Banana and Cream Oatmeal

This is the best oatmeal I have ever had.  My husband doesn't love oatmeal but ate this without complaining.  (always a good sign right?!)

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups quick-cooking oats
• 2 medium ripe bananas cut into coins
• 1/2 cup non-fat sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Directions 

1. In a large saucepan bring water and milk to a boil.
2. Add the oats and reduce heat to medium.  Cook for one minute stirring the whole time.
3. Remove from heat, add banana slices and condensed milk.  Stir to mix.  
4. Cover the saucepan with the lid and let set for 2-5 minutes, or until desired thickness is reached.
5. Serve warm, sprinkled with cinnamon, pecans or walnuts, and a splash of milk.  YUM!  

Baked Beans

These are the perfect side dish for BBQs.  They are sweet and savory, plus they contain bacon.  Lets face it... bacon makes everything better!

Ingredients

• 2 16 oz cans baked beans (I like the maple brown sugar ones best)
• 1/4 c. molasses
• 1/4 cup chopped sweet onion
• 4 Tb brown sugar
• 1 Tb prepared Dijon mustard
• 2 Tb ketchup
• 2-4 slices bacon cooked until crispy, then crumbled

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Combine all ingredients in a greased casserole dish.  (I like to line mine with tinfoil for easy clean up).  
3. Cover and bake for three hours or until thick.

Grandma's Apple Toffee Dip

This is the best dip EVER!!  I've brought it to a number of parties and everyone always raves about it.

Ingredients

• 3/4 C. white sugar
• 1/2 C. brown sugar
• 8 oz softened cream cheese
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1/2 package of scores or heath toffee bits
• 6-9 granny smith apples, cored and chopped into wedges

Directions

1. Combine sugars and cream cheese in a medium mixing bow and mix on medium speed until well combined.
2. Pour in toffee and mix with a spoon until well combined.
3.  Cut apples and soak in lemon juice to prevent browning.

Easiest Salsa Ever

This is my mother-in-law's salsa recipe.  It is quick, easy, and most importantly, it is delicious.  With only seven ingredients, you cant go wrong....

Ingredients

• 1 6 oz can green chilies
• 5 green onions (cut off the tip of the white end and only use the first 2 inches or so of the green part)
• 2 large cans tomatoes, drained (I use Mexican stewed, but you can use diced or whatever)
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper
• 2 tsps salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• half bunch of fresh cilantro

Directions

1. Place all ingredients in a  food processor and pulse until smooth.  Chill for at least an hour before serving.

Jalapeno Mac&Cheese

Have you ever been to Famous Dave's?  We love that place and visit it quite frequently.  One of my FAVORITE things there, besides the spicy sausage and ribs, is their jalapeno mac&cheese.  It's super cheesy, creamy, and has a little kick, but not so much that kids don't love it too.  Here is the recipe.

Ingredients

• 1/4 c. butter
• 3 jalapenos, seeds removed and diced
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 3 Tb flour
• 2 c. milk
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 12 oz dry macoroni
• 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese (I usually use the three cheese Mexican blend because its one I always have on hand)
• 3/4 cup Italian bread crumbs

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil for macaroni.  
3. Melt butter in in a medium saucepan, add chopped garlic and jalapenos.  saute until semi-tender.
4. Add flour, pepper, salt, cumin, and cayenne pepper.  stir it all together.  
5. Slowly add milk and simmer 15-20 minutes.
6. Meanwhile add macaroni to boiling water along with a little oil to prevent sticking.
7. Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray.
8. Add cheese to sauce and stir until melted.
9. Drain Macaroni when it reaches desired doneness.  Return to saucepan.  Add cheesy sauce to noodles and mix til combined.
10. Pour into buttered baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until top is golden brown and bubbly.   

Enjoy!!