Shirley Temple

You know I'm going to have to have a little commentary even if it doesn't have anything do with the recipe. Well because that's me. I just want you all to know I could very likely be a lush if I drank the hard stuff. There is nothing quite as refreshing as a good drink. Notice I said a Shirley Temple not a Dirty Shirley.

I don't have a fancy pic but the next time I make one I'll post it.

For 1 serving:
2 parts lemon lime soda(1 use about 1 cup) to
1 part orange juice (1/2 cup) *not a fan of orange juice leave it out
1/2 - 3/4 oz of grenadine (or to taste)
Pour over Ice and stir.
Drop in maraschino cherry if you like.

I use Sprite Zero and Tropicana Trop50 (50% less sugar and calories). This reduces the calories significantly without losing the yummy flavor.

Tasty. Like a morning sunrise drink from Sonic.

Easy Fake Baked Ziti

This is my first recipie and I have a few disclaimers I will include with this one which will most likely apply to all recipies I put up here.


1. These might be only moderately tastey. Gary eats anything so he is easy to please.
2. If there is a shortcut I most likely take it whether it's good for the recipie or not. Shortcuts are almost always good for me.

- 1 Lb Ziti with Ridges

Put pasta in a large pot of boiling water to cook to desired tenderness.

- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 3 turns of the pan
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes,
- Coarse salt
- A handful fresh basil leaves, torn

In a medium sauce pot over medium heat, sauté garlic in extra-virgin olive oil. Chop whole tomatoes and add them to the pan. Add crushed tomatoes and salt and simmer 10 minutes, add basil and simmer over low heat 10 minutes more
******* I SKIP ALL THIS AND JUST USE A JAR OF SPAGETTI SAUCE. WE PRREFER THE 4 CHEESE VARIETY. MAKE SURE YOU USE 2-3 CUPS. WE ACTUALLY THINK IT TASTES BETTER AND IS SO MUCH FASTER*******

- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Freshly ground black pepper
- A generous grating nutmeg
- 2 cups whole milk

While pasta cooks, melt butter in a small pot over medium heat. Whisk in flour, then cook 1 minute, adding salt and pepper and nutmeg to flour. Add milk and bring sauce to a bubble. Reduce 5 minutes.

- 1/2 cup shredded asiago cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano
- 1 cup sliced fresh mozzarella
- Crusty bread, to pass at table

Drain pasta and transfer to a large casserole dish. Pour the tomato and basil sauce over the pasta and turn to coat the pasta. Pour the bechamel over the already coated pasta. Cover the top of the pasta with Asiago, Parmesan and mozzarella. Place the casserole under hot broiler and melt the 3 cheeses until brown and bubbly, 3 to 5 minutes.

Our FAVORITE Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 c Butter, softened

1/2 c sugar (I use 1 box of vanilla instant pudding instead. It makes the cookies softer!)

1 1/2 c Brown Sugar

2 Eggs

2 1/2 tsp. Vanilla

3 c Flour

3/4 tsp. Salt

1 tsp. Baking Soda

1 tsp. Baking Powder

1 bag Chocolate Chips

Preheat oven to 350*. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, sugars (pudding), eggs and vanilla. Sift together flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Combine the wet and the dry ingredients. Mix well. Stir in the chocolate chips. Place balls of cookies on un-greased cookie sheets. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Makes 3 dozen.

**We smoosh the balls down - that is my kids' favorite part. :)

Welcome!

Hey ladies! Thought this would be a fun way to share recipes with each other. Let me know if you have any questions or if it doesn't look right on your computer. I messed around with the headings and sizes, etc. so it might not be right yet. :) Don't forget to use a label for each post so we can find it again easily! I really need some new recipes...so start adding!! Pictures are helpful if you've got them!! Now for our ETSY shop! (Name ideas??)