. If you wish to share your polite responses please do so below.