This is a great recipe for any event you have coming up in June.

Slawsta

1 head of cabbage, finely grated
1 pound of rotini, cooked and drained
your favorite slaw dressing
1 cup of crushed pineapple, drained
1 green pepper, finely chopped
1 cup of finely chopped pecans

Mix together until well blended. Serve on baby bibb lettuce leaves or in endive cups.

This is inexpensive and satisfies that crunch and sweet tooth need. It is refreshing and goes great with BBQ.

I can't believe how cold it is this week. I think we are in for an early snow season and very long winter. Here is a recipe that will warm you up:

Chili:
In a crockpot, add the following ingredients:

3 16 oz. cans of crushed Italian tomatoes
1 can each of the following beans (rinse and drain each before adding)

red kidney
black beans
white beans
bean of your choice

1 small chopped onion and red and yellow pepper
1 T. each of
cumin
chili powder

1 tsp. each of
red pepper flakes
cilantro

Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours.

Can add a ground meat of your choice ( turkey, pork, chicken, ground beef, or ground vegetarian product)

Summer Smoothies

Smoothies are a great way to get your fruits in for the day and to keep from getting too hungry in between meals!

In a blender, combine:

2 cups of milk ( I use skim)
1 cup frozen or fresh peach slices
1 cup frozen or fresh strawberries
2 tablespoons of sugar
5-6 ice cubes

Cover, and blend until smooth. Makes 3-4 tall glasses. Serve quickly!

Variations:

Add a few sprigs of mint or other fresh herb
Substitute honey or real maple syrup for the sugar
Use other combinations of berries instead of the strawberries
Add a splash of juice ( orange, lemon, lime, cranberry)

Memorial Day Dessert

This is a simple dessert that works well for Memorial Day or the 4th of July:

In a large decorative bowl, layer the following ingredients:

1 Angel Food Cake, cubed
2 packages of prepared vanilla pudding
1 large container of Cool Whip
Strawberries
Blueberries

I like to "ice the top " with Cool whip and then create a Patriotic design with both the blueberries and strawberries. You can use sugar free Angel food Cake, sugar free pudding prepared with skim milk and sugar free fat free cool whip, to make this even less calories!

Oatmeal Cookies

I came across this recipe while I was looking for a picture of my dad and his plane from WWII.
I didn't find the picture, but I clearly remember the day I won a prize at the Fayette County Fair in Washington Court House Ohio for these Oatmeal Cookies. It is written in my original handwriting as it was when I was a little girl. I have to make sure to save it for Allison. My dad was so proud of me the day I won. He had an amazing smile and laugh. He also had an unbelieveable sweet tooth. One of his favorite sayings was "Save your fork, something better is coming next."

Prize Winning Oatmeal Cookies

1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tablespoon water
1 and 1/2 cups quick oats
1 cup chcolate chips
1/2 cup chopped nuts, optional

Mix dry ingredients in medium bowl. Cream liquid ingredients in a separate bowl. Add to dry ingredients. Drop by tablespoons onto a cookie sheet. Bake approx. 10 minutes at 375. Makes 2 dozen.

Herbs

May is a great month for planting herbs and using them throughout the summer. Here is a wonderful recipe for herb butter:

Herb Butter

1/2 cup softened butter
1 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
/4 tsp. each of oregano, chives, thyme, rosemary, and tarragon.

Blend until smooth. Pipe into pretty containers.

Welcome!

In a world where so many kids are on their own for hours at a time, it is important to help them to be independent, safe, and self-sufficient. I would like to share my 26 years of teaching experience with anyone who is interested in cooking with kids.

Check back each week for new recipes and stories!