Yummy Cookie Recipes Using Ready-Made Frosting

With cooler weather setting in, sometimes you want to get the oven going and do some baking.  These delicious and simple recipes - with only a few ingredients - are great to whip up for kid's lunches or an anytime snack/dessert.

CHOCOLATE-PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

1 - 16 ozs. tub chocolate fudge frosting

1 egg

1 cup chunky peanut butter

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

granulated sugar

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Remove 1/3 cup frosting from tub.  In a large bowl, combine egg, peanut butter and remaining frosting. Stir in flour until moist.  Drop by rounded Tablespoons 2" apart onto greased baking sheets.

Flatten cookies with a fork dipped in sugar.  Bake for 8 - 11 minutes or until set.  Remove to wire racks.  Cool completely; spread with frosting.

Yield: 3-1/2 dozen

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CHERRY CHIP CHEESECAKE BARS

1-18 oz. pkg. cherry chip cake mix
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 - 8 ozs. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 - 16 oz. tub cherry ready-to-spread frosting
3 eggs

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Beat cake mix (dry) and butter in large bowl on low speed until crumbly; reserve 1 cup. Press remaining crumb mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 9" X 13" X 2" baking pan. Beat cream cheese and frosting in bowl together on medium speed until smooth.  Beat in eggs and blend well.  Pour over crust - sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture.  Bake about 45 minutes or until set; cool completely. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Cut into bars - refrigerate any leftovers.

(My daughter-in-love, Kym, has made this recipe using cream cheese frosting and it was wonderful too!)

The Better Baker - Leader Enterprise - September - Receiving/Sending cards

Do you enjoy receiving cards in the mail? I sure do. It’s a big reason why I love sending them too. Those’ little’ things can make a big difference in someone’s life.

I know, because they have in mine.

I mail 50-70 cards each month,so I think it’s safe to say I have a passion for doing so.It doesn’t take a lot of time invested to brighten someone’s day.

In this day and age when written communication,other than email,is almost nil,a short message of hope can be a ray of sunshine in a dark world when someone is struggling.Writing a card is one small way to encourage one another.

Among the best things about a hand written note is that it means so much to see the personal touch that comes with seeing someone’s handwriting.A card can stand on your counter or table to be reviewed again and again.The few minutes taken to add your own words can mean so much.

If you are one who doesn’t know what to say,simply tell the recipient that you are thinking of them,are there for them,and that you’re sorry for...whatever the situation.Keep your message simple and remember that anything from the heart will be meaningful and beautiful.

A book "When You Need the Right Words" published by New Seasons is available from Current catalog or online at www.pilbooks.com.It has many ideas for any occasion to help express what you’re feeling in your heart.

I realize these are times of economic crisis, but you really don’t have to spend a lot of money to let someone know you care about them.And you don’t have to have a special gift to reach out to someone at any point in time.Trust me-the reward you receive for thinking of someone else,is worth far more than the money you spend to make it happen.

One of the nicest cards I’ve ever received was a plain white postcard, but the words my friend expressed in that little note,spoke highly of who I am,and stirred my soul deeply.It is kept in a dresser drawer with many other keepsake cards I’ve received. When I’m having a down day,I pull those old cards out and am uplifted. How rich we can feel to be reminded there are those who care about us.A quote I appreciate reads"Never miss an opportunity to give sunshine to the day of someone who needs a few encouraging words".

Hallmark has a line of greeting cards for 99 cents each and the dollar stores have lovely cards also.Walgreen’s carries boxed cards for $1 each.I am a member of American greetings online,and for a minimal fee every year, I can print all the cards and projects I want.What a bargain!

Years ago,I read about two friends who lived across town from each other,and how their busy lives kept them from getting together.They determined to begin the ‘ministry of the postcard’ and made time to send a written note to one another each month.What a difference they made in each other’s world.

Tuck little ‘surprises’ inside a card....a bookmark,a tea bag,or a paper sachet.Those small items seldom need additional postage,but be sure to check with the post office when sending anything bulky.It’s always a thrill to receive pictures also.You can purchase little "Pass it On" cards,with a simple thought or scripture on them. Hallmark has tear-off post-it notes in tablet form with quips and quotes to uplift and encourage.

Five minutes, a first-class stamp,(or 28-cent post card stamp)and your personal note can bless someone with a brighter,richer day.Pick up your pen and begin now in the ‘write’ direction.

I wanted to let you know there was a misprint in a recipe idea in my last column. It was suppose to say substitute ONE HALF cup of baking cocoa (instead of a cup)for flour in your favorite zucchini bread recipe. It was comforting to hear from someone tried it, and loved it with all that chocolate,but I think it would be tastier with less cocoa.

