Wanna-be Horchata

I have been really into smoothies lately, and it's been wonderful for my poor hypothyroid body.  They've reduced cravings, boosted energy, and helped my lower how much medication I take.  Yay!!  Here's a fabulous recipe we tried this morning.  Tastes like horchata, one of my favorite Mexican drinks!

• 1 scoop protein powder (I think I got mine at Walmart)
• 2 red apples (I peeled, cored, and diced them into medium sized chunks)
• 2 bananas
• 1/4 cup greek yogurt (I scoop mine into an ice cube tray and freeze to have on hand for smoothies, I used two "ice cubes" worth)
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 5 almonds, raw (didn't add this)
• approx 1 cup nonfat milk

And blend!  Yumm-o!

Pumpkin spice cookies

SUPER....SUUUPPPPEEERRR...easy cookies that the kids LOVED!  Did I mention how easy??

1 box Spice Cake

1 14oz can pumpkin puree

1 cup chocolate chips (optional, I added half semi-sweet, half white chocolate chips)

Preheat oven to 350

Mix cake mix and pumpkin together, by hand is fine.  Add in chocolate chips.  Place spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet and bake for aprox 15 min.  

And done!  :)  Did I mention how easy these were??!!

Caramel Popcorn

We love this popcorn for movie nights.  :)  Thank you, allrecipes!  Sometimes we don't even bake it, just leave it oooey gooey, still tastes waaay too good.

• 1 cup butter
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 5 quarts popped popcorn (about three bags)

1. Preheat oven to 250.  Place popcorn in a very large bowl, making sure there are no kernels!  (We use our roasting pan for when we cook a turkey)
2. In medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat.  Once melted, stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt.  Bring to boil, stirring constantly.  Boil without stirring 4 minutes, then stir in baking soda and vanilla.  Pour over popcorn, stirring to coat popcorn evenly.  **We eat it quite frequently at this point, but every once in a while, when we want to get fancy, I continue on!**
3. Place in preheated oven for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes.  Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before breaking it into pieces.

Quick and Easy Meatballs

I got this recipe from a friend.  She served it at a party and my boys couldn't stay away from them.  Perfect for an appetizer, busy weeknight, or for after church when you don't get home till 6.  (groan!)  I just make some instant mashed potatoes and some steam-fresh veggies and voila!  Dinner!

1 package frozen meatballs
1 jar chili sauce
1/2 cup grape jelly

Combine ingredients in a medium saucepan and allow to simmer until meatballs are warmed through, or about 30 minutes.

Ham and Potato Soup

This was really yummy!  Serve with warm rolls on a cold windy day, and you've got a wonderful fall meal.

I originally made this to serve 11 people.  I doubled the recipe, and it was just enough.  For my family, I won't need to double.

• 3 1/2 cups peeled, diced potatoes
• 1/3 cup celery, diced
• 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
• 3/4 cup ham, cooked and diced
• 3 1/4 cups water
• 2 TBS chicken bullion granules
• 1/2 tsp salt, to taste 
• 1 tsp ground pepper, to taste
• 5 TBS butter
• 5 TBS flour
• 2 cups milk

1. Combine potatoes, celery, onion, ham, and water in stock pot and bring to boil.  Allow to boil over medium heat until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.  Stir in the chicken bullion.  
2. In a separate sauce pan, melt butter over medium-low heat until it has melted.  Whisk in flour slowly, and cook about 1 minute, stirring constantly.  Slowly stir in milk, whisking to be careful lumps don't form.  Continue stirring over medium heat until mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Stir the milk into the stockpot and cook soup until heated through.  Serve immediately.  

Granola

I've been wanting a yummy granola recipe for a while.  I got this one from Relief Society, and um mmm mmm.  :)

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup oil
• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cups wheat germ
• 1/2 cup flaxseed
• 1/2 cup nuts
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• you can also add raisins or coconut, if desired

1. Mix oil and honey.  In separate bowl, combine all remaining ingredients, except raisins or coconut.  Pour honey over mixture and mix well. 
2. Spread onto cookie sheet and bake at 350 for about 15-20 minutes.  
3. If adding raisins or coconut, add after the granola has baked, but before it has cooled.

Tuna Casserole

Here's a casserole we do for a little variety.  Not fantastic, but good enough to use every once in a while.  Easy and adds a little variety.

• 3 cups cooked macaroni
• 2-3 (6 ounce) can tuna, drained
• 2 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup French fried onions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, combine the macaroni, tuna, and soup. Mix well, and then top with cheese.
3. Bake at 350 for about 25 minutes, or until bubbly. Sprinkle with fried onions, and bake for another 5 minutes. Serve hot.