Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
1/2 cup softened butter
1/2 cup softened margarine
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
Mix until creamy in color, on medium speed, and then turn mixer to low and add:
2 eggs, one at a time
Gradually beat in:
2 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
Once mixed add:
2 cups of chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Drop tablespoon full of batter on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes on and cool on wire racks.
Makes 3 dozen

This is my mother-in-law’s recipe for oatmeal cookies and it is the best one I have found. These cookies are moist and delicious.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, beat together:
1 cup softened butter or margarine
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
Once butter and sugars are creamy add:
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
Mix well and then add:
1 1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
Once combined, using a large spoon, stir in:
3 cups oatmeal
1 cup raisins
Drop rounded tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes …

My husband loves tacos, so I am always looking for new recipes with a different take on his favorite. This taco soup is so easy because you make it in the crock pot and it tastes great.
In a large skillet, on medium heat, combine and cook:
2 pounds of ground beef
1 red or green chopped bell pepper
Once meat is browned, add meat and bell pepper to crock pot. Add following ingredients and cook on low for 3 hours:
2 12oz can of chopped tomatoes, undrained
1 1/2 cups frozen corn
1 …

This is a great dish to serve at a large gathering, either as a side or main course.  It tastes much richer and heavier than it actually is.
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 cups milk
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup (about 2 ounces) crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
3/4 cup (about 3 ounces) grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (about 8 ounces)
Cooking spray
2/3 cup …

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cut 2 1/2 pound spaghetti squash in half, lengthwise. Using a fork, poke several holes in the squash skin, as you would do when making a baked potato. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon and place, squash side down, on baking pan covered in about 1/2 inch of water. Cook for about 40 minutes or until squash is tender.
While squash is cooking, in a large skillet cook:
6 strips of coarsely chopped bacon
2 chopped garlic cloves
Drain fat from pan, …

Once Fall rolls around, I start to crave these pancakes. They are so flavorful and rich. I serve these to my two year old, because I know she is getting vitamins from the pumpkin, plus she loves the taste of these pancakes!
In a medium bowl, combine:
1 3/4 cups milk
1/2 cup of canned or fresh pureed pumpkin
1 egg
2 tablespoons melted cooled butter
Once whisked together, slowly add:
1 3/4 cups flour
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Once all combined, pour batter onto hot, greased skillet …

Growing up, my mom always made the best home-made pancakes every weekend. I want to pass on this tradition with my two girls, so I have searched high and low for great pancake recipes, including my mom’s. This one is easy and won’t disappoint. It is my daughter, Avery’s, favorite recipe for pancakes.
In a medium bowl, mix together:
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon sugar
Once combined, add:
3/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Once combined, cook on greased skillet or pan.
Variations: I …

I love tomato bisque, especially when the weather gets colder. This is my absolute favorite soup to make. With the cream and fresh basil it is so rich and flavorful, so can be served for lunch, before for dinner, or as part of dinner with salad or sandwiches.