A friend recently asked me my favorite kind of recipes.Without having to ponder,I said desserts.Then quickly added that my second favorite is vegetable dishes.Because many of us have canned or frozen veggies from our gardens this summer,I wanted to share some of my favorites this month.These will be in my own cookbook,which I hope to have published and in my hands by next fall.

This first one is a new one for me and I loved it from the first bite-hope you enjoy it too. Green beans may be substituted for the asparagus if you prefer.

ASPARAGUS AND CORN WITH HONEY-MUSTARD GLAZE

1 lb. Fresh asparagus spears

1 cup frozen corn

2 tsp. Dijon mustard

2 tsp. Honey

1/4 tsp. Pepper

Snap off tough ends of asparagus; discard. Cut spears into 1-inch pieces.

In 2-quart saucepan, heat ½ cup water to boiling. Add asparagus and corn;

reduce heat. Simmer uncovered 5 to 8 minutes or until asparagus is crisp

tender;drain. In small bowl, mix mustard, honey and pepper. Stir into

hot vegetables and serve.



ULTIMATE CREAMED CORN

2 - 1# bags frozen corn or 5 - 6 cups fresh frozen

12 ozs. block cream cheese,cut into cubes

2/3 cup milk

½ cup butter or margarine,melted

2 tsp. sugar

1 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

Spread corn over bottom of 3-4 qt. slow cooker.Top with

cream cheese cubes.In small bowl, stir together remaining

ingredients;pour over corn and cream cheese.Cover;cook

on high setting for 2-3 hours.Stir well before serving.Corn

will hold on low heat up to 2 hours,stirring occasionally.

ZUCCHINI SOUP

4 c. sliced zucchini

1 medium onion, chopped

3 T. Butter

1 cup water

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 cup milk

1 cup half and half

1 tsp. Basil

salt and pepper to taste

In large saucepan,saute onion in butter for several minutes.Add zucchini and water.Simmer about 25-30 minutes.Remove from heat and whir in blender(Be cautious-I suggest letting it cool 10 minutes first-it will be very hot).Return to saucepan.Stir in soup til smooth,then add milk,half and half,and seasonings.Heat to simmering.Makes 4 servings.

Got Squash?

ZUCCHINI SOUP
4 cups sliced zucchini 1 medium onion, chopped
3 T. butter
1 cup water
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup milk
1 cup 1/2 & 1/2
1 tsp. basil
salt & pepper to taste

In a large saucepan, saute onion in butter for several minutes. Add zucchini and water - simmer about 30 minutes. Remove from heat and whir in blender (be careful - it will be very hot - I suggest cooling it a few minutes first). Return to saucepan and stir in soup, milk, 1/2 & 1/2 and seasonings. Heat to simmering. Yield: 4 servings



Other than sauteeing or steaming yellow squash, the following recipe is the one I use most when this yummy vegetable is in season.

SQUASH CUSTARD

1 -1/2 lbs. (2 large) yellow summer squash

salt & pepper

1 medium onion, chopped

1 cup white sauce, medium thickness seasoned to taste

1/2 cup American cheese, grated

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1 cup buttered bread crumbs

2 Tb. parmesan cheese

Wash and cube the squash.  Cool with the onion until tender in a little boiling salted water.  Drain thoroughly and combine with the white sauce, American cheese and eggs.  Turn into a greased baking dish, sprinkle with the buttered crumbs and the parmesan cheese.  Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes, or until browned.  Serves 4 - 6

The Better Baker - August 2009 - When Cancer Strikes

Cancer.  Too many of us are more familiar with it than we care to be,either directly or indirectly.

August 30,2008 was a life changing day for our family. Our then-three year old grandson,Caden, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It was a shock to all of us. His mom had taken him to the dr. for another health issue and the dr. decided to run bloodwork. Caden was admitted to St. Vincent’s Children’s hospital in Toledo that afternoon and his first round of chemo began the next day.(Thank the good Lord for great doctors like Dr. Bell!)

There are so many good folks in the world, and the support systems that our son,Dave,and wife,Lyn,and family have encountered along the way,are worth bragging about.They play a huge role in helping Dave’s family maintain some sanity on this crazy ‘journey’ on life's road.

We learned early-on about the (free) caring bridge website.Caden has his own page--his parents can post pictures & updates.Subscribers can get an email every time there is new info which saves tireless hours of trying to communicate with friends and family.The address of his site is www.caringbridge.org/visit/cbaker.

A family from our area,who had just finished treatment for their own child with leukemia,visited Dave & Lyn in the hospital the first week Caden was there.Along with offering support and encouragement,they also told them about Angel Hugs.

Dave signed Caden up to be a member of that program at www.angelhugs.ca/ .These ‘angels’ have given much encouragement on many occasions.Volunteers send cards,packages,and gifts,just to bring smiles to many needy families going through this tumultuous time.

Another wonderful program is Chemo Angels.Two ‘angels’ are assigned to the patient,and send cards and care packages to keep spirits up.

One,who is an actress,sent Caden a Toy Story movie poster with a hand written note that reads "Howdy Caden!Much love,Tom Hanks".For his June birthday,Caden received a CD with his favorite cartoon character- Spongebob Squarepants-repeating Caden’s name,wishing him a happy day.What special RAINBOWS in the storms of life!

SuperSibs is a program for the siblings of the patient(www.SuperSibs.org/) that helps include them in the whole recovery process.Even though much attention is put on Caden,members of "SS" remind Caden's big sisters-Charlie,10 and Chloe,8-that they are still very important people too.The girls have received trophies for being such great supporters of their little brother,personalized pillow cases and books with the theme of being a sibling to someone who has a serious illness (happy endings of course).

The family has also received support from the county Cancer Assistance Agency.They provide assistance with medical bills,prescriptions,travel costs and have resources and referrals for many other places and people that individuals with cancer needs.

Two of Dave’s aunts,Carol and Vicki,outdid themselves last fall by holding a benefit for Caden.They are planning another at the end of Sept in Pioneer.What great blessings!

Last,but hardly least,our church-Hillsdale Baptist-has shown much support for Dave and family,not only financially,but have been a great encouragement with cards and prayers and gifts.They showered Caden with many gifts for his recent birthday,and included family members as well.

These words have been spoken by pastor Rick Warren and I think we can say we experience the truths expressed here..."At all times you have something good and something bad in your life.No matter how good things are,there is always something bad that needs to be worked on.And no matter how bad things are in your life,there is always something good you can thank God for."

At this point in time, Caden has had more spinal taps,chemo and bloodwork than you can imagine.He’s had a great summer,laughing and playing,and even learning to swim at home.He’s even grown a full head of hair again,but is getting ready to begin a stronger round of chemo,(hopefully his last)so may be bald again before long.He has physical therapy two times a week, and has a good prognosis-we’ve learned to take life one day at a time.After a year of aggressive treatment,we look forward to a slower pace-once-a-month treatment,for up to 3 years.We appreciate your thoughts and prayers for Caden and our family during these up and down days.

Caden’s picture was on the front page of the Toledo Blade last Thursday,August 13th,as he was being read to, while at the hospital for treatment.Another special and enjoyable ‘pit stop’ on this race called life.

Since it’s the time of year when many gardens are proliferating zucchini to enjoy,I wanted to share a favorite recipe.It was tough to choose which one,so I plan to share another next month.

ZUCCHINI CASSEROLE

4 cups peeled, diced zucchini

1 grated carrot

1 grated onion

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 cup sour cream

1 box stove top stuffing

salt & pepper

Preheat oven to 350. Boil zucchini in salted water for 4 minutes and drain.Add remaining ingredients and mix together in large bowl.Place in greased 8" X 8" casserole dish.Top with 1 cup crushed corn flakes mixed with 1/4 cup melted margarine or butter.Bake 45 minutes uncovered.

For variety,use your favorite zucchini bread recipe,and substitute ½ cup of baking cocoa to replace an equal amount of flour,and enjoy chocolate zucchini bread.

Quote for the Day:We make a living by what we get.We make a life by what we give.-Winston Churchill

Sugar Free - Just for the Birthday Boy

Today is my dear hubby's 62nd birthday.  He is a proud veteran of the Vietnam War and served 20 years in the military.  He is 100% disabled - including being diabetic - from the effects of Agent Orange.

He is my man of 'steel and velvet', and I'm so thankful God lets me be his wife.

I want to honor him today by sharing our favorite sugar free dessert....and his birthday cake.  Do hope you'll try it.  I have often served it to company, and they have no clue it isn't sugarFULL.

I've made this so many times, I have the recipe memorized.

CREAM PUFF CAKE

1 stick margarine
1 cup water
1 cup all purpose flour
4 eggs
1 - 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 small pkgs. sugar free instant vanilla pudding (we prefer french vanilla)
3-1/2 cups milk
1 8oz. frozen whipped topping, thawed
sugar free chocolate syrup, optional

Preheat oven to 400. In medium saucepan, place margarine and water - bring to a boil.  Stir in 1 cup of flour - I use a wooden spoon - until it makes a ball. Cool 2 minutes, then stir in eggs - by hand - mixing well after each addition. Spread in ungreased 9" X 13" X 2" baking dish. Bake 25 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely. Blend cream cheese, then add milk and instant pudding mix; beat until smooth.  Pour over base, then top with whipped topping. Serve with a drizzle of chocolate syrup.